RyeCity REVIEW THE
October 07, 2022 | Vol. 10, Number 40 | www.ryecityreview.com
Recent major storms cause concern in Westchester
OT THRILLER! Tommy Broderick looks for a shot during Rye’s Sept. 30 game against Harrison. Broderick scored twice to lead the Garnets to a come-from-behind victory. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
The Afghan Women’s Circle raises women’s confidence Two nonprofits, Westchester Jewish Coalition for Immigration, Inc., WJCI, and Elena’s Light Incorporation, are joining forces to herald an “Afghan Women’s Circle” initiative. This 5-week, biweekly, 90-minute support group serves as a safe and confidential cultural space for conversations relevant to the empowerment and personal growth of Afghan women who have recently arrived in the United States. The collaborative group will take place at JCC Mid-Westchester. Weekly topics at the circle will include motherhood, language acquisition, employment, socialization, cultural competence, women’s health, financial literacy, the driver’s license application process, women’s rights, and other tools to help them transition and adjust to the cultural bridge of American life. The common goal of each weekly topic is to provide a sense of independence and resilience while advancing their understanding and practice of empowerment — sentiments Elena’s Light staff are hoping will be strengthened by the addition of a mentor for each participant once regular group meetings have ended. These
mentors are conscious of each woman’s situation and will cater their support services as much. In the United States, Afghan women frequently lack the resources and self-confidence to address or overcome language and cultural barriers. They endure gender discrimination and hold in trauma in unhealthy, private ways, never allowed to come up for air. Additionally, they commonly lack knowledge of opportunities available to them and their families. They need companionship, mentorship, guidance, psychological support, language and literacy skills, access to education, and information about their options. The Afghan Women’s Circle was created to address these issues. Founded by Fereshteh Ganjavi, a refugee, Elena’s Light embodies a mission to engineer brighter futures for refugee women and children. The staffers there accomplish this through consistent engagement with families, offering English tutoring, healthcare navigation, legal advocacy, covid relief, and other support. In collaboration with partners across the region. Elena’s Light is also helping to
build a long-term support network for the newest members of the community. WJCI is a non-partisan, volunteer-run, and led organization dedicated to helping all immigrants. In early 2022, WJCI partnered with UJA-Federation of New York and The Shapiro Foundation to help 15 local resettlement groups resettle Afghan refugees, effectively aiding nearly 100 Afghan refugees to come off army bases around the country. “WJCI is honored to be working alongside Elena’s Light on this project. We look forward to seeing the results and hope that the women reap its rewards for years to come,” said Holly Rosen Fink, President, and co-Founder of WJCI. Funding for this program was provided by UJA-Federation of NY. WJCI and Elena’s Light are grateful to the following local businesses sponsoring the Afghan Women’s Circle: Hash-O-Nash and Fez Turkish Meze in Mamaroneck. For more information about Elena’s Light’s programs and how to get involved, please visit www.elenaslight.org. For more information about WJCI, go to info@wjci. org or their website at www.wjci.org.
The two devastating hurricanes that recently caused destruction from the Caribbean to Canada’s Atlantic coast are reminders of the dangers that severe weather can bring during hurricane season, County Executive George Latimer said. Latimer urged residents to review their emergency plans, stock up on critical supplies and stay prepared in case severe weather strikes Westchester. “Hurricane Fiona caused enormous damage around the Caribbean, including in Turks and Caicos and Bermuda. It devastated the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, which had yet to fully recover from a hurricane five years ago. Fiona even brought her wrath all the way to the Canadian Maritimes, “he said. “Then came Hurricane Ian, which devastated much of Florida, causing loss of life and leaving millions without power. The fury of the storms we are experiencing cannot be under estimated.” Latimer also noted that last year’s hurricane season was a particularly tragic one in Westchester. “In 2021, five Westchester residents lost their lives as a result of severe flooding from a major storm. These tragic incidents are reminder to all of us of the need to stay informed and remain prepared.” Latimer said the county’s Office of Emergency Management was monitoring the remnants of Ian, which has been downgraded from a hurricane but continues to cause flooding along portions of the East Coast. County emergency responders recommend residents set aside several days’ worth of non-perishable food, water and medicine, and keep other critical supplies on hand like flashlights and batteries in case they are stuck in their homes without power. Residents should also have a “go-bag” ready in case they are asked to evacuate on short notice during an emergency. Latimer continued, “In recent
years, many of our homeowners suffered significant property damage and power outages for an extended period of time. Mother Nature is hard to predict, but it can give us peace of mind to be prepared.” Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie of the Department of Emergency Services said hurricane season runs June 1 through Dec. 1. He recommends that residents create an emergency preparedness kit that includes: • Gallon of water per person per day • Three-day supply of canned, packaged or other shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food foods that can be stored include ready-to-eat canned meats and fish, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal and granola, peanut butter, nuts, crackers and canned fruit or juice • Manual can opener and eating utensils • Flashlights and batteries • First aid kit • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said ahead of any major storm, residents should make a list of their medications, charge their cellphones and laptops, and fill their vehicle gas tanks, too. It is also a good idea to have some masks, wipes and hand sanitizer in a go-bag. Residents with oil tanks at home should top off their tanks and tighten the cap to prevent spills. Above-ground tanks should also be strapped to a secure fixture to prevent tipping in case of flooding. Amler said food and generator safety are essential during and after any power outage or emergency. Wishnie said families should also consider what additional preparations to make for people with special needs or who care for the elderly, infants or pets. Family members also should plan for how they will communicate if local phone service is not available or is overwhelmed by high demand.