January 2020 A Message from the Diversity Newsletter Committee

As we look forward to 2020, we would like to thank the members of the AHRC/Citizens and BCCS Diversity Committees for their hard work during 2019:

AHRC/Citizens BCCS: Astrido St. Surin Michelle Dressler Diane Condy Paula DeVita Craig Wolfson Nicola Ince Jake Baron Sherry Black Dalton George Nikki Katz Jennifer Shirvell Shiva Fayzar Heidi Klewicki Rachael David Jillian Galvin Susan Imperiale Jason Persan Roberta Romano Jineen Leach Katherine Karen Jones Shaun Weathers Clarke Linda Rosen Susan Limiti Marianne Klotz Michele LaSpina Taiwan Verene

If you would like to join your agency’s committee, please contact Shaun Weathers (AHRC/Citizens), ext. 5203 OR Paula Devita (BCCS) at ext. 7617.

Our diversity newsletter has been a monthly publication. However, beginning in March, we will be switching to a quarterly newsletter and sending out only the diversity calendar on a monthly basis. We are making this change so we can provide more in-depth information and stories. We would be very happy to expand our committee so if you are interested in joining, please let one of us know.

We hope you will enjoy this issue of the Diversity Newsletter and find the contents to be informative. Please remember that this is your newsletter and we would like to include items of interest and importance to you.

Please forward any ideas, recipes, and news about events you may have held or suggestions you may have for future editions to: Linda Rosen 516-626-1000 ext. 1105 [email protected]

Thank you for your continuing support.

The Diversity Newsletter Committee Heidi Klewicki Linda Rosen Paula DeVitz Shaun Weathers The Month of Marks…

January 1 - Opening of Ellis Island

From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island was America's largest and most active immigration station, where over 12 million immigrants were processed. On average, the inspection process took approximately 3-7 hours. For the vast majority of immigrants, Ellis Island truly was an "Island of Hope" - the first stop on their way to new opportunities and experiences in America. For the rest, it became the "Island of Tears" - a place where families were separated and individuals were denied entry into the United States.

For more information, go to: https://www.nps.gov/elis/learn/historyculture/index.htm

January 4 – World Bralle Day Celebrated on the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of braille, World Braille Day is a reminder of the importance of accessibility and independence for people who are blind or visually impaired. Today’s reality is that many establishments such as restaurants, banks, and hospitals don’t offer braille versions of their print materials like menus, statements, and bills. Because of this, people with blindness or visual impairments often don’t have the freedom to choose a meal on their own or keep their finances private.

This day spreads awareness about braille and other accessible forms of communication. Everyone deserves (and is legally entitled to) the same accommodations and service, regardless of ability. Let’s remember that and do our part to make our workplaces more accessible for everyone.

For more information, go to: https://brailleworks.com/what-is-world-braille-day/

January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15. This day is also known as the MLK Day of Service. It is observed as a "day on, not a day off." It is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."

For more information, go to: https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community/mlk-day-service

Diversity Newsletter January 2020 P a g e | 2 The Month of January 2020 Diversity Observance Calendar

January 1: ’s Day, the first day of the year according to the modern , celebrated within most Western countries.

January 1: Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which was signed on January 1, 1863

January 1: Official opening of the first Ellis Island immigration station on January 1, 1892

January 1-4: ’s Celebration

January 4: World Braille Day, observed in order to raise awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people. Celebrated on Louis Braille’s birthday, the inventor of braille.

January 6: Epiphany or Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day), a holiday observed by Eastern and Western Christians that recognizes the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus 12 days after his birth.

January 13: Maghi, an annual festival celebrated by the Sikhs commemorating the memory of 40 Sikh martyrs.

January 15: Makar Sankranti, a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India.

January 18-25: The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, during which Christians pray for unity between all churches of the Christian faith.

January 19: World Religion Day, observed by those of the Bahá’í faith to promote interfaith harmony and understanding.

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorates the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., the recipient of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize and an activist for nonviolent social change until his assassination in 1968.

January 25: , one of the most sacred of all traditional Chinese holidays, a time of family reunion and celebration. The Lunar New Year is also celebrated at this time in , Korea, Vietnam and Mongolia.

January 25-26: , the Tibetan Buddhist New Year, a time of renewal through sacred and secular practices.

January 26: Republic Day of India recognizes the date the Constitution of India came into law in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act of 1935. This day also coincides with India’s 1930 declaration of independence.

January 27: Holocaust Remembrance Day to remember the victims of the Holocaust. The anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945 and U.N. Holocaust Memorial Day.

January 29: Vasant Panchami, the Hindu festival that highlights the coming of spring. On this day Hindus worship Saraswati Devi, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, music, art, and culture.

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Diversity Newsletter January 2020 P a g e | 3 Our Staff Says:

What are your goals for 2020?

 My goal for 2020 is to lose 30 lbs.

 In 2020 I am setting new monthly and annual financial goals. To keep me on track I can use the credit union automatic transfer to place $ into savings without having to think about it. o I can research products for saving at a higher rate like a Certificate of Deposit. o CD’s only allow access to the account at maturity – months or years at a time. While it is a struggle to save, the peace of mind of having a small savings, especially in a crisis, is priceless.

 My goal for 2020 is to be more proactive – end toxic relationships; achieve and maintain a healthy weight; take more control of my personal finances; and create opportunities for growth.

 My goals for 2020 are to be more involved in causes that help our country become better. To achieve this I am actively involved as a volunteer at my synagogue on their Inclusion Committee, I am on the AHRC Diversity Committee and Subcommittee for Inclusion; volunteer at The LGBT Network activities; and have taken a Board position on Hadassah, an organization that focuses on women’s health issues, education and supporting the Hadassah hospital in Israel. On a personal level my goal is to lose weight, exercise more and read more. Those goals might be harder to achieve because they involve willpower!

 When I think of “Diversity” I think of “difference”: cultural, racial, ethnical, economic, political, sexual, age, physical attributes, religious, cognitive ability, competency, etc. We often use the term “diverse”. However when the term is used as a statement, there is no description of the similarities of our people (staff and participants). AHRC and its family of organizations represents a tapestry of diversity which needs to be celebrated for its uniqueness with an understanding that all people regardless of differences are the same.

The realization that all people are the same implies that humanity is the ever so valued thread woven throughout the tapestry of our organization as it should be. Accepting, understanding and embracing differences is the purpose of acknowledging diversity. How boring life would be if everything and everyone were the same. I often think of Martin Luther King’s famous speech - “I have a Dream.” The phrase that stands out the most is his reference to “All people”. All people is really all people - those we work with and those we support.

Education is key to understanding. Learning is a lifetime mission. Each of us needs to step back, slow down to take time to learn the similarities, demonstrate kindness, express gratitude and support each other. Throw caution to the wind and befriend a “different” coworker. Communicate, reach out to each other. Take the extra step. Each step towards education and understanding brings strength to all.

My goal for 2020 is one of daily personal reflection and to foster the realization that there is no “they and we”, only “us” in a totally inclusive world.

What are your secrets to success in accomplishing goals?

 My secret to success in accomplishing goals in general is to focus clearly on my target and not waiver.

 Breaking goals down into smaller pieces so they seem easier to accomplish.

Diversity Newsletter January 2020 P a g e | 4 Diversity Happenings around the agency…

BCW Food Drive: For its food drive this year, each class in the Barbara C. Wilson Preschool created a donation box to represent the curriculum study as well as cultures / traditions / interests unique to its student and staff population.

This was a chance for staff and students to create a project that highlights the diversity that exists within our world, school and each individual classroom.

Staff voted to determine which class was the Box Champion. BCW Sock Exchange: Barbara C. Wilson Preschool held its 2nd Annual Sock Exchange on December 17, 2019. Each participating staff member brought a pair of socks (fun, silly, long, short or fuzzy) that cost $5 or less and that someone could enjoy. Light refreshments were served and the staff played the “Four Corners” game as part of the exchange.

Holiday Meet and Greet On December 20, 2019, the Brookville Mansion held its first “Meet and Greet” to introduce employees hired in the fourth quarter of 2019 that work in the mansion. The event featured December holiday refreshments (egg nog, Christmas cookies, jelly-filled munchkins, and Hanukah gelt); a raffle for staff who wore “ugly sweaters” or other holiday attire; and a Secret Santa.

It was a pleasure to welcome new staff and wish each other a “happy holiday and New Year.”

Diversity Newsletter January 2020 P a g e | 5 Kwanzaa: The Brookville Mansion, Freeport and Plainview displayed Kinaras at their location in celebration of Kwanzaa. Staff were asked to write on the Kinara what the different principles meant to them. Thank you to Dalton George for coordinating the Kwanzaa celebrations and to all the volunteer who helped cut out the candles and flames. Here are the responses: Brookville: UNITY – Our family stays close by acknowledging and celebrating all birthdays. We get together as much as possible on holidays and sometimes vacation together. We also connect via facetime and group texts.

COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILTY – When we work as a team, we succeed as human beings, even if the task fails.

COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS - This is vital to individual and group success.

FAITH – Faith brings hope and hope brings success.

Plainview:

UNITY – We are all human and united by love.

SELF DETERMINATION – I go to the gym.

COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESONSIBILITY – As human beings we have a responsibility to help support one another.

COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS – Work together to ensure small businesses can grow.

PURPOSE – I’m always open to learning what my purpose is.

CREATIVITY – I feel connected to people when I create something with them I like doing crossword puzzles and reading books.

FAITH – I find strength in my faith. Channel our inner spirit to share with one another. I love working at my church in Farmingdale.

Diversity Newsletter January 2020 P a g e | 6 Freeport:

UNITY – Togetherness

PURPOSE – Making it happen Collaboration Family

FAITH – Love everyone Peace

Diversity Newsletter January 2020 P a g e | 7 Food For Thought…

CHINESE NEW YEAR SWEET RICE Ingredients

 3 cups uncooked jasmine rice  1 1/2 cups water  2 cups dried shiitake mushrooms  3 tablespoons oyster sauce, divided  2 tablespoons soy sauce  2 tablespoons cornstarch  1 teaspoon salt  1 tablespoon white sugar

 1 tablespoon red wine  3 links lop chong (Chinese-style sausage)  1 tablespoon sesame oil  1 pound fresh shrimp - peeled, deveined, and diced  1/4 pound cooked pork link sausage, diced  1 bunch green onions, diced  1 cup fresh water chestnuts, peeled and diced  1 1/2 cups frozen green peas Directions

1. Place the jasmine rice and water in a medium saucepan. Cover and let stand at least 1 hour, until the water has been absorbed. Transfer to a steamer basket and fluff with a fork. Steam 20 minutes, or until tender. 2. Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl with enough hot water to cover. Soak 30 minutes or until tender. Drain, remove stems, and slice. 3. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, sugar, and red wine. Place mushrooms in the bowl, and marinate at least 15 minutes. 4. In the steamer basket, steam the mushrooms and Chinese-style sausage 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and chop. 5. Heat the sesame oil in a large wok over high heat. Toss in the shrimp and cook 1 to 2 minutes, until nearly opaque. Stir in the mushrooms, Chinese-style sausage, pork sausage, green onion, and water chestnuts. Cook and stir about 2 minutes. Mix in the rice and remaining oyster sauce. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and toss in the peas. Serve when the peas are heated through.

Diversity Newsletter January 2020 P a g e | 8 More Food For Thought… Indian Sweet Bread

Ingredients

 2 cups all-purpose flour  1/4 teaspoon salt  2/3 cup water

 1/4 cup white sugar  1 tablespoon vegetable oil Directions

1. In a large bowl, stir together flour, salt and water until a soft dough is formed. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Divide dough into golf ball size pieces and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. 2. Select a ball of dough and roll out until very thin but not torn. Sprinkle lightly and evenly with sugar. Fold up dough into a small square and roll out again until thin. 3. Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium heat. Place the rolled dough onto the pan and cook for 1/2 to 1 minute on each side until golden. Serve immediately. Repeat until all dough balls have been rolled and cooked.

Diversity Newsletter January 2020 P a g e | 9