Eastchester REVIEW THE
February 2, 2024 | Vol. 12, Number 5 | www.eastchesterreview.com
PARTY DOWN!
Eastchester student-athletes and senior citizens hit the dance floor on Jan. 27 at the Senior Citizen Dinner/Dance hosted by the EHS Student Athletic Council. The annual event gives students and seniors the chance to connect, bridging the experiences of different generations. For story, see page 16. Contributed photo
LM Lions celebrate 100 years, present the Coughlin awards The LM Lions introduced their new motto “Better Together” as they celebrated their Centennial year and the annual Points of Light recognition of community service. The event, on Sunday, Jan. 28, was held at the Orienta Beach Club in Mamaroneck. Westchester County Executive George Latimer was the keynote speaker. The event was attended by many state and local civic leaders, International and local Lions leaders, and leaders of the many service groups being honored at the event. The centerpiece was the awarding of the Lions Jack Coughlin Community Service Awards to Kate Bialo and the Washingtonville Housing Alliance. The award, named in memory of long time Lion and founder of Coughlin Insurance, Jack Coughlin, recognizes a group and an individual for outstanding and dedicated service to the community. Much of Jack’s life was dedicated to community service.
The Lions also awarded the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award to Sedona’s Bill Jablonski for his personal support of the Lions and Sedona’s “Dine Out For Charity” donations to many groups serving the needs of our community. The event recognized the many groups and individuals who today serve the community, including Alzheimer’s Association, At Home on the Sound, Cancer Support Team, Carver Center, Coalition for Community, Community Counseling Services, CRC, CURE, Friends of Karen Friends of the Family, Fuller Center, Furniture Sharehouse, Girl Scouts, Grassroots Grocery, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, KidsSight Vision Screenings, Junior League of Westchester, Larchmont Chamber of Commerce, Larchmont Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force, Larchmont Mamaroneck Summit, Larchmont Newcomers Club, Larchmont Rotary, Larchmont Women’s Club, LM Pollinator
Pathways, LMC Media, Local Schools, Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce, Mamaroneck Elks, Neighbors for Refugees, Pediatric Cancer Foundation, PEO(Philanthropic Education Org), Salvation Army, Sharing Shelf, Sheldrake Environmental Center, STEM, VHP (Volunteer Health Program), Visions VCB, Washingtonville Housing Alliance. The Points of Light celebration of community service is the primary fundraiser for the Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions Foundation — the 501c3 financial resource at the center LM Lions support of many of these service groups. Of importance is that the Foundation grows donated funds as seed money, to attract matching grants & other partnerships — to deliver more support for local & Lions service. All donations are 100% tax deductible. The LM Lions would like to thank Diamond sponsor The Coughlin Group and all the other sponsors and donors for their support.
County awards $250M+ in MWBE contracts Westchester County Executive George Latimer proudly announced a significant achievement in economic empowerment, as the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) Program has successfully awarded more than $250 million in contracts to registered minority and women-owned businesses over the past five years. Under Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development, the MWBE Program helps connect minority and women-owned businesses to county departments, contract opportunities and free workshops and training. Latimer said: “We are thrilled to announce that our MWBE Program has surpassed the $250 million mark in terms of economic impact. This achievement reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive and thriving economic landscape. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain steadfast in our dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering a diverse community where everyone can reach their full potential.” Relaunched in 2018 as an extension of Westchester County’s commitment to creating a level playing field and helping everyone succeed, the MWBE Program and its goals were strategically reinvented with input from a Task Force Committee to foster the growth and sustainability of businesses led by historically underrepresented entrepreneurs. In 2023 alone, over 150 new MWBE businesses registered with the Westchester County MWBE Program. Westchester County Director of Operations Joan McDonald said: “Through strategic sup-
port, our MWBE program has become a catalyst for innovation and lasting positive change within our vibrant community. Reaching this milestone only reaffirms Westchester’s commitment to cultivating opportunities and diversity.” Westchester County Office of Economic Director Bridget Gibbons said: “This quarter-billion-dollar infusion has not only fueled economic growth but has also empowered diverse entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, resilience, and a more inclusive business landscape.” The Minority and Women-Owned Business Program is an excellent resource for minority- and women-owned businesses, which may be just starting out or have long been established in the local economy. The benefits of registering as a MWBE include having your business listed in the County’s online database and having high visibility to County departments, contractors and anyone interested in doing business with MWBEs. MWBEs also receive notification of contract opportunities and special invitations to workshops, seminars and trainings that are meant to help small businesses succeed. Director of Minority and Women Owned Business Development Martha Lopez said: “The most important thing is to continue letting those that would qualify as MWBEs know that these contracts and support are available. We know MWBEs are often underserved with limited resources. We want to encourage them and let them know the door to Westchester County is open.”