RyeCity REVIEW THE
June 4, 2021 | Vol. 9, Number 20 | www.ryecityreview.com
Harrison’s Lemm honored with bridge renaming
Signature win! Owen Kovacs celebrates a goal against Bronxville on May 29. Kovacs scored six times in Rye’s 12-11 victory over the Broncos. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
Feeding Westchester addresses child hunger ahead of summer At the end of a school year that looked and felt like no other, children across the country are eagerly awaiting summer recess. For millions of youth, however, summer too often means missing meals that they would have otherwise received at school. Feeding Westchester, the county’s largest nonprofit hunger-relief organization, is gearing up for an increase in demand among families with school-aged children and challenges the community to get involved by participating in its Summer Help From Home Bags program. Hunger affects the human body in countless ways, including making it hard to think straight and increasing the risk for chronic diseases. In children, growling stomachs result in a higher risk of behavioral and cognitive issues,
mental disorders, as well as longterm health threats like asthma. “Proper nutrition is crucial for a child’s mental, emotional and physical development,” said Kelly Pearson, nutrition resource manager at Feeding Westchester. “In addition to children who don’t get enough to eat, low nutrient dense diets can also lead to poor health outcomes, such as nutrient deficiencies, malnutrition, anemia and risk for developing obesity.” During the school year, 22 million U.S. children have access to free or reduced-cost meals at school. Surprisingly, fewer than four million kids nationally receive similar meals through USDA Summer Food Service programs, leaving a gap of 18 million children. To help meet the increased
summertime need, Feeding Westchester will continue to assemble and deliver free meals and food through organizations like the United Way of Westchester & Putnam, Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon and the Ossining and Elmsford school districts. “Last summer, Feeding Westchester provided more than 5.6 million meals to children and families facing hunger,” said Karen C. Erren, the nonprofit’s president and CEO. “This summer, we continue on our commitment to ensure that youth in every corner of Westchester have access to the meals they need to thrive during and out of school. We are looking to the community to join us in our fight against hunger.” While in-person opportunities continue to be limited due to the pandemic, Feeding Westchester
has several Meals 4 Neighbors virtual volunteering projects on feedingwestchester.org. Designed to try at home, with co-workers or a local community group, these projects include packing Help From Home breakfast or lunch bags for school-aged children. Feeding Westchester’s Summer Help From Home Bags can be assembled at home and dropped off at Feeding Westchester in Elmsford. Every $1 donated to Feeding Westchester provides up to three meals for local children, seniors and families struggling with hunger. To find help or give help, visit feedingwestchester.org or call 923-1100. For the latest news and updates, follow @FeedingWestchester on Facebook and Instagram and @FeedWestchester on Twitter. (Submitted)
Standing above Interstate 287 on the White Plains Avenue Bridge with the family of West Harrison resident NYPD Det. TSgt. Joseph G. Lemm, local lawmakers, community members and NYPD honored his commitment to his country and ultimate sacrifice by formally dedicating it as the “NYPD Det. TSgt. Joseph G. Lemm Memorial Bridge.” In 2015, Lemm was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan when his convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber. It was his third deployment overseas with the U.S. Air Force, serving twice in Afghanistan and once in Iraq. Posthumously, he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor by his commanding officers for putting himself in front of the bomber to protect his fellow soldiers. He left behind a wife, Christine, and two children, Brooke and Ryan, both of whom sang at the dedication. “Today has been long awaited and is finally here,” Christine DeGuisto-Lemm said. “So many have worked so hard to make this day, this special honor for Joe in our hometown come to fruition. This is a day that I will cherish forever. It is my hope for generations to come that when people see the name Joseph Lemm, they will look up his name and learn his story, learn about what a true selfless American hero is. God bless our fallen on this sacred day.” Lemm was a 15-year veteran of the New York Police Department activated from the Air Force Reserves and New York Air National Guard. In addition to serving in the Middle East, he worked tirelessly as a first responder
during 9/11. In 2019, New York State enacted legislation (S4588A/ A6332A), sponsored by Sen. Shelley B. Mayer and former Assemblyman David Buchwald, to dedicate this portion of the state highway system. “Today we honor Detective Joseph Lemm and we will never forget his service to our country or the City of New York,” NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said. “His sacrifice to both his family and country was the greatest any person can make. This dedication allows us to both honor his memory and recognize Lemm as a selfless public servant who dedicated his life to protecting others.” Major General Timothy J. LaBarge added, “This bridge dedication means a lot to me. I knew Joe, we worked together at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Joe was killed in combat on 21 December 2015. Joe was a giant of a man in both stature and spirit, and he resonated both physical presence and courage. He had an iconic quality that serves to define the 105th Base Defense Squadron and enhance not only his legacy but theirs. Today gives me the opportunity to remember Joe and his courage and his sacrifice, to remember, even for a brief moment. It allows me to play a small part in upholding our end of the contract with Joe, a contract that requires us to never forget. This ceremony is a small installment towards repaying our debt by using the one currency that most matters to him and Christine and Brooke and Ryan and all his family, the currency of our collective memories. We owe him at least that much.” (Submitted)