Sandy's Written Creations
Writings by Sandra Harrison including poetry, essays, fiction, non-fiction; children's literatire.
Rosa Kittrell
This a copy of the text from Ben Himmelfarb’s blog on Local History on Rosa Kittrell for which White Plains (WP) named one of its parks :
Local History: Rosa Kittrell
By Ben Himmelfarb
October 10 has been designated World Mental Health Day by the World Health Organization. In honor of it, here is a story about a White Plains resident whose activism on behalf of people with mental illness had a national impact.
Rosa Kittrell worked hard to redefine the way we view and treat the most vulnerable members of society. Through her tireless activism, personal struggles with mental illness, and belief in the power of education, Kittrell developed a motto: “Others, Lord, others.” Like so many black women in America, Kittrell was intersectional in her activism before anyone ever heard of that term. She recognized the ways sexism, racism, class oppression, and stigmatization of mental illness operated to prevent her from obtaining help and fulfilling her dreams. Although she was not subtle about her frustration with systemic oppression and the ignorance of individuals, she spent most of her time engaged in helping others and trying to expand the boundaries of people’s compassion.
Kittrell was born in Henderson, North Carolina to James Lee and Alice Mills Kittrell. Her father was in the agricultural products business. During high school, she started working at a local YWCA and that inaugurated her interest in service to women and children. Rosa pursued graduate level education, graduating from the Hampton Institute and the Bishop Tuttle School for Social Work. Once out of school, she worked at a community center in North Carolina. It was while she was recovering from a surgery in North Carolina that she “realized that something was wrong” with her mind. She wrote a heart-wrenching account of her mental illness in the December 1943 Club Dial, published by the Woman’s Club of White Plains (and available in the White Plains Collection!).
Kittrell’s journey began while she was recovering from a surgery in a hospital and felt “some inner force” pushing her away from the people around her. Anti-social, negative feelings were novel to her–she was, after all, a social worker who dedicated her life to helping other people. Laying trapped in hospital bed, she felt she had “a normal self and a new abnormal self.” Her disturbing condition was exacerbated by the way people suffering with mental illness were treated in the 1930s. Her surgeon came into her room and gave her “a strong scolding” about her behavior towards nurses and refusal to eat. “Not once did he ask me why I was acting the way I was,” Kittrell reported. Isolated from family and any professionals who knew how to help her, Kittrell felt strongly that she “was no longer of any use.”
Club Dial, December 1943
She was eventually sent home from the hospital, having completed a physical recovery from her surgery. She isolated herself at home, missed work, and started having bouts of vomiting. She returned to the hospital and was quickly dismissed because no physical ailment could be detected. Home again, she became suicidal and was re-admitted. She began having spells of violent behavior and was regularly sedated for six weeks. Of her first harrowing experiences as a psychiatric patient, she wrote, “I longed for someone to whom I could talk, but no one would talk to me… I felt alone in a world where there were many strange people.” It would be years before her feelings were validated and she was treated with respect for her well-being.
Trapped at home, unable to work, receiving comments from doctors to “snap into” normal life again, Kittrell left North Carolina and moved to White Plains. Even with her professional, educated background, Kittrell was only able to work as a domestic–a position held by many black women in Westchester at that time. In White Plains, she “continued the same hysterical hours, but kept them hidden.” She consulted a lawyer in an attempt to bring a suit against her former employers in North Carolina who shunned her after she began having psychiatric problems. Rather than pursuing the case, the lawyer suggested she see a Dr. Brennan at Grasslands Hospital. Kittrell was frustrated by the lawyer’s response, but did not realize that collaboration with Dr. Brennan would change her life (and the lives of many others) for the better.
A different psychiatrist at Grasslands (not Dr. Brennan), suggested Kittrell be committed. She resisted for fear of being “branded as crazy for always.” Her fear was understandable–last time she submitted herself to psychiatric care, she was tortured and fired from her job. After a few weeks, however, she relented and voluntarily committed herself. She was placed in a “pack” and subjected to four hours of continuous baths, an antiquated and ineffectual treatment. She was sedated and given the primitive and often unhelpful medications available at the time. Again, she was “baffled, frustrated” by a system that treated people with mental illness horribly and doubled the misery of African Americans already suffering under discrimination and oppression in society at large.
A ray of light for her was Clifford Beers’ seminal book A Mind That Found Itself, which told of his struggles earlier in the 20th century. Beers dedicated his life to bettering the fate of people with mental illness. Like Kittrell, Beers came to his advocacy work through personal experience, having spent time as a patient in facilities with abysmal conditions. He was the main force behind the mental hygiene movement that advocated for more humane treatment and thorough understanding of those with mental illness. Kittrell read A Mind That Found Itself and wrote to Beers for hope and direction, eventually meeting with him twice. Through a total of 21 admissions to different hospitals and Beers’ influence, Kittrell developed a critical consciousness about the mental health system and became determined take action.
Reporter Dispatch, January 22, 1965
She felt society “hadn’t learned to face mental illness, and this condition was doubly hard for a Negro.” Her diagnosis of society’s ills had three parts. First, the lie “that Negroes don’t go crazy” must be disproven. Second, people must fully “recognize the fact of mental illness” and accept responsibility for discovering solutions. Third, black Americans with mental illness were forced to “do battle in… an alien white world where no opportunity is given for members of his own to help him.” Kittrell’s community in North Carolina was unable to help her, and she fared no better in the supposedly less-segregated north. Her drive to provide better treatment for all people, but especially black Americans, with mental illness led her, finally, to Dr. Thomas P Brennan.
It took four years for Kittrell to approach Brennan as a collaborator in her activism. She “identified him with the white race,” but was eventually won over by “his real love of all races and a sincere desire to help the mentally ill.” Together, they set up the White Plains Mental Hygiene Group, which had specific goals. The group sought to create a psychiatric hospital for black Americans attached to a “Negro medical school” and to create trainings for the enlightenment of existing psychiatric professionals. Kittrell and Brennan’s campaign was extremely successful in creating a movement for change. Together, they sponsored and attended conferences in Alabama, North Carolina, Washington D.C., Oklahoma, Georgia, and West Virginia, leaving new, local mental hygiene groups in their wake. Like Johnny Appleseed but with a social conscience, Kittrell traveled to spread her progressive message that people should “look upon mental illness as they do upon physical illness,” presaging our contemporary understanding of mental illness.
In addition to putting her energy into national reform efforts, Kittrell dedicated the majority of her time in the late 1940s until her death in 1967 to social activism in White Plains. At a 1965 dinner to honor her work, international medical rights authority and Scarsdale resident Howard A. Rusk, Jr., said, “She was way ahead of her time in her foresight and knowledge of needs in the community.” Kittrell’s “war on poverty” started long before Lyndon Johnson declared the eradication of poverty a national priority.
Reporter Dispatch, January 24, 1967 (1 of 2)
In 1945, Kittrell established the Carver Community center to serve young people in downtown White Plains. In 1952, she founded the Kittrell Nursery School for the children of working mothers. Its original location, at 60 West Post Road, was a storefront space. After the Rochambeau School was closed when the Racial Balance Plan was enacted, Kittrell merged with the White Plains Child Day Care Center in the former elementary school. Because the school served families who could not afford to pay very much for child care, it struggled financially. As Kittrell’s obituary noted, her “impulsive, outgoing, total concern for the children in her care” was sometimes an impediment to garnering mainstream financial support for the school. Eventually, Kittrell was relieved of business responsibilities and able to “concentrate on the school’s program,” which included prayer, food, and socialization activities. Kittrell’s passionate activism “resulted in considerable trial and tribulation” in her life. Her sister, Flemmie Kittrell (Director of the Home Economics Division of Howard University), said, “One of the weaknesses of Rosa is that she is always looking around to see who in the community is poorer than she is, and trying to find out what she can do for them.”
Kittrell usually favored action over talk. She did, however, offer this when she was honored for her work by the community in 1965: “You have no idea how this makes me feel on the inside, but I give all the glory to God. Many hours we have prayed and said, ‘Lord, here is a parent who wants to do the right thing for the children but who just can’t today.’ Let us try awfully hard to be very real now, because we are working with human beings and we have to meet them on their level. But let us also cling close to God, for we have not experienced Him until we have done something for someone else.”
Reporter Dispatch, January 24, 1967 (2 of 2)
Her style of activism was defined eloquently by Prince P. Barker, a colleague in the mental hygiene movement from Tuskegee University. He described their reform efforts as the “correlated use of the social sciences as a tool for the promotion of the mental efficiency and healthful living on men and mankind.” Kittrell acknowledged that mental illness and poverty were not issues that could be improved through strictly technocratic solutions. For her, race, class, gender, faith, and the realities of everyday life all had a place in discussions of social problems. In living by her motto of “Others, Lord, others,” she acted with an authority born of experience.
October 10, 2017
Gaudier-Brzeska
Intriguing artist Henri Gaudier-Brzeska (1891-1915) lived a short full life before dying on the battle field in Europe during World War I at 23.
French born sculptor had a platonic but personal relationship with Sophie Brzeska, a polish poet and writer. He adopted her surname.
The couple moved to London in 1910 till he enlisted in French Military where he died. Both suffered from mental illness.
Henri left a large body of work including drawings, paintings and sculptures. He was part of the Vorticism movement.
He and Sophie were the subject of movie ” Savage Messiah,” a play and non-fiction books.
Helpful Resources for White Plains Residents in Need
“Who ya gonna call?” What can a person do when they need help? There are a number of organizations and places that people can reach out to help. Listed here are those available to White Plains (WP) residents.
Information listed here does not guarantee you will get the help you expect or need. The list is incomplete and some listings might have changed. Many organizations have multiple purposes & services not all listed here.
Abbreviations used here: WP-White Plains, WPPL- White Plains Public Library, WPETC– White Plains Education Training Center.
Adults/Seniors:
- Aging in Place Home Repair Program through Westchester County Habitat for Humanity http://www.habitatnycwc.org/aging-in-place, AgingInPlace@habitatnycwc.org, 914-240-7003
- Senior Center WP: 65 Mitchell Pl, M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, (914) 422-1423, for classes, events; wellness support. Daily meals weekdays ($3 with reservations) (914) 422-1423, 11:30am-12, Transportation to Center ($1 with reservations each way with 9 am pickup, 1pm return to homes), Bus to International Farmers Market (Wed with 9am bus; back to Center at 10:30 with reservations), Bus to Supermarkets on Thurs (Stop & Shop or Shoprite) with early bus 9:15 & back to Center, Coupons to market for eligible recipients, Thrifty Boutique Shop (10am-2:30), Medicare Counseling (65 & above to eligible recipients).
- AARP Foundation: Tax prep (WPPL & WP Education Training Center)
- My Second Home Intergenerational Adult Day Program: Dementia care, (914) 422-8100, 106 N Broadway, fsw.org.
- WP Yellow Dot Program: Notification assist for seniors & others to contact named persons for medical emergency.
- Slater Center Drop-in Center: (M & Thurs 11am-2pm).
- Senior Benefits Info Center: httsp://www.westchesterlibraries.org, e-mail sbic@wismail.org, 914-231-3260, Medicare info.
- Westchester Jewish Community Center: 845 N Broadway, ( 914) 761- 0600, at info@wjcs.com. Mental health, trauma, disabilities, youth, home care and geriatric services.
- Administration on Aging: acl.gov. Promotes the well being of older individuals by providing services & programs that helps them live independently in their homes & communities.
- Eldercare Locator: (800) 677-1116 M-F 9am-8pm, eldercarelocator@n4a.org., eldercare.gov. National free service to help older persons live independently & support caregivers. Resource info.
- Dorot Westchester: Alleviates social isolation & provides concrete services for older adults, aging services, volunteerism inter-generational connections. dorotusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=westchester_D#.Wd57IEBLXeQ
(914) 573-8906, 171 West 85th Street New York, NY. - US Social Security Administration Office, 97 Knollwood Rd: http://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/914 422-1411
- Westchester County has automated weekly updates sent to those interested in various areas by e-mail concerning programs/events/services. To sign up for senior info go to https://seniorcitizens.westchestergov.com/news-and-events/aging-network-news-sign-up. For other areas see the county website and signup for each area of interest www.westchestergov.com.
- RideConnect, volunteer driver/referral program serving adults age 60+. Volunteering is flexible & every single ride is appreciated, 914 242-7433, www.rideconnectwestchester.com
- CarePrep Westchester: Program to Help People Prepare for the Journey Ahead…Caregiving. Mission of CarePrep-Westchester is to educate future and current caregivers about the myriad aspects of caregiving by offering the resources they need to prepare or continue to provide the best care possible for their loved ones and for themselves. To learn more, click here. CarePrep Westchester website offers free Webinars on Demand. To access, click here.
- Carfit. Helps older drivers find a car for good fit and how to help adjust car for changes as people age. car-fit.org.
- WESTCOP Benefit Enrollment Center helps seniors identify and apply for various benefits 914-592-5600.
- Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS), Court hearings, building department enforcement and other critical housing issues contact Ronnie Cox at 914-813-6444 or email at rqcb@westchestergov.com.
- NY Connects at DSPS to identify financial benefits, services; resources: 914-813-6300.
Adult Clothing:
- Coachman Family Center: 123 E Post Rd, (914) 949-1000.
- The Career Closet (WPETC) providing clothing for interview & employment..
- Hebrew Institute of White Plains Back Door Thrift Shop, 20 Greenridge Ave, (914) 358-5575, hiwp.org/resources/thrift-shop/ Inexpensive used clothing, jewelry & other items. Hrs: Tues, Wed &Thurs (10am-2pm).
Caregivers Help:
- Livable Communities Caregiver Coaching + (L3C): Provides training for volunteers of family caregivers for seniors; disabled. One-on-one support coaches enable caregivers to make more informed decisions to meet challenges/responsibilities. For a Livable Community Caregiver Coach, contact Colette Phipps (914) 813-6441; cap2@westchestergov.com
- Care Connections Program, 914-366-1199, caregiver@northwell.edu
Children’s Clothing (0-18):
- Jewish League of Central Westchester (JLCW) Teen Boutique: April 21, 2018 at Westchester County Center (items for 13-19yr olds) (914) 723-6120, https://www.jlcentralwestchester.org, or e-mail at jlcw@verizon.net.
- Sharing Shelf of Family Services of Westchester: 7-11 S Broadway, (914)-948-8004.
- Back to School Programs: Kid’s Kloset through Westchester Jewish Community Center (JCC), 845 N Broadway, wjcs.com/kids-kloset, (914)-761-0600
Children Programs (0-18):
- Youth Bureau Programs (please check for updates and services still being given: 11 Amherst, (914)- 422-1378, whiteplainsyouthbureau.org, Special Events; trips, camps, health, jobs; mentors, Camp Central for Spring/Winter (at Church St School with fees), Middle School Stem Camp at Church St, Bits N’ Pieces (Church St School), Summer Enrichment program (fees with scholarship offered), Health & Wellness Summer Fitness Boot Camp (free YB), After School Connection at various schools & Slater Center, Youth Employment & Volunteer Opportunities; Enrichment & Personal Growth Activities, Teen Lounges at Battle Hill and Eastview for after school; weekends, Youth Leadership and Court. Teen Lounges at Battle Hill & Eastview for after school; weekends, Youth Leadership and Court programs.
- SAT & College Preparation (for 11-12 grades), letsgetready.org (fees charged)
- WPPL The Edge: at edge.whiteplainslibrary.org, (914) 422-1481, Steam, Coding Camps & Summer Reading Game
- The American Camp Association Camp Scholarships: acacamps.org, they offer a dependent care flexible spending account.
- Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit: Tax credit up to $3000 per child but called at $6000.
- Born Learning: free activities & games to prepare for school.
- Trove at WPPL: trove.whiteplainslibrary.org & The Edge (teens)
- WP Parks & Recreation Dept. Playing fields, playgrounds & pools (914-422-1339).
- Passage to Excellence After School Program: 1 Fisher Ct, for Winbrook; Brookside resident children.
- Delany Center for Educational Enrichment at Pace University: Programs for children after school, Sat and summers (fees charged). 78 North Broadway, (914) 422-4135, thedelanycenter.com; facebook.com/thedelanycenter, e-mail: mdelany@pace.edu, the delanycenter.whiteplains@gmail.com.
- Head Start Family Services of Westchester: 1 Summit Ave, fsw.org/our-programs/early-childhood/head-startearly-head-start.
Children in Crisis:
- National Runaway Safeline: (733) 880-9860, (800) 786-2929 (24/7), 1800runaway.org. Federally designated national communication system for runaway and homeless youth.
Cultural Groups:
- Haitian Resource Center: Slater Center, 2 Fisher Ct, (914)-648-6311. Tues-Thurs 11am-2pm.
- Centro Hispano: 346 S Lexington Ave, (914) 289-0500, elcentrohispano.org.
- White Plains & Greenburgh NAACP: Website wpgbnaacporg.wordpress.com, e-mail whiteplainsgbnaacp@gmail.com, (914) 682-5998.
- The Loft: 252 Bryant Ave, http://www.loftgaycenter.org., (914) 948-1932.
- Westchester Hispanic Coalition: 46 Walker Ave, (914) 948-8466.
- Urban League-Westchester County: Helps African Americans achieve economic self reliance, parity power & civil rights, 61 Mitchell Pl, (914) 428-6300 http://nul.iamempowered.com/affiliate/urban-league-westchester-county-inc.
Diapers:
- Junior League of Westchester (JLCW): Diaper Bank, jlcwduaperbank@gmail.com, (914) 723-6442
Disabilities:
- Andrus Home: 19 Greenridge Ave, (914) 949-7680, andruscc.org/
- Arc of Westchester: arcwestchester.org, 265 Saw Mill Rd (9A)
- Blythedale’s Children’s Hospital:
- Westchester Independent Living Center: wilc.gov, (914)-682-3926, (914)-259-8036 (VP/TTY),
- Hawthorne, NY 10532, (914) 949-9300 or (914) 428-8330.
- Children’s Rehabilitation Center: 317 North Ave, (914) 597-4000 Physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy.
- IDEA: Ages 0-21: sites.ed.gov/idea
- Social Security: SSI and SSD: ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
- Medicaid through Westchester County: 85 Court St, (914)-995-3333 (M-F 8:30-5)
- Rapid Recovery Program: Registry for vulnerable children (i.e. autistic) or adults (dementia) providing information for emergency response. (914) 422 8514, wppublicsafety.com.
- Westchester Jewish Community Center: Mental health, trauma, disabilities, youth, home care and geriatric services, 845 N Broadway, 914-761-0600, wjcs.com.
- Office of Disability Employment Police: (202) 693-7880, (866) 633-7365, TTY (877) 889-5627, dol.gov/odep. Ensuring people with disabilities are integrated in the workforce.
- Veteran’s Employment and Training Service, (866) 487-2365 TTY (877) 889-5627 Provides resources to prepare and assist veterans to obtain meaningful careers and maximize their employment opportunities, dol.gov/vets; veterans.gov.
- Abbott House: Helps children and families in need and people with developmental disabilities, 100 N Broadway, Irvington, (914) 319-1609, abbotthouse.net/.
- Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities @https://disabled.westchestergov.com/
- Westchester Disabled on the Move, 984 North Broadway, Suite L01, Yonkers, NY, 10701, 914-968-4717, http://www.wdom.org Provide advocates for consumers and work to ensure that public/private programs/services are available to Disabled to encourage independent community living. Help with obtaining/maintaining benefits for Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, Medicare, Personal Assistance; other forms of public assistance. Help assist those returning to work with Social Security Work Incentives
- Westchester Lighthouse: 170 Hamilton Ave, Martin Yablonski, myablonski@lighthouse.org Website: http://www.lighthouse.org. Helps people of all ages who are at risk for, or who are experiencing vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse helps people with low vision and blindness live safe, independent and productive lives.
Education:
- Learning English at White Plains Public Library (WPPL)
- Learning to Use Computers Senior Center/WPPL
- Ruth Taylor Scholarships: Assistance to becoming Social Worker
- White Plains Education Center (WPETC): 303 Quarropas St (M&F 9am-5pm, Tues-Thurs 9am-8pm), 914-422-8200, website: whiteplainsny.gov/index.aspx?nid=636, e-mail: wpetc@whiteplainsny.gov.
- Southern Westchester BOCES Adult Education: adulted.swboces.org, Center for Adult & Community Services, 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 2nd Floor Harrison, NY 10528, (914)-592-0849. Programs are available at different locations including Rochambeau Alternative HS, 228 Fisher Ave. (M&W 6-9PM), and El Centro Hispano 346 S Lexington Ave.
Energy:
- Building Dept. of WP: Heat & Water Concerns:(914) 422-2269 (normal business hrs; Police (914) 422-6111 (weekends, nights and holidays)
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Utility and home heating assistance through county social services 914-995-3333.
- New York State Energy Efficiency Programs, Emergency Home Repair Program for the Elderly (RESTORE), Healthy Homes (New York State Department of Health), New York City Better Business Bureau, Upstate New York Better Business Bureau; Weatherization assistance providers.
Emergency Housing:
- Grace Church Community Center: Samaritan House Homeless Shelter for Women, 33 Church St, (914) 948-3075 (Drop In Center).
- Open Arms Homeless Shelter for Men and Drop In Center on 86 E Post Rd, (914) 948-5044.
- Westchester County Emergency services for Adults and Families: Office of Temporary Housing Assistance, 85 Court St, M-F 8:30-5.
Warming/ Drop In Centers: (914) 995-2099 on weekends & after hrs. Coachman Family Center: homeless shelter for families mostly: westhab.org, (914) 946-3371. - Lifting Up Westchester: 35 Orchard Ave, 914-949-3098, liftingupwestchester.org. (Homeless services on streets).
- American Red Cross: Offers help during disasters, 914-946-6500, redcross.org/ns/apology/disaster_homepage.html
Families:
- Family Services of Westchester: Provides a variety of services for families, veterans, individuals and older adults for health, employment and everyday living needs, 1 Summit Ave., fsw.org/, (914) 948-8004.
Financial Advice/Aid:
- At work ask about pre-tax money programs to be used for child and adult care and/ or health care.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Federal agency to protect financial rights of consumers, assistance on credit, loans, banking, ID theft, credit repairs 855-411-2372; consumerfinance.gov.
- Credit Counseling: Claro limited legal services for credit defaults 877-574-8529 http://www.claronyc.org/claronyc/Westchester/westchester.html
- Financial Counseling Association of America helps, recreate; implement a credit repair plan 800-450-1794 https://fcaa.org.
- Office of Child Support Enforcement, Administration for Children and Families, (202) 401-9373, e-mail ocsehotline@acf.hhs.gov and acf.hhs.gov/program/CSS, assures financial and medical support to children by locating parents, establishing paternity; enforcing support obligations.
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling: Counselling for debt reduction, better management, improved credit standing 800-388-2227 or 855-939-0724, https://www,nfcc,org.
- Smart Seniors: NYS Attorney General’s Office alerts/publications to help to seniors on financial matters, scams.; fraud, ag.ny.gov/smartseniors.
- United Way’s Financial Ed Program: Workshops, online resources; coaching on personal finances. uwwp.org/fep.shtml.
- YWCA: 515 North St, (914) wcawhiteplains.com (914) 949-6227. Empowerment and Economic Advancement.
Food Pantry & Help:
- Feeding Westchester: feedingwestchester.org, (914) 923-1100: Senior Grocery Program, Kids Backpack Program, Mobile Pantry: (914)-923-1100, mobilepantry@feedingwestchester.org.
- Ecumenical Food Pantry: 2 Fisher Circle, (914)-563-2960, Fri 8-10am.
- First S.D.A. Church Food Pantry, 180 Juniper Hill Rd, (914)949-6816 (Sonya Ennis), e-mail-slennis240@gmail.com.
- French Speaking Baptist Church Food Pantry, 237 Ferris Ave, (914) 946-1117, Hrs.- 2nd Sat 12:30-2pm.
- Houses of Worship have pantries so check their websites.
- Kol Ami Pantry that serves members, guests. (914) 949-4717; info@NYKolAmi.org
- Kosher Food Pantries: https://www.metcouncil.org/kosher-food-network
- NY Benefits: mybenefits.ny.gov.
- Ridgeway Alliance Church Food Pantry: 465 Ridgeway Ave, 914-949-3714. Hrs are as needed.
- SNAP: Westchester Dept. of Social Services, 85 Court St, (914) 995-3333.
- Sterling Community Center Food Pantry for Members: 29 Sterling Ave. (914) 949-1212, M-F 9am-5pm.
- White Plains CAP Food Pantry: 70 Ferris Ave, (914) 428-7030, Hrs. M-Fri 9am-4:30.
Food-Soup Kitchens and Meals:
- Lifting Up Westchester Soup Kitchen: M-F daily meals at 33 Church St 10:30am-11:30am; Food to take home on Friday for weekend, (914)-948-9441.
- Meals on Wheels of WP: 311 N St, #307, (914)-946-6878. eligibility required.
- Salvation Army White Plains Soup Kitchen: Sun 2-2:30pm, 16 Sterling Ave, (914) 949-2908, newyork.salvationarmy.org/location/white-plains-corps/.
- Senior Center: weekly lunch ($3), (914)-422-1423 with reservations.
- Union Food for Life Soup Kitchen: 31 Manhattan Ave, (914) 837-1347 Hrs. Tues 6-7:30pm.
Foster Care:
- United Way 2-1-1: Fostering Parent program: helps with orientations: works with Family Ties & Westchester County.
Free Things:
- Various Facebook groups have free things to be given to those who join.
- White Plains Recycle Yard: Has mulch, fire wood, compost and free items through the TiLi Shed that operates seasonally and has free household items, small furniture, toys, children’s books, sports equipment and much more twice weekly. See White Plains Recycling on website.
Health:
- American Cancer Society: 2 Lyon Pl, (914) 397-8858, acscan.org.
- Burke Rehabilitation Hospital: 785 Mamaroneck Ave, burke.org/community Adult Fitness Program: (M-F 6am to 8:30pm) (Weekends: 8am-4pm), charges depend on needs & programs chosen. Info: (914) 597-2805: Support Groups/Resources
- Care2U.com I 833-433-CARE
- Center for Medicaid & Chip Services: Federal Agency responsible for Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) serving low income, children, pregnant women, elderly and people with disabilities determined by each state, In WP, must go through Westchester County. (877) 267 2323, TTY (866) 226-1819. Medicaid.gov, insurekidsnow.gov.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: cms.gov.
- Gatekeeper Program: Designed to bring mobile and off-site services to older adults, 55+, who may need help to improve their mental well-being; need case management. This may include assistance with sadness, anxiety, memory issues, aging needs; substance abuse.
- Gilda’s Club: Cancer Support: 80 Maple Ave, gildasclubwestchester.org, (914) 644-8844,
- Medicaid (for eligible disabled/ low income) Apply through Westchester County
- Medicare (for eligible seniors 65+) Social Security Office & online.
- Medicare Service Center: Providing info about Medicare plans in area and helps locate health care providers that participate in Medicare. (800) 633-4227, TTY (877) 486-2048, mymedicare.gov.
- New York Presbyterian Hospital: 21 Bloomingdale Road, (914) 997-5779, nyp.org/psychiatry, lectures.
- NY Health Complaint/Concerns Call Numbers: Adult Care/ Assisted Living Centers: (866) 893-6772, Ambulatory Surgery Center, Dialysis, Diagnostic Treatment; Primary Care Clinics: (800) 804-5447, Funeral Homes/Directors: (518) 402-0785, Home Care/Hospice: (800) 628-5972, Hospital Patient Care:(800) 804-5447 or health.ny.gov/facilities/hospital, Laboratories: (800) 682-6056, Managed Care Complaints (includes commercial health plans; Medicaid managed care): (800) 206-8125, Nursing Home Hotline: (888) 201-4563, Professional Medical Conduct of Physicians: (800)-663-6114, NYS Office of Medicaid Inspector General; Medicaid Fraud Hotline:(877)-87FRAUD.
- Phelps Hospital: Holistic Pain, Osteoporosis, Childbirth Education & Support Programs. 701 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow: phelpshospital.org.
- Slater Center: Counseling & Referral Service for individuals & families, M-F 10-4; Senior Drop In Center (M & Thurs 11am-2pm).
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: (877) 726-4727, Helps people dealing with mental illness or substance abuse. Connects persons with services through a referral hotline and online treatment center locator. samhsa.gov
- Suicide Prevention (800) 273 8255 TTY (800) 487-4889, samhsa.gov
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline TTY 800 7994889 samhsa.gov
- United Way FamilyWize: card for pharmacy discounts.
- Veterans Administration: 300 Hamilton Ave, first floor, Suite C, (914) 682- 6250.
- Vets White Plains Community Clinic & Women’s health clinic: 23 S Broadway, (914) 421-1952 (x4300).
- Westchester Jewish Community Center: Mental health, trauma, disabilities, youth, home care & geriatric services, 845 N Broadway 914-761-600, www.wjcs.comYWCA: Health and Wellness Programs, 515 North St St, ywcawhiteplains.com, (914) 949-6227.
- Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services: NY Connects for info and referrals for long term health care choices. 914-813-6300, Monday – Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM
- Westchester County Health Dept.: 145 Huguenot St, New Rochelle, (914)-813-5000.
- Westchester Independent Living Center: NY Connects Information and Referral line for long term health care choices, 866-715-4700, Serves seven counties in the lower Hudson Valley: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster. Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM
- White Plains Hospital: Support for care givers, Community Health & Wellness programs, lectures, health fairs, Support groups like Overeaters Anonymous, wphospital.org. Located at Davis Ave at Maple Ave/ E. Post Rd.
- ZiphyCare combines advanced technology with the human touch to bring quality medical care into your home—anytime. Provide virtual house-calls for non-emergency conditions: General physical exam· Blood pressure/ hypertension screening· Routine cardiac exam, including EKG· Pulmonary (lung) exam, Dermatologic (skin) exam· Ear (otoscopic) and throat exam. Provide this service at no cost, even if you don’t have health insurance. This service is fully funded by ZiphyCare in partnership with Selfhelp Community Services. Don’t need a computer/smartphone. We handle all the technology for your appointment. If you prefer to schedule on a smartphone, try our convenient Ziphy app (for iPhone or Android).For further information please go to ziphycare.com or call 1-833-ZIPHYCR (1-833-947-4927)
Home Renovation, Repairs and Paying mortgages:
- Bridge Fund of Westchester 914 948-8146
- Catholic Charities Community Services (Westchester) 888-744-7900
- Counseling to Help Homeowners save their home from foreclosure & paying mortgages: Maura Smotrich, Housing Policy Analyst, Tel: (914) 422-6744, email@whiteplainsny.gov
- Landlord Dispute/Mediation: assist tenants and landlords with solutions to prevent litigation: Hudson Valley Justice Center 914 308-3490, Westchester Mediation Center of Cluster 914 963-6440.
- Legal Services of the Hudson Valley 877-574-8529 for eviction cases
- Legal Counseling for eviction prevention and other serives
- New York Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity – through volunteer labor, builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
- Westchester County Home Renovation Grants: Colette Phipps, LMSW, CDP Director, Program Development Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, (914) 813-6441, Department of Social Services for Rent Arrears, SNAP, medical, other services 914-995-3333, or 914-995-2000 or online at mybenefits.ny.gov
- US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office – home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural areas, Attorney General’s Home Improvement Fact Sheet
- Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO) 914 428-4507
- Westchester Hispanic Coalition 914 948-8466
- White Plains Home Repairs Help: Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc, 470 Mamaroneck Avenue (main office), White Plains, NY 10605, Phone: (914) 428-4507, Fax: (914) 428-9455
Housing Help:
- Access to Home for Heroes: Run by Homes & Community Renewal. Provides financial assistance to make dwelling units accessible for low & moderate income Veterans living with a disability. https://hcr.ny.gov/access-home-heroesveterans.
- Habitat for Humanity of Westchester: habitatwc.org,
- My Sister’s Place: https://www.mspny.org, (914) 683-1333, 1 Water St. (for domestic abuse).
- Neighborhood Rehabilitation: (914) 422-1399; planning@whiteplainsny.org, help with repairs; maintenance.
- Salvation Army: 16 Sterling Ave, (914) 948-2908, newyork.salvationarmy.org.
- Westchester Independent Living Center: wilc.gov, (914) 682-3926, (914) 259-8036 (VP/TTY), e-mail wilc.org.
- Westchester Residential Opportunity: 470 Mamaroneck Ave, Housing counseling & assistance, https:www.wroinc.org, (914) 928-4027.
- Westchester Coalition for Hungry and Homeless: 48 Mamaroneck Ave, (914) 682-2737, westchestercoalition.org.
- Westchester Habitat ReStore of Mt Vernon, 659 Main St, New Rochelle, (914) 699-2791, restorewestchester@gmail.com, furniture & other things.
- Westhab: Westchester County Provider of housing and supportive services for low-income people, 13 Longview Ave, (914) 682-1458, westhab.org/.
- White Plains Building Department: (914) 422-1269, Enforcement Issues of City Ordinances and housing issues.
- White Plains Housing Authority (Sec 8; affordable housing): 223 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, (914) 949-6462, wphany.com.
Info Helplines:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information Line: (202) 307-0663, (800) 514-0383 (M-W and F 9:30am- 5:30pm, Th 12:30-5:30pm, TTY (800) 514-0383, ada,gov. Answering questions about ADA Standards for Accessible Designs and about ADA requirements.
- Child Abuse Reporting Hotline: NY State Central Register and online resource for help with government resources, (800) 342-3720
- Domestic Abuse Hotlines: Westchester County Office for Women 914 995-5972
My Sister’s Place, (800) 298-723. (domestic abuse). - Economic Crimes Bureau: (914) 995-3303 (through of Westchester District Attorney’s Office)
- Elder Abuse Bureau Hotline: (914) 995-3000 (Westchester District Attorney’s Office)
- Elder Abuse Helpline (914) 813-6436 (through of Westchester County)
- Elder Abuse Prevention & Victim Assistance Program was created to assist survivors of elder abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, financial or neglect), 50+, or who are at risk of abuse & not in immediate crisis. Contact: Nicolle Brunale, LMSW, (914) 668 – 9124 x28
- Emergencies: 911
- Hebrew Home ElderServe: 24 hour hotline (800) 567-3646
- Here to Talk Listen & Support: 1-844-863-9314 for emotional Support Helpline Online Support Groups; Website Resources
- HIV.gov: HIV/AIDS works to increase knowledge; access to services for at risk people living with HIV.
- National Health Information Center: (240) 454-8280, e-mail at nhic@hhs.gov. health.gov/nhic, healthfinder.gov, or healthfinder.gov/espanol.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255, suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Veterans Crisis Center: (800)-273-8255 (press 1). - NY Connects: nyconnects.ny.gov/home. 800-342-9871
- NYProjectHope.org: Confidential | Anonymous | Free
- Pace Women’s Justice Center Helpline: For victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse, (914) 287-0739, law.pace.edu/wjc.
- Protective Services for Adults: (914) 995-2259 (through Westchester County)
- US Health & Human Services Fraud Hotline: (800) 447-8477, TTY (800) 277 4950. Office of Inspector General protecting the integrity of Health and Human Services. oig.hhs.gov or stopmedicarefraud.gov.
- United Way 2-1-1: Dial 211 for help (food, utilities, abuse, recycling regulations, becoming foster parents & getting medical assistance, (914)-997-6700.
Legal- Discrimination Help:
- Child Support Hotline (part of Legal Services): (844) 949-1305 1:30-4:30PM Tuesday & Thursday.
- Human Rights Commission: 7-11 S Broadway, Suite 314, acts on discrimination in employment, housing, places of public accommodation.
- Legal Services of the Hudson Valley: 90 Maple Avenue, (914) 949-1305, 9AM-5PM, Help line: (877) 574-8529 (M-Thurs 8am-6pm) (Friday 8am-4pm)
- Legal Services of the Hudson Valley Preventing Evictions: 90 Maple Ave, M-F 9-5. (914) 949-1305.
- Office for Civil Rights: (800) 368-1019, TTY (800) 537-7697 e-mail at ocrmail@hhs.gov, Website: hhs.gov/ocr. Discrimination in healthcare & social service programs; privacy of your health information.
- Pace Women’s Justice Center Helpline: (914) 287-0739
- YWCA: Racial Justice, 515 North St, ywcawhiteplains.com, (914) 949-6227.
- Westchester Legal Aide: 150 Grand St, Suite 1, (914) 682-4112
Mental Illness:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: 100 Clearbrook Rd. #181, Elmsford NY, (914) 592-5458100 namiwestchester.org
Safety:
- Life Support Equipment & Medical Emergencies: Con Ed keeping life support equipment working through storms or other emergencies, (800) 752-6633, coned.com, Requires certification by doctor or local board of health call to (718) 222-7593 each yr.
- WP Alerts: Enroll for mobile or land phone emergencies in area, cityofwhiteplains.com/index.aspx?nid=504
- White Plains Public Safety: wppublicsafety.com, (914) 422-6111.
Transportation:
- American Cancer Society-Road to Recovery: 800-227-2345, cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramservices/road-to-recovery, provides ground transportation for cancer related medical appointments at no charge. Must be able to go without assistance or bring a person to help.
- Cancer Support Team: 2900 Westchester Ave, Suite 103, Purchase NY, (914) 777-2777, contact Paulina Arriaga or Gini Ricca.
- Lighthouse Guild Travel Safety Program: (212) 769-6291 e-mail MoogC@lighthouseguild.org.
- Medicaid Transportation: Answering Services LLC (800) 850-5340 medanswering.com for eligible persons.
- Paratransit of Westchester County: (914) 995-7272 (press 2), use of taxi or van with application filed and processed.
- RideConnect Westchester: rideconnectwestchester.org, (914) 242-7433, free volunteer rides to 60+.
- TRA: medical appointments for older adults; visually impaired adults. (914) 764-3533, info@my-TRA.org
- WestFair Rides: For 60+ visually impaired (914)764-3533 westfairrides.org.
- Westchester Jewish Community Services: Project Time Out, (914) 761-0600 (ext. 310) website: wjcs.com, Respite help to caregivers to provide 60+ adults within home respite & escort services.
- Westchester County Bee-line System, Senior and Disabled services: transportation.westchestgov.com/senior-and-disabled-services, (914) 814-7777. Seniors and Disabled can apply for reduced fares. B.E.A.T. for seniors is a program to help seniors use Bee-line System (914) 813-7741 or use website transportation.westchestergov.com/transit-education/senior-b-e-a-t.
Work:
- Career Support Solutions: For further info contact: Allison Scorca, (914) 741-8500 X106 or e-mail ascorca@careersfp.org or www.CAREERSSupportSolutions.org
- Center for Career Freedom:185 Maple Ave., Ste #124, White Plains, NY 10601, (914) 288-9763, free training; employment agency
- Grants for Minority Businesses: https://suppliedshop.com/blogs/articles/minority-small-business-grants
- NY Labor Department.: Services to protect workers, assist unemployed & connect job seekers to jobs. 120 Bloomindale Rd, labor.ny.gov/home/. Free Language Assistance at 1-(888) 469-7365.
- Score Westchester: Advisory & Small business mentoring for people wanting to start or grow a small business, 120 Bloomingdale Rd at NYS Dept. of Labor, scorewestcheser.com and for Scores list of resources: https://www.score.org/resource/list-startup-resources.
- SCSEP – Senior Community Service Employment Program: For more information contact Shelly Ameri, Career Counselor, The WorkPlace – 203-340-2312/ rameri@workplace.org.
- WEBS Career & Educational Counselling Service: 570 Taxter Rd. Elmsford, (914) 674- 3600, westchesterlibraries.org/career-educational-counseling-services/, Help planning career path.
- Westchester Putnam One Stop Career Center: 120 Bloomingdale Rd, 914 995-3910 whiteplainslibrary.org/white-plains-resources/categories/all/
- White Plains Education Training Center: 303 Quarropas St, (914) 442-8200, e-mail wpetc@whiteplainsny.gov, (914) 422-8200, http://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/index.aspx?nid=636 for newsletter, info, training & workshops; Career Closet for clothing at Center
- Women’s Enterprise Development Center, Inc: https://wedcbiz.org/, 914 948-6098, 1133 Westchester Ave. Empowers entrepreneurs to build businesses by providing training, advisory services & access to capital.
- Yes She Can, Inc: Assistance to teen girls & young women with autism spectrum disorders to develop job skills for competitive work and to achieve greater independence, 4 Martine Ave, Store2B yesshecaninc.org.
Workouts or Exercise Programs:
- GetSetUp :NY State Office For The Aging & Association on Aging in NY and to provide free virtual classes for older adults taught by peers – ask questions, make friends, learn new things, and have fun. www.getsetup.org/partner/NYSTATE, use coupon code: NYSTATE, 1-888-559-1614/ info@getsetup.io
- YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester is inviting you to free wellness classes offered to breast cancer survivors and patients. Please register first for this class by contacting Ned Corona at ncorona@ywcawpcw.org
White Plains Demographics
White Plains (WP) today is a “diverse” community but has not always been. Census reporting gives the best way to examine the changes.
WP’s first settlers came from Rye in 1683 and were English Puritans. The first US census of 1790, recorded WP with a total population of 550. This number included 40 slaves. In 1820, WP had 675 residents of which 63 were free blacks and 8 slaves. After 1827, slavery ended in NY and the Census recorded a population of 2,630.
The population of WP grew after the NY and Harlem Railroad reached WP on Dec 1, 1844. The population in 1880 was 2,381 and went up 60.8% by 1890 to 4,042. By 1900, the population had increased by 90.5 % to 15,045. The Harlem rail line to WP became electrified by 1910 and a second rail line the NY, Westchester and Boston Railway opened in 1912. This line ran through the center of WP from its southern border with Scarsdale to Westchester Ave (where Nordstrom is today). The train companies advertised the availability of affordable lots where one could build a home. They also offered deals for weekly committing options and the attractiveness of area for permanent leisure living and for shorter vacations (holidays, summers and weekends).
In 1920, WP had 21,031 residents. By this time, WP had other forms of faster more convenient modes of transport with buses (replacing trolleys) and cars. The NY, Westchester Boston railway closed in 1937. In 1930, WP’s population was 35,830. The NY Westchester Boston railroad stopped running in 1937 but had no affect on the population. In 1940, WP had 40,327 and in 1950 43,466. Winbrook Apartments (now named Brookfield Commons) opened in 1950 giving the WP low income housing choices.
The population of WP increased to 50,485 by 1960 and though the Cross Westchester opened the population in WP decreased. A major urban renewal project began in the core area of the Business District with demolition beginning around 1966 and continued till 1980. Eliminated in the Business District were blocks of structures containing housing and businesses. As a result, many African Americans and Italians left the city. By 1970, the population had decreased .3% to 50,125 and by 1980 it fell to 46,999. City had more low income rental housing choices in areas outside the Business District but it was still hard for Blacks (and others) to secure loans for home ownership and to purchase single family houses in WP.
By 1980, much of the Business District had been transformed and the number of residents began to increase again. By 1990 the population had increased to 48,718.
By 2000, WP had 53,077 residents. The racial break down was 34,465 White(64.9%), 8,444 Black or African American (15.9%), 182 American Indian/Alaskan Natives (.3%), 2,389 Asian (4.5%), 37 Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (.1%), 5,502 from other races (10.4%) and 2,058 from 2 or more races (3.9%). Of the total, 12,476 or 23.5% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
By 2010, the population was 56,853. The city’s racial make-up: White 36,178 (63.6%), 8,070 Black or African Americans 8,070, 394 American Indian/Alaska Native (.7%), 3,623 Asian (6.4%), 20 Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (less than .1%), 6,324 of other races (11.1%) and 2,224 from 2 or more races (3.9%). Of that, 16,839 are Hispanic or Latino of any race (29.6%).
Population estimates projected by US Census Bureau and this and other information is available on the website: http://www.census.gov. Estimate for 2017 (in July) is 59,047 residents.
*Data from US Census Bureau American FactFinder for 2000 and 2010.
History Behind the Curtain: Broadway Theatre
First play I went to see as a teen was Fiddler on the Roof and I was hooked. Continued to go to live theatre during my college years including Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven as well as student productions of Southern Connecticut College where I attended school from 1972 to 1975. In 1982, I became a TDF member that gave me access to a lot of live shows on and off Broadway.
Most Broadway theatres are historic; treasures that I hope will be preserved for a long time. Broadway Theatres are defined by their size (number of people in the audience) and the quality of the performance. Musicals require live musicians. The smallest theatres seat about 500 but many seat over a thousand. Most are in the Theatre District (W 40th St to W 54th St) of NYC but the Vivian Beaumont Theater is at Lincoln Center.
Many of the 41 Broadway Theatres are named after producers, actors and others associated with the theater.
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
The 1925 theatre at 261 W 47th St is named for publicist Samuel J. Friedman.
Ethel Barrymore Theatre:
The 1928 theater at 243 W 47th St is named after actress Ethel Barrymore.
Brooks Atkinson Theatre:
The 1926 theatre at 256 W 47th St is named after NY Times theater critic Brooks Atkinson.
Lying Has Become Presidential
Mark Twain once said that there were three kinds of lies: Lies, more lies and statistics.
President Trump is an outright liar. He doesn’t even remember what he says and posts online. He twists facts and has a bunch of paid talking heads that continue to lie for him.
People lie but President Trump does so in such a grand scale that only a fan without scruples could believe. And, that’s the scary part. We teach children to tell the truth. So then what message is our President sending to our youth?
Bioretention (Rain) Gardens
![raingarden_poster_dec2008[1]](https://sandraharrison1954.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/raingarden_poster_dec20081.jpg)
Rain gardens or bioretention spaces are a good and inexpensive way of alleviating flooding issues caused by run-off or heavy down pours.
“Bioretention is a process in which contaminants and sedimentation are removed from storm water runoff. Storm water is collected into the treatment area which consists of a grass buffer strip, sand bed, ponding area, organic layer or mulch layer, planting soil, and plants (Wikipedia definition).”
Rain gardens are more complex than a regular garden or an area with plantings. They involve the layering of different materials below the surface with the careful selection of plantings on the top. The center is depressed to move water into the ponding area. There are many designs and many can be viewed online.
These gardens can be built on abandoned spots or small areas where there is a need to redirect pooling from run-off . Storm drains on the surface often get clogged or backed up during heavy downpours causing water to accumulate on roadways.
Rain gardens are aesthetic as well as efficient. They stop fertilizers and other pollutants from entering our waterways.
There are other low impact “green” ways of dealing with storm water such as green roofs, detention ponds, swales and bioswales, permeable pavements, infiltration galleries and rainwater harvesting.
Paul Harrison
In memory of my father Paul Harrison (1920-2013), my mother celebrates my father’s birthday each June at NEJC. Paul was born on June 14 on our country’s flag day. She made a collage last June (pictured on the left). We visit him in Valhalla (Sharon Gardens) each year. He died Sept 11, 2013 at the age of 93, was a WWII Vet and worked for the US Post Office.
He married at age 29 (8/211949) for life to Harriet Harrison (born 6/29/1931) (when she was 18) who at 86 still lives in their forever home in Yonkers, NY. Paul & Harriet had three children: Irene (3/20/1952), Sandra (4/10/1954) and Leonard (5/20/1958). Kimberly Harrison (8/15/1988) is their grandchild.
Paul’s parents Rita (Vita) Bosloff (alternative names:Boslow or Boslov) and Sam Harrison were born in Russia but they met in US where they had three children: Ray, Paul and Renee. My father was born in Manhattan, NY.
Sam Harrison who died during WWII had a brother Louie who married Sonia and they had a son named Paul. Rifka was their mother who did come to America and lived with them. Paul Harrison, my father’s first cousin was discovered by my brother who told my Dad that he wasn’t the only Paul Harrison then living in Yonkers. Cousin Paul was living in Yonkers with his wife Barbara (formerly Goldstein) and two children Mark and Leslie. Some ancestor might have had a similar first name for which both cousins were named after but who knows? The two Pauls got reacquainted and even when Paul & Barbara moved to Florida my parents would visit them in the Sunshine State. Harriet and Barbara are not just FB friends but exchange e-mails. Barbara likes to send my mother jokes and interestingly my father used to collect them but stored them in a shirt pocket.
Rita Harrison was one of 8; most were living (7) in the US. Sam and Rita came from different areas of the then Russian Empire before WWI and were married in 1917 in Manhattan. Sam might have come from a village near Kiev but Rita might have come from an area near Moscow or Minsk but this is not backed up by facts. We have no clear explanation for the Harrison surname. One census had Rita’s village listed but I could not read. Could not find their records in Castle Gardens or Ellis Island Data base. Rita’s parents did come to US. Rita’s sisters Pauline, Helen and Rose; brothers Saul, Sam, Ruby and Zelig were living in US. As far as I know, our family had no contact with sister still in Russia.
Ray married Al Zwerling and had two sons, Stanley and Sheldon. Renee, the youngest, married another Paul Krasko and had two children Robert (Bobbie) and Lynn.
Harriet Harrison had one brother Joseph who married Addie. They had two children, Ira and Debra (Debbie). Samuel (Sam) Schild, Harriet’s father had three wives. Ida born in Poland (formerly Cohen, Coco or Kulka), Harriet’s mother (married in 1920) but died when Harriet was 16. Sam’s second wife had an older son but he was living in Japan as a translator. Molly was my Sam’s last wife who outlived him. She had no children and had been married before Sam. Molly outlived Sam by many years and lived in their apartment building next to Dakota in NYC. Molly was born in Russia and when we noticed a letter written by her we noticed that the “h” in Russian looked like an “h.” Could the Harrison surname have been Garrison? But, after research, I deduced that this was not any better as a reason since Garrison is not a Russian name either.
Samuel Schild (1899-1971) had 2 brothers Herman (b1891), and Rueben (b 1897). Abraham Schild their father was born in 1856 and immigrated from Austria in 1887. His wife Eva was born in 1867 in Austria. She emigrated from Austria but my notes are not clear (1882/1884). By 1920 she was widowed and remarried.
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This info is from my research and from what Harriet Harrison could remember. Paul refused to talk to me about his history but did like to listen to the tape I made in interviewing her for a Sociology paper. I interviewed Sam Schild and Molly but not sure where the paper or the tapes went. My niece used the tapes for her school project. My DNA is being tested but I have yet to get the results.
Comments:
My mother sent in comment but it did not get listed so I copied here: Harriet Harrison quote “Just in case you think your Dad’s childhood was all grime…… it wasn’t… He and his sister Ray (18 months older) spent a lot of time together with friends… They would cross the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey and hike. I think one time they were actually asked by some authorities who they were but nothing came of it………. Parents of one of the “hikers” expressed worry about their adventures but Paul’s father answered — “Don’t worry – Ray has a map””
Discontentment: Art 1972
Paper “Discontentment” was originally written in 1972 when I was in high school. I did make some corrections, put drawings in text and updated the method for showing references within the text:
Cavemen had clubs & tools; we have bombs & machines. The Chinese eat with chopsticks while Americans eat with forks. The Romans wore togas; we wear overalls and blue jeans.
Throughout time & throughout the world man differs from his contemporary according to which society he was born into. Each society creates their own individual culture. This culture is made up of everything that was or is created by its members. When a new member comes into a society by birth or by migration, he must be socialized in order to be accepted. That person must accept the norms of expected behavior, morals & emotions; and many of the customs of the society or he will find himself in a clash with his surroundings. Culture can thus effect our emotions and even the way we think. We may deny these cultural effects but they are present no matter how much we deny our conformity.
A society’s culture is reflected in the every day lives of its members. The artist of his period expresses the mood, the values, the morals and the everyday lives of the people within his environment by his creations. The caveman’s mysterious and sometimes frightening surroundings along with his outlook on life and his culture were expressed in his paintings and sculptures. Today’s man, in a more modern setting, not only expresses himself on canvass but in a wider range of mediums. The modern artist also depicts his surroundings in his works and unlike his predecessor before him, he defines his world in a new form
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Many thousands of years ago, man first appeared on earth. Then, too, a culture was forming and has been changing ever since. Prehistoric man found that by borrowing his neighbor’s invention of a spear he could be more successful in catching game. The discovery of fire widened the caveman’s world. Fire gave him warmth and when he heated his food by it, the taste was improved. These things may seem trivial but to primitive man, who had less intelligence than modern man, they were tools to his survival.
The cave artist expressed in his cave paintings his strange and harsh world. He painted a bison or deer on the wall perhaps for religious significance, but in any case a part of his everyday surroundings. There are mainly two schools of thought on why the caveman painted. One being that he drew for the love of art and the other for religious reasons.
The first school of thought explains that the caveman drew for pleasure and for no other reason than for enjoyment. Perhaps, he drew woman fat and grotesque as a sign of beauty (Drawing 1), and preferred to paint animals rather than man in a realistic almost perfect form. If this was true, the caveman painted to escape his harsh reality and needed a form of expression to do so.
Man began to create forms that reproduced the reality in which he lived and expressed the dark anguish and all pervading dread that dominated his existence (Pischel, 1968, p9).
I believe that the caveman needed an escape because mere existence and his need for survival was not enough for self satisfaction. Also his world was changing and he learned new things every day. Could it not be possible that with this new knowledge being thrown at him he developed cultural pressures known as culture shock? I believe he could have and in some small way did.
Culture shock is the experience of disorientation and frustration that occurs when an individual finds himself among people who do not share his fundamental premises. Acute culture shock is most likely to be experience when expectations. about personal feelings and interactions are violated. ( Broom & Selnick, 1968, p61)
If man in this period of time painted for religious reasons, proof of this can be found in almost every painting and sculpture created by prehistoric man. Most of the cave art was found in caves far secluded from the opening, many of them in the dark and sometimes hidden Most of the caveman’s art was of animals like those he hunted and when he drew man, he was a mere stick figure or very primitive (Drawing 2). In many drawings and sculptures the shape of the animal or woman was represented as fat and grotesque. For these reasons archaeologists will point that the art of prehistoric man was religiously influenced.
…as the Egyptians’ art was for the dead similarly the caveman, or no artistic skill than Egyptian priests and craftsmen responsible for our cathedrals, found thanks to belief in the magic of hunting, or reproduction, and of destruction, a social basis for practicing, developing and teaching their art. They were both artists and Magicians creating for love of art but also to increase and multiply the game they wanted to hunt fruitful, and to destroy harmful beasts (Brewil & Lantier, 1959, p177).
It has also been found that in other primitive cultures, they were universally sympathetic to magic and it can be assumed that the cavemen could have held the same beliefs.
A fat woman or bison (Drawing 3) may be significant of a pregnant female in fruitful state. Perhaps the caveman believed that by representing the female in this state, he could secure a good hunt and many children. As an artist the caveman painted his animals quite realistically but he portrayed man in a far inferior form. Even hands found on many cave paintings were malformed (Drawing 2). Again he may have done this because of superstitions and as a response to his beliefs. “Man was a far larger extent master of his fate, even if he lacked security in the face of forces of nature (Pischel, 1968, p12).
The artist himself may have been a sorcerer and painted a bison and a deer deep inside his sanctuary, the cave itself, as part of a ceremony or ritual. From drawing four (Drawing 4) one could conclude that if it is not a God or the sorcerer himself could it ever have been done as a joke or for pleasure? I myself doubt the latter.
If either school is right, I feel that the caveman in both cases can be considered to have been in awe of his surroundings. His constant search for food and shelter brought great pressures and through self expression he could find peace in painting.
His aspiration’s to make from nothing and from his desire to give visible form to some aspects of his confusion of mind and of the anguish that assailed him. In this sense, cave art expresses primitive man’s view of reality which surrounded him and the magical concept he had of his world. (Pischel, p10).
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It is now 1972 and our world is much different than that of prehistoric man. Our culture far more advanced than primitive man, still has not alleviated and fears of living and surviving. Our insecurity and anguish, is still present. We may have come a long way, but we are still caught up in the confusion of our surroundings.
Times are evolving far faster than they did even a score ago. Our basic culture is rapidly changing and as it does many people, including myself, may not be able to accept our modern world. I see the US as a country run by machines, taught by machines and creating machine like people. I see how the machine can destroy a once unblemished earth, scarred and hurt beyond repair. I see people indifferent to each other and a society of people who live by the ticking of the clock. Heaven help us, if the clock ever stops. We are so conditioned by our society that we have forgotten how to express our deep emotions and think for ourselves. I see myself catching Toffler’s disease “future shock” (Toffler, 1970, p10); and not accepting the materialistic money conscious society today, but being caught up in it no matter how I try to avoid it.
In the three short decades between now and the 21st century, millions of ordinary, psychologically normal people will face an abrupt collision with the future. Citizens of the world’s richest and most technologically advanced nations, many of them will find it increasingly painful to keep it increasingly painful to keep up with the incessant demand for change that characterizes our time. For them, the future will have arrived too soon. (Toffler p9).
On canvass and in other mediums, the artist portrays the materialistic, machine conscious world of today. The pop artist developed a form in which he mocks our values, morals and our day to day existence. He takes ordinary objects we confront everyday and puts them on canvass or in a sculpture. The presentations offered speak as a means of discontentment with today’s modern world. Through the artist’s eye, one can see how our minds are thinking, and how we are being affected by our culture.
Andy Warhol’s works, which are mostly silk screen prints, remind me of our machine-like world, producing Brillo boxes and Campbell soup cans in duplicate, triplicate and ad infinitum (Drawing 5). Warhol has done various prints in which he repeats the same subject, with people such as his “Elvis” (drawing 6). I feel that as a machine produces the same products many times over, we ourselves act like we are made by the same machine, talking and even living the same homogeneous lives.
Machine like people are being stripped of our human emotions and deep feelings towards fellow man, as expressed in Carlo Carra’s painting “The Hermaphrodite Idol” (see drawing 7). The artist portrays a doll-like figure, divested of all emotion and feeling drained and brainwashed. Viewing Roy Lichtenstein’s “Woman with Flowered Hat” (Drawing 8) and can sense by the abstraction of the form, negative feelings toward the beauty of man himself. An abstract artist may be saying more in his work than just trying to be different.
Our culture effects our emotions in the extent that it is alienating us from our surroundings. Two contemporary artists Edward Hopper and George Tooker express this feeling in their paintings. Hopper, by painting places rather than people, projects a sense of emptiness and silence through bold patterns of light and shadow. In “Early Sunday Morning” (see drawing 9), the street scene is deserted and one feels a sense of desolation and isolation. Tooker, through the use of people, creates an atmosphere of alienation and lack of meaning in people’s lives (see drawing 10).
As Americans, we live in a materialistic society. We strive for success and lots of money. We baby our cars and other possessions. Many artists have done paintings of money itself. Examples are Warhol’s “Ten Dollar Bill” (Drawing 12). The collage by Anita Siegel (Drawing 13) presents a picture of our money-based economy and how each year we faithfully pay our taxes. In the plastic head (Drawing 14) one can see how our minds are cluttered with materialism.
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The ocean of man made physical objects surrounds us is set within a larger ocean of natural objects, but increasingly individual. The texture of plastic or concrete, the iridescent glisten of an automobile under a streetlight, the staggering vision of a city-scape seen from the window of a jet-these are intimate realities of his existence. Man-made things enter into and color his consciousness. Their number expanding with explosive force, both absolutely and relative to the natural environment. This will be even more true in super-industrial society than it is today (Toffler, p52).
Our minds are being affected by our commercial society. Advertisements, such as billboard, hide our natural surroundings while television and other mass media probe into our minds. A sophisticated television commercials (Alka -Seltzer) produces less in sales than the inferior commercial (Charmin Bath Tissue). By thinking less our minds are conditioned to take in this poor quality media. The pop artist reflects this in his works. Bernie Kenmtz’s “Mrs. Karl’s Bread Sign” is an example (drawing 15). The huge painting of a loaf of bread is part of an actual city street, appearing like a billboard but it is only an imitation, not an advertisement. Lichtenstein using n actual newspaper advertisement as a subject of his painting “Girl and Ball” (see drawing 16).
Popists hold firmly that color, form and composition (as well as subject manner) can be taken from banal or commercial objects we see all around us in the supermarket, on billboards, in the newspapers and on television. Moreover, they are determined ‘coolly’ to accept the world of advertising and mass-media and so to fashion a language of popular culture today and the mysterious, often in comprehensible world of so called fine art (Amaya, 1970).
Creativity is not encouraged for everyone. Our hobbies, such as needlepoint, is now packaged in kits, predesigned as to color and content. Warhol’s “Do It Yourself” (drawing 17) illustrates a paint by number kit, a reflection of our lack of imagination.
Abstracts, such as happiness and love can be over analyzed in books and in other publications, lose its basic meaning. Lichtenstein’s analysis of Cezanne wife (drawing 18) lacks a sense of beauty when compared to an actual portrait of Cezanne’s wife (drawing 19).
From the time man first began to draw until the present day he has left a permanent memory of his era on canvass for others to view. The true artist is free to express any mood he wishes, make a statement, message, or moral, and can even predict the future. As a critic, the artist depicts from his surrounding the ills of the world and presents then to the viewer who interprets them as he wishes.
Since the beginning of man’s existence on earth to the present time, he has always had a grievance and reason for being dissatisfied with life time, but will hope that the future will be better. Through adversity true happiness is realized. With this knowledge man should be able to improve his life and contribute betterment for his fellow man.
Drawing Notes
- Picture in Peter J Ucko & Andree Rosenfeld. Palaeolithic Cave Art. p93. “Laussell Woman with Bison Horn”
- Picture in Dorothy & Joseph Samachson, The First Artists, intro page.
- Ucko and Rosenfeld, p162.
- Brewil and Lantier, p224.
- Coplans, p7. “Campbell Tomato Soup Can”
- Coplans, p79. “Elvis” 1962, 82″x60″ from Leo Castelli Gallery, NY
- Batterbery, p117. “The Hermaphrodite Idol” by Carlo Carra.
- Lippard, p69.
- Cover of Westchester Telephone Book, 1972.
- Batterberry, p173. “The Waiting Room” by George Tooker.
- Coplans, p36. “Dollar Bills” 1962, Myron Orlofsky, South Salem, NY.
- Lippard, p157. “Ten Dollar Bill”
- Ny Times Magazine 1972.
- Times Magazine March29, 1972. no author known.
- Lippard, p31.
- Lippard. p81. Clipping from resort section of Sunday NY Times 1963
- Coplans, p31.”Do It Yourself” 1962 Collection Dr K Strober, Germany.
- Lippard, p95.
- LIppard p95. Cezanne: Madame Cezzanne in the Grernhouse 1892-92.
Biography
Amaya, Mario. Pop Art and After. NY: Viking Press, 1965.
Batterbery, Michael. Twentieth Century Art. NY: McGraw Hill, 1969.
Broom, Leonard & Selnick, Philp. Sociology. NY: Harper & Row, 1968.
Brewil, H. & Lantier, R. The Man of the Old Stone Age. NY: St Martin’s Press, 1959.
Coplans, John. Andy Warhol. NY: NY Graphic Society LTD.
Lippard, Lucy. Pop Art. NY: Frederick A. Praeger Pub, 1966.
Pischel, Gina. A World Histoty of Art. NY: Golden Press, 1968
Samachson, Dorothy & Joseph. The First Artists. NY: Doubleday, 1970.
Ucko, Peter & Rosenfeld, Andree. Paleolithic Cave Art. NY: McGraw-Hill, 1967.
Toffler, Alvin. Future Shock. NY: Random House, Inc., 1970.
Sandy's Written Creations 
Wonderland
Posted on March 7, 2018 by sandraharrison1954
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No, I’m not Alice.
Feeling more like a Mad Hatter.
I do know, though,
That I’m not in Kansas.
Can’t stop watching,
The drama taking place in the Capital.
The bad guys seem to be winning.
Protesting doesn’t seem to matter
Though protestors at Capital hearings seem out of place.
America has done itself harm,
By electing the most disrespectful,
Dishonest fool that I have ever known.
And, the anger and hate that has followed is scary.
It’s like being in a long dark tunnel
With no end in sight.
Creepy crawlers all about.
Just looking for truth and hope.
Don’t usually follow the process of selecting our nation’s Cabinet secretaries
But I was curious
Like a moth drawn to the light.
Once the Senate votes in a bunch of billionaires
The country will be in the hands of a bunch of billionaires
Who live in a world so far removed from the rest of us.
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