Shirley Godoi, Administrative Assistant at CIS DF, led the session and explained how people are receiving text messages and emails requesting money and personal information. She emphasized that no one should share personal or financial information by phone unless they are certain of who is contacting them.

One of the major topics that was discussed was the protection of banking and financial information. Shirley stressed that you should never open any of your banking/financial information while in public places, especially when using public Wi Fi or charging a phone at a public charging station. She explained that these places can expose sensitive information to cybercriminals. It is essential to wait until you are in a secure, private location before opening any financial apps or documents.

Another segment focused on downloading apps safely. Shirley walked participants through checking to make sure an app is safe to download. She also told them to be cautious about any fees that may be added when downloading the app.

Shirley stressed the importance of not answering any calls or opening email if you do not know who is calling or sending the email. She conducted a demonstration on how to block unwanted phone numbers and report spam.

Everyone left feeling more confident when using their phones. They said they learned a great deal and will be extremely cautious when opening apps or responding to texts in the future.

Tuesday of this week was a ‘picture-perfect day.’  The sun was shining brightly, the temperature was in the high eighties, you didn’t need a winter coat or an umbrella. I thought, could this day get any better? It did!

The children wrote a story about one of Ms. Kaufman’s critters, whom they named Bella. Anne Marie Santoro, the teacher of our Sharing Stories! Making Movies! Program, shared the story with Ms. Kaufman who thought it was so wonderful that she published it in her new book.

I was honored to present a copy of the book to the librarian at Springhurst Elementary School in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Many of the authors’ classmates and teachers attended the ceremony that was held in the library. On display in the library was a sign that read, “We’re so proud of our student authors.”

One of the authors read the story to the group. After the reading, I presented the book to the librarian. She then asked each of the authors to sign the book. It was such a proud moment to see our students being recognized in such a unique way. It was beautiful to see all the support and accolades that they received from their teachers and classmates.                                              ~ submitted by Lorraine Campanelli, Director, CIS-DF

Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program for students in Grades Kindergarten – 2. Dr. Wendy Mages, a trained storyteller, told the story, Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back by Howard Binkow and Rev. Ana.

The children listened intently as they heard about how Howard B. Wigglebottom kept making wrong choices throughout the day. When confronted with a situation, Mr. Wigglebottom would always lie because he didn’t want to get in trouble. After the story was told, the students had a very lively discussion about the importance of being truthful.

The children then made sock puppets and reenacted stories that they created about characters who were either lying or telling the truth. Together, we had to determine whether the person in the story was being truthful or lying. It was such a beautiful time watching the children work together to create stories and help each other with their puppets and making their stages.

They were so happy to receive a copy of the book so they can read it at home to their parents and their siblings.

Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF), held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) for Kids Program for students in Grades 3-4. Dr. Wendy Mages, a trained storyteller, told the story, Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, by Eileen Spinelli. The story is about a man who kept to himself. One day, he received a heart-shaped box of candy with a note that said, “Somebody Loves You.” This note changed his whole life. He went out more, was friendly and seemed so much happier. Sadly, he found out that the package was sent by mistake. He went back to his old self until his neighbors came together and let him know how much he was loved.

After listening to the story, the children had a wonderful discussion about how important it is to be accepting and loving of others. They spoke about bullying and how some children don’t have any friends. The children discussed ways that they can help make others feel more comfortable and loved. They painted a poster showing ways they can be loving and kind to others. The hope is that others will see the posters and also spread love. They reminded us that our actions speak louder than our words. The children are going to make more of effort to sit with someone when they are alone, talk to someone who seems sad and just spread love.

Everyone loved the story. In fact, many said that it was their favorite one. They were so happy to receive a copy of the book so they can not only share the story but they can also share the love.

The Knitting Group from Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) has been hard at work putting smiles on the faces of many children. The group crocheted bunnies for Valentine’s Day. The bunnies were donated to the children at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY. Every stitch was made with love for the children who would be spending Valentine’s Day in the hospital.

Shirley Godoi, our Administrative Assistant, dropped off the bunnies. She was greeted with big smiles and excitement from the nurses on the unit. They were so grateful to be able to give the children a special gift. A note was enclosed with the bunnies telling them that our love and prayers accompanied each one. We’re looking forward to the next project that our Knitting Group will be doing. They love to spread joy and happiness to others.