Samuel Victoria Wins 2nd Place in First Annual Tick Poster Contest

By living on the East End of Long Island, it is common to know a person or two that has been affected personally by the results of a tick bite. County Legislator Bridget Fleming is on a quest to not only inform but put a control on the tick pollution in our district.

Over the summer, she held a county wide contest that allowed local kids to illustrate their best Tick Awareness Poster. We’re proud to announce that one of our very own Center children won second place in the entire district!

Samuel received a certificate of congratulations on his creativity and knowledge on tick awareness that he’s spent time teaching his friends and family. He also receive some nice goodies from Mrs. Fleming that made him and his family very excited.

 

Congratulations again, Samuel! We are all so proud of you.

The Center’s ”Where Are They Now?” Alumni Series: Brisha Hemby

The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center prides itself on being a staple part of the East End community. Over the years, our children have grown up and ventured out into the world to become quite successful. We have created this alumni series to not only inspire our current children as they prepare for the future but to remind the alumni that they will always be apart of The Center family.

Brisha Hemby did not attend The Center’s after-school program but nonetheless it still had an impact on her childhood. She will always remember it as a safe haven for the kids in the community to be themselves. After graduating from Bridgehampton High School, Brisha went off to Harding University in Arkansas. It wasn’t until she came back home that she knew she wanted to be a make up artist. Years later, she has worked with celebrity clients such as Harry Connick Jr., R.Kelly, Paul Stanley (KISS), Branford Marsalis, Jill Goodacre and has traveled the world doing what she loves.

BHCCRC: Tell us a little about your childhood, growing up in the Hamptons. What high school did you attend, what sports/activities did you participate in, etc.

Brisha: I grew up in Bridgehampton and attended Bridgehampton school from elementary through high school. Growing up, The Hamptons was a very different place. It was the idyllic place to grow up with the beaches and the farms. Some of my best memories were riding my bike, strawberry picking and spending everyday during summer vacation at the beach.

BHCCRC:When did you attend the Center? What is your most memorable moment there?

Brisha: I did not attend the after school program at the Center, but I do have very fond memories there. Graduation parties where the basketball courts doubled as the dance floor.. Playing on the playground until it got too dark to see. To me, the center was a place where everyone was welcomed and everyone looked out for each other.

BHCCRC: What did you go on to do post high school?

Brisha: After high school I attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. I majored in biology/ pre-med,  I never set out to be a makeup artist. In fact, I wasn’t even aware that it was an actual job. I always loved art so  when I moved back home after two years in Arkansas, I began to research and stumbled upon an article about makeup artist Pat McGrath. I moved to NYC and got a job as a receptionist at Warren-Tricomi Salon. Pretty much every week I would ask the owners if I could bring in a model to show them what I could do. They finally agreed and after working as an assistant, I was put on the floor as a makeup artist/eyebrow specialist.  While working there, I participated in fashion week shows and photo shoots.  A few years later, my career took an unexpected turn when I was hired to work with my first celebrity client for the Tony awards. As they say, the rest is history. I’ve traveled the world working and learning about myself as a person and as an artist. Being a makeup artist, for me, is the best job in the world. Every client and every job is different. I love the freedom and flexibility that it allows.

BHCCRC: Who are some women or men that you look up to who have inspired you or helped shape you into the person that you are now?

Brisha: Pat McGrath, Gucci Westman are top makeup artist that inspire me with the beauty they create. My parents are incredibly inspirational to me as well. They always, always supported and encouraged me to work hard and to not let circumstances or a “no” stop you from pursing my dreams.

BHCCRC: If you could speak to your 16-year-old self, what advice would you give her?

Brisha: I would tell my 16yr old self not to worry so much. I would remind her that no one has it all figured out and that everything will be okay. I would also tell her to be more confident and to always stay true to herself.  Follow your heart.

BHCCRC: What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

Brisha: If I can encourage just one person to follow their dreams or even to follow in my footsteps, then I would be satisfied. Growing up in such a small (somewhat isolated) town  I never could have imagined where life would take me.  Anything is possible if you stay focused and put your mind to it!

(Check out some of Brisha’s published work below!)

Event Recap: Topping Rose House Benefit

Last night, 100+ guest fought the cold weather and headed down to The Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton for the 2nd annual BHCCRC benefit. Infamous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brought out admirers from both the East End and New York City to taste his latest recipes.

The night kicked off with a cocktail hour with various hors d’oeuvres such as pineapple and mozzarella kabobs and tempura shrimp. The Topping Rose staff had a fine selection of beverages flowing and conversations filled the room.

Executive Director Bonnie Michelle Cannon called everyone’s attention to the reason for the evening–The Center. She informed the guests of all the great things about the Center but she didn’t forget that a place that so many local families depends on needs their community just as much. Donations were welcomed for necessities such as emergency clothing, math lessons for all ages and reconstruction of the main office. She went on to thank Jean-Georges, our board members, sponsors and community for making this event quite a success.

 

 

Whenever you’re in the area, Don’t just drive by. Stop by. Make new memories with us!

To see more pictures and videos of the event, please visit our Facebook page.

Be sure to keep us with us on Twitter and Instagram!

Twitter: BHCCRCenter

Instagram: BHCCRCenter

The Center’s ”Where Are They Now?” Alumni Series: Sandy Mcfarland Ward

The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center prides itself on being a staple part of the East End community. Over the years, our children have grown up and ventured out into the world to become quite successful. We have created this alumni series to not only inspire our current children as they prepare for the future but to remind the alumni that they will always be apart of The Center family.

Sandy Mcfarland Ward grew up right here in Bridgehampton, spending a huge chunk of her life right at The Center. She attended Bridgehampton School and ran track and field for East Hampton High School where her records still stand to this day. She went on to attend college at Syracuse University on a track scholarship. She continued her education at Florida Atlantic University where she earned a Master’s degree in Education Leadership. She is now the principal at W.R. Odell Elementary School in North Carolina. She is married to her charming husband, Cory, and they have two children; their son, Kendall, and daughter, Karlee.

————————————————————————

BHCCRC: Tell us a little about your childhood and growing up in The Hamptons. What high school did you attend, what sports/activities did you participate in, etc.

Sandy: My family, the Hopsons, were one of many large families in Bridgehampton. I attended Bridgehampton School from kindergarten through twelfth grade. I was active in church, the First Baptist Church of Bridgehampton. I’ve lived here all my life until I moved away for college.

BHCCRC: When did you attend the Center? What is your most memorable moment there?

Sandy: I attended the Center every summer/fall probably all the way up to through middle grade years. My favorite memories were when we went to see the Knicks games at Madison Square Garden. Every summer, we went to Long Beach In Sag Harbor a couple of times a week. I can remember walking on the hot concrete to buy some french fries at the Oasis. They were the bomb! On Sundays, the Center was always the place to be! The basketball courts were full of fellas balling out- people from other towns would come in to play and it was exciting! All of the young boys got their start watching the older guys on the courts at the Center.

Ann Bacon and Polis Walker were directors of our Teens Program, and they were always there for us. They counseled us, guided us, laughed with and at us, and were tough on us when we needed it. I’m forever grateful to both of them for always being there for us!

BHCCRC: How did the Center affect your life?

Sandy: It was my first official job. Like most teenagers in Bridgehampton, I was a Counselor in Training then a senior counselor all the way from 9^th grade to my junior year in college at The Center’s summer camp. As far as my development as a person, the Center was a pivotal part of my life. I was part of many programs, sponsored at the Center, ‘The Ladies of the 80’s’ was the most impactful. It was a character development program that was led by Ms. Sharlene Hartwell. She positively impacted the lives of the young women of our community. We did fashion shows every year and it was great!

BHCCRC: What did you go on to do post-high school?

Sandy: I attended Syracuse University on a Track & Field scholarship, after running track for East Hampton High School. I met my husband Cory there. He also ran track. From there, we moved to Florida, where I began my teaching career. In 2002, I completed my Master’s Degree program in Education Leadership from Florida Atlantic University. That was also the year when my first child, Kendall, was born. A few years later, my daughter Karlee was born.  Soon after, our family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where I’m now an elementary school Principal. Throughout all of my travels, here and yonder, I’ve always remained connected to the Center.

BHCCRC: As an adult, what is one of your favorite past time activities?

Sandy: Reading, meditating and traveling.

BHCCRC: If you could speak to your 16-year-old self, what advice would you give her?

Sandy: Don’t worry so much about what others think of you, keep working hard and give 100%.

BHCCRC: What is your life motto?

Sandy: Keep moving forward!

The Center’s”Where Are They Now?” Alumni Series: Ron White

The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center prides itself on being a staple part of the East End community. Over the years, our children have grown up and ventured out into the world to become quite successful. We have created this alumni series to not only inspire our current children as they prepare for the future but to remind the alumni that they will always be apart of The Center family.

Ronald White, affectionately known as “Ronnie”, grew up right in Bridgehampton on Huntington Crossway, less than a mile from the Center, with his parents and three siblings. His older brother, Russell White III, is currently an elementary teacher in the South Bronx, his younger brother, Anthony White, is a certified physical trainer on the East End, and his sister, Sharvon Cooks, is a manager/clerk at Suburban Sanitation and secretary/treasurer at the First Church of God in Christ. He gives all thanks to his mother, Dorothy White, and his father, Russell White Jr., for their families’ success. [Rest in peace, Pop. Love you!]

Ronnie attended Bridgehampton School his entire life and went on to attended college at SUNY Cortland, Suffolk Comm College and LIU Southampton. He is now licensed Sales Agent at Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Bridgehampton for the past 14 years. He is now married to his lovely wife, Milena White, and they have two handsome sons, Elijah and Ezra.

————————————————————————

BHCCRC: Tell us a little about your childhood and growing up in The Hamptons. What high school did you attend, what sports/activities did you participate in, etc

Ron: My childhood was awesome, I wouldn’t trade it in for the world!! Growing up, we never considered our home, “the Hamptons”. To me, this is the Great East End! An area made up of little towns that many of us spent our lives town hopping for parties, open gyms, SAT prep, multi-cultural classes, leadership conferences, church, carnivals, graduation parties…did I say church?, funerals, weddings, rec-nights, oh yeah…church and an occasional high school rival basketball game or two. Despite the rival history, the East End has always been made up of people who’ve shown love well beyond our town borders. In short, the East End is one big family. For me, I’m lucky enough to be from Bridgehampton aka “Tha Bridge” aka  the 2^nd most dynamic school in the state in Basketball, 3^rd smallest school in New York State!

I attended Bridgehampton School. I was a three sport student athlete from 7th-12th grade, participating in basketball, football and track & field. I played the baritone and trumpet for our school band and participated in school government my entire high school career.

BHCCRC: When did you attend the Center? What is your most memorable moment here?

Ron: I’ve been a patron at the Center from the age of three to this present day. My brother Russ and I graduated Pre-K at the Center. I can vaguely remember the ceremony believe it or not! Back then, Ms. Parks was the director. However, I most fondly remember summer camp. Man…..those were the days! The camp goers came from all walks of life, some from the next town over like Gary and Chappelle coming from Sag Harbor, and other from out of state like Jeff and Brandon Clay from Virginia; but when we got to the Center, we were all one and we looked forward to see each other every summer. The love we had for each other was indescribable. The Center is where you first learned how to sing and the same place where you had your first opportunity to test your basketball skills against the local talent on “hard court.” (I specify hard court because prior to The Center, many of us played basketball in our backyards on dirt that you had to water down every 15 minutes to keep the dust under control.) The Center is also where you first learned how to barter and negotiate especially during lunch when we would all scope out each other’s lunches and start trading. I was always ready to trade my ham sandwich for a PB&J. To this day, that’s still my absolute favorite.

Those are some very brief memorable moments at the Center for me but overall, it was a place where you had the opportunity to implement the lessons you were taught at home. For many of us, the Center served as a conduit to the “real world”. We spent a lot of time there as a result of our parents’ work schedules. The Center was a launching pad that enabled us to understand and appreciate our self-worth, what we meant to our families, our communities, our worlds. We spent a lot of time fighting and crying but most of all loving and caring for one another. The Center instilled in us a sense of unity which resonates to this day.

BHCCRC: How did the Center impact your life?

Ron: The Center has had a BIG impact on my life. There is a song we used to sing there titled I belong to the Center. A line in that short song says, “I belong to a family of friends…its’ great to know to know that I belong.” We were/are indeed a true family of friends. I find myself striving to establish that same close net family feeling everywhere I go.

BHCCRC: What did you go on to do post-high school?

Ron: I graduated from Bridgehampton High School in 1999 and went on to attend The State University of New York College at Cortland for two years before transferring to Suffolk County Community College at Selden. During my time at Suffolk, I obtained my Associates Degree in Business Administration and Computer Science as well as leading the basketball team to two consecutive national titles as captain.

After Suffolk College, I received a full athletic (two year) scholarship to Long Island University at Southampton while landing a part-time paralegal job at a local Real Estate Attorney Firm Farrell Fritz. Five years later, I obtained a NYS Real Estate Agent license and began working for Douglas Elliman Real Estate here in Bridgehampton as a licensed Sales Agent. I am blessed and humbled to say I’ve been here for 14 years. In addition, I currently serve as board President for our Bridgehampton School District which was recently nationally recognized for being one of the best schools according to US News & Report.

I am a volunteer Junior Varsity Basketball Coach, spent about eight years as a volunteer PAL football & basketball coach. I am the drummer and member of the First Baptist Church in Bridgehampton and served as Trustee for a couple years prior.

BHCCRC: As an adult, what is one of your favorite past time activities?

Ron: Although I don’t get to do this as much as I would like to, one of my favorite things to do is to be home with my wife and kids. I’m blessed to have an amazing wife, Milena White, and two strong-hearted boys Elijah, 14, a freshman at BHS and Ezrah, 2, who expects to start Pre-K next year. I really enjoy being home in sweats and weathered house slippers finding ways to annoy my family. lol They make it all worthwhile.

BHCCRC: If you could speak to your 16-year-old self, what advice would you give him?

Ron: Shut up and listen sometimes man! You don’t have an answer for everything.

BHCCRC: What is your life motto?

Ron: Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

 

 

Event Recap: Basketball Court Dedication

This past weekend, the weather was very dreary as the weather men kept track of what’s to come from Hurricane Matthew. Overcasts kept folks indoors and reminded us Eastern Long Islanders that the summer season had officially ended. Although the clouds were gray and heavy, the energy at the Center was anything but.

On Saturday, October 1, The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center had the dedication of their new basketball court and it was quite the success. Affectionately known as “The Center”, BHCCRC has become a safe haven for children of lower income families and children on the East End with educational and recreational programs and support for six decades.  Anyone that has grown up in the area or came to visit during the summer season can share a memory or two that they’ve had on that basketball court. To keep tradition alive, it was time to give the children a chance to make their own memories. Developer Carol Konner paved the court and Ed Bulgin & Associates donated the lines and new hoops. The Andy Sabin Foundation, along with Dan Rattiner, VP of the board, and his wife, advisory board member, Chris Wasserstein have been big supporters to The Center throughout the years and made the dream become a reality!

Our Center kids tested out the new court with basketball drills from Bridgehampton Killer Bees coach Carl Johnson and Center alumni Ron White. Our alumni received certificates of appreciation and we ended the event with a BBQ lunch- thanks to Brenda Pinckney, Michael Feaster and Gloria Cannon. Yum!

On behalf of Executive Director Bonnie Michelle Cannon, we want to thank our advisory and board members, documentarians, local press, sponsors, friends and community for making this event quite a success. Whenever you’re in the area, Don’t just drive by. Stop by. Make new memories with us!

To see more pictures and videos of the event, please visit our Facebook page.

Be sure to keep us with us on Twitter and Instagram!

Twitter: BHCCRCenter

Instagram: BHCCRCenter

Straight Talk Lecture Series: Reggie Van Lee

On Saturday, July 23rd at 2pm Reggie Van Lee, Executive Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton will be our guest speaker for Thinking Forward Lecture Series, Straight Talk Real People. 

Were are they now…Tamara George

BHCCRC – Where are they now series…
We had an opportunity to catch up with BHCCRC alumni Tamara George, and she was gracious enough to share her BHCCRC experience with us.

BHCCRC: When did you attend the Center?

Tamara George: When I was younger, I was one of the few kids that did not go to the summer program because I spent time between home and visiting my grandmother “up the island”.  However, like most kids in the community, I spent a lot of time at the Center playing on the playground, watching the guys play basketball, and sneaking into the teen building to play pool and ping pong.  I remember unsuccessfully trying to convenience Ann Bacon, the teen director, to lower the age for the teen group.  I “officially” attended the Center as a preteen and teen in the Teen Program.

BHCCRC: Do you have a fond memory to share?

Tamara George: I have tons of fond memories too many to count.  I could go on forever.  The best memory was my first kiss on the steps of what is now the McCall building.  In fact such a fond memory, Jeff and I have a photo of the old building framed in our living room.

BHCCRC: How did your time at the Center positively affect your life?

Tamara George: Where do I begin, the Center has been a huge part of my life.  Truly all positive.  Four generations of my family have been a part of the Center.  Actually, four generations of my family have worked at the Center.  My grandmother, Carolyn “Marie”, was a cook at the Center for several years.  My Dad, PJ, got his first job working at the Center.  I worked as the after school teacher while I was in college.  I later worked as the Director of Development until I moved to VA in 2007.  I returned later in 2013, and revised the Teen program.  My daughter, Raven, worked as a counselor in the summer program after her first year of college.  I mention this because it is hard to just think of what the Center has done for me.  It is not just a recreational facility, but this organization has provided economic opportunities as well.  It has truly served this community since the day it started when the land was donated after the death of the young child of the migrant worker in a fire almost 60 years ago.  As for me, working at the Center inspired me to work in the nonprofit field.  I remember when I was working under Anna Throne-Holst she told me that she thought I would be a great executive director.  As an accounting major that was not something I considered at the time.  How great was it to look back on that conversation with Anna (Southampton Town Supervisor at the time) during a Housing Authority meeting after announcing that I got a  job as an executive director.  Not to mention working with the current executive director, Bonnie Cannon.  What an honor and a privilege.  I’ve learned so much from Bonnie.  She continues to be a great mentor and friend.

BHCCRC: Did you attend Bridgehampton School? Did you go on to any higher education or vocational training?

Tamara George: Yes, I am a proud alumnus of Bridgehampton School.  I earned a BS in Accounting from LIU Southampton, and my MBA from Dowling College.

BHCCRC: What are you doing now?

Tamara George: I am the Executive Director at Aspire Counseling.  A nonprofit mental health organization in Gaithersburg, MD.

Thank you Tamara for taking time away from your busy schedule to talk with us. We wish you continued success. Be well.

Where are they now: Jeff Clay

BHCCRC – Where are they now series…
We had an opportunity to catch up with BHCCRC alumni Jeff Clay, and he was gracious enough to share his BHCCRC experience with us.

Jeff Clay Jr. -MSM, Detective Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, D.C. Criminal Investigations Division

BHCCRC: When did you attend the Center? dates…

JC: I attended the Center for some of my pre-school years between 1979 & 1980. My Aunt “Mag” Margaret Johnson used to work in the kitchen so I also spent a great deal of time in there. I was largely a summer kid though. I spent my fall, winter and spring in Washington DC. Every year I would get out of school in the 1st week of June and then immediately travel to Bridgehampton to spend summers with my Aunt Mag…she literally lived directly across the street from the Center.

– I attended the Summer Camp/ Summer Program for 9 consecutive years…some of those years it was coordinated by my cousin Ann Bacon. I also attended the Teen Program as well. So basically I attended the Center in some capacity every year from 1979-1992. 

BHCCRC: How did your time at the center positively effect your life?

JC: My time at the Center could be explained as the best time of my life. The place created a sense of family that has not been duplicated in any program with which I have participated throughout the nation. There is a special sense of community that I experienced there. I often times attended with cousins; in addition, some of my older cousins even ended up being my camp counselors. It was a place where I always felt comfortable. I trusted everyone there. I felt a sense of genuine concern about my well-being. There was never a dull day. The place was exciting.

I vividly remember softball games at the far field, jumping off of the old platforms at the lower playground, climbing the tower of old tires and playing basketball and kickball on the court. There were countless trips to the ocean or the beach in Sag Harbor…hikes etc. The memories of fun are endless, and I carry the joy with me daily. The Center was a majestic environment for a young child when I attended.The place has catapulted me to what I consider a successful life. I learned lessons of community, teamwork, loyalty and pride at the Center. These characteristics are the crux of professional, scholastic and athletic environments. Employers, colleagues, teachers, classmates, teammates and coaches embrace follow people that exude these characteristics…I’m proud to say that the Center cultivated these characteristics in me.

BHCCRC: Did you have a mentor? Would you be interested in becoming a mentor to one of the kids?

JC:  In all honesty I had too many mentors to remember. I remember the older guys like my cousins Troy Bowe, Andre Johnson, Bobby Hopson, Carl Johnson showing me how to play hoops. Guys like Darryl Hemby and Mike Street being examples of competitors and pushing me to be a confident athlete. Polis Walker was around at the teen Center sharing words of wisdom…who can forget Curtis Moore making sure we knew how to sing classics like “Favorite Things” among other songs. I can easily leave people out…there are so many that influenced me and mentored me. I am surely interested in becoming a mentor!!

BHCCRC: Did you go to college?

BC: Catholic University (Washington DC) BA in Communication 1998 ( All-American Athlete / Currently in the Athletic Hall of Fame *Football) Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) MS in Management/ Public Policy 2009
BHCCRC: What are you doing now?

JC: I am a Violent Crime Detectives for the Washington DC Police Department. I also Coach Football…I have closed many homicide and shooting cases. I have also coached a few NFL athletes and many college athletes.

BHCCRC: Do you come back to the center to donate your time? If you have not would you be open to doing something at the center. 

JC: I have been back a few times…only donated my time once! I am totally open to donating time…I owe the place.

Thank you Jeff, we are proud of you and wish you continued happiness and success. We look forward to seeing you soon, you are always welcomed to come back and visit. We will connect with you on ways you can continue to support the center.

 

Congratulations Tylik Furman

Congratulations to Bridgehampton High School Senior, Tylik Furman on his acceptance to The University of New Haven. We wish you well and tremendous success. 

Tylik and his mom