Recently, a special evening was held honoring local teens from Larchmont and Mamaroneck for their commitment to community service.

 

CTeen boasts a membership of close to 50 Jewish teenagers who get together weekly during the school year to do a variety of programs benefiting people in need – both locally as well as nationally and internationally.

 

In recognition of their great work, Chabad of Larchmont and Mamaroneck, who sponsors this program, held an evening for the teens and their parents where the teens received certificates of honor and awards for their devotion to helping those less fortunate.

 

The evening began with words by Jessie Rosenblatt, Co-President of Cteen, a sophomore at Mamaroneck High School {MHS}, who spoke of the great sense of meaning and purpose she gets every week through the Cteen projects.  A video was also shown recapping the many community service projects done this year. Then the group heard words of inspiration from Rabbi Mendel Silberstein, director of the program, who encouraged the teens to keep up their spirit and enthusiasm for volunteering during the summer. He also addressed those graduating and spoke of the importance to continue their great work in college as well.

 

Katie Solomon, a freshman at MHS, spoke of her experience joining Cteen this year and highlighted her favorite project, which was running a full blown carnival for the children living at the Coachman Family Homeless Shelter in White Plains.  Then Andrea Danziger of Mamaroneck, a parent of both past and present Cteen volunteers, spoke on behalf of all the grateful parents and shared her own thoughts and appreciation for the program.

 

Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy imparted a few touching words and handed out Certificates of Merit from the Office of the Westchester County Executive,  signed by County Executive George Latimer. The teens also received a beautiful menorah as a token for their volunteering.

 

A special award went to the graduating teens who were involved in C-teen throughout their four years of high school. They were represented by senior Jeremy Hoffner who shared how Cteen helped shape his experience as a high school student keeping him and his friends focused and involved in the community.

 

The teens left with a great feeling of accomplishment and commitment to continue with Cteen when school resumes in the fall.

 

Among the programs the teens did this year were: Prepared hundreds of sandwiches for the homeless at HOPE Community Services, Inc.; Played basketball with young adults from Southeast Consortium; Baked challah with developmentally challenged adults from Chai House & Beach House; Played games and did crafts with the residents of Sarah Neuman;. Created beautiful floral arrangements for local seniors; Ran a clothing drive for Shalom Center of Brooklyn; Heard from Holocaust survivor Judith Altman; Packed Passover packages for U.S. Troops; Ran a carnival at the Coachman Family Homeless Shelter; Recorded audio books for the blind at Bach to Rock; and Shark Tank - Israel Edition!

 

The Cteen board members for the year 2017-18   include: Jordana Miller & Jessie Rosenblatt, Co-Presidents; Alix Master, Vice President ; Rachel Barry, Secretary; Jonny Reich, Treasurer; and Board members: Andrew Danziger, Ari Miller, Lauren Raved  and  Rebecca Super.