The staff at the Hebrew Educational Society (H.E.S.), located at 9502 Seaview Avenue, went all out for their first Youth and Family Day held at the facility on Sunday, February 23rd. The event’s theme was “Together We Shine,” and the day was jam-packed with educational and fun activities in which both the children and their parents participated.
They bonded over projects such as art therapy, which promoted social and emotional learning, by painting and experimenting with various colors while learning their effects on one’s mood. These activities were accompanied by soothing classical, yoga or instrumental music.
In other activities, a mother made bracelets with her children’s names, from assorted beads, while families made popcorn, baked and decorated cookies or even built a volcano.
There were also youth sports activities, including basketball and soccer games in which the children were completely immersed, as well as a bingo game that included all attendees.
A Black History Museum, which was created by the students, was also on display at the event. It showcased many influential African Americans, from emancipation to present day, and noted their accomplishments and contributions to society. The exhibits covered areas of inventions, sports, entertainment and music.
Some of the notables featured were track and field Olympian, Jesse Owens; civil rights activist, Rosa Parks; jazz pioneer and leader of the Harlem Renaissance, Louis Armstrong; agricultural scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver; inventor, Sarah Boone; and Olympian gymnast, Gabrielle (Gabby) Douglas.
A “Dream Board” posted in the lobby paid special homage to the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It highlighted many “dreams” expressed by the students who began working on it in preparation for MLK Day which was observed on January 20th.
Councilwoman Marcedes Narcisse, whose children attended the H.E.S. when they were young, had nothing but high praise for the institution and all involved in making the event the success that it was. “They are making a real difference in our community,” she stated.
The occasion ended with a series of performances which included piano and dance recitals, yoga and even martial arts.
To learn about all the other great programs the H.E.S. has to offer, including summer camp, early childhood, music lessons and more, visit thehes.org or call (718) 241-3000.
