The Iron Skillet® Cook Off Recap
-A Note from Founder, Lisa Orloff-
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The grills have cooled, the plates are cleaned, and a winner has been crowned (more on that later). And so closes the chapter on another Iron Skillet Cook Off. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to be physically together like we usually are, but we were thankfully still able to bring our community together in an exciting virtual format. We had an amazing time last night, and we sincerely hope that we brought some joy and community to everyone who tuned in. The 2020 Virtual Iron Skillet Cook Off would not have been possible without the efforts and support of so many people.
First and foremost, thank you to Brooklyn's Bryan Anderson (Engine 247), the Bronx's Ron Venner (Engine 42), Manhattan's Jose Cruz (Engine 95, Ladder 36), Queens' Peter "Laz" Lazarcheck (Engine 291, Ladder 140, Ret.), and Staten Island's Robert Coghlan (Ocean Hook & Ladder #1) for all their hard work throughout this process. Their dishes were exquisite and their professionalism was second-to-none. We want to thank everyone who tuned in last night to watch these firefighters compete. World Cares Center would also like to thank our Iron Skillet Cook Off Platinum and Bronze Sponsors: Cardoza Plumbing, Brooklyn Brewery, Barasch & McGarry, Sugar in the Raw, GFP Real Estate, the Uniformed Firefighters Association, Le Creuset, Tito's Vodka, and Sterling Floor Designs. We would also like to thank our community partners Brooklyn Brewery (who also provided the beer pairings for the ISCO dishes) and Fornino for allowing us to use their time, locations, and services to successfully execute the Iron Skillet Cook Off. Thank you to Fornino's own Michael Ayoub for being our head chef and biggest supporter throughout this entire process.
World Cares Center would like to thank our product sponsor Cabot Cheese for supplying cheese boxes for our supporters. We would like to thank our media partners PIX-11 and iHeart Radio, and specifically Master of Ceremonies Kirstin Cole and team champions Steve Bartel and Shelli Sonstein. We would also like to thank team champions and NFL alumni Thomas Huff and Tim Wright. We thank mixologist Davina Thomasula and anthem singer Deonté L. Warren for their contributions to the Iron Skillet Cook Off. Thank you to FDNY Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanagh for her support of the Iron Skillet Cook Off. Last, but certainly not least, we want to thank our partners Dakoit Productions and Simplified Impact for all of their work to make this event a success.
We look forward to seeing you all in 2021 when we can be back together for the Iron Skillet Cook Off once again.
Thank You!
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In 3rd place, we have Team GFP Real Estate with Firefighter Robert Coghlan from Staten Island's Ocean Hook & Ladder #1, cooking Chimichurri Steak.
Congratulations Robert!
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In 2nd place, we have Team Brooklyn Brewery with Firefighter Bryan Anderson from Brooklyn's Engine 247, cooking Lamb Chops with Creamy Mustard Sauce and Grilled Asparagus.
Congratulations Bryan!
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The winner is Team Cardoza Plumbing with Firefighter Peter "Laz" Lazarcheck from Queens' Engine 291, Ladder 140 (Ret.), cooking Stuffed Pork Roll-Ups with Madeira Cream Sauce.
Congratulations Peter!
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Virtual Iron Skillet Cook Off Honoree
Captain Joseph Russo
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World Cares Center would like to congratulate our 2020 Virtual Iron Skillet Cook Off Ready Responder Lifetime of Leadership Awardee: Captain Joseph Russo! Captain Russo has been imperative to the World Cares Center mission for over 10 years, helping to execute the Iron Skillet Cook Off for over a decade, as well as regularly advocating and promoting World Cares Center and our mission. The work done by Captain Russo has been essential to the growth and success of World Cares Center. We thank Captain Russo for all he has done for World Cares Center! |
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Halloween COVID-19 Safety Tips |
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With Halloween fast approaching, World Cares Center would like to provide you with some tips to stay safe from COVID-19 when celebrating. As always, remember to wash your hands, wear a mask, and maintain a distance of 6 feet from other people wherever possible. Have a happy and safe Halloween!
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Halloween Tips
- If you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19, stay home. Do not participate in any in-person events, trick-or-treating, or any other Halloween festivities. Also, do not distribute candy to trick-or-treaters.
- Participate in low/lower risk activities that embody the spirit of Halloween without putting you in harm's way. Pumpkin carving at home, decorating your home, virtual costume contests, family movie night, and in-home candy scavenger hunts are all fun, low risk ways to celebrate Halloween.
- If you do decide to leave your home on Halloween, there are some moderate risk activities you can participate in, without putting yourself in immediate danger. Open-air pumpkin and apple picking, socially distanced costume contests (with small groups), and prepackaged trick-or-treating, where the candy has been previously separated and does not require personal contact, are all examples of moderate risk activities. Remember to wear a mask at all times and use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces and objects.
- Avoid high risk activities. Traditional trick-or-treating, haunted houses, costume parties, and most other traditional Halloween events pose a greater risk of you contracting COVID-19.
- If we all work together, we can have a fun and safe Halloween while preventing the further spread of COVID-19!
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In recognition of the 101st Veterans Day on November 11, 2020, World Cares Center would like to take a moment to extend our sincerest gratitude to all veterans. Your dedication to protecting the safety of our nation is of unmatched importance. We would like to extend a special thank you to World Cares Center Team Leader, Veteran Steven Ayling, and World Cares Center Trainer, Veteran David Rosas. Thank you for your service.
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Election 2020 COVID-19 Safety Tips |
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Election Day is on November 3, 2020, though in many states early voting has already begun. World Cares Center would like to provide you with some tips to stay safe from COVID-19 when voting this year. To learn more about voter guidelines for your individual state, please click here. |
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Federal Guidelines
- Protect yourself. Wash your hands before entering and after leaving your polling location. Use hand sanitizers after touching any objects or surfaces. Wear a mask and maintain 6 feet of separation between you and other voters.
- Avoid crowds. Vote early if possible, or try to vote during off-peak times.
- Know your polling location and voting hours. Due to COVID-19, some polling locations have changed and others have altered hours from traditional years. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your polling location and voting hours. Vote early if possible to minimize the risk of issues on Election Day. If your voting is on paper ballots, bring your own black pen to remove the need to use a communal pen.
- DO NOT try to disinfect an electronic voting machine. They are highly sophisticated pieces of equipment, and cleaning fluids and disinfectants risk causing electrical failure. Instead, sanitize your hands immediately after voting.
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COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and over 35 other states. On October 20, New Jersey and Connecticut both reached case rates that were above the required rate for quarantining when entering New York. Due to the geography and economy of the tri-state area, New York will not be shutting down travel throughout the region, but does ask for non-essential travel to be limited.
Locally, New York City has a few hot zones with the highest case rates. These zones are under stricter regulations, including renewed shutdowns. The borders of the hot zones are subject to change as case rates change. To check if your address is within one of the restricted areas please click here.
It is important to remember that even if it feels like life is returning to normal, the COVID-19 pandemic still presents a very real and present threat. Remember to wash your hands often, wear a mask, and maintain 6 feet of distance from others whenever possible.
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World Cares Center Remembers Hurricane Sandy |
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This week, World Cares Center remembers the 8th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. In 2012, one of the costliest hurricanes ever made landfall in the Northeastern United States, causing incredible destruction in its wake. We remember those who lost their lives and livelihoods, and thank all those who rose above and beyond to help rebuild our communities. |
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World Cares Center Supports
Our Community Partners
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Over the past month, World Cares Center has been supporting our partners, both at home and around the country, through the distribution of sleeping bags and masks to communities in need. World Cares Center sent 100 sleeping bags to Lake Charles, Louisiana, in support of the hurricane relief efforts following Hurricanes Laura and Delta. An additional 100 sleeping bags were sent to Santa Barbara, California, to support the increased homeless population resulting from COVID imposed capacities on shelters.
Closer to home, World Cares Center has distributed 200 cloth masks at Channel View Middle School and High School in Far Rockaway, 250 cloth masks in midtown Manhattan, 250 cloth masks at firehouses throughout Staten Island, in partnership with the United Firefighters Association, and 50 cloth masks in the Bronx. We look forward to having more opportunities over the coming months to continue supporting our communities at home and around the country. If you would like to host a mask distribution in the New York City area, please email Michael at implementation@worldcares.org.
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Man Up! Inc. Training - Disaster Volunteerism Physical and Emotional Resiliency |
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On Friday, October 23, Founder Lisa Orloff delivered a Zoom training with Man Up! Inc. on the topics of Disaster Volunteerism Physical and Emotional Resiliency as they pertain to COVID-19 safety. Man Up! Inc. serves underprivileged communities by advocating for neighborhood improvement and for the complete understanding of emergency preparedness. World Cares Center is excited about our partnership with Man Up! Inc., and many more trainings to come.
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November is Resiliency Month |
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November is Resiliency Month. Throughout the month, our content and trainings will focus on emotional resiliency in the time of COVID-19. We encourage you to attend our Round Table on November 6 to learn more. Space is limited, so do not miss your opportunity to sign up! You can also become a Ready Responder and take our Resiliency Training by clicking here.
Join us for the next Round Table with World Cares Center Founder Lisa Orloff
Date: Friday, November 6, 2020
Time: 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Preview: Lisa Orloff will be leading a discussion on emotional resiliency in the time of COVID-19.
Become a Ready Responder member now. It’s free!
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