The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Inside Press

Jacob Burns Center Film & Community Celebration Honored Entertainment Community Fund, Janet Maslin and Joe Carlucci; Featured Cast of How to Dance in Ohio

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Joe Benincasa, President and CEO of the Entertainment Community Fund, and Dori Berinstein, JBFC Board Member    JBFC Photos by Lynda Shenkman
Honoree Janet Maslin, JBFC Board President, with her daughter in law Jennifer Reese and son John Cheever
Lynn Sobel, JBFC Board Chair, and Honoree Joe Carlucci
How to Dance in Ohio team: Top L-R: Sammy Lopez (Producer), Liam Pierce (Cast), Desmond Edwards (Cast), Conor Tague (Cast), Ben Holtzman, Fiona Rudin, Bottom L-R: Sammi Cannold (Director), Amelia Fei (Cast), Imani Russell (Cast), Ashley Wool (Cast)
Stephen Apkon, JBFC founder
L-R: Mary Jo Ziesel, Ginny Gold, JBFC Board Member, and Laureen Barber, JBFC Board Vice Chair

 

Pleasantville, NY — A September 18 event at the Jacob Burns Film Center included the presentation of the Vision Award to the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund); the David Swope Leadership Award to Joseph P. Carlucci, JBFC Founding Board Member; a special tribute to Janet Maslin, JBFC Founding Board Member and President; and performances from the cast of the new Broadway musical, How to Dance in Ohio.

The Entertainment Community Fund received the Vision Award in recognition of its unparalleled role in supporting a life in the arts. The Fund, a national human services organization, addresses the unique needs of people who work in performing arts and entertainment with services focused on health and wellness, career and life, and housing. President and CEO Joe Benincasa accepted the award on behalf of the Entertainment Community Fund. Dori Berinstein, JBFC Board Member, Broadway producer, documentary filmmaker presented the award.

 

The evening included a special tribute to Janet Maslin, a JBFC Founding Board Member and President. Since 2001, Janet has welcomed hundreds of icons from the worlds of film, music, and literature to the JBFC. The tribute will underscore Janet’s profound impact on fostering connections between the JBFC and some of the most influential and dynamic figures in the entertainment world.

 

A founding board member, Joe Carlucci has served the JBFC tirelessly and passionately over the years. A partner at Cuddy & Feder, Joe’s community involvement spans numerous nonprofit organizations, including Mercy College and Westchester Community College. 

The cast of How to Dance in Ohio performed two numbers from the heart-filled musical, which begins preview performances on Broadway on November 15. Based on the award-winning HBO documentary, the show is about seven autistic young adults preparing for a spring formal dance at a group counseling center in Columbus, Ohi0 – on the cusp of the next phase of their lives, facing their hopes and fears, ready to make a very big first move… and dance. 

Inside Press story presented in partnership with the Jacob Burns Film Center.

 

Celebrate Fall with Top-Rated Halloween Experiences: Two Activations of The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze® and a Full Roster of Legend of Sleepy Hollow-Themed Events

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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Two Locations Plus Brand New Event: The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country to Feature Master Illusionists

Hudson Valley: Blaze returns to its location at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson for the 19th year. Long Island: Blaze presented by Catholic Health will return to Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage for the fourth year.

This year, too: On the grounds of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown, visitors can enjoy two special celebrations of the author’s most famous work: Home of the ‘Legend,’ during the day and dramatic evening performances of Irving’s ‘Legend.’ A brand-new event will come to Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow this season, The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, where visitors will be astounded by master illusionists communicating with legends thought long departed.

Both Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® experiences are bigger and better than ever and feature thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns lit up in elaborate displays throughout historic landscapes. Blaze: Hudson Valley will run for 54 nights from September 15 through November 19. Blaze: Long Island will run for 30 nights from September 22 through November 5. New displays at Blaze: Hudson Valley include the country’s first-ever pumpkin Ferris wheel, a circus sideshow, and a jack o’lantern tribute to the Day of the Dead. At Blaze: Long Island, visitors will go under the sea with a giant pumpkin-octopus, meet the mythical Montauk mermaid, and get to know our friendly Pumpkin Pals. Both locations feature immersive experiences, an all-original soundtrack, theatrical lighting, and special effects.

Sleepy Hollow will get a little bit spookier with a new event at Philipsburg Manor, The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, featuring Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, both professional magicians. These master illusionists will take visitors on a supernatural journey, conjuring the spirits of Sleepy Hollow lore, including Hulda, Major Andre, and the Headless Horseman, for a night of mystery and fun. The event takes place in the Dutch barn on the 18th-century property.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Returns This September

More Halloween fun can be found at the estate of Washington Irving, America’s founding father of literature. Historic Hudson Valley is bringing his classic spooky tale to life at Sunnyside, where daytime visitors can tour Irving’s home, take in an original shadow puppet film, and see a special Legend exhibit at Home of the ‘Legend.’ In the evenings, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk casts a spell with dramatic performances of Irving’s ‘Legend,’ performed outdoors under the stars. Complete with live music by Jim Keyes, this performance is sure to thrill audiences of all ages.

A one-day event, Belinda’s Bewitching Tea Party, will treat visitors to spooky mocktails and festive snacks, along with a special opportunity to see the original doll from our collection and a brand-new toy based on the item.

Blaze: Long Island is presented by Catholic Health. Supporting sponsor is Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

Blaze: Hudson Valley’s Supporting Sponsor is Servpro of Peekskill, Ossining, and Contributing Sponsors are JPMorgan Chase and Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. Tarrytown House Estate is the Hospitality Partner.

All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization that owns and operates several National Historic Landmarks.

Ticket and date information

These events have limited capacity and sell out. All admissions are by advance purchase only. Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

Blaze: Hudson Valley dates are September 15-17, 22-24, 27-30; October 1-31; November: 1-5, 8-12, 17-19. Online tickets start at $32 for adults and $24 for children 3-17, and are free for children 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members can attend for free.

Blaze: Long Island presented by Catholic Health dates are September 22-24, 29-30; October 1, 6-15, 18-22, 25-31; November: 3-5. Online tickets start at $29 for adults and $19 for children 3- 17, and are free for children 2 and under.

The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic dates are September 29- October 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29. Online tickets start at $65 and Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.

Irving’s ‘Legend’ dates are September 29-October 1, 6-9, 13-15, 20-22, 27-31. Online tickets start at $35 for adults and $30 for children. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.

Home of the ‘Legend’ dates are September 15-17, 22-24, 29-31; October 1; 6-9; 13-15; 20-22; 27-31 and November 3-5. Online tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and children 3-17, and are free for those 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.

Belinda’s Bewitching Tea Party is on September 16. Online tickets start at $35. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.

Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

 The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley features illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in elaborate displays which are professionally lit throughout the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor in various themed areas. Favorite installations, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Pumpkin Planetarium, are joined this year by new creations like a pumpkin Ferris wheel and a circus sideshow.

Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of Historic Hudson Valley staff and local artists who carve. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Shop offers a selection of Blaze-specific merchandise including T-shirts and hats. Snacks and drinks, including beer from Captain Lawrence, will be available to purchase.

Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Avenue, just off Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Long Island presented by Catholic Health features illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in elaborate displays professionally lit throughout the landscape of Old Bethpage Village Restoration – a historic site owned and operated by Nassau County – in various themed areas.

Favorite installations appear along with site-specific displays including a sea monster and sea creatures, as well as a lighthouse, an homage to the location’s proximity to the ocean.

Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of local artists who carve all the jack o’lanterns. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Shop offers a selection of Blaze-specific merchandise including T-shirts and hats. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration is at 1303 Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage. More information about both Blaze activations is available at pumpkinblaze.org.

The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic Featuring Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, this event features these master illusionists communicating with the spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country, such as Hulda, Major Andre, and the Headless Horseman, delighting and thrilling audiences. The event takes place in the evenings in the Dutch barn at Philipsburg Manor, in the heart of Sleepy Hollow. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow.

All Information Presented in Partnership with Historic Hudson Valley

Historic Hudson Valley Events Kick Off with The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

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The Historic Hudson Valley will be holding fantastic Fall events including The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (running for 54 nights, 9/15 – 11/19) in Croton-on-Hudson at Van Cortlandt Manor and on Long lsland (for 30 nights 9/22 – 11/5) and their newest event: The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, featuring master illusionists Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace which will takes place in the Dutch Barn at Philipsburg Manor (9/29 – 10/29) in Sleepy Hollow.  

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is not only the premier “must see” Fall event in the tri-state area but this year’s event is bigger and better than ever before, featuring thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns lit up in elaborate displays throughout historic landscapes. 

New displays this year at the Blaze: Hudson Valley include the country’s first-ever pumpkin Ferris wheel, a circus sideshow, and a jack o’lantern tribute to the Day of the Dead. At Blaze: Long Island (9/22 – 11/5), visitors will venture under the sea to meet a giant pumpkin-octopus, the mythical Montauk mermaid, and more. Both locations feature immersive experiences, an all-original soundtrack, theatrical lighting, and special effects.  Visit: www.pumpkinblaze.org

Information Presented in Partnership with Historic Hudson Valley

“Take a Bite out of Hunger” Benefit for The Mount Kisco Interfaith Pantry to Take Place October 15, 2023

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The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry (the “Pantry”) will be hosting its “Take a Bite out of Hunger” benefit on October 15, 2023 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Captain Lawrence Barrel House, 369 Lexington Avenue, Mount Kisco, NY.

Join the Pantry at this fun event for “suds”, “sliders” and “songs.” Featuring fantastic food and beverages by the Captain Lawrence Barrel House and music by the dynamic Four26 Band, there’ll be so much to enjoy while raising funds for the Pantry and the guests that it serves! 

 

Trina Ward Fontaine, Executive Director of the Pantry stated: “We are excited to raise a glass to toast the efforts of our donors, volunteers and staff who, over these last few years, have made it possible to provide those increasingly experiencing food insecurity in our community enough food for 14 meals per person, per week. Together, we have been able to accommodate the dramatic increase in guest numbers to approximately 93,000 in person visits last year, resulting from the pandemic, and most recently, from inflation.” 

 

Ms. Fontaine further stated: “Economic indicators show no signs that this need will ease and food prices are not decreasing in absolute terms. So, let’s band together to help our neighbors who are in need, and have some fun doing it. If you can’t join us, please consider making a donation and/or join us to volunteer.”

 

To purchase tickets or sponsorship, or otherwise donate, go to www.mountkiscofoodpantry.org and click on the Take a Bite out of Hunger link under “Get Involved/Events” or send an email with your request to:

outreach@mountkiscofoodpantry.org.

19th Annual ‘Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening’ to Take Place on September 23 at Ivanna Farms

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19TH ANNUAL ‘FEED ME FRESH: AN EDIBLE EVENING’ CELEBRATES LOCAL CUISINE AND COMMUNITY IN SUPPORT OF MOUNT KISCO CHILD CARE CENTER’S MISSION

A Culinary Fundraiser at Ivanna Farms Promises an Unforgettable Evening, Honoring Notable Community Members and Benefiting MKCCC’s Scholarship Program

August 15, 2023 (Mount Kisco, NY) – Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC), a non-profit committed to providing equitable access to high-quality child care and early education to a diverse group of children, is thrilled to announce the 19th Annual “Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening” fundraiser, taking place on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023, at 5:30 PM at the picturesque Ivanna Farms in Mount Kisco.

MKCCC, serving working families in Westchester since 1971, currently nurtures 145 children from 3 months to 11 years old in full-day care, before-school, after-school, and summer camp programs. At the heart of MKCCC’s award-winning curriculum lies the Feed Me Fresh program, a garden-to-table nutrition initiative that includes gardens outside of each classroom.

Inspired by MKCCC’s innovative curriculum of the same name, “Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening” is an event where top local restaurants come together to donate an evening of culinary excellence highlighting the importance of fresh, nutritious and delicious food for children and in support of families in need within the community.  Their involvement has helped the event become a truly unique tasting experience as well as a critical fundraiser.      

All proceeds from the evening will directly support the MKCCC’s scholarship fund, underlining our dedication to making high-quality child care accessible for all families in our community.

From last year’s Feed Me Fresh event on behalf of the Mount Kisco Child Care Center. Featured here (upper right) Isi Albanese,  Chef and Owner of Exit 4, and (lower center): Maarten Steenman, Chef and Owner of La Tulipe.

This year, MKCCC is privileged to honor its 2023 recipients, who have shown consistent, invaluable support:

  • Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, our Foundation Partner
  • Pamela Stone of The Benefit Shop Foundation, a Longtime Supporter
  • Mimi Tesfaye of Mimi’s Coffee House, a Feed Me Fresh Supporter and Longtime Restaurant Participant

In addition, there will be a special remembrance of a great friend, Twink Wood, who contributed so much to MKCCC for more than 30 years. 

The MKCCC invites you to join this celebration of local flavors, sustainability, and community. This promises to be an evening to remember – a testament to community spirit, philanthropy, and the transformative power of fresh food and education.

Tickets are now available for purchase at mkccc.org. Come enjoy a beautiful autumn evening, celebrating and supporting the mission and community of Mount Kisco.

About Mount Kisco Child Care Center:

Mount Kisco Child Care Center is a non-profit, accredited child care facility committed to providing equitable access to high-quality, affordable care to children in a safe, healthy environment through innovative and developmentally appropriate programming. Established in 1971, MKCCC serves working families, providing the highest quality early care and education, including our Feed Me Fresh garden-to-table nutritional program.