The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Inside Press

Getting to Know the Greyston Foundation

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Yonkers–I toured the amazing Greyston Bakery recently and learned about “Open Hiring” and “Social Entrepreneurship,” the work and mission of the Greyston Foundation in southwest Yonkers. Over any given week, some 75 “Open Hired” employees, i.e.,”no questions asked; just hired,” are baking (mouth watering) brownies and cookies for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Whole Foods. Along with health benefits, the employees receive job training and other support to transition back from a variety of difficult circumstances, including prison, into productive members of their community. More coverage forthcoming in future editions of The Inside Press. In the meantime, visit www.greyston.com — Grace

greyston outside

greyston inside

At his desk with Greyston Bakery products: Mike Brady, CEO and president, Greyston Foundation
At his desk with Greyston Bakery products: Mike Brady, CEO and president, Greyston Foundation

NWH Welcomes First Baby Born in 2016 in a Westchester Hospital

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Little Nelson Garcia is one of the First to Join the Northwell Health Family

New Castle–Northern Westchester Hospital is proud to be the first hospital in Westchester County to welcome a baby in 2016. Nelson Garcia was born at 2:10 a.m. on January 1, 2016, to proud parents Marinel Garcia and Nelson Bautista of Mt. Kisco, New York.

Nelson is also one of the first babies born at a Northwell Health hospital, formerly the North Shore-LIJ Health System, New York State’s largest integrated health system and private employer Northwell Health launched an innovative advertising and marketing campaign on January 1st, 2016 featuring a baby born at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2016. See all of Northwell Health’s New Year’s babies; simply follow @NorthwellHealth on Instagram to see the newest members of the Northwell Health family. Share your own photos using #NorthwellFamily.

Nelson Bautista, Marinel Barcilai Garcia and newborn Nelson Garcia, New Year's Day, Northwell Health/Northern Westchester Hospital, Mt. Kisco, NY. 01/01/2016 Photo by Steve Hockstein/HarvardStudio.com
Nelson Bautista, Marinel Barcilai Garcia and newborn Nelson Garcia, New Year’s Day, Northwell Health/Northern Westchester Hospital, Mt. Kisco, NY. 01/01/2016 Photo by Steve Hockstein/HarvardStudio.com

Northwell Health shot “Happy Birthday,” a touching, first-of-its-kind ad featuring emotional footage of a mother and baby meeting for the first time. The tender moments were captured in real time and inserted into the TV ad and broadcast within seven hours of the birth. The ad debuted on January 1st, 2016 on New York area broadcast stations including: WABC, WNBC, WCBS, and WPIX. A print version of the ad is running this week in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Newsday, The Journal News and The Staten Island Advance as part of Northwell Health’s robust 360-degree rebranding and marketing campaign entitled “Look North.”

“There’s no better way to symbolize Northwell Health’s new beginning than to highlight the first of more than 40,000 babies who will be delivered at Northwell Health hospitals in the coming year,” said Northwell Health President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Dowling. Northwell hospitals account for 17 percent of all births in New York State and 1 percent nationwide, far surpassing any other New York area health system.

Created with advertising agency J. Walter Thompson New York, the campaign is designed to introduce Northwell’s new name, logo, website, tagline and philosophy to consumers while providing a look at its pioneering vision for medical technology and the future. “Look North” is Northwell’s first brand campaign and the biggest marketing push in its history.

“As the largest healthcare provider in New York State, we are pursuing new and different ways of telling our story of innovation, providing consumers with a glimpse into the advanced care and individual attention that our patients receive from our more than 61,000 employees,” Mr. Dowling said.

The campaign will also include a digital and social media initiative directing viewers to the new Northwell “Look North” hub page (www.Northwell.edu/looknorth), giving them the opportunity to learn more about the campaign and explore baby-related content and other health news. Future elements of the campaign will launch on January 18.

About Northwell Health
Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer. With 21 hospitals and nearly 450 outpatient practices, we serve 8 million people in the metro New York and beyond. Our 61,000 employees work to change health care for the better. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institute. We’re training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and the School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. And we offer health insurance through CareConnect. For information on our services in more than 100 medical specialties, visit www.Northwell.edu.

About Northern Westchester Hospital
Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH), a proud member of Northwell Health (formerly North Shore-LIJ Health System), provides quality, patient-centered care that is close to home through a unique combination of medical expertise, leading-edge technology, and a commitment to humanity. Over 650 highly-skilled physicians, state-of-the-art technology and professional staff of caregivers are all in place to ensure that you and your family receive treatment in a caring, respectful and nurturing environment.

NWH has established extensive internal quality measurements that surpass the standards defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Hospital Quality Alliance (HQA) National Hospital Quality Measures. Our high quality standards help to ensure that the treatment you receive at NWH is among the best in the nation. For more information, please visit www.nwhc.net and connect with us on Facebook.

Above story was via a release from Northern Westchester Hospital.

A Hearty Bravo to Chappaqua Orchestra’s First “Children’s Story Concert”

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Article and Photos by Matt Smith

As you make your way toward the red velvet seat in the newly refurbished Wallace Auditorium, clutching your program to the Children’s Story Concert, which boasts the titular characters of the evening’s respective pieces, you hear the faint murmurs of the Chappaqua Orchestra tuning up, and almost immediately feel a rush of excitement. You pause to breathe, look around, and take it all in; you’re preparing yourself for the journey on which you are about to embark.

Upon exiting the building, you’ll snap back to reality and remember you’re indeed in Westchester, but inside the auditorium, that detail is sure to be easily forgotten. With your eyes closed, the sound of the orchestra makes you feel like you’re at Lincoln Center… and you are, in fact, after all, witnessing “the Jewel of New Castle” perform one of the most popular and well-known pieces in the history of classical music. In short, it’s an incredibly moving experience you’re sure to remember. co story.best

The November afternoon began with The Runaway Bunny, a musical adaptation of the classic children’s story by Margaret Wise Brown, as composed by Glen Roven–who, it should be noted, was in attendance at the event. Narrated by WQXR’s Elliott Forrest, the composition was accompanied by a series of illustrative projections, which guided the audience visually through the titular bunny’s journey–from the trout stream to the mountains to the circus. The arrangement itself provided a beautiful instrumental background to the story, that served to set the tone of the piece, establish a musical theme for each location, and punctuate significant moments in Forrest’s narration, with either a blast of a trumpet, a flourish of a flute, or the pluck of a violin string–by famed violinist Kinga Augustyn, no less, who served as a soloist on that selection.

The second orchestration kicked off with an introduction of the characters and their representative instruments–Peter (strings), the Bird (flute), the Cat (clarinet), the Duck (oboe), the Hunters (timpani & large drums), Grandfather (Bassoon), and of course, the Wolf (french horns)–before the orchestra launched into the string refrain so familiar and reminiscent of our childhood.

To end the program, conductor Michael Shapiro gave each section of the orchestra their own individual recognition, a gesture met with a rousing, well-deserved standing ovation from the audience.

Overall, “the concert was a success,” comments David Restivo, Executive Director of The Chappaqua Orchestra. “We know the people who came really enjoyed themselves.” He adds that TCO is planning to arrange another Children’s Story Concert in 2016, and hopes to make the program a bi-annual event in the years following.

It certainly seems like a great idea, as the first concert was very well received. Reiterates Restivo: “Anyone who missed this show really missed a great performance!” So, keep an eye out next year: it’s a truly one-of-a-kind experience… and it’s right here in Chappaqua! How could you lose?!

Restivo also wishes to thank sponsors Kiwi Country Day Camp and the Westchester Conservatory of Music who provided guests with activities such as face painting, bead-making and tic-tac-toe, and the instrumental “petting zoo,” respectively — and the Town of New Castle for supporting such a significant event.

“It is so vital for children to see these types of concerts [live and in person],” he continues, “and to realize these things don’t just happen on TV or on their iPads.”

Shapiro reiterates the importance of “bringing professional level music of all kinds to our local community,” especially for the kids, because “it’s essential” to instill the youngsters with a deepened appreciation and “enthusiasm for music.”

And with a program like this winter’s Children’s Story Concert and an orchestra as lively as TCO, it doesn’t seem like too hard a goal to achieve!

The Wallace Auditorium is located within Chappaqua Crossing, at 480 Bedford Road, just off of 117. For more information on The Chappaqua Orchestra, visit www.chappaquaorchestra.org.

(L-R): Narrator Elliott Forrest (WQXR), Conductor Michael Shapiro, Soloist Kinga Augustyn
(L-R): Narrator Elliott Forrest (WQXR), Conductor Michael Shapiro, Soloist Kinga Augustyn

Professional Tarzan Production Stars Local Talent

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News from the White Plains Performing Arts Center:

There’s still time to get tickets for the first professional production of Disney’s Tarzan in Westchester, which opened December 20.

The show not only features performers from all over the country but showcases the talents of many Westchester natives as well.

tarzanJeremy Quinn of Yonkers is directing the production with music direction by Stephen Ferri (Harrison) and choreography by Lexie Fennell Frare (Nyack)

The cast features Westchester residents Kyle Arzaga (Chappaqua) as Young Terk, Melanie Burg (Harstdale) in the Ensemble, Jenna Dallacco (Irvington/Greenburgh) as Jane and Jesse Goodman of Mahopac as Young Tarzan.

(L-R) Jenna Dalacco, Kyle Arzaga and Melanie Burg
(L-R) Jenna Dalacco, Kyle Arzaga and Melanie Burg

These local performers are joined by Nicolas Baumgartner (Clayton), Korie Lee Blossey (Kerchak), Jake Bridges (Snipes), Ben Carlson (Male Ensemble), Jessica Crilley (Female Ensemble), Deanna Giulietti (Female Ensemble), , Melissa Rose Hirsch (Female Ensemble), Darius Jordan Lee (Male Ensemble), Steven Liberto (Male Ensemble), Toby Miller (Professor Porter), Annie Nelson (Female Ensemble), Melanie Porras (Female Ensemble), Shawn W. Smith (Male Ensemble), Jeremy Swift (Male Ensemble), Jennifer Theriot (Kala), Cartreze Tucker (Terk), Max Albert Vivino (Young Tarzan), Kyle Wolf (Young Terk), Marek Zurowski (Male Ensemble), and Chris Stevens as Tarzan.

TARZAN ® features heart-pumping music by Grammy and Oscar winning music pop icon Phil Collins and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang.

“In this day and age of constant human brutality and tragedy, the story of TARZAN ® reminds us of what’s really important, especially at the holidays – the unconditional love of true family, whether biological or chosen. And although we all ‘look’ different, under the skin we are just the same. Disney’s TARZAN ® is victorious in bringing to the stage a well-known story with unforgettable melodies and heart-pumping music perfect for the entire family!”- Jeremy Quinn

Based on the smash-hit Disney animated film, Tarzan ® tells the story of an infant boy orphaned in a shipwreck on the shores of West Africa. The child is taken in and raised by a tribe of gorillas. He becomes a man, thriving in this primitive environment, until the arrival of a hunting expedition and his realization of the world beyond his jungle home. Tarzan ® features high-flying excitement and hits like the Academy Award winning “You’ll Be in My Heart” as well as “Son of Man” and “Two Worlds” making Tarzan® an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Tarzan, The Stage Musical continues at the White Plains Performing Arts Center December 26 – 30 (Saturday at 2pm & 7pm; Sunday at 2pm, Monday & Tuesday at 7pm; Wednesday at 2pm) & January 2-10 (Saturday at 2pm & 7pm; Sunday at 2pm; Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 2pm & 7pm and Sunday at 2pm). Tickets are $25 – $47. A $135 Family Four Pack (2 Adults & 2 Kids tickets) is available for the 7pm performances on December 18, 19, 26, 28, & 29.

White Plains Performing Arts Center is located on the third level of City Center off Mamaroneck Avenue and Main Street in downtown White Plains. For tickets: visit the theatre box office Monday-Friday (11am-6pm), purchase tickets online at www.wppac.com or call 914-328-1600. For Group Sales, please contact barbara@wppac.com.

Tarzan® is recommended for audiences ages 6 and older. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit Sunshine Children’s Home

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Sunshine News:

Jay Lokhande, who lives at the Sunshine Children's Home, along with his family celebrating Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Jay Lokhande, who lives at the Sunshine Children’s Home, along with his family celebrating Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Ossining, NY–Santa and Mrs. Claus surprised the children at Sunshine with a police-escorted visit on their sleigh — thanks to the Police Columbia Association of Westchester, who also purchased individual toys specific to the special needs of each child. This organization has raised funds throughout the year for the past 15 years to bring this wonderful Christmas event to the Sunshine Children’s Home. We are grateful to them and offer our many thanks and best wishes to them for a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Donna Patane, Police Columbia Assoc. of Westchester, Gwen Vandross, Sunshine Children's Home, Ed Patane, Police Combia Assoc. of Westchester and Linda Mosiello, Sunshine Children's Home.
Donna Patane, Police Columbia Assoc. of Westchester, Gwen Vandross, Sunshine Children’s Home, Ed Patane, Police Combia Assoc. of Westchester and Linda Mosiello, Sunshine Children’s Home.