The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Inside Press

Westchester County Office of Economic Development and Sustainable Westchester Team Up to Launch Clean Energy Accelerator Program

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Collaboration launches with formation of working group to identify local industry needs and support workforce development

Westchester County, New York  – The Westchester County Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce it has partnered with Sustainable Westchester to launch a Clean Energy Accelerator Program (CEA). The Program, which includes a Careers Working Group that recently met for the first time, convenes key stakeholders who will work together to identify the workforce needs of the clean energy sector and create strong clean energy career pathways for Westchester residents.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “The clean energy industry is booming, with state, federal, and utility incentives, creating more career opportunities at every education level. And, clean energy projects are increasingly in disadvantaged communities, creating an opportunity to train a local workforce who historically and disproportionately have been harmed by environmental burdens. Expanding Westchester County’s capacity in this sector will have a tremendous benefit to both current and future employers, as well as our residents.”

Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “We understand that clean energy project implementation can be challenging due to workforce barriers, which range from lack of skilled talent to limited awareness among potential workers of opportunities within the industry. The climate career field is growing and there are opportunities for residents to both build new skills and pivot existing skills to a new industry.”

Sustainable Westchester’s Interim Executive Director Jim Kuster said: “We are delighted to partner with Westchester County to scale career pathways in clean energy for residents. The heart of this work speaks to Sustainable Westchester’s mission and we welcome the opportunity to participate in an initiative that benefits the community, economy and environment.”

Sustainable Westchester’s Program Director Rachel Carpitella said: “As a non-profit in the clean energy sector we know firsthand the challenges surrounding recruitment, hiring, and retention. We see our solution provider partners seek to hire skilled workers and at the same time we are aware of community members across the county who desire a career.  This program solves for the missing links and will accelerate the just transition to a clean energy economy.”

Among the CEA Working Group’s goals, are:

  • Align resources to implement existing and develop new clean energy training programs;
  • Provide local clean energy businesses access to a qualified workforce and increase their capacity to broaden their activities, including potentially hiring workers at a subsidized rate through the NYSERDA program;
  • Create strong clean energy career pathways for Westchester residents;
  • Support local businesses to broaden their services in correlation with the market demand for clean energy; and,
  • Attract clean energy companies to Westchester and ensure workforce availability to accelerate the implementation of money saving, pollution reducing technology across the county.

About The Westchester County Office of Economic Development

The Westchester County Office of Economic Development works to improve the County’s economic well-being and quality of life.  This includes a broad range of activities to attract, create and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth and inclusive economy. For information, visit https://westchestercatalyst.com/.

About Sustainable Westchester

Sustainable Westchester is a nonprofit consortium of Westchester County local municipalities that facilitates effective collaboration on sustainability initiatives. Sustainable Westchester’s goal is to bring socially responsible, environmentally sound, and economically viable solutions that create healthy, resilient, sustainable communities. For more information visit https://sustainablewestchester.org/

 

Editor’s Note: The above news release has been republished in its entirety to help support efforts of  the Westchester County Office of Economic Development partnering with Sustainable Westchester. Opinions and information presented have been neither independently reported or fact checked. Please refer questions pertaining to the news within to the sources cited.

 

 

World Cup Gymnastics Athletes Sawyer Robertson and Victor Dyakin Take Home Bronze Medals at the 2023 Eastern DP National Championship

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World Cup Gymnastics’ finest competed April 28-30 at the 2023 Men’s Eastern Developmental Program National Championship held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

Along with the Western Championship which took place in Galveston, TX, nearly 1,500 gymnasts competed in this prestigious event. 

Sawyer Robertson, of Mount Kisco, NY competed in the Men’s Level 7 Youth and took home the bronze medal for High Bar with a score of 10.85 and a 7th place medal on Floor with a score of 11.20.  He received a final medal by placing 8th All Around with a score of 64.55.  Teammate, Victor Dyakin from Scarsdale, NY, competed in the Men’s Level 7 and also took home a bronze medal for his work on Floor earning an 11.65 and an 8th place medal on Bars with an 11.35.  Stamford, CT resident Albert Sturhahn added to the collection with an 8th place medal on high bar with a score of 11.2.

Two other World Cup Gymnastics’ athletes, Gabriel Zybert of Pleasantville, NY and Ryan Englander of Scarsdale, NY did not take home medals but received a great deal of respect from their coaches and teammates for earning the right to compete at such a high level event.

“Brushing their nerves aside, the boys were able to complete their mission and perform their best routines of the year,” said Jason Hebert, Director of World Cup Gymnastics.  “We are so proud of all their hard work and dedication.  Winning medals at nationals is just the icing on the cake,” he added.

World Cup Gymnastics has been training State, Regional and National Champions for 30 years and is deemed one of the most revered recreational and competitive gymnastics programs in the state.  They also offer mommy and me classes for infants, pre-school gymnastics and tumbling for cheerleaders.  For more information, please call 914-238-4967 or visit www.worldcupgymnastics.com.

News courtesy of World Cup Gymnastics

 

 

Announcing the Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass

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Five premier cultural arts organizations – Jacob Burns Film Center, Historic Hudson Valley, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Storm King Art Center, and Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival – have joined together to announce the 2nd year of presenting the Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass.

The Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass is a discounted bundle of tickets to the season’s top events. With an abundance of offerings across the five partner organizations, the Pass helps consumers plan a vibrant and diversified season of arts and culture – all within a short drive! The Pass costs $185, but is valued at over $400, and a link for more information on the Pass can be found on each of the participating organizations’ websites through May 31, 2023, however the only way to officially purchase the Pass is here: https://shop.burnsfilmcenter.org/packages/fixed/188

Offers include:

Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville

With a diverse slate of films curated by our talented programming team, you’re sure to have an outstanding experience at our state-of-the-art theater. Get a taste of all we offer from buzzworthy new releases and award-winning foreign films to eye-opening documentaries! Join us for our music series Sounds of Summer, Pride Month programming,   eagerly anticipated new releases such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, and Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City.

You will receive four complimentary passes (plus two coupons for free popcorn and soda) to any regular* screening. Your passes can be redeemed in person at the box office for the screening/s of your choice, pending availability. Your tickets and coupons will be mailed within 10 days of purchase. *Special events are not included in the offer. Valid for screenings through 8/31/23.

Learn more at https://burnsfilmcenter.org/cinefiles-hv-summer-arts-pass/

Questions? Contact us at support@burnsfilmcenter.org or 914.773.7663, ext. 6.

Historic Hudson Valley, Sleepy Hollow Country

This summer, enjoy spectacular treasures of the Hudson Valley with two tickets for tours of three National Historic Landmarks. See Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, the charming riverside home of the Father of American Literature; gaze in wonder at stained glass windows by master artists Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall at Union Church of Pocantico Hills; and be transported to the 1750s during a tour of Philipsburg Manor.

Two tickets for each historic site tour must be reserved on hudsonvalley.org. Please allow 48 hours after purchase of the Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass to access your benefits on hudsonvalley.org/tickets. You will receive an email with instructions on how to log in and make reservations for your tickets. Valid for tours through 9/10/23. Not valid for tours of Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, or any special events.

Learn more at https://hudsonvalley.org/hudson-valley-summer-arts-pass/

Questions? Contact us at info@hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914.366.6900.

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah

Experience an exciting array of curated concerts during the 2023 Caramoor Summer Season! Featuring top artists and ensembles spanning genres of classical, American roots, jazz, global, Broadway, and opera, Caramoor has something for everyone.

Select two tickets to a concert of your choice (an $80+ value) and join us for world-class music in one of our open-air venues. Valid only for events in Caramoor’s summer season through 8/18/23. Some exclusions apply (opening night and afternoon teas not included). Your tickets will be emailed to you within one week of your performance.

Learn more at https://caramoor.org/upcoming-events/summer-caramoor-ticket-packages/

Questions? Contact us at boxoffice@caramoor.org or by calling 914.232.1252.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Garrison

HVSF is bringing you a summer of love, laughter, and adventure. The 2023 season includes two of Shakespeare’s greatest hits, LOVE’S LABOR’S LOST and HENRY V, and the world premiere of PENELOPE. At the heart of each of these plays is a story about love of comrades and friends, of family, of country, of romantic enchantments and unspeakable longing.elect two tickets to a weekday (Monday – Thursday) performance of your choice and come revel in the joy and magic of live theater. Valid for performances through 9/17/23. Your tickets will be emailed to you within one week of your performance. Some exclusions apply.

Learn more at https://hvshakespeare.org/hvsap/

Questions? Contact us at boxoffice@hvshakespeare.org or 845.265.9575.

Storm King Art Center, Mountainville

There is so much to do at Storm King this summer! Plan the perfect day exploring large-scale sculptures under the open sky in our 500-acre landscape, including new special exhibitions by Beatriz Cortez, Ugo Rondinone, and RA Walden. Rent a bike, ride the tram, join a free tour or family program, or lounge among the art with a picnic lunch.

You will receive admission for two people on the day of your choice. Tickets may be redeemed as a two-person vehicle with parking or a pair of Storm King Shuttle tickets from Beacon Metro-North station (Sat-Sun visits only). You will receive an email from Storm King with a link to request your tickets. Valid for weekday and weekend visits through August 31, 2023. Tickets and entry times subject to availability. Some blackout dates apply.

Learn more at https://stormking.org/hv-arts-pass

Questions? Contact us at info@stormkingartcenter.org or 845.534.3115.

The Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass was created by these premier arts organizations so that patrons can experience just a small portion of the ever-expanding cultural arts scene we have in the Hudson Valley.

Caramoor President and CEO, Edward Lewis, III, comments: “Music has the unique ability to unite people across geography, through history, and from all lived experiences. At Caramoor, we recognize and embrace the unique responsibility we have as arts presenters, and with our fellow participants, we create a welcoming and safe cultural community. We hope that Caramoor fans and newcomers alike will take advantage of this great deal and experience!”

“We’re thrilled to partner once again with the region’s top arts organizations to offer visitors this opportunity to explore the richness of the cultural landscape here in the Hudson Valley,” said Historic Hudson Valley’s Vice President of Communications & Commerce, Rob Schweitzer. “This collaboration offers the community the chance to see some of the most anticipated events of the season and experience a wide range of offerings throughout the summer. Plus, it’s a real bargain!”

Jacob Burns Film Center Executive Director, Mary Jo Ziesel comments: “We love to collaborate with other arts and culture nonprofits in the region to offer a chance to try out the diverse cultural offerings we have so close by. The arts are a fun way to celebrate the summer and patrons can enjoy a significant discount with all partner organizations while supporting arts in the Hudson Valley!”

“Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to participate again in this vibrant effort to showcase the best of the region’s arts and culture scene,” said Kendra Ekelund, Managing Director of HVSF. “We look forward to collaborating with our peer arts organizations and sharing our love of live theater with new and returning audiences this summer. Whether you’re a lifelong theater-goer or a first-time visitor, we hope the Summer Arts Pass inspires you to explore the rich arts & cultural offerings of the Hudson Valley.”

“There are so many wonderful places in the Hudson Valley to enjoy art, music, film, performance, and the outdoors,” said Storm King Art Center President, John P. Stern. “Storm King is pleased to collaborate with nearby organizations to offer a unique way to plan cultural activities throughout the summer. I hope that the Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass encourages people to visit somewhere they’ve never been or seek out a new experience. We look forward to welcoming visitors to what will be an exciting season of outdoor exhibitions and programs at Storm King.”

2022 was the inaugural year of the pass and loyal arts patron, Julie Alterio, shared her gratitude: “The Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass gave us a full roster of enriching entertainment in 2022, including favorites such as Caramoor, the Jacob Burns Film Center, and the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.

 

Editor’s Note: The information in this post has been provided to the Inside Press by Caramoor on behalf of the organizations participating in the Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass.

 

Father’s Day Gift Idea: The Innovative ‘ZoomBroom’

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With Father’s Day looming, I was asked to give the ZoomBroom a try, with the pitch that it is an innovative product that would make a great gift for dad!  Guess what? It is (innovative), and it would (make a great gift).

As a matter of fact, the ZoomBroom would also make a nice birthday or holiday gift for anyone–it’s the new must have for anyone who’d like to easily clear out debris from from yards, patios, garages, cars, driveways, walkways, RVs, and boats, to name a few.  As opposed to a typical leaf blower – the ZoomBroom is smaller, cordless, lighter and easier to control.  It is comparable to a battery-operated leaf blower, but smaller.

The Zoom Broom is offered in two models: The Golf Breeze and The Tornado. 

I received ‘The Tornado’ to sample. The assembly directions (something I always fear) were exceptionally easy, and it’s a cinch to recharge, as needed, and will run a full 40 minutes, plenty of time to complete assorted tasks.  I was impressed by its powerful blowing, and it’s relatively quiet, considering. When fall arrives and my outdoor deck is blanketed in leaves, I plan to reach for The Tornado and quickly clear the deck. No dad necessary. Visit zoombrooms.com for more information.– Grace

My new handy dandy ZoomBroom
The Golf Breeze The Tornado
  • 2 pounds
  • Stores in golf bag or closet
  • The Zoom Broom is cordless and comes with a plugin charger
  • 12-volt car charger available
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Turbo-boost setting for the extra tough debris
  • Up to 25-minute run time

 

 
  • 2 pounds
  • Stores easily on a wall hanger or floor stand
  • The Zoom Broom is cordless and comes with a plugin charger
  • 12-volt car charger available
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Turbo-boost setting for the extra tough debris
  • Up to 40-minute run time

 

At Hudson Valley Construction Career Day, High School Students Learned New Skills and Gained Understanding about Careers in the Trades

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SUFFERN, N.Y. (April 4, 2023) – High school students from across the Hudson Valley met with trade-industry experts to participate in skills-building activities and learn about careers in the trades at the annual Hudson Valley Construction Career Day on March 31. More than 700 students filled the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern to explore diverse careers in the construction and building trades, and learn about the financial and educational advantages of apprenticeship training. Representatives from the unions and private-sector companies engaged the students in demonstrations such as welding, carpentry and soldering.


Raven Astudillo, 17, a junior at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, receives pointers in laying concrete block from instructor Chris Brozowski of Bricklayers Local 1 at the 23rd annual Hudson Valley Construction Career Day in Rockland County. Photo by George Drapeau

Hosted by the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc. (CIC) and the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & Mid-Hudson, Inc. (BCA), Construction Career Day is designed to reinvigorate the industry’s labor force with young talent. The event marks the organizations’ 23rd year of supporting tomorrow’s workforce.

“The demand for skilled labor is increasing, and we’re seeing infrastructure investments at the state and federal levels, so there is clearly a need for these critical skills,” said Matthew Pepe, executive director of the BCA. “Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to learn and earn as they prepare for good-paying jobs right in their communities. We’re proud to be a part of this important effort to enhance our workforce, invest in our communities and strengthen our overall economy.”

Registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades provide participants with a high-quality and nationally recognized credential that certifies occupational proficiency in the construction industry. Programs follow a “learn-while-you-earn” model, as participants earn wages that are graduated upward as the apprentice accumulates greater skills and experience on the job.

Kyhiem Massaquoi, 15, a sophomore at Mount Vernon High School in Yonkers, tries out the self-rescue tripod and harness, actual equipment used in Laborers Local 60’s confined space training class offered at its apprenticeship training center in Brewster, N.Y. Some 700 students attended the 23rd annual Hudson Valley Construction Career Day in Rockland County March 31. Photo by George Drapeau

‘Blue collar to new collar’

Mary Jane Bertram, Hudson Valley regional director for the Workforce Development Institute, talked about the importance of investing in technical training and new technology skills, and going from “blue collar to new collar”.

“Providing our youth with a variety of options to good-paying, family sustaining wages is an important mission and one that we are happy to assist with,” Bertram said. “These are careers that are local careers that provide a way for people to raise a family, buy a house and to retire – it is a beautiful thing to have those benefits that continue for a lifetime.”

A number of local, state and federal representatives attended the event and talked about the importance of the trades as a career option for students who aren’t necessarily college-bound.

“This is about the American dream. I cannot believe the amount of people who are here today, trying to be a part of that,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. “It’s been about 18 years since I’ve been coming here, as a county legislator and as the county executive. What I feel most satisfied about, going back all those years, is that I know a number of these young people who now have good-paying jobs, are raising families and have their own homes. This is a path to move forward and have a good life.”

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said: “There are so many different opportunities for our young people to pursue in New York, in Putnam County and the Hudson Valley. And, those opportunities aren’t just out of higher education, but through apprenticeship programs and through our friends in the labor community. You have an opportunity to not only learn from groups like this, but to work with them and stay in New York, stay in the Hudson Valley.”

Also attending were Donna Chiapperino, district representative for U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler; Victoria Cafarelli, representative for Assemblymember Dana Levenberg; and Westchester County Legislators James Nolan and David Tubiolo.

For information about apprenticeship programs, visit https://cicbca.org/resources/. For information about CIC and BCA, visit www.cicnys.org.

About CIC and BCA

The Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc. is a professional trade organization, representing more than 600 contractors, suppliers, consultants and other professionals who service the construction and building industries. CIC is the leading voice for transportation construction and environmental infrastructure, as well as utilities and commercial development in the mid-Hudson region of New York State.

The Building Contractors Association of Westchester & Mid-Hudson, Inc. provides fast, reliable information to members on virtually every subject related to building construction. Its primary mission is to improve conditions by negotiating labor agreements with local trades; lobbying local, state and federal governments to secure capital spending and beneficial laws; dispersing information about public and private bid lettings and awards; educating industry members on the latest requirements of laws, rules and regulations affecting daily operations; and providing networking opportunities for members.

News courtesy of The Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley and The Building Contractors Association of Westchester & Mid-Hudson, Inc.