The Inside Press

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Inside Press

Chappaqua Orchestra Announces a Comeback Concert at the Paramount

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Junior Division winner Sean Yu performs Tchaikovsky’s – Pezzo Capriccioso
Senior Division Second Place winner Vivian Chen performs Ravel’s – Piano Concerto in G Major
Senior Division First Place winner Jiaxun Yao will perform with the Chappaqua Orchestra next season

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Chappaqua Orchestra (TCO) is inviting everyone to join them for a first live concert on Friday, June 11 at 8 pm. at the historic Paramount Theater in Peekskill, NY  It is the first time the TCO will be performing together live since March 2019. This long-awaited event will showcase two of the talented young winners of the 2021 Concerto Competition held this spring.

The concert will feature CFO final Music Director candidate Teresa Cheung conducting with the Second-Place winner of the Senior Division, Vivian Chen performing the Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major, and our Junior Division First-Place winner, Sean Yu performing Tchaikovsky’s Pezzo Capriccioso. The concert will conclude with Schubert’s Fourth Symphony. Due to Covid restrictions, Senior Division First Place winner, Jiaxun Yao, will not be able to attend as she is currently in China, but she will be performing with CFO next season.

After such a long time in lock down, the Chappaqua Orchestra is eager to perform on the stage again in front of a live audience. They will be following strict New York State safety guidelines. They are asking that concert goers wear a mask and show proof of vaccination or a negative covid test to attend this event. There will be a small reception to meet the performers following the concert.

This is a private event with limited seating. Please RSVP to info@chappaquaorchestra.org or call 845-842-0010 by June 4.

Captain Gaudet’s Memorial Day 2021 Message: “Find Ways to Be Worthy of your American Heritage.”

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Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice at the Memorial Day 2021 Town of New Castle Ceremony

World War II Vet William Witkin, Turning 100 this Year, Receives Special Recognition

Plus… A Promise to Bring Back the Town’s Parade “in 100% Full Force” in 2022

Story and Photos By Grace Bennett

Chappaqua, NY, Memorial Field–Captain Peter Gaudet, keynote speaker at the Town of New Castle’s Memorial Day Ceremony, honored the nation’s fallen today stating that “as we pull out of the Covid crisis, each one of us needs to find ways to be worthy of our American heritage… and therefore worthy of the supreme sacrifice of those fellow Americans who gave their lives for our liberty.”

L-R: U.S. Army Captain James McCauley, U.S. Army Captain Peter Gaudet, Honorary Guest, World War II Air Force Veteran Ltd. William Witkin, CVAC Captain Bob Coulombe, and Witkin’s wife, Joan.
L-R: County Legislator Vedat Gashi and New Castle Town Board: Lori Gowen Morton, Supervisor Ivy Pool, Deputy Supervisor Jeremy Saland, Lisa Katz and Lauren Levin

In perhaps the service’s most poignant moment, Captain Gaudet also recognized the honorable World War II Air Force Ltd. William Witkin in attendance–he will be 100 years old this year. “He flew B-24s out if Italy in WWII to bomb Nazi oil refineries in Austria. When I see him here today and say his name, I get chills up and down my spine.”

In past years, Memorial Field would accommodate upwards of a thousand or more for a ceremony at the conclusion of Chappaqua’s world renowned parade down King Street and across Greeley Avenue with so many in the community participating, from the long procession of fire trucks to school marching bands, and parade goers waving to and many finding a chance to exchange a few words with and/or photograph dignitaries and esteemed neighbors including former President Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Governor Andrew Cuomo. In 2020, the ceremony was held virtually due to Covid.

Captain Gaudet noted that in 2022, the town’s Memorial Day Parade would be “back to 100% full force.”

Yet, today was no less grand in feeling anyhow as a modest, appreciative gathering of about 100 residents and visitors heard Gaudet recognize so many in the New Castle community who made the event possible, including the New Castle Police Department, the Chappaqua Volunteer Fire Department, the Millwood Fire Department, the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps., Chappaqua Girl Scouts 1& 2, and Chappaqua Girl Scout Troop 1024, “the Girl Scouts who had planted a bed of Memorial flowers to honor our fallen heroes,”  the Memorial Day committee–Captain Jim McCauley, David Egerton, Barbara Jenkel and Eric Rosenfeld–Town Clerk Jill Shapiro and Tiffany White, Sari Shaw, the sponsor of the flowers, Town Supervisor Ivy Pool, Deputy Supervisor Jeremy Saland, Town Board members Lisa Katz, Lori Gowen Morton, and Lauren Levin, and also County Legislator for New Castle, Vedat Gashi. 

“It’s a yeoman effort every year to make this so special,” Captain Gaudet said.

During the Invocation, Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs of the First Congregational Church asked everyone to pause for a moment of silence to remember the many, many people who have died during this pandemic. “We pray for all who continue to be affected, pause to give thanks to all the first responders and front-line workers who kept us going and for the vaccine that enables us to be here today.”

“To honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice…,” Dr. Rev. Jacobs continued, “may we be mindful that the sacrifices made by these brave men and women and their families continue to this day; they remind us that America is a great country, but we can never take that for granted.”

In other highlights of the ceremony, two Girl Scouts, Erica Dunne and Gramercy Burton, presented a wreath to honor fallen veterans. Dunne (with Girl Scout Troop 1029) read the oral history of fallen New Castle veteran Corporal William Vance Moss and Burton (with Girl Scout Troop 1079) read the history of Staff Sargeant Kyu H. Chay–both these readings were via biographies prepared by David Egerton. Gaudet also recognized members of the Chay family in attendance.

Recognized today too: the family of Staff Sargeant Kyu T. Chay. Sargeant Chay was killed in action in Afghanistan. The New Castle 120 Bridge into Chappaqua is named in his honor.

The Chappaqua Orchestra’s Kevin Moore, on bagpipes, played Amazing Grace.

Jordana Lichtenthal sang both the National Anthem and God Bless America.

As the sun emerged, Captain Gaudet called upon Captain Jim McCauley and Lt. Col. Michael Finkelstein to join him to read ‘The Honor Roll of New Castle War Dead,’ “those New Castle veterans fallen in defense of our country,” he said.

“In harm’s way around the world, Americans have performed amazing acts of selfless service. They are sources of inspiration and motivation, and we honor them by doing our best to serve our family, to serve our community and to serve our great country.”

Memorial Day 2021 Ceremony at Lasdon Park: Honoring and Remembering

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Success in Finding Housing for Hundreds of Homeless Vets in Westchester Noted too

Story and Photos By Grace Bennett

Katonah, NY– It was a small ceremony but one still rich in tradition every bit as beautiful as its bucolic setting of greenery and blooming flowers surrounding the Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial. It was also the first Memorial Day 2021 in Westchester County to remember our fallen in an outdoor ceremony, a basic feature of American life that had not been possible last year due to the pandemic.

 “Today we reflect on ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things out of a sense of duty, honor and patriotism… their compelling experiences should be an inspiration and example to all Americans,” said Ronald Tocci, director of Veteran Services for Westchester. “Freedom is a gift, one with the courage and sacrifice of life and blood… while history judges the merits of each war, we must honor the spirit of those veterans who unselfishly served.”

The Color Guard’s ceremonial march to the Memorial podium preceded poignant words of respect and remembrance from public officials who had arrived from around the county. Tocci applauded Westchester County Executive George Latimer for the latitude he has received in his role, noting the county’s Patriot Housing Program as one example. “Within 24 hours of reporting a vet homeless, someone who goes out and finds that person, puts them in temporary shelter, and finds permanent housing,” he explained. “In the last four or five years, some 650 units have been found for persons deemed homeless. In Westchester, there are 55,000 vets still alive in Westchester and 353,000 with a military heritage.”

George Latimer thanked everyone for coming; he noted that yesterday’s service was the first of similar Memorial Day ceremonies taking place around the county; he emphasized that like Veterans Day, it offered an opportunity to be a day to put aside differences. He offered a special mention too for Jenna Scanlan, a Girl Scout from Yorktown Heights, who had received the Scouts’ Gold Star, its highest honor, for her and her troop’s work on preserving and creating signs for Memorials in the park’s Trail of Honor.

Latimer recalled being a young boy hearing from his father about the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940 during World War II. If it weren’t for the sacrifices during that pivotal event, he pondered, “Would Adolph Hitler have ruled the world? It’s possible; it’s possible.” Yet, this monumental achievement “was just one small fraction of all of the sacrifices made by all the men and women on behalf of some greater goal.”

Memorial Day, he emphasized, was not just the beginning of summer.  “Spend an hour and go to a place of a remembrance, see names on a stone, on a plaque…” The fallen were people who lived and laughed just like us, he reminded, with their own hopes and dreams. “Their sacrifice can never be forgotten.”

The full ceremony and  the speakers’ remarks, which included a reading of John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields, was aired live on Facebook. The service will also be accessible at Westchestergov.com  

 

 

 

 

 

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

By Dr. John McCrae, 1915

 

 

Two Global Scholars Students at Byram Hills Take Action to Mitigate the Political Divide

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On his last day in office in September 1796, George Washington warned the country of the dangers of political parties, cautioning that political parties were “…likely…to become potent engines…to subvert the power of the people…destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” Washington would surely be horrified by the American political landscape today, one wherein the two major parties play a divisive role. With the introduction of cable news in the 1990s, the media has ballooned from just a few networks to a  24-hour news cycle: newspapers, radio, television and magazines, and social media. In turn, consumers have the ability to find news that has been curated specifically to support a singular point of view: Democrats turn to CNN and MSNBC, and Republicans turn to Fox. There are also more options such as Newsmax and OANN, both of which disseminate hardline conservative viewpoints.

Students in the Byram Hills High School Global Scholars Program have been investigating ways to take action to make a difference on an issue of their choosing. Students Jacob Levy and Gina Schiliro have been motivated to educate New York residents on the dangers of political polarization, the divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes, as families and friends have been torn apart due to the spread of misinformation. These students followed a design thinking process as they interviewed stakeholders, researched evidence, identified a problem area, and designed an action plan to address the problem. 

The students have taken action by creating a Public Service Announcement to educate other students on the importance of examining multiple news sources and to analyze the point of view of the news sources they watch. They have also created an Instagram to spread their message (@fight_the_divide). The views of Americans today have become increasingly more polarized as it has become harder to hold conversations with family and friends with political views that differ from your own. This issue has been partly blamed on the various media sources such as newspapers, Twitter, televised news, social media, and so much more because of the misinformation or bias of each claim that they make. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 80% of Americans have few or no friends at all who belong to an opposing party. To prevent the percentage from increasing, we must take action, such as promoting and sharing this PSA. Jacob and Gina plan to promote their PSA to multiple media outlets.

The political divide has become increasingly more prevalent in today’s society due to the influx of mass media through varied platforms that cater to a certain political bias. Under the Reagan administration, the Fairness Doctrine was removed through President Reagan’s implementation of the Federal Communications Commission. The Fairness Doctrine required all media to allow equal time for opposing views when not reporting straight news. The removal of this act is a major reason for the secularization of media sources today. These sources not only express their opinions on factual news now, but some have spread false information. This results in an increasing divide between the two political parties, ultimately dividing our nation. The PSA Jake and Gina created promotes the knowledge of news bias by understanding the facts and then observing the opinions of both sides. This allows for civil discussion no matter which party you belong since you both have been educated about the facts. For our country to heal, Americans need to learn to work together instead of against each other. This PSA offers a solution!

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Jacob Levy at 914 539 2836 or email levyj22@byramhills.net for Jacob Levy or schilirog22@byramhills.net or Gina Schiliro

 

 

Jubilant Mood and ‘Sense of Rebirth’ at Ribbon Cutting for the ‘A Seafood Market Grill’ in Pleasantville

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At the opening of a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new ‘A Seafood Market Grill’: (L-R): Peter Scherer, Bill Flooks, Margaret Cunzi0, Nick Antonaccio, Shari Ascher, Yuliia Aquije, Chef Evans and Carol Barrella

By Grace Bennett

Pleasantville, NY— It felt like far more than a simple ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday to celebrate the opening of the new A Seafood Market Grille on 49 Wheeler Avenue–directly across from the Pleasantville Pharmacy and immediately next door to Soul Brewery.

Comments by Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce and town and county public officials spoke of a ‘rebirth’ to the community in general following a pandemic year that brought unprecedented challenges to the business community, and of course, to everyone else too.

Standing proudly with those gathered were proprietor Yuliia Aquije, who lives with her husband Pablo and daughter in Hawthorne, and Chef Matthew Evans. In a separate interview, Yuliia told the Inside Press that she and Pablo had searched throughout the area for the right location, and were ultimately charmed by Wheeler Avenue.

The store’s opening however had been delayed for six months due to Covid-related challenges.

Expressions of relief and encouragement to the couple and to ‘Chef Evan’  were freely shared.

“We want to be the wind behind your sails… in the friendly environment of 10570,” said Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer. “We know what a difficult time it was to get here.”

Westchester County’s Shari Ascher, representing George Latimer, noted: “It’s thrilling to have some good news that we are moving in the right direction.”

“I’d love to be at a new ribbon cutting every day in this county,” Ascher said, noting Latimer’s strong record of support for the business community. “We urge residents to support local business.’

Margaret Cunzio presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to A Seafood Market Grill

 Mostly, it was a jubilant mood under a bright sun and crystal blue skies. PCTV’s Nick Antonaccio, who opened the ceremony, welcomed the new owners and expressed his enthusiasm for the selection. Along with a full array of fish and seafood items, the new grill offers select prepared foods, such as rice and noodle-based dishes, an already popular soft shell crab sandwich, and non-seafood items too, such as pulled pork Cuban sandwiches. “There’s something for everyone,” exclaimed Chamber board member Margaret Cunzio who presented Yuliia with a Certificate of Appreciation. Cunzio invited attendees to try a fresh shucked Virginia Oyster from Chesapeake Bay, and it was indeed delicious paired with a delicate minuet sauce by Chef Evan.

As Chef Evan uses sushi grade tuna, sushi offerings are planned soon, too.

Village trustee and board member Paul Alvarez stated that the town welcomed the new addition “with open arms… anything you need,” he said.

Chamber President Bill Flooks warmly welcomed the couple too to Wheeler Avenue which he called “the heart of the village.”

In a separate conversation inside the Soul Brewery, another exciting new establishment opened recently by Allen Wallace, Peter Scherer noted that Wheeler Avenue, and Pleasantville at large along Washington and Marble Avenues, have already become “known more and more for our restaurant scene,” but with this grill and other specialty shops opening in town, food specialty offerings to residents are becoming increasingly varied too.”

A Seafood Market Grill will be open every day of the week from 9-7, and on Sunday, 9-4. “We can take orders online at the website and have curbside pick up too,” shared Yuliia. When asked how her business’s opening has been faring since early April, she said. “People are coming in, little by little. We hope more people find out that we are open with great, fresh seafood here!”