Garden of Remembrance: A Look Back
Through the Lens of Claire Yaffa
On June 9, several hundred people attended the rededication of the Garden of Remembrance, hosted by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, which has offered sanctuary to thousands of people affected by the Holocaust since it was built more than 20 years ago. The ceremony, attended by Holocaust survivors, liberators and rescuers included a special flag presentation by the Jewish War Veterans color guard and a saying of the Kaddish, a Jewish prayer for the dead. Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino gave the keynote address and mayors from White Plains, New Rochelle and Mamaroneck attended the ceremony.
Along the garden walls are the names of 26 places where Jewish people were killed by Nazi persecution.
BIO: Claire Yaffa’s distinguished career began as a photojournalist known for social realism. She focused on society’s problems of child abuse, the homeless, Holocaust survivors, children and rescuers , also working for The New York Times and Associated Press. She has published seven books and her new exhibition at The New York Historical Society, “Children with AIDS: Spirit and Memory features 20 black and white portraits, taken from 1990-2002, honoring the remembrance of the children who have died and the one child who has just celebrated his 21st birthday. The exhibition will remain until after Labor Day.
Quilts Made of Love
Quilts made by visitors to the Katonah Museum of Art by hundreds of community members were donated today to My Sister’s Place and to babies born at the Bedford Women’s Correctional Facility.
The Katonah Museum is dedicated to developing meaningful relationships with the community, both individuals and other organizations and businesses. To that end, the Museum created the Quilt Lab as part of the Museum’s Beyond the Bed quilt exhibition (February 24 – June 16, 2013). Museum visitors made hundreds of log cabin quilt squares, which 33 volunteer quilters then sewed together to create 10 stunning, colorful quilts.
The Quilt Lab gave visitors to the Katonah Museum of Art a better understanding of just how much time, vision and skill goes into creating a quilt. It also gave visitors the opportunity to play a hands-on role in the process of community quilt-making, and as well as knowing their creative efforts would help people in need.
Present at the donation of the quilts were, from left: quilter Polly Wiessman, Katonah Museum of Art Interim Executive Director Belinda Roth, Katonah Museum of Art Manager of Public Programs Margaret Moulton, Katonah Museum of Art Board President Tara Coniaris, Development Associate for My Sister’s Place Diana Eppolito, quilter Robin Fox, quilter Barbara Sferra.
Tonight – Neil Diamond Tribute Band: One Hot Night!
It’s One Hot Night tonight in Chappaqua – a Neil Diamond tribute band!
It’s the third concert in the Music in Chappaqua’s Summer Concert Series – a great tradition bringing families together to celebrate community and listen to great music. Don’t miss One Hot Night – a Neil Diamond Cover band – tonight. The show starts at 7pm, Recreation Field, Chappaqua. Good times never seemed so good!
This year the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce is working with the Recreation & Parks Department and assisting in event planning, booking performers and improving the overall concert experience. The New Castle Recreation and Parks Department and the Chamber thank you for your support of the Summer Concert Series and its sponsors.
Enjoying Movies in Millwood Park
By Zarah Kavarana
After weeks of laughs, popcorn, and rain, Movies in Millwood Park ended its four-series season with family favorite, Despicable Me.
The Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce organized the event in its first year. The viewing equipment and speakers were purchased by Rich Glotzer, owner of Drug Mart of Millwood, and donated to the Chamber of Commerce for the public’s enjoyment.
Classically, the Chamber of Commerce has had an easier time organizing events in Chappaqua, which has a beautiful downtown area. With so many events and opportunities in Chappaqua, Movies in Millwood Park was originally put together to give the Millwood community the same great summer experience, regardless of its lack of a downtown.
Rob Greensteen, founder of the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce, expanded on the issue.
He said, “The problem with Millwood is that it doesn’t have a downtown, like Chappaqua. In Chappaqua we have events like the Sidewalk Sale and the Fall Festival coming up because there is a downtown. Because Millwood doesn’t have a downtown, it becomes a little more challenging.”
Week by week, the Chamber of Commerce presented older classics, like E.T.
the Extra-Terrestrial, as well as newer picks like Happy Feet, Here Comes the Boom, and Despicable Me. The movies chosen were geared toward viewers of all ages. There was truly something everyone could enjoy!
Next year, the Chamber of Commerce will allow members of the public to decide on what movies will be played. They will compile a list of family-friendly movies and post it a few months before the event kicks off.
People can vote for their favorites from the list, and the top picks will be featured in the summer.
The event was originally meant to run during June only. With terrible spurts of hot and rainy weather, there were three cancellations for Movies in Millwood Park. Event dates stretched far into July.
All movies took place on Friday nights under the stars. They began at 8:30 and were free to the public. Complimentary popcorn was available to munch on during the movie, while candy, drinks, and snacks were for sale at a concession stand.
Overall, Movies in Millwood Park was a success. On some nights, 200 to 300 residents joined to take part in the fun.
Greensteen said, “The best sign of a successful event is that if we stopped it next year, people would get upset. I think that’s what would happen here.
I haven’t spoken to anyone who doesn’t think that this is a great idea.”
Sponsors included Drug Mart, Tazza Cafe, Matero Fine Jewelry, Susan Pecker from The Camp Connection. Members of the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce said that they will be able to do more with the event next year, provided that it is supported by more sponsors.
Millwood Park is located at 235 Sawmill River Road in Millwood, next to Rocky’s Deli.
