The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Beth Besen

The Byram Hills Preschool Association Rolls Out the Welcome Mat for Preschoolers and Parents

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PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON
BHPA co-presidents (l-r): Danielle Meyer and Stephanie Pitofsky
PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON

How do you spell “welcome”?

If you’re from Armonk, chances are you eschew the conventional w-e-l-c-o-m-e spelling in favor of B-H-P-A … yes, the Byram Hills Preschool Association (BHPA) is the very definition of what it means to feel welcome!

What started as a small grassroots group way back in 1965, is, today, a fully developed not-for-profit organization serving close to 300 families each year. And, whether you’re a newcomer or native of North Castle, if you have a preschooler, you likely know what it’s like to be enveloped in the warm embrace of the BHPA.

Outgoing BHPA co-president Nancy Rosner came full circle with the organization. She not only grew up in Armonk, but her mom was a BHPA board member too. Rosner moved back to Armonk when her now 5-year-old son was just 18 months old, and immediately joined the BHPA which, she says, “made the move as seamless as possible.”

Soon thereafter, she decided to become involved with the BHPA board in order “to be a more active participant in this group that I really felt lucky to be part of.” She started as one of the Children’s Committee co-chairs. Then, last year, feeling ready to take on even more responsibility and give back in a bigger way, she joined forces with fellow BPHA member Tina Mannix to become co-presidents for what she describes as an incredibly fulfilling year.

This year’s new co-presidents, Danielle Meyer and Stephanie Pitofsky met through the BHPA Book Club for parents last year and soon became fast friends. Each has an older child who has aged out of BHPA (children/families age out with the start of kindergarten) and a second child happily involved.

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Happy preschoolers enjoy their new balloons at the BHPA’s annual Winter Family Festival fundraiser at HC Crittenden Middle School in Armonk PHOTO BY JESSICA DiMATTEO

Not only did the women “hit it off right away” in Book Club, but they soon recognized that their individual skill sets are wonderfully complimentary; Meyer has her degree in Special Education and was a teacher in East Harlem before moving to Armonk, while Pitofsky is a CPA and Project Management Professional currently with PwC. Together and already hard at work, they’re a powerhouse team eager to make their mark and build on last year’s many wonderful success stories. There’s “a lot of work up front” says Meyer, “but we expect it to start to flow.” Adds Pitofsky with a laugh, “We’re in constant communication! We’re looking forward to the year–and think it’ll be a lot of fun!”


Last Year’s gala fundraiser Night at the Museum was a huge success; another evening is already in the planning stages! PHOTO COURTESY OF BHPA

What’s first and foremost on the agenda for this year? Squaring away the many committee chairs, which are listed at www.bhpa.info. BHPA committees are the backbone of the organization and as diverse as the membership served. From Playgroups to S.O.S. (School Orientation Session) and Working Moms to Mom’s Night Out, the organization is equally child and parent-focused; there is truly something (or multiple somethings) for everyone.

Playgroup is, perhaps, the jewel in the BHPA committee crown. After all, playgroups are where children learn to socialize–and parents, grandparents, sitters etc develop their social networks too. Groupings are based on who brings/stays with the child, the child’s age/year attending kindergarten and which day of the week works best. As fabulous as this program has been, Meyer and Pitofsky are nonetheless working to streamline the process and make it even more user-friendly, including developing a plan that would turn a Monday-Friday program into a full seven-day-a-week option.

Of equal acclaim is S.O.S., a wonderful program that introduces preschoolers to Coman Hill Elementary School in a very gentle way. Says Pitofsky, “The intention is to get the children comfortable with the school they’ll be attending.”

To that end, the program runs January through May, one day per month. Families choose their preferred day, and on that day each month, their children rotate through the library, the art room, the cafeteria and playground, enjoying activities and teacher supervision in each setting. The final visit includes a bus safety video followed immediately by a practice ride on the school bus!

Pumpkin picking event
PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCY ROSNER

The Children’s Committee hosts many fun-filled, child-centric events. Last year, under Rosner and Mannix’s stewardship, the BHPA partnered with the Armonk Chamber of Commerce to combinethe annual BHPA Fall Carnival with the Chamber’s Cider and Donut Festival. The weather wasn’t perfect, but the partnership “was incredibly successful and fun,” says Rosner. Meyer and Pitofsky are already working with the Chamber on once again combining events this year. As September fades, October gears up for the BHPA’s Halloween Ball and pumpkin painting. This always anticipated treat-not-trick is another annual event not to be missed. Members can look forward to something genuinely fun every month of the academic year!

At the BHPA aCarnival
A BHPA preschooler enjoying the Fall Carnival PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCY ROSNER

Another new event–one which will surely become an annual hallmark evening–was last year’s inaugural gala fundraiser, Night at the Museum. The well-attended event took place at the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase and, shares Rosner, “It was a beautiful, fun night…we surpassed our goal for ticket sales and fundraising efforts, which was really wonderful!”

With so much to look forward to , who wouldn’t want to join the BHPA?! Dues are just $50 per family for the year, which entitles members to any and all events.

For events listings and more information, visit www.bhpa.info. The BHPA looks forward to welcoming you and your little ones!

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Celebrates its Youth(s) of the Year

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BGCNW Youth of the Year finalists (L to R): Isiash Pratt-Wade, Rolando Trinidad, Eric Lopez Duarte, Tatiana Restrepo, Stephanie Trejo and Adam Campbell. PHOTO BY Ana Slaviero Werner

 

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, founded over 150 years ago in Hartford, Connecticut, is stated as one which will “enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”

Spend an afternoon with local Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) CEO Alyzza Ozer and Director of Teen Programming Athenia Lee, and you’ll see that mission in action. Arrive at 3 p.m. or so and witness area school buses rolling up to the BGCNW front door, and kids of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds jumping out, eager to take part in a myriad of the club’s after-school programs.

One such program, the prestigious High School Youth of the Year competition, recently concluded its local awards. From the six Club kids (see Finalist Group Photo here) chosen as High School finalists, Tatiana Restrepo was awarded Youth of the Year and Rolando Trinidad was named the Chris Cutri Memorial Award recipient. After this edition went to print, Tatiana competed in a state-level competition in Albany.

Alyzza Ozer, BGCNW CEO
PHOTO By James Poster

Historically, this state level sees approximately 45 competitors, each of whom has the chance to cap their previously submitted packages of background information with a prepared speech before a panel of judges. The winner of the state competition goes on to the Regional competition and the Regional finalists all get together to compete one more time in Washington DC. Ultimately, the winner in DC will begin a one-year term as teen spokesperson for all the Clubs’ members nation-wide.

How does a BGCNW member become eligible for High School Youth of Year? According to Ozer, the requirements (for any student in grades nine through twelve) are one year as a Club member plus 25 hours of community service for the year. However, Ozer is quick to point out that “most kids have much more.” She goes on to explain that the opportunities to give back to the community begin with preschool and continue on through the years, ultimately culminating in the youth leadership group known as the Keystone Club.

Keystone is a dynamic program invested in academic success and career exploration in addition to community service. With so much going on at the club at every level, it is no small surprise that Youth of the Year contenders have garnered many more years and greater hours than the basic eligibility requirements. In fact, says Ozer, “in many ways, Youth of the Year is the personification of the [BGCNW’s] club mission–academic strength, community commitment, civic responsibility.”

Adds Lee, a BGCNW Club kid herself and now, eight years into her position as Director of Teen Programming, sees herself as a mentor to all those following in her footsteps, “Some kids are eager to apply, others are reluctant and we need to encourage them. We largely let them self-select, but there’s a whole long application process and some need more encouragement than others.” She adds that, in some cases, the fear of public speaking gives pause to many a qualified student, so part of her mentoring goal is to help those students open up and trust that they have something worthwhile to share. Whether one-on-one or through some of the other Club programs, teens are empowered to find their voices.

Speaking of teen voices, I’m immediately struck by Tatiana’s poise and maturity when we are introduced. She has a firm handshake and a winning smile. Asked how she feels about her new Youth of the Year title, Tatiana thinks for a moment and then, with another bright smile, says “it’s a great honor.” She goes on to share that she’s been coming to the BGCNW for 14 years, and that the Club “shaped me as a person; taught me what to strive for, gave me confidence to reach my full potential and achieve my aspiration to go to college.”

Athenia Lee, BGCNW Director of Teen Programming
PHOTO BY Ana Slaviero Werner

In fact, Tatiana recently made her final college decision and will be attending Pace University come fall. She is proud that, like her older brother, she is part of her family’s first generation to attend college.

Cutri Award recipient Rolando is equal parts humble and proud of his honor too. A young man with a strong and confident demeanor and handshake, he too reflects upon his time with the BGCNW, saying “the Club has allowed me to show leadership and achieve my goals. In particular, Mr. Cutri has given me confidence to be strong and stand up for my beliefs.” Rolando plans to attend Manhattanville College where he will study sports business with the ultimate goal of becoming a sports agent.

National statistics have repeatedly shown that, from preschoolers on up through high school, children who participate in Boys & Girls Club programs perform better in school and make smarter life choices. Whether they are official Youth of the Year honorees or simply moving forward as more focused students, participatory community members and contributing citizens, BGCNW kids, without doubt, all deserve a round of heartfelt applause!

Check the Boys and Girls Club website, www.bgcnw.com, for the update about the state competition.

 

How the Byram Hills Education Foundation (BHEF) Rallies for Children

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2016-17 BHEF Board of Directors
(Standing L-R): David Zimmerman, Elvis Grgurovic, Kristen Mathis, Leslie Ilany, Evan Goldman, Bart Sokol, Stefan Safaei, Nanci Keltz, Pat Bucciero, Khatija Ladhani, Lynda Baquero, Paulette Bannon (Seated L-R): Lisa Rosenberg, Elise Margolin, Nicole Stern, Jason Berland, Shari Fruhling, Cathy Kirschner, Melissa Jacobs, Melissa Tolchin
PHOTO BY NINA KRUSE FOR PINSKY STUDIO

 

There is nothing that gives parents more pleasure than the well-being of their children. And when a community rallies around to support all children, magic can happen! The Byram Hills Education Foundation (BHEF) is an outstanding example of this very alchemy.

What is the BHEF?

Created in 1994 by parents, faculty and community leaders, the BHEF crafted a mission statement “to enhance the educational experience of all children within the Byram Hills Central School District (BHCSD) by generating community support to fund innovative grants that encourage learning and personal development.”

This mission is as focused and strong today as it was at its inception. The BHEF Board consists of 35 dedicated all-volunteer members: four teachers (one from each school), the BHCSD Superintendent, two Board of Education members, one PTSA member, eight district representatives and the remainder made up of parents of current students and alumni. This group comes together to discuss and make final decisions regarding grant proposals, takes the lead in raising funds to support the proposed initiatives, and maintains an on-going supportive relationship with BHCSD administration and Board of Education.

Grants 101*

The start of the school year also marks the beginning of the annual grant-cycle. A subset of the Board, the Grant Review Committee, meets to review all teacher-submitted applications. After thorough discussion, finalists are presented to the full Board for a vote. The awarded grant is often part of a long-term plan of action, with expected implementation over a two-year period.

Additionally, the BHEF supports a monthly grant opportunity known as Insta-Grant. This forward-thinking option provides teachers with up-to-the-minute flexibility for quick projects and initiatives; Insta-Grants may not exceed $2500 and must be used within six months or before the end of the academic year.

Recently, annual grants have revolved around technology: 2012/13 laid the groundwork for digital programming, 2014/15 saw One-to-One mobile learning which provided Chrome books for district students, 2015/16 expanded earlier tech initiatives with Full STEAM Ahead!, and this year’s awards include Fall’s Reinvention of the Library Experience at Coman Hill, Wampus and H.C. Crittenden MS as well as Spring’s recent approval for two BHHS grants: Professional Development for Global Competency Initiative, plus TV and FILM Curtained Production Area with Cyclorama: a curved green screen wall and lighting system.

Also worth noting: The Debra Leipman Yale Memorial Fund (DLYMF) was established with the Yale family as a meaningful way to honor the life and memory of devoted wife, loving mother and five-year Board Member (including two years as Chair) Debra Leipman Yale. Contributions to this fund are used towards future grants, with the Yale family working in collaboration with the BHEF to select and approve a grant in honor of Debra.

As Debra was passionate about the foundation and its cause, this fund offers Yale family members and friends a meaningful memorial.

*For full details, please see the BHEF website.

Dr. Powderly

Fundraising

The BHEF takes a three-part approach towards raising the funds that help to support and sustain the innovative programming for which the Byram Hills Central School District is renowned.

There is a fall “annual appeal” mailing to all community members. In recent years, this appeal has added the opportunity to allow for “directed giving.”

Dr. Donohue

According to former BHEF president and current Board Member Leslie Ilany, “Donors want to designate where their donations go; having a choice greatly appealed to the community.” With a goal of 100% participation, the foundation proudly notes that so many step up to contribute. Another popular fundraiser is the annual fall visit of the Harlem Wizards; this event particularly appeals to young families and tickets often sell out within hours.

Finally, there is the annual Spring Gala, a fun-filled evening featuring highly anticipated auction items as well as giving opportunities. This year’s recent gala, held at Brae Burn Country Club in nearby Purchase, was a smashing success. Honoring both retiring and beloved School Superintendent Dr. William Donohue and H.C. Crittenden’s Dr. H. Evan Powderly, the community turned out in force. Close to 300 people joined together to celebrate and support the foundation’s important work.

The BHEF welcomes all community members to get involved. Says Ilany, “Getting involved offers so many opportunities; the chance to meet many wonderful people–teachers, administrators and other parents. I hope this article helps spur others to take advantage of a great and meaningful experience.”

BREEZEMONT – at the Crossroads of Happy and Camper

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Owner and Director,
Gordon Josey

Summer time, and the living is easy. Actually, make that easy-breezy. Because, as Breezemont Owner and Director, Gordon Josey, tells it: “Great weather, great staff and great activities make for a perfect summer.”

And he should know. This will be Josey’s fourth summer at Breezemont, but he also owns, and for many years ran, a prestigious sleep-away camp. In fact, sleep-away camp was his introduction to this rather unique and, as Josey describes, mostly east coast American phenomenon.

Indeed, when Josey came to the U.S. from Scotland to work as a sleep-away camp counselor 20 years ago, he was immediately bitten by the camp bug, and has worked in the industry ever since. He shares that his work is a calling and a true labor of love.

Off-season he is busy hiring staff, running workshops, attending conferences, working on infrastructure and, of course, meeting with families and giving tours of Breezemont. It’s a fulltime, six-to-seven days-a-week job; but, as Josey is quick to point out, the long hours do not mean drudgery to him. Rather, he loves what he does, loves talking camp with people on and off the job (as an aside, he notes that he’s a popular dinner guest as people love hearing and sharing camp stories) and, finally, come summer with the hard work done, he enjoys the eas(ier) life alongside his staff and campers. “Come summer, I’m a glorified camp counselor-me and my four to five full time staff members,” says Josey with a laugh.

Turning serious for a moment, he goes on to point out that if he wanted to be tucked away in an office, he’d be doing something else. According to Josey, his being out and about is what helps make Breezemont a special place. He’s there greeting the campers as they come off the bus in the morning, and he’s there waving goodbye at the end of the day.

What else distinguishes Breezemont from other day camps? For starters, there’s the lake. Typical of many sleep-away camps but less common amongst day camps, the lake is a beautiful focal point as well as a place where campers can learn boating skills. Add the mature woods and lush fields, and Breezemont stands out for its natural beauty. The facilities are top-notch and regularly updated; when Josey took over, he also took the camp to the next level.

Says Josey, “As with any industry, we need to keep relevant. We’re always reinvesting, adding new activities, staying involved and accessible to make sure our campers have fun and our campers’ families are happy.” A typical week is far from typical. Kids have an abundance of regular activities to be sure, but also look forward to special events and dress up days at least twice each week. Extra hot weather brings extra swims, and campus sprinklers.

And rainy days do not mean screen-time; in fact, Breezemont is electronics-free, a place “where everyone disconnects.”  Josey believes camp is a place to “relax and have fun, to try new things, to take safe risks and even make mistakes.”

Remember cold cuts and bug juice? Today’s kids probably think that’s so much exaggeration. After all, their experience of camp food is a far cry from the old ‘my bologna has a first name’ daily standards some parents remember all too well. Breezemont has a full-time staff specialist hired to make sure every child’s food needs are met to exacting standards. “It’s important to embrace all the diet needs because that is the world we live in,” explains Josey. When allergies, intolerances, religious dietary laws or simple preferences are noted, options are made available. And the options are socially and emotionally friendly too; for example, if a given day’s snack is pizza, then gluten-free pizza is an alternative snack as well.

Children come to Breezemont from Westchester and nearby Connecticut communities; Josey suggests a 30-minute ride as something of a demarcation marker, “As a parent, why would you want your child on a bus for much longer?” The youngest campers are three to four years old; at this age, it’s a co-ed experience and the ratio of counselors to campers is considerable. As they age-up, the groups become single-sex and the staff to camper ratio decreases.

However, there are always general counselors with every group and specialist counselors at activities. The counselors are often former Breezemont (or other camp) campers and/or teachers who bring their own love and enthusiasm for camping and children to the job. Breezemont campers typically move on to sleep-away camps or specialty camps, and parents appreciate that their children are well-prepared for the transition from happy day camper to overall happy camper.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF BREEZEMONT DAY CAMP

How Our Libraries Stack Up in Today’s Digital World

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Periodicals inside the Chappaqua Library. Photo by Gary Sapolin

It’s been said that “a book is a present you open again and again.” If we can agree that this is in fact so, then may I suggest we further the idea and consider our public libraries as proverbial Santa sacks full of goodies galore!

Remember Melvil Dewey, of the eponymous Dewey Decimal system? Coining “the best reading for the largest number at the least cost” as his slogan, Dewey was elected president of the American Library Association in 1890. His vision/standardization process is largely responsible for the look and feel of today’s modern U.S. library.

And yet, while all libraries gift us with classic and new hardcover, trade and paperback books, today’s newspapers or the latest magazine, music, movies and more, each also offers unique and special programs. Indeed, a public library is a veritable treasure trove of events, classes, workshops and resources, tailored to the community it serves.

The Chappaqua Library anchors one end of the town. Conveniently adjacent to one of the middle schools, the library is very student-centric, welcoming all grades every day and with extended hours during midterms, finals and regents. As Library Director Pam Thornton points out, “a large percentage of students use the library after school, especially on Friday afternoon. They mainly come to use the computers and for afterschool programs and to hang out. We are chartered as a school district public library serving the Chappaqua Central School District community. Our community has a strong focus on education and advanced degrees.”

With its bright and welcoming children’s room and 16 pre-school story hours each week (including a monthly special-needs group), the Chappaqua Library helps grow an early love of books and reading. From there, it’s an easy move to either the dedicated teen area or main room where reading and learning continue to be of paramount importance to so many. In fact, Adult-Ed programs are another source of pride for the Chappaqua library. Residents enjoy film series, book discussion groups, author programs, writing workshops, even one-on-one computer lessons. Currently, a Foreign Policy Discussion group attracts close to 100 attendees every Monday morning. The CCSD recently passed a bond which included $1.7 million for a library renovation/expansion project. Thornton expects to see “a greater emphasis on the library as a community space and not just a resource for the printed word.”

Outside the North Castle Public Library. Photo by Gary Sapolin

 

Unlike Chappaqua, the North Castle Public Library is not a school district library, but a municipal library. Programming is funded by Friends of the North Castle Public Library, grants and public service providers. Therefore, as Director Edie Martimucci explains, her database need not replicate the schools’ libraries and she is able to focus entirely on community interest. In fact, her first programming question is a simple “what does the general public want?” Martimucci repeats that question in multiple venues, direct and indirect conversations. She listens closely, watches what works, counts numbers of attendees and then tailors her programming and acquisitions accordingly. Martimucci proudly shares that “our programming has skyrocketed this last year with 36,000 people attending youth and adult programming and our theatres’ productions. We shot up through the ranks of the Westchester Library system!”

Martimucci likes to tell people that North Castle is really a three-library system; Armonk, North White Plains and “our virtual branch.” ESL is a steady popular program in North White Plains while Friday Night Films pack the house in Armonk, and users like students and travelers are logging in at all hours to download information they need right then and there. “It’s an exciting time to be a librarian,” says Martimucci, “the days of the “ssshhing” librarian are over! In the digital age, libraries need to look at themselves as culture, information and recreation hubs. My goal is to make the North Castle Library the go-to place for our community.”

Homegrown and still living in Ossining, Programming and Events Coordinator James Trapasso is ideally situated to keep his finger on the pulse of his multi-cultural and economically diverse community. He notes that, with a large and ever-growing Hispanic population, the library has built up its multicultural collections while simultaneously offering assistance in many ways, including ESL and English conversation classes, a Spanish Film and many events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Additionally, he points out, the Ossining Public Library is a proud partner with the Ossining School District and therefore partners with the schools on certain initiatives. “Right now, we conduct a Spanish class for teachers and other professionals in the school district to learn the language. The library sees many kids after school and also for our Math Tutoring program on Wednesday evenings. For the month of May, ever year, the library’s art gallery has hosted the School District Art Show for grades K-12. It is a show not to be missed.”

Trapasso explains that voters overwhelming approved a $15.8 million project to build the current library, which, having opened its doors in March 2007, will soon celebrate its tenth anniversary. Ossining has some pretty dramatic waterfront, and beautiful Hudson River views are as much a part of the library’s appeal as are the modern design, friendly staff and extensive collections. Trapasso notes that the library “has space for everyone. From our 200-seat theater to our café space and our meeting rooms; there’s even a reading room equipped with a double-sided fireplace–the perfect spot to read on those cold winter days.” The spectacular 44,000 square-foot “new” Ossining Public Library has won numerous awards and is LEED Certified from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Mount Kisco Public Library also serves a very diverse community. However, according to Library Director Kathryn Feeley, one interest/activity that spans the many backgrounds and connects across the ages of this heterogeneous population is crafting. As she explains, the act of crafting is creative and inclusive, encouraging people to engage with each other in real time and real life.

For example, during the December holiday season, the library partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to draw the community together during a crafting and tree-lighting event. Feeley remarks that children, teens, adults and seniors all attended and took part in activities targeted to their age and interest. The partnership and program were an overwhelming success.

Another craft-focused activity is adult coloring. Adult coloring has recently garnered serious attention as a way to center one’s mind and emotions. Indeed, Feeley shares that the Mount Kisco Library needed to replace a regular mediation program for a few months and tried adult coloring as a stop-gap alternative. It has proven immensely popular, again drawing in various demographics including a large number of Latino seasonal workers whose employment options are more limited during the cold weather months.

Clearly, our community libraries are here to stay, and we must count ourselves quite lucky to have enthusiastic, engaged and dedicated professionals at the helms. Further, we should applaud ourselves and our neighbors for continuing to recognize the need for communal learning and information.

Please note that we’ve profiled but four of our area’s libraries, and highlight various programming at these along with an additional two in a related post. http://theinsidepress.com/highlights-from-area-library-programs/ As times and needs change, libraries, rather than becoming relics of the past, remain and grow as vital and vibrantly as ever. Do make sure you/your family have a library card and enjoy all that the Westchester Library System has to offer!

Beth Besen is a past editor and continuing contributor to the Inside Press. Although a Chappaqua resident for over 20 years, she has lived in many places, and always found the public library to be a true home away from home.

Chappaqua Library. Photo by Gary Sapolin