The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Caitlin Samkoff

About Caitlin Samkoff

Caitlin Samkoff is an intern writer at The Inside Press. She is a senior at Horace Greeley High School, volunteers at the JCCA Cottage School on the Pleasantville campus, serves as president of Greeley’s Relay for Life club, and writes for The Greeley Voice.

Your Wine Cellar at 30,000 Feet

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(L-R): Chris Adams, Rebecca Knapp Adams, Larry Beckler, and Betty Ng-Beckler
Photo by Carolyn Simpson

“Your wine, your flight, your way.”

It’s not just a slogan, but a way of traveling. Point to Point Reserve, a private wine storage service for private jet travelers, took off this summer with four friends from Briarcliff Manor bringing their unique expertise to the table. Larry Beckler, the entrepreneur, was already connected with Million Air, a private jet hub, and had a vision to introduce the world of wine to luxury travel. Chris Adams, with decades of experience in wine retailing and storage, was the playmaker: the essential wine resource without whom the concept couldn’t take shape. Rebecca Knapp Adam’s expertise was in luxury lifestyle and travel magazines, along with a strong understanding of the clientele and consumer side of the luxury industry. To glue the team together, Betty Ng-Beckler brought a set of detail-oriented eyes to the operation, the key to pulling off flawless events and elevating every little touch. It’s this combined expertise that turns a simple idea into a signature experience.

The Inside Press met with Rebecca Knapp Adams, Director of Client Experience, in the wine room that Point to Point Reserve built at Million Air (Westchester County Airport). She emphasized that the original blueprint of this venture was to elevate and fill a gap in the luxury travel experience. This allows private aviation investors to enjoy access to their personal wine as they wait to take off.

Photo by Carolyn Simpson

Point to Point Reserve serves as the perfect companion to a weekend getaway. By keeping your personal collection in the cellar at Million Air, you can easily bring a bottle of your favorite Burgundy as a hostess gift to Nantucket or share it with friends on a golf trip to Kiawah. The Point to Point team is at your service for sourcing the wine of your choice and ensuring it will be in your locker to elevate your travel experience. There is real value in having someone dedicated to carefully packing your specialty bottles for takeoff, making sure you “don’t leave your cellar at home.”

Frequent flyers and travelers know that wine can be limited and expensive in resort and island destinations. Imagine just landing in Martha’s Vineyard only to find your favorite bottle of rosè is out of stock. With just twenty-four hours’ notice, Point to Point Reserve ensures this is never an issue, seamlessly adding a touch of luxury to a weekend of enjoyment. You can fully customize your experience, from selecting the bottles of your choice to sending the number of cases. Simply fill out a form on the Point to Point website or inquire directly with Knapp Adams, and all within twenty-four hours the team takes care of the rest. They take care of every detail so your travel feels effortless from the ground up.

Point to Point Reserve may have launched in White Plains, but this is just their first chapter. The team envisions an expansion to key private aviation destinations like Austin and Houston, bringing an elevated wine experience to private jet travelers nationwide. As they grow, the team plans to deliver concierge-level service that goes beyond wine storage. Says Knapp Adams: “Million Air feels like a cool and cozy club, and we want our clients to fully enjoy that experience with a little help from Point to Point Reserve.”

For the founders, the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship isn’t just growth, but watching their vision come to life in small moments. Like the recent visit from the president of Panama and his entourage, who enjoyed a tour of the wine cellar and a glass of Cabernet with the team before heading in to the United Nations. Relaxed and convivial, the visit captured what Point to Point is all about.

Go to pointtopointreserve.com to learn more.

The Pleasantville Farmer’s Market: A Taste of Integrity, A Touch of Home

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Each Saturday morning in the fall, the heart of Pleasantville radiates with life as farmers, food makers, neighbors, and foodies who travel from miles away, gather in the village’s Memorial Plaza parking lot to celebrate the season’s harvest. The Pleasantville Farmer’s Market (PFM) is more than just a place to shop, but a cherished asset of the community, offering weekly children’s events, chef demonstrations and live music that spans a wide range of genres. At its core, it is a marketplace built on a foundation of authentication and integrity with each vendor. Shoppers who love to cook can delight in the market all four seasons as it is one of the only year-round outdoor farmers markets in the region.

The Inside Press had the opportunity to meet with the hardworking team behind PFM, including its volunteer president, Peter Rogovin, who explains that this market’s foundation lies in its rigorous ten-point application process. The team works diligently to ensure their vendors are genuine growers and producers, and conducting on-site farm and kitchen inspections. This high standard ensures that each product, whether it’s zucchini or Himalayan momos (dumplings), has regional connection. The importance of promoting a harvest that is sourced and curated locally tells an honest and genuine story that foodies care for, rather than buying a king salmon that was caught and shipped from Iceland.

The Market’s Origin


First opened in 1998, PFM was managed by a for-profit company in the region. The hope was to bring foot traffic to the downtown retail business district. The market originally had only about a dozen vendors and was held in the parking lot behind the Village Bookstore and Glass Onion Originals and was initially not held weekly. PFM soon proved popular and by 1999 became weekly.

In 2010, a group of young, enthusiastic local residents began to volunteer, serving as liaisons between the Village board and the for-profit operator, eventually moving the market to the Village’s parking lot adjacent to the MetroNorth Pleasantville station. The new location allowed for music and kids programming and made the market more visible to the community. When the for-profit’s contract was up for renewal in 2012, the Village asked the volunteers if they would consider running the market. The volunteers banded together, forming Foodchester, Inc., a volunteer-based not-for-profit to operate the market.

That decision proved to be worthwhile. Today, people travel far distances to attend this market, drawn by its carefully sourced products. Each ingredient tells its own layered story, and visitors have a genuine appreciation for the chance to speak with the farmers. It is also one of the reasons that the market has been voted twelve consecutive years as a “Best of Westchester” winner by readers of Westchester Magazine.

Each vendor is met with intention and respect. The dedication and organization the team brings as they work hard behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of Saturday morning is executed perfectly, is evident in the smooth and rewarding experience shared by the shoppers and the vendors. Carefully curated to maintain balance, the market is designed with each vendor selling its own unique products.

In cases where vendors carry similar items, such as ciabatta bread or rutabaga, the team ensures clear differentiation whether in price point or specialty, creating a space with premium and more budget-friendly options. Meeting this goal promotes collaboration and success among the vendors, rather than a competitive market, setting the Pleasantville market apart from other regional markets. “We ensure that each vendor understands that their offerings and price point are part of the larger market puzzle and by doing so, we assemble and curate a mix that works for shoppers and vendors,” notes Rogovin.

Andy Hahn of Hilly Acres Farm, a vendor for the past three years at PFM loves the loyal customer base at the market. “The community appreciates the time and effort that goes into bringing them the best products. We have an annual farm fest and it’s gratifying when they make the two hour drive to the Catskills to see our operation,” he says.


Interns play a key part in bringing the vibrant vision to life. “Our two-dozen middle and high school interns show up early in all kinds of weather, take real responsibility, and become part of something bigger than themselves. We train them to demonstrate initiative and solve any problems they see and many go on to pursue careers in environmental science or food and hospitality. They are the future of the food system and here at the market, they’re already shaping it, one Saturday at a time,” says Rogovin.

Equity and access are also at the heart of the market’s mission. The market welcomes shoppers of all income levels, providing SNAP recipients with a match–for every SNAP dollar redeemed (up to $20), shoppers receive an additional dollar to spend in the market, so a $20 redemption nets $40 to spend. Through its partnerships with the Pleasantville Community Garden and Hillside Food Outreach, the market has coordinated the donation of over 60 tons of food to address local food insecurity.

Upcoming Fall Events

As autumn approaches, PFM is gearing up for some annual traditions. Coming up on September 13th is a crowd favorite, the annual corn roast, in which a local resident will grill as many as 300-400 donated ears of corn in Memorial Plaza. The customer appreciation event scheduled will fill the air with laughter and gratitude, as families and foodies gather to celebrate the harvest season.

Another beloved fall event is the apple pie contest scheduled this year on October 4th, where local bakers compete to impress a group of renowned judges: professional chefs, cookbook authors and professors from the Culinary Institute of America.

As the fall season rolls forward, the ambitions and goals of this market extend beyond selling fresh produce. It is the realization that while apples can be purchased from a grocery store, the experience and connections found at the farmers market are special and irreplaceable. The implied social contact and bond between the community and family farms in the Hudson Valley, who pour care and passion into every ingredient, will further deepen the market’s ambition to grow the community of foodies while inspiring other markets to embrace the same values of authenticity and collaboration.

Each Saturday morning in the fall, the heart of Pleasantville radiates with life as “We are passionate about the details, about transparency, about authenticity – we want to serve our shoppers, and be a good place for vendors to earn an honest living. But we also want people to know that not all markets are the same,” comments Rogovin, who has seen firsthand other farmers markets reselling vegetables from Hunts Point or sourcing ingredients from Restaurant Depot. “We are the real deal and shoppers and vendors love that – it is our secret sauce,” he says with a smile. In a fast-paced world, this market stands as a vital reminder that real food is rooted in real people.

Reflections on the Greeley Class of 2025

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“Resilience and a strong sense of community has truly defined the Class of 2025” – Principal, Dr. Sandra Sepe

The Horace Greeley High School graduating class of 2025 entered Greeley during COVID-19, a time of chaos and uncertainty. This class began its high school journey under such abnormal circumstances, navigating hybrid learning and restrictions on social interactions with peers. In the wake of overcoming these challenges, the students were able to engage their sense of adaptability and persistence.

In an interview, Horace Greeley Principal, Dr. Sandra Sepe, said “Resilience and a strong sense of community has truly defined the Class of 2025.”

The Class of 2025 continues to shape and strengthen the school’s culture, traditions and achievements, fostering an enduring sense of unity within the community. Horace Greeley’s thriving science research program has flourished, in part, due to the exceptional accomplishments of this class. Many seniors have emerged as leaders in regional science competitions, earning prestigious awards and securing spots as finalists, further paving their legacy for excellence.

The Class of 2025 has reintroduced unity and school pride to Greeley, after being disconnected. Dr. Sepe remarked “These students have shown an unmatched commitment to being part of something bigger than themselves. Whether by filling the stands at home sports games or fostering a culture of community and passion for togetherness.”

These students added a sports broadcasting club to Greeley, further emphasizing this class’s commitment to display their teamwork and take advantage of the school’s resources to strengthen the student body. This dedication is especially notable given that they entered high school in a time of separation and restrictions, making their perseverance and resilience as leaders of Greeley even more inspiring.

During the challenges of COVID-19, both the academics and sports program faced disruptions, where anxiety for students was at a peak. Yet, the Class of 2025 rose in the wake of this, adapting and helping to rebuild a sense of community that defines Greeley’s athletic program.

In addition to athletics, the arts and theater programs have flourished tremendously under the leadership of this graduating class. The success of Greeley’s fall production of Little Women and the excitement surrounding the upcoming production of Anastasia reflect the seniors’ dedication to showcase excellence and collaboration. Their passion for the arts, much like their commitment to athletics, underscore the importance of coming together to create something meaningful. Greeley’s seniors are leaders and lay the foundation for Greeley’s future that coming together with a mix of peers is essential for a thriving school community.

Furthermore, 15 senior students from the creative arts program represented Horace Greeley at the Katonah Museum of Art’s 42nd Annual Young Artists Exhibition, showcasing the brilliance of the graduating students by creating media with a domain of concepts, and expression. Greeley recognizes the numerous accolades in every class, however, this class’s contributions stand out by the lasting difference they make.

The 2025 Horace Greeley commencement ceremony is set for June 21st and follows the tradition of being outside on the lawn underneath the giant white tent. The ceremony will include several student speakers. Tradition is significant at Greeley, especially during the lead up to graduation where each year they introduce the winners for the student speaker contest. The graduation is a great example of students using their voice to bring people together.

Dr. Sepe has characterized the Class of 2025 as “warm and friendly students who are focused on community. These students continue to go out of their way and promote the thriving community that defines Greeley.”

This generation is dealing with the constant effects of social media, facing the everyday challenge of negative content exposure and censoring. In today’s society, it is generally challenging to maneuver through the depths and domains of social media content. However, this generation’s ability to overcome and conquer these modern-day issues sets forth their leadership and adaption to take on challenges in the future.

In summary, Dr. Sepe shares that “Accolades are wonderful, but it’s the difference you make in the lives of others. They have the skills to maneuver generational challenges, paving their path for a bright future.” The countdown to graduation has begun, just 100 days to go! Dr. Sepe emphasized the importance of “making the most of this time, making good decisions, cherishing every moment and enjoying it.”

As the Class of 2025 prepares to turn the page they leave behind a legacy of resilience, leadership and unity. One which will continue to shape Greeley for years to come.

 

Teaching Children Values Through Sowing Seeds

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Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC), a non-profit providing nurturing support and equitable access to high quality childcare for working families in Westchester, has a program called Feed Me Fresh, which is their seed-to-table nutrition education curriculum. Dawn Meyerski, Executive Director of MKCCC, provided insight into this program, through an enlightening interview.

Dawn outlined the program’s commitment to teaching children about organic and whole natural foods, emphasizing how they incorporate them into their daily diet. MKCCC has set up gardens in the children’s playground, where they learn to grow and harvest their own vegetables. From planting to picking, cleaning, cooking, and eating what they have grown, the Feed Me Fresh program is flourishing. The aim of this program is to not only feed the children well, but to teach them where their food comes from.

To help the children find interest in eating healthy foods, MKCCC incorporates cooking activities into their lunch period. For example, the children have learned to make spinach and cous cous from scratch. This program has allowed children at a young age to get connected to and build a love for vegetables and natural foods. They have found children are willingly trying broccoli or spinach, foods typically challenging for younglings to eat, when they grow them and put them into recipes. Dawn remarked, “Although not all children would rather eat kale than cookies, most of them enjoy the kale!”

The Feed Me Fresh curriculum was inspired by Alice Waters, a woman who ran a food service in California using edible schoolyards. Initially, MKCCC was skeptical about adopting this program, but in 2002, after moving to a new building they implemented garden beds and began their journey to mirror the service in California.

Over the years, Susan Rubin, the farm educator at MKCCC, brought a similar seed-to-table program to the Mount Kisco Elementary School. Dawn added that MKCCC school age children had a “higher food IQ” because of the program in the preschool. These children stand out where they are more knowledgeable about growing different vegetables and crops, as well as being passionate about eating fresh vegetables.

In the summer months, MKCCC summer campers, which range in age from kindergarten to fifth grade, work in their own playground gardens and grow any crops of their choice. They also manage their own farmers’ market, selling their fresh produce on the front porch of MKCCC. This program not only teaches children about nutrition and eating healthy but also helps them learn to market and research prices for their products. The money the children earn is split: half goes back to expanding their gardens, and the other half is donated to a charity of the campers’ choice, teaching the children the importance of giving back to the community. Donations have been made to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY, the Mount Kisco Food Pantry, and a Louisiana strawberry farmer who lost his crops due to weather conditions.

The children’s favorite crop to grow is the three sisters’ garden: corn, beans and squash. In this garden, the three plants work together and grow around each other. The crop symbolizes cooperation, and the children learn valuable skills in teamwork, both in the gardens and the kitchen.

“While we live in a world where anything is accessible in 30 seconds, the children learn about patience and gratitude as they wait for their gardens to prosper. They learn to manage their frustration and slow down, understanding that not every plant grows. These children learn the natural process and cycle of growth, realizing that you can’t make a carrot grow any faster than a carrot grows.” Dawn explains that this hands-on program teaches the children to “not be afraid to eat spinach.” MKCCC has high hopes for the future of the program and are looking to maintain and expand it.

Wicked at the Burns Celebrates the Magic of Friendship and Self Acceptance

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Some stories are so iconic, they defy gravity. As the highly anticipated Wicked movie made its way to the Jacob Burns Film Center, the town of Pleasantville was all in on the celebration! In fact, Pleasantville has gone Wicked Wild, with pink & green decorations, food & drink specials, Wicked merchandise and a general warm wicked feeling permeating the village. Indeed Wicked has cast a spell on audiences nationwide and smashed several box office records in its opening weekend. The movie event of the year raked in an impressive $164.2 million worldwide, with $114 million in the US, according to Universal Studios.

Gleaming green lights illuminated the outside of the movie theater and inside hats were hanging from the ceiling that felt as magical as Elphaba’s spells! The Take 3 Wine Bar & Café offered Wicked-themed cocktails – green for Elphaba and pink for Glinda. Such a fun & festive touch.

The movie begins as Glinda, the good witch, floats into Munchkinland in a giant, pink bubble, declaring that the wicked witch of the west was dead. Glinda, brilliantly played by Ariana Grande, takes us back to Elphaba’s childhood. She paints a marvelous picture of the struggles that Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo in a captivating performance, is forces to deal with.

Glinda and Elphaba meet at Shiz University, where they unexpectedly become roommates. The two get off to a rough start and we see that their incompatible personalities spark conflict. Glinda, with her bubbly, popular nature, and Elphaba, with a stunningly fierce attitude, misunderstood manner and drive for independence, clash at every turn.

The good in Glinda shines bright as she helps Elphaba out of an embarrassing moment at a school event. Glinda joins Elphaba on the dance floor as the other students laugh at her strange style of dance. She transforms a cringy solo into an extraordinary duet and turns the moment around marking the start of their special bond.

As their journey unfolds, we have a front row seat to their blossoming friendship. Grande’s show stopping vocals and choreography in the song Popular are the solidifying moment that establish their close-knit friendship. The two become inseparable.  “Elfie” helps Glinda, get into the Madame Morrible’s sorcery class, which is her dream. Although the other students view Elphaba as strange and make fun of her green skin, Glinda doesn’t care what others think and sticks by her side.

Wicked does a great job of demonstrating the theme of embracing individuality and acceptance. Glinda’s realization that true friendship is more important than conforming to social expectations promotes the idea that loyalty and self-acceptance can break down superficial barriers to make room for genuine human connections regardless of judgment. 

As Elphaba impulsively decides to take Glinda with her to Oz, my heart was racing watching the intense scene as they walked towards the wizard. Nothing is as powerful as Elphaba’s moment of realization of what she must do to survive. The singing and stunts during the song Defying Gravity, performed by Erivo, were spectacular! Wicked leaves you on the edge of your seat with a large “To Be Continued” title across the screen to ponder what will happen next. I left the theater with my jaw on the floor thinking that I need to see this movie again!

Wicked is not just a movie, but an unforgettable experience that draws you into the enchanting world of Oz. The production was vibrant & striking, and the sets & costumes were like nothing I’ve ever seen! The overall message of friendship and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even if it means going against the majority, and not judging someone solely based on appearance, leaves the audience feeling good and eager for more. I can’t wait for part two!