The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Christine Pasqueralle

Spring Spotlights & To Dos in Briarcliff Manor

by

Photo Courtesy of Briarcliff Manor Department of Parks and Recreation

Briarcliff Manor is an idyllic village with much to offer its community. With its mix of charming shops, great restaurants and plenty of bucolic outdoor spaces, there are so many things to explore throughout the village. And spring is the perfect time to take in some special events, hike or bike on a trail, or just bask in a sunshine-filled park and relax for a bit. 

Nestled along the scenic Hudson River and at just under six square miles of land, Briarcliff Manor is a wonderful place to raise a family or just visit for the day. The 2020 census put its population at 7,569 and it is situated within the Town of Ossining and the Town of Mount Pleasant. Briarcliff Manor was incorporated as a village in 1902 and it maintains over 172 acres of active and passive parkland.

Easter Egg Hunt Photo by Police Officer Gregory Campus for the Briarcliff Manor Police Department

Discover ‘Famed’ Tree Streets

Some neighborhoods of note in Briarcliff Manor include Scarborough, Chilmark and the famed “tree streets” such as Elm Road, Oak Road and Satinwood Lane–which is an ideal neighborhood for families to trick-or-treat on Halloween. Briarcliff Manor’s Crossroads neighborhood is a development of streets named after local World War II veterans including Schrade Road and Dunn Lane. 

This Spring, come see what Briarcliff Manor has to offer! Whether you’re a longtime resident, new to the neighborhood or just visiting, there are many things to explore within the village. 

Get Up To Speed On Real Estate Trends

The Briarcliff Manor Chamber of Commerce is planning a real estate event tentatively scheduled for late February at The Briarcliff Manor. Board member Hillary Landau will be moderating a panel of local realtors about trends in the general Westchester area as well as what makes Briarcliff Manor stand out. It will cover what realtors think buyers would like to see in a local community as well as what businesses they’d like to have in their community. 

Spring Cleaning Opp

Now is the perfect time to gather up all that unwanted paper and take it to be shredded. The Westchester County Mobile Shredder will be at 10 Buckout Road on Saturday, March 12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Your space and your mind will feel a lot lighter. 

Make Your Voice Count

Make sure your voice is heard – don’t forget to come out and vote at the Annual Village Election. It takes place on Monday, March 14 from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.at the William J. Vescio Community Center at 1 Library Road.

Briarcliff Manor Public Library Photo courtesy of Briarcliff Manor Library

April 9th Egg Hunt 

Gather the kids and and come down to Law Memorial Park for the annual Spring Egg Hunt (weather permitting). This event is always a lot of fun and in addition to the hunt there will be jelly bean and chocolate egg guessing contests, a children’s entertainer and even a visit from the village’s mascot Briar Bear–who comes out of hibernation especially for this event. 

Summer Concerts Kickoff In May

Briarcliff Manor is a wonderful place to listen to live music. In late May, the Recreation Advisory Committee will sponsor a concert at Law Memorial Park to kickoff the “unofficial” start of the summer season. Further down the road, the Chamber of Commerce will partner with the village on its popular Summer Concert Series scheduled for Thursdays in July at Law Memorial Park.

In Addition…

• Dreaming of those summer days? Memorial Day weekend marks the opening of the Village pool, currently scheduled for Sunday, May 29.

• Time to get out and move! Want to find the best trails for just that? Download the Hiking Project App which features many of Briarcliff Manor’s and other local trails including the Kate Kennard Trail, Pocantico Lake Trail and the Richard Wishing Park Walking Path. Briarcliff Manor has so many park spaces for a wide variety of activities including basketball, playgrounds, baseball and soccer fields, fishing and so much more. One of the village’s newest additions are the Pickleball Courts at Chilmark Park.

• Also in early May, the outdoor clay tennis court season opens–there are three clay courts at Law Memorial Park in addition to a year-round all-weather court.

The Village has a ton of great shops for whatever’s on your wish list. In May, the Chamber will present the Spring Sidewall Stroll, a tag sale along Pleasantville Road incorporating as many businesses as possible. Businesses not located along the road will have tables set up to converse with the community. Also planned for the event are live bands and food trucks. 

Jim Domzalski, the Chamber’s President, speaks of the closeness of the community as a whole, as well as the importance of these community events. “There’s something about walking down that main street that is so charming and familiar. What makes us unique is that small town feel. It’s such a wonderful and friendly place. We all want to be able to get together and do it safely.”

So why not take a stroll through town, grab a coffee and treat and head to Law Memorial Park to sit and relax with a good book. Did I mention the Briarcliff Manor Public Library is located right there?

Join A Book Club

The library features many programs for its patrons–including a variety of book clubs on offer, which are currently being held over Zoom. There’s also an online class on Ancient Egypt for seniors being offered through Westchester Community College taking place late February through early March.

The ‘Human Library’

On April 30, the library will host the ‘Human Library.’ This is a learning platform that uses library terminology to match “books,” or those who have experienced prejudice, with “readers,” those who want to learn more. Each reader “checks out” a book for a 30-minute conversation and the idea is to help “un-judge” people. 

Human Library is a Copenhagen-based organization that hosts programs on a global level and has received local support here through the Library Board, the Friends, staff and patrons. 

The library’s Director Donna Pesce says, “This library is a place that brings the residents such joy. They love to visit, to browse and discover an interesting book or to sit in a comfortable chair to read. But it is the warm and personal environment that our patrons most appreciate.”

Get To Know The History Keepers

Keeping the history of the area alive and well for residents and visitors alike, the Briarcliff Manor-Scarborough Historical Society is anticipating a spring reopening of their space on the lower level of the library. Unfortunately, their space was damaged by Hurricane Ida in September 2021. Karen Smith, the Society’s Executive Director says, “Our center is a project-in-motion.” She hopes people can resume visits in the spring and says, “We’ll be ready to welcome all visitors and ready to answer all questions about Briarcliff Manor history.”

As Josh Ringel, the Village Manager puts it, “Briarcliff offers a rustic residential environment, with top quality schools, ample parks and trails, and convenient access to NYC via the Scarborough Train Station.” It’s truly a fantastic place to live or visit and has so much to offer both residents and visitors alike. Come out this spring and discover what Briarcliff Manor has in store for you.

Dates may be subject to change – please check briarcliffmanor.org, briarcliffmanorchamber.com and briarcliffmanorlibrary.org for the most up-to-date information.

Briarcliff Pool shot circa 1927 … the current pool is in the same exact footprint, and the pavilion is now located directly behind where the kids are standing on the end wall. The original pool shared a common wall with the pond on the right, which has now been reconfigured and pushed further south, away from the pool, to create a grass lounging area. Photos courtesy of Briarcliff Manor Parks and Recreation

Getting to Know… Mary Jo Ziesel, New Executive Director of the Jacob Burns Film Center

by

Photo by Donna Mueller

“Wouldn’t this be an amazing place to work one day?” That’s what Mary Jo Ziesel said to her partner Dr. Hank Spinelli after the two took in screenings of Pavarotti and Parasite at the Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) in 2019. Just two years later, Ziesel would be named the Executive Director of the JBFC. Since taking on the role in September 2021, Ziesel has been hard at work implementing programs and keeping up the JBFC’s excellent reputation as an important cultural institution in the local community and beyond.

Before joining the JBFC, Ziesel held over two decades of leadership at American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Among her many accomplishments were the development of a $7M center of innovation, serving more than 20,000 students, summer intensive programs, the ABT National Training Curriculum, the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and William J. Gillespie Schools and a national network of ABT Certified Schools. During the pandemic, Ziesel pivoted programming online, reaching thousands of students and teachers in 49 states and 46 countries. She was instrumental in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at ABT. 

Speaking with Ziesel, one gets a sense of her excitement for creating new ideas for the JBFC and the joy she has in working with the staff, board, members, and community. “I am thrilled to be here. When I first discovered it, the theater staff was so enchanting, knowledgeable and professional. They are so well trained with providing an incredible experience.” Ziesel has been hard at work learning the intricacies of the JBFC organization and engaging with the community at large as the theater celebrates its 20th anniversary.

photos by donna mueller

“One thing I’ve learned in arts administration is if you have great art, where there is rigor, commitment, focus and resiliency, if you have all those elements, it transfers everywhereand anything can happen.” says Ziesel. From her first day on September 7th, Ziesel has felt the magic and excitement that happens at the JBFC. “Everyone is so excited that people are coming back to the theater–it’s what we do and what we believe in. The energy in the theater is palpable–you know you’re experiencing a special moment in time.” The JBFC prides itself on showing 400 films a year and presentingupwards of 150 events–which means there’s never a real down time. “You can come to the theater every day and see something different. What strikes me as different than the performing arts, you typically have a season and relax once it’s over. But here what’s so great, one of the magical things of why employees are so excited and committed to being here, the film programming is changing every week, it’s always new and engaging.”

One of the JBFC’s programs for emerging artists is the Creative Culture program which champions diverse voices and helps to foster a thriving artistic community from all over the world. The Fellowship Program provides a 10-month-long experience for emerging filmmakers to produce two short film projects within a collaborative community.

“We’re bringing in a new cohort of talented emerging filmmakers; it’s a very competitive process for fellows each semester. Sean Weiner, the Director of Creative Culture, has created a safe collaborative environment for the artists, who are mostly in their early to mid-20’s. I’ve been so moved by the robust and all-encompassing services the Burns provides. The stories the filmmakers are telling are deeply personal and to have the maturity to tell a story and be that vulnerable is quite something at that age. The JBFC is providing a platform for voices and stories that might not otherwise be heard.”

“The other piece is our artist-in-residency program which provides filmmakers from all over the world a space where they can come and work on their feature films. They have access to all resources in the building. They’re like kids in a candy store – they can use all the elements and are provided a space to really focus on their work – an incredible gift to be able to do so.”

At the Burns, from left: Kendra Ekelund, General Manager; Selena Beaumont, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director; Mary Jo Ziesel, Executive Director; and Sean Weiner, Director of Programs, Media Arts Lab.

As the year goes on and the 20th anniversary continues, Ziesel is looking forward to many upcoming programs including bringing back the popular Focus on Nature series as well as the opening of the much-anticipated Downton Abbey: A New Era film coming out in March. Ziesel is also excited about the return of in-person camps as well as JBFC Kids, a program geared towards younger kids and their families, which offers both film screenings and hands-on media-making experiences. She anticipates some fun events at the Media Arts Lab including engaging activities for families to experience media and film viewing. 

The curated film series will be back as well including Remix: The Black Experience in Film, Media and Art, The World Stage on Screen–the best of international theatre on screen–and Global Watch, a series of social action documentaries. She also hints at some upcoming special guests to the JBFC. “One thing I’ve learned very quickly is you may plan for guests a few months out, the pace is very quick for when people are available. Often, we get a very last-minute exciting guest to come visit. Patrons appreciate the excitement of not knowing but trusting it will be something good.”

There will also be plenty of opportunities to take in some of the JBFC’s virtual programming. There is an upcoming Romanian film series as well as the Jewish Film Festival. The JBFC continues to do virtual programming in schools as well as professional development for teachers. “We can reach teachers nationally and internationallwe’re embracing the lasting presence of digital and what it can do to reach new audiences. We reach about 16,000 students each year and are very excited to bring back the virtual Classroom to Screening Room.”

Patrons are embracing the “new normal” in-person theatrical experience as well. “Patrons are excited to be back in the space and appreciate our vaccination requirements and mask policies. It’s park of getting the movie-going experience back into your life. Once the seal is broken and you’re back, it’s like saying ‘I remember this and loved and missed it’. We’ve all been shut indoors. Streaming in our pj’s is one thing, but coming to experience film in a shared environment with an audience is something people are excited about.” As always, one of the most important things is the relationships with the patrons as well as the staff and the board. “The staff is just incredibly talented and it’s inspiring to work with them. It’s awe-inspiring to see what Steve Apkon (JBFC Founder and Pleasantville resident) originally created here and how the community and town can be transformed. Together, we will continue to entertain, educate, and inspire people of all ages through the amazing power of film.”

The Back to School ‘Picture’ in Chappaqua Schools*

by

Chappaqua School Superintendent Christine Ackerman. Photo by Carolyn Simpson

The start of school is right around the corner. As we approach the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, we look back on an unprecedented year during the COVID-19 pandemic with a renewed hope for the future. One thing we know for certain: this year’s back to school will look somewhat different than last. The majority of parents, students and teachers alike are thankful for a return to normalcy, in-person instruction, full classrooms and far fewer Zoom meets. 

In the spirit of hopefulness and optimism, but with requisite caution as the pandemic is not over, the Chappaqua Central School District is readying itself for a full return to academics, sports, extracurricular activities and the like this year. I spoke with superintendent Dr. Christine Ackerman to get a glimpse into the coming year as well as a look into how the district handled last year’s atypical school year. Ackerman has served as Chappaqua’s superintendent since July 2017. Prior to that, she served as superintendent of the Greenwood Lake Union Free School District in Orange County for three years. 

As COVID-19 cases continue to decrease and vaccinations increase, what is Chappaqua’s current plan for back to school in September?

“This September we will operate a normal school schedule. We finished last year with all students able to attend school for the full day on campus.  All students will return to our traditional classrooms, 3 Feet- Apart, K-12.  We also are prepared to shift to remote learning for all students at a moment’s notice.

I personally feel students learn best when they’re with us in school. As we progressed in the (2020-21) year, remote access dramatically decreased, and many students returned to on-campus. Very few children in June were accessing remote instruction. At this time, we allow students and staff placed in quarantine by the Health Department due to COVID-19 exposure or diagnosis as well as students who are medically fragile and unable to be vaccinated access our classes remotely.”

How might the District encourage vaccinations for eligible students and staff?

“As soon as staff were eligible for the vaccine, we shared and facilitated this process in partnership with the Westchester County Department of Health. At this time, students and staff cannot be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend school or to participate in our programs. However, we will provide opportunities for more flexibility for students and staff who are vaccinated as we plan forward.”

How are the new recommendations from the CDC requiring indoor mask wear impacting back to school decision making?

“All students, staff and visitors should plan to wear masks when inside our buildings this September.  At this time, the District will not require masks outdoors.”

As you envision a return to sports/extracurricular activities come fall, what special precautions will be in place? What will be back to normal?

“Last year Chappaqua held most of our high school activities. We held end of year concerts in a tent; the musical was held at Caramoor; the prom was on campus, as was graduation and all moving up ceremonies.  We used our outside spaces as much as possible. Chappaqua ran its entire sports program, with weekly Covid testing for higher-risk sports, to support those programs last year.

For this year, with the understanding of guidance provided, and based on what I know now, we anticipate being able to support a normal extracurricular schedule, including after school transportation. We will hold as many of our large events as possible outdoors and will hold our September Open Houses virtually via zoom for all grades.” 

Describe your experience thus far within the Chappaqua district and community.

“I came to the district in 2017. My daughter is entering 7th grade and my son is entering 9th. It’s has been a privilege being a parent in our district. It helps me support my children in very important ways and provides a lens into the experience here for students and parents. It informs my decision-making as superintendent. Especially during the pandemic, having two students living the experience you’re shaping for them with your team makes me stronger as a leader. 

My experience with our community, is that we are resilient.  We pulled together last year, all of us, to ensure the children of this community had the education they deserved.  I have always been impressed by our students, families, staff and Board of Education, and this pandemic affirmed what I already knew, Chappaqua Central School Districts is an amazing place to work, learn and live.

Whatever this year brings, we will work together to figure it out to ensure students can attend school safely every day.”

What have been sources of pride to you and the district during these challenging times?

“The district has been working on a strategic plan focused on six areas: Instructional Space to Amplify Learning, District Wide Assessment Practices, Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Alignment, Curriculum Alignment, Technology as a Tool to Personalize Learning and Equitable Affirming & Culturally Responsive Learning Environments.  The work we’ve done around social and emotional learning and instructional spaces prior to the pandemic have all supported how we would focus on learning in this new environment. I’m proud we were able to shift the focus and redefine the plan; we were able to support students in multiple ways and redefine curriculum based on their experiences in the middle of trying to support the community through this unprecedented situation.

I’m most proud of our administrative team, the teachers and staff under the support of the Board of Education and community. We were able to work through COVID-19 as best we could and position the District to open in September in a way that minimal instructional loss was experienced. It was hard to open and to stay open but at the end of the day, being able to help a 4-year-old out of the car and welcome seniors back for their last year was absolutely worth every moment for that. That’s the work. 

I really can’t take the credit for this either. If I didn’t have the administrative team with me trying and working EVERY weekend, supporting students exposed to COVID-19, all the logistics for opening, there’s no way this could have happened. The amount of work the principals had to do to open and stay open was extraordinary–especially related to COVID-19 exposures, calling parents, etc. They worked late at night and over weekends to make sure we were all safe.

It took everyone. Every person, every stakeholder group had a part in opening us up in September and making sure we remained open. It’s only because of that that I felt we were in a place at the end of the year that students had an experience where they were able to be in school as normally as they possibly could be.”

*Editor’s Note: The comments for the print version of this article were gathered and updated to the best of the author’s and editor’s ability through early to mid August for optimal accuracy inside our back-to-school print editions and to help us define a ‘New Beginnings’ theme. We appreciate Superintendent Ackerman’s time and openness to the Inside Press to achieve that goal and for several updates, including today’s. We also recognize that the news each day brings new revelations and of course impacts our school district’s decision making, sometimes profoundly. Please follow announcements from your individual school district to keep up with policies for vaccinations and mask wear and other Covid-safety protocol. Wishing families everywhere a safe, healthy and productive back to school experience!

‘What to Expect’ in the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District – An Interview with Superintendent James Kaishian*

by

Dr. James Kaishian, BMUFSD Superintendent   PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dr. James Kaishian has been superintendent of the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District (BMUFSD) since August 2000. We recently spoke so that he could share some of his thoughts on what the 2021-22 school year might look like for the district. 

As Covid cases continue to decrease and vaccinations increase, what is Briarcliff’s current plan for back to school in September?

“In years past I would have already written to families with finalized school opening plans for September, but Covid cases are once again rising and things have become rather fluid. Although I’m optimistic about the upcoming school year, the trajectory of the pandemic and new data surrounding the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 Delta strain provide reason for renewed concern. 

While carefully monitoring regional health metrics, we do plan near normal school operations come September. The District’s plan will require masks be worn by all students, staff and visitors while indoors and on district provided transportation.  The District’s plans otherwise calls for near normal operations regarding classroom instruction, co-curricular activities, and transportation. Unless mandated by the State, a remote option will only be available if schools are closed due to COVID-19 or if students are required to quarantine. Last week, school districts across New York State received updated guidance from the State Education Department. That guidance essentially mirrored the CDC’s guidance fro schools. BMUFSD subsequently reconvened a district opening committee to finalize a return to school on September 9th.  The finalized plan will be provided to families on Friday. Given the ongoing dynamics of the pandemic, the District’s plan includes the ability to at any time make necessary adjustments and additions to COVID-19 safety policies and procedures as may be recommended by health experts.”

How will the district encourage vaccinations for eligible students and staff?

“At this time, vaccination rates for Briarcliff faculty and staff exceed the goals set by regional and national health experts as do vaccination rates for students ages 12 through 17. This summer and throughout the fall, we will continue to amplify federal, state, and regional awareness of prudent COVID-19 health and safety precautions and strongly encourage those eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

How are the new recommendations from the CDC requiring indoor mask wear impacting back to school decision making?

“Again, the new data around the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 strain or the “Delta Virus” is a reason for concern and in addition to vaccination, wearing masks while indoors is the best way to help mitigate these concerns. We are putting final touches on a plan to safely open each of our  schools for full in-person instruction on Thursday, September 9th. Following NYSED recommendations and CDC COVID-19 Guidelines for Schools, all students and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors. The current plan does not require students to be masked outdoors. Absent further guidance, the District will also follow basic hygiene, social distancing, and contact tracing protocols.” 

As you envision a return to sports/extracurricular activities come fall, what special precautions will be in place? What will be back to normal?

“Unless the regional heath metrics deteriorate appreciably, we envision little in the way of further restrictions on sports and extracurricular activities beyond daily screenings and common-sense safety precautions such as distancing, layered hygiene and cleaning measures.  Sports schedules and championship play look to be back on track.  Plans currently call for a full school day followed by co-curricular activities and sports. Once again, as circumstances dictate, additional health and safety measures may be required of students engaged in after-school activities and sports.”

Describe your experience thus far within the Briarcliff Manor district and community.

“The support the District has received from the Briarcliff school community has been extraordinary. Patient, and public health conscious, the collective effort of our faculty, staff, students, and parents enabled our schools to open on time and for the District to remain open for in-person K-12 learning for the entirety of the 2020-21 school year. United behind the interests of kids and families, we successfully navigated the challenges that the pandemic placed before us. This year, we are called to prioritize physical health and safety for all who enter our schools wile elevating the social and emotional needs of our students. I’m confident that we will answer the call once again.”

*Editor’s Note: The comments in the print version of this article were gathered and updated to the best of the author’s and editor’s ability through early to mid August for optimal accuracy inside our back-to-school print editions and to help us define a ‘New Beginnings’ theme. We appreciate Dr. Kaishian’s time and openness to the Inside Press to achieve that goal, and for the updates today. We also recognize that the news each day brings new revelations and of course impacts our school district’s decision making, sometimes profoundly. Please follow announcements from your individual school district to keep up with policies for vaccinations and mask wear and other Covid-safety protocol. Wishing families everywhere a safe, healthy and productive back to school experience!

 

John Diaconis on…Togetherness, Reaching Out & Preserving History at the Miller House

by

PHOTO BY Donna Mueller Photography

When one thinks back on the past year, a few words stick out: family, friends, love and togetherness. These are the important things in life that have really come to the forefront in 2020 and beyond. Life as we know it has changed in many ways and people are learning how to live in this “new normal.” 

Armonk resident John Diaconis is one of those people. 

A partner at White Plains law firm Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP, he is also a former New Castle Town Board member. Diaconis is now President of Friends of Miller House/Washington’s Headquarters, having been a longtime advocate for the North White Plains historical site. 

Diaconis moved to Chappaqua in 1990, when he says, the area was semi-rural and very quiet. He relocated to Armonk ten years ago, where he now lives with his wife Ann Dantzig and her 91-year-old mother, Janice Rabinowitz, whom he says “has more energy than all of us.” 

Diaconis served on the New Castle Town Board for five years and was the Town Prosecutor until moving to Armonk in 2010. He credits his time on the board with his eventual involvement with Miller House. 

“I moved to Armonk in 2010 and the first thing I became involved with was Miller House,” says Diaconis. He was asked to participate by Dorrie Watson, a founder of the North Castle Historical Society and town historian, whom he says was a legend in North Castle. The first order of business was to help work on getting the house refurbished and renovated, as it had been neglected for a number of years. 

“Credit goes to George Latimer: he spearheaded the renovation,” says Diaconis. The Miller House hopes to be back open to the public in the near future, but for now they will offer virtual programs.

As the world began to shut down last March, working from home became the norm for many, including Diaconis. As he says, no one was pressured to go into the office and that it is fortunate that most of the work he does can be done from home. Now, the firm is back up and running at 100% with all safety features, such as protective glass in place. Diaconis works in the office as much as he can now, but employees still have the option to stay home when what they are doing does not require them to be in the office. In many ways, it seems the work-life balance has greatly shifted for everyone over the past year.

Appreciating One Another

Diaconis definitely understands the vast importance of family, especially at this time in the world. Unfortunately like most of us, he has also experienced loss. Diaconis’ son Ari passed away three years ago at the age of 33. While he was sick, he spoke a lot about the importance of relationships. As Diaconis says, “He was a really smart kid. My family and I are very attuned to appreciate one another and our friendships. If anything, the social distancing and stay-at-home parts of the virus have reinforced the importance of connection with people.” Ari and his sister Alix both attended school in Chappaqua.  After graduating from Horace Greeley High School, Alix is now living in Brooklyn and working as a video editor. Ari went on to graduate from Cornell Law School and practiced law in New York City. 

Diaconis also has two step-daughters. Natasha graduated from Byram Hills High School while Lexi graduated from the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry. Lexi lives in Providence and Natasha in San Francisco. The family does a lot of Zoom calls and speaks regularly on the phone. Alix comes up to visit after quarantining and Diaconis visits her in Brooklyn as well. 

PHOTO BY Donna Mueller Photography

 

 

 

 

Everything that’s been happening this last year has made them all closer. The community has definitely come together during this time as well. Diaconis says, “Armonk is an interesting town: everyone is pulling together.” North Castle Town Supervisor Michael Schiliro always starts each board meeting with “Dorrie TIME”. These are good deeds that people in the local community have done inspired by Dorrie Watson. “A lot of people are involved in community efforts to help homeless people,” says Diaconis. 

Community Involvement

Local churches are doing outreach and are doing what they can to provide shelter as well as community members volunteering with food distribution and at soup kitchens. There is also a large effort to preserve local history: many in the community are actively involved with helping to fund the library and historical society. 

Diaconis really enjoys the sense of community Armonk provides as well as many of the local spots in town–La Mer Seafood, David Chen and DeCicco & Sons included. He spends a lot of time downtown, as it is so walkable and vibrant. As for his role in public service, it all comes down to one thing. “My mentor was Marion Sinek, former New Castle Town Supervisor. People are in public service to try and do good things for people. I try to follow that motto now, as do others in public service.” 

Opening Soon: The Landmark Miller House

Situated on a stretch of Virginia Road in North White Plains sits the Elijah J. Miller House. Once almost lost to disrepair, the historic home has undergone an extensive renovation thanks in part to Westchester County and Friends of Miller House/Washington’s Headquarters. The site was the home of Elijah and Ann Miller and it is where George Washington once stayed during the American Revolution. Unfortunately, it had spent more than 20 years with sustained structural damage and visitation was not allowed. 

In 2019, County Executive George Latimer led efforts to renovate the house so that visitors could once again come and learn about its historical significance. John Diaconis, President of Friends of Miller House says, “Credit goes to George Latimer, he spearheaded the renovation.” And Kathy O’Connor, Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation goes on to say, “We were thrilled that the restoration of the Miller House was a priority for the Latimer administration. We look forward to the day when we can begin programming again to educate children about this important landmark and history of their County.” 

John Diaconis, outside the Miller House with Philip Sieverding, a Greeley grad who is on the historic house’s board of directors.
Photo by Grace Bennett/Inside Press

Storied History

Originally situated on a 100-acre farm, the house is an 18th Century Rhode Island-style farmhouse, built in 1738 with an addition built in 1770. Miller House served as General Washington’s sleeping quarters and command post during the 1776 Battle of White Plains. Shortly before the battle, Elijah, along with his two sons, John and Elijah, Jr. were killed.

Ann then turned the house into a field hospital, and many soldiers were tended to by her and others in the house and on the grounds. Eventually Charles Lee, Washington’s second-in-command was court-marshaled and the last phase of his trial was held at Miller House. In 1976, Miller House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a Local Historic Landmark by the Town of North Castle. 

Diaconis is looking forward to the day Miller House can re-open its doors to the public. “We would love to get school trips up and running again, it’s an important part of what we plan to do–to get things back to where they were.”

He has received emails from people all around the Northeast saying how they used to go to Miller House on field trips and that it was a highlight of their elementary school experience. 

Millennial Interest

The Friends of Miller House board includes some millennials, whom the group hopes to connect with younger kids to help expose them to the important local history right here in Westchester County. “Anyone can join the Friends; we always want input from people with suggestions about programs they’d like to see and more. We want to hear from the public.”

For now, Miller House is planning a variety of virtual events including its George Talk book club series, which will feature a book written about Charles Lee. As Diaconis says, “We are grateful for County Executive Latimer’s leadership in preserving this historic landmark. John Nonna, Sharon Tomback and many others also worked countless hours to save the house,” which incidentally also included the saving of a 300-year-old sycamore tree.

Latimer says, “While we may not be able to gather at the Miller House in person, the meaning behind the historic home should never be forgotten. This building tells us the story of the American Spirit.” And we will all look forward to the day when we can once again take in its vast history on its grounds and inside its walls.