The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Deborah Raider Notis

The Common Circles Educational Traveling Exhibit

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Armonk’s Sue Spiegel and Greenwich’s Marla Felton at Common Circles ribbon cutting

“I am more in love with the people around me genuinely… talking to people and having connections, it makes me so much happier. School is much more fun now.” –Rye Country Day School Student

As students return to school this fall, one of the most important lessons they can learn is that each of us carries a rich, multilayered identity–shaped by culture, experiences, and personal stories. When students learn to see that complexity in themselves and others, it becomes easier to build genuine connections and mutual respect.

But in a time of rising division, that kind of understanding doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional, immersive experiences that help people bridge differences with empathy and curiosity.

That’s why Common Circles is so urgently needed. This local nonprofit delivers research-based, interactive programs that empower students and educators to challenge bias, spark connection, and build more inclusive communities.

Greenwich resident Marla Felton, Founder and Executive Director of Common Circles, launched the nonprofit in 2015 in response to rising antisemitism and polarization. The idea first emerged when her daughter was preparing for her bat mitzvah and the family envisioned a sculpture filled with 1.5 million candies to honor Marla’s uncle, Holocaust survivor Martin Greenfield, and the 1.5 million children who perished. When local institutions declined to display it–saying it belonged in a synagogue or Jewish Museum–Felton realized “we needed more than a sculpture”. That moment sparked the creation of Common Circles: a nonprofit helping students and communities connect across differences and recognize our shared humanity.

Felton, originally from St. Louis, was deeply affected by the unrest following the shooting of Mike Brown. In the wake of that moment, educators and community leaders were actively exploring how to bridge divides. Around that time, a mutual friend introduced her to Sue Spiegel, an Armonk resident and former TV producer whose award-winning documentary Erase the Hate launched USA Network’s anti-hate campaign. They quickly connected over their belief in storytelling’s power to bring people together and began researching how to reach people who might be hesitant to engage.

Over the next decade, they partnered with researchers, educators, and students–first in St. Louis, then across the country–to explore how to strengthen relationships across diverse communities. Their work uncovered three key insights:

1. Self-understanding of one’s own multi-layered identity is essential before learning about others.

2. Psychological techniques–like perspective-taking, stereotype replacement, intergroup contact, and finding commonality–have been proven to increase empathy and reduce bias.

3. People are more engaged through art, technology, games, and storytelling.

Felton and Spiegel thought that if they combined these techniques from psychology with the modes of engagement that people enjoy, they would have a winning combination. In an independent feasibility study, outside evaluators validated the research and found that no other museum or institution was addressing these complex topics in this way, reinforcing the belief that the approach could be impactful.

After piloting a variety of interactive experiences and measuring impact, they created Common Circles’ We Are (your school or town!) traveling exhibit. Dr. Joseph Ricca and Dr. Deborah Hand were early supporters and helped test it in the White Plains School District. A UCONN NEAG School of Education professor evaluated the program through surveys and focus groups, and the results were extraordinary. Ongoing evaluation is now supported by a multi-year grant from The Conference on Material Claims Against Germany.

Common Circles tailors its two-part exhibit to each school or community, which humanizes the people featured, engages participants, and fosters a stronger sense of connection.

Part one introduces the themes of bridging, belonging, and the dangers of othering and dehumanization. It uses art, photography, and storytelling to prompt reflection on identity, perspective, and first impressions.

“It really gives a level of relatability to feel like you share something with the people here, and it builds a stronger community in this high school.” –White Plains High School Student

Part two, Voices Against Hate: Lessons from the Holocaust, features interactive biographies from the USC Shoah Foundation, enabling real-time Q&A sessions with a Holocaust survivor and a Jewish American liberator. Unlike AI tools like ChatGPT, these responses are drawn directly from real interviews. Through these interactions, students explore the Holocaust, deepen their understanding of Jewish identity, and learn to recognize and combat antisemitism.

“At one point I was like ‘Oh, it probably isn’t real (the Holocaust),’ but what I learned from Anita [the survivor] really changed my view.” –White Plains High School Student

Felton and Spiegel see the combination of parts one and two as the exhibit’s “special sauce.” “We’re not talking at the students,” Spiegel explains. “They’re asking the questions they’re curious about and getting answers directly from primary sources–actual eyewitnesses.”

Over the past several years, the White Plains School District, Rye Country Day School, E.O. Smith High School, and Southwest BOCES combined have hosted thousands of students, educators, and community members. Interest from New York and Connecticut school districts is strong, and Common Circles is working to scale the educational program so that it can travel to K-12 schools, universities, and community hubs across the United States.

“The Common Circles exhibit has been one of the most powerful, engaging, and inspiring experiences I’ve had in 24 years as an educator.” –Dr. Joseph Ricca, Superintendent, White Plains School District

“It changed the way I looked at my identity… and then that translates to the second part, with how identity affected the Holocaust.” –Rye Country Day School Student

Felton and Spiegel remind students that not everyone has to agree–but we must approach difficult conversations with empathy, curiosity, and respect.

“In the short time since visiting the exhibit, I place a larger emphasis on recognizing what contributes to hate and appreciating the humanity in others.” –Rye Country Day School Student

As demand grows, so does the need for support. This work cannot be done in silos. Building communities of belonging takes a collective effort. Common Circles is actively seeking partners to help fundraise, host, and expand the exhibit and its mission.

To learn more, visit commoncircles.org or email info@commoncircles.org.

What’s New & Noteworthy in Armonk

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With Town Supervisor Joe Rende at the helm, North Castle is thriving.

Rendering of new Armonk restaurant Wren of the Woods

Born and raised in Westchester County, North Castle Town Supervisor Rende ran his family’s home heating oil business until 1989, served as a Trustee and Deputy Mayor in Port Chester, and worked for the Westchester County Government in the mid-1990’s to the early 2000’s. He’s lived in North Castle for almost 15 years. With his background in business and his deep understanding of the Westchester political landscape, he’s been able to make a meaningful impact as Town Supervisor since taking office in January 2024. Rende’s committed to impacting positive change throughout North Castle, and he’s taken over and taken on various projects that will improve the community.

“We’ve really become a destination for restaurants and for shopping in the town square,” Rende says enthusiastically. So, it’s not surprising that one of most highly anticipated projects in North Castle is the opening of the new restaurant, Wren of the Woods at 12 Maple Street. “The building has been vacant for quite a while,” notes Rende, who says that the architectural review board approved plans for a renovation and an addition on the building. Armonk residents are enthusiastically supporting this project, which will enhance Armonk’s social scene while adding to the already diverse restaurant offerings in town. Wren of the Woods is planning a farm to table menu and hopes to draw a younger crowd by staying open a little later on certain nights and weekends.

To make room for the larger crowds heading to Armonk, the parking lot around the North Castle Public Library is being renovated and expanded. The land surrounding the current parking lot was owned by Verizon. The town of North Castle purchased additional land and put together a plan to expand parking in this area a while ago. Rende fast-tracked the plan, completing the engineering, putting the project out to bid and launching the construction project. Construction is currently underway, and the project should be completed this spring. In this first phase of this project, there will be approximately 60 new parking spaces.

“Increased parking is going to help the library, the business community, and local restaurants. It’s going to make it easier to access everything Armonk has to offer,” says Rende. The next phase of this project will include a redesign of a larger area along the west side of Main Street. The plan is to also make additional improvements to the Kent Place parking lot. Ultimately, the goal is to double the number of parking spaces in Armonk proper.

Besides enhancing businesses and building new restaurants around town, Rende is also overseeing the construction of new condominiums, projects that were planned and approved before he took office. The first project, the Lumberyard Project at the end of Bedford Road, will offer the community 20 condominium units. This project includes 18 market rate units and two affordable housing units, complying with Westchester’s affordable housing guidelines. On the Mariani site, the town received approval to build 34 new condominiums. While the demolition of the grounds is complete, there is no start date for this project. The condominiums on the Mariani lot will be taxed as individual homes, providing a greater financial benefit to the community and the Byram Hills School District.

New parking lot behind North Castle Public Library under construction

To further benefit the community, Rende is making re-configuring and expanding the administrative offices a priority. “I feel a sense of urgency to complete this renovation. The police department is working under poor conditions and there’s no room to increase the number of police personnel. The configuration and size of the courtroom doesn’t meet state requirements,” says Rende.

When he first came into office, he recognized that the Town of North Castle had various departments operating out of different buildings. It was difficult for a town administrator to manage town operations when everything was so spread out. “From a management standpoint, it becomes somewhat of a hinderance,” explains Rende, who suggests that the current space is cramped and isn’t serving the public well. Since there’s little room to expand at the current location, Rende is looking into alternatives, including 333 Main Street, and conferring with architects to figure out if this space can be appropriately retrofitted to accommodate all administrative offices.

Looking forward, Rende hopes to find or build a proper facility for the town’s highway department. “All of our expensive machinery is housed outdoors now.” Mechanics are working on equipment outdoors in environments that aren’t ideal. Plus, the town is spending money to replace unfixable equipment since the storage conditions have shortened the lifespan of these extremely pricey necessities. “This has been discussed for over 20 years now, and the can’s been kicked down the road, with everyone suggesting that we address it someday. That someday is now,” asserts Rende, whose plan to modernize North Castle’s resources and revolutionize the town is now in motion.

 

Margaret Cunzio: Committed to Making a Difference in Westchester

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Margaret Cunzio
Photo by DONNA MUELLER

Mount Pleasant County Legislator Margaret Cunzio is on call for the Thornwood Fire Department. She’s been a volunteer there for over four years, awarded the “Chief’s Award” in 2023. But as she carefully listens to see if she is needed for emergency calls that come in, she graciously and openly discusses why she spent her life in Westchester County, dedicating herself to education and public service.

Cunzio, a 25-year resident of Mount Pleasant, grew up in North Castle, attending Byram Hills schools. “Byram Hills was much smaller back then. It was a small town feel before social media and the internet – we all knew each other and had our passions and hobbies,” says Cunzio, who worked in the Byram Hills School District as both a teacher and administrator.

Cunzio also graduated from Iona College and has degrees from Fordham University, Pace University, and Mercy College. “I’m a true Westchester-ite. I think it’s important for people to see that they can have a future in Westchester. We have so many opportunities here,” says Cunzio, who is an extremely approachable and familiar face at local farmers’ markets, attends all Mount Pleasant Eagle Scouts and Girl Scout Gold award ceremonies, and volunteers weekly at the Mount Pleasant Senior Center. She’s always available to her neighbors and constituents.

In addition to her work on the Board of Legislators and as an interior firefighter for the Thornwood Fire Department, Cunzio is a former elementary school teacher and administrator, a fitness instructor who teaches everything from Barre and yoga to Pilates and running, and a current professor in Iona University’s Education department. “I’m from a learning family,” Cunzio noted affectionately. Growing up, Cunzio was encouraged to ask questions and search for answers. Her mother, a reading specialist and the technology point person in the Yonkers school district, and her father, who owned a local towing business in North Castle, fostered Cunzio’s love of reading and history.

Countywide Activities

Deeply invested in making sure that Westchester County thrives, Cunzio is particularly passionate about issues ranging from mental health and local safety to animal rescue and food allergies. She sits on the executive board of the Pleasantville Rotary Club, worked as the adoption counselor for the SPCA in Westchester and volunteers for multiple animal shelters and rescue organizations, and sits on Pleasantville’s Mental Health Board. She is also a committed supporter of the arts and sits on the boards of ARC Stages and ARTS Westchester.

Cunzio always saw herself as someone who simply “enjoyed helping others” until former County Legislator Sue Swanson approached her and suggested that she run for County Legislator. Swanson, a mentor to Cunzio until she passed away, saw Cunzio as another “no-nonsense problem-solver,” which Cunzio took to heart when she was elected. “I’m a public servant…It’s my job to address the concerns of my constituents, work with my colleagues to solve problems, and help people.”

While Swanson suggested that she run for the position, Cunzio decided to run to implement and improve multiple public safety initiatives, starting with redesigning the Commerce Street intersection in Mount Pleasant. “One of my neighbors was tragically killed walking home from a train station. I saw the police cars at his home and heard his wife break down when she was given the news that he was killed when a vehicle struck him.” Thanks to Cunzio’s initiative, Commerce Street was completely revamped and has crosswalks, lighting, sidewalks, and a new, safer traffic pattern.

Cunzio’s record speaks to her community involvement and commitment. The daughter of a local business owner, she’s a firm believer in supporting local businesses. “If I need a cup of tea, I’m going to Black Cow in Pleasantville. If I want to eat out, I’ll head to Beehive in Armonk.”

Besides the Commerce Street improvements and her notable record of supporting seven balanced budgets, all of which either maintained or reduced taxes, Cunzio supported and initiated legislation to address issues concerning animal advocacy, veterans, lithium-ion safety, and food allergy safety.

Promoting Allergy Awareness & Animal Advocacy

As someone who has managed celiac disease for over seven years, Cunzio is acutely aware of the dangers associated with food allergies. “When I was teaching in schools, principals would always give me the students with food allergies. I knew how to use an Epi Pen, and I was hyper-aware of the potential for cross-contamination of foods.” Co-sponsoring the Food Allergy Restaurant Safety Bill, Cunzio helped to guarantee that Westchester restaurants have staff members trained in food allergy safety.

Cunzio is a mom to two dogs and three cats, but she is also a committed legislator who passed Westchester’s strongest ever animal welfare laws. Besides fostering puppies and cats, she has transported over 270 animals from the Outer Banks to Westchester and found them homes. She sponsored the county’s Dog Anti-Tethering Law and teamed with the Westchester District Attorney’s office to strengthen the Animal Abuse Registry and giving animal control officers greater investigative powers.

“This role is a big responsibility. I’ve been given a gift to help people in this position. I’m trying to do my best to leave a positive impact on the world,” says Cunzio, who supported economic boosts like capping the collection of county sales tax on gasoline purchases in past summers and suspending the county sales tax on home energy expenses in past winters. Cunzio is greatly respected for working with members on both sides of the aisle and County Executive George Latimer to positively impact Westchester County.

A Visit to Yad Vashem

Cunzio’s positive impact can be felt globally as well as locally. Cunzio believes a global education is key to building an open-minded, well-informed society. “We need to focus on education. It’s important to know the facts so that people can better understand what is going on in the world.” After the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel, she traveled to Israel with Latimer to bear witness to the atrocities. As a recipient of the Cornell Fellowship, she is headed to Yad Vashem in Israel to study Holocaust history. “We’re supposed to be one of the more open-minded areas of the country, but we’re not educating our students globally and antisemitism around here seems to be outweighing other areas of the country. Understanding world history is essential to combatting prejudice.”

Cunzio continuously works to support those around her. “My goal is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. That’s what I do through my work at the fire department, through teaching, volunteering, and public service.” Cunzio is dedicated to Westchester, and she’s making a difference.

How Westchester County Executive George Latimer Gets Results

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“A Man of the People”… “A Man of his Word”

Westchester County Executive
George Latimer recently dedicating
a memorial plaque commemorating
the Rising Sun Golf & Country Club,
the first black owned and operated
18-hole golf course in America!
L-R behind Latimer: Victoria Tipp,
New Castle Town Supervisor; Ken
Jenkins, Westchester Deputy County
Executive; and Althema Goodson,
Co-Founder of the Dr. George W. Hill
Legacy Institute
INSIDE PRESS PHOTO

County Executive George Latimer is a regular in North Castle, attending local events, patronizing local businesses and restaurants, and investing in local infrastructure. “North Castle has great diversity and a topnotch workforce,” according to Latimer, who credits North Castle’s police, fire, and sanitation workers, amongst others, with keeping the community running smoothly.

It was Latimer’s investment in the North Castle community that resulted in the restoration of North White Plains’ historic museum, the Elijah Miller House, once used by General George Washington as headquarters during the Revolutionary War.

But Miller House is just one example of Latimer’s commitment to bettering Westchester County. He is a regular throughout the County, and as author, blogger, and North Castle resident Marlene Fischer, points out, “He listens, shows up, and most importantly, cares about the people of Westchester County.”

Latimer, a Mount Vernon native who grew up in a working-class family, boasts an over 30-year career in public service in Westchester County. A life-long Democrat with a results-oriented mindset, he served Westchester in multiple capacities, including City Councilman, County Legislator, Assemblyman, and State Senator representing the 37th District – before he was elected as County Executive in 2018.

As County Executive, Latimer invests significantly in supporting Westchester’s diverse community. “George Latimer is a man of the people,” notes Pleasantville’s Francesca Hagadus, a retired teacher in the Chappaqua Central School District.

George Latimer speaking at the County’s 2023 9/11 Memorial event in White Plains. INSIDE PRESS PHOTO
At a recent meeting of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce  PHOTO COURTESY OF ARMONK CHAMBER

 

Latimer is dedicated to bridging gaps throughout the county. Hagadus calls him “a unifier.” He allotted over $3 million to support neighborhood health centers in Greenburgh, Ossining, and Peekskill. He made affordable housing options more available, investing over $90 million over the past year to build over 2500 units throughout Yonkers and New Rochelle. Throughout his tenure, he rebuilt the Wilson Woods pool and Memorial Field in Mount Vernon and refurbished the New Rochelle Family Court facility.

Human Rights Commission Focus

“I’m committed to making substantive changes, not just with rhetoric, not just with words, but with deeds,” Latimer states. He revived Westchester’s Human Rights Commission, a 25-year-old committee that needed a reboot. Latimer sees this Commission as Westchester’s “single most important force in dealing with prejudice against Black, Asian, Jewish, LGBTQIA+, Latino, and Muslim members of our community.” To support economically diverse community members, Latimer spearheaded a law that ensures free legal support to those facing eviction.

Latimer is a man of his word. As Dawn Greenberg, New Castle resident and founder of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, points out, “He doesn’t just make campaign promises, he follows through. Almost immediately after his first term swearing-in as County Executive, he fulfilled a campaign pledge that was important to me and so many other Westchester County residents. He banned gun shows at the County Center.”

With Millie Jasper, executive director, Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center. INSIDE PRESS PHOTO

As a lifelong Westchester resident, Latimer has seen the enormous population growth in the county throughout his 30-year career. “We’re investing a lot to stay ahead of the curve. The usage of infrastructure, the wear and tear on services, is just perpetual, requiring a constant, dedicated investment.” In response to this “wear and tear,” Latimer dedicated resources and funds to repaving roads and bridges, including the North Castle bridge on Route 22 that leads to the Bronx River Parkway and Central Avenue. As part of Latimer’s commitment to capital projects, he renovated the historic Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse in Kingsland Point Park and modernized sewer trunk lines and treatment plans throughout the county.
Going forward, Latimer notes that the County Center, which was built in 1930 and last renovated approximately 40 years ago, needs an update. He’s also committed to updating Westchester County Airport. A staunch environmentalist, Latimer hopes to fully electrify the bus system, a project he’s made a priority over the past few years.

Stimulating Westchester’s Job Market

At the opening of the Wilson’s Woods Park in Mount Vernon

Latimer is also responsible for stimulating the job market within the county. In 2024, he budgeted over $250 million into economic development programs for minority and women owned business enterprises (MWBE), providing a helping hand so that they can grow and thrive. Latimer also provided $8 million for economic development and his administration conducts job fairs designed to match businesses to potential employees.

Creating more job opportunities for residents is particularly beneficial as Westchester County opens its doors to over 400 immigrants who are now residing in Yonkers, White Plains, and Ardsley. When it came to welcoming new people into the county, Latimer employed “a humanitarian approach. We managed welcoming immigrants in a reasonable way, making sure they received proper healthcare and vaccinations when they arrived and making sure they feel safe and welcome in their new community, with no crime issues.”

Robert Fleisher, New Castle resident and administrator of Facebook’s “New Castle Politics and Policy” page credits Latimer with “significantly raising the bar in terms of constituent engagement. Whether he agrees with you or not, his administration is very accessible.” Hagadus agrees, “He knows every municipality, attends every local Democratic Committee meeting, stands at train stations with candidates, and comes to local festivals and farmers’ markets.”

It’s these personal qualities, coupled with his exceptional record of service, that have many Westchester residents enthusiastically supporting Latimer’s run for the NY-16 Congressional seat. Greenberg believes that Latimer’s “tireless energy and willingness to listen to all citizens, his strong understanding of how to get the job done for the betterment of our community, and his knowledge across all levels of government will benefit his congressional constituents. He’s a public servant in the best sense of the term.”

Latimer is endorsed by 10 local Democratic committees, including Eastchester, Rye City, Rye Town, White Plains, Pelham, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Scarsdale, and Yonkers, as well as the Civil Service Employees Association, amongst others.

Running on his Record & Rejecting Identity Politics

Latimer is running for Congress on his record and for his commitment to bettering the lives of Westchester’s residents. “I’m practical-minded. I don’t need to go to Washington to give speeches about societal trends. Others might try to turn this race into identity politics, but I’m not into that.” Instead, Latimer intends to hyper-focus on the needs in the 16th district, from affordable housing and creating job opportunities to greener transportation and reducing our carbon footprint. He believes it is important to work across the aisle to make progress and sees vilifying Republicans as counterproductive. “My intent is to focus on legislation and funding that will help my constituents.”
Ultimately, Latimer shows up and gets results for the residents of Westchester County. He’s a regular guy, a guy who’s committed to social justice and environmental issues, a guy who’s committed to creating jobs and making sure that the Westchester community thrives, and a guy who’s a lifelong Democrat with a record of health funding for residents in need and completing capital projects like the Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers.

As he embarks on his congressional race, he remains forward-focused and staunchly dedicated to the Westchester community. “I have a long-established record of accomplishments, and if you think I can take NY-16 in the right direction in the future, vote for me.”

Greeley Graduate Marissa Rifkin’s The Tooth Fairy’s Busy Day

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When Marissa Rifkin was a student at Horace Greeley High School, her favorite subject was science but her favorite teachers were her history and English teachers. “They helped me enjoy subjects I didn’t think I liked, and they motivated me as a writer,” says Rifkin, a graduate of Greeley and Cornell University and a third-year dental student at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, who combined her love of science with her writing skills to co-author The Tooth Fairy’s Busy Day.

Assigned to do a research project involving evaluating children’s literature about dental health, Rifkin and her classmate, Elizabeth Crowe, developed a list of the best available books relating to going to the dentist and dental health and considered the gaps in children’s literature concerning dental health. Seeing the gaps, Rifkin and Crowe wrote a book to encourage young children to be excited about taking good care of their teeth. “It’s really important to start taking care of your teeth at a young age, and we wanted to create excitement about keeping your mouth healthy and ensuring a healthy smile.”

Rifkin, who plans to focus on pediatric dentistry when she graduates from Columbia, wrote an engaging, colorful story; filled with rhymes and pictures, she teaches children about basic oral hygiene and preventative dental care. She portrays thedentist’s office as a welcoming place so children feel comfortable going to the dentist.

“I’m really proud of the way that The Tooth Fairy’s Busy Day weaves together important concepts like nutrition, dental home care, and visiting the dentist,” notes Rifkin, who found that there were not enough books for children that impactfully set the stage for children to focus on complete oral health at an early age.  Now Rifkin is sharing her book with the Westchester community. A Grafflin grad, she states she would be honored if a copy ends up

in the Grafflin library, and in the Chappaqua Library, too. The Tooth Fairy’s Busy Day, by Marisa Rifkin and Elizabeth Crowe, published in August 2021, is available on amazon.com.