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Derek Rosen

Byram Hills High School unveils Latest Interdisciplinary Art Mural with a Focus on Physics

August 29, 2018 by Derek Rosen

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA FLAM

At Byram Hills High School, unwelcoming hallways full of cold, bare cinder block wall have become the oversized canvas for colorful, creative and incredibly detailed paintings celebrating subjects like literature, history and chemistry. These eye-catching, collaborative pieces of hallway art have sparked conversation, and maybe even some inspiration as well.

The murals of Byram Hills, created every other springtime, are the product of visual arts teacher John Anthony Lopez, who works with other educators to transform curriculum into carefully crafted artwork. In total, a mural will take 18-months to complete, with students involved in its production the whole way. From the beginning, the jobs of research and image input fall upon students who are taking courses in the mural’s subject area. Later, the mural is finished off with a four week period of painting by Mr. Lopez’s advanced drawing and painting class.

Creating Enduring Artwork

“The goal is, first of all, to create a lasting testament to the students and the curriculum, but also to give students an experience in creating public art,” Mr. Lopez said. “It’s something they can come back to in years, and even decades to come.”

Each mural features an abundance of historical figures, sites and works of art or literature that relate to the curriculum. The murals are painted in the proximity of the classrooms where the subject is taught, sometimes bringing several stretches of cinder block to life.

“They’re an expression of the importance that our faculty sees in their curriculum, and in different ways of expressing it,” Mr. Lopez said. “And it shows a love of the material.”

Music Mural Kicked Off Project

The first mural came about in 2008 when Aaron Lockwood and Marna Weiss of the Music Department worked with Mr. Lopez to make the band and orchestra space feel less industrial in a way that incorporated the curriculum. The result was the two-part band and orchestra mural that features famous artists from Duke Ellington to Mozart.

Mr. Lockwood, the only teacher whose mural is inside a classroom, still refers to it a decade after its creation.

“I find it especially inspiring when I can point to a face on the mural, and make a connection to the composer and/or the style of music being played in class,” he said. “Recently, to generate a conversation about the Mozart piece that we were learning in class, I pointed to the wall and said, ‘Mozart is watching. If he were to comment on your articulation, what would he say?’”

After this success, murals were produced for World Languages, Chemistry, World History, and Literature in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 respectively.

Einstein Serves as Inspiration for Latest Mural

This spring, the sixth and most ambitious mural to date, was created. It’s called “The Evolution of Physics,” named after the title of Albert Einstein’s famous book.  The mural covers two 30-foot walls that face each other, and features over 30 noted physicists from across history.

For the first time, this mural features 3D elements such as a solar system and golden spheres traveling downhill to demonstrate acceleration. In an interactive twist, QR codes have been included throughout the work of art, which can be scanned for more information (this project is not yet completed; biographies of the physicists that can be viewed once the QR code is scanned are being worked on by current physics students).

Hidden in this mural are meanings and metaphors left for visitors to uncover. Why is Johannes Kepler dropping the apple onto Isaac Newton’s head? Why is Einstein looking toward Newton across the hall? In this mural, placement of the figures is all relative, stimulating realizations and reinforcing material learned in the classroom.

“It’s that surprise factor,” said physics teacher Paul Beeken, who spearheaded the mural with Mr. Lopez. “We’re hoping this will be the hook to keep students interested. By design, this wall involves dozens of different themes all running concurrently. That’s the whole point. We want them to come back to the wall four and five times, and each time see something different. It’s complicated on purpose.”

Dr. Beeken, whose excitement for this project is driven by his passion for physics, hopes the mural will generate student interest in the sciences.

“I’m not trying to turn them into scientists per se, but I do want them to appreciate its importance in their lives,” he said. “I’m shameless in trying to get kids hooked on the idea of learning how science serves them and the framework for understanding our world.”

How successful the mural will be at generating interest in the sciences has yet to be seen, but one thing is for certain, it draws plenty of attention.   

“The walls were really bland before,” said Danielle Cronin, a rising senior at Byram Hills High School who assisted with the painting of the physics mural. “I think the mural really makes people come to the physics hallway to figure out what the mural is about.”

Filed Under: Gotta Have Arts Tagged With: Art, Art Mural, Byram Hills High School, mural, Physics, project, school

150 Year Elks Club Celebration Honors Five Law Enforcement Officers

June 19, 2018 by Derek Rosen

On Wednesday, June 13th, at the American Legion in Armonk, the Mid Westchester Elks Lodge held their first Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards Dinner. Here, a group of five officers and detectives from the surrounding area, Steven Vitolo, Lauren Valentino, Steven Mulcahy, James Chiarlitti, and Arcangelo Liberatore, were honored for their outstanding acts of heroism and dedication on the job. Over 40 co-workers, family members, and elks were gathered at the event to watch the ceremony.  

On the eve of Flag Day, a holiday that celebrates the adoption of our familiar red, white and blue emblem, strong feelings of national pride were evident at the event. To kick things off, the Pledge of Allegiance was uttered in unison as the American flag stood tall at the front of the room. Later this flag was used in a service, observing its history and significance. The Elks furthered these patriotic sentiments through the singing of God Bless America.   

The Elks Club (officially known as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks), is a fraternal organization whose primary mission is to improve the communities in which they serve. One big way that they do this is through their commitment to helping those who risk their lives to protect our country: veterans and enforcers of the law.

These sacrifices were commemorated at the event when a moment of silence was ordered for police officers killed in the line of duty. After this silence, the Emerald Society of Westchester, a band made up of both former and active police officers, played God Bless America to further honor those fallen.

Officer James Chiarlitti of Pleasantville accepts his reward from the Elk Club’s Robert Lent.

In regards to sacrifices officer James Chiarlitti, one of the event’s honorees, stated, “People see what we do online and on TV, but they don’t see us working on three hours of sleep and doing double shifts.” He also brought up that, “our families don’t see us on birthdays and holidays and anniversaries,” revealing one of the overlooked things that police families are often forced to give up.

Chiarlitti, a Police Officer for the town of Pleasantville and son of the former chief of police, remembers playing in the station as a little kid. After fulfilling his dreams of becoming a Police officer with the NYPD, he returned to the very station that used to be his stomping grounds. James was complemented at the event for his work ethic, his chief, Erik Grutzner, saying, “he gets it, he understands what this job entails.”   

Officer Lauren Valentino Beams receiving her award

Similarly, Detective Lauren Valentino of the Mount Pleasant Police Department was recognized for her dedication. Formerly a school teacher, Valentino works closely with youth interested in careers in law enforcement, both through the Law Enforcement Exploring program and the Youth Police Academy in Mount Pleasant. When it was mentioned that she had been working at the station for over 17 years she exclaimed, “time flies when you’re having fun.”

Detective Steven Mulcahy of the Pound Ridge Police Department was also complimented on his work ethic. In addition to serving as a Detective, he also works as an EMT and a Firefighter. Last year he was one of the first responders to a horrific double homicide in which a father killed his wife and daughter.

Another Steven, Police Officer Steven Vitolo of the North Castle Police Department, was praised for his split second decision making when he was the first responder to a fire in the Wampus Close housing development. If it weren’t for the fact that he was able to momentarily control the blaze with his fire extinguisher, the 18 house development may very well have gone up in smoke.   

Finally, Police Officer and local celebrity Arcangelo Liberatore of the Irvington Police Department was commended for his bravery in handling a coyote attack. Liberatore was off duty with his family when he noticed a coyote attacking a five year old girl. He quickly fought off the coyote with his bare hands, restraining it until backup could arrive. It was later found out that the coyote was rabid.  

These five officers should each have a whole article dedicated to telling their individual stories, but law enforcement don’t often receive thanks that they deserve. As officer Chiarlitti explains, “You don’t take this job to be thanked, it’s kind of a thankless job, but it’s nice every once in awhile to bring family together and be thanked for the work you do.”

The Elks Club, which is celebrating its 150th birthday this year, plans on making this an annual event and are considering expanding the ceremony to include all types of first responders. To find out more about the club and all their charitable efforts click here.

Derek Rosen (HGHS Class of ’17) is an intern for the Inside Press this summer. In September, Derek will be entering his sophomore year at Syracuse University, where he is a communications major.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: New Castle News Tagged With: 150 Year Celebration, American Legion, Elks Club, Law Enforcement Officers

An Invite to the Blum Sisters’ Lemonade Stand: June 9!

June 6, 2018 by Derek Rosen

 

 On Saturday, June 9th, the Blum Sisters’ Lemonade Stand will be at the Chappaqua Farmer’s Market, providing a great chance to indulge in a thirst quenching summer beverage. This is the fifth year that founders Rebecca (age 13) and her sister Jenna (age 10) are operating the stand, continuing their quest to raise money for childhood cancer research. This year the girls are once again squeezing hundreds of lemons in order to meet their goal of raising $2,000, which will go straight to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is an organization that was founded by Alex Scott, a four year old cancer patient who began a series of successful lemonade stands to help other kids with cancer. She managed to raise over one million dollars prior to her death at age eight and created a movement that continues to this day. Following Alex’s successful Formula, the Blum sister’s decided to create a stand in which they placed no set price on a cup of lemonade, rather accepting any amount that each person was able and willing to donate.

Recently, the girls dedicated the stand to their Grandfather (Papa Neil), who passed away due to brain cancer in 2016. Holly Blum, mother of the two sisters, states that their Papa “would be really proud of the girls,” especially since they have managed to raise over $6,000 over the past five years. So come support the Blum Sister’s this Saturday, and help these two kids make a big difference!

Derek Rosen (HGHS Class of ’17) is an intern for the Inside Press this summer. In September, Derek will be entering his sophomore year at Syracuse University, where he is majoring in communications.

 

Filed Under: New Castle News Tagged With: Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Blum Sisters Lemonade Stand, Brain Cancer, Chappaqua, Chappaqua Farmers Market, fundraiser

Passion and Purpose in Chappaqua’s Relay for Life

May 26, 2018 by Derek Rosen

Since Chappaqua’s Relay For Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is organized through Horace Greeley High School, many are under the assumption that it is a student only event. After doing some research, however, I discovered that anybody from the community is welcome to take part in it, so I decided to once again, a year after graduating,  sign up. To be clear, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in Relay after high school by simply showing up to the event, making a donation, or sharing your experiences with cancer. Additionally, most colleges host their own Relays for Life, but I frankly did not feel the same connection to it as the one in my own community.

The People

The participants of Relay for Life in Chappaqua are some of the most passionate people that I have ever met, sacrificing their time and energy for the cause. Together they managed to raise over $130,000 this year, standing in the top ten most successful Relays in the country. Many of these volunteers are united by similar heart wrenching stories of losing loved ones to the disease, or for a lucky few, tales of triumph and survival.

Every year at the event several residents who have dealt with cancer, either personally or as witnesses, tell their stories. Jonathan Taub, a local resident who lost his son Casey to cancer just last year, was particularly emotional. Casey had spoken at the previous Relay, and served as a reminder of what we were fighting to cure.

 

The Opportunity

One of the highlights of Relay For Life is seeing the many different creative ways that people raise money. This is made possible by the fact that Relay attracts a large amount of willing donors to one place, meaning that a professional idea/orientation is not needed in order to draw attention and make a positive impact. For example, three years ago my team came up with the unorthodox idea to make a watermelon-themed booth at the event, selling various homemade foods and drinks containing the pink fruit, as well as exploding a watermelon with rubber bands. What first started out as an odd idea for a fundraiser, quickly turned into a hit and a tradition that kept us coming back.

This is what makes Relay for Life so magical, it gives everyone a chance to raise money for a great cause. With this unique opportunity to be a part of a community comes the formation of lasting memories, times where you and your friends did something simple to fight against a disease bigger than yourselves. These moments can be happy, such as exploding a watermelon at 2:00 AM while surrounded by a screaming crowd, or they can be sad, like crying and holding your friends tight as you listen to a cancer victim’s story.

My Call to Action   

Simply put, I love Relay for Life–the people that participate in it, the opportunity that it presents, and of course the cause, and I don’t want to leave that just because high school is behind me. Making a donation is important, but volunteering your time and energy truly shows cancer patients that you care. I urge you to not limit yourself because of your age and to participate in Relay For Life. It will help you change lives, and I assure you that it will change yours as well.     

Derek Rosen (HGHS Class of ’17) is an intern for the Inside Press this summer. In September, Derek will be entering his sophomore year at Syracuse University, where he is a communications major.

 

Filed Under: New Castle News Tagged With: cancer, Chappaqua, Horace Greeley High School, Relay for Life

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