The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Grace Bennett

Imagining the Glorious Possibilities of ‘I Can’

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Can I do this? Yes I Can!

When you are Empty Nest and single, but still living in the suburbs, ‘Back to School’ feels more like an experience from the sidelines—I admit to being more observer, than participant. It’s also easy to fall into ‘missing my kids’ mode, and I so do. However, this year, I plan to celebrate their wings by approaching life with a hefty dose of joie de vivre.

Indeed, the possibilities are rather glorious. While I consider others’ September scramble for book supplies and finding out teacher assignments, and while I certainly wish our Chappaqua Schools a very happy 90th birthday at Greeley’s homecoming, in truth, my mind wanders a bit as I plot multiple ways to fill more ‘me time.’

Two words I’m saying more: ‘I can.’ I can get to the gym more. I can go to karaoke or a favorite musician’s gig (if I can take a nap first, that is). I can take more walks in our amazing ‘hoods and parks. I can sleep longer. I can meditate or schedule an occasional massage. I can write a novel or a movie, or start a new publication…yes, I think about that, if I can simply pull myself from social media a bit more! Or I can get over myself and accept however each day plays out!  I can volunteer. I can get more politically involved, as fraught with ‘issues’ that sometimes feels. I can binge on a hot TV series, wrack up movies at the Burns, and I can cook more or I can treat myself to lovely meals. I can hop Metro North more to take advantage of the amazing city we live a stone’s throw from. I can make a bucket list travel wish come true. One certainty: I can keep soaking up precious time spent with my 96-year-old Poppy.

I can… I can…

Fortunately, anytime I feel like stepping up Community life, I can do that, too. I’m ultimately blessed to live in an area where, in truth, fun opportunities abound at any life stage–our ‘Happenings’ section makes that clear–whether its stopping by Community Day, the Chappaqua’s Children Book Festival or Armonk’s Outdoor Art Show and Cider and Donut Festival–these are all on my I Can calendar too. Ultimately, I plan to do it my way, in Can Do…the world is my oyster…mode.

Chic and the ‘TAUK of the Town’ in Armonk

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A new Armonk Square establishment is earning this designation–delivering a beachy, chic vibe–its walls adorned with local art. Serving now: New American food with a twist that is local, farm-fresh and fresh caught. Creative cocktails and outdoor dining are all part of the fun. This publisher stopped in during a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration to sample a few specials. At the friendly bar, I sipped on a tart, refreshing Blood Orange Margarita and savored a most satisfying salmon chowder, perfectly spiced with just the right touch of crème and teeming with fish. To reserve, call: 914-730-1144      — Grace Bennett

Additional background about Tauk:

The Chef

Tauk offers an inspired menu of New-American cuisine, emphasizing locally caught Montauk seafood, reputably sourced meats, local produce, craft cocktails and beers. The restaurant’s chef, Sean Fitzgerald, who hails from previous stints at Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish and Xaviers X20, combines his classic technique with a passion for street fare and a modern twist.

The Menu

The eclectic menu offers something for everyone, with options ranging from salads and sandwiches, to off-the-boat seafood, to hand-blended burgers, to steaks. Lobster rolls, wings three ways and mini tacos, along with ever-changing offerings, are always fresh, with a unique flair. The emphasis is on local, healthy, sustainable and seasonal ingredients, along with gluten-free, vegan and allergy-sensitive options, all at a reasonable price.

Creative Cocktails

In addition to the restaurant’s great food, the bar at Tauk, operated by General Manager Sue Vitello (previously from Armonk’s Moderne Barn) offers inventive and exotic cocktails, a selection of local craft beers and selectively chosen wines. Creative pairing with the chef’s selections and ingredients adds another level of gastronomic pleasure.

The Owner

With influences from his childhood vacations in Montauk, Leone envisioned and designed this restaurant to combine the best of land and sea. Its beachy interior and casual-chic flair create a relaxed, coastal-American theme. Says Leone, “I wanted to bring my own expression of Montauk’s vibe to Armonk for everyone to enjoy.”

Visit www.taukkitchen.com for special announcements or follow them on Facebook!

The Vibe

Food can be enjoyed surrounded by the driftwood finishings and local art, or if you prefer to dine at home, you can order to go or have it delivered. In the warmer months, outdoor seating in beautiful Armonk Square will be available. 

Tauk kitchen + bar

402 Main St., Armonk NY 10504

(914) 730-1144

Inside Press: 15 Years of Caring

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As we wrap up two more beautiful late spring/early summer editions, I proudly call your attention to a local publishing history that includes the following honors:

  • Westchester/Putnam Women in Communications ‘Superwoman of the Year’ Award
  •  Media Award, Mental Health Association of Westchester
  • Bernard J. Rosenshein Courage to Care Award, Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center

We conceive and produce community and regional stories that keep in step with our times and a larger national picture sometimes too. Mostly, we like when our stories touch hearts and stir souls, or otherwise resonate with our readers. We aim, whenever we can, to make a difference to lives both inside and outside our area. Our editions, given that they spotlight your neighbors, are read cover to cover, and all our stories are linked online to theinsidepress.com.

I’ll be celebrating Father’s Day honoring my 96- year-old dad, of course… He’s my biggest fan and here he is enjoying recent Inside Press editions.

In my estimation, the call to ‘Shop Local’ means supporting local media too, whether you are an advertiser or a reader. After all, consider that social media could get a little dull without all the wonderfully reported stories to share, too! Still in 2018: September/October, November and Holiday edition advertising opportunities in print and/or online. To advertise and/or order a voluntary or gift subscription, drop a note to grace@insidepress.com

Thank you for all your support in spirit too. Buoyed as we head into (a hopefully warm!) June, celebrating dads and grads, I wish you and your families near and far a wonderful, and healthy summer of fun and exploration.  — Grace

I can’t resist sharing some proud family news that my son Ari Bennett (HGHS ’14) is graduating Union College on June 17 too! He is seated here together with his fellow artist classmates during an Open House for a Senior Art Exhibit called Perspectives. Congrats to all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor

On behalf of Lagond Music School,The Mental Health Association of Westchester, and Music & Miles, Changing Minds, we thank you for attending our March 10 Living Proof event and writing an in depth piece that shines the light on the power of music, mental health awareness and education. We are so pleased we could raise enough monies for two high school music scholarships in Miles’ memory and mental health services. Your article brought the evening to life in a very meaningful way.

Shari and Ed Applebaum
Event Co-Chairs, Music & Miles: Changing Minds

Record Funds Raised as HGSF Honors Key School Leaders

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The Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund (HGSF) raised a record $186,000 during a March gala at the Mount Kisco Country Club.

PHOTOS BY HANNAH ROSENBERG

HGSF Gala co-chairs Rachel Rader and Cathy Hildenbrand attributed the sum to generous sponsors, donors and to the lively auction. “This year has also brought an increased number of applicants,” they added, “so we still have work to do to meet our needs.”

Brian O’Connor, a 5th grade teacher for the last 12 years at Seven Bridges, received the Ed Habermann Award. The HGSF lauded his interweaving of ‘CNN Heroes’ into his curriculum. His students have studied, connected with (sending out over 4,000 letters to dozens of heroes on five continents), and learned from these inspiring role models during dozens of Skype conversations and several Hero visits to Seven Bridges. Brian’s program was recognized and featured on the 10th Annual CNN Heroes Tribute live television broadcast in December 2016.

Brian O’Connor

O’Connor’s dad, Jim, introduced his son, as “always a great leader, who led by example.” O’Connor, for his part, quipped, “I try not to screw them up in the ten months that I have them.” He described his goal of always working toward helping kids find their passion, “and see how they can use it to help other people.” O’Connor also enjoys time with his wife, Tara, and their three children–Alix, Jenna, and James. He loves coaching youth soccer, basketball, and baseball in their hometown of Montgomery, New York.

Ellen Miller, a passionate advocate of childhood nutrition, received the HGSF “Award of Distinction.” At Grafflin, Ellen chaired the Grapevine newsletter, Griffin magazine and the Health & Safety Committee. As part of a joint elementary school committee, she was a key architect of Grafflin’s “Eat a Rainbow” program which helped students select balanced lunches.

Ellen Miller

She chaired Nutrition Committees at Grafflin, Bell, and Greeley. In 2006, Ellen joined the Superintendent’s Wellness Advisory Committee, helping to create the district’s wellness policy and food guidelines. She spearheaded the initiative to have recess before lunch, helped refine food service offerings and pricing, enhanced the district’s “farm to table” focus and established healthier food and beverage choices. Ellenalso joined the Chappaqua School Foundation board in 2006. She worked on the Grants Committee for the majority of her nine-year tenure.

Ellen Miller’s two sons Harris and Trevor poked fun at their mom’s limits on both junk food and her allowance of twice a week red meat dinners.  They said they admired her for ‘burning the candle on both ends” as she worked toward a Master’s degree in Food Studies at NYU.

Michelle Hecht and Randi Childs
(L-R): Ilene Weinberg, Samantha Potack, Amanda Goodstadt, Tamara Brolin, Robyn Lavender
Wendi Silverman (left), Ellen Miller, Laura Medway

Miller said she encourages kids to “dream big… and change the world.”  She said she supports HGSF goals “because it’s heartbreaking when a child’s dream can’t be realized. “ “A child’s dream can be broken in the blink of an eye… Thanks for helping me make their dreams a reality.”  — Grace Bennett 

 

Joe DiMauro, auctioneer
Jim O’Connor, Brian O’Connor’s Dad
Ellen Miller’s sons Trevor and Harris

School Officials Describe a “Reflective, Quiet and Respectful” Mood

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The Walkout at Byram Hills High School and a Sit In Emphasizing Kindness at the Middle School

Byram Hills Central School District Superintendent Jen Lamia shared a few details about today’s walkout of over 200 Byram Hills High School students. She described the walkout as being “in response to the Parkland tragedy.”

“Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tim Kaltenecker informed me the kids released 17 balloons when they said the names of the victims,” said Lamia.

Photo courtesy of Wendy Rosen

She relayed that the students at the high school organized the event with the building principal Chris Walsh. “The students gathered outside the front doors of the school and were reflective, quiet, and respectful,” she said.

“Some students spoke the names of the students from Parkland. A few others spoke about supporting safety in schools. Overall, our students care about making a difference in the world and are very thoughtful about how they hope to do it!”

Lamia was on a board visitation to the H.C. Crittenden Middle School at the time of the Walkout; Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kaltenecker was at the high school. 

At the middle school, students had organized a sit-in and spent their time writing acts of kindness on index cards.  “The event at the middle school was also run by students—completely–and they were fantastic,” Lamia added. “Our kids are a gift.” 

While not a student-organized event, per se (“Developmentally, the kids are too young,” said Lamia), at Wampus Elementary School, the teachers engaged the children in acts of kindness activities.