The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Grace Bennett

What Happened to Jackson Avenue Articulates the Facts & Consequences of ‘Urban Renewal’ in Nyack 

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What Happened to Jackson Avenue was downright courageous, carefully researched, altogether tragic — and, with so few films exploring this phenomenon in any depth, groundbreaking. The phrase ‘Urban Renewal’ to those impacted became despised words by those who experienced it more as “urban replacement’ as 120 or more families, subject to ‘eminent domain’ and with little recourse, were basically forced out, a decades old phenomenon, still happening and impacting largely black communities not only in Nyack, but throughout the U.S.. The experience in Nyack was amply documented by Rockland County historians and resident witnesses.
 
In Nyack, the predominantly black community (79 percent) suffered not only humiliation, gross disruptions to their schooling and livelihoods in severed ties to their community–but ultimately lost homes and businesses, collectively in the film, the film’s experts and sources cited state that the wealth lost is estimated at $30-$50 million via lost equity. Initially, a 15-minute interview with those in the film bearing witness evolved into a full fledged project to document What Happened to Jackson Avenue.
 
At its conclusion, the film received a hearty applause, and during a panel discussion with the director and several individuals–all deeply knowledgeable about the history of urban renewal in Nyack–interviewed in the film, audience suggestions touched on everything from the need for free screenings at local schools and churches for wider viewing (urging the filmmakers to get the word out to a larger African American community audience in particular) as to how to begin to seek reparations.
 
The documentary film was produced by Phoenix Theater Ensemble, in collaboration with the Rivertown Film Society. 
 
“We made some good new friends and advocates,” said Craig Stone, founder of the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble on behalf of himself and his spouse and co-partner, creative director Elise Stone. “We admire the people of Nyack who are not afraid to tackle the idea of community acknowledgement and even concrete suggestions on reparation options.” 
 
What Happened to Jackson Avenue will be holding a second public screening on July 7 at the historic Nyack Center which stands in the heart of the neighborhood most impacted.
 
 

Audra McDonald at Caramoor: Class Act Performance & Messages About Love

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I arrived with one of my oldest and dearest friends from high school, over the moon excited to see the Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning singer and actor Audra McDonald as the featured artist in Caramoor’s opening Saturday night concert on June 17 inside the packed Venetian Theater. Many were dressed to the nines, as a formal gala followed to celebrate and kick off Caramoor’s jam-packed 2023 summer season.

I had missed Audra’s Caramoor performance pre-pandemic, and had made a mental note: that’s not happening again! 

Photo by Gabe Palacio for Caramoor

At the very moment McDonald – in a stunning gown adorned by her long ringlets – stepped onto the stage smiling broadly to her musical director, Andy Einhorn, who smiled just as broadly right back, I could sense we were all in for a treat, a magical one, at that! 

This was the first time I had heard Audra McDonald sing. 

Aside from having a gorgeous voice, described aptly as a ‘luminous soprano’, I so enjoyed Audra’s wonderfully playful, utterly comfortable in her own skin quality, as she relayed humorous stories surrounding both the now 52-year-old mom’s very impressive childhood achievements and also (which I as a fellow mom especially enjoyed) stories about her four children and stepchildren (two 22 year olds, a 19 year old, and a six year old!), who were not all always as entranced by mom’s singing. Oh well… kids!

She was so thoughtful and inclusive in her song choices at the outset, opening the evening’s performance with I Am What I Am, and also generous in engaging the audience at so many turns, including with I Could Have Danced All Night, and at the show’s conclusion, Life is a Cabaret, which rather brought down the house. 

Audra McDonald is truly a star’s star, who graciously and gratefully acknowledged Einhorn a couple times during the evening along with offering warm words for all the members of the stellar Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Audra, I took note, also had the rapt front rows attention from the likes of Bill and Hillary Clinton, Nita Lowey and Martha Stewart.

“Love, live, dream… and then love bigger,” Audra offered at the show’s conclusion. Noted.

P.S. It was a grand event at Caramoor, which amply set the stage for another summer to remember. It’s not too late to make this a Caramoor summer. Please visit www.caramoor.org for more that’s in store!

 

A Rousing Gala Offered Poignant Messages and New Support to Friends of Buttonhook Forest

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Walkabout Clearwater Chorus and Bethany Yarrow performing at the Friends of Buttonhook Forest fundraiser at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center    Photos by Alexander Harris

Chappaqua, NY– Responding to the evening’s ultimate goal–to save the beleaguered Buttonhook Forest which belongs to the Chappaqua Central School District; its ancient history and precious wildlife is being threatened with ultimate destruction by developers–hundreds gathered with great intention on April 18, 20230 for a first time fundraiser on behalf of saving Buttonhook and to participate in a most colorful program at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center.

For a few hours, everyone had a chance to enjoy, to truly revel in, a most unique and ultimately gorgeous compilation of traditional music and remarks offered by leaders both from within the both the Native American community and from Friends of Buttonhook Forest.

Stephen Leonardo, an adopted member of the an adopted member of the Ramapough Tribe, set the anticipatory mood with the exquisite sound of the Native American Flute he played. Chief Dwayne Perry of the Ramapough Lunape Nation and Jessica Ryan, vice chair of the Tribal Council of the Brothertown Indian Nation, delivered poignant messages surrounding the sacredness of the Buttonhook site after Friends’ member Victoria Alzapiedi greeted both the honorary guests and the community’s attendees. 

Stephen Leonardo
Grandmother Nancy Andry, middle, prior to the evening fundraiser on behalf of saving Buttonhook Forest

There was a special screening of the extraordinary ‘Sing the Water Song’, a masterful video depicting the sheer joy and vitality and sense of community that water brings. Grandmother Nancy Andry’s remarks followed the screening, re-enforcing the concept of water’s sacredness. She also conveyed her profound appreciation to those working to save Buttonhook.

Award winning area musicians Jon Cobert and Tom Chapin performed Earth Day themed songs, including Happy Earth Day, and engaged the audience in harmonizing This Pretty Planet. Attendees were also treated to powerful songs by the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus, Bethany Yarrow, and Patrick Stanfield Jones on Acoutic Guitar.

Jon Cobert (left) and Tom Chapin performing at a fundraiser to save Buttonhook Forest

Included in the program as well, conveying the urgency of the situation: a screening of a Buttonhook Forest PSA which was followed with remarks by Tyler Chase, documentary filmmaker, L’ORAGE Productions.

 

        

Attendees Bear Witness at New Castle Yom Hashoah Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony

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Eva Wyner, deputy director of Jewish Affairs for Governor Kathy Hochul, delivering remarks on behalf of Gov. Hochul to those gathered at the site of the Holocaust Memorial in Chappaqua to remember the six million who perished and to hear Holocaust survivor Arlette Levy Baker’s testimony at the Town of New Castle Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony on April 24. 

“Remembering is no passive act.”  Governor Kathy Hochul

Chappaqua, NY – At the Town of New Castle’s annual Yom Hashoah Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony on April 24, 2023, everyone in attendance at the bucolic site of the Holocaust Memorial, and in proximity to sacred stone benches memorializing Holocaust survivors Jacob Breitstein and Jack Feldman, had the opportunity to bear witness by listening to an elegant and determined keynote speaker: Holocaust Survivor Arlette Levy Baker. That opportunity is growing increasingly precious as the survivors age and pass on.

Baker, who taught French and classical Latin for 21 years at the Robert E. Bell Middle School in Chappaqua, offered a devastating account of her parents being arrested in front of her at her home in Paris when she was just four years old, how she cried Mama and Papa until the very moment of separation, of how her father bribed a Nazi, saving her from her parents’ own cruel fate first at Drancy concentration camp and later in Auschwitz, where they perished.

Holocaust survivor Arlette Levy Baker with Stacey Saiontz (left) and Ali Rosenberg, co chairs of the Town of New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee

She described a life shattered by these events which haunt her to this day.

Prior to her testimony, and near the start of the ceremony, New Castle received a proclamation from Governor Hochul recognizing the town’s Holocaust and Human Rights Committee and students of E.N.O.U.G.H. for its solemn observance and for the town’s and people’s “strength and perseverance.”

The full proclamation was read by Eva Wyner, Deputy Director of Jewish Affairs for Governor Kathy Hochul, who also read Hochul’s statement “to help honor the memory of six million lives taken during the  darkest chapter of human history… to reflect on the atrocities of the past… to reaffirm our commitment to never forget… to take our righteous anger and sadness and turn it into action… to not only listen to the stories of those who survived but to heed their warnings of the devastation that can be wrought when hate is allowed to fester… to continue the legacy of courage of standing up to evil. Remembering is no passive act.”

Wyner, a daughter and granddaughter of survivors, reminded that in the last two years antisemitic incidents in NYC have more than doubled, and also hit an all time high in New York State. In response, she said, Hochul earmarked millions of dollars toward a state hate and bias prevention unit. She also signed a Holocaust education bill into law “so that every child who grows up in New York will know what ‘Never Forget’ truly means.”  The service included a statement read by Ally Chemtob on behalf of New Castle Town Supervisor Lisa Katz; remarks by Deputy County executive Ken Jenkins; a representative from Congressman Lawler’s office who issued a Congressional Proclamation; remarks by Stacey Saiontz and Ali Rosenberg, co-chairs, Holocaust and Human Rights Committee and by Jack Rosenberg and Elliott Saiontz, co-presidents of E.N.O.U.G.H. Writing and art contest awards to middle and high school students were presented by committee members Rhonda Regan and Pat Pollock and E.N.O.U.G.H. students Eva Millerman and Robyn Keiles.

Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins delivering his remarks and  on behalf of County Executive George Latimer

A beautiful Memorial Candle Lighting took place which included a gathering of middle school and high school students, and Arlette Levy Baker lighting one of the candles with the E.N.O.U.G.H. Club students.

Included in and concluding the service was a Mourners Kaddish reading and songs and additional remarks by local clergy who included: Rabbi Aaron Brusso of Bet Torah Synagogue, Cantor Ines Kapustiansky of Temple Shaaray Tefilla and the Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs of the First Congregational Church speaking also on behalf of Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe of Temple Beth El and the Interfaith Council. Also attending were the Rev. Alan Christopher Lee of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin and Rev. Merle D. McJunkin of the Antioch Baptist Church. Gratitude was also expressed to the New Castle Parks & Recreation staff for their help maintaining the New Castle Holocaust Memorial.

Holocaust survivor Arlette Levy Baker lighting a candle together with Co-Presidents of Horace Greeley High School’s Club E.N.O.U.G.H Jack Rosenberg (left) and Elliott Saiontz 

 

 

Unconditional Love

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Inside Press Publisher Grace Bennett Photo by Donna Mueller

A great deal has been said for and against social media, but one ‘for’ argument: it’s a way to share the joys of being a grandma and/or grandpa! Listen, in these pandemic years, new generations of precious little humans around are a raison de célébrer. If Stacey Pfeffer helps reveal how each grandparent’s love is a study in the human capacity for unconditional love, then mission accomplished.

In the pursuit of a theme of ‘family bliss’, I also thought I’d call out the ‘perfect’ marriage as a myth that social media may sometimes have you believing. Truth is virtually all relationships at some point face or will face any manner of stress that can make or break them. So how to keep that basic truth positive and productive? Alexa Troob was ‘all over it’ and gleaned advice and strategies from local therapists and healers who help couples weather the storms, survive, and thrive. Meanwhile, Beth Besen courageously shares her own sage advice for staying the course! Next feature: When and why throwing in the towel might be the best decision, and how to do that as amicably as possible!

Alexa has a second article here, too. Following a guided tour, she makes a poignant case for saving Buttonhook, Chappaqua’s embattled, sacred forest. Read all about it.

Journalism continues to face unprecedented challenges, so don’t miss Andrew Vitelli’s recap of the ‘Future of Local Journalism’ panel at the Chappaqua Library.

I was proud of the opportunity to moderate the Chappaqua Library panel, “The Future of Local Journalism”
Photo by Denise Mincin

If there is ‘one well deserved cover story’ I hadn’t produced in 20 years of publishing, it’s a ‘close-up’ of New Castle’s annual Memorial Day parade/event which remembers our fallen. I’ve been personally covering it, in words and pictures, for almost as many years as I’ve been publishing, so very grateful to Ronni Diamondstein for contributing both her iconic cover photo and article to ‘bring it home’.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch The Wonderful Mrs. Maisel on Prime (hard to imagine, but…), you might be wondering about our Armonk cover! We advise you just read on to discover the compelling story of Jean Carroll as shared by her granddaughter and local mom and social activist Susan Chatzky with Briarcliff Manor’s Deputy Mayor Pete Chatzky at her side.  

When Ella Ilan told me about a group of North Castle moms who have met regularly through the years, forming a deep friendship circle, over mah jongg and canasta, I thought it would make a compelling local story for Inside Armonk! Thanks to Ella’s story, I’m inspired to learn the games now myself. After all, there’s nothing like girlfriends to share the best of times to revel in and sear into our memories, and the worst of times to help you navigate and hopefully sail to a safer shore.

For fun and in-depth stories, we encourage you to discover Joanna VanTrees, the broadcast personality behind What’s Up Pleasantville? at Pleasantville Community Television. Michael Gold refers to Joanna as “a force of nature” and after reading his article, perhaps it won’t be hard to see why!

There’s so much more in our issues, particularly in the areas of public service and the arts so please don’t skip a thing (and do continue ‘telling ‘em you saw it’ in an Inside pub).

Finally, as the Inside Press has ‘gone quarterly’, we’re taking a print break for a stretch (we publish again mid-August), and an online break as much as possible, although you can still follow our adventures as they arise on yes, you guessed it, social media!  

Happy Mother’s Day! Happy Father’s Day!