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Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

InsidePress

$86K State Grant Awarded to 2023 Phoenix Festival Signals Growing Focus on Tourism

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On the heels of a successful 2022 launch, the Phoenix Festival: Live Arts Hudson Valley has been awarded an $86,000 grant from Empire State Development’s Division of Tourism, through the state’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The grant from I LOVE NY’s Market New York program will support the Festival’s second annual program, set for fall of 2023. 

“The Phoenix Festival is a celebration of New York arts, culture and history, and brings world class programming to local communities,” said Craig Smith, Phoenix Festival Executive Director. “A key goal is to increase tourism — attracting visitors to Nyack and Rockland County as a destination for unique experiences in a magnificent Hudson Valley setting. The 2023 grant will support our continuing success in meeting that goal.” 

“New York State continues to demonstrate its support for local tourism events. We’re grateful to receive this award which will ensure the Festival’s continued success,” said Lucy Redzeposki, Rockland County’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “We invite everyone to explore, experience and enjoy everything that Rockland County has to offer.”

The 2022 Festival was created on the premise of attracting visitors and generating positive, measurable economic impacts, investing over $200,000 in the local economy. More than 80% of program production dollars went to local businesses for services such as sound engineering, scenery and set building, bus and limo services, housing and catering.   

Exceeding expectations for community support, local businesses responded in kind, contributing more than $30,000 in direct funding, with commitments to contribute again in 2023. In post-Festival interviews, participating businesses reported increases in patronage overall and increases in visitors from other communities, as well as an enthusiastic Festival “buzz” — enhancing the brand for Nyack and Rockland as a vibrant arts community.  

For the 2023 program, Smith and the Festival team plan to build on the 2022 experience with tourism as the cornerstone. Key to the proposition is converting firsttime visitors to returning guests, and to accomplish that, introducing newcomers to Nyack’s and Rockland’s outdoor recreation opportunities, one-of-a-kind shops, top flight dining, friendly pubs, live music and vibrant nightlife. Connections with local businesses and arts organizations will be key.  

The 2022 Festival program included over a dozen outdoor performances of three classic plays by Thornton Wilder, Oscar Wilde and Anton Chekov — presented by the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble over five weekends in September and October. Also featured were performances by Rockland’s Children’s Shakespeare Theatre company and events created and hosted by local non-profits ArtsRock, Rivertown Film, Edward Hopper House Museum and Study center, Rockland Poets, Nyack Library and the Historical Society of the Nyacks.  

Beyond the theatre performances, visitors enjoyed a concert of original art songs inspired by the work of renowned American painter Edward Hopper, and a multifaceted celebration of the career of actor and philanthropist Helen Hayes and husband playwright and screenwriter Charles MacArthur. The homes of Hopper and Hayes are located in the center of Nyack, and an audio/virtual reality walking tour of these sites was specially created for the 2022 Festival.

Tourism was key to the 2022 Festival’s success. In addition to funding from national institutions, substantial contributions from local agencies provided a solid foundation for the Festival launch. The 2022 festival delivered, with nearly 60% of tickets purchased by visitors from outside Rockland County. New York State theater-goers came from New York City, Westchester and Long Island. One New York visitor described it as “an E-Z Pass to outdoor theater heaven.”

Out-of-state visitors came from New Jersey, Arkansas, Minnesota and Pennsylvania, among other states. Notably, the 10,000+ unique visitors to the Festival website included a contingent from countries outside the U.S.

Bob Provost, President and CEO of the New York State Tourism Industry Association, said, “New York State is rich in American culture, history and natural beauty, and tourism is a catalyst for a broad spectrum of economic development in communities across the Empire State. Events like the Phoenix Festival support efforts to promote New York as a unique, world class destination for visitors from across the U.S. and abroad. Ultimately, the goal is for the residents and communities of New York to derive benefit from improved standard of living, quality of life, and pride of place.”

A big draw is the outdoor setting for theater performances at Marydell Faith and Life Center in Upper Nyack. Another critical factor is the creativity and quality of the productions. Founded in New York City in 2004, the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble is recognized worldwide as a producer of premier theater events. As one audience member remarked, “I’m blown away by the quality — New York City-level art right here in Nyack.” 

While continuing to perform in New York City, the Ensemble has clearly made a successful transition from the footlights of Broadway to the foot of Rockland’s Hook Mountain, and theater critics agree. 

“The Festival is a substantial tour de force” said Hi Drama critic W. Cataldi. “World class performances…You won’t regret a visit to this magical town [Nyack].”

Broadway Radio said, “Phoenix Theatre Festival is doing something wonderful.”

TheatreScene from NYC traveled to Nyack and rated the Festival’s production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance Being Earnest as one of the top ten productions of 2022.   

Programming for the 2023 Festival is underway, and will include live theater, dance and music, as well as connections with local businesses and special events hosted by local arts organizations. Details will be announced in February 2023. In addition to the grant from New York State, the 2023 Festival will be supported by Rockland County’s office of Economic Development and Tourism. 

“Taking a step into a completely new endeavor takes faith — not to mention the patience to wait out two years of a pandemic,” said Smith. “Building on the faith placed in us for the 2022 Festival, we’re looking forward to even more success in 2023, and to many years of collaboration that will bring continuing joy, growth and prosperity to New York State and our local communities.” 

About the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble.  

The Phoenix Festival: Live Arts Hudson Valley is hosted by the Phoenix Theater Ensemble, which prepares and performs the cornerstone Festival productions.  

Founded in 2004 in New York City, the Ensemble is dedicated to the performance of the classic theater canon, and to the development and nurturing of classically trained, highly skilled theater artists. The company makes its second home in Rockland County, where Ensemble members have created and performed both classics and original works since 2018. 

www.PhoenixTheatreEnsemble.org

 News Courtesy of the Phoenix Theater Ensemble

Scarsdale Music Festival Gearing Up for a June 3rd Event: Sponsorships, Performers and Vendors Sought

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On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the Scarsdale Business Alliance (SBA) will host its 3rd Annual Scarsdale Music Festival, presented by Morgan Stanley. The event will take place rain or shine in Scarsdale Village.

The Scarsdale Music Festival (SMF) is an exceptional, family-friendly community event that will bring together people of all ages to celebrate their love of music, food and community.  

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 2023 Scarsdale Music Festival.  Please contact info@scarsdalebusinessalliance.com.

Apply to perform or become a food vendor at https://www.scarsdalemusicfestival.com/.

Bands from Scarsdale as well as from the greater Westchester County and New York metropolitan areas will perform throughout the day on one of two main stages. Acknowledging our community’s connection to the city and surrounding regions, we’ve begun an expanded regional talent search to welcome new sounds and new followers to our downtown area. 

Restaurants in the downtown area will open their doors, and a variety of food trucks and other food vendors will line the streets. The SBA has once again partnered with the Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) to make the Scarsdale Music Festival a zero-waste event.

The 2023 SMF will feature a ZACHYS wine-tasting experience in addition to craft beer and spirits tastings. Attendees 21+ can also purchase adult beverages by the glass.  

An expanded Family Fun Zone will feature balloon artists, face painters, arts and crafts, games, musical demonstrations, family activities and much more!

The 2023 SMF will be donating a portion of proceeds to the Center for Cancer Care at White Plains Hospital. Our donation will help fund their mission to provide third-party transportation for better access to appointments and provide specialized staff as “patient navigators” to assist in understanding the cancer treatment process.

 

News courtesy of the Scarsdale Music Festival

Governor Hochul Urges: SHOP SMALL to Help Small Businesses Which Make Up 98% of New York State’s Economy

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Editor’s Note: Governor Kathy Hochul along with Key NYS Public Officials are urging consumers to shop local to keep tax dollars in New York. So consider Small Business Saturday on November 26 for your seasonal shopping. The Governor’s release, issued yesterday:

Governor Kathy Hochul today alongside Empire State Development, and the Departments of Labor, Taxation and Finance, and Agriculture and Markets encouraged all New Yorkers to support their local small businesses on “Small Business Saturday” November 26, 2022. Small businesses make up 98 percent of New York State’s economy and generate millions of jobs throughout the Empire State, and by choosing to shop locally Saturday, and every day, New Yorkers are investing in their neighborhoods, strengthening their communities, and keeping tax dollars within New York State.

“Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for all New Yorkers to play a role in strengthening our economy, creating vibrant neighborhoods, and keeping communities connected,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s small businesses are the core of our economy, and because this community was among the hardest hit at the height of the pandemic, my administration has been squarely focused on its recovery. I encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of all that these businesses have to offer and shop locally this Saturday.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Every time you visit your favorite restaurant or gift shop and buy something new, you are supporting a local small business. Small businesses are the fabric of our communities and when they thrive, we all thrive. ESD has continued to offer support to our small and micro businesses through many programs during the pandemic and beyond but we cannot do it alone–the support of everyday customers is integral, and we encourage New Yorkers to shop your local small businesses this Saturday, and every day.”

New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Small businesses are the cornerstones of communities. By shopping at these businesses, we are supporting families, jobs, and New York State’s diverse economy. I encourage New Yorkers to shop small and shop often this Small Business Saturday and throughout the entire holiday season.”

Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “Small businesses were hit hard during the pandemic and are only now beginning to recover. To aid that process, the state has a full array of business tax credits and incentives. I urge small business owners to explore these credits and incentives on our website. I also encourage New Yorkers to shop small this weekend and throughout the year.”

State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York is home to more than 33,000 family farms that produce world-class food and beverages products. Our hardworking farmers take great pride in feeding their neighbors and fellow New Yorkers, and are truly vital to our state. This holiday season, I encourage you to give thanks for the delicious meals and thoughtful gifts you share with family and shop local to support your community’s producers.”

Small Business Saturday celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners and invites shoppers to visit local stores at the beginning of the busy holiday shopping season. The small business sector is a major contributor to the foundation of New York’s economy, employing more than 40 percent of New York’s private sector workforce. Today, New York State has more than 549,000 small business firms, employing more than three million people.

New York State’s Support for Small Business

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is providing more than $1 billion worth of assistance through an array of programs and initiatives designed to support small business growth and help entrepreneurs maximize their opportunities for success.

Recently Governor Hochul announced New York State has been awarded $501.5 million in federal funding through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a program through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Managed by the U.S. Department of Treasury, SSBCI provides funds to support programs for small businesses, with a focus on recovery from the economic effects of COVID-19 and allowing socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) -Owned Businesses the opportunity to succeed in the post-pandemic economy. New York’s $501.5 million in SSBCI funding includes a main allocation of $377.1 million, as well as $124.4 million for socially and economically advantaged (SEDI) businesses. Learn about New York State’s suite of SSBCI programs here. Other programs to help small business include:

  • The $200M New York State Seed Funding Grant Program launched in September. This program is designed to provide assistance to early-stage small businesses in a recovering New York State economy. This program is open to businesses that are currently operational with annual revenues between $5,000 and $1,000,000 that began operation on or after September 1, 2018, visit nyseedgrant.com for more information on further eligibility requirements and how to apply.
  • The $250 million COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program provides financial assistance to New York State small businesses burdened with a range of operational costs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, from structural changes and building upgrades to health-related supplies and materials. The Program offers qualifying businesses relief from the added economic burden by providing tax credits to help reduce the pandemic-related financial impact. Small businesses can receive a tax credit of 50 percent of qualifying expenses up to a maximum of $25,000 in tax credits based on qualifying expenses of $50,000.

 

New York State also supports a network of Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EAC) in communities throughout the state that provide instruction, training, technical assistance, and support services to individuals who are interested in starting or recently started their own business, or entrepreneurs seeking to expand or strengthen their early-stage business. To find an EAC near you, visit https://esd.ny.gov/entrepreneurship-assistance-centers.

The New York State Department of Labor offers a multitude of no-cost services for businesses of all sizes, including more than 220,000 job postings on the NYSDOL website, access to tens of thousands of qualified candidates in our talent pool, career fairs and customized recruitments, and Human Resources consultation services. Thousands of businesses each year work with NYSDOL to list their jobs, find the right candidates, access hiring and training incentives, obtain business tax credits and incentives, get help with one-on-one labor law and safety and health compliance services, and find layoff aversion resources. For more information, visit: https://www.labor.ny.gov/business. The Department will also launch a new PSAon social media, promoting New York State’s small businesses and encouraging New Yorkers to shop small this holiday season.

New York State offers dozens of tax credits and incentives to help small business owners and entrepreneurs make a beneficial impact in their local communities. Small businesses can access a variety of resources and programs anytime at the Tax Department’s dedicated Business incentives webpage, a one-stop shop for details about tax credits and incentives for a variety of enterprises in various industries–from farming and agriculture to research and development to manufacturing.

Businesses may also qualify for job credits and incentives for hiring and training local workers, or for tax credits and exemptions intended to encourage property improvements. The Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov, has information about available credits and incentives, as well as details about new income tax relief for many small businesses. The Online Services for businesses webpage provides efficient ways to make payments, view filing information, or otherwise interact with the Tax Department.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets supports New York’s agricultural industry, which boasts over 33,000 farms, 700 farmers’ markets and farm stands, and thousands of small agribusinesses. The Department also administers the NYS Grown & Certified program, which markets local growers and producers participating in safe food handling and environmental sustainability programs, helping them better compete in the marketplace. Additionally, the Taste NY program showcases New York food and beverage businesses at large public events and at Taste NY stores, the State’s Welcome Centers, displays, and concessions at more than 70 locations across New York. This year, ShopTasteNY.com, Taste NY’s online marketplace, will be offering several holiday weekend deals, including offering 40% off sitewide on Black Friday, Buy-One-Get-One 50% off on Small Business Saturday and Sunday, and providing a $25 e-gift card when you purchase $50 or more on Cyber Monday. New Yorkers can also shop for the holidays at the Taste NY Welcome Centers, which will be showcasing local producers with gift baskets containing local foods, handmade items, and other unique products. Find more information at ShopTasteNY.com. The Department assists small agribusinesses and farmers with critical services that enhance their business and increase productivity, profitability, and competitiveness.

 

Chappaqua’s Always Magical HOLIDAY STROLL on December 3rd: Ice Sculpting, Tree Lighting, Horace Greeley Encords… and More!

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The annual Holiday Stroll is back in Chappaqua December 3! Memory making and heartwarming activities for the whole family! Discover a host of shops, new and old favorites! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, or just wish to embrace the spirit of the season, you do not want to miss this! 

December 2022, Chappaqua, NY –  It’s the most magical time of year again and the annual Holiday Stroll is back! The holidays come alive in this charming hamlet; this is the perfect time for families to enjoy a festive day in downtown Chappaqua. 

This year’s Holiday stroll on December 3 will feature a meet and greet with Santa Claus bringing cheer to all and posing for pictures with little ones from 2 to 4 p.m. 

Experience a live ice sculpting presentation in front of Desires By Mikolay at 3 p.m., where you can watch master carvers create two holiday themed carvings out of giant blocks of ice using nothing but chainsaws. This is a decade long tradition you have to see for yourself!

Festivities continue at 4:30 p.m. at the New Castle Historical Society where you can enjoy the sounds of Holiday-themed Carols by Horace Greeley Encords and witness a festive Christmas tree lighting with thousands of twinkling lights.

Enjoy the charm of downtown Chappaqua as you pop into local shops, discover new merchants, checkout the latest fashions, shop local for holiday gifts, and pick up all the necessary essentials this gift-giving season. 

If you are worried about the cold, we got you covered! There will be a complimentary food truck from the Chamber of Commerce serving up Hot Cocoa and apple cider donuts to make sure everyone is warm and toasty.

Chappaqua’s Holiday Stroll will be on December 3, from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. throughout downtown Chappaqua. 

In addition, save the date December 18 for more holiday festivities in town including a December 18th Menorah Lighting and bonfire!

News courtesy of the Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce, Desires by Mikolay and the New Castle Historical Society

Harvest Moon Farm Presents a Longer, More Spectacular LUMAGICA Holiday Light Experience this year

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Open November 18 to December 30

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. (November 14, 2022) – Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard in North Salem will once again transform into an enchanted forest after apple-picking season is over; and this year the LUMAGICA spectacular holiday trail is longer with several new and brilliant displays.

The natural landscape of the Orchard is a canvas for design and creative and immersive storytelling and will be filled with over 750,000 lights, whimsical creatures, and many surprises. The over half mile trail will take visitors on a journey through six magical spaces, Sparkling Light, Into the Wonderland, Magical Trees, A Great Celebration, Treats and Sweets, and Beyond the Forest.

During the LUMAGICA experience, guests will enjoy enormous, illuminated displays including a 20-foot-tall reindeer and a soaring parrot offering plenty of photo ops as attendees wind their way through light tunnels all timed to a musical performance. To get into the spirit of the holidays, visitors can grab a warm drink and an illuminated wand on their way in to begin the trail. At the end of the trail, participants will be greeted by fire pits as well as hot food, cider donuts, and seasonal drinks available for purchase. It is a memorable holiday experience for all ages.

LUMAGICA will open November 18 and run through December 30 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at 130 Hardscrabble Road. The walk-through experience takes 45 minutes to an hour and is one of 30 LUMAGICA parks around the world. Tickets are free for children 2 and under and range from $28 and up depending upon the date and time selected. Parking is free. To purchase, visit https://feverup.com/m/119449?utm_source=partner%26utm_medium=pr_119449%26utm_campaign=lumagica_nyc.