Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester
AN EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT to honor and appreciate Earth’s wonders in this precious and irreplaceable watershed woodland wildlife habitat.
All proceeds will support the preservation of Buttonhook Forest in Chappaqua, NY and its recently discovered sacred Native American Ceremonial Stone Complex.
Tuesday eve, April 25, 2023
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center
Hosted by Friends of Buttonhook Forest Inc.
For sponsorship and ticket information please visit
Anyone ‘watching’ might hopefully note that included in my mission during most of my 20 Years of Inside Press publishing has been supporting the amazing work of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, (find out more at hhrecny.org). Here, as an HHREC advisory board member, I was honored to join HHREC Director Millie Jasper, HHREC Board Member and past Chairperson David Alpert and Greenburgh councilwoman Ellen Hendrickx to also offer remarks at a Westchester County January 27th commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. County Executive George Latimer hosted the speakers commending them for their long-time commitment and support of Holocaust education and advocacy against antisemitism and all hate. Said Jasper to Latimer: ”Once again you struck the perfect tone about the importance of being an Upstander in the Westchester Community, and around the world.” — Grace Bennett, Publisher @ Editor, Inside Press, Inc.
As we celebrate 20 years of publishing at Inside Press, we asked some of our longtime sponsors (1) why they have chosen to continue working with Inside Press for so many years, (2) how advertising has helped their business, and (3) for any additional comments.
“We’ve continued working with Inside Press because the magazines have interesting content. A publication can be widely distributed, but if there’s nothing compelling inside, people will lose interest before ever seeing your ad. However, Grace is consistently focused on finding stories that will appeal to her readers, so we’re confident that our ads are seen.”
“Since Inside Press does such a good job covering the communities we serve, advertising with them has helped us get our word out in an efficient way. It’s especially important when we advertise our summer camps, to let people know that even though we’re a tennis club, we have programs that aren’t solely focused on tennis. That has helped us increase enrollment in our multi-sport and science camps.”
“Congratulations on 20 years!”
“I like the content of the magazine. It is a ‘feel good’ read. The fact that it is local is the most important part since my business is local to those who read the magazine. I still believe in print media and enjoy picking up Inside and reading it.”
“In this business, it is difficult to ask people how or why you came to me. I do believe that by local people seeing the ad, it makes them somewhat familiar with us, and that can be comforting at those difficult times!”
“Just continue doing what you are doing! It is working!”
“We at Dodd’s continue to work with Grace and the Inside Press because of its very local nature. There are publications that cover our county along with the multiple counties around us. The Inside Press covers what’s happening in your immediate neighborhood, whether it be Chappaqua, Millwood, Pleasantville, Briarcliff, or Armonk.
“Advertising with Inside Press has helped our business significantly because the area has experienced such an increase in new residents. People that are new to the area rely on advice and information from their neighbors as well as things they read about in the hyper local news magazines. We want people that are new to the area to read about what’s going on around them, what to do, and where to shop.”
“If you live in these areas, the content of the Inside Press is interesting and informative, and we feel that residents genuinely make a point to read it. This, in turn, gives us good exposure to an expanded readership that will be encouraged to shop local and support businesses in their community.”
“I think Grace and her team have done a great job with the magazine over the years. We have been with her for a long time. I like the way the magazine is designed by Lisa; it gives us a positive presentation for the area.”
“It’s always nice to have the exposure. We try to present a compelling ad to represent our brand, our shop, and it helps us do that.”
“Grace is a great person. She produces a wonderful product, and it’s a pleasure working with her.”
“Number one, we continue to advertise because of Grace. Number two, because it’s our target audience. I grew up in Chappaqua, Horace Greeley Class of ‘72, and worked here at Hickory & Tweed all four years while I was there, so there’s a warm spot in my heart for Chappaqua and Armonk customers.”
“It brings in new customers who are new to the area.”
“This is our 61st year in Armonk and we’ve been working with Chappaqua and Armonk customers all those years. They’re all part of the Hickory & Tweed family.”
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
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
