The Inside Press

Welcome to Platinum Drive Realty

March 6, 2016 by The Inside Press

Editor’s Note: Platinum Drive Realty introduced residents to its new Northern Westchester office at 27 South Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua during a February Open House/Ribbon Cutting and a Family Day that featured a visit by Frosty the Snowman. Both events drew dozens of residents to our downtown.

New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein leads a ribbon cutting during Platinum Drive Realty’s First Open House celebration in early February.

“We have brought together a team of talented and energetic Northern Westchester real estate professionals,” said Platinum Drive President Zachary Harrison, who together with his wife Heather, founded Platinum in 2006 with offices located in Westchester county, Connecticut and New York City. “This area has spectacular scenic beauty and provides wonderful value to buyers seeking a great lifestyle and beautiful properties.”

Seth Keslow, Platinum Drive’s first agent when the company was founded and a top producing broker featured on HGTV, and Northern Westchester resident Dana Goldman–another long time, top performing Platinum Drive agent–are managing the office. Keslow said Platinum agents are trained to make real estate “an enjoyable, rewarding and first rate experience …

“The new office will give our clients an opportunity to sell and search for properties in a comfortable atmosphere with the latest technology.” Agent Dana Goldman said Platinum chose the location for “its amazing community involvement” and “as an area boasting some of the best restaurants and shopping in the suburbs.”

Agent Sari Shaw Chappaqua, in her blog, “Living Chappy Happy,” explains why her own family chose and loves Chappaqua:

“We are not in some remote area, cut off from amazing restaurants, lively nightlife and stores that carry every brand and every color within a three to four town radius! We have the trees, the backyard, an easy express train to Manhattan, amazing preschools, exemplary schools, and a community which is so globally conscious and active.”

For more information, please visit platinumdr.com

Taking it to the Top

March 6, 2016 by The Inside Press

As a lifelong Westchester resident, I grew up just a short drive from the Hamlet of Armonk. But working on this edition of Inside Armonk–my first as Guest Editor of the magazine, after writing for Inside Chappaqua, the Inside Press flagship publication, in years past–has allowed me to give the Hamlet a closer look.

Armonk features some of the best of what makes Westchester such a unique county. A picturesque suburb set in the beauty of nature, Armonk has historical sites dating from pre-Revolutionary America alongside scenic trails through the woods. Employees at one of the world’s largest corporations can conveniently take their lunch break at any of a number of independent restaurants without leaving the Hamlet.

In my first issue, I’ve tried to find topics that reflect what makes this community so unique. The issue has several features on North Castle living, or relevant to it, from how to choose the best summer camp for your kids to raising pets to the work of the North Castle Beautification committee. And with Spring just around the corner, I’ve pulled together a roundup of some engaging things you can do this season without leaving the Armonk area. It also profiles two teen residents who, though too young to legally buy alcohol, have notched some pretty major achievements in the fields of theater and science.

Also, we went right “to the top” to give you a sense of the personalities strongly influencing the directions of this town, and because we thought both these individuals could share more of what makes Armonk “tick.” Be sure not to miss the interview with Neal Schwartz, president of the Chamber of Commerce, who has worked to bolster businesses throughout the downtown. And our cover story profiles North Castle’s town supervisor Michael Schiliro, who explains what he’s doing to spur the town’s growth.

As a relative newcomer to the Armonk community, it was wonderful to find that I could quickly develop a sense of connection to and instant fondness for this bucolic area so many here are very fortunate to call home. I hope to continue to unearth stories in future editions of Inside Armonk that bring readers feeling ever closer to their town and to their neighbors. If there’s a story you think would fit inside future editions of Inside Armonk, I’d love to hear from you. Write to Andrew@insidearmonk.com.

From Armonk to Broadway: One Recent Grad’s Journey

March 6, 2016 by The Inside Press

How Alexander Baron is making waves in the theater world
By Lindsay Hand

We all have dreams of making it big and doing what we love. Here in Westchester, many kids are fortunate to have the fun and exciting experience of being in a show, whether through school or community theater, but only a select few are able to turn it into a career. For Armonk native and current Penn State freshman Alexander Baron, however, that dream has come true.

Discovering the NYC Theater Scene

Though he never dreamed of being involved in theater when he was younger, while at Byram Hills High School, Baron discovered a passion for the production aspect of the business. Rather than studying for finals, Baron wrote a one-act show and submitted it to the Manhattan Repertory Theatre. The show was accepted, and from there his involvement in New York City theater really took off. “I’m terrible at writing plays and it was the worst show ever, but I loved producing it,” says Baron. “I loved bringing things from page to stage.”

Through this initial experience, Baron was introduced to many successful people involved in theater who have helped him gain experience and discover his passions. One such person is Marathon Live Entertainment president and Penn State Programming Board of Theater member Mike Karns, who “has been able to make me realize how many more options there are in the theater world than just producing,” explains Baron.

Through Karns and Marathon Live Entertainment, Baron had the opportunity to intern at both The Last Ship and Hamilton, two extremely successful recent Broadway shows. In addition, in 2014, he produced his own off-Broadway show entitled Vote For Me: A Musical Debate, which provided him invaluable experience and a new connection in producer Dori Berinstein, a fellow Armonk resident.

She was impressed with him from the moment they met. “Not only was Alex already–at such a young age–a determined, visionary producer,” she says, “but he was kind, warm, articulate and very clearly an extremely smart and focused young man.”

Gotta Dance (and Produce)

Despite starting college, Baron is still working nonstop. He started his own production company called Baron Theatrical Inc., and then truly got his chance when producer Berinstein presented the opportunity for Baron to co-produce Gotta Dance, a pre-Broadway show set for the Chicago stage. The show focuses on a story about the 2007 New Jersey Nets senior citizen basketball team and incorporates music and dance. After a successful premiere in Chicago, the show, directed by Kinky Boots director Jerry Mitchell, is planning on a Broadway debut this Fall. Baron points out how the show “crushes the stigma of age that you’re never too young to dance,” and compared it to himself, stating proudly, “you’re never too young to produce.”

He is fortunate to bring extensive experience to the show, and credits Hamilton in particular with really showing him the power of social media, and he plans to use those ideas “to get the younger crowd to come see the show.” For someone so young he has already accomplished so much, and this fact is not lost on him. “The opportunity has done so much for me and we’re only getting started, and I’m really excited for what the show is going to hold in the future,” Baron states.

He recognizes that he has been incredibly lucky to have some experienced, extraordinary people helping him along and providing him with incomparable opportunities. “As we ramp up for Broadway, Alex’s insight on how best to excite and engage younger theater-goers about Gotta Dance will be invaluable,” Berinstein adds. “I’m thrilled to have Alex on our team and I’m very much looking forward to watching him become a major force on Broadway.”

Alex Baron with Gotta Dance director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell

Looking Ahead

While of course paying attention to his studies and life in college, Baron is highly focused on Gotta Dance. He plans to not only keep producing but also get more involved in the advertising, PR and marketing aspects of the industry. He is co-producing a show headed to Broadway and living his dream, and can serve as inspiration for many young people with similar dreams of working in the theater. There is no doubt that he will continue to grow and become an important part of the New York theater community. “It’s an incredible feeling to open up a playbill and see my name under the title,” Baron adds. “Every second I’m truly grateful.”

Two-time Inside Chappaqua Guest Editor Lindsay Hand is a sophomore at Cornell University.

At a “Breakfast with Hillary”

March 6, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Ann Styles Brochstein

On January 28th, I had the privilege of attending the “Breakfast with Hillary” event in White Plains. Hillary took a short break from campaigning in Iowa to come back to Westchester for this key fundraiser. While waiting to go through a security check, people were friendly and so excited. We chatted about our passionate support for her candidacy and recounted personal Hillary encounters.

Once Hillary took the stage, she spoke at length on topics ranging from the economy to foreign affairs to health care to education to sensible gun laws, and on and on. What impressed me most: how she spoke effortlessly, with incredible knowledge on so many topics–and without notes! I’m sure she’s given similar speeches many, many times but she spoke with sincerity and passion. As I was hearing her, I kept thinking: “I am listening to the next president!”

When she was finished, she didn’t take questions but allowed people to approach her for individual comments or questions, and, of course, SELFIES! I worked my way determinedly through the crowd even while I knew I’d have maybe seconds to talk to her. Upon my turn, I told her about my son in the Navy and how much I appreciate that she didn’t refer to soldiers as “boots” on the ground. When I told her how our troops are sons and daughters, husbands and wives, she acknowledged their sacrifice. She “got it,” nodded and hugged me.

After taking a couple of selfies, she asked me to send the photo to my son and to thank him from her. I was tearing up talking to her. She took the time to listen to everyone who spoke to her, graciously taking selfies with everyone, as Secret Service moved her along. While my encounter with Hillary lasted maybe a minute, it was unforgettable. I came away fully committed to supporting her as the best qualified person to lead our country who just happens to be a woman.
Plus, I came away with a selfie!

Ann Styles Brochstein, a 24-year Chappaqua resident, actively participates in community organizations. She and Chappaqua’s Cynthia Ware Metcalf started the HillaryNOW! FB page to support HRC’s candidacy for President. Follow them too on Twitter @Neighbors4Hill.

(L-R) Catherine Borgia, Westchester county legislator, Joyce Stansell-Wong of Chappaqua, and Ann Styles Brochstein at Hillary Breakfast

My “Farm to Table” Table

March 6, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Dana Y. Wu

In 2014, when my family and I moved to Kipp Street, two black walnut trees swayed precariously over the driveway and power lines of our farmhouse colonial built in the 1900s. Their roots were exposed in the shallow, allopathic soil and black walnuts the size of tennis balls rained down on us.

Reluctantly, we got the tree removal permit and called Bill Davies of Westchester Tree Life. He told us that the wood was valuable and offered to take the huge trunks to White Oak Farm in Yorktown for milling.

Jason Ballard (My Minds Design, Grafton, Vermont), a talented woodworker, had made built-ins and an antique barn beam mantle for our former house on Birch Lane. We asked if he could create an eight-foot dining table for the new house and he was thrilled to work with wood from our homegrown trees.

Bri Hart at White Oak Farm selected the best pieces for the table top for milling into nine foot planks. The wood was sawn to Jason’s specified dimensions and kiln dried for two months. When it was ready, Bri declared this was some of the best walnut he had ever seen. Serendipitously, another of Bri’s custom timber cuts was ready to head north and we happily piggybacked onto that delivery to get our 900 linear feet of walnut to Grafton.

Maggie Nielsen was helping us furnish our home, on land that was part of the extensive Kipp family holdings from the mid-1700s. She designed a casual dining room for daily homework, reading and meals by our busy family of six. It took several discussions and wood samples by mail to get the table’s vintage character, the stain and the finish figured out with Jason. Maggie had suggestions about the table’s base to match the tone we had set with the dining room’s new paint, windows and rug from Caravan Connection in Bedford Hills.

After hours of Jason’s expert craftsmanship, the finished table took up almost his entire workshop during the weeks to took to dry all 25 coats of his signature polish. He delivered it in January 2016, and we were so excited to see how its proportions, color and warm feel were all in perfect harmony with the 100 year old house.

The table had finally come home.

Our “farm to table” table soon will be joined with a beautifully handcrafted mirror, a sideboard and chairs, all made from this wood harvested from our property. They will become true family heirlooms. The organic, creative collaboration between Bill, Bri, Maggie and Jason brought the walnut trees that were growing outside into the heart of our home.

Dana Y. Wu, a Chappaqua mom of four, is an author, visual storyteller and local volunteer. Her not-for-profit management career includes experience at the New York Public Library. A life-long New Yorker, she graduated from Stuyvesant High School and Columbia University. She pursues her writing with the vibrant, creative community at the Jacob Burns Media Arts Center.

The Inside Press

Welcome to Platinum Drive Realty

Taking it to the Top