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The Inside Press

Music to our Westchester Ears

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Former Yankee Mariano Rivera (left) and fellow honoree Robert Heath (right) share a couple of moments before the award ceremony.
Former Yankee Mariano Rivera (left) and fellow honoree Robert Heath (right) share a couple of moments before the award ceremony.
MCW2015-0116
Former Yankee Mariano Rivera (left) and fellow honoree Robert Heath (right) share a couple of moments before the award ceremony.

By Miriam Longobardi

Photos by Cathy Pinsky & Jim D’Angelo

What do you get when you bring together heroes of the New York Yankees, musicians, businessmen and community leaders? The answer is new musical opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds courtesy of the Music Conservatory of Westchester and its benefactors. This past June, the Whippoorwill Club in Armonk hosted the 14th annual Golf and Tennis Classic followed by a reception, silent auction and star-studded awards dinner. This year’s recipient of the Community Vision Award was given to former Yankee All-Star and World Series Champion Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara. What made receiving the award extra special was that it was presented to them by Rivera’s former teammate and musician, Bernie Williams of Armonk.

Rivera’s former teammate and musician, Bernie Williams (left) and Communications Director, Jon Chattman (center), present the Community Vision Award to Clara and Mariano Rivera.
Rivera’s former teammate and musician, Bernie Williams (left) and Communications Director, Jon Chattman (center), present the Community Vision Award to Clara and Mariano Rivera.

Amid the bustle of eager fans awaiting photo ops, Rivera and his wife took some time to talk about the rebuilding and renovations done to their New Rochelle church, Refugio de Esperanza (Refuge of Hope) Church,  where Clara Rivera serves as pastor. The funding to rebuild the church came from the Mariano Rivera Foundation.  “We are able to work with community doing something that we love,” Mrs. Rivera shared. She added, “We have the Foundation and we both work together to reach people and bring them together.  We have been doing this type of work for many years.”

Rivera feels his calling is helping others. “It has truly been a blessing helping the community as much as we can. I am really happy with what we have done and hopefully we continue to do this work for many years to come,” he said about being honored with the Community Vision Award. When asked about the fact that Williams would be presenting the award, Rivera said, “Bernie has been a friend and a teammate for so long that having him here tonight is really special.” In addition to the work done with the church for his community, his fundraising is enabling two children to receive scholarships to the Conservatory, and they were also in attendance with the Riveras. “It is always rewarding to help children learn music. Music is something that connects all of us.”

Bernie Williams (left), Conservatory Executive Director Jean Newton (center), and Mariano Rivera with the first recipients of the Clara and Mariano Rivera Music Scholarship, Dyana Taylor Garcia (left) and Mia Sarai Suarez (right).
Bernie Williams (left), Conservatory Executive Director Jean Newton (center), and Mariano Rivera with the first recipients of the Clara and Mariano Rivera Music Scholarship, Dyana
Taylor Garcia (left) and Mia Sarai Suarez (right).

Another honoree of the evening was Armonk resident and Chairman of the Conservatory Board of Trustees Robert Heath, who received the Distinguished Leadership Award. In addition to serving on the Board for the past twenty years, Heath is on several committees at the Conservatory as well, including marketing, events and the treasurer. He notes that the school is still a business and, having successfully run his own business for over twenty years, that expertise along with the talented faculty and staff help keep the Conservatory thriving. “I like collaborating with other board members.  Rodd Berro and I are a great team. We’ll meet outside the office, go to the Beehive and work over lunch. There’s always a huge list of what you would like to accomplish, but at the end of the day you have to pick what will have the most impact.”

Heath is not only a businessman but an accomplished musician in his own right, and he described a new scholarship program being offered for adult students, particularly qualifying seniors. Like many people who took instrument lessons as a child, Heath stopped playing piano around his teenage years when school and other interests got in the way. “When I joined the board I realized I should be a customer here as well. I started taking piano lessons again at age 50.”  While he had always had a rich musical life, having formed an opera group and conducted, his actual piano playing had taken a backseat. Since then he has performed in over fifty recitals as well as playing in small ensembles with other adult students at the Conservatory. “A lot of the students are really quite talented,” Heath shared. “Like any activity once learned but not done in a while, picking it up again is not super difficult, but it is super rewarding.” Colleagues of Heath’s offered their praise, saying even passing by and hearing him play in a practice hall is like a concert in and of itself.

Board President Rodd Berro elaborated on more programs being offered by the Conservatory.  In addition to expanding their scholarship programs and adult education, another new initiative is the veterans program Healing our Heroes, which offers music therapy. Currently there are nearly 25 veterans participating. Music therapy takes many forms- taking lessons, playing music or just listening–whatever the therapist feels is appropriate for each individual case. Veterans are not the only ones benefitting from music therapy; music therapy has long been proven to help autistic children lower anxiety and improve communication skills.

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Robert Heath (right accepts the Distinguished Leadership Award from Jean Newton (left) and longtime collaborator Rodd Berro, Board President (center); the two friends and colleagues then share a congratulatory embrace.
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Robert Heath (right accepts the Distinguished Leadership Award from Jean Newton (left) and longtime collaborator Rodd Berro, Board President (center); the two friends and colleagues then share a congratulatory embrace.

In his fifth year as president, Berro admits he is not a musician himself although both his children attended the Conservatory. He hopes that the expanded programs being offered will help college-bound students realize that serious participation in music programs is as impressive on a college application as sports and academics. “Music is not just for music’s sake, but can help kids get into college,” Berro said. He takes tremendous pride in the Music Conservatory of Westchester.

Rounding out an evening celebrating all the honorees, Broadway stars were also there lending their vocal talents. Tony award winner Lena Hall, Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis, and Nick Cordero sang and entertained the crowd following the dinner and live auction. It was an exciting night to be among such diverse and talented people, all coming together to share the gift of music. In the words of Rodd Berro, “It’s a great school, we have a wonderful facility and staff, and we just keep moving forward.”

For information on the fall programs and opportunities at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, go to:
www.musicconservatory.org

Miriam is a freelance writer, fourth grade teacher and single mother of two daughters living in Westchester. 
A breast cancer survivor, she volunteers for the American Cancer Society and has completed four marathons and travels the world.  Follow her on Twitter@writerMimiLong.com.

 

Playgrounds: Some You Know and Some You Don’t

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Heather Skolnick Photo
Heather Skolnick Photo

By Heather Skolnick

The Play’s the Thing!

What is the one place where everyone has fun (besides Disney)? The playground! What could be better than good, old fashioned fun outside?

Playgrounds offer an opportunity for children to be children. Playgrounds are one of the few places left where no batteries are needed, there is nary an iPad, iPhone, or Playstation in sight. Kids can run around to their hearts’ content and can use their imagination to create play scenarios. My own kids love to pretend that the clubhouse in the playground is the lookout point where they can watch out for pirates.

While often the site for playdates, playgrounds offer more than a place to just play. For moms and caretakers, they are a place to meet others. New resident Nikki Cosentino has been using playgrounds as one way to meet other moms within the community. She comes with her two daughters and lets them play safely in an enclosed environment while she socializes. Nikki says, “We have moved twice since I had my first daughter, and I always head to the local playground right away to connect with other moms. The park was our first stop here after move-in day in April. Sure enough, I was able to chat with a local mom and get some inside tips on our new town while our kids played together.” Nannies, too, enjoy the social benefits of the playground. When my nanny started, she used the playground as a place to meet people caring for kids in the same age range.

Playgrounds also serve as a place where children can develop and hone social skills. The playground is a place where children interact with other children, whether on a playdate or just mingling with other kids there. Special Educator Janet Weingarden works with children in many of our local schools. She often uses the playground as a forum for learning. She said, “The way we learn social skills is through practice and watching others. Being in a playground is a particularly effective place to do both of those things.” She continued, the playground “offers opportunities for sharing, turn taking, collaborating, cooperating and a fantastic opportunity to build empathy. There’s also an opportunity to practice social scripts…as well as problem solving skills.” It’s no wonder Janet often goes there with her students!

From a physical standpoint, the playground offers all kinds of opportunities to strengthen gross motor skills. Climbing up a wall, for example, requires the muscle strength to accomplish it. It also requires the motor planning needed to reach the top of the wall. Both can be practiced at the playground. Play structures are also filled with opportunities to improve some sensory and vestibular sensitivities. Swinging on a tire swing provides all kinds of vestibular input to help increase the ability to process movement. Jumping is an example of “heavy work” which many teachers and therapists have found to improve attention and calmness for hours afterwards. Physical activity also increases arousal level which can help raise confidence. All in all, the learning opportunities on the playground could rival the classroom!

Hide and Go Seek an Old or New Favorite Spot or Two

Now that we know all the benefits of our playgrounds, where can we find them within our community? Specifically in North Castle, there are several playgrounds from which to choose. According to the 2010 census, the Town of North Castle has an approximate population of 12,000 people, 30% of which are under the age of 18. With about 3,600 kids to keep busy, it’s no wonder that the Town has a plethora of exciting playgrounds! Armonk resident Megan Elkowitz has a four-year-old and a two-year-old and, as a result, knows the area’s parks well. She shared that each of the community’s parks offers something different for her–and while she frequents all of them, she finds that she chooses the park based on what she’s looking for that day.

John Lombardi Park is a great all around park that offers basketball courts, tennis courts and a great playground. The playground area includes swings, a climbing wall and large playground structure with all the standard fixings–twisty slides, bouncy bridges, poles to slide down, etc. What else could a child want? There’s a large, covered gazebo with picnic tables for snacks and taking periodic breaks from the sun. In addition, John Lombardi Park also has clean bathroom facilities just off the path from the playground. This is an important feature for the potty training set.

The author’s twin boys “hanging out” at the playground.
The author’s twin boys “hanging out” at the playground.

Formally listed as the North Castle Community Park on the Town’s website (but informally known as IBM Park) is a tucked away, hidden enclave for those in the know. If someone doesn’t tell you it’s there, you’d never know. In fact, one mom recently said that she took classes at Equinox with her toddler son and never even knew it was there! It offers something for everyone with very well maintained recreational options including a track, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields as well as a playground. The playground itself offers two separate playstructures, one a bit smaller in scale than the other for younger kids. The larger one is filled with great activities to keep kids entertained and having fun. Mother of two Lauren Schecter recently had a playdate at IBM Park. The park had been recommended to her by two Armonk moms and this was her first visit there. She said, “I can’t believe I never even knew this park existed! This is a great playground; the equipment is current, there are lots of activities and most importantly, my son is having fun!”

Another fun option is Winkler Park on Bedford Banksville Rd. Donated to the Town in the 1970’s, it was recently renovated in 2013. The play structure was updated to meet all safety regulations. Winkler Park now also offers a new fishing dock as well as newly resurfaced tennis and basketball courts.

Clove Road Park outside the Community Center is another great option offering two unique play structures with lots of activities for kids. This is one that works well for older kids as well as younger kids with lots of different activities to engage kids of all ages. Baseball fields are next door and the proximity to the Community Center is an asset as well.

Lastly, Quarry Park off Old Orchard Street also has a playground. With so many options, how is one to choose?? So while the weather is nice, have the kids put down the electronics, get outside and head to the playground!!

Heather Skolnick, her husband and three young children are often found at one of our neighborhood playgrounds. When not swinging from the monkey bars, Heather works for a major retailer designing their Omnichannel process
and systems.

Fun for all at First Thursday

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Mike Dardano Photos
Mike Dardano Photos

By Sarah Jane Weill

This summer, on the first Thursday of every month Armonk Square comes alive with fun, laughter, and dancing. These nights are appropriately called First Thursday, an event designed by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce to offer “art, music, in-store promotion, dining, wine tastings and more” for the Armonk community and its residents. A First Thursday night, lasting from 5-9 p.m., has occurred in June, July, and August so far. The last one will take place on September 3rd.

With the newly built Armonk Square, the town now has the opportunity to host even more exciting events. “The Chamber had been working to bring some distinctive events to town with the intent to bring more business to the businesses,” explains Armonk Chamber of Commerce President Neal Schwartz. Therefore, the creation of First Thursday seemed a great way to combine Armonk’s wide variety of restaurants with music and art for a whole evening of activity that would appeal to residents and benefit business. “First Thursday was a natural fit during the warmer summer months,” he adds when comparing it to some of the Chamber’s other popular events such as Frosty Day, a Cider and Donut Festival, and Citizen of the Year golf outing and dinners.

So far, it seems that First Thursday is working out great. “Overall the merchants are very happy with the launch of First Thursday this year,” says Schwartz. “All had customers that came in because of First Thursday.” This past First Thursday on Aug. 6th was no exception. “First Thursday was a gutsy move during the summer, when so many students and parents are literally out of town. But, to our delight, this past First Thursday had more attendees and a constant flow of families with strollers and dog walkers; crystal clear indicators that these [visits to the event] were planned in advance,” Schwartz reports.

Visiting the August First Thursday, there was no doubt as to the great success of this event. These are events for all. People can come and go as they please, enjoying the festivities in their own way. Indeed, there is a range of people in the square during the First Thursday: some people are milling about, circling the town, doing errands or going to dinner. Other people are sitting on benches, talking among themselves or just listening to the music, taking in the evening slowly. Waves of more and more people come throughout the night, assuring that the square was never empty during First Thursday.

“I think it’s a great community builder and great that the merchants buy into it. It’s something to do,” Armonk resident Barbara Reiter says as she describes how she thinks First Thursday has added to the community. “Look at all the little kids” she continues, nodding to a group of adorable kids dancing with pure delight in the middle of the square, “when my kids were little I wish they did this!”

Indeed, this is a perfect atmosphere for families. The whole center of the square is filled with thrilled young children: all running around, dancing up close and personal with the live musicians, their faces sticky with frozen yogurt. For them, it seems, this is a perfect opportunity to release that final bit of energy coursing through their veins after a day at camp or playing with friends. Also, this past First Thursday there was a juggling stilt-walker, who turned out to be great entertainment for children, and people, of all ages.

Mike Dardano Photos
Mike Dardano Photos

Just think–this great success has only been achieved in three nights of First Thursday. Looking forward, the possibilities to expand and strengthen the event are numerous. “We know it takes time to further develop First Thursday, but our start in 2015 has been great,” Schwartz concludes when addressing what the future might hold for First Thursday. “We plan on adding more Armonk talent to First Thursday and more art in 2016,” he added.

The effort to put on a successful event like this is enormous, and it shows. Those behind it: Robby Morris, Stacy Wilder, and plenty of others, truly worked hard to create an event that would draw people out of their homes to enjoy all that small town life has to offer while promoting local business. Indeed, all of the necessary ingredients came together in crafting this event. It’s a wonderful way to spend the waning hours of a hot summer’s Thursday, and we can’t wait for the next one.

Sarah Jane Weill attends Bowdoin College. She is a member of the Horace Greeley Class of 2014.

Congregation B’nai Yisrael Celebrates New Rabbi and Educator

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rabbi_josh_stromRabbi Josh Strom has joined Congregation B’nai Yisrael (CBY) of Armonk as its new permanent rabbi. Rabbi Strom previously served as an Associate Rabbi for Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York City. He received his bachelor’s degree in English from Colgate University and was ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2008.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Rabbi Strom to our congregation and local Jewish community,” said Lisa Broomer, president of CBY. She added, “Rabbi Strom brings just the right combination of new ideas and respect for tradition to our congregation with boundless amounts of enthusiasm and passion for our shared Jewish values and beliefs. We are looking forward to many years of fulfilling worship, meaningful learning and heartfelt outreach both within and beyond our community with Rabbi Strom, in partnership with our beloved Cantor, Hayley Kobilinsky, who just celebrated ten wonderful lyrical years with CBY.”

“I am both humbled and thrilled to be joining this strong congregation and local Jewish community,” said Rabbi Strom. “CBY has a rich history for upholding both cultural and social values rooted in Jewish beliefs and traditions. I am eager to help lead and build CBY’s congregation and presence as it embarks on the next great chapter of its future.”

Melissa Cohavi also joins CBY as the new education director after serving Temple Sinai of Stamford, CT for 10 years. Melissa’s extensive education includes a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and a Masters in Social Work from Yeshiva University Wurzweiler School of Social Work.

Lisa Broomer shared, “The Board of Trustees and congregation are very excited and inspired by the additions of Rabbi Strom and Melissa Cohavi.
Their dynamic personalities have already had a big positive impact in a short amount of time.”

Welcoming video interviews of Rabbi Strom and Melissa Cohavi are available through CBY’s website, www.CBYArmonk.org Founded in 1970, Congregation B’nai Yisrael of Armonk is a Reform congregation with nearly 350 family members.

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show: A Celebration of Art and Community

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Byram Hills High School AP Art students are also juried for participation in the show.
Byram Hills High School AP Art students are also juried for participation in the show.

By Sarah Jane Weill

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show, ranked as one of the “Elite 100 Fine Art Craft Shows” by Art Fair Sourcebook as well as one of the “Top Fine Art and Fine Craft Shows” in the New York Metro Area by Sunshine Artist Magazine, is back for its 54th year this September. With approximately 8,000-10,000 visitors from the tri-state area annually, there is a lot of anticipation leading up to the show.

A community-supported event, there are approximately 300 people working on the completely volunteer-run show. In particular, the five co-chairs: Stacy Wilder, Marian Hamilton, Debbie Heidecorn, Ava Zukowsky, and David Africk begin working on the next year’s Show almost immediately after the conclusion of the current year’s event. There are always things to be done to “keep it fresh,” says Wilder of the preparation. “What does change is not always noticeable…much of it is ‘behind the scenes.”

The Art Show consists of about 185 exhibitors, 42 of which will be new to the event. All artists have to apply, with the exception of the previous year’s award winners who are automatically welcomed back. The applicants are reviewed by the Art Show jury, which is comprised of about twelve local jurors, all of whom have varied professional art backgrounds. “The Art Show jury meets twice a week in the spring for about six weeks reviewing applicants,” explains Judy Moniz, who is in charge of the jury. “The show is quite competitive,” she adds. This year, there were approximately 550 hopeful applicants.

The nationally recognized show welcomes thousands of visitors each year from all over the tri-state area.
The nationally recognized show welcomes thousands of visitors each year from all over the tri-state area.

The artists are divided into eight categories: printmaking, drawing, pastels; oils and acrylics; photography and digital art; sculpture; watercolors; mixed media; fine arts; and wearable art. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention in each of the categories. There is also an award for Best-in-Show, which, last year, was presented to Robert Hessler for his work in pottery. At the end of the first day of the Show, three new judges, all of whom also have professional art backgrounds, decide the winners following detailed discussions and careful scoring of all the artists’ work. The distinguished ribbons are then handed out on the second morning of the show. “Artists from throughout the country, as well as from Canada and Israel, will be exhibiting this year,” Moniz says.

For the second year now, there will also be a booth of high school student artists at the Art Show. Approximately ten artists from the Byram Hills’ AP art program will be exhibiting. These students also had to apply to the Art Show, and were juried for selection. The addition of local student artists establishes another great connection to and within the Armonk community.

The Art Show puts out a detailed directory displaying all the artists and images of their work. This is a unique approach for this type of event and, as a result, it is very “popular among the artists…it’s a big draw,” explains Wilder. “A lot of work goes into making [the directory], ” she continues, “it sets the show apart” as it showcases the artists beyond the Art Show itself. The student artists and their work will also be fully featured in the directory this year.

There’s a lot to do at the show, for people of all ages and interests. Primarily, attendees visit various artists’ booths and have the opportunity to engage with them and learn about their work firsthand; a truly unique opportunity for art-lovers of all kinds. Free guided-tours are also organized at the show, during which tour guides escort people through the event at scheduled times; each tour focuses on different aspects of the show, specifically planned so that all interested attendees will be able to find at least one tour that appeals to them.

The 185 juried artists offer a wide range of art to suit every taste and budget.
The 185 juried artists offer a wide range of art to suit every taste and budget.

Personal shoppers are likewise available to help those looking to purchase art, perhaps with an eye toward some home decorating. There are also events for children: an art booth at the back of the show featuring sand art, face painting, and other crafts, as well as a scavenger hunt that takes place throughout the whole venue. A food court with a wide selection tasty treats including some organic options, completes the scene.

This year, a transportation feature is being added to the Art Show. Castle Cab, an Armonk-based taxicab-company that uses App on-demand and advanced reservation requests, is acting in partnership with the Art Show to help bring more people to the event. Primarily, this will help New York City residents get to the show, as transportation can be difficult. Attendees who take the train from Grand Central Station to North White Plains will find will find Castle Cab cars waiting for them upon arrival. For a flat fee of $10 per car, instead of the usual rate of $18, the cars will take their passengers directly to the show and drop them off at a premium entry spot. When visitors are ready to leave the Show, the cars will be standing by to take them to the station. Or, if people are looking for a bite to eat or to do some sightseeing in town, the cars will accommodate travel to any local destination–to or from the show–for half price. This is an exciting new development and partnership, and will hopefully be a big draw for even more attendees, especially from places farther away.

art show 5The connections to the community deepen as net proceeds from the Art Show go to the North Castle Public Library. The annual event is the library’s biggest fundraiser, and benefits many aspects of the library including new programming, children’s programs, technology and facility upgrades. A recent example of funding allocation is the wonderful indoor playground in the children’s reading section. “The show has three levels of sponsorship,” Wilder explains, “gold, silver, bronze and also additional sponsors and community supporters”. All are listed in the Art Show’s directory, which is also great exposure for sponsoring local businesses.

The Art Show will take place the weekend of September 26th – 27th, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The event goes on rain or shine. Admission price is $10, or $8 for senior citizens and coupon holders. The discount coupon is available for print on the Armonk Outdoor Art Show website: armonkoutdoorartshow.org. Ages 18 and under are free. There is ample free on-site parking for those driving themselves, as well as senior and  parking. No dogs are allowed, not even art-loving ones!

With so much to see and do, the excitement for the Art Show is palpable. This event has become one of huge importance to the Armonk community. Not only is it a great place to see a variety of talented, diverse artists, but it is also a perfect opportunity to go out and enjoy the experience of being with people who share an enthusiasm for art and the town itself. Events like these are truly special, and so it is no surprise that after all of the hard work, year after year, it is a great success. Of course, this year will be no different!

Sarah Jane Weill attends Bowdoin college. She is a graduate of the Horace Greeley High School class of 2014.