The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

Meeting on 2/4 to Support the Bedford House Playhouse Renovation and Expansion Efforts

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Bedford Playhouse

WHO: Friends of Bedford Playhouse

WHAT: Town Hall Meeting featuring an update by John Farr on renovation and expansion plans for the Bedford Playhouse followed by a question and answer session.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 4, 2015, 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Katonah Village Library, Garden Room 26 Bedford Road, Katonah, NY

FUNDRAISING GOAL: $2,500,000 by March 1, 2015

PLEDGE: http://www.friendsofbedfordplayhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/pledge-form120714.pdf

VISION: Raise funds to renovate and transform the Bedford Playhouse into a state-of-the-art cinema, housing a large-screen theater; a smaller, more intimate second-screen theater; flexible space for small gatherings and screenings; and a lobby café serving high-end coffee, wine, beer, and snacks. Friends of Bedford Playhouse believe that consistently high-quality film and concession offerings will attract viewers and visitors, as well as contribute to the vitality of the village.

Storm Preparedness: Frequently Asked Questions

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From Rob Greenstein, New Castle Town Supervisor

New Castle snow plowNational Weather Service has announced a severe winter storm approaching. Blizzard Warnings are in effect from 1 pm on Monday, January 26, 2015 through midnight on Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

I have declared a Snow Emergency for the Town of New Castle, effective Tuesday, January 26, 2015, 6:00 pm. During the emergency period, it shall be unlawful to park or leave unattended a motor vehicle on any street or highway. This emergency shall be in effect for a 36 hour period until Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 6:00 am.

Town Hall will open at its regular time of 8:45 am but will close at noon on Monday, January 26, 2015. All Evening Meetings for Monday, January 26 have been cancelled. Recycling Center is open today Monday, January 26 but will be closed on Tuesday, January 27.

Town Board Meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 has been rescheduled for Wednesday January 28.

There will be no recycling and garbage pick-up on Tuesday. All Tuesday recycling and garbage pickups will instead be picked up on Wednesday. Regular Wednesday pickups remain unchanged.

To keep residents informed, and to ensure that our community is prepared, we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Stay Safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I receive storm updates?

Sign up for codeRED and New Castle Police Department Nixle alerts, and please check the town’s web site.

For Nixle text alerts, just text your zip code to 888777. For email (& text) alerts, go to https://local.nixle.com/register/.

For codeRED notifications: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/A84FF0D0EFC6

Is Department of Public Works ready?

DPW crews will be pre-salting the roads and will spend tonight and tomorrow at work.

When are the snow plows sent out?

The plow operators are dispatched immediately at the beginning of a storm and stay out continually during the storm. They are responsible for clearing over 24 square miles – 101 miles of Town owned roads!

Which streets are plowed first?

Snow plows first clear primary and major artery streets, school streets, and streets serving emergency response facilities and heavy traffic. After those roads are clear, secondary streets are cleared and streets with moderate traffic. Lastly, all other streets, including cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets, are plowed. After a major storm, it may take two to three days for plow crews to clear all the streets.

What can I do if snow is blocking access to my mail box or driveway?

During snow plowing operations, the snow from the street will end up in front of driveways and mailboxes. The property owner is responsible for access to his/her individual driveway or mailbox.

The only way to avoid extra shoveling is to wait until the Public Works crews have done their final clean-up on the street.

What if there is a fire hydrant on my property?

Clear HydrantsOur local fire departments ask residents to clear hydrants near their homes throughout the storm (when safe to do so). It may save a life.

Is New Castle Police Department ready?

New Castle Police Department staffing will be increased for the duration of the storm. All equipment, vehicles and staff are ready. In the event of life or property threatening emergencies, dial 911. To report blocked roads, call 911.

Is Con Edison ready?

Con Edison is closely monitoring the winter storm expected to hit our area today, and have augmented our staffing levels in preparation. We have been in contact with our Con Ed liaison. The Municipal Dashboard has been activated. The Municipal dashboard allows municipalities to see the customer outage details, input priority customer orders to be addressed, and view restoration progress via an outage map.

What contact numbers do I need?

To report loss of electric or if you smell gas, contact ConEd at 1-800-75CONED (1-800-752-6633) or go to www.ConEd.com To report downed trees: New Castle Police: 914-238-4422. To report downed power lines: New Castle Police: 914-238-4422. To Report Water emergency: Millwood Water Treatment Plant: 914-944-0036 / 914-944-0037.

Will the Emergency Operations Center be activated?

Our emergency responders are working together to prepare and respond to the storm. They have been in contact with each other and will be meeting later this afternoon to discuss our preparation, concerns and how we can help each other to protect life and property during the storm. We will continue to have open communication and work as a team with a common goals. We are ready to activate our Emergency Operations Center, if necessary. As the storm evolves we could make that decision. Some of the factors to consider are:

  • The number of road closures on major and secondary roads.
  • Types of closures – wires down vs just trees
  • An extraordinary incident that involves multiple agencies or the need for resources beyond local capabilities
  • A threat to life and property that involves a large geographic area of town.

How can I prepare before the storm?

Be familiar with winter storm watches and warnings.

Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out. Include a flashlight and extra batteries; portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries; a first aid kit; a one-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off); a manual can opener; one-week supply of essential prescription medications; extra blankets and sleeping bags.

Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school) and have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the family contact because after a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees F.

What should I do during the storm?

Stay indoors and dress warmly.

Monitor your emails and check out the town’s web site www.MyNewCastle.org for the latest information.

Bring pets inside during winter weather.

Is it safe to go outside?

Dress warmly and wear loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill. Outer garments should be water repellant. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other.

If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. Also take frequent breaks.

Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.

Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Keep dry and change wet clothing frequently to prevent loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.

Email Your Town Council and Town Administrator

You may contact your town board members and town administrator by using the links below, or as a group. For a full list of town contacts, click here.

Rob Greenstein – RGreenstein@MyNewCastle.org, 914-238-7281

Lisa Katz – LKatz@MyNewCastle.org, 914-238-7299

Elise K. Mottel – EKMottel@MyNewCastle.org, 914-238-4785

Jason Chapin – JChapin@MyNewCastle.org, 914-238-4778

Adam Brodsky – ABrodsky@MyNewCastle.org, 914-238-7262

Jill Shapiro – JShapiro@MyNewCastle.org, 914-238-4742

All – TownBoard@MyNewCastle.org

Jewish Students in Westchester Gather to Address On Campus Anti Semitism

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By Grace Bennett
Photos by Orly Benun

It was a remarkable and ultimately courageous and empowering gathering. Jewish students home on winter break, who might otherwise have spent the evening at home or out with friends, instead arrived by the dozens to the JCC of Mid-Westchester in Scarsdale on a weeknight earlier this month to partake in a forum created by a newly formed, Westchester based group, “Students and Parents Against Anti Semitism on Campus.”

_ORB1773Jewish Student Meeting

A panel of speakers pointed to a growing anti-Israel sentiment — and as a seeming recurring consequence, anti semitic incidences — taking place on college campuses across the U.S. “There is a problem on college campuses. It is systemic; it is not just in one place,” one speaker said.

A panel of five speakers included a representative from New York University (a young woman who led the panel described herself as a “lone ranger” sometimes in this battle), and four others from Stand with Us and the Jewish National Fund.

The anti-Israel mood on some campuses, the speakers said, appears to be the outcome of well organized groups whose members seek to actively influence student body perception of Israel—frequently referring to Israel as an apartheid state or by laying the blame squarely on Israel’s door for the war in Gaza this past summer. They drive home their messages via rallies or staged “die ins.”

All this might be fine in the free speech arena, however footage shared — via a short film: “The New Face of Anti-Semitism: Crossing the Line” — showed Jewish students being shouted down, or otherwise made to feel vulnerable in sharing a pro Israel stance. “There are regular comparisons of Israelis to Nazis; it is twisted, repulsive and becoming increasingly commonplace,” one of the speakers noted.

Following the individual talks, the speakers and the students broke into smaller group workshops, in which students shared their own experiences, everything from seeing a swastika painted on a Hillel wall to feeling intimidated in class by a professor holding pro Palestinian views. Parents were led into a separate room for a workshop as well.

Students were generally advised that these groups and their dismissive attitudes are ultimately small “with scripted messages and that the public as a whole does not support these messages.”

“Keep your composure,” the NYU student leader urged. “Take a step back. Arm yourself with the facts. The facts are on our side. Educate yourself about the issues. It’s also best to ignore some of the tactics, such as the die ins. Don’t give them the press they want.”

“Stand with Us is here for you,” said one of its representatives. “If you encounter anti-Israel activity on campus, reach out to us.”

Blood Donation Opportunities in honor of Black History Month

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American red Cross logo

This February, and in the spirit of Dr. Charles Drew, an African-American surgeon who was the first medical director of the American Red Cross and a modern blood-banking pioneer, eligible donors as diverse as the patients who need their blood donations are encouraged to give blood to ensure a sufficient blood supply. (Editor’s Note: A Pleasantville location is noted here.)

Blood from a donor with a similar ethnic background as that of the patient is less likely to cause complications, particularly for those patients whose chronic conditions require repeated transfusions. Sickle cell disease is one such chronic condition affecting as many as 100,000 people in the United States.

Prior to transfusion, blood type and Rh factor are matched between donated blood and the patient in need. In some cases, additional red cell markers in donated blood must be matched, as well. These markers are best found in blood from donors of a similar ethnicity.

With seasonal flu and inclement winter weather preventing many regular donors from giving, the Red Cross urges healthy, eligible donors to make an appointment to donate blood in the coming days and weeks. All blood types are currently needed to help maintain a diverse and sufficient blood supply, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Westchester

Pleasantville: 2/4/2015: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Pace University, 861 Bedford Road

Mount Vernon: 2/13/2015: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Thornton High School, 121 South 6th Street

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Local KenKen Champ Triumphs Again at Chappaqua Library Tournament

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By Dawn Evans Greenberg

Mack Meller and Will Shortz. Photo Credit: KenKen
Mack Meller and Will Shortz. Photo Credit: KenKen
How do you become the reigning KENKEN champion and the 6th-ranked SCRABBLE® player in North America, all at age 14? The answer is “Board Vision” — the ability to view the entirety of the SCRABBLE board or the KenKen puzzle as you solve it. It’s a rare ability for anyone, but 14-year-old Mack Meller of Bedford NY, has it in spades.

At last weekend’s 5th annual KenKen Tournament at the Chappaqua Library, Mack solved the difficult final round 8×8 puzzle in 6 minutes + 38 seconds to win the championship. He won over two-time defending champion Martin Eiger, as well as 120 other contestants from as far away as California.

KenKen is a math and logic puzzle created by Tetsuya Miyamoto, a math teacher in Japan, and now owned by Pleasantville-based Nextoy. KenKen puzzles feature grids ranging in size from 3×3 to 9×9 of equations to be solved. Its fans include Will Shortz and Martha Stewart. KenKen, meaning wisdom in Japanese, can be enjoyed by all ages. It is syndicated in the New York Times and many other newspapers worldwide. Daily puzzles can be found at www.kenkenpuzzle.com.

Mack and his dad began solving KenKen puzzles together five years ago. They like to compete over the New York Times daily puzzle and against each other at the annual tournament. This year Mack prepared for his 4th KenKen Tournament by practicing on the KenKen website. What does Mack like so much about KenKen? “I like the practically infinite variations on puzzles, that you have to think steps in advance, the math of course, and especially that moment when you figure out the last box after which everything falls into place.”

Mack is a self-directed teenager who seems to navigate both his classes (multivariable calculus is a favorite) and the world of competitive SCRABBLE with ease. He is in ninth-grade and a student at Stanford University Online High School. His SCRABBLE ranking was achieved through many weekend tournaments around the country, as well as daily study and practice games with tournament competitors who have become friends. When he isn’t studying, he spends time playing tennis, bird-watching, and volunteering at the Community Center of Northern Westchester.

While Mack is equally adept with words and numbers, his true passion is for math. He says it’s too early to pick a career path, but he’s certain it will have something to do with math or physics. No doubt that the logic and strategic thinking he’s honed from both KenKen and SCRABBLE will help him continue to excel.