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The Inside Press

Preparing Emotionally for the School Year

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As summer draws to a close, the anticipation of a new school year begins. This period can be both exciting and stressful for families.

Mary Breen, LCSW, founder and clinical director of Repose, a therapy practice in Pleasantville, offers valuable tips to prepare for a successful school year.

One effective way to prepare for school is to establish consistent routines well before the first day. “Creating a predictable routine can help ease the transition,” Breen advises. This means setting consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, establishing regular meal and homework schedules. Having a set schedule can reduce anxiety and help children adjust better.

Open communication is key to addressing your children’s concerns. Breen emphasizes the importance of listening to your child’s feelings and validating their emotions. “Allow your children to express their feelings about going back to school and provide reassurance,” she suggests. This approach helps children feel understood and supported, making the transition less daunting.

Suggested Discussion Topics:

  • Daily Schedule: “Reviewing the daily schedule can help children know what to expect,” says Breen. Talk about their activities to create a sense of predictability.
  • Classmates and Friends: Breen suggests discussing their existing friends and new classmates they might meet. “Talking about social aspects of school helps children feel more comfortable and excited about reconnecting with peers,” she notes.
  • School Supplies: Involve your child in choosing their school supplies. “Allowing children to pick out their supplies allows them to feel more prepared and enthusiastic,” says Breen. This is also an opportunity to discuss organization.
  • New Subjects and Learning Opportunities: Encourage your child to share their thoughts on new subjects. “Discussing what they are excited about can shift the focus from anxiety to anticipation,” Breen advises.
  • Transportation and Safety: Review how they will get to and from school. “Discussing this can alleviate worries about getting to school on time,” Breen says.

Setting realistic expectations for both academic performance and extracurricular activities can prevent burnout and promote a healthy balance. Celebrate small achievements to build confidence in your child.

A well-organized study area can significantly enhance a child’s focus and productivity. “Designate a quiet, organized space for homework,” Breen recommends. Ensure this space is equipped with necessary supplies and free from distractions, creating an optimal environment for learning.

Structuring time before and after school is crucial for maintaining a balanced and stress-free routine. Breen suggests incorporating time for relaxation, activities, and bonding into your child’s day:

  • Morning Routine: Start the day with a calm and organized morning routine. A smooth morning sets a positive tone for the day.
  • After-School Downtime: Allow some downtime for your child to relax. Children need time to decompress after a busy school day.
  • Screen Time Management: Manage screen time by setting clear limits. It’s important to enforce balance with other activities.
  • Bonding Time: Schedule regular bonding time that is not related to tasks or other stress-inducing activities. Spending quality time together strengthens your relationship and provides emotional support.
  • Evening Routine: Establish a calming and consistent routine to help your child wind down. This can improve sleep quality and reduce bedtime struggles.

Encouraging organizational habits can reduce daily stress. From where shoes go to putting dirty clothes in the laundry, these small habits make a big difference. “Helping to pack snacks and lay out clothes can instill responsibility and accomplishment,”

Monitoring stress and anxiety in your child is essential. If these signs persist, consider seeking professional support. “Look for changes in behavior, sleep patterns, or appetite, as these can be indicators of stress,” advises Breen.

Repose offers several support strategies for families navigating these challenges. Teaching children mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help them manage stress and anxiety. This could include simple breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation sessions to help children harness the tools they need to stay calm and focused. Providing extra help for organizational strategies can boost your child’s confidence and improve their performance.

Family counseling can improve communication and resolve conflicts. “Family counseling provides a safe space to discuss and address family dynamics and conflicts,” Breen explains. “Regular check-ins with your child can also be beneficial and show your child that you are interested in their well-being.”

Breen shares a personal strategy to foster connection and reflection. “At the end of the day, whether during dinner or bedtime, we each share one challenge, two positive things, and something we look forward to,” she says. This practice helps process the day, connect, and encourages a positive outlook.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit byrepose.com. Repose
offers in-network mental health services with Aetna and out-of-network solutions for other insurance types. They are committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care to support families through life’s challenges.

A Candid Conversation with Actor & Byram Hills Alum, David Harbour

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BY EVAN & ELISE TRAINOR

David Harbour   PHOTO BY BRIAN MELSO

From helping super-powered teenagers fight off inter-dimensional monsters to heroically saving Christmas as a tattooed Santa Clause, David Harbour has had an interesting career to say the least. In case that wasn’t enough to catch your attention, he’s also portrayed a friendly ghost, a Russian superhero, a formula-one racing coach, and a horned demon from hell within the past five years.

What might be lesser known about Harbour is that he was born and raised in Westchester County, spent a significant portion of his childhood right here in Armonk and graduated from Byram Hills High School in 1993. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with this local celebrity who was nothing but kind and generous when it came to sharing his story and what it’s like to be one of the most highly sought-after actors in the business.

The first thing Harbour emphasized was how this level of fame and success was not always his reality. Ken Harbor, David’s father and long-time Armonk resident, commented, “I was concerned about David’s potential success in acting early on, but came to realize that his definition of success was never based on financial rewards, rather the opportunity to act and help people think and feel, a success which he has always been able to achieve.”

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Prior to his breakout performance on Netflix’s Stranger Things, Harbour spent most of his early career in theaters across New York playing various roles in dramatic – often Shakespearean plays. It wasn’t until his mid-30s that Harbour began to utilize his 6’ 3”, naturally wide frame in more action-based films such as James Bond – Quantum of Solace, The Equalizer, and Suicide Squad. He’s also currently preparing to reprise his role as The Red Guardian in one of Marvel Studios’ upcoming blockbusters, Thunderbolts, alongside familiar favorites like Harrison Ford and Florence Pugh.

Harbour noted, “The transition from stage to screen can be extremely difficult as live/in-person performances offer none of the safety nets a recorded medium would – no retakes, editing, or any other digital enhancements of any kind. I do feel like there’s less control in those cases – but as I get older, I like the cultural power of the broader mediums of film and TV.”

Since the start of the show in 2016, Stranger Things has certainly made the short list of films and series to embody that vast cultural influence. In addition to sparking countless Halloween costumes, board games, corporate partnerships, toys and other merchandise, the show propelled Harbour and the majority of his costars into the mainstream spotlight.

Harbour recalled his first experience ever playing the shows charismatic police commissioner, Jim Hopper, saying, “I felt like there was something so pure about that first season – where none of us knew it was going to be any good and so we were all committed to loving the script, loving the idea – and I just love that character.” That love was palpable and mutually felt across an audience of over 14 million people – earning Harbour a Screen Actor’s Guild Award, a Critic’s Choice Award and countless other nominations.

Harbour’s standout performance and the show’s incredible success played significant roles in keeping Netflix afloat during a time when rival platforms/providers were becoming much more legitimate and competitive. A win was very much needed, and it came in the form of a series that would eventually become the second most watched of all time (behind Game of Thrones which has twice as many seasons/episodes). Now entering its fifth and final season, the show has attracted a massive audience across all ages who are eagerly awaiting the epic conclusion that is currently in production.

I felt it would be remiss to not ask David about his experience hosting Saturday Night Live back in 2019. Often considered a rite of passage for only the best rising talent, this opportunity was, “a dream come true!” he said, “one of the highlights of my life for sure.” For now, we’ll just have to eagerly wait and see if we ever get the feature-length version of his dark, gritty Oscar the Grouch/Sesame Street parody.

We at The Inside Press were very interested in the early years and origins of one of Byram Hill’s most famous alumni. He claimed to have only had a handful of opportunities when he was young, but said, “Once I got to high school, I had the fuel for the fire and was raring to go.”

With specific mentions and anecdotes about his theatre director at the time, Harbour expressed how that exposure to the arts and the stage in high school was instrumental in giving him the guidance and confidence – a huge blessing. David’s terrific successes on stage, screen, and television aside, his mother and biggest fan (known for her Rice Krispie treats sold at school play intermissions) felt that nothing could match his iconic portrayal of Salieri in the Byram Hills High School production of Amadeus.

When asked if he has any advice for the next generation of actors, Harbour explained that the world needs good artists, and that people should not be dissuaded from the profession. “Today people are building brands, which is easy. What’s difficult are the skills, and when push comes to shove in the arts, you will always need a good plumber or a good electrician… there is a lot of technique in good acting,” Harbour said. “If you focus on that as an actor, while it may feel difficult to understand, it will pay off long term in a big way. Hunker down, read the books, go to classes, and study what the great ones do,” he concluded.

With the climactic, heavily anticipated final season of Stranger Things and the next installation of The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) on the horizon, both with release dates in Spring of 2025, there’s no telling how high David Harbour’s metaphorical ceiling can go. He’s also secured a role in Sylvester Stallone’s next film, Levon’s Trade, alongside action star, Jason Statham. Wherever his career takes him, whether it’s beating up bad guys or making us sob uncontrollably, you can be sure that we’ll be ready with plenty of popcorn and beaming with pride.

David shared, “I’ve had a lot of fun roles and things that I’ve been proud of, but I actually feel like my best work is certainly ahead of me.”

Evan Trainor grew up in Armonk/also a Byram Hills graduate. Now he is a senior graphic designer/creative strategist/copywriter living in Greenwich, CT.

Elise Trainor is the Associate Publisher/Editor for The Inside Press. A lifelong lover of all media and proud to be content developer and community business collaborator for advertising in our print & online publications.

How Sweet It Is!

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BY JESSICA STERN & ANNABEL LEVIN

Blue raspberry Italian ice and mint chocolate chip at Village Creamery

As the summer heat continues, there is no sweeter way to beat the heat than with a nice scoop of ice cream. Westchester is home to a variety of ice cream parlors, each offering unique flavors and experiences. We found six different ice cream places around Westchester to indulge your sweet tooth for these last licks of summer!

The first stop was Longford’s in the heart of Armonk. Having opened just a week prior to our visit, we were excited to try this new spot! Right off the bat, Longford’s was appealing with its energetic interior and fun music. This definitely felt like an attraction for a young audience, which we appreciated. We began our tasting with Oreo Bomb, which featured vanilla ice cream with chunks of Oreo throughout. This super sweet and creamy dessert had the perfect ratio of crushed Oreo to ice cream and satisfied our taste buds.

Next, we explored some of the non-dairy options, specifically the Raspberry Sorbet. With chunks of fresh raspberry. We recommend you try some of the fruit sorbets from Longford’s – along with their other delicious flavors.

Then, we visited Village Creamery in Valhalla, NY where we tried mint chocolate chip ice cream. This spot was essentially a wall with flavors galore and a few people working to serve the ice cream. While this isn’t the place for sitting down with friends, the huge variety of flavors makes up for the lack of space. Even though we tried a simple flavor, we call it the ideal mint chip ice cream. It’s white color and perfect ice cream to chip ratio, was the highlight of our trip. They didn’t hold back on the mint flavor, so while it looked like simple vanilla with some chocolate chips, in reality it was a minty delight!

We also tried the Blue Raspberry Italian ice – which unlike the mint chocolate chip – seemed to lack some flavor. However, the texture of the Italian Ice was very smooth which we loved. We agreed that the Village Creamery is a great place as there is sure to be a flavor for everyone.

Stracciatella and Mango Sorbet at Venchi

Right in the heart of White Plains was Ice Cream Social, which was our favorite atmosphere. The room radiated with bright and happy energy, and the ice cream was unique and delicious. First, we tried the Cappuccino Kahlua, which was a coffee ice cream base filled with crispy coffee beans – a fabulous mix of creamy and crunchy.

We were excited to try the variety of dairy free ice creams that they offered. The Coffee Cookie Oat Milk ice cream was silky and decadent. The coffee flavor was strong yet not overpowering. Good dairy free ice cream is difficult to come across. Check out Ice Cream Social if you are a coffee lover like we are!

We then tried Frannie’s in Chappaqua. Our go to flavor is Tarte Original, occasionally with chocolate. Frannie’s offers a wide variety of yogurt flavors, along with a colorful array of toppings to load on top.

Though they are usually tasty, the dairy free options at Frannie’s often change. Frannie’s also serves traditional ice cream from Longford’s, which we know and love. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make each visit enjoyable, whether you’re grabbing a quick treat or savoring your frozen yogurt in their cozy parlor.

Our next stop was King Kone in Katonah. For our first soft serve of the trip, we got a classic chocolate and vanilla swirl. Twisted to perfection, this treat is the definition of soft serve ice cream. It is creamy and delicious, and the chocolate and vanilla complement each other to a tee.

Oreo Ice Cream at Longford’s

Next on the non-dairy ice cream was a classic vanilla flavor which was perfectly sweet and creamy. Oftentimes, dairy free ice cream can be watered down because of the different milk used, but this wasn’t the case at King Kone! We are typically topping lovers, but this flavor can stand alone. King Kone is definitely one of our go-to places as they also sell hotdogs, hamburgers, and chicken fingers which makes dinner and dessert in one spot easy for a night out with friends or family!

Last but certainly not least, we arrived at Venchi in the Westchester Mall. Sticking with the classics, we first tried the Stracciatella. This dessert was velvety and rich with chocolate flakes, making it a masterpiece. The presentation of this ice cream deserves a shout out, as it was topped with a piece of chocolate.

After a long day of ice cream travels, we felt refreshed as we tried the Passion Fruit Mango Sorbet. Equally sour and sweet, this sorbet was a cold and creamy treat. It won the dairy free ice cream award in our book! Though a tad pricey, Venchi deserved every penny in our pockets.

These six ice cream shops are worthy of your “to try” list as this summer season nears its end. With locations and flavors for all, the end of summer will be sweeter with these cold treats.

Jessica Stern and Annabel Levin are rising seniors at Horace Greeley High School where both are also columnists for the Greeley Voice. In their spare time, Jessica swims for the Girls Varsity Swim team and Annabel enjoys traveling and spending time with friends.

The Pleasantville Music Festival Announces Exciting July 13, 2024 Line-Up!

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The Allman Betts band plays the Main Stage at the 2023 PMF.
PHOTO BY JONATHAN CUNNINGHAM

Residents of Westchester and the surrounding area should put on their dancing shoes and get ready for the return of one of the region’s most popular summer events: The Pleasantville Music Festival, slated for Saturday July 13th. Now in its 18th year, New York’s Backyard Jam, sponsored by Northwell Health, brings together 18 musical acts and curates them on three stages for a day and evening of great tuneage at the Village’s Parkway Field.

Of the Festival’s three stages, the largest is the Main Stage. It is set in the middle of Parkway Field, and it’s where the national acts generally play. This year’s just-announced musical line-up includes Brooklyn indie rocker Margaret Glaspy; reggae royalty, The Wailers; West Coast ‘roots rockers’, The Record Company; and 90’s mega hit-makers, Better Than Ezra.

Not far from the Main Stage are both the Chill Tent Stage and the Party Stage. Each becomes active between acts on the Main Stage. The Chill Tent is where the music and temperature both tend to be a bit cooler. It’s here that you’ll find more acoustic and softer music, tucked away from both the elements and the hustle and bustle of the main field. This year, Chill Tent stage artists include endearing singer/songwriter, Jesse Terry and the stage’s headliner, witty and engaging folk-rocker, Jill Sobule. The Party Stage is where you’ll find vibrant, younger acts working to get the crowd pumped up and dancing. This year it will be headlined by The Collection, an alt-pop band out of North Carolina. The line-up on these stages will be supplemented by a host of local and regional artists, all adding up to a full day of great music for all.

According to Festival Director Bruce Figler, having variety is key. “Musically, we really try to have a little something for everyone. We know that we attract many different age brackets, along with a wide range of music tastes, so we try to check off as many boxes as we can.”

Sophie B. Hawkins plays the Chill Tent at 2023 PMF.
PHOTO BY JONATHAN CUNNINGHAM

Even though it’s called a Music Festival, it is much more than that. There’s the Captain Lawrence Beer & Wine Garden with an array of adult beverages for those 21 and over. Hungry? A Food Court features delicious selections for all tastes and palates (Outside food is permitted to be brought in, but outside alcohol is not permitted). You can take a break and browse the Festival’s Vendor Village featuring crafts and other unique shopping opportunities. And since children under 12 get in free, there are plenty of kids’ activities to keep them busy, such as the Kid’s Zone with rides, games, and face painting. There will also be a noon time music performance for kids in the Chill Tent. With all this going on, you might be surprised to learn that the Festival is run mostly by volunteers.

Getting to Parkway Field is easy. Those who live nearby, can walk or ride their bikes there. Those who come from away, can arrive by Metro North, Beeline bus, or by car. Parking is free at nearby Pace University with a quick and easy, free shuttle to get attendees to the field.

According to Figler, “It’s kind of a pop-up backyard party, complete with lawn chairs, blankets and friends. And even though we bring in some big-name acts, the Festival retains its small town charm. It’s a very manageable event. I like to think of it as the music festival for people who like the idea of music festivals much more so than the realities of many of the festivals out there.”

Unless attendees have reservations in the Festival’s popular Tent City area, tents and umbrellas are not permitted on the field as they block the sightlines of people seated behind them. Those that wish for a respite from the elements can find refuge within the Chill Tent or under the large Shade Tent towards the back of the main field.

Gates open on July 13th at 11 a.m. with the first act starting at noon. The music usually finishes by 9:30 p.m. The Pleasantvile Music Festival is a rain or shine event. For tickets or more info, go to PleasantvilleMusicFestival.com.

The Brush Strokes of Success: Korth & Shannahan Painting Celebrates 45 Years

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When Will Korth first picked up a paintbrush 45 years ago, he had no idea that this paintbrush would one day lead him to owning one of the most successful painting businesses in Westchester: Korth & Shannahan Painting and Carpentry. What started as a summer job painting houses for the Shannahan brothers in Will’s hometown of Chappaqua turned into a more serious opportunity for Will as he quickly moved up in the company. Will honed his painting techniques and quality of work while up on the ladders in these early days. These foundational years of painting taught Will the mantra that he instills within himself and his team to this very day: Hard work pays off.

Today, you won’t find Will at the top of a 3-story ladder. He now spends his days estimating new projects and building culture among his all-star team of house painters. Will and his black Labrador, Luna, are known to stop by job sites for safety checks or to make color testing samples for his loyal customers. From its humble beginnings, Korth & Shannahan Painting has made a name for itself as the go-to company for interior and exterior painting, custom carpentry, lead work, and historical restoration here in Westchester County.

Will Korth

After 45 years of leading the residential painting industry in Westchester, Korth & Shannahan knows the key to making a happy customer. “The best painter really listens to what their customer wants. We pay attention to the ‘pain points’ our customers have, like being careful with their pets, protecting the vintage mirror from their great-grandfather, or making sure to cover the new bed of roses in the garden. “What matters to the customer must matter to you” says Korth. For a few lucky customers, Will has been personally taking care of their homes since he was a teenager. 45 years down the line, these customers still call him for their painting and carpentry work. When asked about these long-standing accounts, Korth “believes that its customer service that really drives the bus. There’s no replacement for a happy customer to build your business”.

Will sets the bar extremely high for himself and his team of professional painters and carpenters when it comes to the quality of their work. Each job the Korth team completes is executed to the highest level of workmanship, building trust among their clientele with each coat of paint applied. Unlike the competition, Korth is so confident in his finished product that he provides a 4-year warrantee on every job.

Will Korth (left) and crew, Summer 1980

What’s next for Korth? Will and his crew are gearing up for a huge summer of exterior painting. Will’s daughter Olivia, who handles the company’s marketing and recruitment efforts, is hiring new painters to join the team at a steady clip. At the height of the painting season in Spring and Summer, the crew is comprised of over 35 full-time foremen, painters and carpenters who are the core of the company. Olivia is already planning a huge barbeque for the crew, friends, and family in celebration of the company’s official anniversary date in mid-July.

The Korth & Shannahan team expects their 45th year of business to be the best yet. Decades of hard work have certainly paid off for this local, family-owned business. As Will says, “we’ve come a long way…I can’t wait to see where the business takes us next”.

To start your painting or carpentry project, call the Korth Painting office at 914-238-3588, visit our website korthpainting.com, or email olivia@korthpainting.com.