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Pamela Brown

About Pamela Brown

Pamela Brown of Connecticut is a 20+-year journalist and founder of PMB Writing & Consulting. She enjoys writing about topics that help others, and is the author of Faithful Love, a contemporary romance-adventure novel. She enjoys playing tennis, gardening, drawing and spending time with her daughter, Alexis, and her two dogs.

Theatre Comes Alive at Arc Stages in Pleasantville

April 25, 2025 by Pamela Brown

The creative arts bring forth emotions, feelings, and experiences and helps both youth and adults tap into personal growth toward living a more purposeful life. Arc Stages, a multifaceted arts organization in Pleasantville, is playing an integral role in introducing the power of the theater as a pathway toward living a fully engaged, connecting people with their imagination, and broadening their perspectives.

“Out of all of the benefits of theatre, the most important is that it promotes compassion and empathy. Society needs right about now, with the chance to learn about theatre, create theatre, and see professional theatre,” said Adam David Cohen, founder, and artistic director. Three additional founders include Marlene Canapi, chief growth strategist and cultural officer; Stephanie Kovacs Cohen, education stage, artistic director; and Ann-Ngaire Martin, community stage, artistic director. “Our mission is to perform, teach, and create art for and with the community,” Cohen added.

Three Theatre Companies Under One Roof

The unique organization, located at 147 Wheeler Avenue, is comprised of three theatre companies under one roof – The Next Stage, a professional theatre company that will produce high quality contemporary theatre as well as new works, cabaret, workshops and staged readings under contract with Actors’ Equity Association; The Community Stage, a community theatre company for a wide spectrum of actors, singers, and technicians to work on shows, both on and off stage; and The Educational Stage, an educational theatre company for all ages (ten months through adult) to explore the world of theatre though a professional rehearsal process, master classes, outreach, performance workshops, and intensive ensemble work.

“These three theatres better serve the community and its artistic needs. The idea of our organization is it’s an ‘arc’ encompassing all of the three types of stages we produce – education, community, and professional equity,” said Canapi, adding, “The concept gives our audiences a well-rounded theatre experience.”

Additionally, Arc Stages offers private coaching in voice; on-site after-school programs in improv, acting, and musical theatre; and a Visions & Voices Playwriting Residency, a BOCES-accredited program supported by ArtsWestchester, that introduces students to the world of the stage and self-expression and promotes literacy and writing skills.

This summer, the organization is featuring a robust summer camp comprised of classes in Acting Technique, Choreography, Improv & Theater Games, Stage Combat, Songwriting, Costume Design, Dance, and more. “The skills learned in these classes will be incorporated into the rehearsal of shows that will be performed at the culmination of each respective section,” said Canapi. “Our goal is to ready our physical footprint to open our season of shows starting in September.”

The concept for the theatre came from Martin who belonged to the Chappaqua Drama Group (CDG). “She had the idea to join forces with Adam David Cohen. At that time, Adam ran a theatre education program called the Little Village Playhouse. CDG sold the Chappaqua property and the sale was the seed money that helped fund Phase 1 of Arc Stages,” explained Canapi. From there, it has become a valuable space in the heart of the village of Pleasantville. “Arc Stages is part of the growth of the village. We’re fortunate to engage a community of theatre fans who are art lovers and supporters.”

Pleasantville Community Support

The village of Pleasantville is important to Canapi. “Years ago, I was part of a group of community leaders who worked at a Master Plan to elevate the downtown business district. We wanted to develop the identity of the village as an arts destination, with the Jacob Burns Film Center and the Gordon Parks Foundation and now Arc Stages. We believe we are indeed an arts destination,” she said, appreciating the immense community support the nonprofit has received. “It’s really amazing how we developed a theatre community who is so supportive of our Phase 2 effort to build a 150-seat Proscenium Theatre for performances.

The new theatre allows us to choose content with a bigger cast from a bigger library of theatre works, including socially relevant theatre. According to Cohen the new space will offer exceptional opportunities for everyone involved. “Theatre creates community, offers representation to marginalized communities, and inspires audiences. With this new space we will not have any limitations on what we produce; therefore, we will reach more people from different walks of life,” he said. Currently, the nonprofit is in its last phase of its Capital Campaign with a fundraising goal of $500,000.

Through Arc Stages, Cohen hopes to provide an enriching experience, along with thought- provoking fun. “A way to lose yourself in art but with a greater appreciation of humanity,” said Cohen who is a theatre composer who has worked in the industry teaching, directing, and musical directing since 1997. “For me, theatre provides a form of collaborative expression you can’t find anywhere else. Whether taking a class, performing in a show, working backstage or being in the audience, theatre takes us on a collective journey and helps us embrace our similarities and our differences. The magic of telling an important story on a stage through the collaboration of writers, composers, actors, designers, and countless others, never gets old. It’s always exciting, and quite often profound.”

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Arc Stages, Local theatre in Pleasantville, Marlene Canapi, theatre camp

New Theater Group Inspires Children & Adults to Connect, Grow, & Thrive

November 2, 2024 by Pamela Brown

 

Creative expression is a positive pathway toward discovering your talents while developing social skills, working with others, and increasing confidence. Former professional actors Carmel and Charley Riggs know those are just some of the benefits people receive from the arts. As co-owners of Chappaqua Creative Arts (CCA), the couple strives to promote social development for all ages through theater and education. “The company’s mission is to create a safe space to allow individuals to step into different roles and perspectives, encouraging growth and self-discovery,” said Carmel of the nonprofit theater company. “Drama-based learning helps develop emotional intelligence and creativity in students. We want young and old alike to have fun and foster critical thinking while working together and developing meaningful relationships to take with them on life’s journey.”

Established in 2023, CCA offers classes for children, teenagers, and adults in scene study, on camera scene work, teen improvisation, and adult acting. Since opening, they have produced and directed two children’s shows. “The town and community have been supportive of our program and business. To live, work, thrive, and give back to the place I call home is a blessing,” said Carmel. Charley added: “The energy, passion, enthusiasm, and opportunities to put up great works of theater in our hometown is exciting. We appreciate being a part of a community where we can all come together.”

The couple describes CCA as a place where artists and students can learn to express themselves freely. “We are an inclusive theatre company that’s accessible to everyone to come together to create, learn, and share. Chappaqua Creative Arts was created to establish theatre for the community, by the community. We wish to foster all generations to share their stories and learn how to use their individual voices to lift themselves, others, and society,” they said.

PHOTO BY EVAN TRAINOR

Growing up in NYC, Carmel feels fortunate to have the opportunity to experience live theatre, musical theater, opera, and dance. “I have a mother who gave me every opportunity to study the arts. Theater is woven into my genetic fabric and the experiences I have had shaped who I am,” said Carmel, hoping to do the same for others through CCA. “Performers work at being their most authentic selves in order to bring an audience closer to their character and story. Theatre creates emotional connections – a unique emotional bond between the actors and the audience. The immediacy and rawness of live acting can evoke powerful emotions, sparking empathy, compassion, and understanding.”

Carmel and Charley, who met over 20 years ago while performing in a NYC Off-Broadway production of Rock My Soul, each bring a different dynamic to the company. “While we have different personalities, we’re both nurturing individuals. Carmel came to Chappaqua 26 years ago where she taught and ran Music Together and taught musical theatre, piano, and voice lessons for over twenty years. She was a child performer which landed her at The Juilliard School as a classical singer who performed all over the world,” said Charley. Carmel also earned a BA in Music Performance. Charley, upon graduating from the Actor’s Studio MFA program at the New School in New York, became a founding member of the theater group, Fresh Bread Productions, performed in and directed many off-Broadway plays, and had a 16-year career as a production manager with Madison Square Garden Entertainment, producing shows such as A Christmas Carol and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. “I bring my vast acting technique toolbox to assist actors grow and understand the craft of storytelling while providing gentility toward the vulnerability performers feel while in their growth process.

”Through courageous and imaginative theatrical and educational experiences, Carmel and Charley hope to encourage more creativity and expression in the community. “There’s been a void in Chappaqua that offered an outlet for actors, directors, writers, and designers to explore new ideas and forms of expression for any age,” they said, viewing theater as a powerful educational tool. “Theater nurtures innovation in storytelling, visual design, and performance. It teaches not only literature and history but also empathy, teamwork, and communication skills.” The couple recognizes theater has a far-reaching effect. “Theatre has historically been a medium for social and political growth. It has the power to challenge societal norms, raise awareness about important issues and inspire change. Theater holds significant cultural, educational and social value for several reasons. Theatre reflects society, giving audiences insight into historical and contemporary human experiences, cultures and issues. It helps preserve and showcase cultural traditions, values and histories.”

PHOTO BY EVAN TRAINOR

Looking ahead, the couple has many ideas to expand their presence in the community. Along with offering more performances and classes, they hope to establish an Engagement Program to partner with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them develop and share their artistic talents, an Education and Community Engagement Department to develop a teen improv troupe to create additional performance opportunities, and a senior troupe that can take their show(s) on the road.

With the holidays around the corner, they’re planning a large event fundraiser to highlight the value of the arts. “Theater fosters community by bringing people together in a shared experience. It encourages conversation and community engagement, often addressing social and political issues that provoke dialogue and reflection,” said Carmel, adding, “We envision a vibrant community engaged in performance and education where theater artists and patrons alike are seen, heard, and valued. Our long-term goal is to make Chappaqua Creative Arts an international theater hub to introduce diverse cultures and performances from all over the world.”

For more information on how to get involved with CCA in any capacity, call (914) 400-7626.

 

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Chappaqua Creative Arts (CCA), Charley & Carmel Riggs, classes for children-teens & adults, Non-profit theater group

914CARES: A Community Effort to Help Neighbors in Need

August 16, 2024 by Pamela Brown

A festive ribbon cutting to celebrate the new North Castle space

Caring, compassion, and empathy toward neighbors. That’s how Jessica Reinmann is making the world a better place. When someone needs help, 914Cares, Reinmann’s nonprofit, finds a solution. “I saw neighbors in my community living without the basic necessities of life and I wanted to change that. 914Cares is about caring for our neighbors who need it to the best of our ability. We’re one community, and we need to take care of each other,” said Reinmann, CEO and Chairman. “We’ve gone from me passing out coats from the trunk of my car to a 12,000-square foot, fully operational warehouse and an established reputation in the community.”

Established in 2014, 914Cares has positively impacted the community and its footprint continues to grow. “We work to ensure our neighbors in need are cared for by collaborating, supporting and providing resources to local organizations, educating the community about poverty and encouraging actionable generosity,” Reinmann explained. At its start, the nonprofit worked with over 80 Westchester County programs, but over the years it’s expanded its reach and now works with a roster of 117 community partners. These organizations provide services and assistance to the people they serve while 914Cares, a basic essentials distribution bank, distributes clothing, new sneakers, coats, diapers, wipes, baby gear, hygiene products, period products, and books.

In May, the nonprofit opened an expansive 12,000-square-foot warehouse and office space at 28 Kaysal Court in Armonk that has a loading dock for deliveries, ample storage space, and is easily accessible. “This new space has enabled us to increase our output significantly. We can accept larger deliveries, have space for more volunteers, and can work more efficiently,” said Reinmann. The site will employ eight employees, with a rotation of 150 volunteers, teenage and adult, to fulfill orders. “Our staff oversees our operations, programming, and development efforts. The volunteers do a lot of the heavy lifting, helping us sort through donations, pack clothing bags, pack hygiene and flow kits, and more.”

Since moving to Armonk, Reinmann and her team have been embraced by the community. “It’s been incredible. The Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club have been supportive, as have so many local businesses and local residents who have come out to volunteer and drop off donations. We’re happy to be here,” said Reinmann who worked with Rick Rakow of Rakow Commercial Realty to secure the new space. “Rick is a member of our Advisory Board who understands and participates in our mission with such care and generosity.”

Volunteerism is at the heart of 914Cares. “Our volunteers range in age from 14-92 (really!), and their dedication to our cause is truly unbelievable,” said Reinmann. “In addition to their hard work in our Caring Collective, our volunteers are out in their communities, hosting drives, educating their neighbors and friends, and proudly representing 914Cares at service fairs and other events. They are an integral part of our family.”

Engaging the next generation is a core component of 914Cares. “Through our Junior Advisory Board, we strive to nurture a culture of actionable generosity in our young people, positioning them to make change today, while preparing to become tomorrow’s leaders, donors, and social justice advocates. This is a unique opportunity for teens to get involved in the work that we do in a leadership capacity,” said Reinmann. Currently, the Board has 25 members from both public and private schools across the county. Freshman high school students can apply to join. It requires a four-year commitment running a “914Cares Club” at their high schools, organizing donation drives, participating in meetings, and attending volunteer events.

Some new programs 914Cares has put in motion include the county’s first “Sneaker Bank” in partnership with the nonprofit “Shoes That Fit” in which every child who receives a clothing bag from 914Cares will also receive a brand-new, name-brand pair of sneakers, and “Westchester Reads” that offers field trips to their offices for school districts. “I’m proud of our ability to grow and expand to meet the needs of our community partners over the past 10 years and to serve the entire county,” Reinmann said. “We have expanded based on feedback from our community partners, listening to their needs and collaborating to create programming that provides a solution.”

914Cares has continued to make a positive impact by creating responsive programming and working with the community throughout the county. “I’m humbled by the way the community has rallied around our mission, and the support we’ve received from elected officials, local foundations, and all of our volunteers and generous donors,” said Reinmann. “We strive to reach every pocket of Westchester. Until there is no longer a need, 914Cares will be here to serve those who can benefit from our services.”

To learn more about the Junior Advisory Board and other volunteer opportunities, students can contact Nichole Culotta, Chief Programming Officer, at: nichole@914cares.org

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: 914Cares, 914Cares Club, Caring Collective, Sneaker Bank, Westchester Reads

Murder Mysteries are the Focus of Chappaqua Resident & Co-Host’s Top Rated Podcast

November 10, 2023 by Pamela Brown

Co-hosts of ‘Anatomy of Murder’ Scott Weinberger and Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi

What do Chappaqua, an open door, murder, and Muhammad Ali, all have in common? Scott Weinberger.  “When one door opens you have to step through it,” said Weinberger, tracing that mindset to his days at St. John’s University when he was on the debate team and helped a young Muhammad Ali with his speech writing skills. “I had a chance meeting with him that turned into a long friendship and mentorship. He gave me direction, telling me when a door opens you have to go through it, even if it’s not the one you expect.”

A Chappaqua resident, Weinberger has walked through many doors of opportunity toward fascinating and fulfilling careers.  He’s worked in law enforcement, journalism, and is the CEO and Executive Producer of Weinberger Media, which he founded in 2007, and co-hosts Anatomy of Murder, a weekly Top Ten true crime podcast worldwide that examines adjudicated homicide cases and paths to justice for the victims. “There’s something about murder that brings out people’s curiosity. It’s heartbreaking and interesting at the same time, and with the right storyteller, it keeps you riveted to your seat. I love it,” said Weinberger.

In a soundproof home studio in Chappaqua, Weinberger has recorded over 150 episodes with Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi, a former New York City homicide prosecutor and host of Investigation Discovery’s True Conviction. In 2020, the podcast debuted at #1 worldwide on Apple Podcasts and within its first three seasons aired more than 100 episodes delivering a record 100 million downloads, making it one of the most downloaded crime podcasts worldwide. “I’m humbled by it. It gives me a good perspective of how popular true crime is. The genre has exploded.”

This is right up Weinberger’s alley who had a 10-year career in law enforcement, including stints with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and as a deputy sheriff in Florida where he was featured on the late-80s TV series Cops. Intrigued by the production side of the show, he created the crime drama The Marshal with actor Don Johnson and easily transitioned into a journalism career from 1995-2007, becoming a three-time Emmy-award winning on-air investigative correspondent for WNBC and WCBS. “It was that mindset of being able to do it, recognizing the opportunity, and not being afraid,” said Weinberger.   

Weinberger ventured into podcasts after encouragement from a friend. “My journalism background and my law enforcement and producer background melded into a product where people get a sense that they’re getting a crime story from insiders,” he said. “Anna-Sigga and I give that perspective because we’ve been there, done that. We’ve gone from being the first person at a homicide to the person responsible for standing in front of a jury to get a conviction.”

The podcast also covers unsolved cases to help aid law enforcement in obtaining substantive information. “Anatomy of Murder is the process that breaks down the investigation to get to the heart of the matter. We’re two experienced individuals talking about a case, giving you the inside track to how it was done, and making the listener feel like they’re getting a lesson in investigation and prosecution.”

Weinberger spends days immersing himself in each case. “We look for cases that have interesting twists and turns, where we’re able to drop a few breadcrumbs along the way for the listener, or something that has a compelling story to it where you know in the end the resolution is going to be something everyone is hoping for,” he said, noting one of his favorite episodes involves an unsolved murder of a Polish immigrant in Brooklyn during the 9/11 tragedy, an event he covered for WNBC-TV. “All the resources in the city were focused on downtown. This man never got a full investigation.”  In 2022, it won a Webby Award for best single episode in the Crime and Justice category.

Moving to Chappaqua last year, Weinberger found the perfect home personally and professionally. “I’ve always had an affection for this town. We’re living in a great neighborhood,” he said. “We knew this is where we wanted to be because of the community feeling, the folks who run it.”

Weinberger sees the trifecta of his life coming full circle. “I feel fortunate to have had all of these experiences,” he said. “I see them as teaching points for others and a way for me to give back as a mentor and have an impact on someone’s life.”

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Anatomy of Murder, Podcast, Scott Weinberger

Aging in Place: A Partnership Helping Make Homes Safe & Secure for Seniors

August 18, 2023 by Pamela Brown

Karen Haycox, Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester CEO

As people age, it’s important for them to have a home where they can feel secure, live comfortably, and thrive. With that in mind, Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County in partnership with Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO) in White Plains launched Aging in Place (AIP), a program to empower seniors to remain safely and independently in their homes.

“The program serves a very critical and practical need. There are many seniors who don’t have resources to complete simple home repairs that would allow them to age safely in their homes, in their communities, within their network of support, in their declining years,” said Karen Haycox, CEO, Habitat for Humanity NYC/Westchester County. “We see this as an opportunity to stabilize this vulnerable community at a vulnerable time in their lives.”

Habitat partnered with WRO to establish AIP, a home renovation and energy efficiency program for seniors that provides upgrades to improve safety and mobility. It serves homeowners aged 62 and over whose income is 80 percent or less than the area median income and who demonstrate a critical housing need. “Small repairs can make a big difference, such as repairing a loose railing or unsafe steps or finding a better way for seniors to navigate out of the bathtub,” explained Haycox. “We focus our interventions on places where we can make a strategic difference.”

An Acute & Growing Demand

WRO Executive Director Marlene Zarfes

A Westchester County Housing Needs Assessment reported that over 30% of homes throughout Westchester County were built before 1940 and will likely need major repairs and system replacements in addition to physical modifications to mitigate accessibility challenges. “The acute and growing demand for resources that empower seniors to remain safely and independently in their homes was a common refrain. We saw an opportunity to step in and make a difference,” said Haycox. “The mission of Westchester Habitat is to create, preserve, and advocate for healthy, affordable homes for all. We envision a county that’s a national leader in meeting the housing needs of its growing senior population.”

For WRO it has been the perfect collaboration. “We have 55 years of bringing all facets of housing help to vulnerable populations in Westchester, and pairing that with Habitat with their skills is perfect. Our mission is to promote equal, affordable, and accessible housing opportunities for all residents of our region,” said Marlene Zarfes, Executive Director, WRO.

“As our senior population increases, with the number of residents aged 60 or over expected to rise to 25% by 2030, our existing county-wide deficiency of affordable housing for seniors, many of whom live on fixed incomes, becomes more acute while the wait for affordable housing grows longer. These funds will help us make necessary aging-in-place repairs that enable seniors to remain safely in their homes while increasing energy efficiency.”

The program targets interior and exterior home repairs, safety improvements, and energy efficiency upgrades. Current services include grab bars/handrails; light switches and door knob replacement; lighting and trip prevention modifications; and accessibility modifications for hearing and vision-impaired homeowners.

Haycox pointed out AIP can offer seniors a positive outlook. “We try to do what we can for these valuable members of society as they age. We aim to improve their quality of life, enabling them to live safely and independently in their homes, close to family and friends, while saving them money and even reducing their carbon footprint,” she said. Zarfes added, “As seniors are aging in place, the home has to be safe and secure. As their mobility and income declines, we need to get involved.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and former U.S. Representative Mondaire Jones also allocated $500,000 in Congressionally appropriated funds in the FY 2023 Omnibus Budget to support seniors in need of these services. “We depend on the commitment of like-minded like-hearted individuals,” said Haycox noting AIP serves as a lifeline to seniors. “We hope people feel Habitat for Humanity is there for them. We will respond to this need as our resources are able, to reach out and provide stability to this community, and we urge people to join us.”

For additional information about the inaugural supporters/partners including the Field Hall Foundation, and to apply for initial AIP accessibility and mobility modifications, write to: AgingInPlace@HabitatNYCWC.org, call (914) 240-7003, or visithabitatnycwc.org/aging-in-place.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Aging in Place, seniors, Westchester County, Westchester Residential Opportunities

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