The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Cover Stories

Hands That Shape: Discover Local Sculptor Heather Maione

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The talented sculptor and illustrator, Heather Maione, has recently become a resident of Chappaqua. Her journey from college student to professional artist displaying her work in prestigious public spaces across the country shows her deep and persistent passion for art.

Early Interests & Career Beginnings

From a young age, Maione had a strong interest in art. She always aspired to create her own work and have the ability to express her ideas in unique ways. During her college career, she spent a semester abroad in Siena, Italy, where she sculpted a bust of her professor. That bust turned out extremely well and established her love for sculpting. Despite this turning point, Heather didn’t pursue art for many decades.

After college, she began to work in the advertising industry and eventually started creating her own line of greeting cards called “Fitness Fun.” Her path shifted again when she became pregnant with her first child. She then began to illustrate children’s books and found success at several publishing companies. Despite her success, Maione longed to return to the sculpting medium.

Returning to Sculpture

Maione’s first piece that brought her back to sculpture was a bust of her mother. Not only did this rekindle her passion, but it led her to a great opportunity when a friend, the head of the Democratic Party in Long Island, asked her to sculpt Bill Clinton. While Maione never met the former president, his sculpture sits in the presidential library in Arkansas.

After this experience, Heather sculpted the Nobel Prize winner Dr. James Watson who discovered DNA. This piece was presented at his 90th birthday party on Long Island, another major milestone in her career.

Building a Portfolio & Expanding Horizons

Bill Clinton bust

Heather’s talent continued to open many doors for her. When she saw an article about Agnes Gund, president of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and a noted philanthropist, in the New York Times, Heather reached out to create a sculpture of her and was granted permission.

Heather’s impressionistic style draws her to create artwork that involves both human and animal forms. She aims to capture the essence and spirit of her subjects, rather than just their links to a photograph.

The Artistic Process

Heather’s sculpting process is very meticulous and takes an average of three months to complete. She tries to meet her subject in person so she can take numerous photographs and measurements. If that isn’t possible, she primarily relies on photos and videos, making the process more challenging. After gathering photos, she begins by creating a wire structure that is anchored to a wood block and then begins to add clay until the piece begins to take shape.

Once the clay model is approved by the client, Maione continues to the casting stage using the lost wax process. She prefers to use bronze instead of bonded bronze or plaster as this material can last forever.

Notable Works & Achievements

Heather’s favorite piece was the bust of Dr. James Watson, which she feels captures his essence very well. Her most recent project was a bust of philanthropist and prominent businessman from Long Island, Robert Bahnik. His sculpture will be displayed at the Boys and Girls Club in Oyster Bay.

Heather’s main goal in her artwork is to embody the spirit and personality of her subjects. Her dedication to capturing the true essence of her subjects drives her artistic journey and defines her work. As she settles into her new home in Chappaqua, Heather Maione’s contributions to the world of art will undoubtedly enrich her community.

Smart Strategies for Combating Winter Chill

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As the chilly, dark months of winter close in on us, many of us retreat to our homes seeking warmth, hot chocolate and Netflix. The last thing we want is to feel the omnipresent, icy fingers of old man winter reaching through cracks in the door, walls or windows with a draft of Arctic air.

Sustainable Westchester and Lauren Brois are here to help you make your home more comfortable and save money on your electric and heating bills at the same time.

Brois is the Director of EnergySmart Homes and GridRewards at Sustainable Westchester, a county-wide nonprofit organization devoted to helping homeowners lower carbon emissions and improve their energy efficiency. Pleasantville, Bedford and New Castle, which includes Chappaqua and Millwood, are members.

She wants Westchester residents to think about “the way our homes use energy, in terms of the cost of energy, comfort and carbon emissions.” The number one reason to winterize is to help “avoid drafty breezes and cold feet,” Brois said. She’s been told by various Westchester residents that there are “certain rooms they don’t even go inside in winter.,” she said. “You want to keep warm air in your house,” she explained.

The magic of insulation is that it “will keep the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer,” she said. The places most susceptible to cold air sneaking into the home include high hat lights, attic ceiling lights, the front door, the edges of windows, holes in the basement made by your cable TV installer, and rim joists, where the foundation walls meet the support structures for your floor. Air ducts and vents are also areas that may need attention.

For those people who have no idea how to stop the cold from infiltrating the house (that includes me), Sustainable Westchester provides homeowners with ways to figure this out.

You can sign up for Sustainable Westchester’s Energy Smart Home program, which can hook you up with a free home energy assessment, identifying where cold air leaks are coming in and providing recommendations on the best, and most cost-efficient ways to fix them.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers, a free home energy assessment, with lists of contractors who can provide with you a diagnostic test which can assess where air is flowing into the house, so you can prioritize how to effectively upgrade your home, Brois explained.

The assessment “gives you a pathway to upgrade your home,” Brois said, so you can “prioritize your home energy upgrades” and either work to insulate your home on your own or hire a contractor who will “seal off entry places in the basement and the house in general.”

Sustainable Westchester offers residents a list of approved contractors who can do the work. Installing weather stripping under the door to close that gap is one of the most common ways to stop the flow of cold air, Brois explained. Caulking the windows helps too. Brois recommends putting in insulation on the floor of the attic and crawl spaces in the basement.

“The contractor will recommend different types of insulation for different spaces,” she pointed out. Insulation choices include cellulose, spray foam and rock wool insulation.

Additionally, Sustainable Westchester offers residents volunteer energy coaches who are building professionals to help show you how to best insulate your home and reduce your carbon emissions.

The organization provides on its website ways to learn about rebates and incentives for homeowners. For instance, Comfort Home, from NYSERDA, offers rebates of $1,000 to $4,000 to winterize your home, Brois said. Also, the Federal government has a tax credit program through the Inflation Reduction Act, to help homeowners pay for energy audits, new windows and insulation.

People on a fixed income who want to better weatherize and insulate their homes to lower their energy use can qualify for up to $10,000 in rebates from NYSERDA’s EmPower program, Brois pointed out.

Other home improvement options Sustainable Westchester recommends include installing air-sourced heat pumps, ground-sourced (also known as geothermal) heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.

Brois, who has earned certification from the Building Performance Institute, a non-profit home industry organization that develops and assesses standard practices for energy efficiency and weatherization, recruits high school students for both summer and school-year internship programs, so they can “learn about building science, and help residents learn about improving their home energy use, decrease their electricity use, and lower their carbon footprint.

The students help Sustainable Westchester get the word out about the organization’s work. “I’ve always been really passionate about the environment,” Brois said. “I hate waste. Wasting electricity means you’re not using resources efficiently. You can live more comfortably and protect the environment.”

For more information on how to improve your home energy use, go to: sustainablewestchester.org/energysmarthomes/.

Also, go to: www.nyserda.ny.gov/PutEnergyToWork/Energy-Technology-and-Solutions/Energy-Efficiency-Solutions/Seal-and-Insulate-Your-Building.

Holiday Hijinks at Elf, The Interactive Movie

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Are you looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do with your kids this upcoming holiday season? Then the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center interactive version of the movie Elf would be the perfect event for you and your family.

Four years ago, Michele Gregson, Chair of The Friends of ChappPAC started what was soon to become a beloved holiday tradition – an interactive way to view the cherished movie, Elf. It went on to capture the hearts of local families, as well as fostering a sense of community among Westchester residents.

This interactive adaptation of ­Elf transforms a classic film into something that can be enjoyed even more than it already has been. This creative and immersive experience will stay with children of all ages for years to come. For those who do not know what an interactive movie is, it’s a film that the viewers can watch and also participate in. Utilizing a script of well-known lines and plot points along with some simple props, you can bring a movie to life making it fun for both children and adults.

So, what makes this version of Elf interactive? “I looked at the film and I looked at what other people did for interactive movies, and then made decisions about how we would do it,” Gregson, explained. “It’s like Rocky Horror Meets Elf and that’s how we mirrored it.” The parents and children receive marked scripts with cues. The scripts help the parents to guide their kids and be prepared to assist at the right moments throughout the movie. Each child receives a bag of goodies that help them participate in the interactive parts.

For example, during the snowball fight, all of the participants get big, white, cotton balls to interact with the scene as it happens in the movie. “The kids go crazy for that part,” Gregson said. “They just throw the snowballs and go running around trying to get the ones that fall. They even go on the stage. It’s really hilarious.”

A Season’s Highlight

There are also cue cards for certain lines for the children to say. “Parents can assist younger children who are emerging readers and there is an elf on stage who helps the kids participate by letting them know what’s coming! It’s really something to watch,” Gregson shared. Even though Interactive Elf is a relatively new tradition in Chappaqua, it continues to be a highlight in the holiday season for many. This version of Elf is also an inclusive event that children of all ages and abilities can participate in.

If you would like to see Elf, visit the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on Sunday, December 15th. Below is the link to visit their website. chappaquapac.org

Westchester Native Suzahn Fiering Returns Home to Share A Jazz Treasure

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Recently, I joined a few friends at Jazz On Main in Mount Kisco, about an hour’s drive north of New York City. I heard they have a good sound system and great food. I had written an article on the exceptional guitarist, vocalist and composer Suzahn Fiering, in the past but had never seen her live, and did not know the depths of her talent. Suzahn plays a variety of styles; Jazz and Blues, Gypsy Jazz, Beatles Jazz (which is where our paths first crossed), Americana, and is also the guitarist in, The Bossa Project, a high end group specializing in Brazilian music.

Inspired by a revisit to her website and Jazzreview saying, “Suzahn ‘s music is an elegant entrée into a romantic world of dazzling virtuosity; smoky-smooth vocals, impressive guitar work, masterful scatting, critically acclaimed originals and unique interpretations of jazz classics”, I was in. But that did not prepare me for what this veteran performer delivered. And after the show I asked if I might again interview her, and she agreed. I will do my best to briefly cover the huge swath of experience and events that have led Suzahn Fiering to this point.

It wasn’t just Suzahn’s well textured, emotive, and dynamic vocal style, great guitar chops (including lead) or scatting (think Betty Carter and Mel Torme). It was her ability to pull the listener into her world, drawing us into an intricate body of original work while weaving in poignant and funny stories from the road. Suzahn tied this together with unique interpretations of Jazz classics like, Miles Davis’ Four, a mash-up of Summertime and Stolen Moments, Joy Spring, and an homage to Django Reinhardt with Nuages, which Suzahn sang it in French. One of the most impressive pieces in Suzahn’s set was her stunning arrangement and poly-rhythmic rendition of McCartney’s, “Blackbird”. It was refreshing to see a Jazz artist with an honest passion for what she does, all the while being vulnerable and willing to connect with her audience. Suzahn was supported by Marc Daine who did a great job of integrating his excellent guitar and saxophone work with hers to create an inviting overall sound.

Growing up in White Plains, New York, Suzahn came up through the school of hard knocks of the entertainment industry in New York City. Early on she made her living as an audio engineer and producer at a time when almost no women were given a seat at the table. But through hard work, sheer talent and true grit, she managed to work her way up, singing Jazz on the weekends and writing songs. After moving to Nashville TN, Suzahn continued to work in production and became a Warner Chapel songwriter placing dozens of songs in Films and TV with songs in the Baseball Hall of fame and the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.

As Suzahn climbed the ladder to success behind the scenes, she soon realized she was not following her true calling. Frustrated by unreliable pianists and guitarists who did not take her seriously, Suzahn set out with the simple task of teaching herself enough Jazz guitar to no longer rely on other musicians. But once bitten, Suzahn decided to risk it all. After releasing her critically acclaimed, Paris Without His Kiss CD, Suzahn pitched a few tracks to some promoters. That began a 20 year journey of touring and teaching at festivals, clubs and universities across European and the US.

This culminated in a chance meeting with Sir Paul McCartney at the school he founded, The Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts, where Suzahn was a guest instructor. Suzahn was asked to help organize and run fundraising events on tour with McCartney after which, he presented Suzahn with the, “Honored Friend Award”, at LIPA. “It was an honor to work so closely with Paul and his amazing team. It was a life-changing experience especially as a serious songwriter and a huge fan. It was truly other worldly!” she states with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile Nashville was changing rapidly. Just before Covid closed the world, Suzahn was commissioned to write a musical comedy called, Bourbon on Broadway, to help promote the budding Bourbon industry across the south. Just as they were finally about to open in the Spring of 2023, and only days after the tragic Covington School shooting, the State of Tennessee relaxed the guns laws and passed a law making dressing out of one’s assigned birth gender illegal in any public place, within 200 feet of a church, and in front of children. This caused a huge wave of anti-gay sentiment. Bourbon on Broadway’s lead actor was forced to quit by his church, venues backed out, and the cast feared for their safety. Struggling to keep the project alive, Suzahn launched Bourbon on Broadway at an Off-Broadway theater in NYC. The show opened to critical acclaim as a musical theater piece with a twist of social justice.

With Nashville becoming more corporate and less and less musician friendly, Suzahn knew it was time to leave her long time home and move back to her native New York, Suzahn moved to Westchester this past summer.

Don’t miss an opportunity to see this multi talented artist. You can expect to hear innovative arrangements of classic tunes, be moved by Suzahn’s short stories set to music, and have a laugh or two along the way. Westchester is lucky to have her back and looks forward to shouting from the rooftops, “Welcome home Suzahn Fiering!”

You can find out more about Suzahn at www.suzahn.com.

As Excitement Builds for the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival… Teachers and Librarians Explain Why!

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The Chappaqaua Children’s Book Festival is less that a week away, and excitement is building! The CCBF, with over 8,000 visitors each year, has become one of one of the largest children’s book festivals in the country.

The 11th annual event, held September 28, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Chappaqua train station.

The festival will feature 160 authors including Laura Numeroff (the “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” series), 2024 Caldecott Medal winner Vashti Harrison, festival favorite Victoria Kann (“Pinkalicious”), Dan Gutman (the “My Weird School” series) and so many more!

The festival gives kids and families a chance to meet and interact with the authors of their favorite books and discover more. The fun-filled day includes food trucks, activities and more for all to enjoy. 

I asked some familiar faces around town who they are looking forward to meeting this year!

Who are you excited about seeing at the CCBF this year?

David Forsberg, 4th Grade teacher, Roaring Brook School:

This event has grown into a truly special day. Upon arriving, you sense excitement from children and parents as they walk around with new books that they can’t wait to take home and enjoy.  The authors from the festival are world renowned and may be familiar to Chappaqua students.  There are always new exciting authors that have something new to offer to the festival. 

Last year, our 4th grade students were able to meet Sayantani DasGupta at an author’s day visit at RBS.  Students and teachers were engaged listening to the incredible experiences and writing methods she shared.  Dr. DasGupta grew up in Ohio and shared about how she was always addicted to reading and loved learning about how authors came up with their own ideas.  She became a pediatrician and children’s author.  Our 4th grade students were immediately captured by her energy, disposition and her impressive accomplishments. 

I hope that families take advantage and attend the festival with their children this year!  You can’t go wrong.

Robbin Freidman, Chappaqua Library:

I’m looking forward to meeting Katie Yamasaki, the author and illustrator of several warm and inspiring picture books. In addition to creating books, Yamasaki is a muralist and her picture book illustrations bring the same kind of vibrancy and scope as her murals. For my first book club session of the school year (the book club is for middle school students with an adult, usually a parent), we read “Turtles of the Midnight Moon” by María José Fitzgerald, so I know all those readers and I are hoping to say hello to her.

Mercy Garland, Chappaqua Library:

I am looking forward to meeting Rajani LaRocca because I love her novels-in-verse (“Red, White and Whole” AND “Mirror to Mirror”).  I also look forward to meeting Nicole Melleby because she creates really deep characters dealing with complex problems and issues.  For illustrators- I would love to meet E.B Lewis because his work is always so beautiful.  

Julie Ann Polasko, Chappaqua Library:

As a Children’s Librarian, I am continually learning from our new books. I am so excited to meet M.O. Yuksel and tell her how grateful I am for her books, because they represent those of the Muslim faith, and educate others. Examples are her picture book In My Mosque, and the biography One Wish, about Fatima al-Fihri, the founder of the oldest continuously operating University in the world!

I’m also looking forward to seeing Carrie Finison. Her “Dozens of Doughnuts” is one of my go-to suggestions for a funny picture book. It features a bear preparing for hibernation by making doughnuts (as one does)–but has she been too generous when all of her woodland friends come knocking?

Teresa Bueti, Chappaqua Library:

I’m hoping to meet author & illustrator Dan Santat. I’ve loved so many of his own books, from the Caldecott-Award-winning “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend”, to the sensitive “After the Fall”, to his middle school graphic memoir “A First Time for Everything”, and then there are the ones he’s illustrated for other authors, like Minh Lé’s “Drawn Together”.   I enjoy his energy and humor–his work is incredibly varied, but so distinctive.

Chris Eidem, Chappaqua School Librarian:

I am looking forward to meeting Kyle Lukoff (“Too Bright to See”) and am excited to talk with him about his Newbery Honor and Stonewall awards and thank him for writing books that support our LGBTQ adolescents. I also look forward to seeing Phil Bildner (“A High Five for Glenn Burke”) whom I have met on several occasions and who is a trusted voice for the LGBTQ community, and also is a baseball fan!

Hudson Talbot is a favorite author friend who I have hosted at Roaring Brook for Author Day several years ago.  We have a connection with Hudson NY, my hometown, and where I attended an exhibit of his illustrations. He lives across the river near Catskill and I visit with him when I am home at my mom’s house.

One of the greatest experiences for a librarian and an author is not only connecting a student with the right book at the right time, but witnessing it changing their life.  Hudson wrote his autobiographical book “A Walk in the Words” describing and illustrating his struggle with dyslexia as a child. I was so pleased to give this book to our reading teacher specifically for a student who was struggling with reading. This book allowed the student to recognize his disability and know that he was not alone, and now has been able to grow as a reader with the support and understanding he needed. It was life changing. That to me is the ultimate “Why”  for what we strive to do every day.

We are so very lucky to have this event in our own backyard, bringing the best and largest selection of authors and illustrators for all ages.  I look forward to it each year and am so pleased to have supported this project from its earliest conception to now being in its 11th year.

Cayne Letizia, English teacher, Horace Greeley High School:

As a high school English teacher at Horace Greeley High School, I’m particularly excited about the inclusion of a few young adult authors at this year’s Chappaqua Book Festival, like Dhonielle Clayton and Erik J. Brown. These writers offer stories that resonate with the age group I teach. Engaging with authors who understand the challenges and experiences of adolescents is a great way to inspire my students. I’m also looking forward to seeing my students volunteer and give back to the community–it’s an amazing opportunity for them to contribute and be part of something much larger than themselves.

I’m looking forward to seeing Torrey Maldonado at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival because my son and I both enjoyed reading his books “Tight” and “What Lane?” Meeting Torrey will be a great experience for both of us!

For more information, a list of authors, or to volunteer, visit http://www.ccbfestival.org/ or follow the CCBF at www.facebook.com/chappaquachildrensbookfestival.