The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

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Discover the draw for paws ‘tales & tails’ initiative at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

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draw for paws, the Chappaqua-based organization with a mission to support the welfare and rescue of animals in need, will launch its latest initiative, tales & tails, at this year’s Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) on October 2. Aligned with the spirit of the festival, the goal of tails & tales is to foster and inspire a love of reading and writing through animals.

Chappaqua’s Scarlett Chwatko founded draw for paws at just 8-years-old, a remarkable feat as she was battling brain cancer at the time. Combining her love for art and animals, the idea was simple: for every $20 donated to an animal rescue, Scarlett would draw a pet portrait. When Scarlet lost her cancer battle in 2019 her friends were determined to see her dream become a reality and took over her mission. Now the organization boasts over 200 kid (and adult!) artists worldwide, has partnered with shelters and rescues all over the nation, and raised over $75,000. 

Scarlett’s love of art was rivaled by her love of reading–and the CCBF was one of her most cherished days, starting as a volunteer at just 3 years old! She could often be found reading to her own pets–and always had a book with her–which is why it is so fitting to launch the new initiative at the festival.

draw for paws will collaborate with librarians, educators and authors to create a program including leveled books, writing prompts to encourage storytelling, and book bundles, featuring CCBF authors, that can be bought to read at home to pets or donated to shelters.

As a festival sponsor, the draw for paws booth will feature a reading space where attendees can read to (and adopt!) shelter dogs. For more info, please visit drawforpaws.org

 

 

“Today I am Grateful” – Podcast Launched by Local Student

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If you are one of the 100 million people who listened to a podcast while stuck at home during COVID, you are not alone. The medium’s popularity has grown exponentially and industry experts anticipate the number of listeners to exceed 125 million by next year.

While you don’t need to be a sound engineer to launch your own podcast, it does take commitment and dedication to expand your listener base and produce interesting content. And that’s exactly what rising Armonk-based 8th grader Anika Bobra did during the pandemic. Launched in December 2020, Bobra’s weekly podcast titled “Today I Am Grateful” focuses on leaders in various fields from education to medicine to non-profits. She interviews one per episode and has had notable guests such as County Executive George Latimer, Senator Shelley Mayer as well as President and CEO of White Plains Hospital Susan Fox.

Bobra asks these community leaders how they have faced the challenges of the pandemic and what they have learned by living through it. She has also profiled many hyperlocal leaders such as Leisa Palmer, a former teacher of Bobra at Wampus Elementary School, District Superintendent Jen Lamia and Peter Simonsen, Police Chief in Armonk. Lamia’s podcast was one of Bobra’s most popular episodes as was the one featuring Christina Brisson, affectionately dubbed the Vax Fairy.

As a student at Random Farms Theater Group, Bobra honed her public speaking skills. “I love to use my voice and I thought a podcast would be a great way to highlight and honor members of our community and share their extraordinary stories,” says Bobra. Bobra credits New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin’s “Happier” podcast as a key influence on her as she conceptualized her own podcast.

A lot of frontline workers were interviewed on Bobra’s podcast and she was keenly aware of having diverse voices represented. While doctors and nurses were interviewed, she also sought out other perspectives such as that of Mr. John DeCicco owner of DeCicco and Sons grocery stores which went above and beyond at keeping both their customers and employees safe during the pandemic.

Bobra estimates that she spends about two to three hours researching a potential guest, an hour editing the interview and then uploading it into a short podcast that averages eight to 10 minutes. With help from her parents, Bobra researched different platforms on Spotify and ultimately decided on Anchor. Her podcast streams on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. In terms of equipment, Bobra’s set up is pretty basic–a school laptop, microphone and Zoom to conduct the interviews.

The concept of gratitude was instilled in Bobra at an early age. Her parents who are both doctors have always emphasized that the secret for happiness is gratitude and appreciating everything you have instead of what you don’t. “You are never too young to be grateful,” notes Bobra.

Bobra believes that her sense of gratitude for these community leaders comes across in her initial communications with a potential guest and has helped her secure influential guests.

Asked if she is an aspiring journalist, Bobra is undecided but she has found it very rewarding to interview people from different career paths. To date, she found the interviews with Senator Mayer and Sheila Patel, CEO of vegan skincare line Graffiti Collective to be her favorites and she has plans on the horizon to interview sources from outside the US as “gratitude is a universal feeling.”

When she’s not out playing on the tennis courts, scheduling interviews or editing her podcast, Bobra has plans on starting an Instagram page for her podcast this summer and possibly a book. With her youthful energy and passion for promoting positivity, Bobra is set to turn all her dreams into reality.

Bobra’s podcast is available on:

Apple Podcast

Spotify Podcast

A Mother & Daughter in Harmony

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Sarah and Kaitlyn Lake PHOTO BY DONNA MUELLER

Hitting those high notes is a gift that often runs deep through the gene pool. The Judds, Donny & Marie, The Jackson 5 and the Jonas Brothers are just some families that have shared center stage. Most recently, the pandemic spawned a new mother/daughter singing duo. And though they may never sell out Madison Square Garden, through a new crop of virtual choirs, Pleasantville’s Sarah and Kaitlyn Lake have found their voices. 

Just Keep Singing

Sarah and her daughter Kaitlyn, 13, have always shared a love for singing. When the pandemic hit, however, opportunities to nurture that passion quickly dwindled. “When everything shut down,” Sarah recalls, “I began researching virtual choirs and came across a cover of Billy Joel’s ‘The Longest Time’ by a group in Canada. As a single mom, it’s challenging to find time, but I decided that this is something that I really wanted for myself. I participated in some live and asynchronous rehearsals for various virtual choirs and ultimately found The Collective, a group that really resonated with me and my daughter.”

The Collective Virtual Choir was formed in March 2020 at the height of the pandemic when vocalists around the world felt robbed of their voices, while simultaneously being isolated from friends and family. Led by UK-based music teacher Simon Lubkowski, this free choir brought more than 1,500 people spanning 20 countries together. Due to a demand amongst young people aged under 26, as a follow-up to his initial endeavor, Lubkowski established The Collective Youth Chorus in June 2020. Participants of both choirs rehearse through interactive and/or recorded Zoom-based sessions that take place during a range of time zones. Vocalists record their submissions and view the final compilation on YouTube. It was the ideal format for the Lakes. The pair joyfully debuted in their respective choirs with ‘You Will be Found’ from Dear Evan Hansen and haven’t looked back since.  

Connecting Through Music

The Lakes expected to connect with like-minded people that shared their love of music, but they didn’t anticipate the strong community they gained along the way. “We connected with singers from all over the world and all walks of life,” Sarah describes. “The common theme,” she reports, “was a desire to keep singing through the pandemic. The choir gave people an opportunity to escape the isolation of quarantine and sing through their feelings.” 

For Katilyn, these connections are especially meaningful. She explains, “It’s been the best experience because I’m autistic and the last few years have been very difficult in school. Through the choir, I’ve met people who understand me. It’s a safe place where I could be myself.” Sarah elaborates, “We sing with people of all abilities. For example, there’s a girl in Chicago who’s vision-impaired who Kaitlyn just thinks is the coolest person ever because she doesn’t allow anything to stop her from living life on her terms. 

All Together Now

As the world begins to slowly resume normalcy, Sarah anticipates that The Collective will evolve. A song written by the choir’s director recently echoed her sentiments. “Simon’s most recent composition, ‘It’s Not the End,’ is about coming out of quarantine and resuming our lives,” Sarah summarizes. “Even though we came together in surreal circumstances and are moving on, it’s not the end. Kaitlyn and I recorded our submission together on our porch wearing our choir t-shirts. In unison, we sang the line, ‘I am not alone, I’m right here with you,’ which was particularly profound. In the future, the choir might look different and may not meet as regularly, but it will continue and one day soon, we hope to meet our new friends from across the pond in person.” The Lakes will get their wish. The choir director recently announced plans for in-person workshops and performances in the summer of 2022 in the UK. Sarah and Kaitlyn plan to attend.  

Until then, singing will continue to play an active role in the Lakes’ lives. Kaitlyn reports that she’s witnessed Sarah gain the confidence to sing louder than in the past–Sarah is even beginning a search for a live choir. Similarly, Kaitlyn has plans to resume her former pastime of participating in the performing arts, integrating acting with singing on a stage. The duo enjoys singing a wide range of songs throughout their daily activities, but fondly recall a joint performance back in November, poignantly, ‘I’m Still Standing’ by Elton John as a bright moment in a dark year. They remain standing, singing and building connections as they reenter the world. 

Janet Franco’s Abuela’s Cuban Kosher Chicken Soup

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Janet Franco  PHOTO by Donna Mueller

Recipe Notes from Janet Franco

“My husband was born in Cuba and came to the U.S. as a refugee at the age of four. When I met him, he was in medical school and I was a dancer in college. I couldn’t believe he was a Spanish-speaking Jewish person. My family is of Eastern European Jewish ancestry. Over the years, I have learned to embrace the beautiful customs and foods of his heritage. We typically break Yom Kippur fast with this soup, accompanied by garlic bread and lemonade. When the pressure cooker starts rocking and I feel the pangs of hunger and smell the delicious soup that I’ve watched my mother-in-law make all these years, I am filled with a wonderful sensation of all our cultures coming together in a perfect way.

The warming, delicious flavors fill me and link me to generations of families who have overcome so many obstacles to live in this great country. His family came from Spain to Turkey to Cuba to the U.S., and my family from the Polish ghettos to concentration camps to Ellis Island. As our family expands with the introduction of our Greek daughter-in-law, I look forward to seeing our food traditions expand as we embrace and connect with each other around the table.”

Abuela’s Cuban Kosher Chicken Soup

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Serves: 8-10

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
12 cups water or low sodium chicken broth
1 large gold potato, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup dried fideo pasta
1 ½ tablespoons chicken bouillon
1 envelope achiote sazón (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1.5 pounds bone-in chicken (legs and thighs), cooked
3 corn cobs, sliced in 4 pieces
1 large carrot, chopped
Lime juice
Fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

Heat oil in a large 5-quart pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes stirring frequently. Stir in tomato sauce and cook for 8 minutes. Add water or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add potato, celery and fideo pasa. Season with bouillon, achiote (if using) and cumin. Cook for 15 minutes or until potato begins to soften. Add chicken, corn, and carrot. Cook for 10 minutes more or until carrot is al dente. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice and a cilantro.

Pressure cooker directions

Place all ingredients except fideo, lime juice and cilantro in a pressure cooker. Add water just above half-full. Cook on high for 8 minutes. Quick-release pressure. Add fideo pasta and cook for 3 minutes on high. Release pressure naturally. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice and cilantro.

Editor’s Note: Janet Franco’s recipe, Abuela’s Cuban Kosher Chicken Soup, is also featured in the recipe e-book, The Stories of Our Table, by celebrity chef Pati Jinich and the not for profit, Stand Together.

Westchester’s 11th Annual 9/11 Serve & Remember Events begin September 9

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In honor of those whose lives were lost or forever changed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Volunteer New York! will join as hosts of the 11th annual “9/11: Serve + Remember” event taking place throughout our area from Thursday, Sept. 9–Sunday, Sept. 12.

“This year’s 20th anniversary serves a grim reminder of the nation’s darkest day, but it also reminds us of how thousands came together afterward, helping each other, comforting each other and rising through tragedy. We encourage everyone to participate to honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the first responders who saved lives and continue to battle illnesses acquired from that day,” said County Executive George Latimer.

Online registration is now open for individuals, groups, and families. To sign up or learn more visit volunteernewyork.org/service. Advanced registration is required for all 9/11 Day service opportunities.

“For over 10 years we’ve given thousands of community members a way to take part in the National 9/11 Day Movement. Each year built on the solemn legacy of the last,” said Jeanette Gisbert, Volunteer New York! Executive Director. “We encourage all past and potential volunteers to join us this September in the spirit of remembrance and resilience. If ever a time to show unity, the time is now.”

This year’s 20th Anniversary Day of Service events will include two special large-scale park cleanup projects on Saturday, September 11 at Tibbets Brook Park in Yonkers and Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson thanks to a partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation.

Erin Cordiner, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement, Westchester Parks Foundation, said “Parks have the power to transform lives, shape lives, and preserve memories. We are proud to stand with Westchester County and Volunteer New York to mark the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and encourage residents to sign up to help us honor the anniversary and improve the quality of life in our community.”

All projects on Sunday, September 12 will take place at either a New Rochelle Volunteer Hub at IONA College or a Valhalla Volunteer Hub at Westchester Community College. Please review online opportunity description to find out if a project is family-friendly or has requirements, like wearing a mask.

 

2021 9/11: SERVE + REMEMBER EVENT SCHEDULE: www.serveandremember.org

Thursday, September 9 at 7 PM

  • Free Webinar: Volunteering with Equity in Mind (Virtual)
    • All volunteers are encouraged to participate in live event
    • The last 18 months have shined a light on the glaring inequalities between those that have and those that have not. Join Charles Curtis, Volunteer New York! Community Outreach Manager, for a live presentation of the original Volunteer New York! webinar, “Volunteering with Equity in Mind” where we will share volunteer tips on how best to advocate for those in our community and bridge the gap between those we serve and those who serve.

 

Saturday, September 11

  • Croton Point Park Cleanup Event (Croton-on-Hudson)
    • Coordinated in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation
    • Shifts:  9 AM – 11 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM

 

  • Tibbets Brook Park Cleanup Event (Yonkers)
    • Coordinated in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation
    • Shifts:  9 AM – 11 AM / 12 PM – 2 PM

 

Sunday, September 12

  • Westchester Community College (Valhalla Volunteer Hub)
    • Create Fleece Blankets for Children in Local Hospitals
      • Supports Westchester-Rockland Project Linus
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Literacy Kits for Elementary Students
      • Supports Youth Literacy
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Inspiring Cards for Deployed Service Members
      • Supports United for the Troops
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

  • IONA College (New Rochelle Volunteer Hub)
    • Create Fleece Blankets for Children in Local Hospitals
      • Supports Westchester-Rockland Project Linus
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Literacy Kits for Elementary Students
      • Supports Youth Literacy
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Inspiring Cards for Deployed Service Members
      • Supports United for the Troops
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

*Denotes a project or volunteer shift where wearing a mask is mandatory or subject to latest CDC guidelines.

ABOUT NATIONAL 9/11 DAY OF SERVICE

9/11 Day was created in 2002 as a way to meaningfully honor the memories of those lost on September 11, 200 and to inspire Americans and others to do good deeds in support of creating a better and more peaceful world. It’s also a day that is meant to help rekindle the extraordinary spirit of togetherness, volunteerism, and compassion that arose in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy.

Since becoming a National Day of Service, 9/11 Day has grown incredibly into the United States’ largest day of charitable service. By volunteering on 9/11 Day each year, you help support their mission to transform the anniversary of September 11 into a worldwide day of good and a symbol of American resilience –helping to keep the spirit of all who were lost alive in our hearts and minds creating a positive legacy that can be passed down for generations upon generations to come.

Learn more about the #911DAY movement at 911day.org

EVENT SPONSORS

            The 2021 9/11: Serve + Remember community-wide day of service is presented by Volunteer New York! and Westchester County, and in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation. With thanks to the generous support from major sponsor, Robison Oil. As well as additional support from event sponsors Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital. With special thanks to media sponsor 95.5 K-Love Radio and project sponsors Levitt Fuirst and Sterling National Bank. As well as to our Sunday volunteer hub host sites IONA College in New Rochelle and Westchester Community College in Valhalla.

ABOUT VOLUNTEER NEW YORK!

The core mission of Volunteer New York! (volunteernewyork.org) is to inspire, mobilize, and equip individuals and groups to take positive action to address pressing challenges, support non-profits and improve the quality of life in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam. For over 70 years the organization has encouraged adults to serve, youth to build character, families to bond, young professionals to lead, mature adults to share their wisdom and businesses to engage through volunteerism.

Last year Volunteer New York! helped to inspire over 35,000 volunteers to take action and to coordinate over 360,000 hours of service that supported more than 500 nonprofits and local organizations, providing a value of $11.7 million back to our community.

 

New courtesy of the Westchester County Executive office.