The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Happenings

Gliding into the Holiday Season in Pleasantville

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Pleasantville has been holding a tree lighting ceremony since 2010 near Manville Road where the village usually gathers between 100 and 400 people. But the illumination has a new home address this year and will kick off the start to their holiday season with a new event.

This year on Dec. 7th, in the newly created civic space near the train station parking lot, from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., revelers will be able to lace up ice skates for a picturesque holiday glide around the ice. “It adds to the ambience of the holiday season,” said Paul Alvarez, who is a village trustee and vice president of the chamber of commerce.

The installation is pretty simple & seamless. Synthetic ice provides the smooth surface, and the village hired a company that has done the work in other nearby towns to get every detail just right. “It gets put in and taken down on the same day,” said Alvarez.

The dimensions are 24 by 60 feet, includes a changing area, free skates, and while the surface resembles plastic, the town can leave theirs at home. “It’s all free. So, people can just come and enjoy themselves,” he said.

The band starts to play, and the crowd gears up for the tree lighting. Pace University students arrive with hot chocolate, the village hands out cookies and candy canes, and middle school choirs lead the holiday sing-along.

It’s a nice touch – especially for the young singers. “They love it. They really enjoy the fact that they are on the stage, and they have their friends, neighbors and siblings listening,” said Alvarez.

By 7 p.m., the numbers officially turnover. “We do a countdown, and the holiday tree and menorah get lit up,” he said.

From there, the village is hoping the good cheer will carry over. “We’re trying to encourage people to go to the local restaurants,” he said, and in turn, the eateries will offer some enticing deals.

Having attended this event himself for the last 12 years, nostalgia is what really lights him up. “I have been going to this since I was nine years old. It’s always such a nice kickoff to the holidays,” Alvarez concluded. “To hear the music, to see everyone out there with the tree, you remember the special times as a kid, and now that I have kids, it’s really nice to see them enjoying it.”

The Frosty Parade Brings Flurry of Fun to Armonk

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PHOTO COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF FROSTY INC.

Going back two decades, Armonk had a small holiday winter walk. But the tradition elevated when it was discovered that the cowriter of Frosty the Snowman lived in Armonk, where the setting inspired the iconic holiday song.

Ed Woodyard, founding member of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce uncovered Steve Nelson’s, co-writer of the song, Frosty the Snowman, home address and took off running. It is believed that Armonk’s bucolic setting inspired the song but there were copyright issues.

In 2005, Woodyard approached lawyer, David Boies, founding partner of Boies Schiller Flexner, known for his involvement in the Bush v. Gore decision. Boies has an Armonk office, and Woodyard sought his pro bono assistance.

“It took two years, but we finally got the clearance to call ourselves the home of Frosty,” revealed Woodyard, who cofounded the Friends of Frosty with Armonk businesswomen Debbie LaGravinese and Judy Willsey.

Woodyard didn’t know how the town would respond when they first put on the Frosty parade in 2009. He was pleasantly surprised. “Coming over the hill, we couldn’t believe it,” he recalled. “There were a thousand people lined up to see the parade.”

Still going strong, Armonk’s Frosty Day features face-decorating, frosting cookies, and a make-your-own Frosty. There are train rides in Wampus Park, live marching bands, singers, dancers, and lots of parade floats. The merchants in town hand out holiday treats and the library plays the cartoon on a loop. This year there will even be a bubble truck to add to the festivities!

Seniors from The Bristal join the Fire Department and their antique trucks as part of the parade, and when there’s a reigning state champ, the Byram Hills Bobcats have even had their own float.

The parade marches right through the ‘historic district’ of downtown Armonk which was the inspiration for the ‘Village Square’ where Frosty dared the children to “catch me if you can”.

The Frosty Homecoming Day and Parade are currently planned for Sunday, November 30, 2025, the Sunday of Thanksgiving. The fun-filled family event starts at noon, the parade is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be followed by the annual holiday lighting ceremony and sing-along at the Gazebo in Wampus Brook Park.

You do not want to miss this Fantastic Frosty Fun! And true to his word, “I’ll be back again some day.”

armonkfrosty.com

Books, Beloved Authors, and Bubbles: Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival Returns

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On Saturday, September 27th, the town of Chappaqua will once again transform into a storybook scene as the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) returns for a celebration of storytelling unlike any other, bringing over 165 award-winning and bestselling authors and illustrators to meet fans, sign books, and celebrate the power of storytelling. Marking its 12th year, this all volunteer, nonprofit festival draws more than 10,000 attendees from across the tri-state area and beyond.

At the helm is Elizabeth Blye, festival Executive Director, whose journey with CCBF spans from attendee and enthusiastic volunteer to visionary leader. The Library Media Specialist at Anne M. Dorner Middle School in Ossining and Middle Grade Editor at Little Press Publishing, she is a proud book warrior who strongly believes in the power of story and connection.

“Every child deserves to feel seen in a story. We want all to leave this festival with a book that speaks to them,” Blye says, passionate about connecting young readers with books that reflect their experiences, broaden their worldviews, and spark their curiosity. She truly believes that “there is a book for every reader and a reader for every book”, and “the beauty of this festival is seeing these connections happen in real time”.

She steps into this role with immense gratitude for the extraordinary foundation developed by Dawn Greenberg, founder and former executive director. “Dawn dedicated so much of her heart and time to this festival over the last twelve years. Her tireless commitment to this mission has left an indelible legacy, and I am both humbled and honored to carry forward the work she so passionately championed,” Blye shared.

This year’s lineup includes over 165 of both new and beloved returning authors. First time participants include Elana K. Arnold, author of the A Boy Called Bat series; James Bird, author of The Brave, No Place Like Home, and the forthcoming Wolf Club; Horace Greeley graduate Leyla Brittan, fresh from her debut YA novel Ros Demir Is Not The One. Returning authors include Nick Bruel, creator of the Bad Kitty series, Victoria Kann, author of Pinkalicious, Josh Funk, author of Lady Pancake & Sir French Toastseries, and Sayantani DasGupta known for the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series and Secrets of the Sky.

But the day isn’t just about books. The festival team brings the community together for an immersive, family-friendly experience designed to delight all the senses. An exciting activity area and ASL interpreted story time area, courtesy of title sponsors Kiwi Country Day Camp; interactive booth from Highlights Magazine; Bubble Bus; sponsored by Breeze; as well as a Family Fun Zone filled with free activities courtesy of the many sponsors awaiting festival goers. As well as a delicious lineup of local food trucks, including Leila’s Crepes, Three Little Pigs, Mobile Pie, Wrappers Delight, Tipsy Taco, Road Grub Mobile, and Melt Mobile.

Admission is free, with parking included, and the event runs rain or shine 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chappaqua train station. For families both near and far, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is more than an event: it’s a reminder of what’s possible when stories, and the people who tell them, take center stage.

Armonk Has Heart

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Artist, Phillip Michaels with his completed heart sculpture

The streets of Armonk are about to get a little more heart! The Armonk Outdoor Art Show, with support from the Armonk Chamber of Commerce and the Town of North Castle, is excited to announce Armonk Has Heart–a brand-new public art initiative bringing vibrant creativity and community spirit to town just ahead of the 2025 Armonk Outdoor Art Show.

In the month leading up to the highly anticipated Armonk Outdoor Art Show on September 27 & 28, 2025, twelve large fiberglass heart sculptures, each uniquely designed by a local or regional artist, will be installed throughout Armonk. Sponsored by local businesses, these striking works of art will transform the town into an open-air gallery, inspiring residents and visitors alike to explore, shop local, and feel the pulse of this thriving community.

“This project isn’t just about art–it’s about celebrating Armonk’s heart,” said Nancy Rosner, Managing Director of the Art Show. “It’s a way to energize the town, showcase our incredible local talent, and build excitement for one of our most cherished cultural events.”

Maps and artist details will be available as the event approaches, encouraging people to find all 12 hearts and share their favorites on social media.

Adding to the fun, the sculptures will be auctioned online to benefit the North Castle Public Library. Proceeds will support educational and cultural programs, with auction winners announced at the close of Art Show weekend.

Come and see Armonk’s hearts the full month of September, mark your calendars for the Armonk Outdoor Art Show on September 27 & 28, and join the community in celebrating art & creativity–feel the heart of Armonk this fall!

Now in its 63rd year, the Armonk Outdoor Art Show is a nationally recognized, juried art event that showcases exceptional fine art from over 150 artists across the country. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the North Castle Public Library, a nonprofit that supports programming at both branches of the North Castle Public Library.

Where Caring Meets Cooking … Local Restaurateurs Give Back at “Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening”

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Cocktail hour at Feed Me Fresh event

For 21 years, the Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC) has brought the community together through its annual “Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening” event. The fundraiser unites families, friends, and local restaurants through celebrating the importance of supporting early childhood education, healthy nutrition, and accessible childcare.

However, those who are close to the cause know that the Feed Me Fresh tradition is more than just a fundraiser. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of partnership restaurants who donate their time and provide services, staff, and delicious food, Feed Me Fresh has become an evening defined by community collectivity.

Maarten Steenman from La Tulipe preparing dessert

Dawn Meyerski, Executive Director of MKCCC describes the event atmosphere as unique to most fundraisers. “The evening is far more casual,” Meyerski says. “The cocktail hour, when all the restaurants are there and people are mingling, is very different from other fundraisers. This one seems to feel like home. I think the people who come feel that.”

That warm, inviting energy is exactly what keeps longtime supporters like Exit 4 Food Hall Owner and Chef Isi Albanese returning year after year. A part of Feed Me Fresh since the beginning, Albanese shares that his favorite part of the night is the social cocktail hour.

“That’s when the magic happens,” he says. “You see the board members, supporters, chefs, and volunteers come together – tasting the best of what local food has to offer, sharing stories, and making connections.”

“For restaurant owners like me,” he adds, “it’s our chance to give back, to connect with the people who support the Center, and to remind everyone that great food and great causes go hand in hand.”

Isi Albanese Chef and Owner of Exit 4

Proceeds from the event, held at Ivanna Farms in Mount Kisco, go towards supporting scholarships for local working families so that they may have access to high-quality childcare and early childhood education.

When thinking about an outstanding aspect of the evening, Tommy Calandrucci, Co-Owner and Chef at both Stone Fire and Basilico restaurants, admires the event landscaping.

“They put the place together beautifully,” he says. “It has this farm-to-table feeling.”
Feed Me Fresh not only celebrates community involvement, it also reflects the Center’s core values and mission. Through the delivery of a fresh, healthy plated dinner by Calandrucci’s team, and all the other participating restaurants, who prepare amazing tastings, the event brings to life MKCCC’s commitment to nutrition and hands-on learning, incorporating their “Feed Me Fresh” curriculum.

“I am happy to be a part of something that is local and touches the families in our community,” says Calandrucci about his continued involvement in the annual fundraiser.

This year’s Feed Me Fresh event will be held on September 20th and will embrace a festive fig theme. Regarding his culinary plans for the evening, Isi Albanese says, “I’m not sure yet what we’ll serve, but I promise it’ll be great.”