The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Happenings

Chappaqua Orchestra Announces a Comeback Concert at the Paramount

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Junior Division winner Sean Yu performs Tchaikovsky’s – Pezzo Capriccioso
Senior Division Second Place winner Vivian Chen performs Ravel’s – Piano Concerto in G Major
Senior Division First Place winner Jiaxun Yao will perform with the Chappaqua Orchestra next season

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Chappaqua Orchestra (TCO) is inviting everyone to join them for a first live concert on Friday, June 11 at 8 pm. at the historic Paramount Theater in Peekskill, NY  It is the first time the TCO will be performing together live since March 2019. This long-awaited event will showcase two of the talented young winners of the 2021 Concerto Competition held this spring.

The concert will feature CFO final Music Director candidate Teresa Cheung conducting with the Second-Place winner of the Senior Division, Vivian Chen performing the Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major, and our Junior Division First-Place winner, Sean Yu performing Tchaikovsky’s Pezzo Capriccioso. The concert will conclude with Schubert’s Fourth Symphony. Due to Covid restrictions, Senior Division First Place winner, Jiaxun Yao, will not be able to attend as she is currently in China, but she will be performing with CFO next season.

After such a long time in lock down, the Chappaqua Orchestra is eager to perform on the stage again in front of a live audience. They will be following strict New York State safety guidelines. They are asking that concert goers wear a mask and show proof of vaccination or a negative covid test to attend this event. There will be a small reception to meet the performers following the concert.

This is a private event with limited seating. Please RSVP to info@chappaquaorchestra.org or call 845-842-0010 by June 4.

Jubilant Mood and ‘Sense of Rebirth’ at Ribbon Cutting for the ‘A Seafood Market Grill’ in Pleasantville

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At the opening of a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new ‘A Seafood Market Grill’: (L-R): Peter Scherer, Bill Flooks, Margaret Cunzi0, Nick Antonaccio, Shari Ascher, Yuliia Aquije, Chef Evans and Carol Barrella

By Grace Bennett

Pleasantville, NY— It felt like far more than a simple ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday to celebrate the opening of the new A Seafood Market Grille on 49 Wheeler Avenue–directly across from the Pleasantville Pharmacy and immediately next door to Soul Brewery.

Comments by Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce and town and county public officials spoke of a ‘rebirth’ to the community in general following a pandemic year that brought unprecedented challenges to the business community, and of course, to everyone else too.

Standing proudly with those gathered were proprietor Yuliia Aquije, who lives with her husband Pablo and daughter in Hawthorne, and Chef Matthew Evans. In a separate interview, Yuliia told the Inside Press that she and Pablo had searched throughout the area for the right location, and were ultimately charmed by Wheeler Avenue.

The store’s opening however had been delayed for six months due to Covid-related challenges.

Expressions of relief and encouragement to the couple and to ‘Chef Evan’  were freely shared.

“We want to be the wind behind your sails… in the friendly environment of 10570,” said Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer. “We know what a difficult time it was to get here.”

Westchester County’s Shari Ascher, representing George Latimer, noted: “It’s thrilling to have some good news that we are moving in the right direction.”

“I’d love to be at a new ribbon cutting every day in this county,” Ascher said, noting Latimer’s strong record of support for the business community. “We urge residents to support local business.’

Margaret Cunzio presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to A Seafood Market Grill

 Mostly, it was a jubilant mood under a bright sun and crystal blue skies. PCTV’s Nick Antonaccio, who opened the ceremony, welcomed the new owners and expressed his enthusiasm for the selection. Along with a full array of fish and seafood items, the new grill offers select prepared foods, such as rice and noodle-based dishes, an already popular soft shell crab sandwich, and non-seafood items too, such as pulled pork Cuban sandwiches. “There’s something for everyone,” exclaimed Chamber board member Margaret Cunzio who presented Yuliia with a Certificate of Appreciation. Cunzio invited attendees to try a fresh shucked Virginia Oyster from Chesapeake Bay, and it was indeed delicious paired with a delicate minuet sauce by Chef Evan.

As Chef Evan uses sushi grade tuna, sushi offerings are planned soon, too.

Village trustee and board member Paul Alvarez stated that the town welcomed the new addition “with open arms… anything you need,” he said.

Chamber President Bill Flooks warmly welcomed the couple too to Wheeler Avenue which he called “the heart of the village.”

In a separate conversation inside the Soul Brewery, another exciting new establishment opened recently by Allen Wallace, Peter Scherer noted that Wheeler Avenue, and Pleasantville at large along Washington and Marble Avenues, have already become “known more and more for our restaurant scene,” but with this grill and other specialty shops opening in town, food specialty offerings to residents are becoming increasingly varied too.”

A Seafood Market Grill will be open every day of the week from 9-7, and on Sunday, 9-4. “We can take orders online at the website and have curbside pick up too,” shared Yuliia. When asked how her business’s opening has been faring since early April, she said. “People are coming in, little by little. We hope more people find out that we are open with great, fresh seafood here!”

Excitement Building for the Return of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on October 2!

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The 2021 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) Will Make Its Post Pandemic Return Saturday October 2, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Plans for the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival–the largest annual children’s book festival in the tri-state region–are well underway! Some 45 renowned children’s book authors and illustrators are anticipated to attend, and festival goers can look forward to enjoying the always festive mix of book signings, readings, illustrator demos, and more. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to literacy programs in schools throughout Westchester and Metro New York.

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) will take place on Saturday, October 2, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., outside the  Chappaqua Train Station in Chappaqua, New York. This year, CCBF will limit the number of authors and illustrators in attendance for the sake of social distancing and safety for all.  It is the festival’s eighth annual event, http://www.ccbfestival.org/. Admission and parking are free and the event will be held rain or shine. 

Children’s Book Author Dan Gutman

In its eighth year, the festival, promoting community and literacy, will have authors covering multiple genres and reading levels, author readings, illustrator demos, book signings and books for sale. Food will be available this year from the Chappaqua Farmers Market or visitors may take a stroll through town for other delicious options. CCBF will support literacy programs in area schools. CCBF notes that many favorite authors will be joining his year, include Dan Gutman, author of 160 children’s books like “The Genius Files” series and his newest book and his first graphic novel, My Weird School, which just launched this past January. Also anticipated: Vedra Hiranandani, author of The Night Diary, a winner of the Newbery Honor, and Biscuits creators Alyssa Capucilli and Pat Schories, who are celebrating Biscuit’s 25th birthday! 

The 2021 Festival’s poster art, brilliantly done by Stephen Savage, an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator whose accolades include a New York Times Best Illustrated Book (Polar Bear Night) and a Geisel Honor (Supertruck). He recently published a new book, And, Then Came Hope, for the very young, sure to provide comfort and reassurance, based on the true story of the S.S. Hope hospital ship! He teaches at the School of Visual Arts and lives in Brooklyn, New York.  

This year as a safety precaution, all visitors will be required to register online, in advance of the festival. All guests will be required to be vaccinated, if they are eligible and over two years old, and will be required to wear masks.

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is a grassroots, all-volunteer effort, with community members working together so that children and teens can be inspired by their favorite authors.  The Festival gives kids and families a chance to meet and interact with the creators of their favorite characters – to appreciate that there is a real person behind the art and the words on the page.

Since its inception in 2013, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival has grown from 65 authors to 145, and from 4,000 visitors, to 7,000 at our last festival in 2019, from all over the tri-state region. The CCBF states that it  hopes to return to these large numbers in 2022.

For more information, visit http://www.ccbfestival.org/ or follow the CCBF at www.facebook.com/chappaquachildrensbookfestival.

The above news was received and edited by the Inside Press, an official media sponsor for the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.

Annual Science Research Symposium at Byram Hills High: June 2, 7 p.m.

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Byram Hills High School in Armonk, NY, will be hosting the 32nd Annual Dr. Robert Pavlica Authentic Science Research Symposium on June 2nd, 2021 at 7 p.m. The Authentic Science Research Program is a three-year course that encourages students to pursue excellence in areas of original research. “Especially in times like these, it is imperative that we celebrate our future generation of scientists and promote scientific literacy in our community,” noted the Byram Hills announcement.

The symposium will begin with a montage and a livestream event featuring remarks from Program director Ms. Stephanie Greenwald,  principal, Mr. Christopher Walsh, and senior speaker Chloe Weissman, as well as ceremonies for senior graduation and program-wide awards. The livestream portion will conclude with an explanation of the symposium website’s “Virtual Presentation Hall.” Within this hall,  you will find Virtual Rooms with recorded presentations of Senior PowerPoints, as well as Sophomore and Junior posters. All are invited to watch this livestream event and then visit the Presentation Hall to learn more about the 101 dedicated student researchers and their amazing work.  Byram Hills Authentic Science Research Symposium Website

ENOUGH & Town of New Castle Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration – Thursday, April 15th, 2021

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 Residents of the New Castle community will gather virtually on Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 7 p.m., to commemorate Yom Hashoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day. 

 The commemoration will feature keynote speaker Holocaust Survivor Paul Edelsberg.  Mr. Edelsberg is father of Tema Bomback and grandfather of Horace Greeley Student club E.N.O.U.G.H. (Educate Now on Understanding Genocide and Hate) member, Caroline Bomback and her siblings.   Mr. Edelsberg survived the Holocaust by working at a labor camp and then escaping and joining the partisans.  By listening to Mr. Edelsberg’s testimony, the New Castle community will become a witness and never forget. 

Other speakers include Town Supervisor Ivy Pool, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Reverend Dr. Martha Jacobs, Co-Presidents of ENOUGH Sam Rosenberg and Charlie Gordon and members of the Town of New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee.  Other participants include Rabbi Bergman, Rabbi Brusso, Rabbi Greenberg, Rabbi Jaffe, Cantor Ezring, Cantor Sternlieb and Cantorial soloist Alli West.  

 As both Charlie Gordon and Sam Rosenberg recently shared with the ENOUGH club, “Yom Hashoah- Holocaust Remembrance Day is a chance for the students to remember and teach that hate is not acceptable.” 

 The Middle School and High School winners of the Second Annual Holocaust and Human Rights Art and Writing Contest will be announced during the commemoration.  The first place winners will be sharing their winning submissions with the community.  The Town of New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee along with ENOUGH launched this contest to inspire and educate students on the lessons of the Holocaust and how they apply in today’s world. 

The commemoration is open to the public, but registration is required in advance at this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkdeCprzguH9eJeszLIrHrcvoe2YwiQGT7