The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Happenings

Celebrate Fall with Top-Rated Halloween Experiences: Two Activations of The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze® and a Full Roster of Legend of Sleepy Hollow-Themed Events

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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Two Locations Plus Brand New Event: The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country to Feature Master Illusionists

Hudson Valley: Blaze returns to its location at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson for the 19th year. Long Island: Blaze presented by Catholic Health will return to Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage for the fourth year.

This year, too: On the grounds of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown, visitors can enjoy two special celebrations of the author’s most famous work: Home of the ‘Legend,’ during the day and dramatic evening performances of Irving’s ‘Legend.’ A brand-new event will come to Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow this season, The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, where visitors will be astounded by master illusionists communicating with legends thought long departed.

Both Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® experiences are bigger and better than ever and feature thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns lit up in elaborate displays throughout historic landscapes. Blaze: Hudson Valley will run for 54 nights from September 15 through November 19. Blaze: Long Island will run for 30 nights from September 22 through November 5. New displays at Blaze: Hudson Valley include the country’s first-ever pumpkin Ferris wheel, a circus sideshow, and a jack o’lantern tribute to the Day of the Dead. At Blaze: Long Island, visitors will go under the sea with a giant pumpkin-octopus, meet the mythical Montauk mermaid, and get to know our friendly Pumpkin Pals. Both locations feature immersive experiences, an all-original soundtrack, theatrical lighting, and special effects.

Sleepy Hollow will get a little bit spookier with a new event at Philipsburg Manor, The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, featuring Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, both professional magicians. These master illusionists will take visitors on a supernatural journey, conjuring the spirits of Sleepy Hollow lore, including Hulda, Major Andre, and the Headless Horseman, for a night of mystery and fun. The event takes place in the Dutch barn on the 18th-century property.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Returns This September

More Halloween fun can be found at the estate of Washington Irving, America’s founding father of literature. Historic Hudson Valley is bringing his classic spooky tale to life at Sunnyside, where daytime visitors can tour Irving’s home, take in an original shadow puppet film, and see a special Legend exhibit at Home of the ‘Legend.’ In the evenings, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk casts a spell with dramatic performances of Irving’s ‘Legend,’ performed outdoors under the stars. Complete with live music by Jim Keyes, this performance is sure to thrill audiences of all ages.

A one-day event, Belinda’s Bewitching Tea Party, will treat visitors to spooky mocktails and festive snacks, along with a special opportunity to see the original doll from our collection and a brand-new toy based on the item.

Blaze: Long Island is presented by Catholic Health. Supporting sponsor is Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

Blaze: Hudson Valley’s Supporting Sponsor is Servpro of Peekskill, Ossining, and Contributing Sponsors are JPMorgan Chase and Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. Tarrytown House Estate is the Hospitality Partner.

All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization that owns and operates several National Historic Landmarks.

Ticket and date information

These events have limited capacity and sell out. All admissions are by advance purchase only. Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

Blaze: Hudson Valley dates are September 15-17, 22-24, 27-30; October 1-31; November: 1-5, 8-12, 17-19. Online tickets start at $32 for adults and $24 for children 3-17, and are free for children 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members can attend for free.

Blaze: Long Island presented by Catholic Health dates are September 22-24, 29-30; October 1, 6-15, 18-22, 25-31; November: 3-5. Online tickets start at $29 for adults and $19 for children 3- 17, and are free for children 2 and under.

The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic dates are September 29- October 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29. Online tickets start at $65 and Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.

Irving’s ‘Legend’ dates are September 29-October 1, 6-9, 13-15, 20-22, 27-31. Online tickets start at $35 for adults and $30 for children. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.

Home of the ‘Legend’ dates are September 15-17, 22-24, 29-31; October 1; 6-9; 13-15; 20-22; 27-31 and November 3-5. Online tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and children 3-17, and are free for those 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.

Belinda’s Bewitching Tea Party is on September 16. Online tickets start at $35. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.

Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

 The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley features illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in elaborate displays which are professionally lit throughout the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor in various themed areas. Favorite installations, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Pumpkin Planetarium, are joined this year by new creations like a pumpkin Ferris wheel and a circus sideshow.

Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of Historic Hudson Valley staff and local artists who carve. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Shop offers a selection of Blaze-specific merchandise including T-shirts and hats. Snacks and drinks, including beer from Captain Lawrence, will be available to purchase.

Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Avenue, just off Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Long Island presented by Catholic Health features illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in elaborate displays professionally lit throughout the landscape of Old Bethpage Village Restoration – a historic site owned and operated by Nassau County – in various themed areas.

Favorite installations appear along with site-specific displays including a sea monster and sea creatures, as well as a lighthouse, an homage to the location’s proximity to the ocean.

Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of local artists who carve all the jack o’lanterns. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Shop offers a selection of Blaze-specific merchandise including T-shirts and hats. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration is at 1303 Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage. More information about both Blaze activations is available at pumpkinblaze.org.

The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic Featuring Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, this event features these master illusionists communicating with the spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country, such as Hulda, Major Andre, and the Headless Horseman, delighting and thrilling audiences. The event takes place in the evenings in the Dutch barn at Philipsburg Manor, in the heart of Sleepy Hollow. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow.

All Information Presented in Partnership with Historic Hudson Valley

Historic Hudson Valley Events Kick Off with The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

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The Historic Hudson Valley will be holding fantastic Fall events including The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (running for 54 nights, 9/15 – 11/19) in Croton-on-Hudson at Van Cortlandt Manor and on Long lsland (for 30 nights 9/22 – 11/5) and their newest event: The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, featuring master illusionists Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace which will takes place in the Dutch Barn at Philipsburg Manor (9/29 – 10/29) in Sleepy Hollow.  

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is not only the premier “must see” Fall event in the tri-state area but this year’s event is bigger and better than ever before, featuring thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns lit up in elaborate displays throughout historic landscapes. 

New displays this year at the Blaze: Hudson Valley include the country’s first-ever pumpkin Ferris wheel, a circus sideshow, and a jack o’lantern tribute to the Day of the Dead. At Blaze: Long Island (9/22 – 11/5), visitors will venture under the sea to meet a giant pumpkin-octopus, the mythical Montauk mermaid, and more. Both locations feature immersive experiences, an all-original soundtrack, theatrical lighting, and special effects.  Visit: www.pumpkinblaze.org

Information Presented in Partnership with Historic Hudson Valley

“Take a Bite out of Hunger” Benefit for The Mount Kisco Interfaith Pantry to Take Place October 15, 2023

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The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry (the “Pantry”) will be hosting its “Take a Bite out of Hunger” benefit on October 15, 2023 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Captain Lawrence Barrel House, 369 Lexington Avenue, Mount Kisco, NY.

Join the Pantry at this fun event for “suds”, “sliders” and “songs.” Featuring fantastic food and beverages by the Captain Lawrence Barrel House and music by the dynamic Four26 Band, there’ll be so much to enjoy while raising funds for the Pantry and the guests that it serves! 

 

Trina Ward Fontaine, Executive Director of the Pantry stated: “We are excited to raise a glass to toast the efforts of our donors, volunteers and staff who, over these last few years, have made it possible to provide those increasingly experiencing food insecurity in our community enough food for 14 meals per person, per week. Together, we have been able to accommodate the dramatic increase in guest numbers to approximately 93,000 in person visits last year, resulting from the pandemic, and most recently, from inflation.” 

 

Ms. Fontaine further stated: “Economic indicators show no signs that this need will ease and food prices are not decreasing in absolute terms. So, let’s band together to help our neighbors who are in need, and have some fun doing it. If you can’t join us, please consider making a donation and/or join us to volunteer.”

 

To purchase tickets or sponsorship, or otherwise donate, go to www.mountkiscofoodpantry.org and click on the Take a Bite out of Hunger link under “Get Involved/Events” or send an email with your request to:

outreach@mountkiscofoodpantry.org.

A Dunk Tank and So Much More Anticipated at the Rotary Club’s Community Day in Chappaqua on September 9

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New Castle Community Day is always such a blast with so much warmth, good will, and surprise activities to experience, I didn’t think it could sound any more fun than it has in the past, well, not until the Dunk Tank event caught my attention on Facebook. I thought I’d inquire for more info about the event taking place on Saturday September 9th which begins 10 a.m. and wraps up about 5 p.m.  Because who doesn’t want to watch a Town Supervisor get dunked?  A mystery School District representative? The Police Chief ? Or the Rotary President, herself?  Or, or.. well, a local publisher?  In my exchange with Holly McCall, the Rotary Club of Chappaqua President, I ended up volunteering too!   Full Dunkin’ schedule of volunteers below.

With that spirit of community, I asked Holly McCall, President of the Rotary Club of Chappaqua, what residents can expect this Saturday at the Rotary’s signature event, Community Day!  More from Holly and the Rotary’s schedule below:

Holly McCall: “Community Day is an annual tradition in New Castle. It’s an opportunity to explore everything that makes New Castle a great community. For over 40 years, we have enjoyed bringing community groups together along with opportunities for fun and games. This year will be no different – With local bands providing music, a magic show for the kids, slides and rides, ice cream, face painters and more – there is something for everyone this year. We are thrilled to partner with the Farmer’s Market and a food truck event to make this a day full of food, fun and community!”

“We are grateful to all of our sponsors and community groups for their support in making this event possible. Please stop by, celebrate New Castle and support the service work of the Rotary Club of Chappaqua. For more information on Community Day and the Rotary Club of Chappaqua, visit our website at rotaryofchappqua.com  Very importantly, consider donating a non-perishable to the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry. 

 

Along with an opportunity to meet dozens upon dozens of the sponsors at their assigned booths, Community Day visitors can expect the following: 

  • Stage Schedule (music times approximate)
    • 10 a.m. Magic Show Presented by Sari Shaw of Compass
    • 11 a.m. Music by the Mike Risko Band 
    • Noon Music by Music in Chappaqua
    • 1 p.m. Music by Bourbon & Britches
  • Community Tables open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Dunk Tank Schedule – huge thanks to those who have volunteered!!
10-10:30 a.m. TBD
10:30-11 a.m. CCSD
11-11:30 a.m. Lisa Katz
11:30-Noon Ally Chemtob
12-12:30 p.m. Jeremy Saland
12:30-1 p.m. Jim Carroll
1-1:30 p.m. Grace Bennett
1:30-2 p.m. Holly McCall

 

  • Rotary hot dogs will be available for purchase during the event.
  • From Noon-5 p.m. a Food Truck event will be held adjacent to Community Day.
  • We will be hosting the County’s Passport Truck
  • We will be assisting with a collection of non-perishable goods to support Mt. Kisco Interfaith Pantry.
    • cereal
    • oatmeal
    • cans of red and black beans
    • bags of dried beans
    • low sodium soups
    • pasta
    • peanut butter
    • jelly

Save the Date! October 26 Annual Gala of the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

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The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) will hold their annual Benefit on Thursday evening, October 26th starting at 6:30pm at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. This year HHREC will honor Sam Rosmarin and Kathy Zaltas, and will feature a live theatrical performance of the award-winning Letters from Anne and Martin, a unique production that combines the iconic voices of Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kathy Grosz-Zaltas is a daughter of Holocaust survivors and serves on the HHREC Advisory Board. She is also an active member of the Center’s GenerationsForward group of 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation descendants who are committed to keeping their family’s Holocaust story relevant. Kathy is the owner and president of Zaltas Gallery of Fine Jewelry located in Mamaroneck.

Sam Rosmarin is the son of two Holocaust Survivors, and is a member of the HHREC GenerationsForward group and co-host of the HHREC Memory Keeper Story Hour. Sam has enjoyed a stellar multi-decade career as a catastrophic personal injury litigator who currently devotes himself to the art and science of mediation and arbitration

The program will also include the annual presentation of the HHREC Eugene M. & Emily Grant Spirit of Humanity Awards. To register for this event, or for more information including sponsorship opportunities visit hhrecny.org email benefit@hhrecny.org or call 914-696-0738.