The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Happenings

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.

Children of the American Revolution Grant to the Miller House

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As we were going to press, a lovely gathering took place at The Miller House to celebrate a grant of $4,177.80 presented by the New York Society of the Children of the American Revolution organization to The Friends of Miller House. The donation will be used to help fund children’s programs at Miller House.  Please mark your calendar for September 23, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for an Open House planned at the North White Plains former headquarters of George Washington!   

At The Miller House to receive the C.A.R. grant (L-R): Sharon Tomback, North Castle; Co-Town Historian; Barbara DiGiacinto, Deputy Supervisor, Town of North Castle; Brook Tyler Hanna, NYS Director, Daughters of the American Revolution; David Share, President, Children of the American Revolution; John Diaconis, President, Friends of Miller House; Ed Woodyard, Vice-President, Friends of Miller House; Lynn Briggs, Director, Friends of Miller House; and Libby Whitney Del Greco, Director, Friends of Miller House