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Byram Hills Music Education Program Honored

April 13, 2016 by The Inside Press

Byram Hills has been honored with the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Byram Hills is one of seven Westchester County school districts – and just 476 districts nationwide – to receive the prestigious designation from the NAMM Foundation. The district’s excellent music program spans all four district schools and includes instruction that builds as students grow. Students can begin studying one of 10 instruments in the fourth grade. By the time they reach the high school, students can participate in a variety of choral, band and orchestra groups and continue their music education with courses that range from introductory guitar to Advanced Placement Music Theory. Byram Hills students have been chosen for All-County, All-State and National Music Honor ensembles.

“Although I am new in my position, it didn’t take long for me to see just how special our music program is at Byram Hills,” said Director of Fine Arts Deepak Marwah. “We have a dedicated music faculty of passionate educators, and the work they do in the classroom inspires high levels of musicianship and creativity in our students each day.”

The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in their music program, including providing all students with access to music education. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Byram Hills provided NAMM with information about district funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community-music-making programs.

The NAMM Foundation, which began as the National Association of Music Merchants, is an international association representing the music products industry and championing the intrinsic value of music education.

At Pazzo’s: A Generous Holiday Feast for Armonk Chamber

December 9, 2015 by Inside Press

Photos by Sam Morell

(L-R): Jason Rosensweig, Stacy Wilder, Michael Levy, Neal Schwartz, Chris Carthy and Robby Morris

The wine was flowing and platter after platter of delicious Tuscan fare was graciously served to Armonk Chamber of Commerce members, all gathered together to warmly celebrate a year of networking and wonderful programming on behalf of the merchants and residents of North Castle. Members toasted Neal Schwartz, head of the Chamber, for his leadership, and also Pazzo’s owner Pete Monteleone for hosting the event, which drew several dozen (very happy!) participants.

(L-R): Steve D'Angelo, Stacy Wilder and Lisa Pincus Harnroff — (L-R): Steve D’Angelo, Stacy Wilder and Lisa Pincus Harnroff

Chris Carthy with wife Laura (in red) and with Barbara Reiter

Annual Frosty Day Parade Brings the Festive Holiday Spirit to Armonk

November 29, 2015 by Inside Press

Article and Photos by Stacey Pfeffer

Armonk was abuzz with activity this past Saturday as the annual Frosty Day kicked off the holiday season. Despite drizzly weather, Armonk locals and other tri-state area residents turned out in droves to experience a fun-filled afternoon with holiday train rides around town, face painting, Frosty-themed art projects, yummy holiday treats and of course several photo ops with Frosty the Snowman, who turns 65 this year. The day culminated with more than 30 local groups and organizations marching in a parade to welcome Frosty the Snowman back to his hometown.The parade concluded with a holiday lighting ceremony and sing-along at the gazebo in Wampus Brook Park.

The “Village Square” mentioned in the famous “Frosty the Snowman” song is actually Armonk’s Historic District. The Frosty Parade is the only non-denominational holiday parade in the tri-state area noted Robby Morris, a local businessman and President of Friends of Frosty, Inc. the non-profit group that organizes the day’s events.

“Just about every local group is involved somehow in Frosty Day from the Town of North Castle to the Armonk Chamber of Commerce, from the religious institutions to the schools, from the sports and youth groups to volunteer organizations. It is a great time for everyone to come together and have some fun,” said Morris.

Each year the Friends of Frosty expands the day’s events with new activities. A horse-drawn carriage around Wampus Brook Park and a holiday-themed mural designed by Westlake High School students by DeCicco’s were added. “The Clydesdale horses were very cool. A friend told us that Frosty Day was a fun way to kick off the holiday season, so we decided to come out for this, even in the rain,” noted Teresa Hough, a New Rochelle resident who came with her family. Clowns, magicians, carolers and marching bands rounded out the day’s festive spirit.

The Friends of Frosty also has a charitable component with its Winter Warmth project “Help Frosty Help Others.”

Starting in the fall, the organization starts collecting gently used winter clothing, such as hats and mittens for those in need at several locations around town. Area restaurants and shops will be accepting donations and contributions throughout the holiday season.

Stacey Pfeffer Of New Castle attended this year’s parade for the first time, and hopes to make it an annual tradition with her family.

Adopt-A-Dog Puts on the Fun: September 20

September 18, 2015 by Inside Press

Puttin’ on the Dog Festival to Draw Thousands of Four Legged Friend Fans

Adopt-A-Dog, an Armonk, NY-based nonprofit rescue/adoption organization for dogs and cats will host its popular annual “Puttin’ on the Dog” festival on Sunday, September 20th, at Greenwich, CT’s Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. The event is expected to draw thousands of Fairfield and Westchester County dog lovers gathering to show off, pet, and, hopefully, adopt four-legged friends. The day of fun, music, competitions, demonstrations and activities marks the 28th time this important fundraiser has been held to aid Adopt-A-Dog in its mission to provide dogs with a safe, healthy and quality environment while they await adoption.

Billing itself as the largest event of its kind between New York and Boston, the “Puttin’ on the Dog” organizers are hoping to draw 5,000 pet lovers from the Tri-State area during the seven-hour program, organizers said. The festival will feature dogs and cats for adoption, 50 vendors and live music performed by CT R&B band Billy and the Showmen. Adopt-A-Dog encourages owners to enter their dogs into one or more of the 12 different competition categories such as “Pooch Who Can Smooch” (the kissing contest), “Who Saved Who” (dog/person look-a-like contest), “Adopt-A-Dog Alumni” (distinguished graduates of the shelter) and the famous Dog Costume Contest. Deadline for mail or online entries is Thursday, September 17.

“The show of community support we receive at ‘Puttin’ on the Dog’ touches us deeply as we continue to advocate for lifetime care and ownership of dogs,” said Executive Director, Kristen Rice. “We especially value the contributions of our sponsors who appreciate that the mission of our event remains the same as it did since its inception – finding loving homes for wonderful animals in need.”

Pet Pantry Warehouse will be returning as the Presenting Sponsor. Premiere sponsors include Reckson, a Division of SL Green, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists and First County Bank. Additional sponsorships are still available.

The event runs from 10AM-4:30PM. Tickets can be purchased online for $15 for adult admission or $25 with our special family package or at the main entrance gate at the event. Children under 12 are admitted free. For more information about the “Puttin’ on the Dog” festival, sponsorship or how you can help, visit www.adoptadog.org or call (914) 273-1674.

About Adopt-A-Dog
Adopt-A-Dog is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter, rescue and adoption center. Since its inception in 1981, Adopt-A-Dog has aided in the placement of more than 13,500 companion animals in Westchester County, NY, Fairfield County, CT and throughout the Northeast. Known for its dedicated staff of animal advocates and innovative adoption procedures, Adopt-A-Dog aims to reform the animal welfare industry and educate future pet owners to promote lifetime ownership and care. Adopt-A-Dog has been providing a broad range of programs and services including: sheltering, adoption, spay and neuter programs, humane education and animal rehabilitation programs. The year 2015 marks the organization’s 28th anniversary of “Puttin’ on the Dog,” its annual fundraising and adoption event, which ensures the continuation of fulfilling its mission: To Save, Socialize and Secure Loving Homes for Unwanted or Abandoned Dogs & Cats. Adopt-A-Dog’s headquarters and shelter is located in Armonk, NY.
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A Wonderful Chance to Learn from Olympic Swimmer Ariana Kukors!

September 14, 2015 by The Inside Press

By Susan Draper

As parents of a competitive swimmer, we had heard that attending the Olympic Swimming Trials is incredibly exciting because it allows the spectators to see the Olympic team as it is formed.

It was an amazing trip, one beyond our wildest dreams! Because we purchased a special package through the USA Swimming Foundation – partly the cost of the event tickets and partly a donation – we received numerous perks during our trip: We had an opportunity to sit with Rowdy Gaines as he announced events, took a behind the scenes tour of the broadcasting center, enjoyed both a fun swim with some Olympians and a cocktail hour with autograph opportunities, had ever-changing amazing event seats alongside USA Foundation members and/or Olympians plus much more. One day we had the unique opportunity to have lunch with some new Olympians.

Ariana Kukors was the absolute highlight of that lunch– she simply sparkles! She told us the most heartfelt story of the days leading up to her monumental swim, and described the exciting moment when she realized that she made one of the required top two spots to become an Olympian. We made an instant connection with her and, though we’ve only seen her twice since June of 2012, we’ve kept in close contact.

When we met Ariana she was already the world record holder for the 200 IM, set in the 2009 World Aquatic Championships in Rome. In addition to her Gold at that meet, she had also won a silver medal at the World Championships, and, based on her performance, was named the American Swimmer of the Year by Swimming World Magazine. That is pretty amazing, and in that fight for an Olympic team spot in 2012, she candidly told us that part of herself pep talk was to remind herself of the fact that she held the World Record. One of those spots was hers- she just had to swim her best to claim it.

Any age group swimmer knows that swimming your best time or achieving a personal best time can be a daunting task. There are no guarantees. It requires an efficient start, turns that are spot on, swimming one’s best strokes, the proper finish and the mental fortitude to pull it all together. Ariana has won seven medals in major international competition and 22 National Titles, but she isn’t the typical super tall swimmer with height on her side. She has developed some strong strategies and techniques to help make all of her talents – beautiful strokes and execution, along with utter determination and a belief in herself- come together to achieve her dreams.

It has been our dream to have Ariana here for a visit, and help coordinate events for both swimmers and non-swimmers alike. We are thrilled to announce that she will soon spend two days in Westchester, inspiring young athletes to be their very best: On September 26th from 4-6 p.m., Ariana will offer a “Dream Clinic” at the Bristal in Armonk. This event will be for teens from ages 12-18 looking for tips and strategies to make their dreams become realities.

On September 27th Ariana will offer swimming workshops in the pool at the Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Kisco. Because she would like to offer a very “hands on” clinic, there will be multiple timeslots – Novice swimmers 9-11:30 a.m., Junior level swimmers 12-2:30 p.m. and Senior level swimmers 3:-5:30 p.m.. To sign up for either of these events, please email Arikukors@gmail.com. Registration and payment ($45 for the Armonk/Bristal event, $65 for the Boys/Girls Club Mt. Kisco event) must be completed in advance.