The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Scoop

Class Acts

by

Me with Jackson, Christie, & Scott Krase of The Kittle House Inn
PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON

This cycle I’ve tried something new for the back-to school issue. In my short time as Inside Press publisher, I’ve come across many incredibly smart, talented, and successful alumni from our school districts. I decided to focus on an alumnus whose accomplishments I thought were worth sharing with the community.

Tom Kitt and Me

Tom Kitt, Byram Hills High School Class of 1992, our Inside Armonk cover story, has won a Tony Award for Best Original Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Drama for his show Next to Normal. Tom is a distinguished composer and musician who has also won Emmy’s, a Grammy and his list of nominations goes on for days. All this and he is kind, grounded, and a father of three. I was thrilled, honored and a bit star-struck in getting to know Tom and gaining some insight about his time at Byram Hills.

In Chappaqua, I found that most residents were familiar with the beloved restaurant, The Kittle House and that the new owners are a fantastic Chappaqua family – The Krase’s. The day-to-day operations will be handled by the oldest child, Jackson, Horace Greeley Class of 2015. Jackson along with his parents Christie & Scott and the newly renovated Kittle House Inn are the fall Inside Chappaqua cover story. I so enjoyed learning more about this very special family and the cherished landmark they are now proud owners of.

Ali Ewoldt and me at Pleasantville High School

Ali Ewoldt, Pleasantville High School Class of 1999 is our Pleasantville/Briarcliff Manor back-to-school cover story. Ali, a proud native of Pleasantville, has dazzled audiences on Broadway with standout roles in The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. She made history as the first Asian American Christine in Phantom on Broadway and has proven herself a true trailblazer in musical theater. Ali’s career is a testament to talent, perseverance, and star power and was pure joy to work with on this issue.

There’s something about the start of fall that feels like a fresh notebook – crisp, clean, and full of possibilities. Around town, the air turns a little sharper, the leaves begin their quiet show, and families trade beach towels for book bags. It’s back-to-school season, but it’s also back-to-routine, back-to-community, and back to the small-town rhythms we love.

So, whether you’re chasing the bus, chasing your sanity, or chasing the perfect cider doughnut, welcome to fall in our favorite community.

Elise Trainor
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

May & June: My Sweet Spot

by

Peter Kelly and I in front of Basso by PXK
PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON

As spring gives way to summer, May and June emerge as months of profound celebration, marking both personal and cultural milestones. These months are filled with transitions, and moments of joy that bring people together. From academic achievements to weddings, from honoring parents to commemorating history, May and June remind us of life’s important passages and the beauty of shared experiences. 

In May, we honor our moms on Mother’s Day, observe the official start to summer on Memorial Day and let’s not forget Cinco de Mayo! 

In my family, June is a huge month of celebration! It’s every family member’s birthday, including mine, except for my son who refused to join us until July. My parents will be married for 60 years this June – a big milestone! There’s also Father’s Day, Juneteenth a variety of graduation ceremonies.  

Our Armonk cover story introduces us to the Livanos’s, owners of Armonk’s Moderne Barn Restaurant. Writer Abby Luby spoke with Livanos siblings Nick, Bill, and Corina who shared stories of their journey in the food business, the importance of family and their love of Armonk. Thanks to Cathy Pinsky www.pinskystudio.com for capturing beautiful shots of this remarkable family. 

What a thrill to meet the extraordinary chef Peter Kelly, now of Basso by PXK in Chappaqua. Stacey Pfeffer wrote a great article about the culinary genius who is as nice as he is talented. The best part was sitting with Stacey to sample some of Chef Kelly’s dishes. Thanks to Carolyn Simpson www.doublevisionphotographers.com for her gorgeous photos. 

Martin Wilbur, who had been the long-time editor-in-chief for The Examiner, took on a few assignments with us and we were lucky to have him. Our cover story takes us to the bustling streets of Pleasantville where the village has welcomed Wonder – a fast-food delivery, take out and dine in service combining multiple restaurants in one place. Thanks to Donna Mueller www.greatkeepsakes.com for her wonderful photos of the event. 

As the days grow longer and summer approaches, May and June invite us to pause and appreciate life’s milestones, both big and small. Whether celebrating academic success, love, family, or historical progress, these months remind us of the importance of honoring achievements, cherishing connections and embracing the spirit of celebration. 

A huge thanks to our incredible contributors! I love these issues – my first as Publisher/Editor-in-Chief. A final thank you to Grace Bennett, Inside Press Founder, for sharing her wisdom and trusting me with her prized possession. I promise to make you proud! 

Have a joyful spring season! 

Elise Trainor
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Celebrating Health & Wellness

by

After my recent hip surgery, I am deeply grateful for the gift of good health. The journey has been one of resilience, endurance and purpose. I’m thankful for the skilled hands of my medical team, the support of loved ones and my body’s strength to heal. Each step forward reminds me how precious mobility is and how important physical and emotional well-being are.

The March/April issues are focused on health & wellness and filled with insightful content to help you put your health front and center as we head into spring.

Our Armonk cover story, written by Stacey Pfeffer, provides a glimpse into the world of seniors in the Armonk Hergenhan Center where we saw how important this community is to its members. What an incredible gift we have in our town – a warm, inviting location where our seniors can go and be socially and physically engaged. Thanks to Cathy Pinsky www.pinskystudio.com for photographing our seniors in action.

Andrew Vitelli wrote our Chappaqua cover story which focuses on gross motor skills as an essential part of children’s physical and mental growth. He spoke with the team at World Cup Gymnastics and Nursery School where they shared their philosophy on allowing children to progress at their own pace and help to build their confidence. A huge thanks to Carolyn Simpson www.doublevisionphotographers.com for capturing our adorable 4-year-olds.

Writer, Beth Besen introduced us to the delightful and talented Ali Stroker on the Pleasantville/Briarcliff Manor cover. Ali is an actress, singer, author and speaker and the first actor in a wheelchair to win a Tony award for Best Performance in a Featured Role in the musical “Oklahoma” in 2019. I had the pleasure of meeting Ali in her Briarcliff Manor home where I learned about her strength, her charm and got to see firsthand how her smile lights up a room! Thanks to Donna Mueller www.greatkeepsakes.com for the stunning photos.

Spring is a time for new beginnings. Let this season be a reminder to nurture and take care of your body, keep your mind calm, and let your spirit shine! Because wellness is the foundation for a bright and limitless future.

It’s your time to thrive!

Elise

Spreading Holiday Cheer

by

PHOTO BY DONNA MUELLER

As we embrace the holiday season, there’s no better time to celebrate the arts in all forms. The creative spirit that fills the air brings people together through music, theater, visual arts, and more – reminding us of the beauty and connection that art inspires.

Growing up the arts played a significant role in my life. Whether it was through film (my family loves the movies), art (my mother was a ceramic artist), or theater (my father was and still is a Broadway theater producer) we always appreciated the joy, beauty, and purpose of the arts.

As an adult, I can’t get enough live music, love a good comedy show, and I’ve turned my passion for the arts into a career – starting with a long run in television production and now in publishing – embracing photography, writing, magazine layout and design, and much more.

In these issues we dive into the arts full force!

We take a behind the scenes look at the world-famous Carnegie Hall with Ella Ilan where we meet the General Manager of Artistic Operations, Anna Weber. Anna is a long-time Armonk resident and has devoted herself to the service of music and musicians. She leads the planning and implementation of the 700 concerts and events that take place at Carnegie Hall.

Stacey Pfeffer gives us a look into what makes Westchester County such a draw for shooting films and television shows. There are many fabulous locations close to NYC, and it is a huge, viable revenue stream that maybe we’ll see more of our favorite shows shoot closer to home!

Briarcliff  local Bill Gorlin – Structural and theatrical engineer – has worked at every Broadway theatre in NYC using engineering principles to design and develop safe, functional, and creative sets over his 25+ successful year career.

Our own, Grace Bennett, shares her first-hand experience participating in a workshop at Arc Stages in Pleasantville. She has been embracing and enjoying the art of improvisational comedy and the focus, and fun that comes with performing live.

Pamela Brown introduces us to the co-owners of Chappaqua Creative Arts (CCA). Charley & Carmel Riggs offer a range of theatrical classes to both children and adults in a creative, warm and encouraging space for participants to feel free to express their passions.

We highlight local painter, Rich Hanlon from Pleasantville, sculptor Heather Maione and painter Amy Shaw both from Chappaqua and much more in these issues.

We are showcasing creativity in our towns, trying to spark dialogue, and share stories because art is the heartbeat of culture – it challenges, inspires, and brings us together in ways that nothing else can.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time of celebration and reflection. Take a moment to pause and appreciate the arts – go to a museum, take in a show, or catch a concert.

Or try something new. This one is a favorite of mine! Check-out 54below.org – An unforgettable cabaret-style, dinner theater, nightlife experience featuring legendary artists in an elegant living-room like setting.

Remember to shine a light on the arts this season and celebrate the power of creative expression.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

Here’s to a wonderful 2025!

Elise

Autumn Vibes

by

I hope you’re all embracing every last bit of summer – enjoying vacations, time with your family and creating unforgettable memories.

As the warm, sunny days of summer gradually give way to the crisp, cooler ones of fall, we find ourselves at the threshold of a new season. This time of year, brings a unique blend of excitement and nostalgia. The air is filled with the promise of change and for many it’s a season of renewed focus and a time to press the reset button.

Our back-to-school issue is brimming with inspiration and practical advice to help you, and your family navigate this season with confidence and enthusiasm. From tips on creating effective study routines to the importance of regular sleep habits to an essay written by Pleasantville’s beloved author Ben Cheever about how kids should get back to nature and spend less time on their screens.

A visit to the enchanting grounds of Caramoor this summer had me thinking what a special place this must be in the fall, as the leaves are changing. Ella Ilan takes us behind the scenes of this hidden gem with interviews from key players. Make sure to put it on your ‘to do’ list to catch an event or have a picnic and take a stroll. Also, Ronni Diamondstein shares a touching tribute about the beloved Richard Lange, a well-known pillar in the Chappaqua community.

Deborah Raider Notis shares a wonderful story about Pleasantville’s Superwoman and Mount Pleasant’s County Legislator, Margaret Cunzio. A nod to our back-to-school theme as Margaret graduated from Byram Hills and grew up in Armonk. She has remained local and wears more hats than you can imagine. Margaret is a firefighter in Thornwood, an animal activist, on the Westchester Board of Legislators, and this is the tip of the iceberg.

In the spirit of Back-to-School, I was fortunate enough to speak with Byram Hills alum and celebrity actor, David Harbour, of the Netflix series Stranger Things. He grew up right here in Armonk, and it was fascinating to learn about his journey to success.

Ella Ilan also shares the story of Byram Hills High School’s latest accolades as the number one ranked high school in Westchester County. First-time contributor Ashley Stangel brings us an informative and motivating story about the success of the Growth and Awareness Group for Alzheimer’s – commonly known as GAGA.

As we embark on this new chapter, let’s remember that each season brings its own set of opportunities and challenges. Fall invites us to reflect, to learn, and to grow. It’s a time to set new goals, rekindle old passions, and make cherished memories with friends and loved ones.
Thank you for joining The Inside Press on this journey. We hope this issue inspires you to welcome the season with open arms and an open heart.

Here’s to a fantastic fall and a successful start to the school year!


— Elise