The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Happenings

Festive Stroll of Holiday Homes: November 22 and 23

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The Ossining Children’s Center (OCC) will be the beneficiary of the Festive Stroll of Holiday Homes, Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23, 2019. The event is produced in partnership with Holbrook Cottage, a lifestyle shop located in Briarcliff Manor.

The Festive Stroll, founded 21 years ago by Sue Taub of Holbrook Cottage and of Briarcliff Manor, will feature decorating traditions from around the world that will be displayed in three Sleepy Hollow homes. In addition to the magnificent decorations, the Stroll will highlight the rich history of the Philipse Manor neighborhood.

Two of the classic homes, both built in the 1920’s, will whisk strollers away to countries around the world through creative table settings, unique floral displays, and Christmas trees decorated in styles representing various cultures. Guests will travel from the British Isles, to Scandinavia, to Latin America, experiencing a rich tapestry of global Christmas traditions.

Thanksgiving will also be celebrated along the Stroll in a home that will become the true expression of a harvest bounty. Abundant displays of flowers and gourds will give visitors wonderful ideas to take home for their very own Thanksgiving celebrations the following Thursday!          

Guests will also experience Hanukkah through children’s eyes, in a whimsically decorated playroom featuring games and songs. The room will be punctuated with an eclectic display of menorahs, encompassing many styles and traditions.

On Friday, November 22, there will be a Festive Stroll Benefit Luncheon at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club, located in Scarborough, NY. Throughout the weekend, small festive touches will entice guests into the holiday spirit. Victorian carolers and a jovial holiday display will greet shoppers as they enter Holbrook Cottage to browse through the distinctive decorative items available for purchase. “The Stroll is an immersive holiday experience attracting revelers from as far as Eastern Connecticut and Southern New Jersey,” said Festive Stroll committee chair Clorissa Gioscia of Briarcliff Manor. “This year promises to be bigger and better than ever.”

All Festive Stroll proceeds will go to the Ossining Children’s Center’s Tuition Assistance Fund. OCC’s tuition program provides quality educational child care to children here regardless of their families’ incomes. Each year the Center enables more than 100 low- and moderate-income parents to maintain steady employment and to model a positive work ethic for their children. During their time at OCC children gain the skills and tools they need to succeed in school and in life. OCC instills a strong foundation enabling every child to reach their full potential. For more information about tour times and destinations and ticket purchase options for the Festive Stroll of Holiday Homes call the Ossining Children’s Center at 941-0230, ext. 22. Also be sure to visit ossiningchildrenscenter.org

Halloween Haunt at Smith’s Tavern

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Ghouls, goblins and ghosts just might make an appearance at the fifth annual Halloween Haunt sponsored by the North Castle Historical Society. The two-day event features a haunted house, pumpkin painting, games, face painting and more.

Admission is $7.00 and the event will take place rain or shine.

October 26: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
October 27: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

November Happenings

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Briarcliff Manor Public Library (1 Library Road)

‘From Dino to Doo Wop’
The Musical History of the 50s, Saturday, November 2, 2-3:15 p.m. A live musical journey with ‘Joey G.’ For more information, contact Donna Pesce at dpesce@wlsmail.org or 914-941-7072

‘Young Washington’
Sunday, November 17 at 2 p.m. Talk by New York Times best-selling author Peter Stark at the Briarcliff Manor Scarborough Historical Society: How wilderness and war forged America’s Founding Father. 1 Library Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY. Registration is recommended; seating is limited on a first come, first serve basis. Write to Karen Smith at mail@briarcliffhistory.org, 914-941-4393, or Shirley Glick at sglick@wlsmail.org, 914-941-7072

Maryknoll International Film Festival

Maryknoll Society Center
55 Ryder Rd, Ossining, NY
The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers 13th season of our International Film Festival starts in September. The International Film Festival is open to the public.

Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Students Build Storage Shed As Thank You Gift for Community

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A 10 foot by 12 foot shed built by hand from this year’s Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program (CSSP) students will soon be used to help with storage needs at Horace Greeley High School as construction continues at the high school. The shed was built as a way to give thanks to the Chappaqua community for supporting the program, now in its 51st year. Each summer Chappaqua invites 22-24 promising students from under resourced schools in the Bronx to join the community. The program is made possible because Chappaqua families open their homes up to host these students.

Although none of the students are construction workers several donned hard hats and worked with hammers nailing together the floor, walls and roof. “Over the years, the Chappaqua Central School District has been incredibly supportive of our program. We wanted to give thanks and this shed was the perfect way to do so. Our Bronx CSSP students have had a great time building it and we are grateful four our teachers, Mike DeBellis and Chris Stasi for making this happen,” commented Ellen Adnopoz, the Executive Director of CSSP.

“This is something I would never do in the Bronx,” commented Brian Nunez, a second-year student in the program. For three consecutive years, these specially selected students like Brian attend academic classes at one of the Chappaqua schools in the mornings and participate in a range of recreational and cultural activities in the afternoon. The program which is entirely run by volunteers seeks to broaden the students’ horizons and also help prepare them for college.

The shed will remain on the HGHS campus indefinitely.

Windmill Triathlon Celebrates Its 15th Year on August 31st

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It’s not too late for swimmers, bikers and runners to sign up and take part in the annual Windmill Triathlon on August 31st. Now in its 15th year, the race was originally conceived by Windmill residents “who saw a great opportunity to celebrate the community through having a low-key triathlon for its members and the residents of nearby communities,” explains Todd Zipper, a Windmill resident and one of the race organizers. “It has a great community vibe with lots of newcomers to triathlon. We also have practice days so people can get familiar with the course,” he adds.

Last year, there were approximately 80 racers. Some of them were part of relay teams, which is a good opportunity for individuals who want to be part of the triathlon, but are not quite ready to swim, bike, and run. “We are hoping to beat our record from last year in terms of participants, but generally, the race is not highly publicized,” notes Zipper.

The Windmill Triathlon is considered a Sprint triathlon with race distances of a 650-yard swim at Windmill Lake, a 14-mile bike ride that goes through a lot of Armonk and some of Bedford, and a 3.6 mile run all in the Windmill community. There are race prizes for various different race groups – women, men, Windmill resident, etc. The prizes are typically for gift certificates to various local businesses who continue to support the triathlon.

This year for the first time, all racers will wear timing chips so that official results can be recorded. In addition, the race organizers have also created a website for race registration – Runsignup.com/Race/NY/Armonk/WindmillTriathlon2019. The race is $84.80 for those who sign up prior to race day and $100 on race day.

The race always takes place on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend, which this year is Saturday, August 31st at 7:30 am. The race begins at The Windmill Club, 10 Maple Way in Armonk. And for racers who have young children, babysitting is available on-site through one of the race sponsors, Breezemont Day Camp so that children can cheer their parents on all in a safe and fun environment.