The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Happenings

Westchester Great Books Council Announces “A Book Discussion to End all Book Discussions” at Briarcliff High School on January 27

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The Westchester Great Books Council’s announced that two classic WW1 novels will be the focus of intensive discussion on Saturday Saturday January 27, 2024, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at  Briarcliff High School. Trained leaders will help you gain new insights through open ended questions using the “shared inquiry” style for discussion that encourages dialogue and respectful debate relying entirely on the text as the source for point and counterpoint.

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

Written when Ernest Hemingway was 30 years old and lauded as the best American novel to emerge from World War I, A Farewell to Arms is the unforgettable story of an American ambulance driver on the Italian front and his passion for a beautiful English nurse. Set against the horrors of the battlefield — weary, demoralized men marching in the rain during the German attack on Caporetto; the profound struggle between loyalty and desertion — this gripping, semiautobiographical work captures the harsh realities of war and the pain of lovers caught in its inexorable sweep.

Regeneration by Pat Barker

Pat Barker’s Booker Prize nominated historical anti-war novel explores the experience of World War I British army officers being treated for shell shock at an Edinburgh war hospital. It draws extensively on first person narratives from the period, using characters based on individuals present at the hospital including poets and patients and psychiatrist W. H. R. Rivers, who pioneered treatments of post-traumatic stress disorder during and after World War I. The novel is thematically complex, exploring the effect of the War on identity, masculinity, and social structure.

 

 
The event will include a light breakfast with beverages and a BYO lunch with beverages and dessert provided.

Cost: $15  Registration | Deadline:January 20, 2024

Make checks payable to Westchester Great Books Council and send to: Westchester Great Books Council, P.O. Box 233, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

For online registration and payment information via PayPal, write to westchestergreatbooks@gmail.com (please include your email and phone number).

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Marlins Swim Coaches Earn Top Honors for Excellence from the Metropolitan Club

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Marlins Assistant Coach Connor White; Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce; Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester CEO Alyzza Ozer; Marlins Head Coach Zak Hojnacki.

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester‘s Swim Team Head Coach Zac Hojnacki and Assistant Coach Connor White got a surprise parade  from children at the club congratulating them on being honored by Metropolitan Swimming.

The governing body for competitive swimming in the NY Metro area, named Hojnacki Senior Coach of the Year and White was named “Must Watch Age Group Coach.”

They were selected from among more than 500 coaches in 75 swim clubs in the metro area. The two coaches also received a proclamation from Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce. The Marlins are no stranger to accolades. The team was awarded Bronze level recognition from USA Swimming in 2021-22 and has routinely finished in the top 100 nationally in USA Swimming VCC.  The coaches also received a proclamation from Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce.

“Working with Zac ,Connor and all the swim team coaches is an inspiring experience,’’ said Alyzza Ozer, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester. “Together we inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential and productive responsible caring citizens.”

Hojnacki began his sixth year as Marlins Head Coach. He arrived the fall of 2018 from Tucson, Arizona, where he served as a coach for Tucson Ford Dealers Aquatics since 2012, including three years as Head Age Group Coach. When he’s not coaching, Hojnacki teaches Child Psychology and Adolescent Psychology at Iona University in New Rochelle.

 White has been working with the Marlins since 2015, after swimming as a Marlin for 13 years. As a Marlin swimmer, Connor was a multi-event Junior National qualifier, HS Section 1 Champion in the 100 Fly & 100 Back, and was a NY State top 8 finalist. He graduated from Ithaca College in 2014 with a B.S. in Health Science, with an emphasis in Exercise Science & Physiology.

 

News Courtesy of Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester

 

 

 

Storytellers Unite: Meet the Authors of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

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By Mollie Roth

The upcoming Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival will be an opportunity for young readers and their parents to connect with the authors who make reading hour and bedtime come alive. Local librarians, educators, and volunteers have planned a fantastic event where children can come together with the authors that spark their imaginations.

Headlining the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is Mary Pope Osborne, author of the beloved Magic Tree House series. Young and old, fans of Jack and Annie’s time-traveling and global-trotting adventures will have the opportunity to speak to Osborne about all their favorite stories, as well as learn about her newest books. Meeting authors like Osborne is an opportunity for children to form personal connections to books new or beloved. Chappaqua Librarian Theresa Bueti looks forward to seeing young people engage with books in a brand new way. When young patrons attend the festival, “they realize that people write books,” says Bueti, turning the solitary act of reading “real, vivid, and approachable.”

The students at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School are particularly excited to meet author Josh Funk. His book My Pet Feet won the 2023 Official March Book Madness Picture Book Bracket after being voted in by the Grafflin community and their nation-wide peers. Kaitlyn Lester, a library media specialist at Grafflin Elementary, says, “students are excited to meet [Funk], tell him how much we love My Pet Feet, and explore his other books that we are sure to love!”

Keep an eye out for Lauren Tarshis, author of the New York Times Bestselling series I Survived. Roaring Brook Elementary School’s Suzanne Stolzenberg and Andrea Schaber from West Orchard Elementary School say their students are very excited to meet the author of this disaster themed collection about children who survive a thrilling historical event. Coming to the festival shows children that “if they have something they want to say, they could write a book about it,” claims Bueti. In the aftermath of a global pandemic, perhaps Tarshis’ work will prove inspiration to young readers.

Many illustrators will also be in attendance at this year’s book festival. Head of children’s services at Chappaqua Library Robbin Friedman is particularly excited to meet Ruth Chan. “Her animal faces are so goofy, adorable, and expressive,” notes Friedman. “Everything about [Chan’s work] is weird and wonderful and exactly the right way.” Chan has a long career as an illustrator, as well as being the sole creator of books like Thank You, Neighbor! For children interested in creating and expressing themselves through art, meeting the illustrators at the festival should be a galvanizing and memorable experience.

There are seven scheduled readings throughout the festival day, where attendees can hear stories read by their authors. This is a wonderful chance for children to connect with their peers and the adults in their lives as they all encounter the same story at the same time. Author Raj Halder will be reading This Book is Banned, a picture book grappling with censorship in a delightfully silly and meaningful manner. However, the experience of being told a story is not limited to our yearly festival. Through the Chappaqua Library, anyone can rent the audiobooks of many books found at the festival. Many children’s authors read their books themselves, so children can have a little slice of the festival all year round.

The books mentioned are available for purchase at the festival, along with many other fascinating reads. However, finding new books does not have to be a once-a-year event. Stoever encourages “every child [to] find the librarians from the children’s room at the Chappaqua Public Library and speak to them.” The librarians are thrilled for this opportunity to further engage with the community, and recommend the book clubs and reading groups for anyone motivated by this year’s festival.

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Chappaqua Train Station, from 10am to 4pm. Along with the author and illustrators, there will be food trucks and a family fun zone. Admission is free, and livestream coverage of the event.  For regular updates, visit www.ccbfestival.org

Inside Press Story Presented in Partnership with the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.

Jacob Burns Center Film & Community Celebration Honored Entertainment Community Fund, Janet Maslin and Joe Carlucci; Featured Cast of How to Dance in Ohio

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Joe Benincasa, President and CEO of the Entertainment Community Fund, and Dori Berinstein, JBFC Board Member    JBFC Photos by Lynda Shenkman
Honoree Janet Maslin, JBFC Board President, with her daughter in law Jennifer Reese and son John Cheever
Lynn Sobel, JBFC Board Chair, and Honoree Joe Carlucci
How to Dance in Ohio team: Top L-R: Sammy Lopez (Producer), Liam Pierce (Cast), Desmond Edwards (Cast), Conor Tague (Cast), Ben Holtzman, Fiona Rudin, Bottom L-R: Sammi Cannold (Director), Amelia Fei (Cast), Imani Russell (Cast), Ashley Wool (Cast)
Stephen Apkon, JBFC founder
L-R: Mary Jo Ziesel, Ginny Gold, JBFC Board Member, and Laureen Barber, JBFC Board Vice Chair

 

Pleasantville, NY — A September 18 event at the Jacob Burns Film Center included the presentation of the Vision Award to the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund); the David Swope Leadership Award to Joseph P. Carlucci, JBFC Founding Board Member; a special tribute to Janet Maslin, JBFC Founding Board Member and President; and performances from the cast of the new Broadway musical, How to Dance in Ohio.

The Entertainment Community Fund received the Vision Award in recognition of its unparalleled role in supporting a life in the arts. The Fund, a national human services organization, addresses the unique needs of people who work in performing arts and entertainment with services focused on health and wellness, career and life, and housing. President and CEO Joe Benincasa accepted the award on behalf of the Entertainment Community Fund. Dori Berinstein, JBFC Board Member, Broadway producer, documentary filmmaker presented the award.

 

The evening included a special tribute to Janet Maslin, a JBFC Founding Board Member and President. Since 2001, Janet has welcomed hundreds of icons from the worlds of film, music, and literature to the JBFC. The tribute will underscore Janet’s profound impact on fostering connections between the JBFC and some of the most influential and dynamic figures in the entertainment world.

 

A founding board member, Joe Carlucci has served the JBFC tirelessly and passionately over the years. A partner at Cuddy & Feder, Joe’s community involvement spans numerous nonprofit organizations, including Mercy College and Westchester Community College. 

The cast of How to Dance in Ohio performed two numbers from the heart-filled musical, which begins preview performances on Broadway on November 15. Based on the award-winning HBO documentary, the show is about seven autistic young adults preparing for a spring formal dance at a group counseling center in Columbus, Ohi0 – on the cusp of the next phase of their lives, facing their hopes and fears, ready to make a very big first move… and dance. 

Inside Press story presented in partnership with the Jacob Burns Film Center.

 

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