• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

  • Home
  • Advertise
    • Advertise in One or All of our Magazines
    • Advertising Payment Form
  • Print Subscription
  • Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Login
  • Contact Us

Armonk

Back to Calm & Peace

August 18, 2023 by Grace Bennett

Grace Bennett Photo   by Donna Mueller

While it may seem counterintuitive, ‘back to school,’ with its flurry of activities and family fun events, can also bring a renewed sense of calm and peace. Maybe that involves setting some new goals for yourself… a class, a job search, a new exercise (pickleball anyone?), eating more healthfully, joining a book club, taking in a hot new movie (or two, or three!), a live arts performance, or just browsing anew inside one of the independently owned bookstores, we are so lucky to have in abundance in northern Westchester. If this time of year brings you calm, if it brings you peace, then it’s also likely bringing you joy. Hey, run with that and accept your good fortune with a healthy dose of gratitude.

If you are dealing with hardship in any arena, and I can relate, it might also be a good time to study the art and science of resilience. At a workshop I attended on Navigating Change at Kripalu, a popular yoga and spiritual retreat in the Berkshires, we were advised to face and respect that which is difficult. The challenge, a wise instructor offered, is to shift even slightly to imagining a more positive story than the one you’re living, to eliminate obstacles (she called them ‘goblins’), and slowly take steps, even baby ones, so that the change you are seeking can become your new reality.

So with a greater sense of calm and peace, I had a great time getting these editions ready, from visiting the Miller House to help celebrate a new grant to playing pickleball in Armonk’s Lombardi Park with “the pickleball ladies.”  Kudos to Dawn Greenberg and her team for a 10th year of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, and to the Greeley Boys Swim & Dive Team who are aiming for a third NYS win (which would be unprecedented)!  More notes of congrats: to the Pleasantville Children’s Center on 50 years of excellence, and to Megan Stopera, a Curling champ in Briarcliff Manor, who could be a contender for an Olympic medal! 

As for the Inside Press, well into a 20th year, we have already shared a variety of testimonials and will continue doing so.

In fact, following dinner with a very special neighbor and friend in town – who so many know and admire as a paragon of resilience and perseverance – I asked if she’d be open to writing a testimonial about this press. And voila! I’m very proud and grateful to include Hillary Clinton’s kind words during this publishing period, with only one more ‘cycle’ to go! (Our holiday/winter 2023 editions mail November 10.)

Please enjoy all our contributors’ fine work here. Wishing you all calm and peaceful days this fall season and year round.  –  Grace

Filed Under: Just Between Us Tagged With: 20th year edition, Armonk, Back to School, Briarcliff Manor, Calm and Peace, Chappaqua, Editor's Letter, Hillary Clinton, Inside Press, Just Between Us, Lombardi Park, Pleasantville

Popular Sport Takes Hold in North Castle – Thanks to The Pickleball Ladies of Armonk

August 18, 2023 by Fran Goldstein

North Castle’s (L-R): Dara Lepofsky, Wendy Ranieri and Heather Hecht
PHOTOS BY DONNA MUELLER

As a long-time competitive tennis player, Heather Hecht was hardly impressed when she first saw people playing pickleball. “I thought it was a very noisy sport that looked like a completely ridiculous made-up game,” she recalled.

“But the fact that the players were having so much fun stuck with me. So, a few years later, while vacationing in South Carolina with my family, I noticed some courts and decided to give it a shot since I’ve always been eager to play any racket sport,” said the Pleasantville resident whose kids are in the Byram Hills Central School District.

Heather instantly fell in love with the game, which is often described as a mix of tennis, racquetball, badminton, and Ping-Pong. She introduced it to her family, as well as to her close friend and Armonk resident, Dara Lepofsky. Dara, another lifelong tennis player, was also smitten and became determined to make it available to residents in her community.

Before long, the two helped pave the way for the fastest-growing sport in the United States to take root in Armonk. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, more than 8.9 million people in the United States now play pickleball, up from 4.8 million in 2022.

Last year, Dara, who oversees the tennis program at the Windmill Club, convinced management and fellow board members to paint pickleball lines on one of the tennis courts. The catch was that a pickleball instructor had to come on board to teach and to make sure the court would be well used. Dara turned to Heather, who had previously taught tennis at a local camp. The two created a curriculum, and Heather’s classes booked immediately. Residents who had already taken up pickleball were thrilled to have a place to play and take lessons close to home. One resident created a community group on the popular Team Reach phone app so residents could communicate and coordinate playtimes. Over the past year, the club painted additional courts, offered more classes, and planned periodic social events, thus giving the sport its due alongside tennis.

“It was like if you build it, they will come,” joked Heather.

 

A Little Pipe Dream Come True

“Within two years, the little pipe dream we came up with while sitting at the beach in South Carolina has become a reality in the area, and I couldn’t be more proud,” said Dara, who is a school psychologist for the Mamaroneck School District.

For Heather, a former benefits consultant, the sport provided a new teaching career. Not long after her classes started at Windmill, the Town of North Castle Parks and Recreation Department joined the ranks of community centers around the country eager to offer facilities for the popular sport and hired Heather to teach.

The Town launched the pickleball program at Lombardi Town Park’s tennis courts last fall, and Heather’s first four introductory classes sold out. Given the interest among residents, the Town offered a winter class on an unused basketball court at the North White Plains Gym, as well as several spring classes at Lombardi, ultimately reaching about 120 residents. Pickleball lines were also painted at Winkler Park’s tennis courts, so the Town now has six public courts for the sport, and residents can play on a first-come-first serve basis. Beginner and intermediate classes are expected to be part of the Town’s recreation programs in the fall, winter and spring.

To some pickleball afficianados, the situation is not ideal since the lines are painted on existing tennis courts, sometimes causing confusion, and players have to learn how to properly adjust the tennis net. “Ultimately, I would love to see the town find space to build dedicated courts so pickleball players have their own place to play,” said Heather, noting that it’s difficult to find dedicated courts except perhaps at private clubs that have converted paddle ball or basketball courts. “But I’m thrilled that we’ve come so far,” she said.

And with public facilities now available, Armonk residents started hitting the courts for pick-up games this summer.

“At the end of Heather’s spring intermediate class, several of us wanted to continue to play,” said Wendy Ranieri, a retired physical education teacher who decided to take pickleball classes to stay active and meet new people. After Heather created a TeamReach group, Wendy took it upon herself to become the group administrator and encourage fellow players to use the phone app to schedule games.

“It’s wonderful to have a core group of people who I see regularly twice a week on the courts,” said Wendy. Ironically, she recalls playing a version of pickleball in college and then improvising in the gymnasium with her middle-school students to keep boredom at bay in the winter months. “I’ve come full circle,” she joked, “but of course the game is very different now.”

The sport has been around since 1965, but started soaring in popularity around 2018. Compared with tennis, pickleball is relatively easy to learn. The plastic, wiffle-like ball doesn’t bounce as much, and the shorter, lighter racket is easier to handle. There’s also less running required since most people play doubles games, and the court is smaller than a tennis court.

“I can’t think of another sport that you can learn well enough within an hour to actually play and feel successful,” Heather said. “You can quickly attain a level of confidence to say ‘yes’ when someone invites you to play. It also provides good exercise, but is easier on the bones and joints, and you can feel like you’re getting cardio without killing yourself.”

But perhaps its biggest appeal is simply that it is a fun social activity. Even players who play competitively can be heard laughing and enjoying themselves. While initially it was most popular with those in middle age and older, 20 and 30-year-olds across the country have discovered the sport. It also lends itself to a great family activity. Both Heather and Dara’s children – ranging in age from 12 to 17 – have been willing to join their moms on the courts.

“It’s taken on a life of its own, and I couldn’t stop it if I wanted to,” said Heather, who now teaches at several locations in the area. “As a teacher, it’s very rewarding to see people pick it up so quickly and have so much fun playing. And seeing pickleball taking off in North Castle has been beyond amazing.”

Where To Play

The list of places where you can play the country’s hottest sport is growing throughout the area. Several public parks have repurposed some of their existing tennis courts to accommodate pickleball. Here’s a roundup of just a few of the public facilities in our local communities.

Armonk – Lombardi Park

85 Cox Avenue
Two tennis courts with pickleball lines
Drop-in play based on availability

Pleasantville – Foxwood Condominiums Park

9 Foxwood Drive
Three tennis courts with pickleball lines
Drop-in play based on availability

Chappaqua – Town Hall Basketball Court

200 S Greeley Ave
One court (sign up in advance)
Sundays: 9 am -12 pm
Mondays: 9 am – 1 pm
Thursdays: 5 pm – 8 pm   

Briarcliff Manor – Chilmark Park

48 Macy Road
Six pickleball courts
Drop-in play open to residents and nonresidents based on availability.
Permits required (application available on briarcliffmanor.gov.

Bedford – Winkler Park

Off Greenwich Banksville Road
One tennis court with pickleball lines
Drop-in play based on availability

To search for additional locations, check out the USA Pickleball Association’s search function: places2play.org

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Armonk, Briarcliff Manor, Chappaqua, Lombardi Park, North Castle, Pickleball, Pleasantville, Popular Sport, Where to play Pickleball

How ‘Bout That?

February 25, 2023 by Grace Bennett

Photo by Mia Brown

Age may be just a number, but the shelf life of a print publication these days is most decidedly not. It speaks volumes, and I am owning that! When I published a first edition in 2003, I was fully prepared for it to be a one-hit wonder. I let go of my fear and gave it the old college try. And then, lo and behold, it took hold, and I had more than enough sponsors to keep it going. And going, and going it positively did… and here I am, with a 20th year commemorative edition in print and online. Well, how ‘bout that?

Throughout the Inside Press journey, I have navigated and published (always delivering on time… a point of pride!) through different personal crises, and in these most recent years, a world crisis. I write this in fact with some long Covid symptoms unfortunately still plaguing me. Nothing too dire. Hopefully, that all clears up soon. I have my May/June issues to work on next after all!

Being a tad insecure, as well, I have always thought that any issue could be my last. Chalk that up to my being a child of Holocaust survivors. Maybe it’s hard for us to trust the universe entirely.

It didn’t matter that those closest to me would roll their eyes at all my angst. No one close to me ever believed me, not for a Chappaqua minute. I’m hand wringing less these days, I’m glad to report.

Fortunately, I’ve reached an age that if I went belly up, or bottom down, you know what? I’d be ok, too. More than ok. It might even be ‘a choice’ I make one day. A ‘Next Act’ could have its very own silver linings.  I expect I’ll be as excited for that one day as I was about launching a hyperlocal publishing company.

It’s a ‘good head space’ to be in, and a ‘Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” ‘tude is a terrific confidence builder (ask any Gone with the Wind fan). I would not have shared these most inner thoughts at the 10-year mark, but at my 20th, I do feel more free. I have earned that privilege, thank you very much.

No man or woman is an island, and that couldn’t be more true in publishing either. It’s fairly obvious that the real estate community is an enthusiastic supporter of the Inside Press, and I’m of course indebted to their collective generosity! A group of eminently kind testimonials from an interesting cross section of other businesses are also going to my head!  I’m hoping their words, occasionally shared, are an enticement for past advertisers to collaborate with me again, or for new ones to come knocking.

Finally, I couldn’t publish successfully without a group of contributor pros (their faces and bios are in each edition!).   https://www.theinsidepress.com/meet-the-inside-press-contributing-team/If my 20th year stands for anything, it’s for the considerable talent of our past, present and future creative ensemble!

For the Armonk edition, which turns 10 next year, (how ’bout that, too!) I engaged a great local talent, Illeana Baquero, to put her own spin on Spring.

In the Pleasantville & Briarcliff edition,  now in its third year, I chose to cover spotlight a prominent local author, Ben Cheever. After all, I’m celebrating the power of writing in many ways right now with these editions, too.

I hope you enjoy all the new ‘content’ online including some first time Advertiser Testimonials. https://www.theinsidepress.com/20-years-of-inside-press-what-makes-us-stand-out/I’m eternally grateful for the sponsor support, as without it, I couldn’t gather all the wonderful stories! Or pay my bills, but I digress. Aside from the 20th year drum roll, we’ve included compelling artist profiles, Maggie Mae love, sweet essays, spring-themed pieces (get your planters and hiking shoes ready!), an artists’ residency, and more. I would love your feedback too and your story ideas. If I’m known for anything, I hope it has been for my openness to you, dear reader, here, and beyond.

Filed Under: Just Between Us Tagged With: 20 years, anniversary, Armonk, Briarcliff Manor, Chappaqua, Gone with the Wind, Grace Bennett, Pleasantville, Publisher, publishing, The Inside Press

The Celebrated Armonk Outdoor Art Show Celebrates SIXTY with a Special Emphasis on StoryTelling!

August 25, 2022 by Abigail Glickman

One of the many hallmarks of this town, and one of the best reasons to live here, or visit here, is the opportunity to attend the beloved Armonk Outdoor Art Show! This year’s show has ‘special’ written all over it as it marks the show’s 60th anniversary, after all. The Art Show is a fun experience for all ages and get ready, get set… it’s happening October 1st and 2nd!

The newly appointed director of the show, Nicole Blum stated: “People have told me they moved to the town from the city because of the art show.” There is something for everyone of all ages: there will be children’s activities such as clay workshops, drink and food vendors, and artists of all different mediums will be represented. Some food vendors will be Captain Lawrence serving beer and wine, DeCicco & Sons serving salads and sandwiches, Penny Licks dishing out ice cream, Fortina doing pizza and burgers, and several more! Expect a return of the Byram Hills High School tent too–a really fun spot where many local talented high schoolers proudly display their artwork.

Ultimately, the show is about the artists! This year, expect about 140 different artists–many favorites are returning and exciting new ones are debuting for the first time.

Artist Michel Delgado.

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is a nonprofit event that raises money for the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc. For over 60 years, the money raised thanks to the show has been earmarked to help support our local library’s programs, theater groups and to build upgrades for Armonk and North White Plains locations. All the work is performed by volunteers and that holds a special place in the town’s heart too because, as Blum noted, “it is a small-town community event put on by the community.”

To help celebrate 60 years, a special exhibit with the theme called Art of Storytelling will be offered for the first time. The artists were told to use a book as their canvas and create a piece of artwork. The instructions were very open-ended, the idea being to leave it to the artist’s creativity to interpret the theme. Artists may deconstruct, reimagine, or recycle a book in any way they want, for example. The theme is aimed to help highlight the work of the foundation and that of the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc.

As Blum said: “Authors take you on a journey–it’s an escape. The same is true for art: artists take the viewer on a journey.” Many people may think art is very different from reading, however both mediums engage the viewer in a pleasurable, memory making experience. They will be unveiling the Art of Storytelling pieces on September 29. The works will be auctioned that same night, but the show’s producers will not be passing them along to the winners until after the art show. First, a tent at the show will display all the works of the exhibit.

To help raise money for the Friends of North Castle Public Library, Inc, and gather momentum for the upcoming show, the art show had also set up a tent set up during the Fol De Rol. There, anyone who donated a minimum of $35 received a tote bag as a “thank you”. The tote bags are “bright, cheerful and a great way to show support for the art show,” said Blum. The tote bags were designed by local artist Rachel Forman, who is a co-chair of the Art Show! Thankfully, they are still available for purchase! For those who are interested in receiving one, please email info@armonkoutdoorartshow.org or check the link at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show on Instagram.

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show requires enormous behind the scenes work and love to help it run smoothly. With over 32 committees, the considerable effort of all the volunteers pays off handsomely to help make it an event at which the whole community can come together for an enjoyable time. As Nicole Blum said beautifully, it is a day of “wonderful feelings of tradition and excitement.” So come on out and browse gorgeous art pieces, consider a purchase that can complete your home, all the while enjoying your friends and neighbors, and of course, any of your favorite treats!

For more information and to keep up with all its awesome plans, please visit, armonkoutdoorartshow.org, or check them out on any of your favorite social media.

The Art Show’s tote bags.

Filed Under: Cover Stories, Gotta Have Arts Tagged With: 60th Anniversary, Abigail Glickman, Annual Art Show, Armonk, Art, The Armonk Outdoor Art Show

Surviving and Thriving in a Hamlet’s Pandemic: How Breezemont Rose to the Occasion

August 25, 2022 by Johnny Cozza

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world entirely. Across the globe, we saw people take initiative and ensure the safety of others with the use of masks, social distancing, and other protocols when the pandemic was still young. However, as time had passed and quarantine mandates began to lighten, there was a call to action for a safer sense of normalcy. Armonk, just like the rest of the world, faced the pandemic head on. Restaurants were only dining out, stores had limited space for consumers, and (almost) everyone wore masks. In a time of uncertainty, our town managed to come together and place the health and well-being of Armonkians above all else. 

In particular, the extraordinary initiatives put in place by places like the Byram Hills School District (which has been reported on here in a previous issue), and at Breezemont Day Camp (the focus of this article) were perfect examples of how any institution could take strides to help manage in a pandemic, even thrive, and help others thrive.  In the fall of 2020, the pandemic was at one of its many peaks.

With more people falling ill, there was a push for things to return as they once were…

Schools began to teach in person again, but the risk of exposure was high. As a way of making ends meet, Breezemont set up  up day care for children of teachers within our district! Within this facility, there were rooms students could take online classes, a playground for recess, and various other utilities that allowed these children to have a good time even if the world felt bleak. Although it might not seem like much, this opportunity allowed for those children to return to a sense of normalcy for the time being. Amongst the chaos of this pandemic, it was a trying time to be alive. Though options were slim and everyone had been waiting for a vaccination, these children could experience somewhat of a regular classroom experience. Within the nurturing walls of Breezemont, these children grew, experienced a once and a lifetime pandemic, and made friends with others they wouldn’t have met otherwise. 

Working amongst these children during this time was extremely valuable, personally. Seeing how the pandemic had affected people from ages 10 to 12 allowed me to step back and look at this pandemic from a different perspective. Most notably, I saw how their relationships developed with one another; most of them came into this program not knowing the other kids who were involved. Some had siblings, but others didn’t. Watching them adapt to their environment and create friendships with strangers was not only endearing to watch, but provided an escape from the daily dread that resulted from the  pandemic.

I remember when I was working with one of the children, it had been their first day, and it was scary. Being placed in an environment where you know no one can be intimidating, so being able to provide a sense of comfort to those kids made it all worthwhile.

As a community, Armonk came together and that type of unity is what got us through the pandemic. Without each other, who knows what would have happened.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Armonk, Breezemont, community, Coping with Covid, Johnny Cozza, Mask Up

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 27
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • JBFC Gala Honored Entertainment Community Fund, Janet Maslin and Joe Carlucci; Featured Cast of How to Dance in Ohio
  • 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
  • Historic Hudson Valley Events Kick Off with The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
  • “Take a Bite out of Hunger” Benefit for The Mount Kisco Interfaith Pantry to Take Place October 15, 2023
  • A Dunk Tank and So Much More Anticipated at the Rotary Club’s Community Day in Chappaqua on September 9
  • Back to Calm & Peace

Please Visit

Feed Me Fresh
William Raveis – Chappaqua
William Raveis – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Briarcliff
Youtherapy Med Spa
Compass: Generic
Korth & Shannahan
Douglas Elliman: Generic
Briarcliff Manor Dental Care
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
NY Ketamine
Raveis: Stacey Sporn
NYOMIS – Dr. Andrew Horowitz
Beecher Flooks Funeral Home
Compass: Natalia Wixom
Rocks by Jolie B. Ray
Shames JCC
Stacee Massoni
Steffi Nossen
Hickory & Tweed
Compass: Yona Stougo
Pleastanville Community Synagogue

Follow our Social Media

The Inside Press

Our Latest Issues

For a full reading of our current edition, or to obtain a copy or subscription, please contact us.

Inside Chappaqua Inside Armonk Inside Pleasantville

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Subscription
  • Print Subscription

Footer

Support The Inside Press

Advertising

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Did you know you can subscribe anytime to our print editions?

Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.

Subscribe Today

Copyright © 2023 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in