The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Armonk

Socks that Rock and the Guys Behind Them

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David (left) and Andrew Heath with their colorful Bombas socks.
David (left) and Andrew Heath with their colorful Bombas socks.

By Beth Besen

Socks. We all need them, we all wear them. Without doubt, most everyone has a sock drawer. Maybe even two sock drawers. There are socks for sports, even specific socks for specific sports, and socks for everyday wear.

And yet, socks are, well, to put them in garment industry terms, “basics”. Often sold in multi-set packages and merchandised with other foundations, socks, ironically, aren’t exactly known for ‘knocking our socks off’.

That is, until a couple of local guys put the sexy in socks. Not X-rated sexy, but purpose driven, integrity-driven, win-win driven sexy. And it all started with a quote…

“Socks are the number one most requested clothing item at homeless shelters”-David and Andrew Heath read that, and it moved them to want to do something to help. They realized that buying and donating a bunch of socks might accomplish something in the short term, but would have little sustaining long term impact. So, they put their considerable backgrounds in business and finance together and came up with a bee-utiful plan.

Bombas donates a pair of socks for every pair sold Bombas comes from the Latin word for bumblebee. That bees work communally to enrich their hives made them a perfect symbol for the Heath brothers; as they put it, “when we say Bee Better, we mean it as a mantra, a way of approaching every day. It’s stitched into the inside of every pair of Bombas for a reason. It’s a reminder to push yourself harder to be better at your athletic pursuits. A reminder that these socks are engineered and designed with thought to bee better. A reminder that you helped someone in need with your purchase. And a reminder that we’re all connected and little improvements can add up to make a big difference.”

Busy bees, one and all Andrew and David (and a younger sister Emily) grew up in Armonk, where their parents always modeled the importance of taking part in and giving back to the community.

Dad Robert, who invented the Fibrar safety system that supports wood-chipped playgrounds, was President and Chairman of the Board of the Music Conservatory of Westchester. He is also involved with the Armonk Outdoor Art Show which raises money for the local library (you can read more about both the Music Conservatory and the Armonk Outdoor Art Show in our last issue: theinsidepress.com/).

Mom Linda was President of the Harrison PTA before the family moved to Armonk. After the move and without skipping a beat, she became president of the Byram Hills Scholarship Fund and also volunteered for eight years as a costumer in the Byram Hills Theatre program. Linda is a CFP and, as such, has done pro bono financial literacy work in the greater Westchester County community. She has been on the Board of the Mount Kisco Child Care Center, and also served as President for two years.

Even as a young boy, David always knew he wanted to run his own business. Later, in high school, he realized there was only one college he wanted to attend; he applied early to Babson College, was accepted and graduated in 2005.

Andrew, the more athletic of the brothers, went to Occidental University to play water polo. He graduated in 2004 with a degree in economics and spent eight years in corporate finance. Recognizing how much David loved his Babson education, Andrew decided to attend Babson for an MBA, completed in 2012.

Today, both brothers live in Manhattan but, whether for a family dinner or to escape the noise and heat of the city, find that they frequently return home to visit. They say they “carry a great sense of community from Armonk”, consider it home and would definitely think about moving back one day. They recall a shared memory of having envied kids who went to bigger schools than Armonk’s, but today realize the value of coming from a small town. In fact, David allows that he is “best friends with 12 guys who are all from Armonk and see each other weekly.”

More s-o-c-k-s moments…

An old joke comes to mind. It helps to know a bit of Spanish, but it’s pretty accessible regardless. Basically, a traveler from Spain, who forgot to pack socks, finds he needs them when he arrives in the states. He goes to the store and tells the salesman that he needs socks, “Necesito calcetines.” The salesman does not speak Spanish, but wants to help and wants to make a sale, so he points to his shirt. The visitor shakes his head no. The salesman then points to his pants. Again, the visitor shakes his head no. Looking ever more perplexed, the salesman next lifts the leg of his pants and points to his sock. The visitor claps and smiles, shakes his head yes and says, “Eso si que es!” Salesman replies, “Well if you could spell it, why didn’t you say so!?” *rimshot please*

Goofy jokes aside, most of us recognize that “eso si que es/that’s it” moment. Another word is epiphany. Andrew and David had an epiphany when they read the quote that changed their lives. Today, their company, Bombas, continues to change the lives of many others. They say they see themselves continuing to focus “on building a brand that people love to be a part of, designing products that people wear proudly and bringing awareness and help to the less fortunate.”

Beth Besen is the Executive Editor of this magazine, and a very happy and satisfied Bombas customer.

Dr. William Donohue, Superintendent, Byram Hills Central School District

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Pinksy D'Angelo Studio Photo
Pinksy D’Angelo Studio Photo

By Eileen Gallagher

Admired, respected and well-liked by all, Dr. William Donohue is a name familiar to most, if not all, families in the Byram Hills School District. With the start of the new school year quickly approaching, Inside Armonk caught up with this Big Man on Campus to bring him up close and personal.

What you might be surprised to learn about Dr. Donohue…

He has travelled to 36 countries at last count. Taking advantage of some time off during summer and winter breaks, Donohue visits locations across the globe including exotic destinations such as Cambodia, India, or the Mediterranean. Much of the excitement of his travels comes from sketching out his plans ahead of time. Donohue loves to visit places “with historical or cultural interest.” He is fascinated with everything historic and romantic about ancient culture, and has a collection both at home and in his office of antiquities from Asia and Africa. “I like to understand and learn, where has this been? Who made this?”

What does he love about his job?

Donohue admires institutions.

Describing one of his passions, Donohue phrased it as “trying to build a quality institution that offers something lasting and valuable for the community.”

“Institutions offer so much,” he continued. “You meet a variety of people, and have the chance to learn about those beyond the family.”

Donohue feels that our academic institutions make us civilized. “There is a sense of tradition, of belonging to a community.”

Donohue also enjoys “getting to influence the influencers.” He continued, “I reach many more kids than if I was in the classroom.” He does, however, miss the dynamic conversations with kids that would take place throughout the day in his capacity as a teacher.

How did he become involved in the field of education?

Originally from the D.C. area, he felt as though he “coasted” through his high school years–school was just not something that he put a lot of energy into. It wasn’t until his undergraduate years at the University of Maryland that his interest in studies was awakened. Inspired by his coursework and some of his professors, Donohue pursued a degree in English. He didn’t stop there, however. Continuing his education, he earned a master’s degree in counseling from The George Washington University, and then a master’s in administration from Harvard. Ultimately, he attended Columbia University in New York and received a doctorate in administration.

Donohue, who lives on the Upper West Side, had been an English teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, and the director of guidance before serving as the Byram Hills High School principal for 11 years beginning in 1997. “It was a great time–the district was growing, there was a need for programming, and change…”

What would he like parents to know?

Donohue advises parents to make a connection with their child’s principal. The principal is the most important person to contact if there is an issue for a child. Having established a relationship with the principal beforehand, parents will feel more comfortable meeting again should challenging circumstances arise.

What is so special about the Byram Hills School District?

“The community and schools are so closely tied. Everyone from the superintendent to the teachers feels accountable to the community.” Donohue spoke of how everyone has worked to build a coherent system from top to bottom, as a team.

Armonk also has a very active “succession planning initiative.” According to Donohue, about half of the administrators in the district have come from within. As such, some administrators have given up tenure up to three times as they moved into higher positions, including the superintendent.

There is a culture of high expectations in Armonk. As such, the Board of Education has set in place a Five Year Renewable Tenure plan, ensuring that teachers maintain the high standards that are so valued in the district.

What does education look like going forward?

Technology is about to bloom in education, similarly to industry in the 80’s. There is a shift from teachers as information providers to helping students manage information and solve problems with it. Physical classrooms are becoming more dynamic, with students having access to information at any time and from other sources.

What would Donohue change about education if he could?

The current reform obsession. “It is a one size fits all method, with sizes often being determined by someone who hasn’t been inside a classroom since their own school days. This is careless, dangerous, and arrogant.”

Growth and change are part and parcel of a highly sought-after school district such as Byram Hills. With Donohue at the helm, the Byram Hills School District is in excellent hands.

Eileen Gallagher is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Inside Chappaqua and now Inside Armonk. The mother of a college junior and high school senior, and former teacher and PTA chairperson, she has a great deal of respect and admiration for those in the field of education.

 

 

 

 

 

A Cool Home

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If you are looking for a place to call home, and a cool home, too, Armonk, NY, well, defines cool.

Mike Dardano Photos
Mike Dardano Photos
Consider the summer’s First Thursday event supporting residents and their families and North Castle merchants alike. From coverage of entertainment in gorgeous Armonk Square, it’s clear that smiles were in no short supply. You can always catch our coverage too on Facebook via the Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines Facebook biz page; I’ll typically share my news with “Armonk Moms” too, which I know many follow. I know I don’t want to miss the last First Thursday on September 3rd; and look forward to what next summer brings.

“Save the date” events are always wonderful, but for the “everyday” and to fill leisure time in between, consider a hike,  perhaps with a friend or your significant other to clear your mind or solidify a bond. We are happy to bring you a “keeper” of a story highlighting the wonderful nature offerings in North Castle–great places to walk and hike on a beautiful fall day, perhaps.

I’m especially thrilled we can also point the way to “hidden gem” playgrounds galore. My own kids are 19 and 23, but memories of playground time with them will never leave me. A dear friend and I (“Sue” now lives outside of San Francisco), called ourselves “the Playground hoppers.” We’d pen in dates for our two- year-old boys to “find a new one” locally or venture elsewhere in Westchester. Each playground had its own unique “personality;” a visit was an adventure that would reenergize us, and to the kids, mini vacation! The boys grew closer, and so did we. We’d pack sandwiches, juice, water…and GO!  Before you know it, your littlest ones will be boarding the kindergarten bus, and carefree playground odysseys will become fewer and more precious.

If you are already “past those years,” we’ve got “back to school” well covered, too, with a profile of Superintendent Donohue and a close up of the BHPTSA. A look back at a fundraising walk for the amazing Sunrise Day Camp and a story about an exceptional camp for your youngest rock stars help round out the issue too. Enjoy! — Grace

Fun for all at First Thursday

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Mike Dardano Photos
Mike Dardano Photos

By Sarah Jane Weill

This summer, on the first Thursday of every month Armonk Square comes alive with fun, laughter, and dancing. These nights are appropriately called First Thursday, an event designed by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce to offer “art, music, in-store promotion, dining, wine tastings and more” for the Armonk community and its residents. A First Thursday night, lasting from 5-9 p.m., has occurred in June, July, and August so far. The last one will take place on September 3rd.

With the newly built Armonk Square, the town now has the opportunity to host even more exciting events. “The Chamber had been working to bring some distinctive events to town with the intent to bring more business to the businesses,” explains Armonk Chamber of Commerce President Neal Schwartz. Therefore, the creation of First Thursday seemed a great way to combine Armonk’s wide variety of restaurants with music and art for a whole evening of activity that would appeal to residents and benefit business. “First Thursday was a natural fit during the warmer summer months,” he adds when comparing it to some of the Chamber’s other popular events such as Frosty Day, a Cider and Donut Festival, and Citizen of the Year golf outing and dinners.

So far, it seems that First Thursday is working out great. “Overall the merchants are very happy with the launch of First Thursday this year,” says Schwartz. “All had customers that came in because of First Thursday.” This past First Thursday on Aug. 6th was no exception. “First Thursday was a gutsy move during the summer, when so many students and parents are literally out of town. But, to our delight, this past First Thursday had more attendees and a constant flow of families with strollers and dog walkers; crystal clear indicators that these [visits to the event] were planned in advance,” Schwartz reports.

Visiting the August First Thursday, there was no doubt as to the great success of this event. These are events for all. People can come and go as they please, enjoying the festivities in their own way. Indeed, there is a range of people in the square during the First Thursday: some people are milling about, circling the town, doing errands or going to dinner. Other people are sitting on benches, talking among themselves or just listening to the music, taking in the evening slowly. Waves of more and more people come throughout the night, assuring that the square was never empty during First Thursday.

“I think it’s a great community builder and great that the merchants buy into it. It’s something to do,” Armonk resident Barbara Reiter says as she describes how she thinks First Thursday has added to the community. “Look at all the little kids” she continues, nodding to a group of adorable kids dancing with pure delight in the middle of the square, “when my kids were little I wish they did this!”

Indeed, this is a perfect atmosphere for families. The whole center of the square is filled with thrilled young children: all running around, dancing up close and personal with the live musicians, their faces sticky with frozen yogurt. For them, it seems, this is a perfect opportunity to release that final bit of energy coursing through their veins after a day at camp or playing with friends. Also, this past First Thursday there was a juggling stilt-walker, who turned out to be great entertainment for children, and people, of all ages.

Mike Dardano Photos
Mike Dardano Photos

Just think–this great success has only been achieved in three nights of First Thursday. Looking forward, the possibilities to expand and strengthen the event are numerous. “We know it takes time to further develop First Thursday, but our start in 2015 has been great,” Schwartz concludes when addressing what the future might hold for First Thursday. “We plan on adding more Armonk talent to First Thursday and more art in 2016,” he added.

The effort to put on a successful event like this is enormous, and it shows. Those behind it: Robby Morris, Stacy Wilder, and plenty of others, truly worked hard to create an event that would draw people out of their homes to enjoy all that small town life has to offer while promoting local business. Indeed, all of the necessary ingredients came together in crafting this event. It’s a wonderful way to spend the waning hours of a hot summer’s Thursday, and we can’t wait for the next one.

Sarah Jane Weill attends Bowdoin College. She is a member of the Horace Greeley Class of 2014.

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show: A Celebration of Art and Community

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Byram Hills High School AP Art students are also juried for participation in the show.
Byram Hills High School AP Art students are also juried for participation in the show.

By Sarah Jane Weill

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show, ranked as one of the “Elite 100 Fine Art Craft Shows” by Art Fair Sourcebook as well as one of the “Top Fine Art and Fine Craft Shows” in the New York Metro Area by Sunshine Artist Magazine, is back for its 54th year this September. With approximately 8,000-10,000 visitors from the tri-state area annually, there is a lot of anticipation leading up to the show.

A community-supported event, there are approximately 300 people working on the completely volunteer-run show. In particular, the five co-chairs: Stacy Wilder, Marian Hamilton, Debbie Heidecorn, Ava Zukowsky, and David Africk begin working on the next year’s Show almost immediately after the conclusion of the current year’s event. There are always things to be done to “keep it fresh,” says Wilder of the preparation. “What does change is not always noticeable…much of it is ‘behind the scenes.”

The Art Show consists of about 185 exhibitors, 42 of which will be new to the event. All artists have to apply, with the exception of the previous year’s award winners who are automatically welcomed back. The applicants are reviewed by the Art Show jury, which is comprised of about twelve local jurors, all of whom have varied professional art backgrounds. “The Art Show jury meets twice a week in the spring for about six weeks reviewing applicants,” explains Judy Moniz, who is in charge of the jury. “The show is quite competitive,” she adds. This year, there were approximately 550 hopeful applicants.

The nationally recognized show welcomes thousands of visitors each year from all over the tri-state area.
The nationally recognized show welcomes thousands of visitors each year from all over the tri-state area.

The artists are divided into eight categories: printmaking, drawing, pastels; oils and acrylics; photography and digital art; sculpture; watercolors; mixed media; fine arts; and wearable art. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention in each of the categories. There is also an award for Best-in-Show, which, last year, was presented to Robert Hessler for his work in pottery. At the end of the first day of the Show, three new judges, all of whom also have professional art backgrounds, decide the winners following detailed discussions and careful scoring of all the artists’ work. The distinguished ribbons are then handed out on the second morning of the show. “Artists from throughout the country, as well as from Canada and Israel, will be exhibiting this year,” Moniz says.

For the second year now, there will also be a booth of high school student artists at the Art Show. Approximately ten artists from the Byram Hills’ AP art program will be exhibiting. These students also had to apply to the Art Show, and were juried for selection. The addition of local student artists establishes another great connection to and within the Armonk community.

The Art Show puts out a detailed directory displaying all the artists and images of their work. This is a unique approach for this type of event and, as a result, it is very “popular among the artists…it’s a big draw,” explains Wilder. “A lot of work goes into making [the directory], ” she continues, “it sets the show apart” as it showcases the artists beyond the Art Show itself. The student artists and their work will also be fully featured in the directory this year.

There’s a lot to do at the show, for people of all ages and interests. Primarily, attendees visit various artists’ booths and have the opportunity to engage with them and learn about their work firsthand; a truly unique opportunity for art-lovers of all kinds. Free guided-tours are also organized at the show, during which tour guides escort people through the event at scheduled times; each tour focuses on different aspects of the show, specifically planned so that all interested attendees will be able to find at least one tour that appeals to them.

The 185 juried artists offer a wide range of art to suit every taste and budget.
The 185 juried artists offer a wide range of art to suit every taste and budget.

Personal shoppers are likewise available to help those looking to purchase art, perhaps with an eye toward some home decorating. There are also events for children: an art booth at the back of the show featuring sand art, face painting, and other crafts, as well as a scavenger hunt that takes place throughout the whole venue. A food court with a wide selection tasty treats including some organic options, completes the scene.

This year, a transportation feature is being added to the Art Show. Castle Cab, an Armonk-based taxicab-company that uses App on-demand and advanced reservation requests, is acting in partnership with the Art Show to help bring more people to the event. Primarily, this will help New York City residents get to the show, as transportation can be difficult. Attendees who take the train from Grand Central Station to North White Plains will find will find Castle Cab cars waiting for them upon arrival. For a flat fee of $10 per car, instead of the usual rate of $18, the cars will take their passengers directly to the show and drop them off at a premium entry spot. When visitors are ready to leave the Show, the cars will be standing by to take them to the station. Or, if people are looking for a bite to eat or to do some sightseeing in town, the cars will accommodate travel to any local destination–to or from the show–for half price. This is an exciting new development and partnership, and will hopefully be a big draw for even more attendees, especially from places farther away.

art show 5The connections to the community deepen as net proceeds from the Art Show go to the North Castle Public Library. The annual event is the library’s biggest fundraiser, and benefits many aspects of the library including new programming, children’s programs, technology and facility upgrades. A recent example of funding allocation is the wonderful indoor playground in the children’s reading section. “The show has three levels of sponsorship,” Wilder explains, “gold, silver, bronze and also additional sponsors and community supporters”. All are listed in the Art Show’s directory, which is also great exposure for sponsoring local businesses.

The Art Show will take place the weekend of September 26th – 27th, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The event goes on rain or shine. Admission price is $10, or $8 for senior citizens and coupon holders. The discount coupon is available for print on the Armonk Outdoor Art Show website: armonkoutdoorartshow.org. Ages 18 and under are free. There is ample free on-site parking for those driving themselves, as well as senior and  parking. No dogs are allowed, not even art-loving ones!

With so much to see and do, the excitement for the Art Show is palpable. This event has become one of huge importance to the Armonk community. Not only is it a great place to see a variety of talented, diverse artists, but it is also a perfect opportunity to go out and enjoy the experience of being with people who share an enthusiasm for art and the town itself. Events like these are truly special, and so it is no surprise that after all of the hard work, year after year, it is a great success. Of course, this year will be no different!

Sarah Jane Weill attends Bowdoin college. She is a graduate of the Horace Greeley High School class of 2014.