The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

What Can AI Really Do? – A Thought Provoking Conversation by David Pogue

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“The best you’re going to get from ChatGPT is a  B+, really good is reserved for humans.” – DAVID POGUE

Six-time Emmy winner and bestselling author David Pogue attracted an engaged audience at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on March 15th. The five-time TED speaker broke down AI’s rapid evolution with humor and insight, making a complex topic accessible to all. Despite the complexity, the mostly adult and senior audience remained captivated, with only 40% having previously used AI.

What can AI really do? Well, Pogue opened up by discussing AI’s versatility. From scheduling haircuts, to making artwork resembling Picasso, to emulating a therapist, AI has made significant progress in imitating human emotions. Pogue explained the advancements are so impressive that AI services have had to add a line stating, “Hi I’m an AI system calling for …” to distinguish AI from true human interactions. ChatGPT recently introduced an audio feature, enabling live conversations and “FaceTime” calls with its camera and emotionally intelligent voice. Pogue demonstrated these advancements in a live demo for the audience.

Pogue then transitioned to AI’s limitations, like having hands with extra fingers in AI-generated photos. AI also sparks debates on free speech and ownership, as U.S. law has no AI regulations. Pogue explained that due to this, singers and Getty Images are suing over unauthorized use of songs and images, and courts are siding against AI. In education, AI tools like ChatGPT make tasks like essay writing feel less relevant, prompting schools to adapt with handwriting assignments or AI detection tools. Additionally, AI’s rising energy demands challenge tech companies’ green goals.

Ultimately AI’s main issue is misinformation. Pogue discussed how if ChatGPT does not know an answer to a question, the AI will make up one so convincing that humans can’t tell whether it’s real or fake. In fact, this happened when Google first introduced its AI overview search, which summarizes the top few links providing one clear answer. Pogue exemplified hilarious mistakes that have resulted from this. For instance, Google AI service told humans that Dr. Granger, a made-up doctor, concluded that humans should eat one small rock per day! Another issue is that ChatGPT retains and repeats its own falsehoods, embedding mistakes into its learning process.

Despite so many concerns, Pogue ended on a positive note, highlighting AI’s benefits. In just two years, AI has transformed medicine. It outperforms top doctors, diagnosing and predicting diseases (from healthy scans) with 92% and 80% accuracies, respectively. AI’s biggest breakthrough? Mapping 200 million protein structures in hours, an ability that took years and billions of dollars to achieve just 0.085% of proteins. As many diseases stem from misfolded proteins, this was a huge step forward towards developing new cures. Also, Pogue emphasized that AI only thrives through human collaboration. Self-driving cars, for example, struggled until human decision-making was integrated, highlighting AI dependency on humans.

Pogue closed by highlighting that every major invention has sparked societal panic–elevators were once feared for making organs rise and telephones were dubbed “instruments of the devil.” History shows that technological fears fade as innovations become everyday tools. Just as calculators didn’t erase math skills, AI won’t eliminate writing skills; it simply shifts the focus from manual effort to higher-level thinking.

David Pogue truly made his mark in Chappaqua, receiving an enthusiastic round of applause. One guest found his talk very insightful, “As a teenager, I thought I knew everything about AI and its uses, but I surprisingly learned a lot of new information,” said a junior at local high school, Horace Greeley. Another guest shared, “David made AI so simple that even I could explain it afterward without feeling overwhelmed.”

As he closed his presentation, Pogue left us with the mentally-taxing question, “Where will humanity stand with AI in 15 years?” We’re still in the early stages making it impossible to predict whether we’ll experience technological success or failure. The best we can do is stay informed.

FRANKENSTEIN-THE MOVIE SCORE Comes to the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center March 22

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FRANKENSTEIN-THE MOVIE SCORE is a Production of Friends of Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

Grammy-nominated composer Michael Shapiro’s FRANKENSTEIN-THE MOVIE SCORE with live orchestra will be performed by the New Chappaqua Orchestra under the direction of the composer at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 Bedford Road, Chappaqua, New York 10514 (info@chappaquapac.org) on Saturday night, March 22, 2025 at 8 p.m.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are available at https://chappaquapac.org/

The classic early sound horror film Frankenstein starred Colin Clive and Boris Karloff (in his breakout role as the Monster) and was directed by James Whale.  The hit movie Frankenstein is largely credited with saving Universal Pictures from bankruptcy, breaking all box office records during the Depression era. However, the film was produced prior to through composed film scores being typically used (indeed King Kong in 1933 was the first film to have a full film score).

In 2002, Michael Shapiro composed an orchestral film score for the classic film Frankenstein and was premiered by The Chappaqua Orchestra at the Jacob Burns Film Center played simultaneously with the movie.  Since its premiere in Pleasantville, the score has been performed in one of its four versions (chamber orchestra, full orchestra, wind ensemble, and opera) worldwide over 65 times from St. Petersburg, Russia, Milan, Italy, Bergen, Norway, Trier, Germany, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, UK, to performances all over the United States and Canada, including the opera version premieres at the Los Angeles Opera and Atlanta Opera and the wind ensemble version by the Dallas Winds at the Meyersohn Symphony Center. 

The Chappaqua performance, under the direction of composer Michael Shapiro, will be the first time the score has been played in Westchester in over ten years.

Holiday Hijinks at Elf, The Interactive Movie

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Are you looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do with your kids this upcoming holiday season? Then the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center interactive version of the movie Elf would be the perfect event for you and your family.

Four years ago, Michele Gregson, Chair of The Friends of ChappPAC started what was soon to become a beloved holiday tradition – an interactive way to view the cherished movie, Elf. It went on to capture the hearts of local families, as well as fostering a sense of community among Westchester residents.

This interactive adaptation of ­Elf transforms a classic film into something that can be enjoyed even more than it already has been. This creative and immersive experience will stay with children of all ages for years to come. For those who do not know what an interactive movie is, it’s a film that the viewers can watch and also participate in. Utilizing a script of well-known lines and plot points along with some simple props, you can bring a movie to life making it fun for both children and adults.

So, what makes this version of Elf interactive? “I looked at the film and I looked at what other people did for interactive movies, and then made decisions about how we would do it,” Gregson, explained. “It’s like Rocky Horror Meets Elf and that’s how we mirrored it.” The parents and children receive marked scripts with cues. The scripts help the parents to guide their kids and be prepared to assist at the right moments throughout the movie. Each child receives a bag of goodies that help them participate in the interactive parts.

For example, during the snowball fight, all of the participants get big, white, cotton balls to interact with the scene as it happens in the movie. “The kids go crazy for that part,” Gregson said. “They just throw the snowballs and go running around trying to get the ones that fall. They even go on the stage. It’s really hilarious.”

A Season’s Highlight

There are also cue cards for certain lines for the children to say. “Parents can assist younger children who are emerging readers and there is an elf on stage who helps the kids participate by letting them know what’s coming! It’s really something to watch,” Gregson shared. Even though Interactive Elf is a relatively new tradition in Chappaqua, it continues to be a highlight in the holiday season for many. This version of Elf is also an inclusive event that children of all ages and abilities can participate in.

If you would like to see Elf, visit the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on Sunday, December 15th. Below is the link to visit their website. chappaquapac.org

The Chappaqua Performing Arts Center: Flourishing Now and Into the Spring

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“We want to choose productions that bring in different types of audiences when we’re programming for the season,” began Michele Gregson, Chair of Friends of The Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (ChappPac for short), during a recent Inside Press interview. They have certainly succeeded as the beautiful 425-seat theater located in the former Reader’s Digest campus boasts a diverse and vibrant lineup of upcoming productions this year. From shorter shows for children like Theater Works’ new musical Dot, Dot, Dot, to an Office TV show trivia night hosted by fan-favorite Office cast-member, David Koechner, ChappPac has something for everyone to get excited about this spring. “And there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house,” said Gregson, who says she always enjoys spending time in the beautiful space.

What’s Coming

“People are already freaking out about ‘Office Trivia Night,’ they’re so excited,” said Gregson. Fans of The Office will be thrilled to see David Koechner, who played the obnoxious Todd Packer on the show. “I like the idea because it’s different. It’s people competing, but there’s still a story to tell,” she said.

Excitement is already building around Dot, Dot, Dot, as well, a colorful and vibrant musical for kids adapted from an award-winning series of picture books that, “celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected.”

“I would love to have the Taylor Swift movie here too,” said Gregson. “It’s all about community,” she said. “I would love to have all those people gathering here instead of just watching it in their homes.” With monthly rotating events planned, she noted, “We want ChappPac to be a true art center.”

“Part of our vision is to have a theater company of our own,” said Gregson. This vision also includes launching a children’s theater company, as well as instructional classes. “Everyone on the board went to theater school and is either an actor or writer by trade. We already have all the pieces we need,” said Gregson. The proof is in the pudding, as one of their original productions, Interactive Elf, an interactive watch-along experience set to the movie Elf, starring Will Ferrel, just celebrated its second year this past holiday season.

Interactive Elf came about when Gregson sought to stage a watchalong event for the cult film, Rocky Horror Picture Show, which has a long history of midnight watchalong screenings. Interactive screenings typically involve a script that each audience member receives that tells them how to react (shouting something out, throwing popcorn at the screen, etc.) when a key moment comes up in the film. Instead of doing another Rocky Horror event for adults, Gregson decided to apply the same concept to a kid’s movie, which proved to be a big hit for kids and adults alike. “We always tell parents to bring your kids who can’t sit still,” said Gregson. “This show is for them!”

ChappPac received a grant last year to bring back Comedy Nights – unique comedy shows in which each comedian is essentially their own show. “When we bring people in, we want them to come back, and we want them to recommend ChappPac to their friends,” said Gregson. “We got a lot of great comedians through referrals!”

A Community Within A Community/Additional Programming

Creating a community with the artists they work with, as well as being a part of their own community in Chappaqua, is a basic goal. “We love partnering with town committees and locals whenever we have the opportunity,” said Gregson. Every year ChappPac spotlights young artists in their 20s who grew up in Chappaqua. “We don’t want anyone to think that unless you’re an investment banker, there’s no hope for you. We want young people to know that you can make money and have a profession in the arts.” In ChappPac, there just might be a treasured venue to perhaps showcase your talent one day.  

Additional programming came to our attention, post press time: a Dance Performance Benefit for Skyla Schreter’s Dance Company, and a forum titled “Says Who” with Dr. Anne Curzan.

And a Fond Look Back: 

Theater goers had the opportunity to observe three young women breaking barriers in a program hosted by Frank Shiner and Michele Gregson. Producer Diana Cody, (Chappaqua’s!) Lindsay Shiner (luminous as “Bonnie”) and writer/director Josie Hull (who is 19!) shared film clips and discussed their award-winning short films Cookbook for Southern Housewives and Black Velvet. Online, we noted the stylish and compelling performances by Shiner (who is reminiscent of a young Elizabeth Taylor–her sparkling eyes and sultry soulfulness!) in lead roles. – Grace Bennett

Reflections on the Historic Inauguration of Victoria Bayard Tipp, First BIPOC Town Supervisor of New Castle

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Town of New Castle
January 11 Inauguration Ceremony
Photo by Mia Brown 

To be given a life lesson as a young child is to be handed an envelope entailing the answers to life within it. For Victoria Bayard Tipp, her childhood is imperative in understanding how she came to be the well-respected elected official that the Town of New Castle prides itself on being governed by. An immigrant from Haiti, Tipp became the Supervisor of the Town of New Castle in a moving ceremony on January 11th, 2024. She came from humble beginnings and worked hard to be the compassionate leader she is today.

After her father got a job at the Barclays Bank and her mother started working for the United Nations, Tipp was enrolled at the United Nations International School, where from the age of six, she was exposed to a diverse group of peers. Even as a young individual, Tipp was aware of the many experiences made available to her remarking, “My parents had the privilege of a good education back then and that’s why education has always been so important to me. It does level the playing field, and that’s why I spent so much time on equitable funding for education when I was on the school board. I just want to say how incredible it is that this country did afford me these opportunities.”

Road to Local Government

President Clinton swearing in Victoria Bayard Tipp as New Castle Town Supervisor  Inside Press Photo

After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Barnard College and her J.D. from Harvard Law School, Tipp worked as a lawyer before embarking on her public service career. She served her community in a multitude of capacities, including Chappaqua PTA Vice President and President, President of the CCSD BOE, President of the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association, and Deputy Town Supervisor of the Town of New Castle. Her most esteemed title is a culmination of the work she has done to get to this point; The first BIPOC Town Supervisor of New Castle.

The experiences that shaped Tipp’s civic career were on full display at the prestigious inauguration where a packed room of town residents congregated at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center to witness the event. Among the many esteemed attendees, the most prominent were President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton! They performed the swearing in ceremony of Town Board Members Alexandra L. Chemtob, Jennifer Naparstek Klein, Town Justice, Douglas M. Kraus, Westchester County Legislator & Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Vedat Gashi, and New Castle Town Supervisor, Victoria Bayard Tipp.

This inauguration was a poignant moment in the affirmation of our country’s democracy, with attendees such as Senator Peter Harckham stressing how important it is to “affirm the will of the voters.” Each speech echoed the importance of local government, local officials, and their connection to the people they represent and serve. Former NYS Senator Stephen M. Saland, who participated in swearing in his son, Deputy Town Supervisor, Jeremy Saland, stated, “There’s really nothing more significant in our system than local government. It’s the building block of the foundation of our democracy.” Assembly Member Chris Burdick reinforced these words, remarking “It’s a new group, it’s a new government, and it’s reflecting the will of the people. The will of what you, in New Castle, want from your government, and that truly is a mark of American democracy.”

Public Praise for Tipp

At the outset, heartfelt speeches from members of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus (WBWPC) powerfully attested to the strength of Tipp’s leadership. Subomi Macaulay, President of the WBWPC, spoke to Ms. Tipp’s “quiet disposition and class,” stating, “She is the best person to be the Town Supervisor for New Castle.” Macaulay shared in her speech that Victoria Tipp has long worked to continue to implement DEI in our community. While on the CCSD School Board, she was the liaison to the committee on anti-racism, equity, and social justice.Tipp is adamant on advocating for communities of color in our town, expressing how her early childhood shaped her outlook and perspective.

Every individual who spoke about Victoria Tipp had the kindest words to say about her. Members of the WBWPC all shared a similar message, namely that it is a new day for their members, “as we come together to celebrate a Black woman becoming the Town Supervisor for New Castle, and we know that the town will be well managed under her direction.”

Victoria Tipp is part of something bigger than the community or positions held in New Castle. Through her work, she has helped pave the way for future women of color. Cynthia Ryan, Vice President of the WBWPC, described Tipp’s influence in broadening representation in government. “Tonight was really exciting to see Victoria sworn in by President Clinton. It was a proud moment for the WBWPC as we just created the Greater Bedford Chapter and Victoria was a part of that. The point is to help support and create representation in our community and in Northern Westchester – that’s important.”

Meaning to the Community

As a BIPOC high school student who has seen Ms. Tipp serve my community on the School Board and the Town Board, I felt a deep sense of pride attending the inauguration. To witness a woman of color being sworn into the highest rank afforded in our town is a win for our entire community. Years of movements, reforms, and change have led us to the moment where we have a seat at the highest table. Tipp’s voice will echo the cries of young BIPOC children who have ever felt marginalized in school and BIPOC individuals who have ever felt a sense of estrangement. Hearing Tipp’s upbringing and all that she endured, it is a given that she has worked incredibly hard to earn these opportunities.Tipp has shown immense dedication through her work in overcoming shortfalls while meeting the citizens’ expectations.

A woman of humble beginnings, Victoria Bayard Tipp emulates the standard of government that the citizens and voters of New Castle expect from their elected officials. She gets the job done while considering the demographics of her people. Tipp closed her speech by saying, “We hope for good people to help heal the world.” I believe that Victoria Bayard Tipp will use her platform to be a beacon – one that will lead us to a true democracy, representative of each and every individual who calls New Castle their home.

I believe that Victoria Bayard Tipp opened that envelope she received – and works each and every day to present her constituents with the lessons she keeps unfolding.

54th Anniversary & Still Just as In Love

Town Justice Douglas Kraus Ode to his wife Alice

Throughout New Castle’s historic Inauguration, words of affirmation for family members and loved ones were echoed by each public figure. One individual shared a particularly sweet sentiment about the person he holds dearest to his heart. Town Justice Douglas M. Kraus charmed the audience with poignant words he recited to his wife of almost 54 years. He describes that, “the minute I met her, I absolutely knew she was the one. I didn’t have to do any research, I just knew. But you know, Alice, those of you who know her, she’s a very tough grader, and well she was not so sure. She took a lot of convincing, and this was before I went to law school, so I wasn’t as persuasive then as I was now.” For Kraus, it was fate that he and Alice ended up together, as she was “the only person I’ve ever met who loved diagramming sentences as much as I did in the 6th grade.”

Having known each other for so long, Kraus adores Alice, sharing “I kid you not, this is Wonder Woman, and she is totally the best thing that ever happened to me,” going on to say that Alice is his “very best friend ever.” That sweet love story was on full display at the January inauguration, and for the audience, hearing these words was a tender and joyous moment. Alice and Douglas’ 54th anniversary is in the upcoming weeks, and we wish them many more “amazing and incredible” years right by each other’s side. – Zoya Nabeel