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How Caramoor’s World Class Performances Resonate with its New President and CEO, Edward J. Lewis III

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Edward J. Lewis III PHOTO BY DONNA MUELLER

A new era for the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts has been ushered in–from the return of in-person performances to solidifying its mission of promoting classical music and embracing a variety of musical genres. In this newest era, Caramoor’s overall vision and management falls into the capable hands of Edward J. Lewis III. As the newly appointed president & CEO, Lewis has over two decades of experience in performing arts leadership. 

Lewis previously served as Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he is credited with “surpassing all annual and campaign fundraising goals.” He was the Senior Director of Development at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland College Park, where he led a comprehensive fundraising program.

Walkway from Venetian Theater and the artist patio looking towards the Pavillion Terrace at Caramoor in Katonah New York on August 25, 2020.
PHOTO by Gabe Palacio

As a professional violist, he is a founding member of Baltimore’s Soulful Symphony and a former member of the Dallas Opera Orchestra, Dallas Chamber Orchestra, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Sphinx Symphony, and Toledo Symphony. 

At the helm of Caramoor’s executive team, Lewis will help chart the course for future growth, addressing emerging issues, long-range planning, organizational structure, policy-making and institutional budgeting. “To ensure that Caramoor is a place that reflects a broad and inclusive sense of community and that delights both artists and audiences.” 

He first heard of Caramoor from radio broadcasts in the 1990s.“I recall the performances being of the highest caliber.” In October of 2020, when approached about the CEO position, he said yes, “Once I realized that everything that Caramoor offers resonates with me; world class music performances, nature and history.” 

The return of live in-person music performances at the historic 80-acre estate highlights its 76th season. The gorgeous gardens and grounds are a spectacular setting for the intimate and world-class musical performances. Indoor offerings in the Spring and Fall are housed in The Rosen House, a beautiful and “acoustically perfect venue, a work of living history, made for music,” which is included in the National Register of Historic Places.

The upcoming music room performances include a recital by renowned pianist Stephen Hough, a Vivaldi program by the British period-instrument ensemble The English Concert led by Harry Bicket, the Isaiah J Thompson Quartet, singer-songwriter Raul Midón, who blends flamenco, jazz, and R&B to create his distinctive sound, and a wonderful Christmas program by the vocal quartet New York Polyphony. And The Holiday Tea Musicales will be back in December. 

The challenges of keeping an Arts organization thriving is ensuring that it responds to the demands of the ever-evolving creativity of artists and changing expectations of audiences. “Maintaining relevancy by developing programming that helps build new audiences while maintaining current audiences will be key,” Lewis remarked. His aim is to “fully engage with the community and culture around our organization and ensure that broader diverse audiences can hear themselves in the music and see themselves reflected back from the stage.”  

Being successful in promoting classical music relies on discovering ways that entice and invite audiences to participate. To that end, he enjoys working collaboratively “with a team of passionate and accomplished creatives with the goal to help make a difference in the world.” 

For Lewis, being successful has meant “being truly happy and fulfilled doing what you love while also making a positive impact for others.” 

He grew up in a family that appreciated music. “I remember my mom having us do household chores while listening to opera, jazz, soul, and R&B.” A sixth-grade school trip to hear the National Symphony Orchestra, helped him realize that “I wanted to make and be part of the orchestral sound, the violin section in particular.” He tried the violin and learned that he had had natural talent and facility. “From then on, I knew that that’s what I wanted to do.”

Caramoor is peerless with its Sonic Innovations program of sound art exhibited strategically throughout our campus. Not many other music venues have this combined richness of experiences. – Edward J. Lewis III

He became a violist, earning his Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. When asked if he and his Viola might be gracing the Caramoor stage this Season, Lewis cited his many responsibilities in leading the strategic direction and fundraising efforts at Caramoor, that would deny him practice time. “However, I look forward to sneaking into the Rosen House Music Room to play a Bach suite or two in those glorious acoustics.” 

At home in Chappaqua: Edward Lewis with his partner Scott Palmer. and their cat, Sandy   PHOTO BY DONNA MUELLER

And how is he settling into his new home in Chappaqua? “So far we have enjoyed meals at Crabtree’s Kittle House and Ibiza; shopping at Whole Foods, the Saturday Farmer’s Market and the occasional breakfast at Bobo’s Cafe; working out at Lifetime, and several trips to Chappaqua Paint and Hardware,” He added that he and his partner, Scott Palmer are “looking forward to exploring all that Chappaqua has to offer.” 

Audiences are invited to explore the lush grounds and magnificent gardens, enjoy a pre-concert picnic, tour the historic Rosen House, and discover beautiful music. In the Fall and Spring concerts are held in the  Music Room of the Rosen House, and in Summer in multiple venues including Friends Field, the lovely Spanish Courtyard, and in the Venetian Theater.

Caramoor is located at, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY 10536

Call The Box Office at 914.232.1252 or visit: boxoffice@caramoor.org

Entry Circle looking down center walk at Caramoor in Katonah New York on August 25, 2020.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS by Gabe Palacio
Center walk leading to The Rosen House at Caramoor in Katonah New York on September 13, 2020.

The Burgundian Library in the Rosen House at Caramoor in Katonah New York on April 15, 2018.

Afternoon Tea in the summer dining room of the Rosen House at Caramoor in Katonah New York on June 3, 2016.

New Resolve, Restored Balance & Enhanced Appreciation

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A Pandemic Year’s Impact on Wendy Craft and Evan Echenthal

Jacob, Wendy, Evan and Tyler    PHOTO BY Carolyn Simpson

It stands to reason that many lessons have been learned over the last year as the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on society. For Chappaqua resident and finance icon Wendy Craft, she learned the true value and satisfaction in saying no. 

For Craft and her husband, litigation attorney Evan Echenthal, their lives, like so many, were upended last March when the coronavirus halted travel, shuttered businesses, schools, and regular everyday life, and forced them to adjust to a unique routine comprised of Zoom calls, eLearning, remote work, and a continual sense of stress. 

The couple quickly learned the typical 9-to-5 workday would become extinct and early morning phone calls on the weekends and late-night texts or emails during the week with requests to do menial tasks would become something to get used to working from home. 

“It’s endless. There’s no guilt free day off anymore,” said Craft, who was relishing a meteoric award-winning career as the Chief of Staff for Fulcrum Equities. “You’ve lost all sense of boundaries because your home has become your work.”

But in balancing her home life, her twin 12-year-old sons, her work and stressors stemming from the pandemic, Craft over time became more aware of her mental health. As a working professional, being both a woman and a mom, she said she has always felt pressure to go beyond her abilities to say yes to everything. 

Craft, who heads a single-family office in New York City that invests in real estate and operating companies around the world, is a member of several prominent committees, organizations, and bar associations, including the U.S. Supreme Court. She also travels the nation and globe speaking on family office topics and their synergies.

Due to her dedication and passion, Craft has been honored with two Congressional Awards for being a leader in her field. Additionally, she has twice been named in the top 50 most influential women in private wealth by Private Asset Management Magazine. 

Wendy Craft

The Power of ‘No’

But with the pandemic bringing both men and women into the same shared experience, Craft has enjoyed the liberation of saying no and refusing to alter her schedule to satisfy a never-ending workday. 

“I would always take on so much because I felt bad about saying no, but now I’ve gotten to the point where I can say that I’ve gotten to my capacity and I have nothing more to share,” she said. “A year ago, I would have rearranged my whole schedule to appease my job but I’m no longer available 24/7, and the funny thing is, I didn’t have to be, but I felt like I had to say I was.” Craft added, “I just say no. It’s empowering.”

Before anyone could truly comprehend the long-term impacts of COVID-19, the idea of a two-week staycation seemed ideal to most. For Craft, she referred to it as a gift. 

Craft would often spend up to five days a month traveling the nation and globe attending conferences and speaking at events. She’s done this for the last 20 years. 

But on March 8, 2020 that all changed. “I came home and that was it; that was the first time I haven’t traveled in 20 years.” Craft said. 

While the strain of the pandemic helped her realize work isn’t life, her job is part of her identity. She described losing the ability to go to the office every morning, have a normal workday and travel monthly as a difficult adjustment. 

“It was great being home for the first six to eight months because I traveled all over the world so extensively and to be home it was almost like a gift,” Craft said. “And then it became really monotonous not to have my ‘adulting’ time at work, which was always part of my identity.”

Eventually Craft’s structured life started to unravel, as she strived to find the right balance between work, remote learning, and daily home chores. She was also faced with monitoring her children’s mental health as they navigated this new life, where seeing friends and going to school was no longer an option. 

However, despite the already busy schedule, she quickly realized that while the laundry would get done and the school day would eventually end, the workday began to shift. With her job expecting her to be available at all hours of the day, she felt any remaining sense of normalcy vanishing. 

But with 2021 showing signs of hope, Craft said she sees new glimmers of the old structure. With her husband, and her sons having returned to in-person work and school, respectively, she plans a return to the office soon, too, “to normalize my mental health and those boundaries,” Craft said. “And I need that so it’s not Groundhog Day every single day.”

When Worlds Collide: Managing Expectations

As Craft was struggling with her identity and juggling her responsibilities, Echenthal, had similar worries in his work and family life. 

While his office and the courts had been shut down, he was still required to meet the same billable hours as previous years. This constant pressure to find work where there was none resulted in his days devoted to being dad and his nights dedicated to working.

“It’s been very trying since courts are closed and employers aren’t very sympathetic with the lack of work,” he said. “Before I’d go to bed at 11 p.m., but you don’t do that now, so now you fire up the laptop to meet the expectations and just work harder.”

Echenthal said the first half of the pandemic felt like everything was colliding at once and the inability to compartmentalize everyday duties became more and more difficult. He said one moment he could be working and the next he was folding laundry or explaining to his kids why they can’t see their friends. 

And the work-related emails and phone calls never ceased. “When you’re at home, nobody seems to have a problem calling you at 9 p.m. to ask for something. And why am I getting emails 24 hours a day?” he said. “The expectation from the employers, the courts and your adversary haven’t changed. They expect more because you live at your office now.”

While Echenthal has returned to work recently, he said the stress and expectations are still the same. Only now he’s taking on a new venture; running for a seat on the Mount Pleasant Town Board, an endeavor he described as an opportunity to contribute to his community and expand his social bubble. “I’m starting to see outside of myself and consider my neighbors and my community,” Echenthal said. “I’m getting out of my own space and seeing that everyone is in the same situation and everything is different and there’s got to be a way we can come together to figure everything out.”

Echenthal describes a personal shift this year, too. A major homebody pre-pandemic, he said he now takes time out of his day to call his friends and catch up, something he rarely did prior to the pandemic. He has also shared with his sons the pure joy of a White Castle slider, as trips across counties have become a weekly activity. “After being forced to stay home, I’m constantly on the phone with my friends gabbing and I realize I like going out,” Echenthal said. “You don’t realize what you have until you don’t have it anymore.”

Gratitude for Family Time

Despite the stress and hardship the pandemic has brought on Craft and Echenthal, both are grateful to have gotten to spend quality time together as a family. Craft added she has been fortunate to find an identity outside of her occupation. I know I will look back years from now and think how great it was that we got that time as a family together,” Craft said. 

Stephanie Spiegel on Finding Centerpeace

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On a typical morning, prior to the pandemic, a keen observer would notice a stream of legging-clad women darting in and out of the chasm marking the brick structure nestled in the heart of Chappaqua. They exit with slightly mussed hair, a light sweat and an unmistakable peaceful glow. To those familiar with Chappaqua’s Stephanie Spiegel, it’s no surprise that she’s behind it all. She is the owner of Centerpeace, a studio based on the full-body workout developed by ballet dancer, Lotte Berk. Classes are challenging yet fulfilling and distinguished by Spiegel’s words, which convey a spiritual sensibility wrapped in the approachability of a longtime friend. Her trademark positivity transcends the studio, radiating through Zoom and even here in typeface. 

Stephanie Spiegel
PHOTO BY Carolyn Simpson

The Metamorphosis of Centerpeace

Born and bred in California, Spiegel came to New York almost 25 years ago where she was introduced to the Lotte Berk method. She recalls, “I danced my whole life. In college, I was a dance major with a psychology minor and I fell in love with the discipline of the method.” After undergoing teacher training and working at several studios, Spiegel launched Centerpeace in 2007. Her unique approach features a faster pace and longer reps, while integrating her background in dance and psychology. She explains, “When you weave the two together it creates, what I believe to be, an extraordinary practice and is a foundation for life. There is an intensity to the discipline of my classes that requires a focused lens. Life is filled with distractions–I wanted Centerpeace to be a lily pad where everything could be left at the door and anyone can tune in to their feelings.” 

Since its inception, the studio has indeed become a haven to its base of loyal followers. Longtime enthusiast, Rebecca Scarpati of Sleepy Hollow, credits the practice for changing her life. A passionate recreational dancer and breast cancer survivor, Scarpati was a self-proclaimed  “mess” when she found Centerpeace, recounting, “I had just completed chemotherapy as well as multiple surgeries for injuries I developed throughout the years and could no longer dance at my former level. Stephanie taught me to push through my limitations while listening to my body to grow strong. The exercises brought back the emotional connection I had for telling a story using choreography and I got stronger in my own body.”

The Centerpeace practice is a holistic integration of the body and mind. “The practice sculpts and strengthens while simultaneously elongating every major muscle,” Spiegel says. “The focus throughout class is mind/body alignment with an emphasis on core strength. The power of a body comes from our core. All exercises help to promote better balance and good posture; not to mention the chemicals that fire up our brains, which is important,” she adds, her eyes twinkling, “as we grow young.” 

Spiegel adeptly shifts between challenging seasoned devotees and supporting greener clients. Everyone receives the same encouragement. “Work from where you are. Be mindful and listen to your body.” And, Zoom has expanded her audience across the country. Spiegel steadily scrutinizes form and choreography, calling out adjustments while bestowing inspirational messages. 

Long Island resident Marni Ellis, for one, is “living in fear” that Zoom classes may ultimately end. The longtime barre enthusiast says, “The practice has changed me physically and mentally. Not only does Stephanie have a deep understanding of the body and form, but she’s a special human being with an organic teaching style, exuding a contagious energy and passion that translates across the screen.”

Stephanie with Morgan and Brandon. PHOTO BY Carolyn Simpson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lessons from the Studio

The positive vibe of the Centerpeace community is palpable, a fact Spiegel simply attributes to “the laws of attraction,” saying, “People come together to create good collective energy. I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing group.” Spiegel had no idea just how deeply she would come to rely upon this community when she opened the studio, candidly sharing, “My husband of 20 years was diagnosed with cancer ten years into my practice with Centerpeace. Week-after-week, day-after-day, that group of women were the life vest that held me up.” 

In 2017, Spiegel’s husband, Scott, sadly lost his battle. “There’s nothing more valuable than the net that holds us when we need it. The community gave me unbelievable support and strength at a time when my heart was so broken. I believe that my clients and my team know how central they are in my life. When you are surrounded by such great people, it becomes so much more than a job. It becomes part of the very fabric of your life.”

Woven within each class is the theme that life is a gift. Spiegel says, “I wake up every morning, look to the left and think, ‘This was not the way my story was supposed to go.’ I know how fast life can be taken away, so I always talk about the importance of making each day count. After losing my husband, every day I asked myself, ‘What’s today going to be Stephanie? You get to choose.’ And so I would cry, put the tissues in my pocket and head out to breathe in fresh air. I worked, walked miles and spent every day loving my kids through the most unimaginable pain.” Calling her children, Morgan, Brandon, Adam and Taryn “central in my life and in my heart,” she guided them through this time. There was no roadmap, but she said, “I don’t know how to do this either, but we’re going to learn together and I’m going to love you through it.”

When the pandemic came, those lessons proved instrumental. Spiegel and her family had just regained a semblance of normalcy when the ground was again pulled out from under them. This time, however, everyone was impacted. “I already knew that I could handle anything difficult because I’ve been through the worst.” Spiegel shared this insight with her children and Centerpeace family saying, “We’ve trained for this. We can do hard things. When you get deep into muscle and work your body hard like we do, you learn to center yourself when there is uncertainty. Stop asking when we can get our lives back. Life is happening. Life is right now.” 

Resilience

Living a life of resiliency has become central to Spiegel’s philosophy. The ability for our minds and bodies to bend, move and stretch is only achieved through practice. “We don’t become resilient simply because we want to,” she imparts. “Taking the time to move and connect to yourself, whether at Centerpeace of somewhere else, makes us better to ourselves and the people in our lives. It’s creating strength from the inside out and maintaining that discipline to stand tall when life shifts or the wind blows or a pandemic comes about. I always say, ‘Look up so you can see where you’re going.’ We might get knocked down but none of us are staying down,” adding resolutely, “Not if I have anything to do with it.”

Town of New Castle Invitation to a 2020 9/11 Virtual Memorial Ceremony

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Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of New Castle announced it will be holding its 9/11 memorial ceremony virtually this year, “but with no less solemnity, as we gather together to honor and remember the thousands of lives lost on 9/11 and in the aftermath of these tragic events. When we come together, as we did after 9/11, when we stop looking for differences and start treating each other with kindness, generosity, and love we show the world what it really means to be Americans. This year, more than any other since 2001, we are called upon to remember the lessons of 9/11 and to work hard though our words and deeds to honor the memories of those we lost that day.”

You are invited:

Friday, September 11 at 6pm

More from the Town of New Castle Supervisor’s Report:

Current Westchester COVID Data

All data related to the COVID pandemic is publicly available. Here are the sources of information:

Wake Up Call! 

“As vacations wrap up, college drop-offs are complete, and school is back in session, we expected to see a small increase in the number of active COVID cases in the community. As far as we know, these new cases are not connected and there is not a “cluster” in our community. Remember: the virus never left, and overall the numbers, which are in the single digits, still look good.

How we react right now as a community could have huge implications. If we double down on mask-wearing and social distancing we can stop the spread. These simple things have been proven to work. We’ve come so far…let’s keep it up New Castle!”

Reworking The Workout: How Community Members are Staying Fit During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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With Insights into The Future of Exercise!

On an average day in College Park, Maryland I typically walk between 10,000 and 20,000 steps on my college campus. When my university made the switch to virtual classes for the remainder of the semester and I came back to New York, I did not think I was going to miss walking from class to class as much as I did. For me, staying fit while at home has been all about walking with my family, friends (socially distanced, of course) and even by myself. Doing this allows me to recreate the feeling I have when I’m walking on campus and also gives me peace of mind and time to reflect.

Breathe Pilates and Yoga
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Here are some of the ways other Northern Westchester residents have been staying fit… read on too on for insight on why some fitness enthusiasts aim to continue with online options while others say they are ready to go back to the gym.

ZOOM CALLS

Right now, gyms are offering virtual workout sessions through Zoom to keep members connected with the health club and each other.

One of the ways Chappaqua resident Jeff Samberg has been exercising is logging on to Adina Olan-Ellick’s Breathe Pilates and yoga classes.

“It’s so convenient. I roll out of bed and within five minutes, I am working out in front of the screen in a class, then five minutes after that I can be on a conference call,” said Samberg.

Marcia Heitlinger and her husband belong to Lifetime Fitness. One of their favorite instructors is holding a zoom class on weekdays and Sundays at 6:30 am. The instructor asks for donations through Venmo which she then passes on to the Westchester food bank.

“These Zoom classes are great because they are early enough where I can get the workout in before I do work for the day,” said Heitlinger.

Kristen Acosta’s main source of exercise during this time has been Zoom classes with her instructor, Lisa Gagliardi.

“There are over 70 people that Zoom in to take her class. She has done amazing things to keep our workout community connected.”

Tamara Leopold and her husband are members of Immortal Fitness in Pleasantville and have also been using Zoom to stay in shape. She said owner Tommy Carter maintains the gym community through three Zoom classes everyday excluding Sundays. Carter and his team pre-record the workouts the night before they release them so members of Immortal Fitness can have the classes on demand.

“If you can’t watch them live, you can still do them on your own,” said Leopold.

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APPS

The Peloton app is a way people are staying in shape. The company offered a 90-day free trial giving people who were interested access to all their classes ranging from strength training to yoga to cardio and cycling.

Leopold said that they use a traditional spin bike paired with Peloton app as a way to take classes. She also enjoys their weight and yoga classes.

Heather Hecht also loves the accessibility and range of classes the app offers. She completed the 4-week “crush your core” program and when she finds the time she takes anywhere from a 30 to 45-minute yoga class.

Heitlinger also enjoys the yoga feature on the Peloton app. She even will meet up with a friend to do a socially distanced yoga session led by instructors on the app.

USING GYM EQUIPMENT AT HOME

Photo by Marcia Heitlinger

Like the Peloton app, people have also been using a Peloton bike.

Hecht said previous to the stay-at-home orders, she used the Peloton bike in her house mainly on snow days or vacation days when she did not leave the house as much. However, the occasional ride has turned much more frequent as she has found creative ways to make the workout fun.

“With ‘everyone’ riding and the new hashtags, I have joined groups in town. We follow each other, favorite teachers and offer motivation. It keeps it fun,” said Hecht.

Heitlinger and her husband created a gym in one of the rooms in their home. Before gym closures, the room had a spin bike in it. Now, they added a set of weights, rubber mats and a bench.

TIME OUTSIDE

North County trail

Living in suburbs, there is the advantage of being able to spend active time outside.

In addition to the online classes through Breathe, Samberg has been riding a bike outdoors.

Heitlinger has also been spending time outside and finding ways to safely do so with others. Once a week, she does a socially distanced run with one of her friends.

Hecht has also been taking advantage of the sunshine and returned to the tennis courts outdoors to play singles with her hitting partner.

“It’s definitely great to be back on the courts and they are being super cautious,” said Hecht.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF EXERCISE LOOK LIKE?

The bottom line is that there is a mixed reaction to today’s status quo.

Some people don’t necessarily miss the gym; they may enjoy the time and cost savings and may continue to feel safer staying fit without leaving their homes. Options outside the traditional club memberships satisfy many so they are starting to opt-out, at least temporarily.

Samberg said he recently gave his gym the notice that he would not be returning when they reopen.

“I have been able to get everything I need at home, this has changed my perspective. For smaller studios I plan to go back because I think they can be contained and sanitized and healthy,” said Samberg.

Then there are those who are interested in working out in classes and groups in proximity to live humans, so they are looking forward to getting back to the gyms. They also are bracing themselves for the changes.

“I would like to go to the gym after this, I am a big class person, so I’m a little worried, I do hot yoga and I would love for it to happen again but I do not know if it will,” said Heitlinger.

Yet others are also ready to be adaptable to changes gyms will make when they reopen whether that is smaller classes or stricter guidelines.

“I look forward to going back whatever capacity that is in. We miss being inside the four walls of the gym,” said Leopold.

Also, people are missing the sense of community that is found within a gym. Although health club owners are working hard at maintaining relations with and between members, there is something different about working out with others in person.

“I look forward to the day that I can walk back into my gym and see everyone’s faces. Although I feel connected with everyone from home, there is nothing like that in person, face to face, interaction,” said Acosta.