The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

graduation

Local High School and Middle School Students Respond to the Impact of a Pandemic

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On January 20th, the first case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus, was reported in the United States. Ever since then, reports of cases continue to grow exponentially with states all around the country shutting down schools and workplaces.  Hospitals throughout the County in hard hit New York are preparing for an onslaught of cases as virus testing ramps-up and have begun to repurpose their facilities to treat coronavirus patients. On March 18th, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which expanded access to testing, food and medical aid.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person or from contact with contaminated surfaces. Due to this, both secondary schools and higher education institutions all around New York have been shuttered and are being replaced by remote or distance learning. The CDC has also introduced the concept of social distancing and self-quarantine within towns and communities in order to prevent the spread of the disease. At the individual level, this means maintaining a personal distance of six-to-ten feet while in a public space. At the community level, it means banning large gatherings in places of worship, restaurants, sporting events and gyms to mention a few.

Social distancing is widely supported and is quickly becoming the norm in many households. However, many people are experiencing feelings of isolation in their homes.

Caroline Gershman, a junior at Horace Greeley High School is one of them. While being self-quarantined in her house, she realizes that there are restrictions from many of the daily activities she used to partake in.

“Quarantine wasn’t so bad at first because it just felt like a long vacation. Now, I feel a little trapped because I’ve barely seen my friends or done any of the normal activities that I would’ve done to pass the time,” Gershman asserts. “The worst part is probably knowing that this could go on for an undetermined amount of time.”

However some others are not experiencing the feelings of confinement that Gershman is describing as internet use explodes. For that reason alone, Ethan Wecksell, a sixth grader at Bell Middle School, hasn’t felt the effects of self-quarantining. “On the weekdays I use Zoom to talk to my friends and teachers. I don’t feel the need to cope with quarantining yet. Because I’m talking to my friends over Zoom, my life hasn’t really changed.” With the increased amount of time students are spending at home, it is worth questioning whether they are spending more time with family members. “The ratio of time I spend with my family members to time on screens is 7 to 3, but there is also a gray zone where I am on the screens with my family members.”

Regardless of the dramatic changes to their daily lives, people are discovering how their daily routines have changed during this unprecedented period.

Town resident, Cat Wecksell describes how being at home all day made her reflect on how she lived her life.

“Things are less rushed around the house and I do feel like we have had a moment to exhale. Even just reading some of my activity cancellations makes me realize how much I was running around and taking them places, and how hectic that was.” She also describes how being in quarantine at home impacts her familial relationships. “I really try to strike a balance for family time. There are times we all are together, but also time to be apart which I think is very important, especially under these conditions. Also, we are having dinner together every night – actually almost every meal together. Before we would try to have dinner a few times a week together but sometimes people had activities and we had to be divided at dinner time.”

Zain Jafar furthers his passion for golfing during the school shutdown. Photo Credit: Zain Jafar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, both school closures and social distancing are creating feelings of disappointment among high school seniors looking forward to graduation and prom. Zain Jafar, a senior at Horace Greeley, explains how social distancing has impacted him. “I think I speak for any senior currently when I say this entire situation has really brought an abrupt stop to our senior year. For many of us, the next few months were supposed to be a euphoric stream of lasting memories. There was so much to look forward to.” However, he also sees the silver lining: “One advantage of the quarantine is that I’ve been able to be in the company of my family, without the normal distractions. It’s really nostalgic: I feel like a little kid again, happily watching movies and playing board games with my parents and my siblings. Something about that feels right just before I leave for college.”

The COVID-19 virus and its impacts on broad swaths of society is unprecedented in modern times. The responses and actions not only as a local community, but as a nation during this period will allow us to reflect on the lessons that can be learned in order that we can all be better prepared for possible future occurrences.

Donate Your Graduation Gowns

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Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and New Jersey has teamed up with Horace Greeley High School Junior Daniel Greenstein to recover graduation gowns.  Goodwill has agreed to accept the donated gowns as a part of its sustainability efforts.

After the big day, graduating seniors, and even alumni, can drop off their gowns and caps at the high school.   Graduates can look for the bins outside the gym at the graduation, and for the week after graduation.   The gowns will be donated to Goodwill Industries of Greater New York & Northern New Jersey.

Daniel Greenstein said “hundreds of graduation gowns worn by students sit in closets for years before they end up in the trash.  We need to keep graduation gowns out of landfills.  This effort will maximize the sustainability of graduation gowns”

About Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey

Goodwill NYNJ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  They exist to uplift the local communities of New York and Northern New Jersey by using funds generated in their retail stores and donation centers to support employment opportunities for people with disabilities or other obstacles to employment.

For more information contact Daniel Greenstein –dgreenstein221@gmail.com

A Day in My Life of Shopping Locally–in June

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Shop Local enthusiast and blogger, Marlene Fischer

I know I am not alone when I say this Spring has been crazy busy. (Yes, I realize I say the same thing every year but it’s true!) During this hectic time of year I am grateful that I can get almost everything I need done right here in Armonk.

I start my errands with a trip to Framings on Main Street. Most of what hangs on the walls of my house has been framed by the talented, friendly and patient staff at Framings. While I don’t have much (or, actually, any) fine art, the folks there treat each item I bring in as if it’s a Renoir. I have framed my children’s artwork, family photos, certificates (like the one my youngest son received at Disney World that declares him a Jedi in training) and even a few of my favorite blog pieces. This time around I am proudly bearing my middle son’s diploma; he has just graduated college and I am happy to take advantage of the 20.18 percent discount Framings is offering on all diplomas. It doesn’t matter if your child just graduated from nursery school or received their  degree in neurosurgery, the discount will still apply!

Next, I pop in to Manny’s with my youngest son, who is in desperate need of a haircut. My husband and three sons have been getting their hair cut at Manny’s for 20 years; we even have video of my youngest looking somewhat alarmed as he gets his very first haircut there nearly 16 years ago (and I still have a lock of his hair from that day). From their early haircuts when they needed booster seats to their summer pre-camp buzz cuts to their bar-mitzvah cuts to their very important job interview haircuts, the team at Manny’s has been there for us. Hairstyles may change but our choice of barber shop will remain the same. My boys always get a kiss from me after their haircuts (because they look so handsome) and I never leave without getting a Tootsie Pop or large gumball.

I walk to DeCicco & Sons where I have been grocery shopping almost daily since it opened. Not to brag or anything, but I feel like a celebrity when I’m there (although I’m guessing that’s how they make everyone feel). I love shopping at DeCicco because the produce is exceptionally fresh, their fish is delivered daily, and they have one of the best gourmet cheese selections I’ve ever seen. Summer is the perfect time to choose from their extensive assortment of beers; if you have any questions, the knowledge staff is more than happy to help. DeCicco may not be the biggest grocery store, however, I am always amazed at how I can pretty much get everything I need there (I was even able to buy a graduation card). And if they don’t have something on my list, they are happy to get it for me. If you see me there, please say hello!

Since the weather has finally warmed up after the endless winter, I drive over to Beascakes Bakery for an iced tea lemonade and to order a platter of themed cookies for a weekend barbeque we will be attending. Last time I brought cookies from Beascakes, our friends called them crack because they couldn’t stop eating them; they were that good. And in case you were wondering, people prefer the white half of black and white cookies. End of the year parties? Father’s Day (which don’t forget is Sunday June 17)? Graduation or birthday celebrations? A wedding? Camp Visiting Day? College send off? Whatever the occasion, Beascakes has you covered with their custom cupcakes, cakes, fruit pies and donuts, as well as their Best of Westchester award-winning chocolate chip cookies. If you can imagine it, they can bake and decorate it.

My husband mentions he’s able to get out of work a little early and, since I don’t feel like cooking, I get spruced up (which is no small feat on a weeknight) and meet him at Gavi Restaurant. We have been regulars there for decades; the warm staff always makes us feel welcome. Our oldest son still requests we go there when he’s home for a visit. Although we eat there year round, I love Gavi even more in the summer. The outdoor patio is perfect for having a glass of wine and enjoying the weather; I actually feel as if we are away when we dine al fresco at Gavi. The spinach salad, pasta dishes and fish are among my favorite things to order, although I can also be tempted by the delicious specials  When we bring our whole family, dinner always ends with coffee or tea and the world’s best tartufo.

Wishing you all a fantastic summer; I hope it brings you fun, adventure and a sense of renewal. See you back here in the Fall when I will continue to shop locally!

Dads, Grads & the Arts

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As I write this column, it is pouring outside and the temperature is hovering at 60 degrees. It’s hard to believe that in ten days Memorial Day weekend will be here and the unofficial start of summer. As anyone in this part of Northern Westchester can attest, it has been a long, hard winter. And that’s why we wanted to celebrate summer (and dads and grads!) with our June issue.

We are fortunate enough to live in an area that is chock full of fun and culture during the summer. Fancy hearing the latest indie bands? Grab a spot at the Pleasantville Music Festival. Is chamber music more your thing? Head on over to nearby picturesque Caramoor. Want to see young thespians sing their hearts out? Take the kids and go see Annie at the Armonk Library.

For me, a backyard BBQ truly epitomizes summer and the best of living in the suburbs. Come Memorial Day weekend, I’m itching to get the grill going and I’ll be sure to visit many of the local farmers markets to pick up a few things–corn waiting to be slathered with butter, fresh fruit pies bursting with flavor and seafood that I’ll cook on my cedar plank. There’s a bounty of options for farmers market fans in our towns and nearby and I love taking the family there on a Saturday morning–our dog included! Not only do they offer an opportunity to connect with local farmers and purveyors but also provide a great way to socialize with your neighbors.

Speaking of neighbors, we wanted to highlight two dads in our community: John Berman, CNN anchorman of “New Day” and an Armonk resident who is always seeking the truth in his role as a journalist, and Ben Lieberman, a distracted driving awareness advocate who was recently honored with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Lifesavers Award for Public Service and a Chappaqua dad. They both give back to their communities in numerous ways and serve as role models. Happy Father’s Day to John, Ben and all the dads out there who give 110% of themselves everyday.

We also wanted to wish a congratulations to all the recent or soon-to-be grads out there. So whatever you are celebrating this month–dads, grads or the start of summer, here’s to enjoying every minute of it with your loved ones. Happy summer and see you in September.

Enjoy,

Get Ready, Get Set, Graduate! Byram Hills Graduation Prep by the Numbers

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In one sense, it’s been a lifetime coming. The young students at Byram Hills High School in Armonk have been preparing for their high school graduation not just for four years but far longer than that, growing and changing and expanding intellectually. Now, though, parents, loved ones, faculty, staff and other officials will gather to recognize their hard work as they leave behind what the Byram Hills school system had to offer and embark on their adult lives. Inside Armonk spoke to officials to get a better sense of what goes into preparing for the big day.

19 of June is when the seniors at Byram Hills High School will graduate, indoors at SUNY Purchase, a location Byram Hills Principal Chris Walsh said is “beautiful even in the worst weather.”

205 newly-minted high school graduates will take on the world. Declining enrollment is causing the population at many local high schools including Byram Hills to get slightly smaller.

1372 is the number of seats available in the hall at SUNY Purchase. The graduates, of course, will be seated on the stage. Custodians will work hard the day before and the day of the graduation in order to transport and set up risers, banners, diploma covers, and much more, according to Deepak Marwah, fine arts director at the school. Marwah helps manage logistics for the graduation. “There are a lot of moving parts,” he said.

5 is a big number for this long-awaited event; 5 speakers will address the crowd at the Byram Hills High School graduation: a valedictorian, a salutatorian, Walsh, Superintendent Jen Lamia and the president of the board of education,Robin Glat. The valedictorian and salutatorian will be determined late May, when final grades are released. “That gives them time to work on their addresses,” Walsh said. The ceremony is at 5 p.m.–and each family automatically gets 5 tickets to the event.

1 or 2 extra tickets may be had, though, depending on availability and how many requests for extra tickets come in, Walsh said. Many families have grandparents and other loved ones in town to celebrate.

97 percent and more of Byram Hills students will continue on to college – Walsh expects this year’s numbers to be close to 98 percent, but an exact number wasn’t available at press time.

4 years of fundraising by these seniors, who’ve helped with prom and graduation expenses and more, and now it’s time to present a class gift with the money they have remaining. “Last year it was a sign for our new Coffee Cafe,” Walsh said. “The year before, the class donated informational monitors for the hallway.” What’s coming from the Class of 2018? It’ll be a surprise, announced during the ceremony.

0 Regents diplomas will be awarded by Byram Hills. “We do what’s called a local diploma,” Walsh explained. “We feel like what we do is more advanced and more rigorous than a Regents diploma, but all of our students take all the Regents classes and go beyond that.”

23 AP classes are available at the alma mater of this year’s graduates, and other high-level learning opportunities such as a science research program, and in addition, a class called Perspectives in Literature, which is a two-period class that’s considered honors level.

11 months in advance, district residents are alerted of the next spring’s graduation dates when the district calendar is finalized and mailed.

45 sports teams of various levels and seasons are available at Byram Hills High School.

90 minutes or a bit more is the projected length of the graduation ceremony, with a lot packed in: besides the speeches and awarding of diplomas, there will be several pieces of music performed by the band and chorus, and the class gift presentation.

“We really take it seriously and we really think it’s important to present an event that represents all the hard work the students have put in over four years,” Walsh said.