The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

holiday season

Wine Around Town is Friday, December 3 in Chappaqua, NY

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Explore Special Promotions at Desires by Mikolay

 

Another week has gone by and you still haven’t checked off how many people on your list? There’s an easy solution to that!

You’re Invited to the 5th Annual Wine Around Town, sponsored by the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce. A festive evening to ‘Eat, Drink & Be Merry’ while seeing what your local shops have to offer for your Holiday gift giving needs! Customers of Desires by Mikolay will enjoy special promotions while they shop, and enjoy complimentary fine foods, wine & spirits! This event is open to the public and takes place throughout Chappaqua proper on Friday, December 3rd 5-8pm.

Shop Small this Holiday Season!

#chappaquawinearoundtown

Inclement weather date of Saturday, December 4th.

 

The All Important Focus on Togetherness During the Holiday Season

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Gordon Josey, owner/director of Breezemont Day Camp in Armonk, NY, was asked to share parenting advice to guide us through the holidays. He focused on the social and emotional side of things and advised parents to make sure their kids “focus on togetherness and gratitude in addition to the material things”. After all, “like camp, the success of the holidays are the social interactions more than the material gifts- kindness, listening, understanding, and acceptance will make for a wonderful holiday for all of us,” said Gordon Josey. This includes taking the time to give to others by donating or volunteering. The all knowing camp director also emphasized the importance of active listening and remaining open to different points of view as we gather with our families throughout this holiday season. 
 

The Beauty of Publishing

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There’s no business like show business… except for maybe publishing community magazines!  With a cover story in Inside Armonk Magazine about Treasures and its wonderful volunteer and philanthropic efforts, I’m feeling that too. I’m also delighted we could bring you our Inside Chappaqua Magazine cover story in which BGCNW executive director Alyzza Ozer shares so many of the amazing accomplishments of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester. Both these stories were ‘from the source’–sharing from their hearts–and we may include more of these in future articles about non-profits, too.

Toiling away in my own little corner in my own little chair over the last 18 years, I’m not always immediately aware, but over time, I can become quite buoyed by the impact different stories have on a person, a single organization, or an entire community for that matter.

I won’t lie either. The occasional expressions of gratitude we receive in producing our own little show makes publishing feel like a truly beautiful and worthwhile endeavor. This past fall, we received two such letters! Please see excerpts from each below.

We have some wonderful stories about several of our sponsors in this edition as well, and I present those with deep gratitude, too. The ‘independent’ stories we produce would not be possible without advertising/advertorial support, and in truth, the stories about our sponsors can be equally well received–as most of them are your neighbors and friends, too! And, oh, so impressive.

The beauty of expressing gratitude also emerges as a theme in these current and end of the year ‘beautiful-inside and out’ themed holiday editions. We have several essays addressing that vital feeling of appreciation of others, or even of oneself (if you’re prone to discounting your own beauty; I know I am). I’m personally grateful for all the arts venues bursting back onto the scene, and yup, I sure love getting out of the house again! As much as possible, in fact! in these editions, we visit the Taconic Opera Company and the iconic Capitol Theatre (rock and roll heaven in our backyard) to acquaint you, or at least remind you of all the irresistible shows.

An end note here as well that the holiday season can be especially treacherous for families with children with food allergies, so don’t miss Ella Ilan’s story about two moms making a huge difference. And that’s beautiful too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Letters to the Editor

“I am writing to send you sincere thanks for your story about the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden in your September-October issues of Inside Armonk and Inside Chappaqua & Millwood. The articles were so well written and illustrated that we could not have done a better job ourselves! It is clear that the results of your articles have increased our admissions at the Hammond Museum, both because the past several Saturdays have brought the most visitors that we have had in a single day (except our Opening Day), with about a 1/3 increase over prior Saturdays, and also because several individuals specifically remarked that their visit was the result of seeing your article in their local magazine. In fact, a visitor, who is the head of a local community group, remarked today that she heard about the Hammond at a gathering several weeks ago but suddenly “I’m seeing the Hammond promoted everywhere!” She specifically mentioned that one of the primary sources was your magazine. So we cannot thank you enough for your interest and support in our institution…  — Elizabeth Hammer, Executive Director, Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden

“I’m writing to express my gratitude to you and Pia Haas for the story in the September-October issues of Inside Chappaqua & Millwood and Inside Armonk magazines welcoming me in my new role as President and CEO of Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts. The piece captures the richness of the experiences that can be enjoyed at Caramoor year round, whether it be teas, tours and concerts in the Music Room of the Rosen House in the Fall through Spring, or our extensive summer season of outdoor musical performances enhanced by garden strolls, picnics and our Sonic Innovations Sound Art collection. Caramoor is a local gem and we can’t thank you enough for sharing it with your readers. Publications like yours play a vital role in the community and it was an honor to be included. It was also wonderful to work with your photographer Donna Mueller (who, by the way, miraculously coaxed our Sandy to pose for a photo!) and to meet you in person on Chappaqua Day! …  — Edward J. Lewis III, President & CEO, Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts

When Cabin Fever Strikes: Three Fun Family Excursions!

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With so much uncertainty happening this year most might be seeking some semblance of normalcy at a time when families would be gathering to ring in the holidays together.

With New York’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 significantly lower compared to March, some restrictions have lifted enough over the months allowing for folks to get out and enjoy themselves. Businesses and destinations across the state have also implemented health protocols to ensure safety for all.

Whether it’s eating out, visiting your favorite museum, going skiing or cutting down a Christmas tree at the local farm, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advises those to wear a mask and social distance by avoiding large gatherings and keeping a six-foot distance.

Health officials further warn to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoiding sick people and staying inside if exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus.

Here are some places you can enjoy safely with your family or friends this holiday season.

Photo by Jessica Norman

Untermyer Gardens Conservancy

According to the CDC, taking care of your mental health is imperative during times of increased stress and uncertainty.

Whether taking a break from work, eating healthy or exercising, there’s no better place to take a much-needed deep breath than Untermyer Gardens Conservancy in Yonkers. With multiple gardens and paths spanning nearly 50-acres overlooking the Hudson River, a walk around the historic park is guaranteed to provide more relief than a stroll around the neighborhood or the grocery store.

Untermyer Gardens, located at 945 North Broadway, is open Friday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to COVID-19, admission is accepted through a free timed-entry reservation system which allows visitors to sign up for a 30-minute entry window and visit the garden for up to 90 minutes. Admission is free.

Along with guided tours every Sunday and areas specialized for professional photography sessions, the Conservancy will also host its annual Grand Holiday Illumination from Dec. 12 to Jan. 3. The event will run from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

“For the Illumination, only the Walled Garden will be open to visitors,” Jessica Norman, Outreach Officer for Untermyer Gardens, said. “It can be visited by those who cannot go up or down stairs, but the amphitheater and loggias are not accessible to those who can’t do stairs.”

She added heavy snowfall or significant ice will close the event until walkways are cleared and safe for visitors.

Reservations are required and can be made at untermyergardens.org.

Visitors must wear masks and exercise safe social distancing, with monitors stationed throughout the park ensuring rules are followed. Those refusing to follow guidelines will not be permitted to enter or remain in the gardens. Visitors must also follow the one-way routes indicated on the map and signage and not enter blocked off areas.

Photo By Douglas Camberis

The Museum of Ice Cream

While traveling to New York City may elicit some skepticism, there’s no confusion when it comes to ice cream.

Whether you’re diving feet first into the Sprinkle Pool, embracing a tribute to the history of gay pride in the Rainbow Tunnel, riding on the three-story slide, or admiring the dessert feast suspended by floating balloons, The Museum of Ice Cream has 13 exhibitions for ice cream lovers of all ages.

In-person and virtual ice cream making classes are also provided, along with ice cream crafted with true English toffee, 1950s inspired malted milk balls and ripe bananas, according to the website.

In accordance with the CDC, the facility will be deep cleaned before opening, throughout the day and before closing, with team members training to disinfect all touch points immediately after contact with guests. Spaces will also be sanitized after each viewing, the website states, with sanitizer stations in specific areas.

Masks are required and must be worn at all times. Those without one will be denied entry.  Refunds will not be offered to those who are removed from the building for not adhering to the guidelines, but will be given to those who become ill and cancel a reservation.

Groups larger than 10 will be prohibited. There will also be markers on the floor to ensure that a safe distance is met, the website states.

Tickets can be bought online and are $39 for adults and free for kids under two.

The museum, located at 558 Broadway in New York City, is open Thursday-Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

www.museumoficecream.com.

Photo by Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

The annual Holiday Lights event at the Bronx Zoo will return this year on Nov. 20, with select dates available through January 10.

The event will encompass a larger area of the zoo and will accommodate social distancing procedures to avoid bottleneck areas. This year’s event will feature nearly 50 more animal lanterns than last year and will create five geographically representative lantern safaris that include species from different regions of the world.

People of all ages can indulge in holiday-themed music, ice carving demonstrations, costumed characters, stilt walkers, souvenirs, and seasonal treat like hot chocolate and s’mores. With s’mores a popular attraction, the zoo will also increase its fire pits from four to 12 this year.

A tree will also be erected to ring in the holiday spirit.

“2020 has been a trying year for all of us and has once again shown the resiliency of New York City and New Yorkers,” said Jim Breheny, Bronx Zoo Director and WCS Executive Vice President for Zoos & Aquarium “The city has always been the center of the holiday universe, and The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights will help bring a sense of normalcy to the city.”

Tickets must be purchased online, with adult tickets $34.95 and $32.95 for seniors. Children 3-12 will cost $22.95. WCS members will receive a 40% discount, with members at the Conservation Supporter level receiving free admission.

If unable to attend the event, the zoo’s 265 acres and 8,000 animals are open for viewing. Visitors must purchase tickets in advance and reserve a specific date prior to arrival. The zoo, located at 2300 Southern Blvd in The Bronx, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. www.bronxzoo.com.

Cozy at Home

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PHOTO by Erica Berger

If you are reading this cozying up to our ‘Home for the Holidays’ editions of the Inside Press, or taking in some of the stories right here, then mission accomplished! My simple goal is that you might find the basic joy of ‘the season,’ and to make your days just that much brighter. I hope too that you will love an Inside Chappaqua cover story spotlighting nine inspiring women who have set out to build bridges in town in a multitude of ways in our schools and in our neighborhoods.

As we continue to ‘share the heart of the community,’ you will find welcoming spotlights, including a ‘Gotta Have Arts’ cover story in Inside Armonk of resident artist Evan Lorberbaum whose work can often be found at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show.  In Inside Chappaqua & Millwood, ‘meet’ the new Chappaqua library director Andrew Farber, and new resident Térron Richardson and learn more of his delightful candle line. If your heart has been broken, know you are not alone this holiday season, as you will see when you read about “Lonely Hearts,” a special support group formed by Chappaqua social worker Lexi Joondeph-Breidbart, who describes her own heartbreak.

If you like most have been lamenting 2020, do take a moment to remember and cherish a positive memory or two, whether something little or something ‘big’–such as a child’s wedding, as was true for everyone’s favorite neighbor and prolific blogger Marlene Fischer (“Thoughts from Aisle 4”) who turned her experience into a book; please turn to the spotlight on Marlene and a book excerpt. More stories/essays in these issues touch on love for our moms and dads in assisted living, sisterly love, ‘blanketing’ many deserving residents with love, and on missing the love of extended family at Thanksgiving. So, enjoy!

With seasonal time off from iLearning and work challenges, I also felt certain readers might appreciate a few ideas for fun and safe excursions, so we present three stellar suggestions. Follow new guidelines, but please also visit or otherwise support a favorite restaurant or two this holiday season with home delivery or curbside pickup options; area proprietors are working harder than ever to make the experience as safe and inviting as possible. Speaking of safety, you will also find advice here from area fire chiefs that will help protect your home from fire.

In the child-care arena, uplifting end-of-year news is the long awaited for opening of a modern and inviting new building for the Ossining Children’s Center (highlighted on a ‘Happenings’ page). I also commend a generous tribute from the Mount Kisco Child Care Center to their teachers and staff. A campaign is underway honoring their courage and dedication.

Wishing you peace and blessings.