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Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

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Professional Tarzan Production Stars Local Talent

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News from the White Plains Performing Arts Center:

There’s still time to get tickets for the first professional production of Disney’s Tarzan in Westchester, which opened December 20.

The show not only features performers from all over the country but showcases the talents of many Westchester natives as well.

tarzanJeremy Quinn of Yonkers is directing the production with music direction by Stephen Ferri (Harrison) and choreography by Lexie Fennell Frare (Nyack)

The cast features Westchester residents Kyle Arzaga (Chappaqua) as Young Terk, Melanie Burg (Harstdale) in the Ensemble, Jenna Dallacco (Irvington/Greenburgh) as Jane and Jesse Goodman of Mahopac as Young Tarzan.

(L-R) Jenna Dalacco, Kyle Arzaga and Melanie Burg
(L-R) Jenna Dalacco, Kyle Arzaga and Melanie Burg

These local performers are joined by Nicolas Baumgartner (Clayton), Korie Lee Blossey (Kerchak), Jake Bridges (Snipes), Ben Carlson (Male Ensemble), Jessica Crilley (Female Ensemble), Deanna Giulietti (Female Ensemble), , Melissa Rose Hirsch (Female Ensemble), Darius Jordan Lee (Male Ensemble), Steven Liberto (Male Ensemble), Toby Miller (Professor Porter), Annie Nelson (Female Ensemble), Melanie Porras (Female Ensemble), Shawn W. Smith (Male Ensemble), Jeremy Swift (Male Ensemble), Jennifer Theriot (Kala), Cartreze Tucker (Terk), Max Albert Vivino (Young Tarzan), Kyle Wolf (Young Terk), Marek Zurowski (Male Ensemble), and Chris Stevens as Tarzan.

TARZAN ® features heart-pumping music by Grammy and Oscar winning music pop icon Phil Collins and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang.

“In this day and age of constant human brutality and tragedy, the story of TARZAN ® reminds us of what’s really important, especially at the holidays – the unconditional love of true family, whether biological or chosen. And although we all ‘look’ different, under the skin we are just the same. Disney’s TARZAN ® is victorious in bringing to the stage a well-known story with unforgettable melodies and heart-pumping music perfect for the entire family!”- Jeremy Quinn

Based on the smash-hit Disney animated film, Tarzan ® tells the story of an infant boy orphaned in a shipwreck on the shores of West Africa. The child is taken in and raised by a tribe of gorillas. He becomes a man, thriving in this primitive environment, until the arrival of a hunting expedition and his realization of the world beyond his jungle home. Tarzan ® features high-flying excitement and hits like the Academy Award winning “You’ll Be in My Heart” as well as “Son of Man” and “Two Worlds” making Tarzan® an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Tarzan, The Stage Musical continues at the White Plains Performing Arts Center December 26 – 30 (Saturday at 2pm & 7pm; Sunday at 2pm, Monday & Tuesday at 7pm; Wednesday at 2pm) & January 2-10 (Saturday at 2pm & 7pm; Sunday at 2pm; Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 2pm & 7pm and Sunday at 2pm). Tickets are $25 – $47. A $135 Family Four Pack (2 Adults & 2 Kids tickets) is available for the 7pm performances on December 18, 19, 26, 28, & 29.

White Plains Performing Arts Center is located on the third level of City Center off Mamaroneck Avenue and Main Street in downtown White Plains. For tickets: visit the theatre box office Monday-Friday (11am-6pm), purchase tickets online at www.wppac.com or call 914-328-1600. For Group Sales, please contact barbara@wppac.com.

Tarzan® is recommended for audiences ages 6 and older. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit Sunshine Children’s Home

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Sunshine News:

Jay Lokhande, who lives at the Sunshine Children's Home, along with his family celebrating Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Jay Lokhande, who lives at the Sunshine Children’s Home, along with his family celebrating Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Ossining, NY–Santa and Mrs. Claus surprised the children at Sunshine with a police-escorted visit on their sleigh — thanks to the Police Columbia Association of Westchester, who also purchased individual toys specific to the special needs of each child. This organization has raised funds throughout the year for the past 15 years to bring this wonderful Christmas event to the Sunshine Children’s Home. We are grateful to them and offer our many thanks and best wishes to them for a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Donna Patane, Police Columbia Assoc. of Westchester, Gwen Vandross, Sunshine Children's Home, Ed Patane, Police Combia Assoc. of Westchester and Linda Mosiello, Sunshine Children's Home.
Donna Patane, Police Columbia Assoc. of Westchester, Gwen Vandross, Sunshine Children’s Home, Ed Patane, Police Combia Assoc. of Westchester and Linda Mosiello, Sunshine Children’s Home.

Chappaqua Interfaith Vigil For Victims of Gun Violence: Dec. 13

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CHAPPAQUA’S FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HOSTS
INTERFAITH VIGIL FOR VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

In commemoration of the third anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, and in remembrance of the 90,000 American victims of gun violence since December 2012, First Congregational Church in Chappaqua, NY, is joining the Newtown Foundation and Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence in a nationwide vigil service to #EndGunViolence. The Interfaith Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence at First Congregational Church will take place on Sunday, December 13, 4 p.m.

“Through prayer, song, the ringing of bells, and candlelight, the service is intended to give a voice to all victims and survivors of gun violence,” stated Rev. Martha Jacobs, Senior Minister, First Congregational Church.

The Chappaqua Vigil is one of hundreds of local vigils being held in 39 states around the nation.

Survivors, elected officials, faith leaders, and others in the community will gather together to honor all victims of gun violence. Survivors and family members of victims will talk first-hand about the lifelong pain it creates.

– Kim Russell, a gun violence survivor, lives in NY and works with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and Million Mom March.
– Gisela Marin, mother of Jessica N. Santos, who at age 19 was the innocent victim of a random drive-by shooting. The Jessica N. Santos Foundation, http://www.rememberingjessica.com/foundation.htm
– Leah Gunn Barrett, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. Leah lost her brother to gun violence in 1997.
– Faith Leaders from First Congregational Church, Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, the Chappaqua Interfaith Council, and the Upper Westchester Muslim Society.
– Elected officials attending:
– Assemblyman David Buchwald, 93rd Assembly District
– Robert Greenstein, Town Supervisor, Chappaqua
– Patti Lubin, Senior Counsel, representing US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Since that tragic day in December 2012 approximately 90,000 lives have been needlessly cut short due to the public health crisis of gun violence. So far in 2015 there has been on average at least one mass shooting per day (4 or more people shot in one incident), and more than 1,000 since the Sandy Hook shooting[i]. More preschoolers are shot dead than are police killed in the line of fire[ii].

Chappaqua Cares, a not for profit connecting philanthropic organizations, is co-sponsoring the vigil.
“We mourn for all victims of gun violence and believe it is vital to support family and friends suffering the loss of their loved ones every day for the rest of their lives. The ripple effect of gun violence cannot be understated,” said Dawn Greenberg, founder, Chappaqua Cares.

Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines is the media partner for the event.

The organizers expect a large turnout in the face of horrific mass shootings in Colorado Springs and San Bernardino over the past two weeks.

[i] Mass Shootings Tracker, shootingtracker.com
[ii] A New Way to Tackle Gun Deaths, The New York Times Op-Ed, October 3, 2015

–First Congregational Church has been serving the greater Chappaqua community for over 100 years. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and is an Open and Affirming congregation.
http://www.fcc-chappaqua.org/
–The Newtown Foundation is a Newtown-based, all volunteer organization formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Our mission is “To provide comfort, education, scholarship and other support and resources to people and communities impacted by, and living or growing up among or in the aftermath, of violence in American society; and to help them lead the way toward positive cultural change over the long term.”
http://newtownaction.org/newtown-foundation/.
-Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence is a diverse coalition of more than 50 denominations and faith-based organizations united by the call of our faiths to confront America’s gun violence epidemic and to rally support for policies that reduce death and injury from gunfire. http://faithsunited.org.
gun ad

At Pazzo’s: A Generous Holiday Feast for Armonk Chamber

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Photos by Sam Morell

(L-R): Jason Rosensweig, Stacy Wilder, Michael Levy, Neal Schwartz, Chris Carthy and Robby Morris
(L-R): Jason Rosensweig, Stacy Wilder, Michael Levy, Neal Schwartz, Chris Carthy and Robby Morris

The wine was flowing and platter after platter of delicious Tuscan fare was graciously served to Armonk Chamber of Commerce members, all gathered together to warmly celebrate a year of networking and wonderful programming on behalf of the merchants and residents of North Castle. Members toasted Neal Schwartz, head of the Chamber, for his leadership, and also Pazzo’s owner Pete Monteleone for hosting the event, which drew several dozen (very happy!) participants.

(L-R): Steve D'Angelo, Stacy Wilder and Lisa Pincus Harnroff
(L-R): Steve D’Angelo, Stacy Wilder and Lisa Pincus Harnroff
Chris Carthy with wife Laura (in red) and with Barbara Reiter
Chris Carthy with wife Laura (in red) and with Barbara Reiter

 

Rosenthal JCC’s Hanukkah Celebration – Bring in the Light!

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2015Hanuuka Flyer_GameShow_ForWeb_450px
Fun for the whole family
Sunday, Dec. 13th 4:00 – 6:00pm

On Sunday, December 13th from 4-6 pm, the Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester in Pleasantville will again have its annual Hanukkah celebration, this year entitled “Bring in the Light”. The event will include a Hanukkah Game Show, by Matt Dorner of Main Stages, that is will include games, and contests for children of all ages. This will include a Trivia Challenge, Giant Dreidel Spin-off, a Latke Toss and so much more. And what would be a Hanukkah party without food – making candy dreidels, delicious latkes and jelly donuts. Everyone is encouraged to bring in their own menorah to display and at the end of the evening there will be a menorah lighting!
Discounted tickets can be purchased on-line ($20/family) or at the door ($25/family). For more info contact Cathy Deutchman at cathy@rosenthaljcc.org