The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Westchester County Parks

The 48th Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival Brought Community Together in Both Rain and Shine

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The 48th Annual Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival was held on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, New York. The festival was presented by The Westchester Jewish Council and in cooperation with Westchester County Parks as part of their 2024 Cultural Heritage Festivals.

Although the day began with torrential downpours, this did not stop the performers and vendors from performing and setting up, nor did it stop the crowds from visiting. By mid-afternoon, the rain had stopped and the attendees were able to sing, dance and shop. This year’s performers included The Levins, Ohh-Lam Collective, SIX13, Elijah and the Not-For-Prophets and Kol Hazzanim Kumsitz – Cantors of Westchester. There were over 50 vendors, a WonderSparks Puppet Show, Israeli Dancing with Leng, Juggler Ned Gelfars and more.

In addition this year, we had a special presentation by Executive Board Member Stu Seltzer to musician John Ondrasik who received the Alfred and Constance Weissman COURAGE award. “John Ondrasik is not a silent bystander and the Jewish world is better off because of that. Alfred and Connie Weissman were never silent bystanders and were always strong supporters of Jewish causes and American causes. Alfred was a decorated US Army veteran who served in World War 2 and remained supportive and involved in the US Army 10th Mountain Division. Alfred and Connie were also strong supporters of many Jewish organizations including AIPAC, Friends of the IDF, UJA Federation and many others.

The Westchester community was blessed to have their leadership and we are blessed to have their family members carry on the tradition of “not being silent bystanders” and being strong supporters and leaders of Jewish and Israeli causes. We are honored to present the Alfred and Constance Weissman COURAGE award to John Ondrasik.” This free event is always a community favorite and it did not disappoint this year.

News courtesy of the Westchester Jewish Council

 

PARK AND READ: A New Westchester County and Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival Collaboration

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Park and Read, a captivating summer read-aloud program aimed at fostering a love for reading in young children, is set to take place in picturesque Westchester County Parks. This engaging initiative, organized by Westchester County Director of Programs and Policies, Childcare & Education Roseanne Finizio in collaboration with the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival Executive Director Dawn Greenberg, offers an enriching experience for children aged 3 to 6.

Taking place on weekdays Monday through Thursday, from July 10 – August 10, at 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., the Park and Read program will feature interactive storytelling sessions in both English and Spanish. Experienced and noteworthy storytellers will bring stories to life, creating a vibrant and immersive environment for children and families to enjoy.

The first reader will be Westchester County Executive George Latimer, who said the program is just what kids need as they unwind in the summer: “The Park and Read program combines the joy of storytelling with the beauty of Westchester County Parks, creating a magical experience that fosters a love for reading. We are excited to inspire young minds to get lost in the joy of books.”

Finizio said: “As a former educator, I have witnessed the profound importance of reading and the transformative impact of reading to children. With the Park and Read program, I am delighted to have the opportunity to foster a love for reading among children and create memorable moments of joy under the summer sun.”

The program schedule is as follows:

·         July 10-13: Location: Willson’s Woods Park Venue: DeMatteo Terrace Address: 8 Bradford Road, Mount Vernon, NY 10553

·         July 17-20: Location: Glen Island Park Venue: Grass area outside of bathhouse (Pavilion 1 held for inclement weather) Address: Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10805

·         July 24-28: Location: Tibbetts Brook Park Venue: Grass area in front of bathhouse (Catering Hall held for inclement weather) Address: 355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704

·         July 31 – August 3: Location: Saxon Woods Park Venue: Grass area adjacent to children’s playground (Pavilion held for inclement weather) Address: 1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605

·         August 7-10: Location: Kensico Dam Plaza Venue: Grass area outside of office Address: 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY 10595

The Park and Read program welcomes children accompanied by a guardian and admission is free. Pre-registration is not required; however, participants must adhere to the Westchester County residency rules.

Greenberg said: “The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is thrilled to partner with Westchester County Parks for this initiative. By bringing literature to the heart of nature, Park and Read aims to create a memorable summer experience for children while encouraging the practice of shared reading at home.”

For more information about the Park and Read program, please email RFinizio@WestchesterCountyNY.gov or call (914) 995-2501.  More information can also be found at https://parks.westchestergov.com/park-and-read

About the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival: The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is an annual event held in Chappaqua, NY, that celebrates children’s literature and authors. With a mission to inspire a love for reading and learning, the festival brings together authors, illustrators and families for a day filled with literary activities, book signings and storytelling sessions.

News Courtesy of Westchester County’s County Executive Office

Exploring Wampus Pond: A Bucolic Beauty

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One sunny spring day last month, my family and I packed a light lunch and set out to explore the bucolic beauty of Wampus Pond in Armonk. The expansive pond is certainly the focal point of the park and the first thing you see as you enter. It’s amazing to think that right off one of the busiest roads in the area, such a peaceful enclave of nature exists. Wampus Pond is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems that you don’t want to miss. If you’ve never been, may I suggest a visit in the near future–you won’t be disappointed.

Located right on Route 128 in the Town of New Castle and the Town of North Castle, Wampus Pond is a breathtaking jewel of a park. The park offers an array of activities for all–whether you want a bit of an adventure or you just want to sit peacefully with a good book while enjoying nature.

Wampus Pond was named after the Indian from whom the land was originally bought in 1696. The name Wampus means “opossum” and the natural pond was formerly known as Wampus Lake Reservoir. Wampus Pond was once part of the New York City water supply and in 1963, Westchester County bought Wampus Pond and 93 acres from the City of New York.

Recently, a cultural resources inventory was performed which unearthed several Native American artifacts as well as remnants of historically significant residential developments in or near the park. The rich history of the land makes for a truly thought-provoking visit through Wampus Pond. You never know what you may come across or who may have walked the same path hundreds of years ago.

Activities All Year Long

Throughout the year, there are many things for visitors to do at Wampus Pond including ice skating, fishing, boating and bird-watching. Dogs are welcome in the park but must be on a leash at all times and are not permitted in the picnic areas. One activity that many anticipate in the warmer months is the opening of the pond for row-boating. Take a few hours to enjoy a peaceful sail across the pond or pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.

Rowboat rentals are available on weekends and holidays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitors may rent the boats in the building situated between the parking lot and the water. Boat rentals can be purchased hourly or daily and the fee is discounted for those with a Westchester County Park Pass. Visitors may also choose to bring their own car-top boats but must have a permit.

In addition to the rowboats, there are picnic tables set up throughout the park so visitors may be able to relax and enjoy the serenity of the park’s natural surroundings. Wampus Pond makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a quick lunch-hour break, relaxing in its quiet serenity. Please note the park is a carry in/carry out facility.

As Westchester County Parks Deputy Commissioner Peter Tartaglia says, “Wampus Pond is a fantastic spot for a picnic, to study nature or take a few turns in a rowboat on a beautiful summer day. Its location on Route 128 between Armonk and Mount Kisco make it an easy spot to visit when you’re visiting either or both towns.”

Take some time to visit Wampus Pond throughout the year. In the spring, the buds on the trees start to come alive, while in the fall all of the gorgeous autumnal colors of the leaves frame the pond. Kids and adults alike will enjoy ice skating in the winter while summertime is made for boating. Wampus Pond is one of Westchester’s loveliest spots and it’s right here in Armonk. Plan your visit soon and prepare to be amazed with its splendor.