Westchester

Inside Westchester Art Studio

December 2, 2015 by The Inside Press

By Amy Shaw

A long and winding road…many forks, twists, turns and here we are…

Coming from very different backgrounds, Alan and I formed Westchester Art Studio in the summer of 2015 after creating and teaching art for many years. We recognized a need for an individualized art program that would offer all the elements of teaching and fun that seemed to be missing in many other art schools. We also wanted to have a school that had programs tailored to each student, and have a specific curriculum aimed at enhancing our older student’s portfolio and artistic goals. Our teaching experience in conjunction with professional expertise in the field gives our program the added dimension of tying art to career and the world beyond the classroom.

Now here’s a little bit about us, and why we believe that Westchester Art Studio is the way to go for art … With a BA in fine arts, I veered into a career in graphic design for many years as an Art Director in promotion at Readers Digest and at various Ad agencies in NYC. Meanwhile, I wanted to work with kids and get back into the fine art process, so I created a program teaching children in the Bronx on Saturdays about important artists, art history, the elements of art, etc. They also learned about art in everyday life and how it ties into math, history, science, music, nature and most things we experience. In addition, the students created mini-masterpieces while soaking up relevant historical information.

I was having so much fun teaching art that I thought: why not do this after school in Westchester and Connecticut … and I did just that. Meanwhile my daughter, who was very interested in art,
spent many afternoons studying art with Alan Reingold; her friends from Horace Greeley and their siblings (many went to top rated art schools) studied with Alan as well. He tailors his teaching to the student’s specific interest and needs. For example, if one were working on a fashion or other specialized portfolio he would help in that area. He is currently helping a student with an animation portfolio, and another with fashion design. He has taught at Parsons, MICA, and RISD for over 20 years and evenings in Westchester. In addition, Alan is in the field himself, having been to the White house drawing presidential portraits and illustrating many of the covers on TIME Magazine. With his credentials, patience and direction (and I can’t forget sense of humor), I knew starting Westchester Art Studio with Alan was a great decision.

Looking forward to a creative and fun 2016 at Westchester Art Studio… Vist: www.westchesterartstudio.com

A seven year old student inspired by Monet’s water lilies

These brothers are falling for Cezanne’s Apples... Pastel, acrylic and watercolor — These brothers are falling for Cezanne’s Apples… Pastel, acrylic and watercolor

A colorful selection of color shape and texture

Twelve year old student created this marvelous beast

Expressing Ourselves

December 1, 2015 by The Inside Press

In the age of new media, as Lindsay Hand tells us in our new edition, opportunities to express ourselves abound and that it’s most compelling when writing comes from the heart.

I write my column today after sharing my shock and pain from reading updates about the mayhem on French soil, the appalling inhumanity of which just seems entirely incomprehensible.

I have also pondered violence at home due to our inability to respond effectively to free floating guns that travel crossing state borders like toy pistols; guns that are apparently so easily accessible to terrorists too. I turned to Congresswoman Nita Lowey to help relay any hope she feels surrounding this issue she works so hard on, and also explain recent initiatives important to our community or dear to her heart.

Another person courageously speaking from the heart is Susan Chatzky. Nita Lowey, in my interview, speaks of the reasons she supports Planned Parenthood and of their vital health care services. Susan, a local resident on their board, explains just how special a place Planned Parenthood really is.

This “Winter/Holidays” edition is not “all” issues oriented. It’s full of great artistic expression, including ones from our own Jon Cobert, a two time Emmy nominated keyboardist who has performed with superstars. Insights into what makes a winning theatre production can be found in a story about Pleasantville’s unique Arc Stages. Grateful too to Francesca Hogadus for her very personal tribute to ‘the man who tried to stop the Holocaust,’ Jan Karski.

There is more. I’m proud to offer a forum for residents to express themselves. Please enjoy our holiday sponsored dining guide and various chefs’ expressed desire to please. Happy Holidays to you and yours! Wishing always for peace and good will on Earth.

Full Hearts for Empty Bowls Westchester

Between us pic — (L-R): Lisa Samkoff, Allison Spiegel, Mike Slomsky, Lauren Stern, Dana Berk, Jessica Reinmann, Lena Cavanna, Dawn Greenberg, Mindy Kombert and Jillian Pohly

Hundreds turned up in November at the Whipporwill Club for a generous show of support to benefit the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, the Community Center of Northern Westchester, and The Interfaith Emergency Food Pantry in Pleasantville. Some 15 festive painted bowls signed by celebrities, including Billy Joel and Pharrell Williams, and also ones by “local celebrities,” were put out for bid. Everyone took home a painted bowl, prepared by volunteers organized by the Empty Bowls committee. About $100,000 was raised!

Feed Me Fresh “Edible Evening” Raises Over $312,000 for Mount Kisco Child Care Center

October 22, 2015 by Inside Press

Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC) held its 11th Annual Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening on Saturday, September 26th. The evening was hosted by Eric Hadar at his Ivanna Farms estate in Bedford Corners, NY and raised more than $312,000. The annual fundraising event benefits the Center’s need-based scholarship program, which helps provide access to quality child care for working families. More than half of the 145 children at the Center receive scholarship support. Event honorees were MKCCC advisory board and board members, Beverley & Sabin Streeter along with friends and neighbors of the Center, Fran & Maarten Steenman of La Tulipe Desserts in Mt. Kisco.

Event Honorees Beverley & Sabin Streeter of Chappaqua

More than four hundred guests enjoyed live jazz music and delicious tasting menus from top local area restaurants. A highlight of the night was an announcement by NY State Assemblyman David Buchwald awarding the Center a $50,000 grant from the New York State Community Capital Assistance Program.

The event was chaired by Kelly Sullivan, former MKCCC parent and owner of Quaker Hill Tavern in Chappaqua. Honorary co-chairs were Twink & Jim Wood and Sara Weale & John Rudge. Jeffrey Cerutti acted as master of ceremonies and Joe DiMauro, of Mt. Kisco Seafood, was the evening’s auctioneer.

Feed Me Fresh is MKCCC’s garden-to-table, sustainable nutrition program designed to increase the level of appreciation for healthy foods and healthy choices for children at an early age. In 2008, based on the innovative Feed Me Fresh program, Mount Kisco Child Care Center was designated the first slow food school in Westchester by Slow Food USA.

MKCCC Board Member Fran Osborne & Nick Markoff of Chappaqua

FMF Event Chair Kelly Sullivan and husband Tim, owners of Quaker Hill Tavern in Chappaqua

Don’t forget to Vote on November 3

October 21, 2015 by The Inside Press

By Marianne A. Campolongo

On November 3, New Castle voters will choose their Town Supervisor, two town board members and other local officials and judges.

“Not all people live in a country where they have the right to vote. The right to vote in some parts of the world is exercised at great personal risk. It always helps me to keep that in mind when voting is really inconvenient, ” said Mary Kirsch, Voter Service Director of the League of Women Voters of New Castle.

According to a report by Nonprofit Vote, nationwide, in 2014, just under 37% of eligible voters turned out to vote, the lowest level of voter turnout seen in a midterm since World War II.” In New York State, that number was even lower. At 29%, New York ranked 49th in voter turnout, with only Texas and Indiana having lower participation.

The report notes that low turnout leads to more polarized politics. “At a local level, the act of voting grows from and helps foster healthier and more engaged communities. Voters are more likely to…contribute to their neighborhood’s ‘social capital’ and live in communities where neighbors are in contact with one another.” When local offices are at stake, as they are this year, each vote is more important, and should spur participation rather than discourage it.

In addition to town offices outlined in the accompanying articles, incumbent Westchester County Court Judge Susan Cacace (D, R, C, IN, REF) is running against Helen M. Blackwood (D, WF) currently Mount Vernon City Court Judge, incumbent Surrogate’s Court Justice Frank W. Streng (D, GRE) is running against Brendon R. Sall (D, WF, WE) and incumbents Michael B. Kaplowitz (D, REF) is running for County Legislator and Douglas M. Kraus (D, R) for Town Justice, both unopposed.

You can learn more about the candidates at www.Vote411.org and by attending Candidates’ Night on Oct. 29, 7 p.m., at the Chappaqua Library.

When an Air Mattress Just Won’t Do: Local Lodging Options

October 21, 2015 by The Inside Press

Is your bed overcrowded? Get the kids and dog out of your bedroom,

By Liz Susman Karp

While there’s no place like home, as the saying goes, there’s sometimes simply no space there to spare for every dear family member or friend who comes to visit or celebrate a holiday or special occasion. Fortunately, there is a wealth of lodging available locally where guests can stay without compromising family relationships, a friendship or the festive spirit.

“If I needed convenience,” said longtime Armonk resident Anita Greenwald, “and if the person did not drive, did not have a car and needed to be close, I would put them at La Quinta. It’s basic, it’s bare bones, but it’s very convenient so I would absolutely call there.” Additionally, she adds, “When we had my daughter’s bat mitzvah years ago, we had people who stayed at the Holiday Inn in Mount Kisco.”

Pleasantville empty nester Margaret Atkinson also uses those local spots for visiting relatives. When Atkinson and her husband downsized nine years ago, they wanted to continue to host big holiday celebrations in their home. “We lived in Chappaqua and when both of our kids were gone and finished with college, we downsized to a townhouse at Pleasantville Country Club. While it’s large, we have a large family,” she laughed. “And if we’re all here, there’s about 26, 27 of us; then we can’t accommodate everybody in our house.”

Reflecting further on holiday logistics, Atkinson suggested that transportation is also a consideration and appreciates her guests’ thoughtfulness, “When my family comes from out of town, they either drive or fly in and rent a car.” This means she does not need “to give one of our cars to someone to use or shuttle people back and forth” which is, she continued, “probably the most difficult part of having people at a hotel…“getting them back and forth without your having to leave on Thanksgiving morning to go pick people up…that sort of thing.”

If there is a need for a handicap accessible room, Atkinson suggests making sure the room is not oversold as happened to a cousin. “Overall,” she commented, “I would say that the experience we have had at the hotels locally has been a good one. But you’ve got to plan well in advance.”

On the flip side, when transportation is not an issue, the options increase substantially. “Of course, Armonk is so close to White Plains,” Greenwald pointed out, “so if someone had a car and did not mind a 15-minute drive…you have so many hotels in White Plains.”

Indeed, there are a number of well-known hotel chains at various price points in White Plains including the upscale Ritz-Carlton as well as the Crowne Plaza White Plains-Downtown, Cambria Suites, Hyatt House and Residence Inn by Marriott. Further west in Elmsford are the Sheraton, Hampton Inn and Westchester Marriott. A bit more old world-elegant in neighboring Tarrytown is the Castle Hotel & Spa, an 1897 medieval structure that has been transformed into a luxury hotel and spa with 31 guest rooms and suites and an award-winning restaurant as well.

An alternative to hotel chains is the Edith Macy Conference Center in Briarcliff Manor, a rustic haven for guests and an easy drive to Armonk. Situated on 405 wooded acres, the center, which is owned by the Girl Scouts of America, offers 52 comfortable guest rooms of varying sizes. For those thinking ahead like the Atkinsons, note that for the past two years the center has closed the last week of December and first days of January. Trivia fact: the County’s first hotel, Briarcliff Lodge, opened in 1902, near the Center.

Local bed & breakfasts are a charming option. Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua, also an acclaimed restaurant and event space, offers 14 gracious rooms all with en suite bathrooms and modern amenities. Actor and Bedford resident Richard Gere and friends restored the Bedford Post Inn in 2007. The property, a member of Relais & Chateau, a luxury lodging group, now boasts eight beautifully appointed guest rooms as well as two popular restaurants and a yoga studio.

Online platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) provide a non-traditional route fast becoming mainstream for all kinds of lodging needs. Elizabeth Schub Kamir rents out her quaint two-bedroom home in Chappaqua for half the year through Airbnb while teaching screenwriting in France and has found it to be very rewarding.

“Amazingly, there is a constant demand for my house,” reports Schub Kamir. “Who knew that so many people had so many reasons for wanting to stay in Chappaqua short term? I would say I have equal demand from Airbnb and local people who either know me or have been referred to me on Chappaqua Moms–most of whom are looking to escape renovation hell.”

“Most people are looking for a temporary place to stay while they renovate their homes, others come for work or to visit family in the area,” continued Schub Kamir. “I had another family last year whose daughter was at boarding school in Westchester; they wanted to be closer to her for a while. I have also had several guests from the city who want to test the water in Chappaqua. These are generally young families who want to experience life in the area before making the commitment to buy a home here.”

Schub Kamir’s long-term rentals have fostered enriching connections. “For me renting my home on Airbnb at times becomes a very personal experience,” she said. Currently hosting a family from Brazil for three months, she was able to help them register their daughter for high school and even put the student in touch with potential classmates.

“I knew what it was like to have a child start school in a new country and it was so gratifying to be able to ease the transition to for someone else…For me being a good Airbnb host is more than just providing a clean, pleasant home. It’s an opportunity to make a difference for people in unique situations.”

Using Airbnb or VRBO is vastly different than booking an established hotel directly or through a travel agent, which confirms an assured experience. It’s prudent for users to carefully follow all proper protocols as with any online transaction.

As nice as it is to gather family and friends to hearth and home for the holidays, it’s not always possible for everyone to stay in situ. Hosts don’t always have the extra room while guests often appreciate being able to return to a hotel for some quiet relaxation or breathing space after a long day of visiting. Regardless of where one stays, the goal is enhanced time together; we lucky residents can take advantage of ample options for lodging, as varied as the reasons for needing them, in and around Armonk.

Liz Susman Karp is a freelance writer and public relations practitioner. She, her husband and two teenage sons live in Briarcliff Manor near the site of Briarcliff Lodge where they used to explore the ruins when the boys were young.

LOCAL LODGING WEBSITES

La Quinta Inn & Suites,
laquintaarmonk.com

Holiday Inn Mount Kisco, ihg.com

Renaissance Westchester,
marriott.com

Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook, doralarrowwood.com

The Hyatt Regency,
greenwich.hyatt.com

Homestead Inn, homesteadinn.com

Ritz-Carlton, ritzcarlton.com

Crowne Plaza White Plains-Downtown, ihg.com

Cambria Suites,
cambriasuiteswhiteplains.com

Hyatt House,
whiteplains.house.hyatt.com

Residence Inn by Marriott, marriott.com