BURNS FILM CENTER: Creating a Local & Cultural Mecca

Our Walkable 1st Town Cycle for Survival Playgroup Lifesaver edition!

HAWTHORNE, THORNWOOD & VALHALLA

THE MAGAZINE FOR MOUNT PLEASANT & BEYOND | THEINSIDEPRESS.C0M | MARCH/APRIL 2019 BURNS FILM CENTER: Creating A Local & Cultural Mecca

PLANNING THE PLEASANTVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL ROCKEFELLER PRESERVE’S Majesty & Milestone Arc Stages Springtime Surprises Featuring

Modern Tradition Kitchen & Bath moderntraditionkb.com | 914-579-2040 | [email protected] 343 Manville Road - Suite 2L, Pleasantville, NY 10570 HAWTHORNE, THORNWOOD & VALHALLA THE MAGAZINE FOR MOUNT PLEASANT & BEYOND | THEINSIDEPRESS.COM MARCH/APRIL 2019 15| Rockefeller Preserve

just between us inside thoughts

4 Enjoy our debut edition 6 Our Walkable Town BY GRACE BENNETT BY CAROLINE ROSENGARDEN

31 My Idea of Beauty-Then and Now features BY DANIEL LEVITZ

15 Bucolic Jewel: Rockefeller Preserve BY SHAUNA LEVY happenings

21 Cycle for Survival Triumphs 6 Hudson Valley Fermented at Pace BY BETH BESEN University

24 Kick Start to the Next Pleasantville 8 • Axial Theater Benefit cover story Music Festival • White Plains Hospital Stroke Center BY DAVID PROPPER 28 • Think Fit for Kids The Burns 10| 26 The Magic at Arc Stages • National Pediatric Cancer Foundation: Jacob Burns Center theater staff BY ELLA ILAN Fashion Show Fundraiser include (L-R): Alex Kononenko, Adrienne Frank, Sara Haber, 29 Gap Year Options Imani Humphries, Tommy Olszewski, BY CONNIE WHITEHOUSE etcetera Evan Seligman, Sara Farley

STORY BY STACEY PFEFFER 32 Finding Your Village PHOTO BY LYNDA SHENKMAN BY CHRISTINE PASQUERALLE www.oxygenhousephoto.com

March/April 2019 Volume 1, Number 1

THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTH CASTLE & BEYOND | THEINSIDEPRESS.C0M Publisher & Editor-in-Chief GRACE BENNETT Contributing Editor Advertising Manager Art Director STACEY PFEFFER CAROLINE ROSENGARDEN LISA SAMKOFF Web Design Accounts Manager RYAN SMITH, RICK WATERS ANALIA BOLTUCH

Mailing address: Inside Press, PO Box 643, Millwood Road, NY 10546 Telephone: 914-238-2600 Inside Pleasantville is not responsible for and does not necessarily endorse or not endorse any advertisers, products or resources referenced in advertisements appearing in this publication. The Inside Press shall not be liable to any party as a result of any information, services or resources made available through this publication.The Inside Press is published in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in advertising that appears in this publication. The views of advertisers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher’s. Opinions and information presented in all Inside Press articles, such as in the arena of health and medicine, strictly reflect the experiences, expertise and/or views of those interviewed, and are not necessarily recommended or endorsed by the Inside Press. Please consult your own doctor for diagnosis and/or treatment. 26| Arc Stages Editorial or Press Release Submissions: please email: [email protected] Advertising Inquires: please email: [email protected] For more information, rates and advertising calendar, go to www.theinsidepress.com General Counsel: Brian Hand © 2019 All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Reproduction of any portion is prohibited without permission by the publisher.

MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 01 FOLLOW US IN SOCIAL MEDIA! Along with visiting theinsidepress.com please also check our announcements and activities on social media, including:

facebook.com/theinsidepress

instagram.com/insidepress

grace@theinsidepress

02 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019

just us between ENJOY our Debut Edition

lease know that a lot of heart and soul went into ville’s very own Lynda Shenkman, who shot many of producing this first issue of Inside Pleasantville! If my first Inside editions too. Pyou have lived in the area long enough, many of you may already have seen an Inside Press publica- Ultimately, this pub comes to you after 22 years of tion in a neighbor’s home, or perhaps at a real estate happy Westchester living, having raised two terrific office–where the magazines make a giant impression children: my daughter, Anna, 26, and son Ari, 22, both (I’m told!) with area visitors considering a move here. living in the city. I also visit my dad a lot in Yonkers. He’s going on 97 and still in good health at a senior I’ve been publishing for 16 years residence. Being empty nest, and having this amazing after launching the first edition of Inside Press team in place, I’m expanding our publish- Inside Chappaqua, The Magazine ing efforts. for New Castle and Beyond in April 2003. Five years ago, following Chappaqua’s also is just a hop, skip and jump to that success, I decided to get two Pleasantville. In fact, when I think of ‘fun times’ in Castle pubs underway and pro- Westchester, Pleasantville elicits those feelings enor- duced our first Inside Armonk. And mously, whether it’s at gorgeous Rockefeller Preserve, now here we are delighted to be or enjoying countless movies at the incomparable covering your vibrant Mount Pleas- Jacob Burns Film Center, or even acting classes I ant communities too with this first discovered with Rachel Jones at the Howard Meyer edition of an Inside Pleasantville! Acting Studio/Axial Theater! In the meantime I can live vicariously enjoying others performing in stellar shows Grace’s cut and blow dry I’m always grateful to my Inside such as those at Arc Stages, or setting aside a day to by Lisa Koebbe Bevan, Press team, including Caroline dance or sing along with the mega talented musicians owner and Master colorist at Rosengarden who lives ‘Inside at the Pleasantville Music Festival. BELIEVE Beauty Lounge, a full Pleasantville’ with her beautiful service salon on 95 Manville family. She is positively a most All these places and institutions and more–don’t miss Road in Pleasantville, enthusiastic proponent for the a terrific story on Cycle for Survival!–are covered in believebeautysalon.com Makeup (and photo!) by Kara community (see page six to hear this debut edition, which I hope you will treasure and Delfino, karadelfino.com. her thoughts on Pleasantville too!). keep as a collector’s item. We will be ‘back again’ with a back to school September/October 2019 edition Also, enjoy the work here by Lisa arriving in your home by late August too. Remember, Samkoff, our consummate professional designer who you can read us online too at theinsidepress.com and brings a special flair to every page. Wonderful Stacey follow our assorted musings primarily on Facebook Pfeffer edits our Chappaqua and Armonk editions from and Instagram. which you may see some relevant articles appearing here too. First and foremost, as a publisher, I under- I am aiming for at least four editions in 2020, so stay stand no community’s residents live in a bubble, so I tuned for more fun and meaningful coverage in which do share from other communities, and will continue to we will keep on ‘Sharing the Heart of Your Commu- as much as I can. nity.” And I’d be remiss if I didn’t also communicate a resounding THANK YOU to all the generous sponsors I also so appreciate Ryan Smith and Rick Waters, who and contributors who made this edition and future designed and maintain our site theinsidepress.com. ones possible. ENJOY! You can find all the stories here online too, a down- loadable edition, along with other ‘in between post- ings,’ all as much as time and energy permit! Behind the scenes, we have Analia Boltuch, our invaluable account manager, and always a rotating group of talented ‘regular’ freelance writers and photographers. This issue’s cover work plus the photos for the Pleas- Grace Bennett antville Music Festival, for example, are from Pleasant- Inside Press Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

04 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 to make an appointment with a Our Doctors. physician call: 914-849-7900 YOur NeighborhooD.

Christine Shalini Bobra, MD Stephanie Casper, White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness Ashour, MD MS, RD Cardiology provides comprehensive care for the entire family, Family Medicine Registered Dietitian conveniently located in the heart of Armonk.

Expert physicians in Primary Care, Pediatrics, OB/ Kira Geraci- Renee Elkin, MD Paul Fragner, MD GYN, and multiple specialties including Allergy & Ciardullo, MD Neurology, Orthopedic Allergy & Multiple Sclerosis Surgery; Hand Immunology, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Neurology, Immunology: Wrist & Elbow Orthopedics and Rheumatology offer personalized Adult / Pediatric service for patients and family members. Same-day appointments are often available. Alessandrina Amy Hua, DO Jeffrey Freitas, MD Neurology Jacobson, MD Plastic & Plastic Surgery; The facility also houses a Diagnostic Imaging Center Reconstructive Hand Surgery Surgery and Urgent Care center, operated by White Plains Hospital Emergency Department physicians, with Zsolt Kulcsar, DO Ellen Lestz, MD Kay Lovig, MD extended hours and short wait times. Rheumatology Pediatrics Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism To make an appointment call 914-849-7900. Visit wphospital.org/armonk for more information.

Samantha Tejas Patel, MD Joshua Raff, MD Lowe, MD Internal Medicine, Hematology & Pediatrics Nephrology & Oncology Hypertension White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness 99 Business Park Drive Armonk, NY 10504 Syed Rahman, MD Simi Suri, DO Ute Traugott MD Pain Management Obstetrics & Neurology, Gynecology Multiple Sclerosis URGENT CARE 914-849-7999 Weekdays: 3pm -11pm Louis Vizioli, MD Michael Michael Weekends: 9am - 9pm Weintraub, MD Zuckman, MD Pulmonology, Critical Care & Neurology Internal Medicine Internal Medicine

WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL IS A MEMBER OF THE MONTEFIORE HEALTH SYSTEM inside thoughts Our Walkable Town Just part of the magic of Pleasantville!

BY CAROLINE ROSENGARDEN

When we moved to Pleasantville in 2007 it was only because there was a house for rent here that was a new construction. Coming from a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, we decided that we weren’t going to pass that up. “But there are no school busses in Pleasantville,” a long-time friend new to the suburbs said to us.

As parents of a young child, we wondered why no one had ever mentioned that to us and quickly came to realize that it was because… in Pleasantville, it simply doesn’t matter. And from school by themselves or in to town after school on a Friday the longer we lived here we believed that the absence of those with friends is not only fun but it’s also a boost to their confidence busses was actually a little part of the magic. and self-esteem; small gifts all because of some well-maintained sidewalks and a lovely community. Living in a town where people walk to and from school, to meet friends for coffee, to go to the movies, out to dinner or the local “If I could get paid to be the Pleasantville Welcome Wagon, I would!” book store enables us to create and maintain connections that is what I’m often telling people I meet who are new to our little town. make life special. Running into a friend or neighbor while out I’m so excited for them, for the greatness that they don’t really know walking Ruby, our golden-doodle, results easily in knowing who they’ve found. needs dinner delivered or what issues are being discussed at the village board meeting. Caroline Rosengarden and her husband Andy have lived in Pleasantville since 2008. She is the advertising manager at This walking town has also been and continues to be an integral the Inside Press and when she’s not working can be found part of Lucy and Sadie’s childhoods. Being able to walk home baking, reading or catching a movie at the Jacob Burns. happenings

Festivities Galore in Store at ‘Hudson Valley Fermented’

he Pleasantville Rotary Club will be holding their wildly successful charity fundraiser, Hudson Valley Fermented, again this year. This tasting event of New York craft beverages and samplings from the best Hudson Valley restaurants will take place Saturday, March 16. The Rotary Club raises funds for local and international charities; last year alone, $30,000 was raised and hopes are high to top that this year. Major beneficiaries of Hudson Valley Fermented 2019 will include Team Fox for Parkinson’s Re- Tsearch, Pleasantville Fund for Learning, and Break the Hold (suicide prevention and mental wellness). Hudson Valley Fermented will be held at Pace University's Kessel Student Center in Pleasantville. This upbeat, festive event will feature over 30 cutting-edge breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, as well as delicious food offerings from over a dozen of the finest restaurants from the greater Hudson Valley region. In addition, there will be live music, dancing, raffles, auctions, and more. For more info, visit hvfermented.com

06 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 BRIARCLIFF MANOR | $1,699,000 Sena Baron Gorgeous, completely renovated stone colonial on 4+ acres with pool and 3 finished floors.

PLEASANTVILLE | $725,000 Sena Baron Enjoy convenience to all Pleasantville has to offer from this captivating 1920s Carriage House.

134 Oﬃces Recognized Top Luxury Brokerage by RAVEISCOM RECOGNIZED TOP LUXURY BROKERAGE BY LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES OF THE WORLD Over 4,000 Sales Associates 134 Offices • Over 4,000 Sales Associates • Over $10 Billion Residential Sales • 9 States - CT, FL, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT Leading Real Estate The #1 Family-Owned Real Estate Company in the Northeast Over $10 Billion Residential Sales Companies of the World 134 Oﬃces Recognized Top Luxury Brokerage by RAVEISCOM Over 4,000 Sales Associates 9 States - CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT Leading Real Esta65te KING STREET • CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514 • 914. 238.0505 The #1 Family-Owned Real Estate Company in the Northeast Over $10 Billion Residential Sales Companies of the World 9 States - CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT happenings Axial Theater Benefit March 30 Pleasantville-based Axial Theatre will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on March 30 at its annual benefit by paying tribute to its founder, Howard Meyer. Meyer, the original artistic director of Axial and an award-winning playwright, is also the founder of the Howard Meyer Acting program, the County’s first major multi-tiered counsel Elizabeth “Betsy” Klampert. Giulia- terranean coastline of the Italian Riviera, acting program for children through adults. no remains the company’s literary manager. Broadway tickets, and other exciting items. Last year, Meyer turned the keys of the Past and present members of Axial Theatre ensemble company over to Catherine “Cat” The benefit will offer a cornucopia of gour- will pay tribute to Howard Meyer through a Banks and Linda Giuliano, now Axial’s met bites, savory and sweet, plus libations variety of entertainment formats. co-artistic directors, who form a trio work- and a silent auction featuring a one-week ing closely with managing director/general getaway in Cinque Terre on the Medi- For more info, visit axialtheater.org

Officer and Executive Vice President at White Plains Hospital Expands White Plains Hospital. “As we expand our Hospital’s advanced neurology capabilities, Dr. Chulpayev and Dr. Hensley will stay at Stroke Treatment Services the forefront of the latest evidence-based practices to ensure that our patients receive Becoming County’s First New York State the highest quality of stroke care.” For the past 13 years, White Plains Hospital has Designated Regional Stroke Center been recognized with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Stroke is the #1 cause of disability and for immediate, life-saving care in Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold the #5 cause of death in the U.S. Every Westchester, White Plains Hospital is Plus Quality Achievement Award for 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a expanding its already robust stroke success in ensuring that stroke patients stroke and nearly 800,000 suffer a new or treatment program to now include two receive the most appropriate treatment recurrent stroke each year. With stroke, highly specialized physicians. according to nationally recognized, medical experts agree – “Time is brain.” research-based guidelines. So, to meet the increasing demand Boris Chulpayev, M.D., is leading the expansion of clinical services for In 2018, White Plains Hospital also made patients at The Ruth & Jerome A. Siegel the Association’s Target: StrokeSM Elite Stroke Center at White Plains Hospital, Honor Roll for meeting stroke quality Westchester County's first New York measures that reduce the time between State-designated Regional Stroke a patient’s arrival at the Hospital and Center. Both he and his partner, Holly treatment with the clot-buster tissue Hensley, M.D.—are neurohospitalists plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only skilled at managing the care of inpatients drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug who have suffered from or who are at Administration to treat ischemic stroke. risk for a stroke, or who have other If administered within the first three hours neurologic disorders. after the start of stroke symptoms, tPA has been shown to significantly reduce “Our patients now have an even higher the effects of stroke and the chance of degree of specialized care to protect them permanent disability. from the damaging effects of stroke,” said (L-R): Boris Chulpayev, M.D, Holly Hensley, M.D. Michael Palumbo, M.D., Chief medical For additional info, visit wphospital.org

08 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 Your Pleasantville | Mt Pleasant Connection Thinking about moving?

Contact me.

There’s no Obligation ... Only Opportunity

Grace LoBello Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 914-525-1658 [email protected] GraceLoBello.com

387 Main Street, Armonk, NY 10504

MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 09 Behind the Scenes with Andrew Jupin at The Jacob Burns Film Center: Creating A Local & Cultural Mecca for Bo Burnham and Andrew Jupin in Eighth Grade Film Lovers of All Ages PHOTO BY ED CODY

BY STACEY PFEFFER Programming Reigns Supreme ack in the day when I lived in the city and was child- free, I had plenty of options to see independent or “The breadth of programming is what makes us so unique,” foreign films. I could traipse downtown to the Angelika explains Andrew Jupin, a Senior Programmer at the JBFC who Film Center to catch the latest Merchant Ivory film or started working there in 2006 as a projectionist. The movie thea- head crosstown to Lincoln Plaza Cinemas to immerse ter landscape has changed significantly in Westchester in recent myself in the latest Pedro Almodovar release. There years with the Saw Mill Multiplex in Hawthorne shutting down Bwere a few other art houses and independent movie theaters that and an anticipated closing of the Greenburgh Multiplex in Elms- I could go to but the Angelika and Lincoln Plaza still stand out ford later this year. In addition, new players such as ultra-luxe vividly in my mind. iPic in Dobbs Ferry and a recently renovated Bedford Playhouse have been attracting moviegoers. Fast forward to a decade later and as But Jupin argues a suburban mom that seeing movies with kids, I am lucky at these places is enough to live mere an “anonymous miles from the Jacob experience.” And Burns Film Center he’s right. It is not (JBFC), a five-screen uncommon to cinema offering a full see people milling range of programming about in the JBFC from films, events, lobby post-scree- community screenings, ning discussing a visiting artists and film they just saw. special guests. I like As a program- to think of it as an art mer, Jupin also house theater with 92 works on planning Street Y caliber lectures and classes all rolled into one. And al- director Q & As and curating films that engage moviegoers though I don’t get to go there as often as I like, I have been known throughout Westchester. Each year more than 200,000 people to sneak in an early movie while the kids are in school or plan a visit the JBFC to see more than 400 films from over 40 coun- date night to catch an indie film with my husband. I’ve even taken tries. Since it opened in 2001, three million people have walked my kids to Family Saturdays at the Media Arts Lab just a stone’s through the doors of this Spanish mission-style theater to see throw away where they’ve made amazing hands-on projects. cutting-edge cinema.

10 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 Jacob Burns Staff

Edie Demas Executive Director Edie joined the JBFC as executive director in May 2014. Previously, she worked with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles and was Director of Education at New York’s New Victory Theater, where under her direction, its education programs were honored with the Americans for the Arts award for Arts Education. She also spent several years in Ireland, where she worked as an education officer with Graffiti Theatre Company, founded UnReel, an international film festival for young people, developed scripts for children’s film and television, and served as an Associate Artist for Education and Outreach at The Abbey Theatre. Edie holds an MA and PhD from NYU’s Program in Educational Theatre.

Dominick Balletta Managing Director Senso Retro Revival Dominick joined the JBFC in May 2008, following seven years as General Manager of NYC’s Film Forum. Since 2011, he has served as an advisor to the DeVos Institute of Arts Management. As a producer his credits include Another Telepathic Thing and I’m Carolyn Parker, both directed by Jonathan Demme, and Moisés Kaufman’s 33 Variations, Carefully Curated Series starring Jane Fonda (Tony Award nomination). He has served as a grant panelist for NEA, NYSCA, ArtsWestchester, and CEC/ArtsLink. One of Jupin’s responsibilities is program-

ming an ongoing series called Retro Revival sponsored by Wine Enthusiast. It is now in Brian Ackerman its third year and Jupin is passionate about Director of Programming selecting the films that become part of the Brian joined the JBFC as the Founding Programming Director in 2001, which followed several years in an advisory capacity assisting the plan- series. We discuss a recent showing of I ning and development of the theaters. He designed the programming Am Cuba and Jupin’s excitement about template that presents over 400 films annually to include special events, the movie which he dubs a “lost treasure” new releases, documentary, foreign-language, retrospective films, as well as thematic series, under one roof. He has worked for over 30 is palatable. “This movie from the former years in the New York cinema arts scene–building, programming, and USSR was virtually unseen here.” Martin operating art houses. He also serves on juries at film festivals including Scorcese and Francis Ford Coppola were SXSW and Full Frame. champions of the film and Milestone Films had to fight legal battles to get it shown here.” Jupin loves introducing something Judy Exton like this to an audience. “They [the movie- Director of Development goers] trust us and our selections.” Jupin Judy joined the JBFC as Director of Development in December 2001. likes to choose tried and true classics like Prior to this, she raised money for a number of nonprofits, including New It’s a Wonderful Life to offerings that are for York City Ballet, Caramoor, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Judy “adventurous hardcore cinephiles.” holds a B.A. in Communications from The College of Wooster.

And Jupin is well-qualified to make those selections. He’s an adjunct professor at the School of Film and Media Studies at Purchase College and also teaches at Emily Keating Westchester Community College. In his Director of Education spare time, he also hosts a popular weekly Emily has overseen the JBFC education programs since their inception podcast called We Hate Movies with in 2001. She has consulted for non-profit film centers on the develop- several friends where they discuss terrible ment of their school programs, and has presented at many national education and literacy conferences. She is an adjunct faculty member at movies. He’s seen hundreds of “trashy Pace University’s School of Education. films” and likes the dichotomy of working at JBFC where he gets to “bring worthwhile films to an audience.”

Jupin laments that sell out crowds

for a screening are often viewed as a Sean Weiner barometer of success. “I’ve been to film Director of Creative Culture screenings where there are ten people Sean received his M.F.A. from Hunter College in Integrated Media Arts and a B.A. in Cinema Studies from SUNY Purchase, where he is now a but those ten people are blown away faculty member. At the JBFC, Sean is the director of Creative Culture, and they want to see more films by that an initiative connecting emerging makers to creative careers through director or on a certain subject and they fellowship opportunities and residency programs. then tell their friends.” Jupin, along with other programmers at the theater, finds it incredibly rewarding when they can open their audience to new ideas or new films

MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 11 not seen in a mainstream moviehouse. member and curator Jonathan Demme’s filmmakers, actors or other movie industry Two other ongoing series at the Burns vision of the JBFC “as a force for social veterans. This past year he particularly include Global Watch: Crisis and Social change disguised as a movie theater.” enjoyed meeting first time director Bo Action and Remix: The Black Experience in Burnham of Eighth Grade and Alex Winter, Film, Media and Art. “The films in these se- Thought-Provoking Q & As and Lectures the director of the documentary film, The ries are often not the most easiest to wat- As part of his programming responsibi- Panama Papers. “The Q & As were so ch,” Jupin says but they hold true to board lities, Jupin also conducts Q & As with different. Burnham was a former come- dian and the discussion was funny and light-hearted. With Winter, we spoke about WESTCHESTER journalism ethics.” JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL An Economic Engine for 10570 and Beyond ark your calendars for one of the most popular film series featured at JBFC- the 18th Westchester Jewish Film Festival. Having worked in Pleasantville for more than a decade, Jupin loves the tight-knit The festival from April 2-17 features 42 entertaining, community aspect of the neighborhood. thought-provoking, and engaging film from documentaries The Inwood resident enjoys the restaurants, to narratives. Plus, the festival will continue its tradition of book store and small local shops nearby. Mbringing some of Israel’s fantastic television programming–12 episodes of the The JBFC has strong relationships with se- hit comedy series The New Black (Shababniks) and all five episodes of the veral local businesses offering discounts to dystopian drama Autonomies. JBFC members through a program called Reel Partners. This past summer, the JBFC This year for the first time, the festival released a study The Economic Close-Up will kick off with not one but two showcasing how it is a cultural magnet and unique programs. One theater will economic driver in the region. As we look showcase the New York premiere out the windows of the Media Arts Lab, of award-winning Israeli filmmaker there are several multi-unit condos being Yair Lev’s You Only Die Twice, a built within walking distance of the JBFC. In suspenseful documentary thriller 2018, 80 units of transit-oriented housing with splashes of humor at just the were under construction in Pleasantville right moments. At the same time, and six new restaurants had opened within in another theater, we’ll screen the the past year. first four episodes of The New Black (Shababniks). An Exciting Future The New Black (Shababniks) It is an exciting time for the JBFC with a Continuing to feature stunning new recent Regional Economic Development films from around the world, we’re also Council initiative from Governor Cuomo showing Shoah: Four Sisters by the providing $506,500 to the JBFC for capital late Claude Lanzmann, which reveals improvements. The theater requires a lot of stunning footage not used in his epic upkeep and they hope to use some of the 1985 masterpiece Shoah. The festival funds for new seating and other things that centerpiece is Golda’s Balcony, the Film, will continue to make coming to the JBFC a cinematic event about Golda Meir’s a top-notch experience. “A flat screen extraordinary life and legacy, featuring a TV or a film being screened on Netflix still stellar performance by Tovah Feldshuh, can’t compare with seeing a film on the big who will appear at a post-screening screen.” Throw in the fact that the JBFC discussion on April 6. Goldas Balcony is a true cultural and community hub and you’ll know why this five-screen theater All this, plus a very special tribute to the Carl Reiner! continues to be one of the most successful suburban art houses in the country. “This is our most popular series and several shows sell out, so book early,” advises Jupin. Stacey Pfeffer is the editor of Inside Opening Night with RECEPTION Chappaqua and Inside Armonk magazines. She enjoys going to the JBFC April 2 and thinks that the exterior of the 6:30 p.m. You Only Die Twice building has an uncanny resemblance to the theater featured in her favorite 7:00 p.m. The New Black (Shababniks) film, Cinema Paradiso.

12 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 Dream Agents Open Dream Homes Contact me to make it happen!

Barbara Peterson Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 914-373-1409c [email protected]

One Washington Avenue Pleasantville, NY 10570 914-769-2950

MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 13 Because applying to college should be thrilling not burdensome. Harvey Cavalier Camp College Essay Coaching ensure your seniors capture their voices You choose the camp. Your child chooses the fun! and tell their stories as best they can (with as little stress as possible) A day camp for Pre-K–Grade 9 with over 50 courses from fine arts, theater, science, individual sessions • workshops • packages ice skating, gymnastics, circus arts, sports, technology, swimming, music, and much more! wordcraftny.com Harvey’s 125-acre campus of open fields and woods provides a perfect setting for an serving writers, learners, and thinkers extraordinary summer camp experience. for more than a decade The Harvey School • 260 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 914-232-0581 • harveycavaliercamp.org Wendy Fried, director 914-643-6573 A Few [email protected] Spots Remain 415 Bedford Road Pleasantville Call Now!

Kids Flip for WORLD CUP GYMNASTICS’ SUMMER CAMP! GymnasticsGymnastics Camp!Camp! Everyone’s invited to thePleasantville Community Synagogueto celebrate

Early Drop Off! Late Pick Up!

Pizza, Drinks, a Purim Play, Hamantashen, and a ton of fun for all ages! *costumes welcome! RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! Call 914-238-4967 Thursday, March 21, 5-7 pm Our USAG certified instructors guide campers through fun gymnastics rotations using our state-of-the-art Pleasantville (914)769-2672 equipment in a fully, air-conditioned facility. This Community [email protected] combined with traditional camp activities and weekly

Synagogue www.shalompcs.com field trips make it the camp that children flip for! 219 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570 or register online at worldcupgymnastics.com

14 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 A Bucolic Westchester Jewel Fit for a Rockefeller PHOTO BY JESSIKA CREEDON

BY SHAUNA LEVY

ucked away in Sleepy Hollow, only 30 miles north of New York City, the beloved jewel known as the Rockefeller State Park Preserve is resplendent in the natural beauty for which Westchester is re- nowned. It is, however, distinguished by a storied history and the meticulous support of the Rocke- feller family.

TThe property, formerly the Pocantico Hills and Rockwood Hall country estates of the John D. Rockefeller family and William Rockefeller, dates back to 1886. In 1983, the Rockefeller Family generously donated over 1425 acres to the State of New York to safeguard these lands for future generations.

Today, the Preserve is home to forests, fields, streams, and wet- lands that support a high diversity of native species of resident PHOTO BY JOE GOLDEN and migratory birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish and aquatic species. Managed by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Preserve is open to the public year-round, sunrise to sunset. Continued to page 18

MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 15 No. Real Estate Company 1 in Pleasantville

THORNWOOD · $1,495,000 PLEASANTVILLE · $1,365,000 Builder’s own Colonial masterpiece. Exceptional quality and every amenity. Classic elegant layout, kitchen opens to family room, all bedrooms en-suite. One level acre. WEB# IP1512650 Room for all. WEB# IP1529051

PLEASANTVILLE · $1,130,000 PLEASANTVILLE · $999,999 Updated, hip and cool, high tech home in quiet neighborhood with Byram Better than new beautifully detailed Townhome. Move-in ready. Close to Hills schools. WEB# IP1529097 train, shopping. WEB# IP1526687

PLEASANTVILLE · $899,000 THORNWOOD · $795,000 Spacious Split Level home features quality craftsmanship and meticulous Byram Hills Schools. Updated, with over 2,600 square feet, this home is improvements throughout. WEB# IP1531097 turn-key. WEB# IP1528884

@ HOULIHANLAWRENCE @ HOULIHANRE @ HOULIHANLAWRENCE Thank You For Making Us Your Number 1 Choice.

PLEASANTVILLE · $1,295,000 PLEASANTVILLE · $1,150,000 Impeccable and updated retreat, open floor plan, located in Frank Lloyd Maintenance free living with a great location and standout quality Wright’s Usonia. WEB# IP1528900 upgrades throughout. WEB# IP1531369

PLEASANTVILLE · $999,999 PLEASANTVILLE · $999,000 Gorgeous Craftsman Colonial designed for entertaining. Easy village Open concept new construction. Gourmet kitchen, luxurious master bath, location, walk to all. WEB# IP1526767 convenient to all. WEB# IP1521206

PLEASANTVILLE · $675,000 PLEASANTVILLE · $439,000 Spacious Ranch privately set on cul-de-sac and pretty Munson Pond on Foxwood complex. Two-bedroom Linacre model with deck. Pool and nearly two acres. WEB# IP1475505 tennis. Convenient to all. WEB# IP1510827

Source: HGMLS, 1/1/18-12/31/18, all property types sold, total volume sold by Company

914.273.2800 • HOULIHANLAWRENCE.COM Continued from page 15

PHOTO BY JESSIKA CREEDON

Friends Who Noble Preserving Beauty Are Family Endeavors or Generations

In 1996, to provide additional support to The Friends group hosts several fundrai- Rockefeller State Park Preserve recently protect the Preserve, George Gumina, sing events throughout the year, but the celebrated a major milestone! The New established the Friends of the Rockefeller Peony Celebration, an annual cocktail York State Historic Review Board unani- State Park Preserve. Serving as president event held in May, is one of the largest mously designated it as a State National and founder, Gumina is also a Rockefeller fundraisers. The peony garden was do- Registry of Historic Places listed in Was- family member as his wife is the grand- nated by a town in Shimane Prefecture, hington D.C., in recognition of the unique daughter of Nelson Rockefeller. Japan following the tragedy of September beauty and character of the carriage roads. 11th to express a gesture of Preserving the land is personal for him as healing and solidarity towar- he explains, “Since Uncle John donated ds the United States. They the land to the state, Aunt Peggy acted as sent a gift of 500 peonies, a steward of the land. It was her primary considered to be Japan’s residence and she loved the land. When “most noble of flowers.” she passed, with the family’s support, I be- gan the ‘Friends’ group in her honor.” The Planting this garden was a organization actively supports educational culmination of true part- programs, major exhibits and maintaining nership. The Friends initiated the preserve’s unique system of its lovely a major landscaping project carriage roads. around the park’s gateway to provide a worthy site for this Those funds are instrumental in the upkeep generous gift, while garden- of the extensive network of carriage roads ers from Japan came to plant that characterize the park. The well-en- the flowers and teach the PHOTO BY JESSIKA CREEDON gineered 16-foot-wide, crushed-stone, preserve staff how to care network of 65-mile carriage roads were for them. Each year, it serves designed by John D. Rockefeller Sr. and his as the stunning backdrop son, John D. Jr., over a 40-plus year period to raise funds for the Friends’ ongoing According to Gumina, the accolade is well- from 1910 into the 1950s. The winding initiatives. earned, “I call it the Central Park of West- roads overlook stunning vistas and serve as chester, although I think it’s much nicer the signature feature of the preserve. Gumina explains the importance of such than Central Park–I’ve been there. From the events saying, “The state has an $8M en- carriage roads to Swan Lake to the wonder Gumina adds, “The carriage roads are what dowment donated by the family that many of its natural setting, it’s just absolutely bring everyone here. From Day One, these parks do not enjoy that supplements bud- stunning. It’s a beautiful backdrop for being roads were built for the public to enjoy–they getary needs, but maintaining the intricate active as well as those who simply wish to were never just for the family. They are ideal details of this special property is costly. sit and meditate. It’s quite magnificent.” for runners, pedestrians, horseback and That’s why the family remains present to carriage riding. You could walk on wide, provide as much support as we can with Shauna Levy is a writer and communica- manicured roads for miles and bring your four family members actively on the board. tions professional. She is currently raising dogs without worrying about ticks.” Over This year, we hope to raise enough funds to her three boys, ages 9, 7 and 5, alongside 400,000 visitors concur and visit the roads refurbish Brother’s Path, named for Uncle her husband in Chappaqua. from all around the world each year. David and Uncle Laurance, which circles Swan Lake.” 18 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 A warm and nurturing pre-school environment for 2, 3 and 4 year olds NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL 2019

• Kitah Katan toddler separation program • Parenting Programs for infants and toddlers • Small class size • Secular and Jewish curriculum • Extended day enrichment programs

60 Smith Avenue, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 914-666-7595 • www.bettorah.org Harmon Deli BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER Hot & Cold Catering for All Occasions Dinners to Go

Unforgettable Chef’s BBQ Occasions Table Catering

We are a Full Service Deli All Cooking Done on Premises Serving Breakfast and Lunch Daily Try our Homemade Specialties Fresh Sausage & Mozzarella Fine Imported Foods & Cheeses Full Line of Boar’s Head Cold Cuts Homemade Pasta, Ravioli, Stuffed Shells, Manicotti Fresh Made Salads

Email Chef Peter @ [email protected] For our Catering and BBQ Menus!

358 S. RIVERSIDE AVE, CROTON ON HUDSON Phone: 914-271-3946 Fax: 914-271-3949

MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 19 I want to be inspired. That’s why I Am HARVEY.

For your Next Ride: Get Driven in your Own Car and SAVE MONEY! Trust us to drive your kids and parents. Don’t Be Driven by a Stranger! • • • • •

Trips are done on an hourly basis of 30*/hour. A trip from the Chappaqua area to LGA is $80! * * Now accepting middle and upper school applications. Grades 6–12 • Katonah, NY Office or Fax 914 437-9183 • Cell 914 954-2496 For more information: www.harveyschool.org www.MarksDrivers.com

The freshest Seafood and Catering. You make your holiday special, 2019 Barn Sale We make your holiday easy! First Congregational Church 210 Orchard Ridge Road (& Route 117) La Mer Chappaqua, NY 10514 Gourmet Seafood

TAG 407 Main Street, Armonk, NY Come shop our 68th annual sale 914-273-1766 New Merchandise, Furniture, Clothing and Lots More!!

Friday, May 3 9 am - 7 pm Fresh Seafood, Healthful Carry-Out, Saturday, May 4 9 am - 2 pm Fine Catering.

New Passover and FREE Easter Menus for Sunday, May 5 12 pm - 2 pm 2019! DONATION drop off LOCAL PICK UP SERVICE available Tue. - Fri. April 23 - 26 9 am - 4 pm Saturday - Wednesday, April 27 - May 1 Lobster Rolls Saturday, April 27 9 am - 4 pm Please call for price and scheduling Sunday, April 28 12 pm - 4 pm ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED All Day! Mon. - Wed. April 29 - May 1 9 am - 7 pm Books, Computer Equipment, TVs, Oversized Furniture & Exercise Equipment, No consignments accepted Winter Sports Items & Winter Clothing See our online menu at www.fcc-chappaqua.org www.facebook.com/FCCofC LamerSeafood.net call (914) 238-4411 e-mail [email protected] Credit cards accepted. Parking in rear.

20 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 Justine first became aware of Cycle for Survival about six years ago. Both her parents are rare cancer survivors, and Cycle for Survival’s founders’ story, mission, Spinning for and collaboration with top-tier cancer research center Memorial Sloane Kettering (MSK) - along with their commitment to use every dollar for research and allocate every one of those dollars within six months of every event – spoke to Justine’s desire the Win – Against to support others in their respective fights. Coincidentally, Justine discovered that co-founder Jennifer Goodman Linn suffered from the same rare sarcoma as her father. Feeling compelled to join and contribute Rare Cancers to this worthy cause, Justine quickly put

Team Sit & Spin 2018

BY BETH BESEN While government spending and grants together her first Sit and Spin team and, provide some of the necessary funding*, in 2013, raised over $8k. Since that first hances are, you know a huge piece of the funding pie comes year, Sit and Spin has grown in member- someone affected by cancer. from individual donations and fundraising. ship and, importantly, grown exponentially Maybe a parent, a sibling, What’s more, government dollars aren’t in funds raised. To date, they have raised child, cousin, best friend. allocated equally and rare cancers**, in over $260k, and this year’s goal of at least Maybe you, yourself. If so, particular, rely heavily on private fund- $40k would bring the grand total to over you deeply understand that raising and donations. $300k! As a former non-profit Director of it’s a battle against a cunning Development, Justine knows that asking for and deadly foe. That said, Enter Pleasantville resident Justine Fonti- money isn’t something that comes naturally through a combination of nell. Together with her husband Tom Beck- to most people. She further acknowledges early detection and new and er and their ten-year-old son Hank, she that a ‘personal ask’ feels and is different better treatment options, these days it’s a moved to Pleasantville nearly nine years from a ‘corporate ask.’ That said, she battle people are winning. ago and, though a born-and-bred Manhat- points out that the common principle is a tan girl, Justine shares that she could not simple one: “people won’t give if you don’t C ask.” And, in keeping with this philosophy, But new and better treatment options be happier. don’t just happen; they’re based on years she asks every team member to remember of research and development, followed by Among the reasons? “Pleasantville is an that they are “giving people an opportunity clinical trials with carefully selected patients. amazingly generous town filled with people to invest in lifesaving research, a donation And, yes, all this science comes at a price. who go out of their way to help each other.” that will have a direct impact on cancer

*Current Fiscal Year (FY 2019) Budget: The FY 2019 Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act included $5.74 billion for NCI, a $79 million increase over FY 2018. Source NIH/NCI website **Described by Cycle for Survival as: brain, pancreatic, ovarian, thyroid, and stomach cancers; leukemia and lymphoma; all pediatric cancers; and many others. For further Cycle for Survival information, please visit: cycleforsurvival.org MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 21 treatments.” Sit and Spin’s success has been recognized for the last three years with a 10K grant from the Crimson Lion Lavine Family Foundation, as a bonus for achievement in recruiting new donors and increased gifts.

However cliché it may sound, giving to others truly does empower the giver. Justine describes every four-hour fundraising spin relay event as nothing short of extraordinary. A simple look at her accompanying photos leaves no doubt that there is fun and laughter, but, as she also shared, then too there are tears. It’s an emotional as However cliché it may well as physical experience; sound, giving to others every gym is tightly packed with bikes and riders, riders truly does empower the write and proudly “wear” on giver. Justine describes their bodies the names of every four-hour those they’re honoring, speakers share their per- fundraising spin relay sonal stories between each event as nothing short leg of the ride, and the of extraordinary. “It’s an collective energy of working together for a cause is an overwhelmingly positive overwhelmingly positive experience.” experience.

Justine counts old friends (from as far back as High School) as well as many Pleas- antville mom friends as regular participants of her annual teams. Karen McCarthy has lived in Pleasantville and known Justine since their two boys were in preschool together. This will be her fourth year with Cycle for Survival. “I ran into Justine and another team member on my Metro North train ride from NYC to P’ville; they were coming back from a pre-event and I had just seen my doctor at MSK for my six month visit. I always donated to the team, but thought my way of giving back would be to join them. In 2015, I had part of my thyroid removed at MSK due to Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid Cancer is a rare cancer without a lot of funding, but, Justine when discovered early, has a very high cure rate. I now get checked once a year to make sure there is no recurrence.”

Adds P’ville teammate and survivor Vanessa Catalano, “I joined Justine's team three years ago as a way to celebrate the end of my fight with Stage III Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Throughout my operations and treatments I continued to go to my step and spin classes at the gym. It was my part in keeping myself as healthy and strong as possible. When I heard about Cycle for Survival I knew it would be a great match for me.” Thrilled to have celebrated two years in remission this past December, Vanessa, noting that she and her family received tremendous love and support throughout her battle, adds, “part of my survival is remem- bering that and paying it forward through this event.” To date, Vanessa’s brother is the only male to have joined team Sit and Spin. However, Justine welcomes all who are willing to work hard to join her!

Beth Besen, a writer/editor and student essay coach, is also a rare cancer survivor who knows first-hand the positive impact made possible by the generosity of people like Justine, and team Sit and Spin. Vanessa and Danielle

22 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 Because writing matters. Your Local Real Estate Specialist

If you or anyone you know is considering Teen Workshops SUMMER 2019 buying or selling in Pleasantville and surrounding towns please do not hesitate to contact me. I work diligently to Creative Writing, Playwriting, assist you in meeting your real estate goals. Personal Narratives, College Essay Intensives and more

wordcraftny.com

serving writers, learners, and thinkers for more than a decade DEENA BOUCHIER Wendy Fried, director Associate Real Estate Broker M .. 914-643-6573 [email protected] [email protected] deenabouchier.houlihanlawrence.com 415 Bedford Road Connect with Deena today to explore your options. Pleasantville

CHAPPAQUA BROKERAGE SOUTH GREELEY AVE, CHAPPAQUA

Owned by the same group as Tengda Asian Bistro in Katonah, TOBI (Fly in Japanese) brings its unique and Asian Inspired flavors to Thornwood, NY. Specializing in Hibachi and Sushi, TOBI is the place to be for amazing cuisine, cocktails and family fun!

Tobi Asian Bistro 1008 Broadway, Thornwood, NY (Thornwood Town Center) 914-495-3365 tobiasianbistro.com

MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 23 The Making of a Music Festival Managing ‘a zillion moving parts’ to create an all-day music extravaganza

BY DAVID PROPPER “That was my life, it was a pretty easy life.” until the date of the festival, which is July Fast-forward more than a decade later, 13th this year. Figler, who owns Creative Sound Works on hen longtime Pleasant- Wheeler Avenue, is the executive director of As soon as the previous festival is over, Fi- ville resident Bruce Figler the yearly music festival that brings about gler and other staff members discuss what attended his first ever 4,000 people to Parkway Field to hear a worked and what didn’t work that year with Pleasantville Music Festival, jam packed lineup of musical talent per- the desire to be more efficient the following Wit was in 2005. That happened to be the form. His life is a little busier now than back year. A survey is also sent to attendees so inaugural year for the event, and Figler, who in 2005 with months of planning going into Figler can receive feedback. has been in the radio business, helped the the creation of the festival. original founders hook in a music station to Once a review of the previous year is over, be part of the all-day affair. Armed with an executive staff of about ten finding a new set of bands gets underway people and a volunteer base of more than as early as December. Figler said he and “I was perfectly happy sitting backstage 100 that live in the region (mostly Pleasant- the other staff members try to nail down with a beer hanging out with the radio sta- ville and Chappaqua) as tarp lays on a cold different musicians that will please a wide tion people, with the bands, going on stage Parkway Field, the venue for the festival, range of demographics with Figler com- introducing an act, hanging out with my Figler and company have been hard at piling a “wish list” of about 30 bands and family in the field for awhile,” Figler said. work preparing since the dead of winter musicians he’d love to go after. 24 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019

But because the festival is a municipally run–rather than privat–event, there are limitations Figler has to grapple with. Other festivals can offer more money to perfor- mers and some festivals have exclusivity rights, which means a band can’t perform within a certain radius within a certain time frame. He estimated that for every ten more prominent bands/musicians he reaches out to, seven reject him.

For the bigger bands, Figler said he tells them if they come to Pleasantville, it would be “an easier festival, it’s very manageable, you can be in and out pretty quickly.”

Additionally, because the festival is involved with a radio station (The Peak 107.1), that “I had to develop all the systems and recruit station supports the booked musicians that so it was quite a project nevertheless,” Zim- result in airtime for them leading up to the merman said. “Everything had to be done festival. A band could find a new base of by scratch.” fans in the suburbs, Figler said. Figler joked he doesn’t have to create While the pursuit of big acts can be an the wheel like Zimmerman did, only keep arduous task, the festival also needs to find it spinning. smaller bands and musicians, which begins two or three months before the festival. While the music lineup is the most significant set to put together, Figler has to ALL PHOTOS BY LYNDA SHENKMAN Up and coming bands can submit through secure sponsors and vendors, many of the festival’s website with staff members which are eateries from Pleasantville and taking trips to hear different contending surrounding towns. There is also a push bands. “We’re becoming very diverse by a recycling group to ensure it is a zero musically so I try to find something for waste event. Law enforcement and the everyone,” Figler said. department of public works are conferred with considering this is the largest public Pleasantville resident Jim Zimmerman, who gathering in the small village each year. founded the music festival in 2005 with Bernie Gordon and the late Lisa Wenzel, The day of the event, Figler said weather David Propper is a freelance writer said the first year he helped put it together, is always an uncontrolled variable that has who covers Westchester and Putnam it was like a second full-time job. Part of his to be monitored. The last three years there counties. He resides in lower West- motivation to start the festival was to give has either been rain or a threat of a storm chester and the Pleasantville Music smaller bands and musicians a larger stage so the village recreational offices become Festival is the only music festival he's to perform. Some bands have gone on to a makeshift weather station. Said Figler: ever attended. bigger and better things, he pointed out. “There’s a zillion moving parts to this thing.”

MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 25 Teens during last year’s SummerStage production of Woody Guthrie’s American Song PHOTO BY LIZA MARGULIES Arc Stages – A Magical Plac e BY ELLA ILAN class. In the theatre workshop program, theatre,” says Galit Sperling, the Director of kids register for workshops by age group Education. “We focus on positivity and let and are invited to audition. What differ- our students know that this is a safe space s a theatre lover, I could entiates Arc Stages from other children’s and an artistically and educationally fulfilling not have dreamt up a more theatre groups is that the show is not sanctuary.” perfect place for arts en- chosen until after the students audition. No richment for the community. students are cut from the program. When Since auditioning can be nerve-wracking Arc Stages, whose tagline students return for callbacks, the director for some younger first time students, no Ais “theatre for every stage,” hits the mark tries different shows out on the students one is forced to audition. “They can sing in providing theatre education and op- before selecting the most appropriate show happy birthday if they want. It’s about us portunities for every stage of your life and for the group. getting to know them,” says Sperling. all stages of development. Arc Stages, located in Pleasantville, runs three theatre “It is about the students first. It’s not about All theatre workshops culminate in two or companies that currently share the same vying for parts,” explains Adam Cohen, three productions with elaborate costumes stage; the educational stage, the commu- Artistic Director. “We usually have a list of and sets at the end of the session. nity theatre, and the professional theatre. shows and we try different songs and sides It is a place where you can learn about out on the kids and see what show fits this Arc Stages also runs an in-school play- theatre, be in theatre, or see theatre. particular group of kids because our goal is writing educational outreach program, to teach them something through theatre Visions and Voices, in which they work with The Educational Stage and challenge them.” local schools teaching kids how to write plays and then produce them. A festival of The educational stage produces youth “We do theatre games and work different plays is presented at the conclusion of the productions and conducts workshops for types of workshops into the rehearsal program. Visions and Voices is in its fourth kids ages 3-18 all year round, in addition to process so that it’s not only about the show year and Arc Stages would love to add adult classes like the adult improv comedy but about building self-confidence through more schools to its program. 26 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 SummerStage Camp

If you are looking for something for your kids to do this summer, Arc Stages holds a full day summer camp in which different age groups work on different shows. Be- sides rehearsals for a show, classes during the camp day include Acting Technique, Choreography, Improv & Theater Games, Stage Combat, Music and Vocal Tech- nique, master classes and more. Campers can choose to enroll in a six- week session or a three-week session. There is also a one-week intensive course. Early registration discounts are available if you register before April 1st.

med for the guests by a mix of community and professional actors. Students from the educational stage also perform a number in the show. Working Towards a Dream

Arc Stages’ facility has plenty of rehearsal spaces and its own dedicated 74-seat theatre. While having its own theatre has been incredible, a capital campaign is Jed Resnick (center back) (from Broadway’s and Off-Broadway’s productions of underway to raise money to build a bigger Avenue Q) leading a puppet workshop for Arc Stages’ cast of Avenue Q. 175-seat proscenium theatre. They are PHOTO BY SARAH BEYLER probably a few years away from fulfilling this goal but it will surely add to the magnifi- cence of all that their students, actors and The Community Stage be a great performance. Avenue Q will community members accomplish at this run the first two weekends of April. The magical place. The community stage is geared towards community stage will also perform You’re A adults in the community, whether they are Good Man Charlie Brown July 19th-21st. Ella Ilan is an avid theatre goer and brand new to theatre, returning to theatre Tickets for all shows can be purchased at most recently thoroughly enjoyed Arc after many years, or are professional non- arcstages.org. Stages’ Next Stage performance of union actors who want to do something in Dancing Lessons. the community. They put on three productions every year. Auditions are open to The Next Stage anyone who wants to participate. The Next Stage is the professional theatre “It’s a mix between people who are ac- company, which operates under a Small countants, lawyers, dentists, and everyday Professional Theatre Contract with Actor’s people that want to get into acting. Some Equity Association, an actors’ union. They participants are incredibly talented but just produce two high quality productions a happen to do other things for a living. We year. The actors in a Next Stage show are try to produce a professional looking show generally all union members. Auditions are but we’re looking for all walks of life in it so held at an open call in the city. it really is the community,” says Cohen. The next show has yet to be announced There are also plenty of volunteer oppor- for the professional theatre company. tunities for community members to assist Traditionally, Arc Stages announces their backstage, design sets, work on costumes upcoming shows for both the community or help with technical services. and professional stage at their fundraising gala in April. The gala, scheduled for April Rehearsals are currently underway for their 27th, is always a fun evening where a show next show, Avenue Q, which promises to written especially for that night is perfor- MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 27 happenings

The 9th annual Think Fit For Kids event, which supports pediatric brain cancer research, took place once again at Club Fit in Briarcliff on March 3rd. As always, the event brought the community together for a fun-filled day of fitness, Think Fit for Kids while raising funds to support novel pediatric brain cancer research. Since the 2018 event, A Kid's Brain Tumor Cure Foundation has merged with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, the largest pediatric brain tumor foundation in the country, in order to serve more families and find more promising treatments for children battling brain tumors. This merger would not have been possible without the success of Think Fit For Kids, which has raised close to $2 million over the last nine years. Think Fit For Kids funds are currently funding two clinical trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and an on-going research project at the Massachusetts General Hospital, as well as the first ever privately funded pediatric brain cancer research project at the Na- tional Cancer Institute. The non-profit is excited for this opportunity as it finally gives pediatric brain tumor research the recognition it deserves from the government. “None of this would be possible without the community support of the annual Think Fit For Kids event. The community's generosity has given hope to kids battling brain tumors who have run out of treatment options,” noted Kim Gilman, a Chappaqua resident and co-founder of the Think Fit For Kids event. To find out additional information or to donate, PHOTO BY JODI BUREN, TRIPP STREET STUDIO please visit thinkfitforkids.org. FASHION The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) will be holding their inaugural event Fashion Funds the Cure at The Westchester on Saturday, March 23. The Fashion Funds the Cure events started 16 years ago in Tampa at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raymond James Funds Stadium. This year, they plan on having at least 13 shows across the country. The event at The Westchester will feature a fashion show, food, cocktail reception and a silent auction. The NPCF funds clinical trials by collaborating with a network of hospitals including The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore to fast-track less toxic and more targeted treatments to end childhood the cancer. With 43 children diagnosed with cancer per day and more than 95 percent of those who survive childhood cancer having a significant health issue by the time they are 45 as a result of being treated with drugs designed for adults, NPCF hopes to discover safer and more effective treatments for children with cancer. To learn more about the event or to purchase Cure tickets, visit NationalPCF.org.

PHOTOS BY RICK MAUPIN 28 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 Local Students Explore Options Abroad at First Ever Gap Year Fair in Northern Westchester

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONNIE WHITEHOUSE

ore than 100 students, parents and guidance professionals poured into Seven Bridges Middle School to learn more about gap year pro- M grams on a cold wintry night this past January. The first in our area, the gap year fair–hosted by the Horace Greeley PTA and organized by USA Gap Year Fairs, provided a wealth of information about this growing trend.

The idea of taking a gap year came into the spotlight in 2016 when the Obamas announced that Malia Obama had been accepted to Harvard but was taking a gap year. While it is not known exactly how many students opt for a gap year, TD Ameritrade reported in a recent survey that more than 35 percent of high school students are considering it.

Motivation for considering a gap year were as varied as the students in attendance who hailed not only from Chappaqua but also surrounding school districts including Somers, Byram Hills and Bedford. Students and parents perused several booths at the fair and spoke with representatives offering the following options:

• Travel and adventure: Costa Rica, Beijing, Japan, Jordan, Bra- zil, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Borneo. There were literally programs for 2018 Greeley grad Sophie Meinen speaks students to choose from anywhere in the world. to parents and students about her gap year experiences • Volunteer service work: It’s all about self-discovery and immer- sion. How about combining a thirst for travel with a service-learning project? Rebuild homes in the Galapagos Islands or assist with farming practices in the Amazon rainforest.

• Work on environmental causes: Students work in eco-tourism in Costa Rica or on installing solar systems in rural Kenya.

• Explore interests: Live in an artist community in Ireland, immerse in a language program abroad, or spend a semester at sea!

• Have a religious experience: Experience a Buddhist monastery or study Hebrew and dance in Jerusalem.

• Build college-readiness skills: Thirty percent of students won’t make it to their second year of college, according to the National Stu- dent Clearinghouse Research Report published in 2014. All programs Carl Jaramillo of Nomad Planet provide students with a year of maturity, but some focus on college readiness and independent living skills in a more in-depth way. MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 29 Elissa Allen of United Planet and Alexis Jung- Salwa Sabaa of CET Academic Programs dahl of EF International Language Campuses Emily Greenblatt of Semester At Sea

Students were not the only ones driving attendance. After four years of academic rigor, juggling sports and activities, SAT prep, etc., some parents were pushing their kids to explore the fair. As one parent expressed “I just want her (my daughter) to take a year to breathe and just be.”

Sophie Meinen, a 2018 graduate of Horace Greeley who just finished three months in Bolivia and Peru, shared her experiences with the parents and students in attendance. The Inside Press wanted to know what motivated her to embark on her gap year adventure; “Chappaqua has very intense academics and I definitely felt burned out by the end of high school. I was really eager to just take a break from all of that before I went to college and I’m really glad that I did. I may have not been learning from a traditional model, but I do think that I have learned a lot and I’m eager to keep learning in college. I also Charlie Taibi of Year On think that I have a better sense of what I want to study which will make me choose classes that I’ll be really engaged with.”

How does a gap year impact how The following resources universities view applicants? may assist families in The answer is almost universally positive. It search of the perfect does help to understand a specific univer- gap year opportunity: sity’s policies and procedures. Many have a statement regarding gap years right on their Links and Resources website, or you can search by state under “University Deferral Polices for Gap Years” Gap Year Association on the Gap Year Association website at gapyearassociation.org https://www.gapyearassociation.org/ USA Gap Year Fairs – also provides lists and descriptions of about 50 Why would colleges and univer- programs: usagapyearfairs.org/fairs Beth Warsof of LeapYear, Naropa University sities encourage the gap year? Gap Matcher – enter your interests The Gap Year Association provides some and preferences and Gap Matcher studies that indicate students who take suggests programs that might be a year off actually do better–with higher worth looking into: gapmatcher.com graduation rates and GPAs.

Connie Whitehouse is a 20-year resident of Chappaqua whose two boys attended Chappaqua schools from K-12. She has been active in various PTA roles and more recently chairs the special education committee on ADHD and Executive Function and is one of the Class of 2019 Liaisons. She works full time as a market research consultant.

Kelly Daniels of Seamester

30 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 inside thoughts My Idea of Beauty at 19 and now

BY DANIEL LEVITZ Cut to 2019 and the world is spinning wildly out of control and we the people It was the late 1980’s and a Grateful Dead are divided. Social media is pervasive and cover band was playing it hot at a local invasive and we’re clearly, as a society, mo- college bar. Across the room I saw her. A ving forward into unchartered territory in so classic Deadhead chick in faded jeans and many ways. As for me, I’m as immersed in a tie-dye, covered with a loose peasant the chaos as anyone else but I endure and blouse. She was balancing a beer in a plas- now I believe, I have a more credible and tic cup while un-self-consciously bopping learned perspective on the subject of what Author and his wife Laurie to the music. To say she was an enticing vi- constitutes beauty. sion would be an understated lie. She was just outstanding. At 19, I probably fell in I can now see beauty in so many things love at least twice a week but this moment that had been inconceivable to me when I stood out. I was not the type to approach was a younger man. Obviously, watching work and ask me how she looks. This daily a girl in a bar and I may have stared a little our children grow and evolve is a no-brai- exchange has occurred for years. My first too intently but it definitely felt like lightning ner but is also a profound movement away instinct is usually to say “beautiful” because had struck. from inherent pre-kids self-absorption. that’s the truth. However, I usually choose a Having worked for many years, I now more work-setting appropriate adjective. I’d As it turned out I eventually got to know recognize the allure of someone doing a be lying if I didn’t admit that I look forward this stunning hippy girl, just a little, and job, any job, with commitment, honor and to that interaction every day. away from that moment in time the magic excellence. I’ve been was gone. She was sweet and cute but fortunate enough to have Way back, at 19, I had there was no connection. In retrospect that unexpected friendships another one of those moment at the bar, aside from my unwieldy that make life more memorable moments 19-year-old ardor, was a great summation fulfilling and fun. I’m also I can now see not unlike at the bar with of my understandably naïve take on beauty. lucky to still be able to beauty in so the Deadhead chick. A compete athletically at lovely girl pulled up in a Back then I was limited in my perception sports I loved as a child. many things that funky orange European of so many things. If I were to consider my Not to mention the plea- car wearing a red-sweater opinion of what was beautiful at that time sure of good food be it a had been incon- and blue jeans. She had it would now seem dated and superficial. bacon and egg on a roll stunning coffee-colored I’ll present here, embarrassing as it may or fresh summer peach. ceivable to me eyes that matched her long be, what might have been my vision of an hair. My heart fluttered a ideal evening at that time even if it was, in Undoubtedly, the most when I was a bit as I caught sight of this reality, completely out of reach. I’d pick up consistent and impor- younger man. beautiful young woman. It my date (picture the hippy chick above but tant aspect of beauty was years later that we got really into me) in my new red Porsche 944 I’ve been fortunate to be to know each other well. Of (one of the company’s few failed models), exposed to is my wife. course, it was Laurie and we’d have a fine meal at TGI-Friday’s (who Laurie is the embodiment the lesson I’ve learned is knew mozzarella could be deep-fried!) and of gorgeous both physically and spiritu- that true beauty can even transcend the then we’d head off to the movies to see ally. I’ve known her a long time and am naivete of youth. the latest John Hughes teen angst flick (to completely secure in our relationship yet I this day I still don’t quite understand Eric still have moments where I shake my head Dan Levitz is an art dealer, Chappaqua Stoltz’s big plan in “Some Kind of Wonder- and say, “How the hell did I achieve this”? dad and frequent essayist for Inside ful”). I know. This scenario is not appealing. On a typical morning, she’ll get dressed for Press publications. MARCH/APRIL 2019 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | 31 etcetera

Finding “I've always been a believer that being a parent takes "a village." Having just moved to Westchester all the way from the West Coast, and having limited support nearby, I was Your anxious to find my village–FAST,” said Johnson, who currently runs the Ridgefield, CT Playdate Meet-up.

“Social media is an excellent tool to Village bring people together and connect with those who have similar interests. In my case, I was looking for other BY CHRISTINE PASQUERALLE moms like me who lived close by and had an interest in making new friends and socializing our children. he life of a mom who stays at I created a group with a very basic home with young kids can be name, stock photo of a playdate many things–exciting and fulfilling, and posted it on some other, larger yes, but also, crazy, hectic, and Parent groups.” sometimes… lonely. Without the Tproverbial village we all hear about, it can The group took off, with members be hard for a mom (or dad) to find their way joining from all over the Mount Plea- Christine with her family in a community without guidance. sant area. Instead of just planning meetups at a local park, parents started Continues Johnson, “Eventually, this tiny When my husband and I moved to Haw- hosting play dates at their homes, which idea became a reality with new parents thorne, our daughter was not quite two and evolved into special events like holiday joining everyday. Play dates, mom's I needed a way to get to know the commu- parties, craft days, and more. night's, BBQ'S, birthday parties–we had nity and meet other stay-at-home moms our village. Jennifer Liddle, who runs like myself. We And then, it went from just the group now, has taken it to over 270 joined a local music getting the kids together to members! It's awesome!” class and did some “Having just moved getting the moms out too. fun events at the It’s important for moms to As an introvert, it can be hard for me to get library. Incidentally, to Westchester all have some quality kid-free out of my comfort zone and take a chance if you have young the way from the time. So one night a group in meeting new people. But sometimes you kids, story time with of us got together to do just have to do it and hope for the best. Miss Debbie at the West Coast, and a craft night and “Mom’s As Thomas Jefferson said, “With great risk Mount Pleasant having limited Night Out” was born. comes great reward.” Library is absolutely Cookie exchanges, baby wonderful. But then support nearby, I showers, mani-pedi nights I’m so glad I did. I’ve cultivated many new my daughter started was anxious to find and many a birthday cele- friendships through the group. We all want pre-school and our bration followed. And the to feel like we belong somewhere. And it’s son came along. my village–FAST,” group also holds a monthly great to know that there are others you can After he was born, said Johnson. dinner at restaurants all turn to for camaraderie and support. things were definitely around town. frenzied. I felt like I I truly enjoy living in Mount Pleasant and was running around Jennifer Liddle, the group’s really feel like I’ve become a part of the in circles everywhere but not really meeting current admin says, "As the admin, it is community-at-large. I’ve gotten to know people in the community. so rewarding to brainstorm and execute my town and my community through local events for local moms and kids to meet. meeting places such as the library, farmers One day as I was perusing Facebook, I I’ve made some of my closest friends market, school events, and of course a came upon a post from another local mom through this group–friendships that trans- Facebook play date group that I just hap- looking to meet others with similar-aged cend the initial reason why we met in the pened to click on that fateful day. kids. Her name was Jenifer Johnson and first place, our kids. Additionally, I’ve seen she had created a group called Pleasant- several other friendships blossom and it Christine Pasqueralle is a prolific ville Play Date Meet-up and right there, a makes me so proud that I have had a part freelance writer who has been living in new village was born! She was, just like me in that. I remember when I moved to the Hawthorne with her husband and two and so many others, a mom who simply suburbs, I was worried it would be impos- kids for almost five years. She enjoys wanted to get herself and her kids out of sible to make friends. This group of ours the performing arts, yoga and copious the house and socialize with others. made it possible.” amounts of coffee.

32 | INSIDE PLEASANTVILLE | MARCH/APRIL 2019 LET US PUT THE POWER OF ELLIMAN TO WORK FOR YOU

Chappaqua | $1,299,000 | Web# 4856223 Pleasantville | $849,000 | Web# 4853720 Stunningly chic 4-BR Contemporary home beautifully set on a cul- Spectacular 3-BR, 4-BA “Green” Geodesic home with some of de-sac in prime Whippoorwill neighborhood. the best views in Pleasantville and lots of natural light throughout. Nancy Shafiroff O: 914.238.3988 M: 914.414.5770 Richard Esman O: 914.234.4590 M: 914.715.4227

Armonk | $800,000 | Web# 4856806 Mount Kisco | $689,000 | Web# 4852571 Wonderfully maintained and inviting 3-BR, 2.5-BA Colonial on 4-BR, 2-BA Cape set on approx. .52 acres with open floor plan, totally level property close to town. wood-burning stove and sliders to deck. Dodie Mouldovan O: 914.273.1001 M: 914.393.3360 Patty Bonadies O: 914.238.3988 M: 914.469.2186

Pleasantville | $559,000 | Web# 4851586 Pleasantville | $479,500 | Web# 4904136 Set on approx. one half acre, this charming sun-filled home features Beautiful 2-BR, 2-BA Foxwood Condominium. Light and bright hardwood floors throughout, a marble fireplace and open kitchen. 1st level in quiet location with remodeled eat-in kitchen. Iris Simens O: 914.238.3988 M: 917.972.5093 Vincent Vetrano O: 914.238.3988 M: 914.400.7480

CHAPPAQUA OFFICE 101 King Street, Chappaqua, NY 10514 | O: 914.238.3988 elliman.com/westchester

101 KING STREET, CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514 | 914.238.3988 © 2019 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. * LOCAL EXPERTISE. NEW YORK CITY REACH.

Web# 4901707

LARGEST INDEPENDENT, NON-FRANCHISE BROKERAGE AND #3 BROKERAGE IN THE NATION BY SALES VOLUME*

RANKED #1 MANHATTAN’S BIGGEST RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE FIRM**

UNRIVALED GLOBAL REACH THE DOUGLAS ELLIMAN | KNIGHT FRANK RESIDENTIAL ALLIANCE SPANS LUXURY MARKETS IN 60 COUNTRIES ON 6 CONTINENTS.

elliman.com/westchester

101 KING STREET, CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514 914.238.3988 © 2019 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. *SWANEPOEL MEGA 1000 BY T3 SIXTY. **THE REAL DEAL MAGAZINE AND REAL TRENDS FOR 2017 SALES.