<p>Bucknell University has released the dean's list for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year. Congratulations to Brewster resident Alexandra Schajer, class of 2027, who was named to the Dean's List.</p><p>A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean's list recognition.</p>

<p>Brewster High School Science teacher Brittany Kozlenko received the nation's highest honor for teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.</p><p>This week, President Biden announced 336 teachers and mentors from around the nation as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. These awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators. Brittany Kozlenko, physics teacher at BHS received this honor. She is one of only six teachers in NY State to receive the award this year.</p><p>“It is recognition of the hard work STEM teachers, in particular, do on a daily basis to pass on our passion to our students,” said Kozlenko, “I view recipients as teachers who continually look for better ways to engage students and make learning more meaningful. Awardees want to make STEM education better, not just for their own students, but for all students. Receiving the Presidential Award is an honor that I will continue to work to be worthy of for the rest of my career.”</p><p>Dr. Brittany Kozlenko has been a teacher at Brewster High School for the past 17 years. She has taught 9-12th grade Advanced Placement Physics, along with introductory physics classes and robotics electives throughout her tenure.&nbsp;</p><p>After being trained on computational modeling, Dr. Kozlenko has been working towards implementing this approach in her classroom. She uses a variety of ways to engage students, constantly fine tuning her pedagogy. Her passion for STEM education extends beyond the classroom. She has taken on the role of Science Liaison as well as advocating for the creation of a K-12 Science Articulation Committee within her district. She is also a member of the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Committee. On professional development days, she has run workshops on Project Based Learning, Flipped Classrooms, and Integrating Technology.&nbsp;</p><p>In 2018, Dr. Kozlenko had the opportunity to take a leave of absence from her teaching position. During this time, she was the Content Specialist for physics on the Socratic app by Google. She has been honored for her excellence in the classroom and her innovative use of technology over the years. In 2016, she was awarded a Regeneron STEM Fellowship, taking classes through NASA's endeavor program, and working for two weeks with Regeneron scientists. In 2018, she was named an Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. In 2022, she was selected by the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center (LHRIC) as a teacher who Transforms Education through Leading and Learning (TELL). Dr. Kozlenko earned a B.S. in physics from Fairfield University, an M.S. in instructional technology from Western Connecticut State University, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from St. John's University. She is certified in physics.</p><p>“Dr. Kozlenko inspires learning through her innovative pedagogy and infectious enthusiasm,” said BHS Principal Nicole Horler, “Students use computational modeling to navigate Dr. Kozlenko's classes. She is that out of the box teacher that serves as an instructional leader for her students and all of Brewster High School.”</p><p>Brewster Central School District congratulates Dr. Kozlenko for this prestigious honor. It is a testament to her dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in STEM education and her commitment to preparing BCSD students for a bright future.</p><p><br></p>

<p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Brewster High School students Jayron Sandoval Sola, Mariana Miguel Mendez,Shirlyn Guerra Guzman, and Ashley Guerra are participating in the Puerto Rican / Hispanic Youth Leadership Initiative.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The leadership initiative seeks to empower students to become leaders by learning about the state legislative process, developing partnerships and interacting with positive role models.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This week, the students traveled to SUNY Purchase to meet state Assemblymember Karines Reyes from District 87. Reyes, the chair of the Puerto Rican / Hispanic Task Force in the Assembly, spoke to the students about her life and work&nbsp;and how they could become&nbsp;involved in the future.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“The experience of meeting Assemblymember Reyes was memorable,” said Ashley Guerra, “because she explained her job and her responsibilities as an active member in the NYS assembly–representing people of Hispanic backgrounds like me. A highlight was her personal advice for us to use in our future and realizing our goals.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Shirlyn Guerra Guzman said, “It was fascinating hearing about how Reyes took a stand in her nursing job, which later led to her becoming an Assembly member.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Reyes is the sponsor of the two bills students are debating this year as part of the youth leadership initiative: The Language Access Bill and the Predatory Marketing Prevention Act Bill. Students askedReyes questions about government in general as well as discussing specific bills in more depth.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Assemblymember Reyes is associated with the bills that we are working on,” said Jayron Sandoval Sola, “It was really interesting asking her questions about the bills.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The students ended the session with a lively debate on the Language Access Bill after feeling empowered.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“I feel proud for us, Latinos, for rising to prominence and having a voice,” said Mariana Miguel Mendez. “I'm excited to be able to develop far more compelling arguments in the upcoming session to defend the rights of Hispanics. Through the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute, I am able to grow as a leader, learn how to communicate better with my peers, and—most importantly—leave my comfort zone. Those in my community who don't believe they have a voice or are too afraid to stand up for what they believe is right, are the people I want to continue helping the most.”</span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bullseye!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Brewster High School Senior Sofia LaRocca is headed to the nationals for the Air Rifle Marksmanship competition sponsored by ther National Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. The competition will take place in Anniston, Alabama on February 16, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It is the first time Brewster’s NJROTC has participated in an Area Air Rifle Championship, the qualifying competition for nationals, and the first time one of its members has qualified for nationals. The program is only three years old.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">During an Air Rifle Marksmanship competition,&nbsp;cadets must shoot in three positions–standing, kneeling, and lying down.&nbsp;They are required to shoot 20 recorded shots on 20 separate targets, in each position (60 targets total). They shoot at a distance of 10 meters at targets as small as a quarter. At Areas, LaRocca came in first place with a score of 502.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LaRocca practices three times a week in the NJROTC classroom.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“I just relax, let go of everything and focus on the target,” she said.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“She has a natural talent,” said her instructor Master Chief Michael Campbell.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The accomplishment is especially impressive as LaRocca suffered a stroke at the age of 10, which left her paralyzed on the left side.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Air rifle marksmanship offered LaRocca a chance to compete. When LaRocca first took aim three years ago, she knew she had something special. Since then, she has kept hitting the mark and winning competitions. Last summer, she took first place at the Palmetto Games in South Carolina–competing against experienced marksmen. Last weekend, at Area Championships, her scores were high enough to qualify for Nationals.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now, LaRocca dreams of making it to the Para Olympics&nbsp;in 2028.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“She definitely has a shot,” said Campbell. “Definitely!”</span></p>

<p><a href="https://www.unclecheef.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Uncle Cheef</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> in Brewster, NY closed for a winter break from January 1-9, 2025 following an incredible sold out NYE extravaganza!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The music lounge re-opens Friday, January 10, 2025 to launch </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Junco Partners “January Mardi Gras Residency.”</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> Tickets are available at $15/20/25 per person and a per person table minimum is $25/per set.&nbsp;Advance ticket purchases are recommended, as they are instrumental in planning staffing for the evening’s success, as well as your comfort and enjoyment.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Junco Partners </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">perform uptown roots, groove, New Orleans soul music and feature:</span><a href="http://www.jamiemcleanband.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="http://www.jamiemcleanband.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jamie McLean</strong></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> on guitar and vocals (Aaron Neville/Dirty Dozen Brass Band), Andy Hess on bass (Black Crowes, Govt. Mule), Eric Kalb on drums (Sharon Jones &amp; the Dap-Kings, John Scofield), and Eric Finland keyboards (Daptone, Krasno/Moore).</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The music, food, beverages, atmosphere and service at Uncle Cheef are all top notch. No matter where you're seated, you'll have the best seats in the house because Uncle Cheef has literally thought of everything, including swivel chairs! Their ticketing system allows you to choose your specific seats and the prices for seats are tiered based upon the position in the venue.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">GPS Navigation for Uncle Cheef: 988 NY-22, Unit C, Brewster, NY 10509.</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">When planning your night out, Uncle Cheef is located 56 miles north of New York City in the Village of Brewster. The lounge is Hudson Valley’s number-one home to enjoy exciting live music curated by Tonight Show musician and six-time Grammy award winning saxophonist, </span><a href="https://ianhendricksonsmith.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ian Hendrickson-Smith</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> (aka Uncle Cheef.)&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Ridgefield, Conn. (Dec 20, 2024) – A.C.T. (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut is excited to announce the cast for their upcoming production of <strong>FIDDLER ON THE ROOF</strong>. Directed by A.C.T. of CT’s Grammy nominated Artistic Directed Daniel C. Levine, the show promises to be a unique and visually stunning production of this beloved classic.</p><p><strong>FIDDLER ON THE ROOF</strong>&nbsp;is a timeless musical that tells the heartwarming and poignant story of Tevye, a poor milkman in the village of Anatevka, who struggles to uphold his family’s Jewish traditions in the face of changing times. Featuring iconic songs like&nbsp;"If I Were a Rich Man,"&nbsp;"Sunrise, Sunset,"&nbsp;and&nbsp;"Matchmaker, Matchmaker,"&nbsp;this beloved classic explores themes of love, family, and resilience. With its rich characters and universal message,&nbsp;<strong>FIDDLER ON THE ROOF</strong> is an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, tears, and the enduring power of tradition.</p><p>A.C.T. of CT’s Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine says, “Judaism has played a large role in my identity, and directing&nbsp;<strong>FIDDLER ON THE ROOF</strong><em> </em>feels like an extension of my own story. From my great-grandfather’s journey escaping persecution in Russia to the traditions I cherished growing up, the themes of resilience, family, and cultural pride resonate profoundly with me. While the show is undeniably a Jewish story, it is not a unique one—these struggles against persecution and the fight to preserve culture and identity are tragically still happening today. Our production is a timely one, reminding us of the need for empathy, understanding, and action in the face of ongoing atrocities.”</p><p>The production will star Danny Rothman as Tevye, Jennifer Babiak as Golde, Ariella Serur as Tzeitel, Daniel Kushner as Motel, Ruthy Froch as Hodel, Jed Feder as Perchik, Skye Gillespie as Chava, Tyler Donovan McCall as Fyedka, Lori Ada Jaroslow as Yente, James Zannelli as Lazar Wolf, Peyton Crim as Constable, and Howard Penhasik as Rabbi; and will feature Ashton Lambert, Zoe Mezoff, Sarah Milnamow, Ben Milan-Polisar, Val Moranto, Daniel Pahl, Emily Qualmann, Robert Rice, Leeanna Rubin, Luke Sabracos, Sammy Schechter, Cadence Siriani, Katie Snyder, Ryan Williams, Marek Zurowski.</p><p><strong>FIDDLER ON THE ROOF</strong> is based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl and has a book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The A.C.T. of CT production of will be directed by Daniel C. Levine, with music supervision/direction by A.C.T. of CT’s Grammy-nominated Bryan Perri. The shows choreographer will be Josh Assor, with scenic design by David Goldstein, costume design by Leslie Bernstein, lighting design by Charlie Morrison, sound design by Jeff Sherwood, projection/video design by Camilla Tassi, wig/hair/makeup design by Carissa Thorlakson, and casting by The Casting Collaborative.</p><p><strong>FIDDLER ON THE ROOF </strong>is rated PG and will run from Thursday, February 6 through Sunday, March 9, 2025. Performances are: Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, Sundays at 2pm.</p><p>To purchase tickets for all performances please visit <a href="https://www.actofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.actofct.org/</a> or call the box office at (475) 215-5497. Senior / Student and Group pricing is available. For more information about A.C.T. of CT, season subscriptions, education programs, sponsor/donor opportunities, A.C.T. of CT’s First ACT! program, and other theatre-related news and announcements, visit <a href="https://www.actofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.actofct.org/</a></p>