The Holiday Stroll in Katonah will take place on Friday, December 8 from 5 to 8pm! Shops will be open late and there will be hot cocoa, pop-ups and trunk shows!

Get into the spirit of the season with fellow community members!

Learn more: https://www.katonahvis.org/event/holiday-stroll-2023/

Santa is coming to town on Saturday, December 2! The 4th Annual Peppermint Parade will take place on Katonah Ave from 11 to 12:30 pm.

The festive community event is organized by Katonah Chamber of Commerce

Learn more https://www.katonahvis.org/event/peppermint-parade-2023/

Celebrate the season as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band returns to The Ridgefield Playhouse with the Creole Christmas concert series on Sunday, December 3 beginning at 7pm.

Join as the band performs New Orleans classics as well as some of our best-loved holiday selections with a twist.

Throughout history, New Orleans has been a place where sounds and cultures from around the world converge, mingle, resurface, and transform. Nobody embodies that idea more than the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 50 years. Their recent releases redefine modern New Orleans music by tapping into sonic elements that stretch back to the city’s Afro-Cuban roots and reach forward to cutting-edge artists like Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, and Arcade Fire. Don’t miss this septet’s return to the Playhouse stage with their Creole Christmas concert series.

Join us from 6-7pm for an up-close look at the brand-new BMW 2024 i5 prior to the show. BMW of Ridgefield will have experts on hand to answer questions. 

Purchase tickets https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/preservation-hall/

After checking out the latest BMW – enjoy a tasting from Litchfield Distillery in our lobby.

Dance for Joy Nutcracker for Kids is a one hour, condensed and narrated version of the full story of the Nutcracker.

It allows audience members of all ages to experience the magic of the Nutcracker during the holiday season!

2023 Dates

December 16 Saturday, 2:30pm, 5pm

December 17 Sunday, 2:30pm

Yorktown Stage

268 Veterans Road

Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Tickets: https://28257.danceticketing.com/r/events/

Family Day: Textile Creations on Sunday, December 3, 12:00 — 4:00 PM

* Bring the family for a day of exciting artistic exploration!

* Learn about Syrian textiles through interactive gallery activities.

* Experiment with fabric collage, clothing design, patterning, weaving, and more.

* Join guest artist Rhonda Khalifeh as she leads a silk printing project

At the Pollack Family Learning Center. 

All ages are welcome. Members are free.

Non-members: Adults $12. Seniors, students, and children (12 and under) $6.

New Paradigm Theatre Middle School Play Writing Competition is now accepting submissions!

The New Paradigm Theatre Company (NPT) in partnership with Wakeman Boys and Girls Club, is seeking short plays from some of the most talented playwrights in Connecticut: Middle School Students!

NPT partnered with New York City Children's Theater in 2018 and 2019 on their Middle School Playwriting Competition, with young actors participating in the staged readings at Theatre Row in Midtown Manhattan. Nicole Hogsett, who ran NYCCT's Middle School Competition from 2016-2019, is consulting with NPT to help launch this competition for Connecticut students.

Five (5) grand prize winners will receive a staged reading of their play, performed and directed byBroadway pros and talented young actors at the new Madison Ave Community Clubhouse’s Black Box Theatre in Bridgeport in April 2024. Every entry will receive feedback from a theatre professional.

To participate, students in grades 6-8 will write an original 10-minute play based on this year's social justice theme: ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS. Environmental issues are defined as harmful effects to Earth and its natural systems due to the actions of humans. We want to hear your thoughts on environmental awareness in the form of a play and how it affects young people now and in the future.

“One of the goals of choosing this theme is to raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting the world and empower students to take action and effect change through the arts”, says Artistic Director and Broadway Veteran, Kristin Huffman. “Our youth board of directors will be heavily involved in producing this event alongside of our Broadway and Film pros.“

English, science, humanities and theatre teachers are all encouraged to connect their students with this event!

“Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is excited to once again partner with New Paradigm Theater to bring opportunities in the performing arts to more kids and teens across the state. These initiatives perfectly align with our mission of helping youth explore their interests and reach their full potential," says Gina Luczaj, Director of community engagement.

Details and tools to help young playwrights can be found at: https://nptheatre.org/npt-middle-school-play-writing-competition/​

The deadline for submissions is February 1st. 2024.

Winners announced at the end of February.
Submit in PDF form with permission slip to info@nptheatre.org (please find details and helpful tools at:https://nptheatre.org/npt-middle-school-play-writing-competition/

Questions? Please email info@nptheatre.org

THE NEW PARADIGM THEATRE COMPANY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre promoting social
responsibility and fostering creative

On Saturday, October 28, the Westchester County Youth Bureau hosted the inaugural Youth MedTech Conference with over 250 middle school and high school students at Mercy University’s Westchester campus in Dobbs Ferry. This event, held in partnership with Sister to Sister International and Mercy University STEP Program, was designed to encourage the exploration of high growth industries that combine medicine and technology.

Students participated in workshops and heard from a panel of diverse professionals, some of which are key in top institutions within Westchester - Regeneron, St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, Aetna (A CVS Company), Westchester County Community College, Jack and Jill of America - Mid Hudson Valley Chapter and more.

County Executive George Latimer said: “Technology is a driving force for much of what we do today. We are grateful to the Westchester County Youth Bureau and its partners for thinking about the futures of our youth and preparing them for careers that go beyond what we all know concerning Medicine and Technology. Youth are incredibly innovative and inquisitive and programs like what we have seen today support their interests and capabilities.”

Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins attended the event and gave opening greetings to those in attendance.

Youth Bureau Executive Director Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said: “I am constantly inspired by today’s youth and their desire to solve complex problems. The concept of the Youth MedTech Conference came out of my travels throughout the County, talking to future leaders about their interests in bioengineering, research and development, software designs, along with many other healthcare and technology careers. The intersection of technology and medicine, also known as MedTech, is exciting and this event had excellent presenters who have brought their expertise and passion out on a Saturday to encourage students to remain steadfast to their future aspirations. The Bureau enlisted partnership with many, the main being the Mercy University STEP program and Sister to Sister International, as both organizations have supported hundreds youths in their interests in STEM careers.”

CEO of Sister to Sister International and Brannan Solutions Cheryl Brannan said: “Sister to Sister International is pleased to partner with the Westchester County Youth Bureau and Dr. DaMia Harris Madden along with the Mercy University C-Step Program and Julie Arias and Brianna Cauthen at our 2023 MedTech career conference. The time is now for med-tech and we have to make sure our students are prepared to meet the challenge of the many diverse career opportunities.”

In the opening portion of the program, students were addressed by elected officials and specialists who spoke to the economic opportunities within Med-tech career pathways. Amongst the opening panelists were Orane Barrett, CEO of Kool Nerd Connect, Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County Director of Economic Development and Dr. Chiatogu Onyewu, Sr. Director of Genetics Medicine and operations at Regeneron. Workshops included topics such as:

•                      Success Mindset: Creating a career vs taking a job 
•                      How to build your STEM Career Bridge
•                      The Intersection of Medicine, Equity and Technology
•                      RAD Medicine: Unpacking Radiology Careers
•                      The intersection of Passion, Drive and Science
•                      Attacking Diseases through DNA Sequencing, AI and Technology
•                      Med Tech: Past, Present and Future trends in Genetics
•                      What is Children’s Environmental Health and How Can It Fit into Your Career as a Health Professional?
•                      Helping Hands: MedTech Careers That Care and Pathways at Mercy University

For future information on upcoming Westchester county Youth Bureau sponsored events, please contact Vanessa Zahran at vzah@westchestercountyny.gov.

Katonah Fire Department Open House on Saturday, October 14 from 10am to 2pm.

Highlights include:

Truck rides

Bounce House

Apple cider donuts

Live demos

Fire education

Learn more https://www.katonahfd.org/

The Pound Ridge Partnership will hold its Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 from 1pm-6:00pm in the Pound Ridge Town Park. Continuing what has become a beloved Pound Ridge tradition, the festival draws people together to enjoy Oktoberfest-style food, beverage gardens, award-winning music, and great fun for children.

Free to enter, the Harvest Festival highlights local merchants and specialty food purveyors who select their most enticing dishes to serve. Copious pours of the finest craft brews are on hand along with a variety of hand-selected wines. The kids pavilion features a root beer garden, face painting, fun games, contests and more!

Learn more and purchase your tickets https://www.poundridgeharvestfestival.com/

Performance on October 7^th, 7 pm features screening, post-film talk- back and drawing for special pet gifts 

Merryall’s 72^nd season climaxes with the screening of “The Dog Doc”, a documentary written and directed by Cindy Meehl of Sundance Film Festival fame is known for her hits “Buck” and “Trapped.  ‘A thought-provoking look at what is missing from modern medicine for animals and people,” critiques the New York Times.

In her inspirational film, Director Meehl documents the life, times, dedication, and rewards of Dr. Marty Goldstein, founding father of integrative veterinary medicine, and his colleagues who are passionately committed to providing care and hope to animals in need and, just as importantly, to their owners.

“The Dog Doc” offers the audience an intimate look into the world of Dr. Goldstein and his team who have created a mecca for holistic care in South Salem, NY.

The documentary explores the unique philosophy embraced by Dr. Goldstein combining conventional medical training and cutting-edge alternative therapies underscoring the power of the extraordinary bond between humans and their animal companions and the importance of holistic care. It asks: are we over-medicating our pets, our children, and ourselves and provides some intriguing answers via the good doctor’s life and death interaction with pets and people. 

The screening will be introduced with a performance by singer and songwriter Nick Petrone. A local favorite of Merryall audiences, he will perform, “My Shadow (My Jake),” a song he wrote in memory of his beloved dog, Jake, whom he lost two years ago. 

Says Petrone, “In his last few years of life, Jake had many health issues. I feel certain that the care he received from Dr. Marty and his staff of veterinarians at Smith Ridge Veterinary Hospital truly gave him a better quality of life for a longer period of time. I believe the care Jake received gave him an additional 6 - 7 years of life.”  

The evening will conclude with a post-film discussion with the film’s director and veterinary practitioner, Dr. Jenna Lenarz-Salcedo, a colleague of Dr. Goldstein’s at the Smith Ridge Veterinary Center, South Salem NY.

Last but worth waiting for. ...a drawing of fabulous gifts from generous local businesses including Paul's Custom Pet Food, Barkery Boo'Tique, Agway, Stella's Natural Dog Treats, DoggyLicious, Unleashed Day Care, all located in New Milford, and Patricia's Presents of Bethel CT. Also, artworks from pet painters Christina Maschke and Chris Osborne, Merryall’s artist-in-residence.

One of the biggest stars of the evening is The New Milford Animal Welfare Society, which takes in 500 pets annually and finds loving homes for them. Founded in 1965, AWS is an independent, nonprofit, non-destroy animal rescue organization.  According to the Society’s President, Diane Saraceni, “Our mission is to provide refuge for homeless and abandoned dogs and cats by placing them in loving responsible homes. Thank you Merryall for your support and generous contribution... our four-footed friends thank you, too. And, a nod to our loyal volunteers and donors.”

“The Dog Doc” will be screened at Merryall on Saturday, October 7^th at 7 PM. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door or online at www.merryallcenter.org. 

Merryall is a non-profit arthouse and community center located at 8 Chapel Hill Road in the heart of Litchfield Hills. For membership, sponsorship, or ticket info, visit the Center’s website at merryallcenter.org.

Uncle Cheef Delivers Elegant, Relaxed NYC Style to Putnam County Nightlife

Multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and live music lounge co-owner, Ian Hendrickson-Smith (#thisisunclecheef) defines the image of a working musician. Hendrickson-Smith A.K.A. Uncle Cheef performs alongside the creme de la creme in the jazz, hip-hop community, while living with his wife/business partner, Jenny Larisey in bucolic Brewster, NY.

Hendrickson-Smith has toured/recorded with Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Dr Lonnie Smith among others. As saxophonist in The Roots, house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he’s performed at the Grammys, (has five Grammys himself) and is currently touring on F.O.R.C.E, LL Cool J’s traveling hip-hop extravaganza. When asked about the excitement of touring, Hendrickson-Smith states, “I love bringing joy to people through music on the road, but also miss seeing the great music and beautiful patrons at Uncle Cheef.”

This family business is the culmination of dreams and elbow grease on the part of the married partners and friends pitching in. From hand constructing every table, to pouring an impressive 23 foot concrete bar top, no detail was overlooked. Every aspect of the customer's experience has been painstakingly managed with special attention to the listening experience. All static space has been meticulously sound treated, to stuffing the hollow table bases to quiet down ringing. This world-class venue offers spacious seating, perfect lighting/sound, generous restrooms and a top-shelf bar program. Customers know they will always enjoy their time at Uncle Cheef. Every performance is curated by Hendrickson-Smith personally, who along with Larisey have perfected a varied tapas-style menu including dishes reflecting the couple’s hometown roots (Jenny’s Canadian, Uncle Cheef’s Louisiana.)

The couple rely on their strengths and combined lifetime of experiences. Hendrickson-Smith delivers a heavy-weight performance on stage and as the lounge’s music curator, leans into his rolodex of connections, bringing world-class musicians to Brewster. He crafts the graphic design for the venue and oversees live recordings, sound and lighting. Larisey counters with 13 years experience managing top-level music venues, a refined sense of design and high-end carpentry skills. “Cheef and myself really pushed building this place to make it a culmination of all the best elements of places we’ve frequented and worked in all over the planet.” - Jenny

While Brewster, NY may seem an unlikely location for a sophisticated music lounge, the property was selected because of its proximity to routes 84 and 684, opening access to western Connecticut and the Hudson Valley. “We love where we live and the people here. We’re your neighbors and want to share music and this beautiful space with you. Together, we can create a community rich in the arts and make our little slice of life that much better. We see our crowd as a 30-mile radius surrounding Brewster and that’s a lot of people with no easy access to something this unique.” -Uncle Cheef

Those wishing to enjoy an evening at Uncle Cheef, are encouraged to reserve a table with the venue’s Resy system which is efficient for making adjustments or leaving special requests. There are built-in messages within the system to guide people with booking large parties, etc. Please contact info@HearItThere.com for additional information.

Uncle Cheef is the Hudson Valley’s newest live music lounge located at 988 NY-22, Brewster, NY 10509. Located 56 miles north of New York City in the Village of Brewster. Full schedule can be found at unclecheef.com. 

HearItThere.com  is a web-based resource and accompanying weekly newsletter subscription for both music fans and musicians.

Don’t miss this incredibly unique opportunity to see Nobel Prize Winner Harold Pinter’s work from vastly different points in his career in one amazing festival!

Katonah Classic Stage is a nonprofit, professional theatre company committed to bringing Broadway to you!

First up in the festival is Betrayal, which will run October 5th - 15th, in Whippoorwill Hall, at the North Castle Library, with an Opening Night Party on Friday October 6, 2023. Perhaps Pinter’s most famous “memory play,” it dissects love and marriage with a scalpel of humor, regret, desire, and brutal honesty. This play, directed by Daniel Gerroll (Film/TV Broadway), will feature Richard Hollis, most recently seen in Broadway's Hangmen, Claire Karpen, who just closed Grey House on Broadway, and KCS's own Trent Dawson who charmed audiences as "Elyot" in KCS's Private Lives last year.

KCS is thrilled to co-produce the second half of the festival, The Dumb Waiter and Applicant, with Pacific Resident Theatre, who originally presented this show for an extended run to rave reviews, in Los Angeles. This show runs from October 19th - 29th, also at Whippoorwill Hall, and we will host a champagne reception after Opening Night on Friday October 20, 2023. These exquisite, absurdist, terrifying yet hilarious plays beg to know what power is in charge of it all...and whether or not that power has any idea of what it is doing. Starring Jason Downs, Shelby Barry, and Anthony Foux, under the direction of Marilyn Fox, this thought-provoking pair of plays is bound to have audiences asking lot of questions at the talk backs after the show!

The details for all shows are on our website and TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! As an added bonus, we created a Pinter Pass for the festival so you can see both shows at a discounted rate!

Halloween Parade on October 29

Oktoberfest October 14th Women’s Civic Club of Katonah

Learn more => https://www.katonahvis.org/