Join Let's Make a Play for playwriting for kids in Mount Kisco with Women Unite.

Starting on October 3rd from 4:00pm - 5:30pm, kids in grades 3-6 will learn how to go from idea to a completed play in 9 weeks in a fun, engaging, and creative environment. Improv, shared readings, and a lot of writing!

Located at the Tea House in Leonard Park, Mount Kisco. Come for one, a few, or all 9 classes. Sign up at https://wmnunite.org/classes/

Join Serena Norr of Let's Make a Play for a 6-week playwriting lab where you will develop a short play or monologue, going from an idea to a finished play. Writers will be guided throughout the process in a collaborative environment as they learn about developing characters, dialogue, tone, setting, place, mood, and more! Readings and shared texts are also part of the course. The last class ends with a staged reading of your work.

The class is for all adult creatives -- no experience needed. Reach out to serena@letsmakeaplay.com with any questions.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Mt. Kisco Arts Council.

More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monday-playwriting-lab-tickets-393087173317

 Pumpkin spice season brings an expanded drive-in movie line up to Westchester County Parks as Screenings Under the Stars, sponsored by White Plains Hospital, continues at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla and Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Through the generosity of our partner, White Plains Hospital, we are delighted to extend the popular family-friendly, drive-in movie program into sweater weather. I am grateful for the support of our partners who make such programming a reality for the families of Westchester.”

Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “There’s no better way to spend a crisp, fall night than watching a fun Halloween movie with family and friends on the big screen. Thank you to our dedicated staff for making this event possible.”

All movies will be held on Friday night after dark:

October 15 Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween PG (2018) at Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

October 22 Hocus Pocus PG (1993) at Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson

Gates open at 5:30 p.m., movies at dusk. Event is rain or shine.

All movies will be ticketed-admission events, with purchase available by online pre-sale only.

 Tickets go on sale for Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween today, Wednesday, October 6, at 2 p.m. online here

Tickets go on sale for Hocus Pocus Wednesday, October 13, at 2 p.m. online at here

Tickets are $25 per car and there will be limited capacity following distancing protocols.

White Plains Hospital’s Screenings under the Stars is presented by Westchester County Parks and Sharc Creative with Westchester Parks Foundation, and support from Westchester Talk Radio, 100.7 WHUD, 107.1 The Peak, Hamlethub, Iona College, Palisades Mazda/The Premier Collection, Robison, LLP, Tompkins Mahopac Bank, Holtec International, Inspiria Outdoor Advertising, and Westchester Magazine.

The ticket link will be listed at parks.westchestergov.com.

 Pumpkin spice season brings an expanded drive-in movie line up to Westchester County Parks as Screenings Under the Stars, sponsored by White Plains Hospital, continues at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla and Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Through the generosity of our partner, White Plains Hospital, we are delighted to extend the popular family-friendly, drive-in movie program into sweater weather. I am grateful for the support of our partners who make such programming a reality for the families of Westchester.”

Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “There’s no better way to spend a crisp, fall night than watching a fun Halloween movie with family and friends on the big screen. Thank you to our dedicated staff for making this event possible.”

All movies will be held on Friday night after dark:

October 15 Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween PG (2018) at Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

October 22 Hocus Pocus PG (1993) at Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson

Gates open at 5:30 p.m., movies at dusk. Event is rain or shine.

All movies will be ticketed-admission events, with purchase available by online pre-sale only.

 Tickets go on sale for Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween today, Wednesday, October 6, at 2 p.m. online at

https://www.showclix.com/event/screenings-202

Tickets go on sale for Hocus Pocus today Wednesday, October 13, at 2 p.m. online at

https://www.showclix.com/event/screenings-2021

Tickets are $25 per car and there will be limited capacity following distancing protocols.

White Plains Hospital’s Screenings under the Stars is presented by Westchester County Parks and Sharc Creative with Westchester Parks Foundation, and support from Westchester Talk Radio, 100.7 WHUD, 107.1 The Peak, Hamlethub, Iona College, Palisades Mazda/The Premier Collection, Robison, LLP, Tompkins Mahopac Bank, Holtec International, Inspiria Outdoor Advertising, and Westchester Magazine.

The ticket link will be listed at parks.westchestergov.com.

To commemorate Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, which is celebrated to honor the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants living in the United States, a flag raising ceremony will be held on Tuesday, October 5 at 3:15 p.m. at Kensico Dam Plaza. The heritage month is in October to coincide with Columbus Day, the American national holiday traditionally celebrated on the second Monday in October.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Many Italians-American residents live in Westchester County because this is where their ancestors chose to settle down and work hard to provide for their families, dating all the way back to the early 1900s at Kensico Dam as it was built by Italian immigrant masons with stone quarried from the adjacent Cranberry Lake Preserve. I feel especially close to this part of our history as my great-grandparents were part of that migrate wave, from Benevento, Italy. Raising the Italian flag at Kensico Dam Plaza is a reminder of the important role Italians had in making Westchester what it is today.”

Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “Kensico Dam Plaza is home to where we celebrate many of the cultures that make up Westchester County. Having the Italian flag here for October representing Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month is just one way parks can help honor the diversity of Westchester.

Italian-American Heritage Month celebrates the distinguished cultural contributions of Americans with Italian lineage. 

Tuesday, October 5

3:15 p.m.

Kensico Dam Plaza

1 Bronx River Parkway

Valhalla, NY 10595

Over the last 18 months, telehealth provided a critical bridge for patients hoping to connect with their doctors and yet avoid in-person visits to their providers’ offices for fear of exposure to COVID-19.  

Open Door Family Medical Center pediatricians like Dr. Andrew Swiderski found connecting by telephone, through video or the exchange of photos, helpful in engaging the parents of his young patients.  It was effective for such things as displaying rashes, discussing the reasons for getting children vaccinated against the virus, and giving tips on toilet training. When telehealth did not suffice, he met patients in the parking lot next to his Ossining Open Door office or under the awning of nearby retailers, creating meaningful connections and ensuring consistent medical care. 

According to Dr. Swiderski, however, most parents now want to return to some degree of not only in-person schooling, but also in-person doctors’ visits. “While telehealth allows patients and their parents to connect with providers,” he says, “it does not replace regular screenings when vaccinations need to be given, milestones measured, or tests administered.”    

Dr. Sharon Joseph, a pediatrician at Open Door’s Port Chester site, also believes that telehealth has a permanent place in patient care but cannot always take the place of face-to-face visits. “We can see on video if the belly button looks good or we can examine a rash,” she says. “But, when necessary, we tell people ‘you need to come in.’ ”

Permanent changes have been made at Open Door’s offices to isolate acute patients and emphasize infection control awareness, including hand washing, mask wearing and separate entrances for sick and well patients.

“Right now,” she adds, “pediatricians at Open Door and around the country are playing catch-up with patients. This means conducting a full court press in terms of going through our electronic medical records to identify and reach out to the many parents whose children, primarily preschoolers, fell behind schedule in seeing the doctor.” 

Along with their colleagues across the country, they are also finding themselves bolstering many parents who have been overwhelmed during the past 18 months.  “We’re seeing an uptick of parents coming in after hearing from teachers that their children couldn’t focus or lost skills - all natural consequences of the past school year,” observes Dr. Joseph. “With some of our families, first grade students are learning in English with parents who don’t know enough English to help them do their homework. The school year was so topsy turvey and parents feel it.”

Another major nationwide consequence of the pandemic has been the rise in childhood obesity, according to Dr. Joseph.  “Many of our kids sat at home, bored and eating, and not exercising,” she says. “By not having in-person visits, they missed out on the preventive care offered by Open Door in terms of services such as access to nutritionists who can provide them with information about healthy and culturally appropriate meals. Among some of our families, they can’t just say to their kids ‘go out to the backyard and burn off steam.’ They may not have that option and their only exercise was walking to school or being in gym class, neither of which, for the most part, existed.” 

The verdict is still out when it comes to deciding whether interventions such as talking with teens exhibiting high-risk behaviors can be solely done remotely. “A lot of people say it is too impersonal to do online,” says Dr. Swiderski, “but others say with a little more distance it can actually get people to open up more.”

“Virtual visits have huge potential around the country in places where medical resources are limited,” says Dr. Swiderski. “It makes more sense, in some cases, than traveling or needing to take time off from school or work. There are things we can do that we didn’t know we could, like diagnosing a rash over the phone or listening to a child snoring. But it doesn’t work when you talk about checking joints, ears, eyes, heart, and lungs. There are limitations.” 

Pediatrics require more in-person visits than adult medicine. According to Dr. Swiderski, “You can’t weigh patients, measure vitals, do lab tests, or check their hearing remotely. Vaccinations, obviously, can only be given in-person. This all suffered during the height of the pandemic and many fell behind. I could do some annual checkups remotely, but patients would still have to come in at a later time.” 

In-person visits are essential from birth to 18 months, and at four, 11 and 16 years old. Certain sick visits can be discussed through telehealth, but some respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are better monitored in-person.  

In addition, virtual visits are challenging for many of his patients who lack the digital capabilities of more affluent families in terms of such things as bandwidth, internet access, screen size, and digital skills. “Some of our families don’t have laptops and it can be hard to send video from a 3 by 3-inch screen,” he says. To address these gaps, Open Door launched a digital literacy effort, including education to strengthen skills and access to laptops and Wi-Fi to increase access. 

“There is a whole new world and a lot of progress has been made. We’re getting back to normal, but it’s certainly not the same. Pediatricians have learned a great deal about how to accommodate patients and their families,” says Dr. Swiderski, who adds that incorporating different modalities of care offers a broader range of access to services.

Historic Merestead Mansion Enveloping Underway

The Merestead Main Dwelling, which dates back to 1906, is undergoing exterior work to protect the building. Merestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties, located in Mount Kisco, is an exquisite country mansion on 130-acres of land. It is the former estate of Mrs. Margaret Sloane Patterson, daughter of William Sloane, President of W and J Sloane, and her husband Dr. Robert Patterson, a prominent orthopedic surgeon in New York City. Merestead features a 28-room Georgian mansion with beautiful gardens built during the early 20th century. In 1982, the Pattersons deeded the property to Westchester County, and upon Mrs. Patterson’s death in August of 2000, Westchester took full possession of the property.

Work on the Main Dwelling began January 6, 2020 and was shut down due to COVID. Since resuming, exterior work of the mansion that has been completed includes a repaired roof and restored chimneys, windows, doors, window dormers, balusters and railings and terra cotta patios; restored and repainted soffit; repointed brick façade as well as power washing, drainage improvements, new window wells, basement stairs and oil tank.

The work on the Main Dwelling is part of a capital project in partnership with the Department of Public Works.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Preserving the Merestead Main Dwelling is imperative in maintaining the County’s rich history. Making these improvements to the exterior are just the first steps to making sure the property remains a staple in our parks system for future generations to enjoy.”

Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “Merestead is one of our most historic properties and I’m thrilled to finally see the restoration come to life as its beauty and history is such an important principal for Westchester County.”

Watch a behind-the-scenes Video of Merestead: Part One and Part Two

The long-awaited return to live entertainment is finally here! After a year of closure, the White Plains Performing Arts Center is pleased and excited to announce that it will reopen with three LIVE IN PERSON events this summer.

Our facility has been thoroughly cleaned and installed with a state-of-the-art air filtration HVAC system. We have hand sanitizer stations in place throughout the lobby and plexiglass barriers in areas of high person-to-person contact.  The continued comfort of our patrons is of high importance to us as we welcome them back to the excitement of live entertainment.

Our summer entertainment offerings are as follows:

Rock 'N Radio: Music's Biggest Hits

This summer, Sharc Creative and Westchester County Parks will showcase a family-friendly movie series on a 50 ft screen at the Kensico Dam in Valhalla. 

White Plains Hospital Screening under the Stars drive-in movies kick off on Friday, June 11 with Disney's "Onward".

• $25 per vehicle
• Movies begin at dusk, gates open one hour before

Click here for tickets.

Thank you to the following sponsors:

• HOLTEC International
• Sharc Creative
• The Premier Collection
• HamletHub
• Lippolis Electric
• Robison Oil
• Tompkins Mahopac Bank
• Westchester Magazine
• 100.7 WHUD
• The Peak 107.1
• Inspiria Outdoor Advertising
• Westchester.Gov
• Westchester Parks & Rec
• Westchester Parks Foundation

For ticket sale dates and times and additional information, click here.

ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of CT is excited to announce their newest endeavor; a collaboration with Academy Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, which will combine the mediums of theater and film to create a world-premiere experience exclusively for ACT of CT audiences.

Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook is an original musical which incorporates over two dozen of Mr. Schwartz's songs, including songs from Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Baker’s Wife, Rags, Working, Children of Eden, and Enchanted. The show is a touching and authentic look into how we fall in love and the poignant power of trusting our hearts and memories.

Snapshots will be available for streaming on-demand from February 13 through 28, 2021. Visit actofct.org to learn more and purchase tickets. All ticketholders will have 48 hours to watch this exciting new movie musical as many times as they like. Tickets are available starting at $20.

Mr. Schwartz and ACT of CT’s Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine have collaborated on this unique and exciting production. Instead of presenting a limited on-stage run of this endearing musical at ACT of CT, Snapshots was captured on film and a brand-new full length movie musical has been created. This is not a livestream recording of a stage production, but rather a true movie musical filmed on location in Ridgefield, CT.

Director, Daniel C. Levine says, “This is one of the most exciting projects that ACT of CT has created to date. Blending the worlds of theater and film to produce this exhilarating movie musical has been thrilling for us. We worked with a brilliant NYC based cinematographer, and our Snapshots cast is truly extraordinary! Movie musicals have become wildly popular over the past few years, and we thought that this was the perfect time for us to bring Snapshots to life in this way. Just like the success of the recently released The Prom, I truly believe that this version of Snapshots will be a home-run for our patrons!”

R. Erin Craig, Producing Director adds, "The health and safety of our cast, crew and musicians is ACT of CT’s top priority. This movie musical was created in accordance with strict health and safety protocols and guidelines, adhering closely to state and industry regulations which included a “closed set” for rehearsals and filming, multiple tests per week, mask & shield wearing, thorough sanitization procedures, and more. All Snapshots cast and crew “bubbled” in Ridgefield for the entire process, therefore helping to ensure that everyone stayed safe and healthy. We can’t wait to share this heartfelt movie musical with our audiences!”

ACT of CT is committed to creating brand-new and exclusive theatrical opportunities such as this movie musical of Snapshots for their audiences - even during a pandemic. If you are a fan of Stephen Schwartz musicals like Wicked, Working and Godspell you will not want to miss this unique film.

Snapshots will be available for streaming on-demand from February 13 through 28, 2021. Visit actofct.org to learn more and purchase tickets. All ticketholders will have 48 hours to watch this exciting new movie musical as many times as they like. Tickets are available starting at $20.

Snapshots, A Musical Scrapbook has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by David Stern, was conceived by Michael Scheman and David Stern, with additional music and lyrics by David Crane, Seth Friedman, Marta Kaufman, Alan Menken and Charles Strouse, and arrangements and orchestrations by Steve Orich.

About ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut

ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional theatre located in Ridgefield, CT. Founded in 2018, and led by Katie Diamond, Daniel C. Levine, and Bryan Perri, ACT of CT presents limited engagement runs of well-known musicals, as well as world-premiere productions by the next generation of writers and composers. In addition to its fully produced mainstage productions, ACT of CT hosts an annual new works series, a “Broadway Unplugged” series, and an extensive education program including individual training (virtual and in person), masterclasses, summer camp, professional workshops, and a year-round conservatory program for high school students. ACT of CT is dedicated to inspiring, creating and nurturing a diverse and equitable environment for its staff, creative teams, cast, musicians, crew members and audiences. For more information about ACT of CT, to purchase tickets and to learn more about ACT of CT’s education programs, please visit www.actofct.org.

Virtual Program on Monday, May 4 at 7pm: How to Navigate College Admissions for Students & Parents in the Face of the Coronavirus

This Zoom presentation will focus on how the Coronavirus is affecting college admissions and what impact it will have on high school students, especially sophomores and juniors. The program will cover how admissions officers are handling the current situation and what impact this will have on how applicants for the Class of 2025 will be reviewed, with respect to grades, standardized tests and extracurricular activities. We will also discuss how timing for preparing college applications will change and ways for students to use their time productively NOW to prepare.

Current high school juniors are facing several unprecedented challenges including grades for this spring marking period will be looked at with "an asterisk", several ACT and SAT tests have been cancelled and more colleges are going test optional so meaningful activities that juniors can do this summer (assuming we're past the current Coronavirus situation) will be even more heavily weighted in the college admissions process. Juniors can be proactive by using their time constructively now to work on their Personal Statement (Common App) essay, define as best they can their college list, and determine which teachers they will ask to write their recommendations. For current seniors, colleges will be using their waitlists strategically because most are concerned about filling their class, especially for schools where international students, who might not be able to get visas, make up a significant portion of their student body.

Since colleges have cancelled classes for the remainder of the Spring semester, students will not have the opportunity to tour schools when they are in session until the Fall. Therefore, planning and scheduling tours for the Fall becomes even more important.

Come join us to learn about these changes and other insights regarding the college process. The presentation will be led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, partners at Stand Out For College, LLC.

Please RSVP to ron@standoutforcollege.com. You will receive a private invitation with a Zoom link in reply. There is no charge for this event. 

The Ella Jewell Foundation, Halloween Spooktacular is THIS Sunday, October 27 from 4-7 Grand Prix New York Racing & Entertainment. 

The Ella Jewell Foundation, a local non-profit organization, raises funds for neutropenia and other childhood bone marrow failure diseases research. A local family is on a mission to raise funds for research, raise awareness and make a difference! Please join us for a fun-filled evening while supporting an amazing cause. 

Every penny the foundation raises is donated and benefits research being conducted at the University of Washington in Seattle by Dr. David C. Dale and Team.  Please help us to support your local charity and help to make a difference!

Purchase tickets and learn more about the Ella Jewell Foundation www.ellajewellfoundation.org

Ella and Family thank you for your continuous love and support. You give our family and many other families a great amount of hope and help us to stay positive! XOXXO 

"Together, we can make a difference."

Grand Prix New York Racing & Entertainment is located at 333 North Bedford Road in Mount Kisco.

The 58th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show features 185 juried artists from 26 states, Canada, and Israel, including 34 new artists. The show is ranked #2 Fine Art and Design Show in the Nation, based on sales reported by exhibitors to Sunshine Artist, a premiere art and craft show publication. A broad range of art in every medium and price point will be on display, including painting, printmaking, drawing, pastels, mixed mediums, sculpture, photography & digital art, wearable art, and fine crafts. Free personal consultants, trained in fine art and interior design, are available to assist visitors in selecting art that best fits their taste and decor.

“The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is a must-see event every fall for thousands of discerning art lovers from the Hudson Valley and NYC metro area” said Anne Curran, Executive Director of the show. “It’s also a fun experience for the whole family with free activities for kids and collaborative art projects, great food vendors, and beer and wine. So, come for the art and stay for the fun.”

The Harvey School has announced it is partnering with the New York Rangers to offer area children a free introduction to the sport of hockey at Evarts Rink on the campus of the Katonah school.

“Part of the Junior Rangers Rookie Series, "Try Hockey For Free" invites girls and boys ages 5 to 9 to come to the rink for an exciting introduction to ice hockey,” Harvey Head of School Bill Knauer said. All equipment is provided, and instruction will be given by the New York Rangers Hockey Development team and local qualified, experienced coaches.

Harvey’s Evarts Rink, selected as an official host site for the New York Rangers program, will set aside two dates for the introductory events. The first one is scheduled for Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11. The second session is slated for the Martin Luther King Junior holiday, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. Each date offers two sessions, the first one starting at 10 a.m. and the second one at 10:50 a.m.

To register for this program open only to children ages 5 to 9 with little or no hockey experience, parents should visit the Rangers Rookie Series website at https://www.nhl.com/rangers/community/junior-rangers-rookie-series