<p>Join Judy Marano and Lois Schwartz at Books for Humanity&nbsp;67 Central Ave, Ossining, NY 10562&nbsp;on Monday, Dec. 2 at 6:30. We will discuss the mind, the body, and the spirit using the written word and essential oils. Come grab a gift or two for the holidays and browse the bookstore for unique finds.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>So I've Been Thinking is a series of stories about everyday life experiences. Although we are individuals, at the core of our being, we share the same pride in our families, traditions passed from generation to generation, and the ups and downs of life. There is an unseen web that connects each of us. While reading, you might find the corners of your mouth begin to rise; perhaps a laugh will slip through, or a tear will slide down your cheek."</p><p><a href="https://www.hvbooksforhumanity.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hvbooksforhumanity.com/</a></p><p>--</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">The nomination deadline for the 42nd Annual Westchester County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame has been extended from September 13 to September 17, ensuring that as many deserving seniors as possible have the opportunity to be recognized.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">&nbsp;Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “We have so many incredible seniors in our community who deserve to be celebrated. This extension gives their families and friends even more time to honor them by submitting nominations on their behalf for this prestigious award.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">&nbsp;Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) Commissioner Mae Carpenter said: “Our Senior Hall of Fame is such an important event to recognize those who have given back to the community throughout their lives. I am calling on all our senior advocates, caregivers, neighbors and friends to put forward the names of those they know deserve a place in our Senior Hall of Fame.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">&nbsp;To be nominated, a person must:</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be at least 60 years old or older, live in Westchester, and not be a past Hall of Fame inductee (a list of past honorees may be found online at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://seniorcitizens.westchestergov.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://seniorcitizens.</a><a href="westchestergov.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">westchestergov.com</a><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">)</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Have made significant contributions to improving life in Westchester County</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be an outstanding leader or advocate</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Have done professional work that reflects innovative solutions to fulfill unmet community needs (if a nomination is based on paid professional work).</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">Nominations have been extended to September 17, 2024</strong><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">, and will be reviewed by a judging committee. A nomination should be submitted for each person, with organizations and individuals to be allowed one nomination only. To download and complete your nomination, please visit</span>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.westchestergov.com/seniors" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">our website.</a><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">&nbsp;If you have questions about the nomination process, please contact Amanda Seebeck at (914) 218-3968 or email&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:AmandaS@EventsRemember.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">AmandaS@EventsRemember.com</a><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">&nbsp;This year’s Senior Citizens Hall of Fame will be held on&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);"><u>Friday, December 6, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown, NY.</u></strong><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">&nbsp;DSPS, Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services will be hosting this celebration, which will include an induction ceremony and a festive luncheon. Sponsorships and congratulatory journal ad opportunities are available for purchase. For more details or to make a purchase, please visit&nbsp;</span><a href="https://westchesterpartnership.org/hall-of-fame/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">the event page.</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">&nbsp;For additional information about this year’s Senior Hall of Fame, please call (914) 813-6300 or visit the&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.westchestergov.com/seniors" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">DSPS website</a><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">.</span></p>

<p><strong>Local Jeweler and supplier to ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" Anne Koplik is holding a Showroom Sale today and tomorrow, September 14 &amp; 15 at their location, 173 Main Street in the Village of Brewster, NY.</strong></p><p><strong>Sale hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>All of their jewelry is handmade in Brewster and you will find a huge selection of one of a kind pieces at up to 75% off their regular everyday prices.</strong></p><p><strong><em>Parking is available in the front and rear of the building</em></strong></p>

<p>Ridgefield Theater Barn's production of The Prom is a heartwarming and thought-provoking celebration of individuality and acceptance. The talented cast, led by Audra James as Emma, Marilyn Olsen as DeeDee Allen, Anthony Laszlo as Barry Glickman, Rachel Rosado as Angie Dickinson, and Michael Valinati as Trent Oliver deliver standout performances that captivate the audience from start to finish.</p><p>The show tells the story of Emma, an Indiana high school student that just wants to take her girlfriend to the Prom. The local PTA steps in to protect "The Children...." and it makes it to Twitter. Meanwhile, In New York City, a quartet of self-absorbed Broadway performers, coming off a horrendous opening night, decide to find a cause to polish up their images. One scroll</p><p>through Twitter (Now X) lands them in small town Indiana coming to "rescue" Emma and be her champions. Things do not go to plan, and everyone, from the ensemble to the stars, travel growth arcs of action with beautiful toe tapping music by Matthew Sklar, and a sweet parable in the book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin/book by Bob Martin.</p><p>Ms. James’ Emma anchors the show with her midwestern charm and vocal chops, reeling us in one great song after another. The duet "Dance With You" with Ms Sussman's Alyssa, is poignantly beautiful.</p><p>The Broadway "Stars" are hilarious, with all four of them at the top of their game. The</p><p>juxtaposition of their lives and narcissisms play so well against the midwestern small town, and in the end, all of them grow, and find their empathic humanity.</p><p>Mr. Laszlo as Barry Glickman walks the tightrope of camp and humanity expertly, and Ms. Olsen's Deedee is Faith Prince incarnate, with a powerhouse voice and depth of feeling that keeps this role, which could be played as a two-dimensional caricature, firmly rooted in a three dimensional tour de force.</p><p>Speaking of powerhouse voices, it is not until the 10th number and just two from the end of the first act before we hear Mr. Hawkins played by Fred Rueck sing. But sing he does in the number "We Look To You" with one of the warmest baritones around, serving tenderness and strength simultaneously.</p><p>Michael Valinati as Trent Oliver takes the ensemble to school with his hilarious 2nd act number, "Love Thy Neighbor" and Ms. Rosado in her duet with Ms. James "Zazz," is breathtaking. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Karen Warheit's Mrs. Greene. the PTA head spearheading the opposition to Emma's participation in the Prom.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>As antihero's go, she does a yeoman's job of being the villain while at the same time, revealing the grey areas of the heart. The ensemble’s energy is infectious, with highlights including Zach Hudson as Sheldon Saperstein, Sarah Paschal as Shelby, Zoe Anderson as Kaylee, David Chuba as Kevin, Robert Failia as Nick, and Kristin Aug as Mrs. Greene's Friend. The supporting cast, both adult and teen, brings an incredible level of talent and enthusiasm to the stage, including Heather Burlant, Garrett Levine, Liza Kaplan Montanino, Benjamin Olsen, Carlie Zucker, Matthew Donovan, Denise Hubbard, Katie Kelly, Craig David Rosen, Jasmin Salas, Kimberly Shay, and Charlotte Walsh. Every single member of the Ensemble has a distinct character that carried through all their appearances, and just the logistics of having them all on stage dancing shows the commitment to the piece and the respect for the choreography. Director Debra Lee Failla's inspired direction, Bonnie Gregson's on-point and technically impressive choreography, and John Failla's perfect musical direction of the talented live</p><p>orchestra create a seamless and exhilarating production. The show's energy is palpable, and the cast clearly pour their hearts into every number.</p><p>Overall, The Prom at Ridgefield Theater Barn, now in its 60th season, is a must-see for fans of the classic musical. The talented cast, combined with the energetic direction and choreography, create a truly unforgettable experience celebrating love, acceptance and the power of change.</p><p>Performances take place Friday and Saturday evenings from September 6th through September 28th at 8pm, with Sunday matinees September 15th and 22nd at 5pm.</p><p>SPECIAL PERFORMANCES: Friday, September 13 - Family Night! (no alcohol), including</p><p>Pre-Show Community Panel on Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth; Sunday, September 15th, Pay-What-You-Want matinee. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors/students/veterans. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Tickets can be purchased at <a href="https://ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org./" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org.</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Creative Writing Group for Adults</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tuesdays, 10:30 AM - 12 PM</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">September 17th - December 3rd</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Want to exercise your brain and have fun doing it?</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join our Creative Writing Group where each week you will be challenged with new and creative ideas to write about.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Feedback from other writers in the class and editing of your pieces will help you to develop your own writing style.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Classes will begin Tuesday, September 17th and will end on December 3rd. The class will be led by Jo Ann Francella, a columnist for The Somers Record. Class size is limited.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This class is limited to Somers Library patrons only.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dates:</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">September 17 &amp; 24</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">October 1, 8, 15, 22 &amp; 29</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">No class November 5</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">November 12, 19 &amp; 26</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">December 3</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Registration for this event opens Tuesday, September 3 at 1:00 PM.</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span class="ql-cursor"></span><a href="https://somerslibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/creative-writing-group-for-adults" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://somerslibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/creative-writing-group-for-adults/</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 40 th season as the longest-runningoutdoor theater in Connecticut, concludes its 2024 with “Seussical Jr.,” performed by students from its Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop. Staged on the grounds of the</p><p>Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, August 15-17.</p><p><br></p><p>Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in “Seussical Jr..” a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.</p><p><br></p><p>Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that&amp;#39;s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never</p><p>loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are</p><p>challenged and emerge triumphant!</p><p><br></p><p>Directed by Ciara Cuneo (Patterson, NY) with music direction by Vincent Fontenelli (Danbury) and choreography by April Smith (New Fairfield), “Seussical Jr.” features a talented cast of young area performers.</p><p><br></p><p>Featured in the cast are Laila Ingio (Danbury) as The Cat in the Hat, Emma Hoffman (Brookfield) as JoJo, Mia Roche (Bethel) as Horton the Elephant and Hailey Mott (Bethel) as Gertrude McFuzz. Sofia Feliciano (Ridgefield) takes on the role of Mayzie La Bird, joined by Leah Hayes (Danbury), Zoe Morales (Danbury) and Brienna Oromaner (Bethel) as Bird Girls. Oromaner also plays Mrs. Mayor.</p><p><br></p><p>Claire Hayes (Danbury) portrays Mr. Mayor. The mischievous Wickersham Brothers are played by Catalina Alves (Danbury),, Skyler Browne (Patterson, NY), Daniela Coto-Perez (Ridgefield), Andrew Williams (Danbury) and Jake Zanotti (Danbury). Aliyah Oromaner (Bethel) portrays the opinionated Sour Kangaroo and Addie Pasko (Brookfield) takes on the roles of Judge Yertle the Turtle and The Grinch. MAR Executive Director Robert Bria makes a special appearance asVlad Vladikoff.</p><p><br></p><p>“Seussical Jr.” is performed on the outdoor stage at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for this summer youth performance cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/students (with I.D.) and $5 for children 10 and under, and may be purchased through the Musicals at Richter website (www.musicalsatrichter.org) or at the door. Grounds open at 7 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:00 p.m. Audience members are invited to bring their own blankets or chairs for lawn seating; a limited number of chairs are available free-of-charge. A soft drink/snack concession is on-site.</p><p><br></p><p>Now in its 40th season at Richter Park, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances take place at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 100 musicals and workshop performances produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at<a href="http://www.musicalsatrichter.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.musicalsatrichter.org</a>, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail <a href="mailto:info@musicalsatrichter.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@musicalsatrichter.org.</a></p>