Stories
<p><br></p><p>The Ridgefield Theater Barn, now halfway through its 60 th season, has two weekends</p><p>left of it’s wonderful An Evening of One Acts which I highly recommend you find a way</p><p>to attend. If you are in any way like me, in this Topsy Turvey uncertain world, one acts</p><p>are just what the Dr. ordered; just long enough to engage me, but not too long to lose</p><p>me back into the miasma spinning in my head. It’s a bit like getting lost in “Reels” on</p><p>Facebook, but in real life, with real people, with other people present, to validate what</p><p>I’m feeling while watching.</p><p>The difference from “Reels” or, dare I say it, “TikTok” is that real people curate this</p><p>evening, and have done so with a remarkable hand for guidance on a journey that does</p><p>helps us through these times, and lowers, at least for a few moments, the self-defenses</p><p>that the outside world demands these days.</p><p>This year’s ONE ACTS COMMITTEE, led by Chairperson Paulette Layton, working with</p><p>Mark Hankla, Timothy Huber, Nancy Ponturo, and Bill Warncke, has done a wonderful</p><p>job curating a selection of original, unpublished plays, striking just the right notes, at just</p><p>the right time.</p><p>Much like a gallery show, they take you, the audience, through various scenarios,</p><p>couched in laughter and smart dialogue, which in a one act, can be difficult since every</p><p>line and every movement and gesture cannot be wasted and must move the arc of the</p><p>story forward.</p><p>Overall, the one acts are well done, with great acting and direction, with many different</p><p>styles and subjects. If I were pressed to pull together a Log line or arching theme for the</p><p>evening, I think I would be most comfortable saying that-In times of change, our</p><p>authentic selves are stronger than we think, and to trust them and embrace the change.</p><p>But that, like most themes, is completely subjective, and has more to do with what I</p><p>bring to the table on any given evening. The magical elixir consists of the talent of the</p><p>ensemble, playwrights, directors, lighting designers, sound designers and stage</p><p>managers, creating the space for one to find the theme they need while sharing the</p><p>moment with others.</p><p>The evening kicks off with “Stay Golden” written by Jessica Moss, and directed by</p><p>Carin Zakes, featuring Bruce Apar as Gordon, Robin Browne as Cleo, Deborah Carlson</p><p>as Rosalie, Marcy Sansolo as Patricia and Denise Hubbard as Diane.</p><p>Ms. Moss’s absurdist comedy sets us up right out of the gate with the entire ensemble</p><p>working well together and moving the play forward with a solid arc of action, and yes,</p><p>I’m intentionally being vague here, because it’s not the gold you are thinking. Through</p><p>the laughter, a little bit of relevancy gets massaged regarding our increased ability to</p><p>extend life, and what that really means for those living it.</p><p><br></p><p>Now I’m going to jump around a bit, since the experience of the curated order is for you</p><p>to enjoy in person, but I will describe some of the stops along the way.</p><p>Two of the plays that hit very close to home, and made me want to stand up and cheer</p><p>when the lights went down, on the one hand, and also made me want to take them out</p><p>on the road immediately because I though everyone needs to see them yesterday, were</p><p>“Right Field of Dreams,” by Stephan Kaplan and “Sea Change” by Lucas Hasten.</p><p>In “Right Field of Dreams” director Danielle Roth, adroitly navigated the material with</p><p>actors Liam Gallary as Timmy, and Matt Donavan as Coach/Dad, which could have</p><p>been taken right out of the story of my life. It was spooky, but in a good way. Add to that</p><p>a ghost of a very famous female baseball star, played by Laurie Schaefer Fenton, and it</p><p>all is taking place in the outfield of a little league game and you have a great little play.</p><p>So well-acted by all three, hitting the beats just perfectly, without overdoing it, or rushing</p><p>it. Impressive. IF only my story had turned out as well as Timmy’s.</p><p>In “Sea Change”, directed by Marilyn Olsen, Craig David Rosen as Dan and Katie Kelly</p><p>as Bobbi, are hilarious as two clown fish. And just as anyone who watches fish in an</p><p>aquarium notice the dance, these two do a pas de deux with such depth and</p><p>understanding of flow of the script it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to watch. As</p><p>mentioned earlier, there is not a breath that is not in service to the script, and not a”y” or</p><p>an “i” that is left to chance.</p><p>Two more of the plays, “Improv” written by Kevin Curley and directed by Alexis</p><p>Vournazos starring Carri Ocean as Ann McKinley, Rob Mayette as Paul O’Malley and</p><p>Sheri Rak as Tina Bradley and then “A Flicker” Written by Guy R. Newsham, directed</p><p>by Brian DeToma with Michael Bud as Person A and Bill Warncke as Person B .</p><p>Loss is a big part of both plays. They are both very well-directed and written. I think they</p><p>both crave being longer than one act. I’m not sure if one act is long enough to give grief</p><p>the gravitas it needs to be able to laugh through it.</p><p>I do not in any way mean to disparage the production, I would just encourage both</p><p>playwrights to consider continuing what they have started</p><p>All the performances are spot on, with one of my fav moments in “Improv” being when</p><p>Mr. Mayotte and Ms. Ocean are speaking downstage Right, and Ms. Rak is</p><p>eavesdropping. Take a moment to look at Ms. Rak’s eyes, and you’ll see what I mean</p><p>about loss.</p><p>–In “A Flicker” Mr. Bud and Mr Warncke navigate the waters of male bonding of shared</p><p>loss and walk the TMI tightrope as they learn more about who they are. Each gives</p><p>heartfelt performances and leaves you wanting more. Maybe another act?</p><p>In “The Objection Seat” By Scott Mullen, beautifully directed by Pia Haas, we are</p><p>served</p><p><br></p><p>Laurie Schaefer Fenton As Mary, and Andela Armand As Kat in a different take on</p><p>bonding and self-discovery They are both hilarious, and have such well-defined</p><p>characters, Although the man they speak of is never seen, it does make you want to</p><p>meet him.</p><p>Then there is the glorious spoof of the New York Public Library called “One of the Great</p><p>Ones” written by Chris Widney, with direction by Matt Pagliaro. It stars Elayne Gordon</p><p>as Enid Stump, with Lucy Manos as Lee Katie Kelly as Jamie and David Michael Tate</p><p>as Hank.</p><p>This one act uses the inherent arc of a time deadline instigated by a “scavenger hunt”</p><p>against the closing of the library and the “greatest” Librarian of them all. What fun this</p><p>script is, while also reminding us that these people, these librarians, are human and</p><p>important, and committed. The whole cast make every laugh their own without a single</p><p>punch line missed or pause held incorrectly.</p><p>In “Juliet Wakes Up” written by Laura Neill and directed by Nancy Ponturo, Juliet,</p><p>played by Lucy Manos runs in with a bloody blade, herself covered in blood having</p><p>awakened, with Romeo purportedly dead beside her.</p><p>She runs into Rosaline, hilariously played by Danielle Fitzsimmons who draws out of her</p><p>why, if Romeo was already dead, she and the blade are covered in blood. Then enters</p><p>Willow played by Colleen White, who is yet another Capulet, trying to cover the tracks of</p><p>the potion that was used in the double suicide/not suicide.</p><p>Eventually, and as one might expect, against all odds, a dying Romeo, played by Matt</p><p>Donovan arrives.</p><p>I will not give away the whole plot, but I will say, that the Capulet ladies, are very much</p><p>post “Me-too” women in the hands of both Ms. Neill and Ms. Ponturo and I could not</p><p>stop giggling throughout the entire play. So smartly scripted and performed. Truly a joy</p><p>to watch. With the insight Shakespeare had of the soul of his time, were he here today,</p><p>He would completely approve of this interpretation</p><p>“Hornswaggle” the 8 th and final play to mention, starring Eric Novak as Cogs, Allison</p><p>Valentino as Scuzzy and Michael Ferrara as Bilges is a classic Pirate melodrama in one</p><p>act.</p><p>Written by James Nelson under the direction of David Fritsch the cast hits all the marks,</p><p>and does a Yeomans job with the script and direction. I will say I am not the biggest fan</p><p>of the pirate melodrama, but that has nothing to do with how this one was performed as</p><p>much as it has to do with having done so many of them in high school that as soon as I</p><p>see a scarf on a head, I have a bit of PTSD from my youth.</p><p>Kudos to the crew, Led by Production Manager – Paulette Layton, with Stage Manager</p><p>– Tina Morrissette, Assistant Stage Manager – Jean Mazzelli, Lighting Designer – Mark</p><p><br></p><p>Hankla and Sound Designer – Addis Engel. Without these folks, the magic of theater</p><p>could not exists.</p><p>Take the time, go spend an evening with these folks, and let go and laugh, and take the</p><p>ride. I can honestly say, you will feel better. And we all need to feel better right now.</p><p>The Ridgefield Theatre Barn is located at 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield CT 06877</p><p>203-431-9850,</p><p>Remaining shows are Friday March 14 at 8PM, Saturday, March 15 8PM, Sunday</p><p>March 16 th at 2PM Friday March 21 st -8PM, and Saturday March 22 nd -8PM</p><p>Tickets are $35. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Tickets can be purchased at</p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/brewster-new-york/stories/ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org.</a> Seating is cabaret style, and the audience is invited to</p><p>bring food and drinks (concessions are also available). Doors open one hour</p><p>prior to curtain. More information is available on their website,</p><p><a href="http://www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org</a></p>
<p>The law firm of <a href="http://www.esslawfirm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP</a>, with offices in White Plains and Somers, N.Y., is pleased to announce Tarrytown resident Stella King, Esq. has been named a partner. Since joining the firm as an associate attorney in 2019, Ms. King has focused her practice on elder law, estate and asset protection planning.</p><p> </p><p>Ms. King provides guidance on a wide range of matters including wills and trusts, estate tax planning, powers of attorney, estate and probate administration, Medicaid and nursing home care planning, and special needs planning.</p><p> </p><p>“Stella’s deep understanding of New York’s elder law and estate planning landscape, combined with her compassion and responsiveness to clients’ needs, has made her a vital member of our team,” said elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea, the firm's managing partner. “Her promotion to partner reflects her dedication to excellence and our shared commitment to uphold the highest legal standards.”</p><p> </p><p>Active in the legal community, Ms. King is a member of the Westchester County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association’s Trust and Estates, and Elder Law and Special Needs Sections. She is a regular contributor to journals on elder law, special needs planning, and powers of attorney, and frequently speaks on these educational topics throughout the New York metropolitan region.</p><p> </p><p>“I'm honored to serve as a partner at Enea, Scanlan, and Sirignano, LLP, a law firm that has long been dedicated to successfully responding to the evolving needs of our valued and trusted clients,” said Ms. King. “I remain committed to providing the highest standard for service and care to our clients and look forward to building upon the exemplary track record of my fellow partners.”</p><p> </p><p>Ms. King was named a Rising Star in the New York Metro edition of <em>Super Lawyers</em> (2021-2023), an accolade awarded to only 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state. She received a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law and was awarded a pro-bono program certificate (gold level) for her commitment to improving access to the legal system among members of underrepresented groups. Ms. King is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.</p><p> </p><p>Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is located at 245 Main Street in White Plains, N.Y. with additional offices in Somers, N.Y. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 914-948-1500 or visit <a href="http://www.esslawfirm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.esslawfirm.com</a>.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>About Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP</strong></p><p>Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is an AV preeminent rated elder law firm with offices in White Plains and Somers, N.Y. The practice concentrates on Elder Law; Medicaid Planning; Nursing Home and Home Care Applications; Wills, Trusts and Estates; Guardianships; Estate Litigation; Supplemental Needs Trusts; and Special Needs Planning. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP serves Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, the Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island and Queens and is committed to providing the highest quality legal services to seniors, the disabled and their families. Visit the firm online at <a href="http://www.esslawfirm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.esslawfirm.com</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>PHOTO CAPTION: Stella King, Esq., partner, Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP</p>
<p>Join us on Saturday, November 30 that 4:30 PM to meet the talented author in person. She will be signing copies of both The Girls of Haviland (2023) and the new release sequel Beyond Haviland (2024)</p><p><br></p><p>About the author: "I'm a self published author and elementary school teacher. I'm so very excited for the debut of my first YA novel, The Girls of Haviland. I love nothing more than researching women's history. I am particularly drawn to the history of the Hudson Valley Region in New York, the Women's Suffrage Movement, and the World War One years.</p><p><br></p><p>The idea for The Girls of Haviland came to me when I saw a picture of students at a private girls' school taken at the turn of the twentieth century in Carmel, New York. I used this picture and archival articles from a local newspaper to create a historical fiction story that examines issues which will resonate with contemporary readers."</p><p>Find out more about the author at <a href="https://deborahoswald.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://deborahoswald.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p>Light refreshments will be served. Free parking. Restrooms available.</p><p><br></p><p>The BookSmiths Shoppe <a href="https://booksmithsshoppe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://booksmithsshoppe.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(111, 114, 135);">100 Reserve Road #1st Floor Danbury, CT 06810</span></p><p><br></p><p>RSVP here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-signing-with-author-deborah-oswald-saturday-1130-at-430-pm-tickets-1091747027749?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-signing-with-author-deborah-oswald-saturday-1130-at-430-pm-tickets-1091747027749</a></p><p><br></p>
<p>It's Election Day and it’s important to be prepared to cast your vote smoothly and confidently. Whether you're voting for the first time or returning to the polls, knowing where to go, what to bring, and what to do if something goes wrong can help ensure your voice is heard. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the process and make your vote count.</p><p><strong>Find Your Polling Location</strong></p><p>Polling places can change, so it’s important to double-check where you need to vote. Visit <a href="http://www.vote411.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.VOTE411.org</a> or contact your local elections office for the correct polling location for your county, city, or state.</p><p><strong>Bring Identification</strong></p><p>Some states may require you to show ID at the polls. To avoid delays, bring a valid photo ID, such as your driver’s license. In some areas, documents like a current utility bill, paycheck, or other official papers that display your name and address may also be accepted.</p><p><strong>What If Your Name Isn’t On the List?</strong></p><p>Don’t worry if you registered to vote but your name is not on the voter roll. Poll workers are there to assist you, and you should be offered a provisional ballot or directed to the correct polling location to ensure your vote is counted.</p><p><strong>Ask for Help if You Need It</strong></p><p>Poll workers are available to guide you through the voting process, whether that’s explaining how to use the voting machine or assisting with a provisional ballot. Be sure to look for posted instructions and voter rights information at the polling station. If you experience any issues, don't hesitate to ask for help or file a complaint.</p><p><strong>Stay in Line and Cast Your Vote</strong></p><p>Lines may be long, but it’s worth the wait. Stay in line and make sure you vote—it’s important! The outcome of this election could have a lasting impact on your community and country.</p><p><strong>If You Encounter Problems on Election Day, Call:</strong></p><ul><li>1-866-MYVOTE1</li><li>1-866-OUR-VOTE</li><li>1-888-VE-Y-VOTA</li></ul><p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.lwv.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.lwv.org</a>.</p>
<p>Join Judy Marano and Lois Schwartz at Books for Humanity 67 Central Ave, Ossining, NY 10562 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. </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);"> 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);"> 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);"> To be nominated, a person must:</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">● 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: </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);">● Have made significant contributions to improving life in Westchester County</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">● Be an outstanding leader or advocate</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">● 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);"> </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> <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);"> If you have questions about the nomination process, please contact Amanda Seebeck at (914) 218-3968 or email </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);"> This year’s Senior Citizens Hall of Fame will be held on </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);"> 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 </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);"> For additional information about this year’s Senior Hall of Fame, please call (914) 813-6300 or visit the </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 & 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>