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Apr 02, 2025

Julia Bland: Woven in the Reeds Opens May 15 at The Aldrich

Aldrich Projects Julia Bland: Woven in the Reeds on view May 15 – September 14, 2025The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is pleased to announce Woven in the Reeds, Julia Bland’s first solo museum presentation. Part of Aldrich Projects, a quarterly series featuring one work or a focused body of work by a single artist, Bland’s installation debuts a monumental tapestry composed of canvas, ropes, linen nets, and fabrics—each dyed, woven, braided, tied, and sewn by hand. The exhibition will be on view from May 15 to September 14, 2025.Bland grew up in Palo Alto, California, in the shadow of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and ’70s and during the early days of technological utopianism. Raised by parents from different religious backgrounds—her mother is Jewish, and her father is a Presbyterian minister—her upbringing was shaped by a confluence of spiritual influences. In 2008, she was awarded a fellowship to work in Morocco, where she lived on and off for several years. During this time, she studied Sufism and immersed herself in the country’s rich customs, materials, and craftsmanship.Informed by these personal experiences, Bland’s textiles reflect a synthesis of visual cultures across time and place. Her work blends the kaleidoscopic imagery of psychedelia with sacred Islamic geometry and Judeo-Christian symbols. Through meticulous layering, diverse materials, and intricate fiber techniques, her compositions exude rhythmic intensity and devotional energy, evoking the mystical abstractions of transcendentalist painters like Hilma af Klint and Emma Kunz.The interplay of openwork netting and solid patches of material creates forms that emerge and dissolve depending on the viewer’s perception. This approach references the Shifting Gestalt Effect, an optical phenomenon that emphasizes the whole of a pattern over its individual elements. Among the images that may appear is the “priestly hands” symbol, a powerful religious motif from ancient Judeo-Christian traditions representing divine protection. The exhibition’s title, Woven in the Reeds, alludes to the significance of reeds in both Judaism—where they are valued for their flexibility and used in writing the Torah—and Sufism, where, as Bland explains, “The song of the reed flute laments its separation from the reed bed and is a frequent metaphor for the longing for God.”The exhibition will be accompanied by a zine.About the ArtistJulia Bland (b. 1986, Palo Alto, CA) received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and her MFA from the Yale School of Art. She has been an artist in residence at The MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Lighthouse Works, The Sharpe-Walentas Space Program, and The Shandaken Project: Storm King.Her numerous accolades include the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, the Milton and Sally Avery Fellowship from Yaddo, the Carol Schlosberg Memorial Prize, the NYFA/NYSCA Fellowship in Craft/Sculpture, the Florence Leif Award for Excellence in Painting, and the Natasha and Jacques Gelman Travel Fellowship.Recent solo exhibitions include Rivers on the Inside at Derek Eller Gallery, New York; Embers at Maya Frodeman Gallery, Jackson Hole; as well as presentations at Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Chicago; The Lighthouse Works, Fisher’s Island; Helena Anrather, New York; and On Stellar Rays, New York. Her work has also been featured in group exhibitions at The Tang Teaching Museum, Kasmin Gallery, The Everson Museum, The John Michael Kohler Art Center, Chambers Fine Art in Beijing, and Yossi Milo Gallery. She lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.Aldrich Projects | Julia Bland: Woven in the Reeds is curated by Curatorial and Publications Manager Caitlin Monachino.Image: Julia Bland, Helper (detail), 2024. Courtesy of the artist and Derek Eller Gallery, New York. Photo: Adam Reich.

Apr 01, 2025

Municipal Credit Union Foundation Donates $100,000 to Ronald McDonald House

The MCU Foundation, the charitable arm of Municipal Credit Union (MCU), today announced it has donated $100,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley. This gift will go directly to providing support for families seeking treatment at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, many of whom are residents of the New York City area. The Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley (RMHGHV) provides support to hundreds of families each year while their children receive essential medical treatments and care, allowing families the ability to spend every minute possible at their child's side.The MCU Foundation's donation underscores its ongoing support of New Yorkers who need support to help cover basic necessities, especially in moments of high financial stress. When families travel from New York City to seek services at the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley provides them with food and housing so they can focus on caring for their children. In addition to the financial donation from the MCU Foundation, employees of MCU will have opportunities to volunteer at RMHGHV to help young patients and their families."The MCU Foundation is committed to forging powerful partnerships with organizations that embody our core values and share our dedication to uplifting New Yorkers," said George Chacon, CEO of the MCU Foundation. "The remarkable resilience displayed by these children and their families is an inspiration to all of us. We're proud to not only provide this critical financial support but also to involve our team through meaningful volunteer initiatives.""A gift of this magnitude reflects the power of community and the incredible impact we can make when we come together," said Brittany Moretti, Executive Director of RMHGHV. "With this support, we can provide vital resources to families in need, ensuring they have the stability and assistance necessary to help their children heal. We are deeply grateful for this contribution and the continued commitment to strengthening our community."

Mar 25, 2025

Brewster High School Orienteering Team To Nationals

The BHS NJROTC Orienteering Team, the Area 1 Champions, just returned from Pelham, Alabama after competing in the NJROTC National Orienteering Championship on a very challenging course at Oak Mountain State Park. The sport of Orienteering consists of finding a series of designated points sporadically placed over a large geographic area using only a map and compass.Using their orienteering skills, a map and a compass, they interpreted the land various features to run approximately 2 to 4 miles each day over a hilly and heavily forested park including numerous water crossings to find 17-20 different points. The students had to develop an understanding of map colors and common symbols; maintaining an alignment with the map, following line features; and the ability to make rapid decisions at control points.The team only had two orienteering competitions this year and the winter weather limited the outdoor practices leading up to the National Competition. Despite a one day delay due to the heavy weather and tornado warnings, the team performed admirably. With over 65 registered teams and approximately 600 runners, the Varsity Team placed 30th and the Junior Varsity Team placed 31st. A remarkable showing for their first National competition. The team consisted of William Mattson, Riley Borneman, Jonathan Donofrio, Max Justin Stano, Max Matthews, Anthony Borja, Marcos Chinchilima, Johan Mojica, Meylin Coronado and Ryan Martin in addition to Cassie Fox who served as the Team Manager. While all members of the team were outstanding, William Mattson, Riley Borneman and Jonathan Donofrio navigated their way to find all mandatory points within the three hour time limit. On the varsity course, Will finished 63rd, Riley finished 92nd, and Jonathan Donofrio finished 101st.

Mar 25, 2025

Author Visit @ JFK Elementary is Culmination of All-School Read

As JFK students entered the auditorium, the excitement was real. As a school, students have been reading the book, “Juana and Lucas,” by Juana Medina. Today, they were visited by the author.“That’s Juana!” said Jake Zhana.“I hope Lucas is here too,” said Sofia Reale.The book is a story based on author-illustrator Juana Medina’s own childhood in Colombia, about Juana and her best amigo, her dog Lucas. Medina spoke to JFK students about being from Botogta, which is in the Andes Mountains, how she learned to speak English with a little help from Mickey Mouse, and how she moved to the United States. She touched on dealing with difficult times and how to handle those moments by looking for something happy or beautiful. The presentation was interactive and included slides of Bogota and pictures she illustrated including one of a face with a speckled banana.“Because life isn’t perfect, but the freckles make the banana sweet,” she said.An improv section of her assembly was next with student collaboration. Students suggested animals and vehicles and Medina drew those animals–lion, cheetah, shark–riding those vehicles–bike, motorcycle, and Lamborghini. To the delight of the crowd, Medina created a coloring page for everyone to take home.After the assembly, Medina signed books, ate pizza and chatted with students–all of whom had clearly read the book and were excited to share their favorite parts.“My favorite part was when Juana was learning English and she said it made her tongue tickle,” said Joey.“My favorite part was Lucas,” said Isabel Rodriguez.Medina is not only a wonderful writer and illustrator, but an inspirational person who encouraged JFK students to read and be creative.

Mar 18, 2025

Westchester Parks Foundation’s Pitch in For Parks on Earth Day!

Calling All Park Stewards: Westchester Parks Foundation’s Pitch in For ParksEarth Day Clean Up Events Needs Your Help! Mt. Kisco, NY (March 2025) Westchester Parks Foundation is getting ready for its largest volunteer event of the year. Started in the late 90’s, <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5R-2BWpaXEhRsFlX-2Fg0JNsUwhupX0vLc-2Fdhrjpgka8Hw2QX6azCyUwP8SycgrE-2BJbuFGy6qyXUTWzl44wxqkWoZI-3DpJ0Z_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4dPiZj6g6rw1-2B8O-2B6mqTCUaQPGJnxDkjFQxtUhf7esYgDO7kuYTRr-2FJjl6JHCUh68cOxMKA69HM4VXR5OCdYVhVzbfl3ifIA3J58Z9GThdUHR4lNctP0VzxSn-2BQAfl32MzAZm-2BdGuXyp-2F2lq06FynsDnP-2BQczbxYQFmctlGO8G24CF98KGAlfbrMVXFSp60SMtDhcvfAKEvf1Oy-2FrM8DFeGw-3D-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Pitch in for Parks</a> is the largest multi-day volunteer event that helps get parks ready for peak season. The event kicks off on Earth Day April 22 at Lenoir Preserve in Yonkers and culminates Saturday, April 26 at several Westchester County Parks. The organization is seeking Park Stewards to help with projects this year including maintenance of biodiversity plantings, playground mulching, and beach cleanup along with trash cleanup, clearing trails, removing invasive vines from trees, and preparing and planting flower beds. Participating local businesses include returning Gold Sponsor, Triton International. The annual event, held in partnership with the Westchester County Parks Department, will take place throughout Westchester County Parks. Projects for volunteers, working as individuals, families, corporations, local businesses, or groups, will be held at larger sites including the Bronx River Reservation at Westchester County Center, White Plains; Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson; Glen Island Park, New Rochelle; Tibbetts Brook Park, Yonkers along with smaller parks throughout the week.  Last year, over 500 volunteers clocked 1,437 hours at 16 parks throughout Westchester for clean-up efforts. They planted 984 flowers and 839 bulbs, removed 1,419 pounds of trash and managed 12,341 sq ft of invasive plants.   <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCzPPYWLR-2FQeOd3PQlsZ-2FTqyYp-2F5N3c2EpcVOuf7rjVZqUy-2BtwQ5z-2Bq0VqI8-2B-2F-2BrKkWlg-2B3z-2FbVWmQOWauFQTsaU-3DLv_4_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4dPiZj6g6rw1-2B8O-2B6mqTCUaQPGJnxDkjFQxtUhf7esYgDO7kuYTRr-2FJjl6JHCUh68cctxD0MjkUQYtqldxL84OqC78ABZmagjpsUsfqBMob-2BWy1-2FSKj6NZeWnPrjA51sH-2FtVDaapg-2Bk5ZrUZ0Xs1nh-2FZMzNqeNMDWb-2BTTwDow0Zr0-2BHltofe24OVoNM4N4S-2FbW3mpia6ulo6WpLDkwRtRc1Q-3D-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Pre-registration</a> is encouraged to participate. All tools will be provided, and volunteers should wear clothes that can get dirty and closed toe shoes. For more information on how to volunteer for Pitch in for Parks, visit <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCw5lbeYgMD9SZQY-2BrkYlhbjpCJpbRT-2FymUUyuySGOpwBHL3q_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4dPiZj6g6rw1-2B8O-2B6mqTCUaQPGJnxDkjFQxtUhf7esYgDO7kuYTRr-2FJjl6JHCUh68cMJcOcLp9mUak2R3fI6Zx7DQhXs3Kdz6DkVw8HwwO0lkwRBrBiOCRSi9g4AI3m1nSBuivMk-2F3ipcXK84MlFPTvyAazqPYmZozQJzzXLCYPAAkEXh4PUmK7JGtf6yBnwn8iu8TprfZrPM35AAozM5Z4A-3D-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">https://www.thewpf.org/events</a> and scroll down to the park in your neighborhood to sign up.

Mar 13, 2025

Ridgefield Theater Barn's One Acts as a Much Needed Balm

The Ridgefield Theater Barn, now halfway through its 60 th season, has two weekendsleft of it’s wonderful An Evening of One Acts which I highly recommend you find a wayto attend. If you are in any way like me, in this Topsy Turvey uncertain world, one actsare just what the Dr. ordered; just long enough to engage me, but not too long to loseme back into the miasma spinning in my head. It’s a bit like getting lost in “Reels” onFacebook, but in real life, with real people, with other people present, to validate whatI’m feeling while watching.The difference from “Reels” or, dare I say it, “TikTok” is that real people curate thisevening, and have done so with a remarkable hand for guidance on a journey that doeshelps us through these times, and lowers, at least for a few moments, the self-defensesthat the outside world demands these days.This year’s ONE ACTS COMMITTEE, led by Chairperson Paulette Layton, working withMark Hankla, Timothy Huber, Nancy Ponturo, and Bill Warncke, has done a wonderfuljob curating a selection of original, unpublished plays, striking just the right notes, at justthe right time.Much like a gallery show, they take you, the audience, through various scenarios,couched in laughter and smart dialogue, which in a one act, can be difficult since everyline and every movement and gesture cannot be wasted and must move the arc of thestory forward.Overall, the one acts are well done, with great acting and direction, with many differentstyles and subjects. If I were pressed to pull together a Log line or arching theme for theevening, I think I would be most comfortable saying that-In times of change, ourauthentic selves are stronger than we think, and to trust them and embrace the change.But that, like most themes, is completely subjective, and has more to do with what Ibring to the table on any given evening. The magical elixir consists of the talent of theensemble, playwrights, directors, lighting designers, sound designers and stagemanagers, creating the space for one to find the theme they need while sharing themoment with others.The evening kicks off with “Stay Golden” written by Jessica Moss, and directed byCarin Zakes, featuring Bruce Apar as Gordon, Robin Browne as Cleo, Deborah Carlsonas Rosalie, Marcy Sansolo as Patricia and Denise Hubbard as Diane.Ms. Moss’s absurdist comedy sets us up right out of the gate with the entire ensembleworking well together and moving the play forward with a solid arc of action, and yes,I’m intentionally being vague here, because it’s not the gold you are thinking. Throughthe laughter, a little bit of relevancy gets massaged regarding our increased ability toextend life, and what that really means for those living it. Now I’m going to jump around a bit, since the experience of the curated order is for youto enjoy in person, but I will describe some of the stops along the way.Two of the plays that hit very close to home, and made me want to stand up and cheerwhen the lights went down, on the one hand, and also made me want to take them outon the road immediately because I though everyone needs to see them yesterday, were“Right Field of Dreams,” by Stephan Kaplan and “Sea Change” by Lucas Hasten.In “Right Field of Dreams” director Danielle Roth, adroitly navigated the material withactors Liam Gallary as Timmy, and Matt Donavan as Coach/Dad, which could havebeen taken right out of the story of my life. It was spooky, but in a good way. Add to thata ghost of a very famous female baseball star, played by Laurie Schaefer Fenton, and itall is taking place in the outfield of a little league game and you have a great little play.So well-acted by all three, hitting the beats just perfectly, without overdoing it, or rushingit. Impressive. IF only my story had turned out as well as Timmy’s.In “Sea Change”, directed by Marilyn Olsen, Craig David Rosen as Dan and Katie Kellyas Bobbi, are hilarious as two clown fish. And just as anyone who watches fish in anaquarium notice the dance, these two do a pas de deux with such depth andunderstanding of flow of the script it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to watch. Asmentioned earlier, there is not a breath that is not in service to the script, and not a”y” oran “i” that is left to chance.Two more of the plays, “Improv” written by Kevin Curley and directed by AlexisVournazos starring Carri Ocean as Ann McKinley, Rob Mayette as Paul O’Malley andSheri Rak as Tina Bradley and then “A Flicker” Written by Guy R. Newsham, directedby Brian DeToma with Michael Bud as Person A and Bill Warncke as Person B .Loss is a big part of both plays. They are both very well-directed and written. I think theyboth crave being longer than one act. I’m not sure if one act is long enough to give griefthe gravitas it needs to be able to laugh through it.I do not in any way mean to disparage the production, I would just encourage bothplaywrights to consider continuing what they have startedAll the performances are spot on, with one of my fav moments in “Improv” being whenMr. Mayotte and Ms. Ocean are speaking downstage Right, and Ms. Rak iseavesdropping. Take a moment to look at Ms. Rak’s eyes, and you’ll see what I meanabout loss.–In “A Flicker” Mr. Bud and Mr Warncke navigate the waters of male bonding of sharedloss and walk the TMI tightrope as they learn more about who they are. Each givesheartfelt performances and leaves you wanting more. Maybe another act?In “The Objection Seat” By Scott Mullen, beautifully directed by Pia Haas, we areserved Laurie Schaefer Fenton As Mary, and Andela Armand As Kat in a different take onbonding and self-discovery They are both hilarious, and have such well-definedcharacters, Although the man they speak of is never seen, it does make you want tomeet him.Then there is the glorious spoof of the New York Public Library called “One of the GreatOnes” written by Chris Widney, with direction by Matt Pagliaro. It stars Elayne Gordonas Enid Stump, with Lucy Manos as Lee Katie Kelly as Jamie and David Michael Tateas Hank.This one act uses the inherent arc of a time deadline instigated by a “scavenger hunt”against the closing of the library and the “greatest” Librarian of them all. What fun thisscript is, while also reminding us that these people, these librarians, are human andimportant, and committed. The whole cast make every laugh their own without a singlepunch line missed or pause held incorrectly.In “Juliet Wakes Up” written by Laura Neill and directed by Nancy Ponturo, Juliet,played by Lucy Manos runs in with a bloody blade, herself covered in blood havingawakened, with Romeo purportedly dead beside her.She runs into Rosaline, hilariously played by Danielle Fitzsimmons who draws out of herwhy, if Romeo was already dead, she and the blade are covered in blood. Then entersWillow played by Colleen White, who is yet another Capulet, trying to cover the tracks ofthe potion that was used in the double suicide/not suicide.Eventually, and as one might expect, against all odds, a dying Romeo, played by MattDonovan arrives.I will not give away the whole plot, but I will say, that the Capulet ladies, are very muchpost “Me-too” women in the hands of both Ms. Neill and Ms. Ponturo and I could notstop giggling throughout the entire play. So smartly scripted and performed. Truly a joyto watch. With the insight Shakespeare had of the soul of his time, were he here today,He would completely approve of this interpretation“Hornswaggle” the 8 th and final play to mention, starring Eric Novak as Cogs, AllisonValentino as Scuzzy and Michael Ferrara as Bilges is a classic Pirate melodrama in oneact.Written by James Nelson under the direction of David Fritsch the cast hits all the marks,and does a Yeomans job with the script and direction. I will say I am not the biggest fanof the pirate melodrama, but that has nothing to do with how this one was performed asmuch as it has to do with having done so many of them in high school that as soon as Isee a scarf on a head, I have a bit of PTSD from my youth.Kudos to the crew, Led by Production Manager – Paulette Layton, with Stage Manager– Tina Morrissette, Assistant Stage Manager – Jean Mazzelli, Lighting Designer – Mark Hankla and Sound Designer – Addis Engel. Without these folks, the magic of theatercould not exists.Take the time, go spend an evening with these folks, and let go and laugh, and take theride. I can honestly say, you will feel better. And we all need to feel better right now.The Ridgefield Theatre Barn is located at 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield CT 06877203-431-9850,Remaining shows are Friday March 14 at 8PM, Saturday, March 15 8PM, SundayMarch 16 th at 2PM Friday March 21 st -8PM, and Saturday March 22 nd -8PMTickets are $35. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Tickets can be purchased at<a href="ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org.</a> Seating is cabaret style, and the audience is invited tobring food and drinks (concessions are also available). Doors open one hourprior to curtain. More information is available on their website,<a href="http://www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org</a>

Mar 06, 2025

Wells Middle School 8th Grader Derrick Cirvelli Ski Phenom

Derrick Crivelli burst onto the ski scene at the age of three when he started skiing at Thunder Ridge in Patterson. He has climbed the ranks ever since. Last weekend, as an eighth grader at Wells Middle School he represented Brewster Central School District at States in Giant Slalom and Slalom. At States, he helped his team, Section 1, to win gold and proved he has but one direction to go-up.“I worked so hard to train this season. Even though I knew based on my times during league races, I might make it to States,” he said, “it was still a shocker. Usually, kids make it when they are juniors and seniors in high school, so I was really happy to make it as an eighth grader.”Varsity Ski Coach Kirsten Rusinko, attended States with Crivelli said, "Derrick has worked extremely hard this season. Every practice Derrick would go above and beyond to better his skiing, yet always made time to assist his teammates. Qualifying for States as an 8th grader, on its own, is a challenging feat. Placing 14th in Giant Slalom and 21st in Slalom is beyond impressive. I am excited to see what Derrick's future holds."Crivelli not only finished in the top 30 at States but was a contender for skimeister or top overall skier. Although his parents grew up in the city and did not grow up skiing, Crivelli and his two siblings are all top skiers.“My brother made it to States as a ninth grader and my sister made it as a junior,” he said.How was it being at States? “It was really exciting. We were on the bus by 6:30 am and spent the entire day on the mountain. I was on the chair lift and looked over at skiers I really respect. I competed against top skiers. I got a glimpse of what it’s going to be like in high school. And the neat thing was my dad, Paul Crivelli, who is the coach at John Jay High School, was our Section 1 coach, so he was my coach for States.But Crivelli and his siblings could not have done it alone. It is their parents who drive three hours for the training they now do at West Mountain in Queensbury New York every weekend for ski school and intensive training.“They are really the reason all this is possible. They drive me every week. I am really grateful to have such amazing parents.”What’s next for Crivelli?“I want to represent Brewster High School next year at States, follow my brother as a semi-professional, and see what happens next!”