The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Happenings

Feed Me Fresh: Making an Impact One Family at a Time

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  1. For more than 55 years, the Mount Kisco Child Care Center has been a fixture in the local community. Long before early childhood education became part of the national conversation, a group of local residents saw a problem unfolding in their own community. Families were struggling to find affordable childcare, and too many parents were being forced to choose between going to work and caring for their children. In 1971, they did something about it.

What began in the basement of a church has grown into one of Northern Westchester’s most treasured nonprofit organizations, serving more than 200 children each year and giving working families something every parent deserves: peace of mind.

The mission hasn’t changed much over the last five decades. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive–regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

As childcare costs continue to climb and public funding becomes increasingly uncertain, more families are finding themselves caught in an impossible situation. They earn too much to qualify for assistance but not enough to comfortably afford quality childcare. Others are navigating job loss, illness, unexpected medical bills, or family crises that can turn life upside down overnight.

Executive Director Dawn Meyerski has spent years welcoming parents through the Center’s doors, listening to their stories, and helping them find hope.

“My favorite part about working here is that whenever a family walks through our doors with their story of hardship or life-changing challenges, thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, I get to say, ‘Don’t worry–we can help you,'” Meyerski says. “It might feel like we’re helping one family, but that help spreads so much further than people realize.”

She’s seen it happen again and again.

A parent keeps a job because they have reliable childcare. A child receives the nurturing early education every child deserves. A family regains its footing after an unexpected crisis. One act of generosity creates opportunities that ripple far beyond the classroom.

Those stories are the heart of Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening.

Beyond A Fundraiser

Now in its 22nd year, it’s a celebration of everything that makes this community special–neighbors helping neighbors, local restaurants donating their talents, businesses giving back, and hundreds of people coming together because they believe every child deserves a strong start.

On September 19, guests will gather at Ivanna Farms to enjoy tastings from more than 15 local culinary partners, live music, exciting auction experiences, and inspiring stories that remind everyone why this mission matters. The evening also celebrates MKCCC’s nationally recognized Feed Me Fresh curriculum, which teaches children healthy eating habits through hands-on gardening, cooking, and farm-to-table experiences.

Last year, the event was named Northern Westchester’s Best Nonprofit Fundraiser–an honor that says as much about this generous community as it does about the event itself.

Every year, Feed Me Fresh also shines a light on people whose kindness, leadership, and generosity have helped shape the Center’s future.

The Honorees

This year, MKCCC is proud to honor Paula Backer, whose passion for the Center spans decades. Paula has worn just about every hat imaginable–volunteer, advocate, fundraiser, mentor, and leader. Following the pandemic, she played a pivotal role in rebuilding and strengthening the Board of Directors, creating new opportunities for members to become actively engaged.

The Center will also recognize Joanne Stewart, MBA, Founder and President of Goodworks Advisory Group LLC. Joanne has been a trusted partner and champion for MKCCC for many years, helping secure more than $4 million in grants and philanthropic support. Behind every successful nonprofit is someone who quietly opens doors, makes introductions, and never stops believing in the mission.

This year’s celebration will also include a special Honorable Recognition for the Global Scholars Program at Byram Hills High School. While they may be the youngest honorees of the evening, their impact has been anything but small.

The Global Scholars have embraced MKCCC as a community partner through volunteer service, fundraising, and advocacy for young children and working families. They have invested their time, talent, and creativity into supporting the Center.

“Because of Feed Me Fresh and the generosity of our donors,” Meyerski says, “we’re able to help families through incredibly difficult times. That’s what this evening is really about.”

Every ticket purchased, every sponsorship secured, every paddle raised, and every donation helps a child receive the care, education, and opportunities they deserve. It helps parents remain in the workforce.

Since 1971, that’s exactly what the Mount Kisco Child Care Center has done.

One child. One family. One act of generosity at a time.

For information go to
mkccc.org/feedmefresh

A brand new day for a beloved Central Westchester restaurant and its delicious Italian American cuisine

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Grand re-opening of La Riviera restaurant at the New York Innovation Center building, 113 Tompkins Avenue (between Bedford and Clinton), Pleasantville, NY.

Mark your calendar for Friday, March 20th, 2026. Doors at 4pm. Ribbon cutting at 4:30pm.

Sometimes it makes more sense to rejuvenate a local institution than to erase a community legacy.

When Chef Tom decided to retire after 35 years serving tasty and delicious Italian American classics, his longtime protégé Chef Rudy teamed up with tech entrepreneur Sarah Poyet to revitalize the premises while carefully preserving the recipes and authentic character of the family-friendly establishment.

Says Manager Sarah, “There was lots and lots of refurbishment and repairs, always guided by the delicate balance of enhancing what is great about the past — they don’t make those ovens like they used to! — while at the same time updating and upgrading in a manner that will see the restaurant far into the 21st century.”

Tucked away on a side street in the Village of Pleasantville, NY, the tranquil location has continuously served food to the community dating as far back as the 1960s.

The new team is now ready to re-introduce La Riviera to Greater Westchester and beyond, hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony with village officials at 4:30pm on Friday, March 20th to kick off the evening.

Folks from all walks of life are welcome, and piano playing visitors are encouraged to tickle the ivories on a quasi-vintage Clavinova.

Reservations are recommended – call 914-769-9884.

For all event information, please visit rivierapleasantville.com

Musical Moments: Plus an Upcoming Holiday Concert with the DuPonts

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Donald (Don) R. DuPont and his sister Michele DuPont Eames grew up in a household infused with music. Mr. DuPont, a beloved recently retired music teacher after 32 years from Roaring Brook Elementary School, and Mrs. DuPont Eames performed classics at a Sunday brunch (think delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes) from the American Songbook on a sunny autumn day at Jazz on Main in Mount Kisco. Classics such as “Moonlight in Vermont” and “A Tisket A Tasket” were expertly sung as adoring fans, many of them former colleagues, came out to hear the talented duo.

Next up, they will perform two sets of a holiday-themed concert called Swinging in the Season at Jazz on Main on Saturday, December 13th. For tickets, visit jazzonmain.com. Expect holiday favorites such as “Winter Wonderland”, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” (The Christmas Sing) and even an arrangement of “Jingle Bells” by Barbra Streisand.

The DuPont’s father, Don DuPont Sr. and grandfather, Roland DuPont are gifted musicians in their own right, passing down a rich musical legacy to the brother and sister duo. Both DuPonts played the trombone and Don DuPont Sr. started out playing at the Rainbow Room with Glenn Miller and then on the “Milton Berle” and “Ed Sullivan” shows. He eventually became a staff musician for NBC and CBS and later obtained a degree in music education at Columbia Teachers College landing a job teaching music in the Chappaqua Central School District for almost four decades. Don DuPont Sr. taught music at Bell Middle School, which in those days housed K-12th grade.

The DuPont name has been synonymous with music education in Chappaqua since the 1950s. The DuPonts had a music studio at 211 King St called Studio 49. “My dad and grandfather would offer private music lessons for children in Chappaqua and surrounding towns after school,” notes Don, who often helped out there as a young boy selling items such as clarinet reeds or trumpet oil.

In fact, Don DuPont Sr. is still performing and just recently held a big band concert at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center earlier this month featuring the sibling duo as vocalists alongside an 18-piece band comprised of talented local musicians. “Many of them are professionals in other fields but skilled musicians who want to keep my father’s legacy going.”

Don DuPont took up the trombone in elementary school. A love for music proved everlasting and he pursued voice at SUNY Purchase and a teaching certification at Manhattanville College. He started teaching as a young 22-year-old in Nyack but after three years came to the Chappaqua school district where he stayed for the rest of his career.

“I left on a high. And I’m thrilled that they hired an educator who uses the same music philosophy as I do. I like to think that my legacy is that I raised music education to the highest level for elementary school students and increased their appreciation of it and their participation in making music. Many parents have said to me that some of their best moments for their elementary school children was watching them perform,” said Mr. DuPont.

Performance was always a part of the DuPonts’ life as well. “Michelle and I have been singing together since infancy.” Before embarking on his teaching career, the duo sang with the incomparable Hildegarde, a grand doyenne and cabaret singer of the supper club scene in iconic venues such as the Russia Tea Room, Carnegie Hall and Town Hall in Manhattan.

Eventually Hildegarde stopped performing and the duo focused on their teaching careers and raising families. Michelle is also a teacher in the Yorktown School District and Don has a son with his husband Brian Hiller, a now retired music teacher from Grafflin Elementary School.

Their son, Brandon, is also showing musical proclivities and plays the electric guitar and cello.

“Coming back to sing with my sister, Michelle is like a renaissance. The fact that we can do this is beautiful and feels like a full circle moment on stage.”

The duo is hoping to perform more at both NYC venues and in Westchester-based ones. Don even has his eyes on performing internationally as they did many concerts in Switzerland years ago. Adoring fans can check out micheleanddondupont.com for their upcoming performances.

Chappaqua Cheer

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The holidays are upon us, and once again, Chappaqua is ready. After the turkey has been served, Friday, November 28th sees the sun go down, and with the community gathered, the town’s 30-foot tree takes centerstage to kick off the season.

Once the switch is flipped, said Georgia Frasch, former President of the New Castle Historical Society. “There’s lots of oohs and aahhs. People clap and the kids all come and meet Santa.”

Candy canes in hand, the kids don’t shy away from Santa’s cheer and adding Horace Greeley students who lead the caroling makes the evening even more festive. “It’s really sweet,” boasted Frasch.

For the last four years, the Horace Greeley House has hosted an annual toy train exhibit. Opening on November 22nd, the 10 AM – 4:00 PM weekend showings are pretty down home, according to Historical Director, Mia Michelson-Bartlett. “It’s a charming little experience,” she assured.

The staff takes several weeks to set up, and families go from room to room to view. Six or seven runs are being prepared and will include LEGO Around the World, the Polar Express and Santa’s Holiday Train.

Kids aren’t the only ones who are eager to get all aboard. An older generation appreciates the exhibit, too. “They are grandparents who remember playing with trains from their childhood,” explained Frasch.

Even so, they may still need a history lesson, and the Historical Society delivers. “It very quickly transformed the town,” said Michelson-Bartlett of the 1846 construction of the New York and Harlem River Railroad which extended from the city into Westchester as far as Chappaqua. The main factor involved farming. “You could export your goods to New York City very quickly, and keep them fresh,” she explained.

The sea change then centralized the town. “The area around the train built up, and new businesses opened to service the folks coming in,” Michelson-Bartlett revealed.

It doesn’t get too heavy, though. “There are larger train shows, but for families with young kids, I would call this a little more bite sized,” she added.

Alongside the grandeur of the Victorian house and the holiday decorations, the on-time tickets leave kids with their mouths gaping. The villages, the mountains and all the beautiful little lights, she said, “The children are in awe.”

And to make up for the non-hands-on aspect of the delicate exhibit, the society provides a touch room where the kids can play with toys and trains and take a photo while sitting on a mini train.

Parents need some playtime, too. December 5th gives mom and dad the chance to unwind, socialize, shop, and sip wine.

Wine Around Town, puts the locomotion in the soles of Chappaqua resident’s feet and makes the most of the local feeling. “It’s a nice time to sip and stroll,” said Linda Bosco, Chappaqua Chamber of Commerce member. “People go from store to store, bring their friends, and every store has a different promotion. It’s a really great night,” said Bosco.

Then Desires By Mikolay’s Winter Wonderland comes as close as possible to making sparks fly. “They really cut up the ice, so it looks like it’s snowing,” described Tara Mikolay, owner of the high-end jewelry store, where the annual ice sculpting takes place.

A 45-minute process, a sleight of hand that puts pulling a rabbit out of a hat to shame. “It’s really kind of cool to see something turn from a block of ice into something magical,” she added. “The sculpture really textures the spirit of the season”.

Of course, Santa will be there with hot chocolate, but kids won’t be the only grateful ones. “It’s our way of saying thank you to the community,” said Mikolay.

Finally on December 14th, Chabad of Bedford joins in and lights the Menorah at the Community Center. Arts and crafts will be part of the program, but the gathering is more of a religious celebration, according to Frasch.

However, no credentials will be checked. “All are welcome,” Frasch added.

Together, these moments create a season of celebration Chappaqua treasures now and will for years to come.