Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Cartier; their Holiday displays are the first things that come to mind when thinking of Christmas in New York, but did you ever wonder who’s responsible for creating those fantastic designs?

As the foremost designer concentrating exclusively on holiday décor and installations, American Christmas is renowned as the industry leader. From traditional to cutting-edge contemporary, their sophisticated displays and imaginative designs dazzle shoppers and visitors at the most famous retailers and landmark buildings across America. Not bad for a niche business started by a 21 year old kid straight out of college.

Visit behind the scenes at American Christmas, where decking the halls is serious business.

Saturday June 11 was the date for the 31st annual Ossining Village Fair, one of my favorite of all Westchester events. Once again, although there were cloudy skies, the weather held out (only one rain out in 31 years.) I spent most of the day eating and snapping pictures. Forgive me for posting so many photos to the site. I tried to edit them down, but I didn’t want to leave anyone out. Spot anyone you know?

Please feel free to leave comments about the photos or the event.

The Ossining Village Fair is produced by the Ossining Chamber of Commerce.

On Saturday May 21st the owners of Groovy on Grand, a popular Croton-on-Hudson clothing store where you can find “Cool clothes for cool kids,” donated their time and 10% of their sales to raise funds for the Croton Caring Committee. Here’s the story.

The Yorktown Teen Center is in the midst of it’s first ever Arts Festival. Open to all Hudson Valley youth between the ages of 12-18, the festival is a month long event that will feature their work in the areas of Short Films, Music, Fine Arts, Photography and Poetry. There are sites throughout Yorktown to enjoy the Fest.

The following is the work of 16 year old filmmaker and Ossining resident Anthony Aviles.

Yorktown Teen Center

On Friday, December 31, 2010, the city of Port Chester lost a great man and even better friend when former Fire Chief Harry Hayes passed away at age 84 following a brief illness. The following is from the Port Chester Fire Department website.

It is with deep regret that the Port Chester Fire Department announces the passing of Harry Hayes, past Chief of the Port Chester Fire Department. He is a 56 year member of Washington Engine and Hose Company #4. Harry was elected Second Assistant Chief in 1979 and spent his next 6 years working very hard serving the Communities of Port Chester & Rye Brook as Chief, he continued until recently as the Department’s representative to the PC/RB Fire advisory board. He was a very dedicated member of the Village of Port Chester FD,and will be truly missed by all.

May he rest in peace…

Westchester filmmaker Holly Sugrue visited with his friends and colleagues to put together this touching tribute.

Chief Haye’s Obituary from the Port Chester Westmore News

Visit Holly Sugrue’s website

Follow Holly on Twitter

Holly is also the founder of the Westchester Film Industry Meetup Group. I recommend this group to any Westchester filmmakers looking for a place to network and share their knowledge.

A community comes together to clean and restore a cemetery that was donated to the Town of Rye in 1860 by Elizabeth Halstead. She donated the cemetery specifically to be used for the purpose of a burial place for black war veterans. The dedicated cemetery is located within Greenwood Union Cemetery on North Street in Rye.

In this short video, shot by Westchester filmmaker Holly Sugrue, Tom Kissner tells us what this event means to him, while Dave Thomas urges the community to get involved in restoring the burial ground of local heroes.

Visit Holly Sugrue’s website

Follow Holly on Twitter

Holly is also the founder of the Westchester Film Industry Meetup Group. I recommend this group to any Westchester filmmakers looking for a place to network and share their knowledge.

On more than one occasion I have set out thinking that I was shooting a story about an inspiring place only to find that the real story is not in the place, but in the people. Fred’s Pantry is built on a foundation of inspiring people.

Fred’s Pantry is Peekskill, New York’s first ‘choice’ food pantry which provides groceries to families and individuals in need. Located at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, it’s shelves are stocked with canned goods and other non-perishable items as well as frozen meats and vegetables. Since opening in February 2010,  Fred’s Pantry has served more than 5000 hungry families. None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of the pantry’s staff and volunteers.

When I contacted Jeanne Blum, Executive Director of Caring for the Homeless Of Peekskill (the organization that runs the Fred’s Pantry program), and explained that I wanted to do a story on Fred’s Pantry, she was adamant that we maintain the privacy of their clients. We agreed that the best day to shoot would be on a day that the pantry was not distributing food. Fortunately for me, Fred’s Pantry was holding it’s first volunteer training day that coming Saturday. A perfect time to meet the people behind the pantry’s success without getting in the way.

A few pieces of information stood out while putting together this film. First, almost anyone can wind up needing the services of a food pantry. The people I interviewed made it clear that their clients represent a broad spectrum of the community. They are not homeless, they are just people who have hit a temporary set-back in their lives and could use a little help making ends meet. Second, if you have ever thought of volunteering at a food pantry but thought you did not have the time,  the staff at Fred’s Pantry want you to know that any amount of time you can give is valued. You can do wonders by donating just a few hours a month. You can also help by organizing food drives or simply making a donation. It was amazing to learn how far, with the help of the Westchester Food Bank, they can stretch a dollar.

The program operates every Saturday from 9:30am – 11am out of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church located on 137 N Division Street in Peekskill.

Caring for the Homeless of Peekskill on Facebook
Follow Jeanne Blum on Twitter

The Westchester Arts Project was developed from the desire of host David Morrison to introduce Westchester to some of it’s local artistic talent. In this 30 minute episode, the first of what is hoped to be many, David introduces us to artist Gun Orachantara, who gives an introductory course in the art of sketching.

For more than 30 years, the Ossining Village Fair has been one of Westchester’s largest and most successful yearly public events. Thousands of residents attend while over 150 vendors and community organizations present themselves and showcase their wares.