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The Education Issue
September / October 2025
Do you ever wonder, “What if?”
We ask that question all the time. And when it comes to education, we ask it A LOT. Sometimes our questions have easy answers, and sometimes they require a journalist to investigate. Here are some of the “what ifs” (and their brief answers) we’ve asked ourselves lately. (Don’t take these too literally.)
What if…
High schools had swingsets?
There would be a lot less anxiety.
Students couldn’t move on to the next lesson if they don’t get an A or a B on the test?
Fewer students would struggle long-term. (For example, you need to understand addition before you can do multiplication.)
Schools embraced AI?
Students would learn more and even have more empathy.
Life skills were taught in high school?
They’d know how to fix a leaky faucet and organize their schedule. (Learning quadratic equations can wait.)
Teachers assumed every student would succeed in their class?
Students would meet or beat their potential.
Therapy animals were a daily thing?
There would be less bullying. (Because people who hurt, hurt people.)
Kids within a one-mile radius had to walk or bike to school?
We’d have healthier kids and a healthier planet.
Students had to be the janitors?
In Japan, they believe it creates discipline, builds collaborative skills and teaches responsibility. We just want our kids to clean their rooms.
Circus day, trampoline day and random applause day
were the norm at school?
Kids would actually like school.
Students learned a subject in a different language?
You mean force our kids to be bilingual like most of the world?
We taught students how to think, not what to think?
Kids could actually solve their own problems.
We had stadium seats for chess tournaments?
Brianiacs would finally have their moment in the spotlight.
Art students used science, and science students used art?
Creativity and innovation would be the norm.
We taught students about media bias?
We’d have a generation of adults who won’t believe “alternative facts.”
We’re curious: What do you wonder about? Send us an email or message us on social and tell us your “what ifs.” We’d love to read them.
Sincerely,
The adults who still prefer the back of the classroom
The Me That Is
A Story of Non-Speakers
Sometimes the most powerful voices are the ones you can’t hear—until someone gives them the tools to be heard.
Judy Chinitz, the founder of the Mouth to Hand Learning Center (M2H) in Mount Kisco, teaches nonspeaking people in our community to communicate by typing. She was inspired by her son, Alex, now 31, who is completing his freshman year of college and considering a double major in math and English literature.
We spent time with Judy, Alex and several of the M2H students for this video in 2023—and we promise, it will move you. It’s emotional, heartwarming and even surprisingly funny. These students are some of the sharpest, wittiest people we know, and we’re honored to share their words with you.
Personalized Women’s Health in Yorktown Heights
The Power of Hope
Brushstrokes Into The Soul
5 Things You Should Know About for September/October 2025
Life Skills For Students
Presume Competence: A Teacher’s Power Move
Education from A to Z
OUR FALL EVENT GUIDE
A British romantic dramedy, historical drama and Halloween marathon walk into the Take 3 Wine bar
Sept. 11-Oct. 25; 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; (914) 747-5555
The Jacob Burns Film Center is delighted to screen “My Beautiful Laundrette” on 35mm on Sept. 11 as part of its new Out There queer cinema series, presented in partnership with The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center. Starting September 12, don’t miss “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” on the big screen—paired with a themed Tea Martini at Take 3 Wine Bar & Café upstairs. October delivers chills with horror classics like “Hellraiser,” “The Fog” and “Day of the Dead,” capped off by the annual 12-hour Halloween movie marathon on October 25. Photo by Lynda Shenkman.
Fill your closet & your walls as you stroll through an open-air gallery
September 13 – October 11; Purchase Street in downtown Rye
This fall, The Rye Arts Center is transforming Purchase Street in downtown Rye into an open-air gallery, blending art, commerce and community. Art for Purchase brings original works by local and regional artists into storefronts, converting everyday spaces into unexpected encounters with creativity. Join us for a festive reception on the Rye Village Green, 12-5 p.m. on September 13. Consider it your invitation to pause, reflect and celebrate art while you shop.
Celebrate twenty-one years of edible evenings with MKCCC
September 20; Ivanna Farms, 241 Wood Rd., Mt. Kisco
The twenty-first annual Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening will be the Westchester culinary event of the season. Inspired by Mount Kisco Child Care Center’s innovative seed-to-table nutrition program, top local restaurants come together in the spirit of community to serve an unforgettable evening of fresh, delicious, local food. Benefiting local families in need, it’s a night of exceptional cuisine for an even better cause. Tickets available at mkccc.org/events/feedmefresh.
Go for the local wines, stay for the food and live music
Sept. 25: Steel Pulse 50th Anniversary; Sept. 28: Music of Grateful Dead + more for kids; Sept. 7, 14, 21: Hudson Valley Uncorked outdoor festival every Sunday 12 – 3 p.m.; Sept. 22 – Nov 16: Hudson Valley City Winery Harvest Events; Oct. 10: Zebra (nostalgic rock)
23 Factory St., Montgomery
Opened in 2021, City Winery Hudson Valley has quickly become a must-visit destination for wine, food and live music in the Hudson Valley. Located at the historic Montgomery Mills along the Wallkill River, guests can enjoy locally made wines, farm-to-table dining and an exciting lineup of concerts—all framed by the beauty of the Shawangunk Mountains. From September through November, celebrate harvest season with us and experience the perfect blend of flavors, sounds, and scenery. Tickets available at citywinery.com/hudson-valley.
Visit a nationally-renowned art show right in our own backyard
September 27 & 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Armonk Outdoor Art Show at 205 Business Park Dr., Armonk
Consistently ranked among the nation’s top fine art shows, the Armonk Outdoor Art Show features a juried, ever-changing selection of exceptional artists across all mediums and price points. Enjoy a day surrounded by art in a beautiful, tree-lined setting with delicious food and drinks, along with complimentary children’s activities in the family activities tent. Net proceeds benefit both branches of the North Castle Public Library, funding education and entertainment programs for all ages, library enhancements and other initiatives.
Meet your favorite children’s book authors
Sept. 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Chappaqua Metro North train station
The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival features 160+ renowned children’s book authors and illustrators, featuring books for kids 0-18. Meet Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Pat Schories (author and illustrator of the Biscuit series), Victoria Kann (Pinkalicious), Dan Gutman (My Weird School series) and many more beloved returning creators. Plus there will be lots of new authors and illustrators sure to become fan favorites. Spend time in our fun zone with games & activities, enjoy our food truck roundup, and don’t forget about the bubble bus at 3 p.m. Free parking and admission. Books available for signing and purchase.
LOL, ROFL & LMAO, and then do it again
Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 & Dec. 17: Bedford Hills Open Mic—7 p.m.; Sept. 26 & Dec. 26: Captain Lawrence Brewery—7 p.m.; Nov. 6: Bedford Playhouse—8 p.m.; Dec. 4: Yellow Studio—7 p.m.; Feb. 6: The Lark After Dark—doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
At Hard Headed Comedy, we believe laughter is the best medicine—no copay, no waiting room, just pure joy. Science backs us up: laughter boosts immunity, lowers stress and floods you with feel-good endorphins. It’s not just entertainment—it’s therapy with punchlines. Founded by the unapologetically bold Luz Michelle, we bring inclusive, high-energy shows where humor heals and connection thrives. Follow us @hardheadedcomedyinc for updates, behind-the-scenes fun & your weekly dose of laughter. Side effects may include happiness. Get tickets at hardheadedcomedy.com.
Do it “fore” The Pantry
September 29, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; 18 Bloomer Rd., North Salem
The Bedford Armonk Rotary group is joining forces with our friends and neighbors in the Bedford Village Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Chappaqua to do our favorite thing: serve our community. Please join Mercedes-Benz as it supports us in our efforts to raise funds for The Pantry, formerly known as the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry. We’re hitting the links at the Salem Golf Club, and we hope you’ll join us for a day on the green as we raise funds to feed those in need. Register at forethepantry.org.
Raise a glass & Tee it up: Two events, one mission (#DVAM)
October 15 at Kanopi in White Plains and October 22 at Summit Club in Armonk; both events to benefit Hope’s Door
Hope’s Door kicks off October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) with two events that will raise funds to help families and children feel safe and protected in their homes. Join us for delicious food and great conversation at our fall cocktail event, A Hopeful Evening, on October 15 at the breathtaking Kanopi in White Plains. Or, if you prefer daytime events, hit the links on September 30 at the inaugural golf outing, Tee Off for Hope, at the members-only Summit Club in Armonk (ticket includes all fees, food, and drinks). Tickets at hopesdoorny.org.
The O.G. fall music festival is back and ready to rock
October 4, 1-6 p.m.; Pound Ridge Harvest Festival at Pound Ridge Town Park
The Pound Ridge Harvest Festival is back! Join us for an afternoon of live music, local merchants, copious pours of the finest craft brews, hand-selected wine, mouthwatering food trucks, a kids’ tent and a VIP Lounge (sponsored by this very magazine). Concert headliner: The Record Company with more music from The Soul Rebels and local musician John Praino. Chill vibes only at northern Westchester’s original local fall music festival.
Go see “Miss Julie” and “Venus in Fur”
Oct. 14 – Nov. 2, 5 performances/week at 2 p.m. and/or 7 p.m.; Whippoorwill Theatre, 19 Whippoorwill Rd E, Armonk
Katonah Classic Stage, Westchester’s premiere professional theatre, makes history with the first-ever repertory production of “Miss Julie” and “Venus in Fur.” August Strindberg’s “Miss Julie” is a groundbreaking, explosive psychological drama, while the TONY-winning “Venus in Fur” by David Ives offers a sharp, salacious comedy counterpoint. Both plays delve into the shifting power between the sexes with intensity and wit, promising an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Behind the Veil of the Gabby Petito Case
October 23; Hope’s Door discussion at Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Rd, Bedford
Join Hope’s Door at the Bedford Playhouse on October 23 for a panel discussion focusing on the tragic case of Gabby Petito, who, at 22 years old, became the victim of intimate partner violence (IPV). View various scenes from the coverage of her 2021 case and hear Hope’s Door youth educators and a journalist who closely followed the case discuss the complexities, warning signs and impact of IPV. It’s a thought-provoking evening that brings awareness and invites reflection on a very important issue.
Halloween for the kids and Oktoberfest for the adults—all in one day
October 25, 1-8:30 p.m.; 6 Reservation Rd., Cross River; (914) 864-7322
Join the ultimate Halloween celebration and fall festival, the Spooktacular Oktoberfest, at Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Come dressed up in your Halloween costume for a day of trick-or-treating, hayrides, a haunted house, crafts and so much more. Oktoberfest, in the Bergfield section, will feature live music with food available for purchase. Children’s activities end at 5:30 p.m. $25/person; children ages three and under are free. Rain or shine. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
Inspiration, philanthropy and panoramic views of the Hudson River
Nov. 6, 6 p.m.; 660 12th Ave., New York
Join Hope & Heroes, the New York tri-state region’s leading pediatric cancer charity, at The Glasshouse in New York City for the season’s premier gala. Guests will experience an evening where hope and action unite, featuring live entertainment and inspiring moments in support of our life-saving work on childhood cancer and blood disorders. Proceeds help advance breakthroughs in research and care, and they ensure vital programs continue for patient families.
NY Cider and the City
Nov. 15, 12-3 p.m. (11 a.m. for VIPs)
The NY Cider Festival NYC gathers 20+ acclaimed cideries from across New York State for a day of tastings, local food pairings, and live music. Sip, savor and shop world-class ciders and meet the makers. Cider connoisseurs, or those who want to be one, should consider VIP tickets for earlier access. Hosted by the NY Cider Association, it’s a spirited celebration of New York’s apple heritage and vibrant cider culture.
Regina Spektor: Raise Your Voice
November 21, 8:00 p.m.; The Purchase PAC Concert Hall
Celebrate ArtsWestchester’s 60th anniversary at the Raise Your Voice for the Arts Benefit Concert, featuring GRAMMY®-nominated singer, songwriter, and pianist Regina Spektor. A proud Purchase College alum and New York City icon, Spektor returns to her alma mater for a special performance in support of the arts. Funds raised at this benefit concert support ArtsWestchester’s mission to ensure an equitable, vibrant, and sustainable Westchester County where the arts are integral to every facet of life.
One year in the books
December 12, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Bedford Books, 13 Court Rd., Bedford
Come celebrate one amazing year of Bedford Books! We’re saying thank you to our incredible community with raffles, giveaways, special author visits, festive treats and drinks, free holiday gift wrapping and more. Pop in anytime because no matter when you stop by, there’s sure to be something fun. We can’t wait to celebrate with the people who have helped us make Bedford Books so special.
