Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt
A new judge for 2026, Marc is the director of marketing and communications for Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, co-chair of the New Castle Arts and Culture Committee and a founding member/guitarist/vocalist of the band Color TV.
Why did you want to be a judge?
I enjoy the democratic process, and I have spent a lot of time exploring my relatively new community. So I wanted to share my wealth of northern Westchester knowledge with readers.
Which reality show do you think you would be best suited to judge?
I would like to judge the Bravo show Summer House. It doesn’t require judging, but I would like to pass judgment on it.
What stood out to you during the judging process?
It was a lovely group of people. I appreciated the breadth of knowledge and expertise as well as their effort to represent the entirety of northern Westchester in different ways.
Did you take bribes? Be honest…
I didn’t, but this was my first year as a judge. Please find me before next year, and I will accept bribes.
What’s harder: keeping the winners a secret or keeping your personal opinions to yourself?
I’m never good at keeping my personal opinions to myself; that’s why I’m a judge. So definitely that was very difficult.
Did you burn your notes after judging?
I actually ate the paper that I wrote on, so it’s gone. It was delicious.
If you could sum up the experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Positively contentious.
You’re going on the judge circuit. What type of contest would you rather judge?
Ugliest ugly sweater or preschool talent show?
A preschool talent show is right up my alley. I love judging small children.
Most creative excuse for being late or best secret handshake?
Secret handshake. I have some very elaborate ones with my family, and I’d like to see somebody beat them.
Most soothing song created exclusively with cat sounds or best attempt at building an Ikea dresser without directions?
I’ve literally been listening to songs with only cat sounds all day. My kids are obsessed with Bongo Cat, where every word of every song is replaced by a meow. So I’ve already had a lot of experience in listening to these Bongo Cat songs, and I gotta say, some of them are pretty good.
Most dramatic eye roll or worst parallel parking job?
Parallel parking—that’s a point of pride for me. I remember specific parking jobs I’ve done. I would love to just sit there and shake my head at people who can’t do it right.
Funniest impersonation of a cat throwing up or best folded fitted sheet?
Folding fitted sheets is a talent. But I have a few cats in my life, and they all throw up in very different ways. I think I could really impersonate them. I would enter that contest.
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Gia Miller is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief/co-publisher of Connect to Northern Westchester. She has a magazine journalism degree (yes, that's a real thing) from the University of Georgia and has written for countless national publications, ranging from SELF to The Washington Post. Gia desperately wishes schools still taught grammar. Also, she wants everyone to know they can delete the word "that" from about 90% of their sentences, and there's no such thing as "first annual." When she's not running her media empire, Gia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, laughing at her crazy dog and listening to a good podcast. She thanks multiple alarms, fermented grapes and her amazing husband for helping her get through each day. Her love languages are food and humor.
Kayla Schmidt
Kayla Schmidt is a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School. She is part of the newspaper and the SADD club, and she is also the co-manager of the track team. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and dogs, along with reading (preferably on the beach).
