In this issue:
The Music Man
Ossining Children's Center
Magical Mystery Gala

Today is my "baby's" 4th Birthday. I find that nearly impossible to believe. I remember (it feels like a day ago) bringing him home from the hospital to meet his big brother, terrified that I had ruined all that I held dear-- a sweet and gentle two year old, sleeping through the night, and a calm and somewhat peaceful household with a mom, dad and baby-- what were we thinking throwing another personality in the mix??? And now four years later, I can't imagine a day without this perfect extra personality in our lives. He balances his brother in ways I never imagined, challenging and complimenting him at the same time. It's been an interesting trip and I would never change it for the world-- hard days or easy days. So for those of you considering the next phase, for any of you who have just made the switch from one to two or three or more...and are wondering what you were thinking, it only gets better and it's true what the old ladies say...they grow up faster than you can imagine-- you blink and they're 4 or 7 or more and you wonder how that could have happened while you weren't watching.

So forgive me my reminiscing today, I really have no point, I'm just feeling warm and fuzzy and hope to spread the wealth. If you are getting ready for baby number 2, check out the great book list on our Essential Lists page under 'Second Baby Books'-- there are a few favorites that helped to get us through the not always fun new sibling phase!

Get your tickets NOW!!!!

Produced in cooperation with the Town of Bedford Recreation & Parks Department, The Music Man will be performed at the Bedford Hills Community House November 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19. Tickets for Bedford Community Theatre's production of The Music Man are now available through the BCT Box Office, 914.244.0474; ext 22. All tickets are $15 (reserved seating).

An American classic, Meredith Willson's The Music Man, takes audiences back to 1912 Iowa and celebrates the very essence of Americana in story and song. BCT's production is directed by Carin Zakes with musical direction by Jan-Piet Knijff. Karla Diamond is choreographing the production, which includes a cast of more than 60 community members. Featured actors include Larry Reina as Harold Hill, Lynn-Robyn Barasch as Marion Paroo and Nicholas Barasch as Winthrop Paroo.

Performances will be Friday, November 10 at 7:30; Saturday, November 11 at 3:00 and 7:30: Sunday, November 12 at 3:00; Friday, November 17 at 7:30; Saturday November 18 at 3:00 and 7:30 and Sunday, November 19 at 3:00. More detailed information about the performance and directions to the theatre can be found at: www.bedfordcommunitytheatre.org. This production of The MusicMan is being produced by arrangement with MTI Inc.

Also, on Sunday, November 12 at 2 pm, the Bedford Community Theater will present a pre-show lecture about The Music Man by American musical theater specialist Larry Bomback, New York. Larry is an Adjunct Lecturer of Music at Hunter College. His research focuses on Wagner's operas and American musical theater. His work has been published in The Musical Times, Musicological Explorations, and The Harmonizer, and he has presented papers and lectures in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. He is currently the Operations Manager of the Award-Winning New York Youth Symphony. The pre-show lecture is free to the public and will offer a unique opportunity to learn more about The Music Man. BCT's Sunday performance itself starts at 3 PM that afternoon and tickets are still available for purchase.

The Ossining Children's Center (the OCC), the modern day care miracle for working families that first opened its doors in 1895, will host a Fall Harvest Luncheon on Friday, November 17, at 12:00 at the Trump National Golf Club, 339 Pine Road, Briarcliff Manor. The event will feature guest speaker, well known chocolatier and CEO of Chocolat Moderne, Joan Coukos, an inspiring woman who followed her passion by going from a successful career on Wall Street to a Master Chocolatier. Cost of ticket for the luncheon is $125.00

After the fabulous luncheon, Ms. Coukos will adjourn to her next delicious stop at the Holbrook Cottage store in Briarcliff Manor and in addition to sumptuous samplings, she will introduce guests to a "mixe celebre of chocolat and spirit pairings." She will also introduce a special assortment of chocolates made exclusively to honor this event. The celebration will continue from 3:00 to 6:00 with a chocolate and champagne reception, with Joan signing boxes of her luxurious chocolates, at Holbrook Cottage in Briarcliff Manor.

A Gingerbread House Decorating Contest will be included in the event's festivities, with various categories open to families, youth groups, adult teams, and individuals. Houses will be submitted prior to the event and the decorated houses will then be on display at the luncheon, where the winner will be announced.

The Fall Harvest Luncheon event benefits the Center's generous tuition assistance program for low income working families. The OCC provides educational and enriching care to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. The Center's high quality programs are open to working families of all income levels, thanks to a generous tuition assistance policy. Tickets may be purchased at Holbrook Cottage, 1253 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor. For further information please call 914.944.0734.

While committee members of the Ossining Children's Center's Fall Harvest committee are busy planning the Fall Harvest Event at Trump National Golf Course, the children at the Center are preparing their own kick-off to the Fall Harvest. As a finale to their season long course at Teatown Reservation, the children of the Center will celebrate with a harvest day of their own, on October 19th at 9:00 with the food that they planted, grew, and harvested. Their event will be marked by none other than the Ossining High School Marching Band!

Meg Curry, (center) Chairperson of the Fall Harvest Event to benefit the Ossining Children's Center, meets with Sue Taub of Holbrook Cottage and the Event's Guest Speaker, Joan Coukos, Chocolatier and CEO of Chocolat Moderne.

Join Friends of Karen for their Magical Mystery Gala on Saturday, November 18, 2006!

Since 1978, Friends of Karen has provided financial, emotional and advocacy support to over 3,500 critically ill children throughout the tri-state region. The organization does not limit the amount or type of support given to one family. These services are individually tailored to each family's particular needs and are provided so long as these needs exist. During 2005 alone, Friends of Karen assisted almost 600 children suffering from cancer, brian tumors and other life-threatening illnesses.

On November 18th, Friends of Karen is throwing their amazing yearly gala to raise funds in support of their wonderful programs. A 60's theme rules for a night of cocktails, silent & live auctions, dinner, and dancing fun. This year Friends of Karen honors Marcy Siskind, Esq., IBM Corp, & Jonathan T. Weiss, Esq., Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. The event will be held at the Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, New York.

For more information, contact Gwen Salmo, 914.277.4547, x401 or email gwensalmo@friendsofkaren.org.