Connecting with Andre Catrini

Connecting with Andre Catrini

Writing by Oscar Andy Hammerstein Northern Westchester native André Catrini graduated from John Jay High School in 2007 and is now a musical composer and lyricist in Manhattan. A graduate of the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati (CCM), Catrini composed the score for the new musical S/He & Me, which tells the story of Alexandra Billings; ...
Remembering Roy Lerner

Remembering Roy Lerner

The Vista-based artist passed away last May at the age of 68 Writing by Rob Cavenagh Photography by Justin Negard Some children have fond memories of watching their parents in the kitchen or going to their workplace on days off of school. Yvonne Lerner, however, remembers doing her homework in her father’s studio, located approximately a quarter mile from their ...
Mary Ellis

Mary Ellis

Writing by Ava Fleisher Photography by Justin Negard This story begins when artist Mary Ellis was “very, very young.” An abstract expressionist painter and owner of Fifth Avenue Manufacturers, Ellis received support from those around her who could recognize her unique style. But throughout her childhood and adolescence, she struggled in school.  “I was told that I shouldn’t even apply ...
All That Jazz

All That Jazz

Writing  by Gia Miller Photography by Justin Negard When Ian Hendrickson-Smith (a.k.a. Uncle Cheef – a college nickname that stuck) was a high school sophomore in State College, PA, he rebelled against his parents by buying a saxophone. Already a serious musician, Uncle Cheef practiced the flute eight hours a day, and his grades were suffering. His parents told him ...
Crafting Glamour

Crafting Glamour

Writing by Amy Baker Photography by Justin Negard In the mid-1990s, jewelry designer Cynthia Ryan created her first Lunette ring while enrolled in a beginner’s jewelry-making course at the Fashion Institute of New York. Her professor was amazed. “What exactly do you do during the day,” he asked. “Your design is a different approach than most, more architectural and reminiscent ...
Higher Ground

Higher Ground

Writing by Gia Miller Photography by Justin Negard It’s a story we all know. A group of high school kids form a rock band. They play at school events and local concerts. They’re typically the “cool kids” or the rebels, and they haven’t given any thought to what will happen after high school. But we’d like to tell a story ...
Dear Luz #8

Dear Luz #8

Writing  by Luz Michelle Artwork by Justin Negard Dear Luz, My very devout husband has no idea that I’m faking it. I don’t care about religion, and I’m really sick of going to church every Sunday. How do I tell him it’s just not for me? - Sundays are for sleeping Good morning, Queen of Sundays! Girl, it’s time to ...
New Year's Financial Resolutions

New Year’s Financial Resolutions

Partner Content by Judi McAnaw Now that we’ve reached 2024, you might be thinking about your goals and hopes for the new year. But in addition to whatever personal resolutions you might make — volunteering, going to the gym more, learning a new language and others — why not make some financial resolutions, too? Here are a few to consider: ...
Up Close with V.L. Cox

Up Close with V.L. Cox

Writing by Oscar Andy Hammerstein Artist V.L. Cox was born in Louisiana and raised in Arkansas. She’s best known for her work surrounding issues of human rights and equality, which has made her both a hero and a villain. In 2021, she left her life in Arkansas, fearing for her future. Today, she lives in Peekskill. Here’s part of her ...