Southeast Happenings: Mr. Brewster Pageant, Education Forum

Spring has arrived in Brewster and Southeast, and so far, it means lots of great news. Here is some information on local happenings:

Education Forum

Mark Jacobs, director of the Longview School in Brewster, and Katherine St. Vincent, who was named an “A+ Teacher” by Westchester Magazine, will host a discussion on what they say are "two critical topics for parents": issues that came along with video and computer game use, and what's necessary for success in the academic world.

Jacob's presentation is entitled "How Not to Fight with Your Kids Over Screen Time," and will focus on the pros and cons associated with games. He'll also provide tips for avoiding conflict with kids, who may want to play for longer than parents allow.

St. Vincent's discussion will deal with the "key ingredients that promote educational success"—some of which need to be put in the context of "governmental initiatives unwisely setting ‘one size fits all’ objectives."

Both talks are part of the kickoff event for Northeast Association Democratic Education Conference, a three-day event taking place at the Longview School this weekend. Several different programs aimed at creating a "stronger and more cohesive community of democratic schools and programs across the northeast United States," will be offered.

Mr. Brewster Spectacular

The Brewster High School S.A.L.T.Y. Hands Club, a group dedicated to raising awareness of cystic fibrosis, recently hosted the second annual Mr. Brewster Spectacular pageant. The event featured 21 candidates, and it raised more than $10,000.

"Contestants were judged on four categories: formal wear, questionnaire, hidden talent and group dance," co-advisor Peter LaMoreaux said. "Over 300 spectators attended the Spectacular and watched Vincent Nardi as he was crowned this year's Mr. Brewster. Vincent was personally raised $2775."

Amanda Dyas, public relations officer for the club, was proud to be a part of the event.

"The boys competed in a three-week long jar war, begging students in Brewster High School and people in our town for donations," she said. "...I was pretty taken back by how passionate each of these senior guys were in fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis. The boys were really the ones that put the most effort into this event and made it so successful."

Winner Vincent Nardini said part of the reason he wanted to participate was because he is friends with Brian McPartland, a 2011 Brewster High School graduate who attends Duke University.

"I went about raising money just by asking my fellow peers to donate for a great cause, I had family donate, and my parents contributed tremendously by raising money for me while they were at work. To be honest I didn't feel like I was going to win, I just did it to raise money for Brian."

Here is a list of the participants: Anthony Alfonzetti, Jimmy Barry, Frankie Becerra, Joey Bettini, Peter Cirocco, Matt Ghelarducci, Matt Hoffman, Alex Hutt, Alec Leeds-Grant, Erik Markert, Brian McNeill, Eric Minsker, Ryan Moore, Vinny Nardini, Anthony Parks, Donald Sakowics, Dom Saljinin, Eddie Shoenig, Jon Volpe, Rob Weinberg, James Wynne

Upcoming events

• Drew Thrift Shop Opening
  
• VFW Breakfast Fundraiser
• Southeast Museum—Season opening on May 21 (celebrating 50 years!)