Yorktown Arts Committee Formed

Yorktown Town Board introduced five members the new Arts & Culture Committee on Tuesday.

The Yorktown Arts & Culture Committee will advise town officials on promoting existing local arts groups; bringing arts experiences to the community; and developing new art events to attract regional consumers to Yorktown’s business hamlets.

“Yorktown is experiencing an economic revival and the arts will play an important role in our community’s continuing evolution. I’m eager to hear this committee’s future recommendations on how we can celebrate the arts and bolster Yorktown’s standing as a regional destination,” said Supervisor Matt Slater.

The committee consists of five volunteers: three appointed by town officials and two appointed by the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce.

"It will be great to see the focus on arts and culture in our very talented and diverse community,” said Councilman Ed Lachterman. “There is so much to offer in Yorktown and this new focus will help to offer another aspect to Destination Yorktown."

The committee will hold regularly scheduled meetings that will be open to the public. The committee members are:

• August Abatecola: The current artistic director for Yorktown Stage, Abatecola has performed internationally and has directed more than 75 productions in the tri-state area.
• Bruce Apar: Bruce Apar is a Hudson Valley media personality, content creator, actor, marketer and producer.
• Gennifer Birnbach: Founder of Gennifer with a G marketing and a former marketing writer with NBCUniversal/Bravo.
• Allyson Montana: Former director of admissions and international studies at the Soundview Preparatory School and a former history instructor at the Baylor School.
• Karen Trendell: A Yorktown Chamber of Commerce board member and leader in the development and execution of service and operations, building and implementing strategies and teams for companies.

“These volunteers represent the best in their respective fields, including, theatre production, video production and painting. I am looking forward to their first presentation,” said Councilwoman Alice Roker.