Interested in participating in a friendly exchange of ideas about current political events? Curious to explore how seemingly isolated incidents and actions often have historical roots and are related to larger issues? Then this class is for you!

The Hendrick Hudson Free Library is excited to host “Beyond the Breaking News,” a lively discussion of news events for residents interested in domestic and foreign policy issues and what’s driving them.

This unique program will promote a friendly exchange of thoughts and opinions about provocative issues and hot topics in the news - Everyone’s ideas will be considered, with free expression and a spirit of congeniality encouraged.

What we Believe: “Discussions should be conducted without fondness for dispute or desire for victory.” All opinions will be entertained in a calm and reasoned manner, with no person or position subject to attack.

The Moderator: During his 45 yr. corporate publishing career and subsequent 8 yr. consulting business, Jay Forbes has actively facilitated many forums comprised of high level retail executives with competing interests.

Since moderating classes for several years at Ossining Library and WCC Collegium, Jay has been heading up Beyond Breaking News on Zoom since Covid and is currently an active participant in the Chappaqua Library Foreign Policy program and past member of both the Croton on Hudson and Katonah political discussion groups. He is a self-confessed “political junkie” with an abiding interest in people, politics and stimulating discourse.

And this year, knowledgeable and long time participants will be alternating class facilitation with Jay to offer their own unique perspective and approach to the fast moving political scene.

Sign Me Up –So if you’re interested in a friendly exchange of ideas, open to how others feel about current events and want to have some laughs and fun while putting your own two cents in, email your name, phone # and email address to Jay Forbes: jforbesconnect@gmail.com. Jay will answer any questions you might have in advance about this program and/or sign you up to join us.

We are offering this Zoom presentation to help families understand how the lingering effects from the pandemic have changed the college admissions landscape and how it affects Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen.

We’ll also discuss how the Supreme Court decision will impact the college admissions process and how a student’s ability to express their insights, experiences and personal growth will become even more important.

The recent college admissions cycle was the most competitive to date. With most colleges continuing their test-optional policies as well as increasing their virtual outreach to high school students, many schools had record numbers of applicants. Record high numbers of applications result in record low acceptance rates which is what most popular colleges and universities experienced this past admissions cycle.

We will discuss current college admissions trends, the importance of researching and visiting colleges to find schools that can be a good fit for your child, a timeline and other action steps that can be taken to make this second half of the school year productive and help reduce the stress around the college admissions process.

We’ll examine the holistic admissions review process, what admissions officers consider important when they review applicants, and how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for admission.

We will also discuss the importance of community service, how it can provide an opportunity for personal growth and a way to showcase a student’s character. Admissions officers place great emphasis on a student’s character and how the student has been able to give back and help others. This program is recommended for parents and their high school teens.  

The presentation will be led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, partners at Stand Out For College, LLC. (www.standoutforcollege.com)