Posted September 28, 2026
It Take a Village: A Celebration of Gratitude
On Monday, September 14, 2026 the Jacob Burns Film Center welcomed more than 200 guests for It Takes a Village: A Celebration of Gratitude, a special gathering honoring the people who have helped shape the Burns over the past 25 years.
Held as part of the JBFC’s 25th Anniversary celebration, the event was a reflection on the intertwined histories of the Burns and the village of Pleasantville. From longtime residents and early supporters to current and former staff members, students, community partners, and local, county, and state officials, the morning brought together many of the people who have been part of the Burns story from the very beginning.
The program began in the David Swope Theater with remarks from New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer, JBFC Board President Ray Sanchez, JBFC Founder Stephen Apkon, Former JBFC Director of Development Judy Exton, and JBFC Executive Director Mary Jo Ziesel.
At the heart of the celebration was a tribute to four individuals whose contributions are woven into the story of the JBFC: founding supporters Patrice and Chris Sobecki; John Nonna, JBFC Treasurer and former Mayor of Pleasantville; and filmmaker and longtime community partner Andrea Garbarini. Their stories reflect the many ways a community can come together to build something lasting. The Burns has always been more than a place to watch movies—it is a place where people gather, ideas are shared, relationships are formed, and the arts become part of the fabric of a community.
Twenty-five years later, the JBFC continues to grow because of the people who believe in its mission and show up for it, year after year. It Takes a Village was an opportunity to pause and recognize those who helped make the Burns what it is today, while celebrating the community that continues to carry it forward.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins addressing the program attendees
L-R: JBFC Executive Director Mary Jo Ziesel receiving a proclamation honoring the JBFC’s 25th Anniversary from New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins
L-R: Chris Sobecki (Honoree and Founding Supporter), John Nonna (Honoree, JBFC Treasurer, and former Mayor of Pleasantville), and Patrice Sobecki (Honoree and Founding Supporter)
L-R: Mary Jane Shimsky (New York State Assembly member), Andrea Garbarini (Honoree), Margaret Cunzio (Westchester County Legislator)
L-R: Chris Sobecki, Patrice Sobecki, Andrea Garbarini, John Nonna, Mary Jo Ziesel, and Stephen Apkon
Mary Jo Ziesel, Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer, and former JBFC Director of Development Judy Exton
L-R: Local Clergy: Julia Macy Offinger (Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Pleasantville), Shoshanna Leis (Rabbi, Pleasantville Synagogue), Kevin O’Hara (Pastor, Emanuel Lutheran Church), and Katrina Zezza (Pastor, Pleasantville Presbyterian Church)
