Three Hikes Near NYC

Based in New York, New York, Janina Casey serves as managing director of equities at the capital market company BTIG. In her free time, Janina Casey enjoys golfing, traveling, and hiking.

While New York City is a concrete jungle full of skyscrapers and cars, there are many opportunities for hikers just outside of the city. Here are some to consider!

1. Breakneck Ridge. Found in Philipstown/Fishkill, this might be the most popular hike in the New York area. This four-mile hike follows a steady, rocky incline up a mountain alongside the Hudson River. The top of the trail affords beautiful views of the river, Storm King Mountain, and the Bannerman Castle. Be prepared for an arduous hike and be sure to bring good shoes, water, and snacks.

2. Old Croton Aqueduct. More of a walk than a hike, this trail runs 26 miles between Yonkers and Tarrytown. While the aqueduct is no longer in use, people enjoy walking on the footpath above the water tube, which offers views of the Hudson River and goes through the backyards of homes in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.

3. Sugarloaf Hill and Osborn Loop. There are many trailheads to these trails in Garrison, but the Osborn Loop and Sugarloaf Hill offer an easy but long trek that provides views of West Point, the East Hudson Highlands, and Storm King Mountain. The seven-mile loop takes about 5 hours.

Golf Digest's 3 Top Rated Courses in New York

The recipient of a bachelor's degree in finance from St. John's University, Janina Casey is a New York-based financial professional who serves on the board of Urban Tech, a nonprofit that provides computers to schools in low-income areas. Outside of her professional and philanthropic pursuits, Janina Casey enjoys playing golf.

Every year, Golf Digest ranks the top 100 courses in the United States as part of its America's 100 Greatest Course list. In doing so, it also compiles a list of courses ranked by state. Below are its top three courses in New York:

1. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club - Based in Southampton, this 7,445-yard, par-70 course was originally designed by William Flynn in 1931 and is regarded as one of the first links course in the US. It hosted the 2018 U.S. Open and will host the tournament again in 2026.

2. National Golf Links of America - Also ranked No. 8 in the US, National Golf Links of America was designed by C.B. Macdonald in 1911 and redesigned by Karl Olson in 1994. The 6,935-yard, par-72 course is also based in Southampton.

3. Fishers Island Club - Previously ranked No. 4 in New York, Fishers Island Club is a 6,615-yard, par-70 course designed by Seth Raynor and Charles Banks in 1926. The course features steep bunkers and geometric greens that overlook Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

Urban Tech Offers Online Exercises to Promote Social Growth

A former child actor, Janina Casey graduated with a degree in finance from St. Johns University. In her charitable work, Janina Casey serves on the board of directors for Urban Tech, an agency that promotes emotional and social growth for children of low-income families.

A major part of Urban Tech’s mission is its Youth Leadership Academy. The YLA offers 12 online courses that develop social skills for children ages 8 and up. Programming includes bullying, conflict resolution, and financial education. Teens learn about relationships and avoiding STDs and drugs.

All sessions begin with narratives that explore values and problem-solving. Team leaders then replay animations that help participants identify problems and draw conclusions in group discussions. 

Next, students write their thoughts in an electronic journal, stimulating critical thinking and language skills. Then they take part in role-playing and games in order to reinforce their lessons and work as a team.

Finally, they participate in quiz-show style programs that provide enjoyment while measuring their progress. The application also defines unfamiliar words and links students to relevant web material.

How Educational Television Shapes Learning

Managing director at BTIG, Janina Casey has over two decades of experience working with some of the most successful brokerages in New York City. An alumna of St. John’s University, Janina Casey had a successful acting career in her youth and was on the iconic children’s educational television program The Electric Company. 

Educational television programs are a vital tool for teaching children positive social behaviors and basic numeracy and literacy skills. Additionally, children can learn about the wider world through educational programs focused on nature, travel, and other cultures. Children’s programming has also been shown to develop school readiness in young children, including skills such as following instructions and learning simple songs through repetition. 

This can have a long-term impact in a child’s academic performance. When compared to children who watch entertainment television regularly, preschool children who watch a large amount of educational television attain higher scores on achievement tests. For this and other reasons, experts advise parents to be selective about the type of programming their children watch.