Horace Greeley High School Quakers beat the Poughkeepsie Pioneers 28–20 on October 30th in a highly competitive rematch to become champions of the Independent League with a 7-1 record; last time Quakers were league champs was back in 2010. This year’s team motto was TRUST THE PROCESS and it certainly worked. Congratulations to Coach Kearns, his staff, players and families. — Ron Wohl
Archives for November 2021
Where Beauty Abounds: Inside the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
To dream is a birthright.
In June, at his high school graduation, with a face beaming of pride and gratitude, my youngest child hugged me with so much love and said, “Mom thank you for letting me dream.”
To dream, one must recognize and understand the unadulterated need, joy and benefits of purpose and intention. Dreaming requires first the ability to envision, imagine and see something of beauty that exalts the mind spirit and heart. Second, design planning and implementation supports must be accessible.
Beautiful, smart, generous, creative people are developing at your BGCNW, and they are giving back to our community.
The mission of your BGCNW is to inspire and enable all young people–especially those who need us most–to realize their full potential as productive responsible caring citizens.
Having served the community for 82 years, our key differentiator as a youth-based organization is civic advocacy and leadership. The lessons of recognizing community, and the multitude of opportunities to provide support to these communities, are woven into all our programming.
All children are worthy of experiencing the unique feelings of purpose and generosity when helping others. Consistently supporting community members is a privilege and responsibility whereby one hones skills of leadership collaboration and friend-making.
Examples of how our curriculum provides lessons in leadership, empathy and collaboration include: our pre-school children making capes for children in the hospital; the Middle School Torch Club creating book drops so all kids have access to creating their own home libraries; Liberty Keystone High School teens working in conjunction with Boys & Girls Club of America regarding environmental sustainability awareness and stewardship; all club kids supporting Youth for Unity and Youth of the Year promoting leadership and vision for improving lives in the future.
Nationally 87% of kids who regularly attend BGC programming, as adults, will consistently give back to their communities. Giving back to community is simply part of BGCNW DNA.
The Club is “home,” a family dwelling place, a place where you belong.
95% of Club staff went to the Club as kids. When staff were asked why they remained or returned to the Club the unanimous answer was: “I get to do what I love, be where I belong and help make kids better people.”
Examples include our: Aquatics legend Dennis Munson who started the swim team 52 years ago; Director of Programming Athenia Lee; Fundraising Associate John Tunas; newly appointed Marlins Head Age Group Coach Connor White; and Director of Teen Programming Chris Beaudreault.
BGCNW programming along with the team provides kids with the chance to grow self-confidence, imagination, and faith–the tools to dream. Then we ensure our members have the supports to design and create a plan to make the dreams come true; we never give up.
Philanthropy is a business and there must be evidence-based impact:
• For the last 13 years,100% of our high school seniors, including those designated “at risk,” have graduated high school on time and went on to University, the military or technical school.
• Annually, we serve over 125,000 nutritious delicious meals and snacks.
• We have taught more than 65,000 children to be water safe.
• BGCNW Marlins Swim Team can also claim 275 athletes, and in the past 30 years, over 500 Hall of FAME NESCAC college graduates from the world’s most prestigious institutions including Ivy League.
• BGCNW Marlins is the Top 100 ranked club out of 3000+ in USA Swimming for the 2020-2021 swim year.
• It is an ethnically diverse program–over 50% of athletes identify as non-white.
• For 21 consecutive years BGCNW Marlins have held the Boys & Girls Club of America National Championship title.
Giving back to the Community is beautiful.
Meet some of our amazing alumni…
Liz Brennan
“We came from diverse backgrounds but, we were all able to connect. My goal is to teach kids how to read, giving what I learned at the Club to my students.“
At the Club Liz Brennan developed the self confidence to dream of being a teacher. At age 8, as a first generation American, she began her BGCNW experience as a Club kid attending after school programming. In the 9th grade she enrolled in the Counselor Mentoring Program. As a high school junior she helped start a camp leadership program. The Club helped prepare Liz for college and gave her a place to work while she was at college and completing her Masters’ and internships.
As the CEO of BGCNW, I proudly spoke directly to the Principal of Crompound Elementary in Yorktown, NY, where Liz is now working as a 5th grade teacher giving back to our community.
I shared Liz was innately intelligent with an unwavering work ethic and excellent childcare and teaching experience. Most importantly, she has a gorgeous heart, and the kids and community are her priority and joy.
John Tunas
“I love watching kids learn and the different transitions they go through at the Club, by securing funding for programming, I know more kids in our community will have great futures.”
At age 11, John Tunas came to camp where he built lasting friendships. He worked at the Club through high school and college. For over 25 years, his father Juan Tunas worked on the Horace Greeley High School Janitorial Team often requiring very long days at work. John’s Mom worked as well.
John looked to the Club for life mentors who helped him become the first in his family to graduate from University. At the Club, John has held positions as Pre-School Teacher, Athletic Director and now, Fundraising Associate. John has been offered sales, marketing and entrepreneurial opportunities but is dedicated to Club fundraising. All three of John’s children attended pre-school, after school programming and Learn to Swim.
Connor White
“The community that makes up the club is one I grew up in and I wanted to share that same connection with a new generation of Marlin swimmers.”
Recently promoted to Marlins Head Age Group Coach, Connor White first came to the Club as a young kid and dreamed of being a BGCNW Marlin. For 52 years, Coach Dennis has had a loving tradition of giving team members nicknames. “I dub thee Mini Me,” Dennis declared to Connor 22 years ago.
Connor learned discipline, respect, and being part of a team while swimming. Afternoons before practice were spent at the club playing four square or billiards in the games room, meeting new club kids in the computer lab, or playing basketball in the gym. He associated the club as a safe place with a close-knit community that allowed him to make new connections, be a kid, and play. Wonderful relationships were built facilitating a positive environment. Connor studied Exercise Science at Ithaca College, and was a nationally ranked collegiate swimmer. He holds three school records. Six years ago, after college, he came back to work at the club because he has roots here.
Torell Nugent
“As I look back and reflect, I am extremely appreciative of my time spent at the club. I discovered the importance of diversity, community, and what it means to lead by example.“
Today, Torell Nugent is a Multimedia Associate Account Executive at Disney Ad Sales. He started at BGCNW at age three and attended after school programming through high school. After school began with a snack followed by school-work in a small classroom. States Torell: “Once I completed my homework, my attention would quickly shift directly towards a number of Club recreational activities. Being on the field, gym, game room, or playground, I felt as though everything I could have ever wanted was at my fingertips. I quickly began to learn new skills and explore many of my passions. I fell in love with all things.”
“This was all made possible because of the outstanding staff at the BGC family. Day in and day out I received unconditional love and encouragement from everyone. My counselors became my mentors, friends, and teachers all in one. I have always revered them as the ultimate role models.”
“When it was finally my time to become a counselor, it was a dream come true. After nearly ten years of being a club member, it was my time to make sure my kids would have a similar, if not better experience than mine. I started as 2nd grade basketball coach and ended as a head counselor. I was getting paid to do something I loved, quickly realizing I was working my dream job.”
“Now as a member of the board I am able to incorporate my experiences in our community to continue to create life changing opportunities for the future generations.”
Treasures: Fabulous Finds and Paying it Forward to those in Need
Emergency Shelter Partnership, Hope’s Door, Hudson Valley Honor Flight, and the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry
There is a not-so-hidden shopping treasure in Armonk. You’ve gone past it often, but now it’s time to stop in to discover and uncover some hidden treasures for yourself.
What and where is this mysterious place? It is a thrift shop aptly named Treasures in the basement of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at the entrance to the Bedford Road Historic District. However, the shop entrance is on Maple Avenue, thru the lower red door, across from Wampus Park.
“Thrifting is not only fashionable,” says Norma Hill, a long-time volunteer, “it’s fun. We can attest to that.”
Adds Trina Fontaine who oversees the shop on behalf of the church’s community out-reach efforts, “Treasures is truly a wellkept secret. Not only does Treasures boast bargains on high-end retail items, but it also helps individuals and households to be environmentally responsible with their donations and purchases.”
“The generosity of donors is beyond imagination,” continues Hill. Recent acquisitions include like-new Hermès and Burberry bags, St. John knits and Ralph Lauren jackets, as well as Jimmy Choo boots and shoes. “They literally flew out of the store,” according to Hill.
Among porcelain dishes, fine china and glassware items were a Tiffany cachepot and Baccarat vase, all at bargain basement prices. “No pun intended,” adds Fontaine. “The fun of shopping at Treasures is that you never know what you will find. We have many customers who come in once or twice a week to see what’s new.”
Started in 1967 by Mildred McDonald, a St. Stephen’s congregant and president of its Episcopal Church Women committee, Treasures’ business model has remained constant: providing low-cost, high-quality items to the community in order to lend financial support to local people in need. Half of the profits from Treasures support area non-profit organizations such as Emergency Shelter Partnership, Hope’s Door, Hudson Valley Honor Flight, and the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry. Through its partnership with Greentree Textiles, Treasures accepts textile and clothing items unsuitable for resale but able to be repurposed, including clothing, shoes, purses, and linens.
Recently, Treasures retail space was renovated, with merchandise now displayed in an airy, well-lit, clean, and uncluttered environment. Clothing is in one room, furniture and household goods in another, with assorted bric-a-brac in yet another. There is even a beautiful new fitting room, built by Father Nils Chittenden, where one can try on one’s selections. Treasures will also soon be adding another room for children’s clothes, books, games, and entertainment items.
Besides its rotating inventory, what makes Treasures so special is its cadre of 15 warm and welcoming volunteers, all happy to serve customers, bargain hunters and donors alike.
Treasures is open two days a week for shopping and drop-off: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is ample parking in the Maple Avenue lot in front of the store. Cash and credit cards are gladly accepted.
Customers and donors are also invited to visit its website: treasuresthriftshop.org. Or better yet, come by in person to discover for yourself the hidden treasures to be found at Treasures.
ARTICLE COURTESY OF THE ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
PHOTOS BY DONNA MUELLER
A Look Back at Fabulous Fall Events PLUS, Next Year’s Dates!
COMMUNITY DAY
“The Rotary Club of Chappaqua, in collaboration with the Town of New Castle, hosted a successful 2021 New Castle CommunityDay. Success was due to generous sponsors, participating exhibitors, and the New Castle community. Funds raised will benefit local and global charities. We are thrilled we have a great opportunity to help those in need. On Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Day will once again blend community, personal enjoyment and giving service to others.” Marlene Canapi, president, Rotary Club of Chappaqua
FEED ME FRESH: AN EDIBLE EVENING
“Mount Kisco Child Care Center’s 17th Annual Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening was spectacular on September 25 thanks to all the amazing sponsors and volunteers. Over $220,000 was raised for MKCCC’s Scholarship Program toward high quality, affordable care, and early education to a diverse group of children in a safe, healthy environment through innovative and developmentally appropriate programming. Next year’s date: September 17, 2022!” Helen Bock, Director of Development, mkccc.org
CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL
“The eighth Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on October 2 was a celebration of coming back together as a community of readers. Our 70 plus authors signed thousands of books and loved talking to area families. We will return on October 15, 2022, at our full capacity of 120 plus authors. We are so grateful to the Town of New Castle, our sponsors, volunteers, partners and friends.” Dawn Greenberg, founder, ccbfestival.org
First Congregational Church COMMUNITY YARD SALE & BOUTIQUE
A Community Yard Sale and Boutique on September 25 brought together nearly a dozen boutique vendors and over 30 yard-sellers to the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua. Due to its success, a spring-time sale is anticipated too. “It was a beautiful day, and everyone had a great time … people got to see people they hadn’t seen in a long time.” Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs, fcc-chappaqua.org/
THE ARMONK OUTDOOR ART SHOW
“The Armonk Outdoor Art Show on September 25 & 26 was a huge success featuring 160 amazing exhibitors. The show had record high attendance, wonderful support from sponsors and volunteers, strong sales for our amazing artists and lots of positive energy. We’re grateful to all who contributed to a truly wonderful show. Hope to see you next year, October 1 & 2, 2022, for our 60th Anniversary!” Anne Curran, director, armonkoutdoorartshow.org
OKTOBERFEST
Pleasantville Oktoberfest on October 2nd was sponsored by the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce and the Village to support our local businesses. The event was an incredible success as it brought together families and friends who have not been together since the Covid-19 pandemic started. We thank the Pleasantville Police Department, Department of Public Works, the Village Department, and the Chamber for a joint effort to provide a spectacular event to our great residents. We plan on hosting this event again next year in the first weekend of October 2022.” -W. Paul Alvarez, Pleasantville Village Trustee. pleasantville.com
ARMONK CIDER & DONUT FESTIVAL AND 2021 RUN FOR LOVE
Sponsors, volunteers, The Byram Hills Preschool Association, The Love family, and the Town of North Castle all came together to create this year’s Armonk Cider & Donut Festival, the BHPA Fall Carnival and the 2021 Run for LOVE. “What makes the festival unique is the breadth of activities from the Run for Love road races, a kids’ carnival, and our distinctive donut making right in the Park. This year the Food trucks were a big hit. Save the date for next year: September 18th 2022!“ Neal Schwartz, Chamber President armonkchamberofcommerce.com
AND MORE…
The Lost Art of Writing Thank-You Notes
Dear Kind Reader,
I recently read a post by journalist Maria Shriver about her delight in receiving a handwritten note. She said that they really stand out amongst the stack of bills, mailers, and other junk that we all receive. You know a handwritten envelope when you see it. And you know that it’s something personal, and that it’s almost certainly from someone you care about, or who cares about you.
It is so rare these days, and I know exactly how she felt. Handwritten notes and thank-you notes may be on their way to becoming an extinct form of correspondence replaced by tweets, texts, and emails. But for some of us, they are alive and well and dwell on linen paper and embossed stationery, sprinkled with a rainbow of inks and wrapped in beautifully lined envelopes.
The late Emily Post known for the syndicated “Doing the Right Thing,” believed in doing the “write” thing. She said thank-you notes must sound sincere and should be written promptly. On the other hand, Letitia Baldridge, a doyenne of decorum with a resume that included the role of chief of staff for Jacqueline Kennedy in the White House, said that it is never too late to send a note. She recommended being honest. Some of us are more direct and less flowery in our word choice, but the sentiment is the same. A handwritten note takes time, takes thoughtfulness, and should sound like you.
Expressing thanks in writing is a permanent record of your feelings and can be read and reread over and over for years and years. I cherish a decades-old note from a dear friend who wrote in his signature hand his appreciation for a wonderful evening and his wish to do it again soon. I enjoy rereading the note from a student who took the time to write, “Thank you for being so nice to me. You have made me feel welcome in my new school. It’s been lots of fun working with you in the library.”
There are many occasions for writing these notes–personal gifts, hospitality, business lunches and job interviews, just to name a few. In this highly competitive job market any gesture that sets you above the rest is wise. A post-interview note makes a lasting impression.
A colleague who faithfully writes thank-you notes thinks it’s just good manners. She says, “If you start at a young age and set an example for your children, it becomes second nature.”
“I appreciate getting thank-you notes especially if I’ve put a lot of thought and effort into a gift,” says a friend who also religiously thanks people in writing even though she doesn’t like writing letters and would rather make a call.
There are some thank-you notes I didn’t write that I wish I had. To my Second Grade teacher, Sylvia Graham–I have used so many of her ideas as a teacher. And to my grandparents for the many things they did to help my mother when she became a widow, which in turn was a kindness to me. Last year I actually wrote a very long overdue thank-you note to my high school French teacher, Ellen LeClair, who comforted me at the time of my father’s death and helped me make an important decision that influenced my life.
There is a lot of joy that comes from writing thank-you notes. If you love beautiful stationery and interesting pens, it is a pleasurable experience. I have a stationery wardrobe that includes handcrafted luxurious fabric notecards made with a stitched edge detail, and letterpress correspondence cards made of 100% cotton Crane paper with beautifully lined envelopes. Jackie O was famous for her blue note paper and hand written cards, often delivered by messenger.
I was so happy last year when the USPS issued the colorful “Thank You” stamp designed in lovely calligraphy. Those two simple words express so much when the envelope is discovered in the recipient’s mailbox.
I’d like to thank you for reading my thoughts on thank-you notes. I hope you are inspired to express your thanks and gratitude in writing to the people in your life.
With warm regards,
Ronni