The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Inside Press

Chappaqua Teens Receive Neighbors Link Volunteer Awards

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JAKE KLEIN RECEIVES YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD

The nonprofit group Neighbors Link Northern Westchester recently recognized two Chappaqua teens for their exemplary volunteer service.

Jake Klein was honored with the Agnes Hassell Youth Leadership Award. The son of Norma and Bruce Klein, Jake has volunteered for four years with Neighbors Link, which gives its youth leadership recognition each year in April, National Volunteer Month.

Jake Klein working as a volunteer for Neighbors Link
Jake Klein working as a volunteer for Neighbors Link

“Jake was the youngest person ever to be selected as an EXEC for our Tuesday night ESL tutoring program,” said Amy Werner, Volunteer Coordinator. “EXEC stands for Executive Leader,” Jake developed and implemented a science program for the children in Learning Links, our after-school program. He shows great compassion for our clients and commitment to our mission of integration.”

“I really enjoy working with the kids in Learning Links,” said Jake. “Volunteering at Neighbors Link has helped me develop my leadership abilities, as well as cultural competence. These skills will stand me in good stead when it’s time to apply to college.”

ABBY NIMETZ RECEIVES STUDENT VOLUNTEER AWARD

Chappaqua resident Abby Nimetz was honored with the Neighbors Link Student Volunteer Award. The daughter of Irma and Warren Nimetz, Abby has volunteered for four years with Neighbors Link. Abby is an EXEC in the Learning Links Club at Horace Greely High School. “EXEC stands forExecutive Leader,” commented Amy Werner, Volunteer Coordinator. “Abby is dedicated, reliable, and consistent. Starting in May she will be working for us as a senior intern and we are excited to have her in this enhanced role.”

Abby Nimetz
Abby Nimetz

“I really believe in the mission of Neighbors Link so I do what I can to spread the word about them throughout the community,” said Abby. “The importance of the mission is the reason I have continued to volunteer here for so many years.”

Headquartered in Mt. Kisco, Neighbors Link Northern Westchester has as its mission to strengthen the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants. It runs essential programs for area immigrants, including ESL (English as a Second Language), adult education, workforce development and legal support services.

For more information, visit http://www.neighborslink.org/

SOLD OUT Culinary Icon/Author Ruth Reichl Talk on May 4 at the North Castle Public Library

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The $25 tickets were sold out to hear Ruth Reichl speak just three days after they were released for sale. The good news? Look for our coverage here and in our June print editions! Meanwhile, I was already looking forward to a talk by ‘culinary icon’ Ruth Reichl at the North Castle Public Library tomorrow. But then a friend I invited jogged my memory about Reichl’s rock star status in the culinary author category (and beyond!) by sending a pdf of her incredible review of Le Cirque in the New York Times. “The review was the longest one I’ve seen at the Times,” he said, “but what was so fantastic about it was that she split the review into two parts: before they recognized her and after they recognized her. It was brilliant.” — Grace Bennett

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Innovation and “Out of the Box” Experiences Showcased at Chappaqua School Foundation Gala

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By Grace Bennett
In the midst of another packed gala for the Chappaqua School Foundation–with a silent auction and a delicious dinner underway–I managed to steal away CSF president David Gefsky to a quiet spot to talk for a few minutes. He spoke proudly, in particular, of the educational showcase in progress too at the gala, where about a dozen kids from the district “displayed projects that were made possible by some of the investments over the last year, inspired by teachers, and driven for the benefit of the students.”

Jason Lavender (right) and Nate Meyer, 6th graders at Seven Bridges Middle School, described the “bicycle generator” they designed. “The bicycle has a generator that powers a television through a battery, capacitor and inverter that connect to the television."
Jason Lavender (right) and Nate Meyer, 6th graders at Seven Bridges Middle School, described the “bicycle generator” they designed. “The bicycle has a generator that powers a television through a battery, capacitor and inverter that connect to the television.”

The CSF fosters innovation, Gefsky explained, “working in close partnership and collaboration with teachers and administrators enabling them to recognize their creative capacities.” The CSF then raises the money to make that innovation possible.
(L-R) Mia Brown, Charlie Peterson, Teddy Meyer and Neel Roy at “The Maker Spaces project” table. Library media specialists Christine Eidem (Roaring Brook) and Alison Turner (West Orchard) explained that the space is “project based learning” with equipment and tools for kids to build something they designed to solve a problem; and that most importantly, “it’s safe place for them to make a mistake and try again after they analyze what works. It’s an outside of the box experience.”
(L-R) Mia Brown, Charlie Peterson, Teddy Meyer and Neel Roy at “The Maker Spaces project” table. Library media specialists Christine Eidem (Roaring Brook) and Alison Turner (West Orchard) explained that the space is “project based learning” with equipment and tools for kids to build something they designed to solve a problem; and that most importantly, “it’s safe place for them to make a mistake and try again after they analyze what works. It’s an outside of the box experience.”

“We make possible necessary investments that fall outside the normal school budget,” said Gefsky. A Grant Advisory Committee, comprised of teachers, administrators and technology leaders, “help define educational goals and evaluate and assess investment opportunities.”

In the meantime, CSF actively engages with the community for ideas–planning numerous events in which parents are involved. “We constantly speak with parents as groups and on an individual basis; their feedback is instrumental to us in terms of how we set priorities and how we ultimately invest capital.”

Gefsky, together with his wife Jennifer Gefsky, are parents of three children in the district themselves, in grades 7, 5 and kindergarten. He said that heading into the fall, the programming schedule is primarily designed to raise awareness of CSF goals. These include a Mom’s night event, a Dad’s event, CSF participation at Community Day, and a pre-K event for families new to the district. Notable too is The Harlem Wizards game, the second largest fundraiser for CSF, after the gala.

While the dollars raised was not available just yet, this year’s gala, held again at the Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor, set a record for ticket sales: over 630 tickets sold. Last year, CSF raised $368,000 at the gala, and a total of $433,000 over the year, and Gefsky said his hope was to surpass those numbers too.

For more information, visit www.chappaquaschoolfoundation.org

May 22: Annual Colon Cancer Challenge in Purchase, NY

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By Jennifer Butler

If you had the ability to prevent more than 50,000 deaths a year, would you do it? If so, join us on May 22nd at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY for the 13th Annual Colon Cancer Challenge.

The Colon Cancer Challenge is a unique opportunity for survivors, caregivers and loved ones to honor and celebrate the individuals in their lives who have fought bravely against the this devastating cancer killer. By coming together to walk, run, and cheer we are able to raise awareness of this deadly but largely preventable disease and expand the network of support and dedication for our those affected by the disease.
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This family-oriented event consists of a Remembrance and Prevention Walk, a 4-mile Mixed Terrain Fun Run, a Kids Fun Run for children under 12, entertainment and a wellness festival. The top male and female finishers will receive trophies while each Kids Fun Run finisher will receive a medal. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirts and refreshments.

Survivors are invited to participate in a special Survivor Ceremony and our annual photo prior to the start of the walk, and will also have access to a V.I.P. tent.
The Challenge was New York’s first public colorectal cancer awareness event, founded in 2004 by world-renowned colorectal cancer surgeon and researcher – and longtime Chappaqua resident – Dr. Thomas Weber. “When I started the Colon Cancer Challenge 13 years ago, I could only hope that it would grow as large as it is now. It’s amazing how many people join us every year to raise awareness of New York State’s second leading cancer killer,” he says.

“We are so excited to be back at Manhattanville College this year,” says Cindy Borassi, CCCF Executive Director. “No matter what distance they walk or run, every step our community members take reminds us that this disease is largely preventable with early detection and by incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your lifestyle.”

Challenge participant Beth Beckmann lost her husband John to colon cancer in 2004, just a few months after the first Colon Cancer Challenge. “Seeing the support pour in for John through donations to our daughter’s Challenge team brought great joy to us all in the final months of John’s life,” Beth says. “I continue to participate in Challenge events and support CCCF in memory of John and also in the hope that fewer and fewer families will have a story like ours.”

Despite the progress we have made over the last decade in reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer in those over 50, early age onset cases of colorectal cancer have been dramatically increasing every year, even affecting those in their early twenties. By funding research into this terrifying trend and offering support to survivors and their families, CCCF is at the forefront of the fight against early age onset colorectal cancer.

Challenge participant Samantha Frazier was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at age 24. Now 27 and cancer-free, Samantha, along with her team of family and friends, believes the Challenge is a way to spread the critical message of awareness and prevention while celebrating survivorship. She says, “I want others to know that they can live too and celebrate their glory as a warrior forever!”

WestchesterCCChallenge2When Samantha took to the stage for the Survivor Ceremony at last year’s Westchester Colon Cancer Challenge, a hush fell over the crowd. Her youthful presence was a reminder that this disease does not discriminate. And her sweet smile and courageous spirit were a reminder that this disease can – and will – be defeated.
Last year more than 3,500 people participated in Colon Cancer Challenge events, raising nearly $750,000. This year CCCF hopes to reach its goal of $1 million to continue its lifesaving public awareness, screening and prevention programs for the underserved and uninsured, as well as research focused on early age onset of colorectal cancer.

To get involved, call 914.305.6674 or visit events.coloncacnerchallenge.org.