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Chappaqua Interfaith Vigil For Victims of Gun Violence: Dec. 13

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CHAPPAQUA’S FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HOSTS
INTERFAITH VIGIL FOR VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

In commemoration of the third anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, and in remembrance of the 90,000 American victims of gun violence since December 2012, First Congregational Church in Chappaqua, NY, is joining the Newtown Foundation and Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence in a nationwide vigil service to #EndGunViolence. The Interfaith Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence at First Congregational Church will take place on Sunday, December 13, 4 p.m.

“Through prayer, song, the ringing of bells, and candlelight, the service is intended to give a voice to all victims and survivors of gun violence,” stated Rev. Martha Jacobs, Senior Minister, First Congregational Church.

The Chappaqua Vigil is one of hundreds of local vigils being held in 39 states around the nation.

Survivors, elected officials, faith leaders, and others in the community will gather together to honor all victims of gun violence. Survivors and family members of victims will talk first-hand about the lifelong pain it creates.

– Kim Russell, a gun violence survivor, lives in NY and works with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and Million Mom March.
– Gisela Marin, mother of Jessica N. Santos, who at age 19 was the innocent victim of a random drive-by shooting. The Jessica N. Santos Foundation, http://www.rememberingjessica.com/foundation.htm
– Leah Gunn Barrett, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. Leah lost her brother to gun violence in 1997.
– Faith Leaders from First Congregational Church, Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, the Chappaqua Interfaith Council, and the Upper Westchester Muslim Society.
– Elected officials attending:
– Assemblyman David Buchwald, 93rd Assembly District
– Robert Greenstein, Town Supervisor, Chappaqua
– Patti Lubin, Senior Counsel, representing US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Since that tragic day in December 2012 approximately 90,000 lives have been needlessly cut short due to the public health crisis of gun violence. So far in 2015 there has been on average at least one mass shooting per day (4 or more people shot in one incident), and more than 1,000 since the Sandy Hook shooting[i]. More preschoolers are shot dead than are police killed in the line of fire[ii].

Chappaqua Cares, a not for profit connecting philanthropic organizations, is co-sponsoring the vigil.
“We mourn for all victims of gun violence and believe it is vital to support family and friends suffering the loss of their loved ones every day for the rest of their lives. The ripple effect of gun violence cannot be understated,” said Dawn Greenberg, founder, Chappaqua Cares.

Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines is the media partner for the event.

The organizers expect a large turnout in the face of horrific mass shootings in Colorado Springs and San Bernardino over the past two weeks.

[i] Mass Shootings Tracker, shootingtracker.com
[ii] A New Way to Tackle Gun Deaths, The New York Times Op-Ed, October 3, 2015

–First Congregational Church has been serving the greater Chappaqua community for over 100 years. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and is an Open and Affirming congregation.
http://www.fcc-chappaqua.org/
–The Newtown Foundation is a Newtown-based, all volunteer organization formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Our mission is “To provide comfort, education, scholarship and other support and resources to people and communities impacted by, and living or growing up among or in the aftermath, of violence in American society; and to help them lead the way toward positive cultural change over the long term.”
http://newtownaction.org/newtown-foundation/.
-Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence is a diverse coalition of more than 50 denominations and faith-based organizations united by the call of our faiths to confront America’s gun violence epidemic and to rally support for policies that reduce death and injury from gunfire. http://faithsunited.org.
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At Pazzo’s: A Generous Holiday Feast for Armonk Chamber

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Photos by Sam Morell

(L-R): Jason Rosensweig, Stacy Wilder, Michael Levy, Neal Schwartz, Chris Carthy and Robby Morris
(L-R): Jason Rosensweig, Stacy Wilder, Michael Levy, Neal Schwartz, Chris Carthy and Robby Morris

The wine was flowing and platter after platter of delicious Tuscan fare was graciously served to Armonk Chamber of Commerce members, all gathered together to warmly celebrate a year of networking and wonderful programming on behalf of the merchants and residents of North Castle. Members toasted Neal Schwartz, head of the Chamber, for his leadership, and also Pazzo’s owner Pete Monteleone for hosting the event, which drew several dozen (very happy!) participants.

(L-R): Steve D'Angelo, Stacy Wilder and Lisa Pincus Harnroff
(L-R): Steve D’Angelo, Stacy Wilder and Lisa Pincus Harnroff
Chris Carthy with wife Laura (in red) and with Barbara Reiter
Chris Carthy with wife Laura (in red) and with Barbara Reiter

 

Rosenthal JCC’s Hanukkah Celebration – Bring in the Light!

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2015Hanuuka Flyer_GameShow_ForWeb_450px
Fun for the whole family
Sunday, Dec. 13th 4:00 – 6:00pm

On Sunday, December 13th from 4-6 pm, the Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester in Pleasantville will again have its annual Hanukkah celebration, this year entitled “Bring in the Light”. The event will include a Hanukkah Game Show, by Matt Dorner of Main Stages, that is will include games, and contests for children of all ages. This will include a Trivia Challenge, Giant Dreidel Spin-off, a Latke Toss and so much more. And what would be a Hanukkah party without food – making candy dreidels, delicious latkes and jelly donuts. Everyone is encouraged to bring in their own menorah to display and at the end of the evening there will be a menorah lighting!
Discounted tickets can be purchased on-line ($20/family) or at the door ($25/family). For more info contact Cathy Deutchman at cathy@rosenthaljcc.org

Greeley High School Athletes Chalk Up a Big Win

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Student Athletes Raise $16,500 for Local Pediatric Cancer Charities

The second annual Horace Greeley All-Athlete Walkathon was held at the high school’s competition field on Sunday, November 8, 2015. Students from every sport rallied around two local foundations raising more than $16,000 with their fundraising efforts.Greeley Walkathon 2015

The two organizations teamed up for the event because their missions align around helping children with cancer. Hundreds of students, supporters and parents walked in solidarity during the two hour event to support Team G-The Gardner Marks Foundation and Making Headway Foundation, both of Chappaqua.

Team G-The Gardner Marks Foundation was created in memory of Gardner Marks (Greeley Class of ’08) a school athlete who lost his life due to complications from cancer treatment. This newly formed organization is devoted to raising money toward grants for cutting edge cancer/stem cell research.

Headquartered in Chappaqua, and now in its 20th year of operation, Making Headway Foundation was founded by Edward and Maya Manley with Clint Greenbaum. Its mission is to provide care and comfort for children with brain and spinal cord tumors while funding medical research geared toward better treatments and a cure.

Both organizations have a common vision…to bring support and lifesaving treatments to kids battling cancer, and brain or spinal cord tumors.

Local merchants such as Villarina’s Deli, Elder’s Auto Spa, Chappaqua Mobil and Old Stone Trattoria sponsored the event with food and gift card donations for the participants. Donations are still being accepted at http://bitly.com/GreeleyWalk2015.

Annual Frosty Day Parade Brings the Festive Holiday Spirit to Armonk

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Article and Photos by Stacey Pfeffer

Armonk was abuzz with activity this past Saturday as the annual Frosty Day kicked off the holiday season. Despite drizzly weather, Armonk locals and other tri-state area residents turned out in droves to experience a fun-filled afternoon with holiday train rides around town, face painting, Frosty-themed art projects, yummy holiday treats and of course several photo ops with Frosty the Snowman, who turns 65 this year. The day culminated with more than 30 local groups and organizations marching in a parade to welcome Frosty the Snowman back to his hometown.The parade concluded with a holiday lighting ceremony and sing-along at the gazebo in Wampus Brook Park.

Cookie decorating at DeCicco's photo
The “Village Square” mentioned in the famous “Frosty the Snowman” song is actually Armonk’s Historic District. The Frosty Parade is the only non-denominational holiday parade in the tri-state area noted Robby Morris, a local businessman and President of Friends of Frosty, Inc. the non-profit group that organizes the day’s events.

“Just about every local group is involved somehow in Frosty Day from the Town of North Castle to the Armonk Chamber of Commerce, from the religious institutions to the schools, from the sports and youth groups to volunteer organizations. It is a great time for everyone to come together and have some fun,” said Morris.

Each year the Friends of Frosty expands the day’s events with new activities. A horse-drawn carriage around Wampus Brook Park and a holiday-themed mural designed by Westlake High School students by DeCicco’s were added. “The Clydesdale horses were very cool. A friend told us that Frosty Day was a fun way to kick off the holiday season, so we decided to come out for this, even in the rain,” noted Teresa Hough, a New Rochelle resident who came with her family. Clowns, magicians, carolers and marching bands rounded out the day’s festive spirit.

The Friends of Frosty also has a charitable component with its Winter Warmth project “Help Frosty Help Others.”

Starting in the fall, the organization starts collecting gently used winter clothing, such as hats and mittens for those in need at several locations around town. Area restaurants and shops will be accepting donations and contributions throughout the holiday season.

Stacey Pfeffer Of New Castle attended this year’s parade for the first time, and hopes to make it an annual tradition with her family.

Face painting at Peachwave photoDonation jar photoDaisy Troop photoHorse drawn carriage ride photoHoliday train by Town Hall photo