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Details of Plans for “It’s a Beautiful Day!” on April 11 in Chappaqua!

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BeautifulDayprizes
Join Your Friends and Neighbors for Family Fun and Small Town Spirit on April 11th,
11 a.m.-4 p.m. for Chappaqua’s first “It’s A Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood” Event
Sponsored by the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce and WeeZee-The Science of Play

When asked, most people will say that they moved to Chappaqua for two reasons:the good schools and the small town setting. Check out the Ragamuffin Parade in October, the Summer Concerts at the Gazebo and the Memorial Day Parade. These are the times and events when our charming little hamlet of New Castle is at its best and oozing with “small town spirit.”

Many of us love this best about our town and even believe that we live in a parallel Mayberry or Hooterville universe of the Andy Griffith Show, Petticoat Junction and Green Acres.

So, we should certainly know the name of our town Sheriff–as did the people of Mayberry and their beloved Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife, right? Or, how about Hooterville’s friendly store keeper, Sam Drucker? Or, Floyd, the barber? Or, Gomer Pyle, the mechanic?

Do we really know the people in our neighborhood? Let’s have some fun and meet everyone…

On Saturday, April 11th from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m., downtown Chappaqua will be abuzz with
neighbors families and friends for the first annual “It’s A Beautiful Day in Our
Neighborhood” community awareness/spirit event offering children and their families an
opportunity to meet town officials, first responders, shopkeepers and other “important”
neighbors with a map that pinpoints all of the fun stops and activities, special treats, programs,
projects and give-aways. Chappaqua will become a springtime small town utopia with balloons,
fire trucks, kids activities, fun and friends. One of Chappaqua’s important neighbors Louise
Weadock, founder and president of WeeZee-The Science of Play, has helped to make this
important new event possible as the event’s major sponsor.

“This event is in sync with WeeZee’s emphasis on and mission to promote acceptance, compassion, understanding and support for people of all ages and abilities,” says Louise Weadock, founder of WeeZee-The Science of Play. “We are proud to have helped to make this important event happen and to bring together New Castle’s children and families for a day of learning and fun.”

The “It’s A Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood” event was created and is being hosted/run
by the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce. Says Executive Director Dawn Greenberg,
who has been instrumental in bringing businesses together for this event, “It’s vitally important
that our children grow up with a sense of community, as well as feeling a close interaction and a
sense of being grounded within our community. Our intent with this first-ever “A Beautiful Day
in Our Neighborhood” event is to convey that sense of connectedness; that we are all
interwoven and even stewards of our town Chappaqua is a special place and has been for 100+
years and we want to honor and build on that.”

Says Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein: “I want to thank everyone who made this family fun,
meet and greet event possible, especially the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce and
WeeZee-The Science of Play. It encourages small town spirit and community comradery: I
am very much looking forward to it! This is what we are all about. I hope it becomes a yearly
tradition.”

On April 11, families will be given a map to take a self-guided tour, which includes the
opportunity to personally meet the fire, police, mail, town and school officials, as well as many
participating merchants. Senter Street (the street housing the New Castle Community Center and
the Chappaqua Fire Station leading to Bell Middle School) will be closed off to traffic so that
WeeZee-The Science of Play can set up a sensory play-and-learn area that includes
some of the activities that this three-year 18,000 square foot sensory gym is known for.

In addition, more activities on Senter Street will include a BBQ lunch, available for purchase
from the French restaurant, Le Jardin; and the Mike Risko Band will play from 2:00-3:30pm.

Other highlights…Ice cream will be given free to the first 250 customers at Hall of Scoops,
courtesy of Camp Kiwi and the shops on Lower King Street will host a “Chappaqua Moms
Facebook page” meet-up. Other businesses who will be participating in the event include
Chappaqua Paint and Hardware, New Castle Historical Society and Barry Goldstein Dentistry.

Inside Chappaqua Magazine is also a major supporter/sponsor of this event offering pre and post event coverage online and in print! A “Beautiful Look Back” is planned in the June edition which mails free to everyone’s home on June 1.

Here’s a rundown of some of the day’s activities:
WeeZee-The Science of Play with 8 Sensory Stations
1. Bean bag toss – blindfolded and not blindfolded
2. Egg on sand bags and vestibular board
3. Scooter races (seated) around the cones
4. Candy Taste/texture station
5. Balloon volley & water balloons
6. Taste testing
7. Freeze dance
8. Make your own WeeZee Stress Balloons

Police Department
Meet Police Chief Ferry
Tours – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.and 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tour: Holding Cell, Booking Area, Equipment (breathalyzer, fingerprinting, etc.), Vehicles (hummer, motorcycle, patrol car). “KidFind” will also be featured including forms and photo so that the police will have information on file.

Fire Department
Meet Chief Maitland and some of his crew. Get fire safety tips and give-always and check out a fire truck!

Town Hall
Tours – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
An opportunity for kids to meet the Town Supervisor, Rob Greenstein and to receive a key to the city. Also, kids will get a tour of the Courtroom and other departments in Town Hall.

Chappaqua Library
Self-Guided Tour with Activity Map – 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.. Circulation Desk – get a library card; Teen Zone – how to use databases to find books; Kid Area – make bookmarks; Auditorium – Book Dominoes; Resource Area – Stamping Activity

Post Office
Kids will mail out “Beautiful Day Postcards” to themselves. They will also learn what happens to the postcard after it’s put in the mailbox slot.

Meet and Greet: At Sherry B’s from 1- 2 p.m.
Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent, and Dr. Heidi McCarthy, Director of Special Education, and Joan Corwin, Chappaqua Transportation.

Participate in the Creation of Our Community Quilt — Tie together the threads of our town. Mindy Kombert will work with you and your kids to help them create their own square which could be a photo, drawing or quote about Chappaqua. We are charging $10/square to pay for this 5 ft by 6 ft masterpiece.

WeeZee is also planning a “Special Ed PTA Family Social-After Party” with the Chappaqua Special Ed PTA from 4-6pm at WeeZee-The Science of Play, 480 Bedford Road at Chappaqua Crossing. Says Chappaqua SEPTA president, Jackie McCarthy, “This event will give our kids, their siblings and families a chance to socialize with each other while enjoying two-hours of complimentary play at WeeZee’s sensory playground. For parents, we get to socialize too, as well as have a chance to ask an expert any questions we might have on sensory issues. The whole family is invited! We’ll also have pizza and snacks. We need for you to RSVP–but only if you’re coming–if you have not already done so, with how many adults and children to chappaquaptaspecialeducation@gmail.com.”

Spring Cleaning Help at Neighbor’s Link

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Do you need workers to help with Planting or Spring Cleaning?

Neighbors Link makes hiring workers Simple, Safe and Efficient!
neigbors link

1. If you are looking for masons, carpenters, painters, housekeepers, party help or other skilled labor, please call Nicole at 914-666-3410 ext. 17 or fill out a request through our online form.

2. For weeding, planting, gardening and other general labor, come to our Hiring Site at 27 Columbus Avenue, Mount Kisco, NY 10549 or call our Hiring Site Manager: 914-666-3410 ext. 21. Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year.

Neighbors Link Northern Westchester is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
www.neighborslink.org

Safety at Exit 33 Railroad Crossing in New Castle Continues to Receive Scrutiny

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By Eileen Gallagher

Speaking for a second time in recent months from near a railroad tracks crossing in New Castle–where new incidences continue to raise serious concern among residents and public officials–Congresswoman Nita Lowey said she would initiate a high profile public awareness campaign regarding safety at railroad crossings. Federal and Metro North officials also addressed the potential for a bridge over the crossing.
nita
“Just yesterday a van was on the tracks as a train approached.The train slowed as the van broke through the gate, avoiding a crash, but it is at least the second close call this month.” Lowey summed up the safety issue of on-grade railroad crossings, and, in particular, the crossing adjacent to Chappaqua Crossing and Horace Greeley High School.

“The safest grade crossing is one that doesn’t exist,” she continued. “But with more than 212,000 public and private crossings around the country, we must tackle this important safety challenge with a multi-faceted approach, including eliminating the most dangerous grade crossings.”

Per Lowey, aspects of the public awareness campaign include making sure drivers know what to do, and what not to do, when they approach the crossings, and ensuring cooperation among all levels of government.

Also present were Sarah Feinberg, Acting Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, and Joseph Giulietti, President of Metro-North Railroad.

Feinberg addressed the issue of the need for safer grade crossings. “Metro-North, New Jersey Transit, and the Long Island Railroad alone have almost 800 grade crossings…an enormous number of grade crossings for railroads to have to go through every day.” She continued, “The reality is that we are never going to be able to take care of every single grade crossing with a grade separation and so we have to do everything we can to keep people safe at grade crossings.” She spoke of the need for education, enforcement, and awareness.

Asked if the proximity to the high school and the planned residential and commercial development at Chappaqua Crossing would influence the decision as to whether the Roaring Brook crossing would be considered for changeover to a bridge as requested by Supervisor Rob Greenstein, Giulietti responded that there are ongoing meetings between the state, town, MTA and Metro-North. “How do you prioritize? We are aware and are looking at things that can be done now. Those meetings have been taking place and will continue to take place next week.”

How Frank Shiner Shone at “The ‘Freakin’ Cutting Room!”

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By Grace Bennett

The first time I heard Frank Shiner sing (several songs) was at a (once in a blue moon) Karaoke night at the Quaker Hill Tavern in Chappaqua. He was there with his family simply enjoying an evening out. Frank sang “Georgia On My Mind,” and I remember thinking, “Wait a minute. That’s not fair. This guy must be a pro.” I did find out in time that, yes, he surely is, having started his career as a singer/actor.

Fast forward to last week or so, when I saw a post on Facebook that his show “The Real Me Live Tour” was soon to take place at a celebrated NYC venue, The Cutting Room, and decided, as Inside Chappaqua, I needed to check this Frank Shiner out some. I’m glad I did. frank shiner

I invited two friends; one, Suzanna, my college roommate from way back when; another, a friend of my daughter’s, Max, who lives just blocks away from The Cutting Room and who recently helped me out with something…so: favor, returned. My old roommate and I are both tail end baby boomers, yet we ALL appreciated Frank’s repertoire of ’70s and ‘80s favorites, from Leonard Cohen’s “I’m Your Man” to Van Morrison’s “Brand New Day” while sipping our drinks and enjoying light fare. (The Cutting Room is also a full service restaurant.)

In the middle of his show opener: “(Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night” by Tom Waits, Suzanna immediately offered, “Wow, he sounds like an American Tom Jones!” Frank’s playful approach to the stage and his joyful delivery are indeed reminiscent of Jones, only his voice is more sultry, in my humble opinion. Frank is definitely a sexy performer in a Harrison Ford meets Bruce Springsteen kind of way!

But what’s most sexy about him, I would like to add, is his obvious love and devotion to his wife Suzanne, who was there too at a center table surrounded by family and friends, no doubt reveling in the moments. First, Frank related how he won over his new love interest when he sang: “I Put a Spell on You” ( Jay Hawkins). Later, he sang ”The Real Me” dedicating the show to Suzanne’s victory over cancer. Nice!

Other songs, “It’s a Sin when you Love Somebody” (Jimmy Webb) and “Feels Like Home” (Randy Newman) were also wonderfully delivered.

A stand out member of the band supporting Frank with background vocals was the elegant and jazzy Anthea White; star quality, too! Frank and Anthea rocked a duet: Paul Simon’s “Long, Long Day.” Accompanying vocals were: David Cutler, on Bass; Mark Palmer, keyboard and musical director; Hiroyuki Matsuura on Drums; Jay Rodriquez, Saxophone/Flute; and Chris Goercke on Guitar. Better Frank

At the start of the evening, Frank exclaimed, “Someone pinch me. I’m in The Freakin’ Cutting Room!” The evening ended with show goers snatching up his CD: The Real Me in the club’s grand lobby, and Frank greeting happy post show goers, including me. For upcoming shows, visit www.frankshiner.com

Frank and Grace

On Behalf of the Dirks Family: “Support Tremendous” at Jodi’s Gym

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Following up with the initial and highly successful Chappaqua Cares/Chappaqua Shares effort to establish a Scholarship fund for the Dirks Family, Jodi’s Gym opens its facility to all for additional support.

By Matt Smith

Jodis Gym 1Family and friends came out in droves to support the family of Chappaqua resident Robert Dirks, whose memory was honored at a fundraising event yesterday at Jodi’s Gym in Mt. Kisco. Dirks was one of six casualties of the tragic Metro-North train accident that occurred in Valhalla on February 3.

The idea for such a fundraiser came about while gym owner Jodi Rosenwasser Levine was browsing through the Chappaqua Moms Facebook page. “I was deeply saddened [by the news], as everyone was,” Levine said, and “looking for a way to help. Everyone was saying, ‘What can I do? What can I do?’ and I said, ‘I can hold a fundraiser through the gym.’” Resident Dawn Greenberg–co-founder of Chappaqua Cares, Chappaqua Shares–caught the offer and not only praised Levine for the gesture, but joined her in making it a reality.

Greenberg, who began her organization in November 2014 as a way to get Chappaqua residents involved with giving to those in need, saw the opportunity as one to allow residents the chance to give back. “This community is so caring and so giving,” Greenberg said. “But sometimes, it’s frustrating to figure out exactly how to do that effectively….[so] we give people an outlet. We thought this was a great event ‘cause it would allow kids to bring their playmates and have fun and just enjoy the day.”

Jodis Gym 2The two sent out a notice via the Facebook page offering to hold a fundraiser for several of the families who were impacted by the crash; the Dirks family accepted the offer. “[Jodi’s Gym] didn’t burden us with anything,” says Jason Ueda, uncle to Robert’s children, Owen (5) and Phoebe (2). “They said, ‘We’ll take care of it.’”

Ueda also added, as a testament to the Chappaqua community, that “the support has been tremendous” and the family is very appreciative. “Everyone has been respectful and thoughtful and [has made] all aspects of this [tragic event] less stressful.”

The family continued to feel this support during the event as well, which took the form of an open gym, where guests could play on the balance beam, swing on the gymnastic rings, bounce in the bouncy castle or trampoline, or slide on the slide. Additional activities included face painting and arts and crafts. The staff also prepared a food room, made up entirely of donated goods from local businesses, including sandwiches from Quaker Hill Tavern, cupcakes from The Pastry Corner, a decorative fruit platter from Susan Lawrence, and pizza from Bellizzi. The afternoon ended–as all kids’ events should–with bubble popping and a parachute game.

Jodis Gym 3Echoes Jessica Reinmann, co-founder of Chappaqua Cares, Chappaqua Shares, of the overwhelming response: “I think it’s a testament to the community that so much money has been donated and people are so willing to help.”
On behalf of the community, Levine states that “our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of the Dirks and all the families who were affected by the Metro-North crash.” The Dirks family also wishes to personally thank Levine for organizing the whole event, all the proceeds of which will benefit a scholarship fund for Dirks’ children. “We’re so happy the Dirks could come,” Levine said in response. “It gives the day an extra special meaning for us.”

Jodi’s Gym is located at 25 Hubbels Drive in Mt. Kisco, NY. For more information, please visit www.jodisgym.org

Matt Smith is a longtime Chappaqua resident, who graduated from Skidmore College last Spring, with a degree in Theatre and a Minor in Creative Writing. This was his first assignment for the Inside Press, Inc.