Inside Press

“Taste of Chappaqua” Starts at Noon

July 27, 2013 by Inside Press

By Zarah Kavarana

The annual Chappaqua Sidewalk Sale continues today through 6 p.m. with a second annual “Taste of Chappaqua” too. The sale began on Thursday, July 25. The Sidewalk Sale, sponsored by the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce, is a well known Chappaqua tradition that features town-wide specials, games, and live music for shoppers and their families. Most stores have sales of up to 50 percent off, and some have even larger markdowns.

In addition to being a “shopper’s paradise,” the Sidewalk Sale will be the destination for the 2nd annual Taste of Chappaqua today from noon to 2:00 P.M. Over 15 local eateries will participate to provide samples of customer favorites. The samples are part of multiple contests, where passers-by will be the judges.

Many merchants have found the Sidewalk Sale to be beneficial for both their businesses and customers.

Barry Mishkin, owner of Family Britches said, “It’s to fill a void in retail during the doldrums of the summer. It brings people out, allows the merchants to make friends, and gives people some value that they ordinarily might not find.”

Manager of Chappaqua Paints and Hardware, Wilson Morocho, added, “I like seeing new faces and bringing in people who have never been here before. I want the community to know that we’re here for them, as much as they are for us.”

A HerculeAnn Performance

June 29, 2013 by Inside Press

By Grace Bennett

Before I get to Ann Richards– and Holland Taylor’s rollickin’ fun but also quite illuminating portrayal of the former governor of Texas–I would like to slip in how absolutely great it was to simply partake in a Lincoln Center summer evening at the spacious and famous Vivian Beaumont Theater. The last time I visited there, I’m almost embarrassed to admit, was some 20 or more years ago when I saw a wonderful production of the beloved Fiddler on the Roof. Well, many, many sunrises and sunsets later, I experienced a very different kind of, but still terrific, Broadway treat.

Ann, statuesque and striking in her all white, glittery gold buttoned suit and stand up white poufy hair, opens the production on a serious note…speaking to a college audience, a commencement speech I gathered, where she laments the shift from the industrial age to the information age… “computer controls which run the world, sweat on brow not required.” Her childhood in Waco, Texas, she tells us a tad forlorn, “was as simple as a crayon drawing.” It’s when she gets to talkin’ ‘bout her folks that Ann’s profoundly smart and sophisticated but altogether friendly wit bursts forth…a sense of humor, I pondered, that may have first formed as a coping mechanism growing up with an emotionally withholding mother…Trust me, I know that this is rather common. : -) “Mama was as hard as the nails that held that house together…”When I began to understand that I would never please my mother, that’s when it all began to get funny.” It was daddy who took her on fishing trips and instilled storytelling skills, confidence and maybe even a raunchy streak in his naturally curious daughter. “He had a knack for dirty jokes.” Still, Ann admits at the outset, she was “hardly groomed for greatness.”

She reminisces fondly of David Richards, her brilliant civil rights lawyer husband—their song was “Blue Velvet”—and his pivotal role in eventually encouraging and helping to launch her political career despite the early, more traditional years of thinking that “taking care of husband and child was my profession.” (They did eventually divorce.) She is transparent about her penchant for drinking quite heavily in those young mother years …describing herself wryly as “a poster child for functioning alcoholics everywhere.” At this point, I will refrain from sharing several of Taylor’s very best lines in the show, and the funny deadpanning too, both of which revolve around the alcoholism and her vivid description of how she knew she had crossed the line.

Soon enough, and for nearly the rest of the production, the setting shifts to the 1993 Texas Governor’s office and her desk where we observe a (pre social media!) classic working mom juggling act…as Ann hilariously works the telephone and a barrage of intercom messages between herself and her beleaguered, but healthfully assertive assistant “Nancy.” She is doing everything from trying to organize a family fishing trip weekend–who’s bringing or cooking or baking what–to ragging on her speechwriter “Suzanne” or taking a call from Bill Clinton, gushing over her favorite granddaughter Lilly to meeting the demands of her office including a painful decision over whether or not to grant a stay to a young man on death row (“even Mother Theresa leaned on me”)…or dealing with nuclear waste and the provisions in a treaty with New Mexico to protect the Rio Grande River. A dizzying “day in the life” of Ann Richards is successfully portrayed.

Ann’s struggle is clear too–an uphill battle lassoing in naysayers within a macho state to deal with daunting issues. It’s her charm and humor plus a hefty dose of her mom’s “hard as nails” legacy that the audience might correctly surmise get her through. All the while, she is effortlessly voicing her astute observations about political life and the role of government. “I had known life is not fair, but government should be,” that it “takes one person to run and quite another to actually govern” and for good measure, “that no matter what side you are on, the forces are always gathering to undo what you’ve done.”

And then it’s back to front stage and a more somber note with Ann describing her cancer struggle, her being as “strong as mustard gas,” the attention, memorial and love she received, including yet another call from Bill Clinton. “You just can’t get enough of me can you?” she asks our President neighbor.

By the production’s end, I marveled at how this marvelous 70-year-old actress managed to memorize two hours worth of script while also being in full command of the nuances of body language. It was positively HeculeAnn. Taylor, in the meantime, seemed as enamored of the standing ovation for her performance as Ann Richards was with serving the state of Texas. “You haven’t lived ‘till you’ve been Governor of Texas,” Taylor had noted. Well, I hadn’t “known Ann” till I watched Ms. Taylor capture her sassy self and spirit so divinely.

Red Hot DeCicco’s Up and Running in Armonk

June 29, 2013 by Inside Press

By Zarah Kavarana

After the Armonk A&P Supermarket closed its doors in February 2012, North Castle residents were left to travel farther to bordering Westchester towns for their weekly groceries – until now. Armonk welcomes DeCicco’s Family Markets, a second generation chain with multiple locations spanning Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. DeCicco’s officially opened its 11th store in Armonk on June 14 to thousands of customers–including an an enthusiastic reception from New Castle residents eager for their own full service market–following an invitation-only grand opening party for family, friends, vendors, and local dignitaries the day before.

Always looking for new locations, family owners John Jr., Chris, and Joe Jr. were approached by developers for Armonk Square a few years ago. They unanimously agreed upon the area, and decided to pursue the location.

“Everyone from Armonk has welcomed us with open arms, and I think we’re a great fit for the community,” said John Jr. DeCicco. “We’re very appreciative that everyone in the community and in the town has helped us so much. So far we really love being here.”

Designed by Antonucci and Associates, the two-story, 18,000-sq-ft store is the company’s second largest location, subsequent to its Brewster store. The store is decorated with cherry wood walls, custom tile flooring, stone work, as well as a copper and tin ceiling. The second-floor space incorporates unique features such as a gastro pub, bocce ball court, rental space for parties and events, as well as a demo kitchen where cooking classes are taught by celebrity chefs.

DeCicco’s offers top quality, a large variety, and great service. Here, customers can enjoy a full-service deli, meat department with a large selection of prime, aged steaks, bakery with goods baked fresh on the premises, seafood department, an assortment of gourmet and specialty foods, a large array of cheeses and beers imported from around the world, produce department with fruits and vegetables from local farms, as well as organic and international products, and a prepared foods section with readymade dinner items.

“Because we’re an independent chain, we really have the flexibility to buy from a lot of vendors. We’re not really locked in to a single mind set of what products we’re going to offer,” said Joe Jr. DeCicco. “No matter which store it is, our focus is always quality. We really pride ourselves in tailoring items to the tastes of the town or the community we’re serving.”

DeCicco’s gives back to its community regularly. It is involved with a number of civic and community-related groups, such as schools, Little Leagues, churches, and Chambers of Commerce. DeCicco’s makes a conscious effort to give back to as many programs as possible, however most of the donations are made to the school districts in which they do business. 1% of sales are given to the local PTAs for them to allocate the funds as they choose. Donations to other organizations are given in the form of products or gift certificates.

The grand opening event on June 13 featured music from DJ Joe Fratto, who is also the manager of the store’s deli department, and a performance by Italian tenor Luciano Lamonarca. County Legislator, Michael J. Smith attended and spoke on behalf of the Board of Legislators and County Executive Robert Astorino to thank DeCicco’s for its commitment and involvement in the Westchester community.

DeCicco’s Family Markets was first started 40 years ago in 1972 by brothers John, Joe, and Frank DeCicco. They began with a tiny storefront butcher shop in the Bronx, and expanded to another larger location down the street a few years later. A total of four stores belong to the first generation. In 2006, members of the second generation, brothers John Jr. and Chris and their cousin Joe Jr., opened the first of their four stores in Ardsley. Three stores were opened by other family members. DeCicco’s has eventually grown into a household business with eleven locations in Ardsley, Brewster, Chester Heights, Cornwall, Cross River, Harrison, Jefferson Valley, New City, Pelham, Scarsdale, and now Armonk. Over the years, DeCicco’s has built itself a reputation of being the food market of choice for food lovers and cooks alike.

To enjoy the DeCicco’s experience yourself, be sure to visit the store at 17 Maple Avenue, Armonk Square in Downtown Armonk.

Town Hall June 25 Report

June 28, 2013 by Inside Press

By: Zarah Kavarana

Highlights of the meeting:

• The town’s Summer Concert Series, co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce will begin on Wednesday, July 10 at the Recreation Field. The schedule includes performances from Tramps Like Us on July 10, the Chappaqua Orchestra on July 17, One Hot Night on July 24, and Hollaback on July 31. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.., and admission is free.
• A Millwood Park Movie Night will take place this Friday, June 28, weather permitting. The scheduled show is Despicable Me at 8:30 p.m. on the Millwood Park baseball field. Admission is free.
• Every Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., a Farmer’s Market will take place at the Chappaqua train station.

The Town Administrator’s report followed.

• As promised, a coyote tracking map has been posted on coyote.mynewcastle.org for members of the public.
• A new structure in Marion place, recommended by the Beautification Advisory Board (BAB) will include a kiosk to acknowledge merchants and others who would like to help beautify New Castle. The structure will be completed after the addition of a center board.
• The BAB Beautiful Landscape Contest is asking residents to submit photos of their front garden, or their neighbors’ by July 31. The winner will be announced in September and will receive a gift, compliments of Whispering Pines. All submissions should be sent to BAB at 200 S. Greeley Ave Chappaqua, NY 10514, or e-mailed to bab@town.new-castle.ny.us.
• The High Ridge and Croton water district is scheduled to go live on Monday, July 1. This area of New Castle has been getting water from Mt. Kisco for years, and therefore has been paying double rates. Earlier this year, the board worked with residents of the area and Mt. Kisco to bring residents back in their own water district.
• Con Edison will be repairing gas mains on Marcourt Drive and Chappaqua Mountain Roads, which have been suspected of gas leaks. According to Con Edison, the leaks are not considered hazardous at this time, but repairing them is a proactive approach to any future issues.

The town has inherited an island as a result of the new Quaker Bridge. The island requires maintenance. Robert Snyder, the Superintendent of the Recreation and Parks department said that this island was not included in the inventory of islands that require maintenance. In addition, the only plant material included in the landscaping plan was Tulips. To take care of the island in the short term, the department has hand weeded the island and removed the dying tulip stems. Wood chips have been place in the entire area. In plans for the long term, the Garden Club will be creating a landscape for residents to admire.

On Friday, June 21, the New York Department of State announced $12 million in a local government performance and efficiency program called LG PEP grant assistance in financial saving generated by 13 projects. The grants are to be distributed over the course of three years in equal parts, contingent upon continued demonstration of savings. The project rewards local governments for undertaking significant and innovated actions that reduce the property tax burden confronting residents. The town is expected to save $200,000 a year by going to one time per week garbage pick-up. We are receiving $194,313 over the next three years as our reward.

The Westchester County municipal executive tabletop exercise called Hurricane Leslie took place on June 18. Officials went through a three-part problem solving exercise on how they would handle a large storm, similar to Sandy. It partly focused on past experiences, and gave officials helpful takeaways on what can now be done with the help of new technology, improved relationships with Con Edison and Verizon, as well as increased support from the Department of Transportation.

Governor Cuomo announced in a letter to Chappaqua board members about a new hazard mitigation grant program to assist local governments mitigating the risk of loss and damage associated with future disasters and reducing hardships. Over $500 million is expected to be available for the program. Staff met on Tuesday, June 25 to discuss what kinds of mitigation initiatives should be applied for, and decided to apply for a generator for the New Castle Community Center, and have sent information to the library staff so that can apply for a generator as well.

A Public Hearing was next on the agenda.

At the request of the applicant, the continuation of the public hearing to consider a special permit for the Chappaqua Station apartments was adjourned until Tuesday, July 9, 2013.

Members of the public shared their concerns with the board in regard to the adjournment, as well as the construction plans that are currently in the works.

Attorney David Steinmetz spoke to represent his client, the real estate and equities firm involved with the project. He came looking for feedback on his client’s pending application, trying to find out if and when it will be processed. Steinmetz asked the board to add the topic to the evening’s agenda and make a decision.

The board went into executive session after a unanimous vote.

Recommencing the meeting, the board made the decision to refer the matter at hand to the planning board and neighboring municipalities, as otherwise mandated by law.

Various authorizations were made, including:

• Designate Town Clerk Jill Shapiro to receive notices of claims served upon the secretary of state by both mail and e-mail, and file the required certificate with the secretary of state, informing him of the town’s designation and applicable time limitation for filing a notice of claim with the town on or before July 14, 2013.
• Refund the reduced assessments for the years of 2010 and 2011 ($535.02 for 2012 and $565.91 for 2011)
• Post of positions – Machine Equipment Operator and Laborer
• Award of bids: Installation of highway materials and water maintenance materials
• Extend the contract for the United Millwood Water treatment Plant for another 5 years (January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018)
• Obtain bids for a new roll off truck to replace the current 20-year-old one in use, funded by the capital project fund as part of the 2013 budget
• Request from the Chappaqua School Foundation to hold a bake sale at the train station on July 12, 2013 from 5 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
• Refund of two street opening permit fees for a total of $1,000 to a local resident
• Two consent and release agreements for a Mt. Kisco resident, and for a Millwood resident
• Hang a banner across S. Greeley Avenue between June 24 and July 12 to announce the Summer Concert Series at the Recreation Field
• Minutes for meetings on April 30, 2013 and May 15, 2013

The meeting was adjourned after all authorizations were made.

At July’s Sidewalk Sales: Free Tastings, Great Finds, and a Chance to Sing too

July 24, 2012 by Inside Press

Three days of Sidewalk Sales in Chappaqua, July 19-21, brought many residents and visitors to downtown Chappaqua to check out the action with their families, enjoy the festivities, and of course, pick up a few great finds. With a clear sky and balmy temperatures on Saturday, the party really took off. Visitors enjoyed “The Taste of Chappaqua” and sampled fine foods from various participating eateries here. The new Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce, which had been promoting the event for a few weeks prior, was also a presence lending support to a number of merchants. Janet Angier, of Music in Chappaqua surprised everyone on Saturday by inviting Westchester’s most acclaimed Karaoke DJ, Justine Faith, to entertain shoppers, young and old, to sing a song or two as well! The hills of Chappaqua truly came alive.