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Rain Can’t Dampen Spirit of Chappaqua’s Memorial Day Parade

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By John Cirillo

 

Chappaqua, NY, May 29—A little rain couldn’t possibly dampen the spirits of the residents of Chappaqua and neighboring towns in their insatiable desire to pay tribute to those who serve our country on this Memorial Day.

John. our guest author, and Fran

 

I rode into town an hour before the scheduled 11 a.m. “tip off” to check with law enforcement and they confirmed that the PARADE WAS ON! Yippee!

 

By 10:30 am, Fran and I were headed toward the center of the village to secure our bird’s eye view location near the bottom of King Street, the Saratoga Race Course extra-large red & white umbrella in tow.

 

Leslie had already staked claim to a curbside seat despite the misty rain, protected by what appeared to be a Yankee giveaway umbrella. Dave had stopped for his morning Starbucks and a scone.

 

The buzz had already began to build, but no where near the crescendo it would reach less than an hour from now.

 

The youngins’ were gleefully skipping around between rain drops, adults gabbing between sips of Starbucks, pooches wistfully watching the proceedings with their moms and pops. The kiddies were shielded by their mini-umbrellas and/or rain slickers, but didn’t mind getting wet either.

Many were clad in an assortment of red, white and blue colored-clothing to celebrate the occasion – America’s colors – including this reporter who broke out his brand new red Puma baseball cap, like-colored bright red sneakers, red shirt, and blue pants.

 

Umbrellas with the order of the day for those seated and standing along the curb on both sides of King Street; hundreds had assembled to say thank you to the war veterans, those who paid the ultimate price. It was Memorial Day, and our annual tribute in this tony Westchester town was near. Dave nervously took a selfie to occupy time as the big moment neared.

The noise level reached a fever pitch as the two law enforcement officers on motorcycles sped down the hill. And away we go!

Their ensembles carrying the American and State flags, Chappaqua Memorial Day Parade organizer and Grand Marshall Jim McCauley led esteemed Chappaqua residents former President Bill Clinton and almost-President Hilary Clinton, who were joined by Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the parade was off to a rousing start. The distinguished Mr. McCauley just happens to be the father of one of my top-notch former NYU students Mike McCauley, who was on hand with his two sons. But we failed to connect because of the sizeable crowd, and they were also dodging rain drops. Next time for sure.


Then came the Chappaqua Library representatives carrying their banner, and Fran and Leslie roared with approval (they spend more time at the Library than they do at home).

 

The bagpipes blared, and led the way for the Vietnam war jeep. We missed Michael Greene who was a regular in this parade, until he and bride Lori moved to Aiken (I ain’t fakin’) South Carolina. The Green Monster was with us in spirit, and maybe one year soon he will come back to march.

 

Revolutionary soldiers resplendent in authentic outfits including three-pointed hats took us back in time, and then startled the masses with a very loud 21-gun salute; the canines by the way didn’t particularly care for the noisy gunfire. Perhaps that should be eliminated from the agenda next time.

 

My two favorite participating marching groups annually are the Girl Scouts and the horn-playing, drum-banging band members, and they did not disappoint. The little misses celebrating the 80th year of “Where Girls Grow Strong Since 1937″) frolicked and waved to the crowd as they enjoyed their moment in the sun, er, rain. Then came the future scholarship musicians playing the full array of wind instruments from horns and trumpets to trombones and euphoniums to tubas, flutes, recorders, oboes, clarinets, saxophones and bassoons. (Did I leave any out? Sorry, if I did.)

 

All of these youngsters made one feel great about the future of this country. Plus, they belied the myth that one can’t walk and chew gum at the same time as they deftly performed on the instruments while negotiating the curves of King Street. 

 

Chappaqua native Rich Rose, relocated in Boynton Beach, Florida, would marvel at the horn-players, as he was one himself decades ago, marching near his family’s dry cleaning business.

 

Who let the dogs out? Their moms and pops did, and the pooches, get a bark out from this reporter as they help to make Memorial Day one to remember.

 

By name Oliver was on hand; Thor was in attendance and was particularly risky; Maxwell was a proud participant, as many others whose names had slipped through the mind’s crevices on this chilly morning in Chappaqua.

 

But it was warm because of the reason why were all there. To say thank you to the service men and women who protect this country every day.

 

Public relations executive and blogger John Cirillo is a native of Brooklyn, New York, but his adopted home for nearly three decades is Chappaqua, where he resides with his wife Fran. A former public relations vice president for the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden, Mr. Cirillo has operated the sports and culinary public relations firm Cirillo World for the past 20 years.  He is also an adjunct professor at Fordham University and New York University. 

Follow John on Twitter @JohnnySportsman

 

 

Relay Reflections…

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… and Hope Following the 10th Annual Relay for Life of Chappaqua     

Article and Photo by Gillian Hand

On May 20th, the field in front of Bell Middle School was transformed. Tents and tables sprung up across the property as Greeley students prepared to spend the night at one of the most anticipated fundraising events of the year: the 10th Annual Relay for Life of Chappaqua. All night long, these participants would walk in support of cancer patients, raising money for research and fostering hope for a world without cancer.

The dedication to finding a cure runs strong in this American Cancer Society event, bringing communities together across the globe and right here in Chappaqua. Although no words can do it justice, this Relay for Life slogan is a true testament to the nature and goals of this inspiring event: “Celebrate. Remember. Fight back.”

2017 marked the tenth year of Chappaqua’s participation in Relay for Life. For one decade, students at Horace Greeley High School have come together to raise money for cancer research and have walked the track throughout the night in support of all those who have been touched by cancer. This year, the reconstruction of the Greeley track and field facilities prompted the event’s move to downtown Chappaqua.

While this would mark the first year that the fundraiser would be held anywhere but the Greeley property, the new location of Bell Middle School enhanced community involvement and inspired increased participation of local merchants and residents. Although the Bell facilities do not include a track, committee members from the Greeley club worked throughout the day to prepare the grounds for the fundraiser and mimic the setup of past years. While it was certainly a change from the previous events held at Greeley, the Chappaqua administration partnered with the Relay for Life of Chappaqua executive board to help ease the transition and make the event the great success it has been in the past.

I served on the Relay planning committee and executive board throughout my four years at Greeley. Behind the scenes, this dedicated Greeley club prepares for the event throughout the year, organizes the setup and cleanup of the event grounds, and works tirelessly to ensure that the night runs smoothly. It has been an honor to not only take part in such an inspiring and worthy event, but to also lend a personal hand in the successful planning and execution of the fundraiser. Each year, I have been privileged to watch the event grow and develop at every stage, present for everything from the early months of planning to the sun rising over the field after a night of walking.

Relay for Life is extraordinary. By rallying behind friends or family members touched by the disease or simply staying the night despite heavy rain or cold temperatures, these students prove themselves year after year as true supporters of the cause. It is incredible to see students, families, Greeley faculty members, and other Chappaqua residents coming together in hope and support; Relay for Life of Chappaqua has shown me how successful we can be when we unite behind a common goal. Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer in some way, and with an event like Relay, the entire community can work together to foster change and progress in cancer research. While I am looking forward to continuing my participation in college, I am excited to watch Relay for Life of Chappaqua continue to grow and succeed. 

At the time of the writing of this article, the 2017 Relay for Life of Chappaqua had raised over $170,000 for the American Cancer Society, and this number will only go up. Relay for Life is something that both Greeley and Chappaqua as a whole can be proud of.

To donate to Relay for Life of Chappaqua, visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY17EA?pg=entry&fr_id=79440.

 

Inside Press Intern Gillian Hand is a senior at Greeley.

Excitement Builds for Chappaqua’s 2017 Memorial Day Parade: A Preview

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By Justin Ellick

At a prior Victory Corners Ceremony which immediately preceeds the town’s Memorial Day parade: Town of New Castle Grand Marshal Jim McCauley, with Temple Beth El’s Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe, girls and Girl Scouts participating

Memorial Day weekend is commonly looked at as the official kick-off of summer. Things are no different in Chappaqua, as families across the township are already in the throes of another fun and activity-filled weekend.

But there is a uniqueness when it comes to Memorial Day weekend in New Castle as opposed to anywhere else. There is a distinct excitement we all feel about living in a community that holds an annual world class parade that in recent years has attracted key public officials like Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Assemblyman David Buchwald, County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz, and, of course, Chappaqua’s most famous couple, Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Whatever the year or the turnout, the meaning of Memorial Day and why we celebrate it is always first and foremost in the hearts and minds of New Castle residents on this special weekend.

“Memorial Day is a day to pay tribute to all the military men and women who have died fighting for our freedom,” said New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein of the festivities.

“Those who gave their lives represent all different races, religions and backgrounds. Let’s honor and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting four our founding principles and use the opportunity to promote diversity, inclusion and love,” continued Greenstein. “I encourage all members of the community to bring signs that symbolize the diversity, inclusion and quest for peace that those soldiers America lost had fought so valiantly to preserve. And, because we will have our armed forces and veterans joining us, let’s show our honored guests what we stand for.”

The parade will commence at 10:30 a.m. on the corner of Bedford Road and King Street for the “Victory Corners” Ceremony, in which the Grand Marshal will call the parade to attention. At this moment the march will start, as the parade will move off Ridgewood Terrace and down into the heart of Chappaqua, eventually coming to a stop at the Chappaqua Train station at around 11:30 a.m. This is where the “Memorial Plaza” Ceremony will be held, in which the Marshal will again bring the parade to attention for Invocation, as well as for various recognitions, readings, speakers, performers, and eventually the dismissal of the parade entirely.

The line of March will consist of the middle and high school bands, town board members, youth sports organizations, volunteer groups, and of course the veterans we’re meant to honor, among other participants as well. Many attendees and visitors to town will also be on the lookout for Chappaqua’s celebrated neighbors, “the Clintons,” and perhaps in particular for 2016 Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Hillary Clinton & Gov. Cuomo at the 2012 Memorial Day Parade in Chappaqua Photo Credit: Grace Bennett/Inside Press 

It’s not confirmed whether  Clinton, who is a resident of Chappaqua, will indeed make an appearance this year at the parade, but the fact that she hasn’t missed it in 11 years gives some hope to her followers in the area that might be trying to catch a glimpse of the former Secretary of State.  Regardless of who is marching, Monday promises to be a special day here in Chappaqua, as we celebrate the beginning of summer and the lives of those who paid the ultimate price so we can enjoy it in peace and freedom.

Greeley grad Justin Ellick, who has completed a junior year majoring in Media and Communications Major at Ursinus College in Philadelphia, joins Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines for a second internship this summer.

 

 

Corelab Armonk Brings the Megaformer to Your Backyard

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This summer, let Corelab Armonk be your workout of choice. Opened in late fall, Corelab Armonk has steadily been gaining a following with its Megaformer workout.  The studio offers a boutique-like setting with just seven of the Megaformer M3S machines to ensure that you get the most out of your workout.

Since its inception, the Megaformer has been creating ripples in the fitness world, developing a cult-like following not just locally, but internationally, with celebrities regularly turning up for their fix. In just 50 minutes, the Megaformer gives you a full body, high intensity yet low impact workout, that will leave you sweating and shaking while minimizing wear and tear on your joints.

The Megaformer was created by fitness guru Sebastien Lagree back in 2005, to combine the benefits of Pilates with the strength elements of bodybuilding.  According to Lagree, “Physical fitness is more than being able to run a long distance or lift heavy weights at the gym; or how long you worked out or at what intensity. While these are important measures of fitness, they only address single areas. Physical fitness is made up of five basic elements: cardio, strength, endurance, body composition, and flexibility.”

How does the Megaformer get all these elements into just 50 minutes?  The workout combines the spring-loaded resistance of the Megaformer with slow and controlled movements allowing precision in form as well as minimizing impact on joints, while quickly and effectively bringing your muscles to fatigue and boosting your heartrate. The use of slow and controlled movements is key as it taps into your slow twitch muscles fibers, increasing endurance and setting you up for a post-exercise fat burn, while creating a lean and toned physique.

 

It is these elements that drew Kimberly Holzmann-Krolick, founder of Corelab Armonk, to the workout back in 2008 while living in London. After returning to the States and training with Lagree in Los Angeles, Holzmann-Krolick opened her first studio, Corelab, in Katonah in 2013. Seeing firsthand the results of this workout on her own physique and then with her clients, she wanted to continue to grow the Corelab community in Northern Westchester.  According to Holzmann-Krolick, “Though the Megaformer is the hot workout these days, it has been around for well over a decade, and has only improved with time. What appeals to me most about this workout, is the long-term implications for your health and the inherent intelligence of the workout in building strength and endurance alongside balance and flexibility, but not compromising safety and limiting the chance of injury. It has absolutely amazing cross-training benefits for whatever sport you do, with our skiers and running clients swearing by it and is as good for men as it is women. It is the smartest full body workout I have encountered and one that I intend to do in some iteration well into my eighties.”

 

Corelab Armonk has morning, evening and weekend classes as well as offering private sessions.  The studio offers a first class free to all new clients. This summer, Corelab Armonk will offer discounts to students and will be running various events throughout the summer.  To sign up for a class, or get additional information checkout the website at www.corelabny.com. 

 

Corelab Armonk, 475 Main Street, Armonk, NY. Telephone: 914-401-4235. Website: www.corelabny.com Email: info@corelabny.com

Prevention Advice Regarding Ticks and Lyme Disease

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from a Global Lyme Alliance Forum held at the Chappaqua Library to Spread Awareness

By Justin Ellick

Chappaqua, NY—The Global Lyme Alliance recently held a forum at the Chappaqua Library offering tips to the audience on how to prevent Lyme disease from the get-go. The forum was sponsored by the Town of New Castle’s recently formed Health and Wellness Committee.

The Global Lyme Alliance, which was originally formed by the merger between the Lyme Research Alliance and the Tick-Borne Disease Alliance, is a leading private nonprofit organization across the United States that is dedicated to finding a cure and more accurate testing for the disease. Today, the Global Lyme Alliance has gained national recognition for its commitment to shifting the course of Lyme disease. They’ve accomplished this by funding ground-breaking research, while also expanding education programs for the public and physicians.

While it’s possible to to catch the subtle disease in its early stages,” said Global Lyme Alliance Board Member Derin Walden, “in many cases, the disease can be active for months before it becomes noticeable.”

“Lyme disease wasn’t even a thought,” continued Walden when she spoke at the forum. “There was no tick-bite or rash and it just did not occur to either myself or my doctor. After three to four months of my symptoms just rapidly increasing, with the help of the internet, I finally approached my doctor and asked her to test me for Lyme disease.”

As Walden pointed out when she spoke, there was no rash or infamous bulls-eye mark to provide her with a red flag. As a matter of fact, fewer than half of the people who contract the disease ever develop a rash or a bulls-eye, which has historically served as the universal way to tell whether you’ve caught Lyme or not.

Because of this, it’s important for people to be somewhat educated when it comes to the several possible symptoms of Lyme besides just the rash, as well as adopting safe and efficient techniques to prevent the disease altogether.

The forum was of special import to parents in Chappaqua, as attendees learned from the Global Lyme Alliance presentation that children are at the greatest risk for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. The presentation also offered several prevention tips for parents to implement into their daily lives, as ticks can be a problem all year round, not just in the spring and summer months. One technique the Alliance recommended was to apply EPA-approved repellents like DEET or permethrin to clothing, skin, and shoes as directed. One audience member at the forum shared her experience using one of these repellents, which she says works great for her and her kids.

“I spray my kids’ baseball bags, knapsacks, winter coats, basically their entire wardrobe”, said the Chappaqua mother. “Once it’s dry, the repellent can last up to six weeks. It’s really saved me and my family a lot of stress when it comes to ticks and Lyme disease.”

Besides equipping parents with prevention techniques and tips, the Global Lyme Alliance has also developed a curriculum called “It’s Time to Be Lyme Alert” so that kids of all ages can learn about the disease in a fun and interactive way. The curriculum was designed by the Alliance in partnership with educators to be shared with kids while in the classroom, at camp, or any other youth-focused organizations. The program, available in three age-group levels, includes a student workbook that outlines the objectives and key talking points, along with a supporting teachers’ guide.

Parents and children alike need to learn more about Lyme disease, how to recognize early symptoms and how to prevent it, especially because medical professionals are still learning about it themselves; it’s vital to be vigilant or yourself and your children, the speaker urged.  “We want people to be able to recognize early symptoms so that they can be their own advocate when it comes to the disease. Medical professionals are now learning more and more about these tick-borne illnesses, but you have to be your own advocate for yourself and for your kids.”  For more information, visit www.globallymealliance.org

Greeley grad Justin Ellick, who has completed a junior year majoring in Media and Communications Major at Ursinus College in Philadelphia, joins Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines for a second internship this summer.