The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

Special Display for Jewish War Veterans at Riverside Memorial Chapel

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The Weichselbaum-Frank Post 42 of the Jewish War Veterans was founded on June 1, 1932 and, this year, celebrated their 80th Anniversary. The management and staff at Riverside Memorial Chapel worked tirelessly to plan and host an 80th Anniversary Celebration for Post 42 achieving this milestone.

In addition to the celebration, they created a Dedication Plaque for all the Past Post Commanders. Also, Post 42 had provided Riverside Memorial Chapel with military artifacts that had no home, to be put on permanent display at the funeral home. They have dedicated a section of the funeral home as the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, Hall of Heroes. It was very moving to watch attendees walk through the Museum.

States David Alpert, senior vice president of Riverside Memorial Chapel: “Thanks to the Jewish War Veterans we are able to preserve for all time dignity and independence of our nation. As we celebrate Jewish War Veterans Weichselbaum-Frank Post 42 80th Anniversary we at Riverside Memorial Chapel we must remember  what Jewish War Veterans did so we can reap the blessings of Freedom!  That is why Riverside Memorial Chapel set up this museum!”

Small Business Saturday is November 24

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Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to helping small businesses and their communities. Small Business Saturday is a day to shop at stores owned by our friend & neighbors.

Our local businesses are owned by people who live in our community, and are more invested in our community’s future. Our local businesses are more likely to donate to local nonprofit groups, support other local vendors and provide other services to their communities. Our local businesses often provide better service. They have a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers. Our local businesses are more responsive to their customer’s needs. They select products based on the needs of their local customers.

On Saturday, Nov 24th let’s get out & Shop Small. Let’s do our part for the stores that do so much for us. Let’s make this the biggest day of the year for Small Business.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Community Meal

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The Chappaqua Interfaith Council will hold its annual Thanksgiving Service at St. John and St. Mary’s Catholic Church (30 Poillon Road, Chappaqua) on Sunday, November 18 at 4 pm. A community meal will follow the interfaith service.  Everyone in the community is welcome. Prayers, readings, music and song will be performed by members of all the participating faith communities. The Kittle House will again provide the turkey for the community meal and other local stores and individuals are contributing additional food items. There is no charge for this event. This is the seventh year that the Chappaqua Interfaith Council has offered a meal following the service. Last year over 400 guests attended both the service and the dinner.  This event is an opportunity for the residents of New Castle and to give thanks for the bounties in our lives and to share this experience with our neighbors and friends.

This year the Council will accept tax-deductible donations on behalf of Open Door Family Medical Center to assist in reaching their goal of $3000 to purchase vital signs monitoring equipment. According to Desta Lakew, Open Doors’s Director of Development, “These automated devices check blood, pressure, temperature and heart rates in the exam rooms and are connected to our electronic management system.  Donations of non-perishable foods will also be accepted on behalf of the Interfaith Emergency Food Pantry in Pleasantville, which serves the elderly, disabled, and other needy clients from several surrounding communities, including Chappaqua, Hawthorne, Millwood, and Thornwood.

The Chappaqua Interfaith Council includes representatives, both lay and clergy, from the following eight faith communities: Baha’is of New Castle; Chappaqua Friends Meeting; The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Episcopal; First Congregational Church; Lutheran Church of our Redeemer; St. John and St. Mary’s Catholic Church; Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester and the Upper Westchester Muslim Society.

For further information, please contact Candace Downing, 914 419-7216 or candiedow9@gmail.com.

Shots of MHA Westchester’s Response in the Aftermath of the Storms

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These past weeks have been tumultuous for everyone including the many MHA Westchester clients living all over the county. Through it all, MHA staff has continued to meet and be available to all clients, including those in supported houses, adult homes, clinics and the Sterling Community Center. It has been business as usual­­-yet there was nothing usual about it. Here, some of the week’s powerful stories . . . .

  • ACT, our mobile treatment team, flashlights in hands found that a number of clients they visited had barricaded themselves in their homes.  Fearful in the dark and the cold, cut off from news, their worry and anxiety was amplified.  Said one of the team: “I know it is the trusting relationship we have built through many visits that finally helped them relax and open their doors.”  Once inside, staff assessed food, medication and other needs.
  •  On one visit, our psychiatric nurse discovered that a client hadn’t eaten in two and a half days because all shops nearby were closed. She drove to a friend’s deli where several sandwiches were procured for a very grateful man.
  • A case manager received a call at 11:30pm from one client, saying, “I’m scared!” She was so glad to receive the call; glad he reached out and shared what was happening so she could help.
  • Another case manager reported that some clients turned inward, experiencing secondary trauma and the return of very difficult symptoms. When necessary, additional medications were prescribed. One staff person drove to a pharmacy several towns away because the local one had no power.
  • One of our newer nurses shared, “I have worked in many places, but I have never met so many good-hearted, caring people as here at MHA.”
  • Yet another said: “I stocked my car with extra jackets from my own home because I knew several clients didn’t have one.”
  • From our Long Term Care Ombudsmen Program (LTCOP) we learned that one nursing home had lost power and 75 residents were moved to hotels and motels.
  • When the phones went down at two clinics, the staff at central intake stepped up. Calls were rerouted to the main office and cell phones used so that the clinics could continue to operate.
  • Staff arranged transportation and shelter for residents who lost power at one of our supported houses–some went to a shelter, others to family.

All of these responses and more executed by MHA staff each of whom had their own challenges and family needs resulting from Sandy–yet put their clients first. For more information about MHA Westchester or referrals, go to www.mhawestchester.org  or call 914-345-5900.

MHA’s holiday gift program, Operation Holiday Joy, is underway. If you would like to participate, write development@mhawestchester or call Connie Moustakas at 914-345-5900 x 7511.

TRICK-OR-TREAT CANCELLED – AND STORM UPDATES

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Storm Updates & Continuing Humanitarian Efforts
by Local Merchants

Just a reminder, downtown trick-or-treating was cancelled this year. Many merchants have been giving candy out all week and are now out of candy, and done with trick or treating. Right now, our merchants are really just focused on getting their stores up and running for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Holiday season. Thank you for understanding.

Many of Chappaqua & Millwood merchants are lending a hand to help areas hit harder by the devastating storm Sandy. Many of our local merchants are rising up, dusting themselves off, and now want to assist others. Here are a few of our merchant members who are helping to coordinate relief efforts.

Storm update
About 1,700 customers are still waiting for power in New Castle Friday morning, 12 days after Hurricane Sandy stormed through town. New Castle has 1,856 homes without power. 6,374 have been restored. Today there will be 14 restoration crews working in New Castle with 33 bucket trucks and 78 utility workers. Crews will be working at the following areas.

Ludlow
Seven Bridges
Turner Dr
Northbridge Terrace
Hardscrabble Rd
Quaker Rd
White Oak Lane
Saw Mill River Rd
Saddle Ridge Rd

Folks, I realize many are still without power. Hopefully, all 6,574 Con Edison customers in New Castle will soon have power – INCLUDING ME! But, I wanted to take a moment to say that over the past 12 days we have seen our residents rise to the occasion. Whether to check on a neighbor, welcome guests to your homes, or come to the aid of those communities hit harder, this is what strong communities do! The Chamber of Commerce did our best to keep you informed. We provided you with important contact information to help restore power, advised you when stores were re-opening, provided storm updates & helped coordinate relief efforts (listed below). If you would like to receive updates, offers and stay connected with The Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, please click HERE. And, lastly, please remember to………………………….

 

GET REEL PRODUCTIONS

Linda Kallner has spent these disaster days helping the Town of New Castle get out its updates on Con Ed’s recovery efforts. Here’s the latest-an update by Supervisor Susan Carpenter and an interview with County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz, speaking to Scott Reilly of Prescriptions for Fitness-who’s still without power.
Click here for video.

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Chappaqua Wellness Center is COLLECTING AND DISTRIBUTING (to Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens) supplies that have been specifically requested. The collection will end Thurs morning.   We DO NOT need any more clothes….We need BATH TOWELS!!!!!

We will be sorting between 3:30-4:30 if anyone wants to join us.  We will have a box truck in the back of the parking lot of 400 king street.

NO FOOD EXCEPT WATER
Bath towels
Blankets
Candles
Flashlights
***Batteries***
Diapers / Wipes
Work gloves and Rubber Gloves
*Rubber Boots*
Masks
Bleach and cleaning supplies
Serving dishes and Utensils

You can check our website at Theminicook.com for updated info on current supplies needed
Chappaqua Wellness
400 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Jen.cook@mac.com
914-299-9165

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Le Jardin Du Roi is collecting non-perishable food.
Food being collected:

Dry Cereal
Granola Bars
Energy Bars
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Bread
Tooth Paste
Water
Gatorade
Nuts
Dried Fruit

Drop items off at Le Jardin between now and Thursday evening.  The truck will be  leaving Chappaqua on Friday morning.  So food needs to be at the restaurant Thursday evening.  This collection of food will be delivered to Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens.

(Although Joe didn’t want me to mention this, he is taking part in restaurant week.  It started yesterday & actually lasts 2 weeks.    Enjoy a 3 course lunch for $20.95, and a 3 course dinner for $29.25.  And don’t forget the canned goods.)

Le Jardin du Roi
95 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514-3470
914-238-1368
www.lejardinchappaqua.com

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THE HEALTHY CHOICE COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

The Healthy Choice Compounding Pharmacy is collecting funds to buy needed products such as soap, diapers, toliet paper, depends, baby wipes, cleaning products, batteries, etc. They are buying the products at cost from their wholesaler, and matching funds at 50% up to $2,000 of donations. They have already collected over $500.00, which means with their $250 match, they were able to purchase $750.00 of needed items.

The Healthy Choice Compounding Pharmacy
6 South Greeley Ave
Chappaqua, NY 10514
914-238-1700
http://www.thehealthychoice.net

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Aurora is a collection point for gift cards being gathered by local mom Lori Morton for areas around Barnegat, NJ where she grew up.

At Aurora today (Election Day) customers will be given an immediate store credit for cards or cash they donate, up to $25.  Cards most needed are Shoprite, Kohls, Walmart.

Contact Dawn at 914-263-5566 with questions. $725 raised on Monday!

Aurora
1 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514
914-238-8050
www.aurorafair.com

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King’s Scribe is collecting money and supplies for Pets Alive Westchester which is located in Elmsford.

They’ve been bringing up animals from badly hit areas in the city from New York City Animal Care & Control . They desperately need funds and supplies to help carry the influx of new animals–a cat just gave birth to a litter of 5 + kittens, and dog is due to whelp any day! The animals in the city will be euthanized if they can’t be helped by other shelters.

Monetary donations can be made out to Pets Alive Westchester and below is a list of supplies that are always needed there:

Kitten Food
Baby Food
Pureed Meats WITHOUT onions, garlic or salt
High-efficiency Laundry Detergent
Paper Towels
Fabuloso
Scrubby Sponges
Hand Sanitizer
Liquid Hand Soap
Scented Candles
Garbage Bags (45 gallon black trash bags and white tall kitchen bags)
Ziploc Baggies (gallon size)
Purina Cat Chow
Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry and Wet Dog Food
Rabbit Pellets
Glucosamine supplements (Dasuquin, Cosequin, Nupro, Glycoflex)
Small Size Dog Treats and Biscuits
Kuranda Dog Beds
Kuranda Cat Towers

King’s Scribe
1 King St
Chappaqua, NY 10514
914-861-2799
info@kingsscribe.com
www.kingsscribe.com

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The Millwood Volunteer Fire Department has teamed up with NYPD and FDNY for a drive that continues until Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.

Items needed include:
Canned foods, pasta, clothes, toiletries, hygiene products, diapers, baby food, blankets and water

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at the Millwood Firehouse #1 at 60 Millwood Rd.

All items will be sent to Queens and Staten Island for FDNY and NYPD members that have lost everything during Hurricane Sandy. All additional items will be distributed to local organizations in need.

You may bring donations to the Millwood Firehouse Tuesday 11/06 9AM-1230PM and Wednesday 11/07, 8AM to 1PM

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Inside Chappaqua Aiding Food Bank of Westchester.

It’s one thing to be without power following this storm. Quite another to combine that kind of stress with hunger. With that thought in mind… Inside Chappaqua is earmarking a minimum of $1000 from its advertising revenue in the upcoming Winter 2012/13 edition to the Food Bank of Westchester. “Every $1 donated to the Food Bank enables us to bring $4 worth of food to families to soup kitchens and food pantries in the county,” states Katy Coppinger, senior director of development for the Food Bank . Thank you in advance to all the sponsors who help make an Inside Chappaqua Magazine donation possible. Readers can help too with a voluntary or gift subscription of $24 to Inside Chappaqua Magazine, P.O. Box 643, Millwood, NY 10546.  At this time, Inside Chappaqua will donate HALF of your subscription dollars from now to January 15, 2013 over any such subscription to that $1,000 amount to the Food Bank as well.

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ANN L. HERRERO – EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR

The Horace Greeley Class of 2016 is having a fundraiser, a Pasta Dinner preceding HGHS’s performance of GYPSY, next Friday, Nov 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (performance begins at 8). They’re raising funds for future class activities and the hurricane relief effort.
Best Regards, Ann

Ann Herrero, CFP®
Financial Advisor
ann.hererro@edwardjones.com
914-238-3137

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DESIRES BY MIKOLAY

For anyone that is affected by Hurricane Sandy, we hope you, your family, and friends are safe. We understand first-hand how difficult a time this can be. We are back up and running as of this past Monday, and would like to extend our warm conference room to any community member who would like to utilize it-whether it be for work or an after-school place to read. We are offering complimentary cappuccino, sparkling water, wine & light fare. We appreciate all the good wishes and support we received while we were closed due to the storm. Our most sincerest thanks, as it did help to get us through a trying time. For your convenience, we will be open Mondays 10-6 the month of November & December. Our dedicated customer care team is here to help you if you have any questions. Please contact us at info@desiresbymikolay.com and a team member will be in touch as soon as possible. We’re deeply touched by how our community – which includes you – has come together during this extremely difficult time. Our thoughts remain with you.

Desires by Mikolay
55 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514
tara@desiresbymikolay.com
914.522.5854

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ELEGANCE II

Don’t forget about our Furry Friends! Elegance II is a drop-off point for collecting donations for our local SPCA in Briarcliff Manor. The SPCA is accepting: gift cards (Target), blankets, towels, wet and dry food for both cats and dogs. They prefer Pedigree for dogs and Friskies for cats. Elegance II is open Tues-Sat 11am-5pm. Pick up a can of animal food when you stop at the Grocery Store and drop it off at Elegance II, 75 South Greeley Ave in Chappaqua-directly across from Wells Fargo. You can go to their website to donate directly to them: http://www.spca914.org/ Don’t forget, the most important thing is to adopt!!!
However, giving is the next best option!
Here is a link to the SPCA “wishlist” online: http://www.spca914.org/files/01092010wishlist.pdf

Elegance II
75 South Greeley Avenue
Chappaqua, NY 10514
(914) 238-3341
www.elegance2.com

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THE CRECCO COMPANIES TEAM

The news from the East Coast has been devastating. We have heard many stories about people in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean severely affected by Hurricane Sandy, many of them still desperate for help. Our hearts go out to those who have lost family members and friends, those still without food, gas and electricity, and those beginning the long process of rebuilding their homes and lives. Many Houzzers from all over the world have offered their sympathy, support and help. In tough times, it is good to know that you are not alone. If you were in the hurricane’s path please let us know how you’re doing.
Please go to this link for some helpful information: http://www.houzz.com/sandy

CRECCO GROUP REMODELING INC
871 Commerce Street
Thornwood, NY 10594
914-747-1152 http://www.creccoremodeling.com/

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Temple Beth El is holding a community-wide supply collection to distribute to some of the many communities hard hit by Hurricane Sandy, and will be accepting the following donations:

Food Items
baby food, boxed milk and coffee creamer; canned fruits and vegetables; raisins, prunes, dried fruit and nuts, and peanut butter; canned meat and fish; cereal, cookies, and crackers; pasta, rice, and instant potatoes; coffee, teas, and hot chocolate; soup and tomato sauce; ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise; vinegar, oil, and salad dressings

Personal Care Items
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, diapers, wipes, baby formula, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene, soap

Gently-Used Warm Clothing (all ages)
Winter jackets, sweatshirts, pants, hats, gloves, scarves, shoes, sneakers, socks, pajamas, new underwear

Other Essentials
Blankets, Batteries, Flashlights, cleaning supplies

For collection hours, please bring to TBE today through Friday 9-5 and Sunday 9-12.
Volunteers are welcome on Sunday at 12:00 to assist in sorting the donations and loading the truck, which will then be ready to move items to disaster relief sites and distribution centers in the tri-state area.  The Temple will make as many trips as possible, and is looking for drivers on Sunday or Monday.

Please email Diane Thaler at dianethaler@yahoo.com if you are able to drive or if you have any questions.

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And if you are still without power (like me!), please keep calling & emailing the below elected officials, keep the pressure on:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
(518) 474-8390
gov.cuomo@chamber.state.ny.us

US Congresswoman Nita Lowey
914-428-1707
https://lowey.house.gov/contact-form

NYS Assemblyman Robert Castelli
914-686-7335
castellir@assembly.state.ny.us

County Executive Robert P. Astorino
914- 995-2900
ce@westchestergov.com

Westchester County Legislator Michael B. Kaplowitz
914-995-2848
kaplowitz1@earthlink.com

Supervisor Susan Carpenter
scarpenter@town.new-castle.ny.us

Deputy Supervisor Elise Mottel
ekmottel@town.new-castle.ny.us

Board member Jason Chapin
Jchapin@town.new-castle.ny.us

Board member Robin Stout
rstout@town.new-castle.ny.us

Board member John Buckley
jbuckley@town.new-castle.ny.us

Town Administrator Penny Paderewski
ppaderew@town.new-castle.ny.us

David R. LaBombard
New York State Department of State
Division of Consumer Protection
518-486-2204
David.LaBombard@dps.ny.gov