The Inside Press

Festivals Galore and a Stand Out “Making Strides Boutique”

By Grace Bennett

I was feeling very proud of our town all through an especially spectacular fall with so many merchants and mom and resident volunteers too…working so hard to create a sense of vibrancy and excitement about this New Castle neighborhood we call home.

First, there was Community Day, an always fun event sponsored by the Rotary Club. Then, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, which was positively epic and reported on in our last few editions!

On the heels of that came the ICD Jewelry 2nd Annual Fall Festival on October 26 sponsored by the Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce–also drawing visitors to town from near and far. Being an apple cake and pie lover, I was thrilled to participate as a judge of the apple pie contest.

“Shop for a Cause”

As I strolled through town after, up and down Greeley and onto lower King Street, my ultimate goal was to make my way into the 5th annual Houlihan Lawrence, “Shop For A Cause-Making Strides Boutique.” The real estate office was transformed into a boutique atmosphere decorated in pink; vendors displayed their wares as Chappaqua residents shopped to support this important fundraising effort.

Local area merchants generously donated raffle prizes. This year the raffle prizes included gift certificates, gift baskets, an Ipad Mini, 39” flat screen tv, jewelry, and this year’s grand prize:  a one-week vacation stay at Stonegate Cottage, Block Island.  “We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It was our pleasure to help raise money for such an important cause” remarked Real Estate agent Wendy Nolan. She and husband Michael own the Block Island property. This year, over $7,600 was raised from the boutique. Social media also played an important role to help spread the word about the event. Agents reached out to their clients and friends via 
Facebook and Twitter. “When someone thanks you for the opportunity to support such a worthy cause, you know you are making a difference,” notes Jeanne Coon. If you would like to be a part of the Boutique next year, write to: jcoon@houlihanlawrence.com

Apple Pie Contest Winners

Cake/Tart:
1st: Emily Haft Bloom
2nd: Francis Baccay

Crumble:
1st: Stephanie Puszka
2nd: Hannah Rosenberg
3rd: Satchel Davidson

Traditional Pie:
1st: Grace Baccay
2nd: Teresa Shen
3rd: Gabby Resnick