The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

Connecting & Connections

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crocussesThe Armonk Chamber of Commerce* recently promoted an event about nurturing connections in business. That got me thinking about connections I routinely observe during my visits to and around the North Castle community. I witness a vibrant neighborhood with a great deal of activity in the downtown. In and around the beautiful Square are wonderful meeting points for anyone getting together for coffee or lunch, or after work, for dinner and/or a drink, for deepening friendship ties, or perhaps solidifying the marital bond!

A centrally located Supermarket builds connections too as shoppers see a neighbor they may have missed seeing and so, it’s a rare chance to say hello, and enjoy an old connection. The smaller gourmet shops beckon you to grab another opportunity to step out and say hello. I see customers happily engaged with shopkeepers in the new stores opening up and down Main Street, a sign of a robust economy–heartening.

I see real estate agents scurrying busily from their offices to their cars with prospective residents in their efforts to bring more happy homeowners here. These agents offer a window into the kind of future connections possible and unique to this area. I read about two wonderful bat mitzvah projects that create connections between people with big hearts and those who stand to benefit from them. And finally, I read too about the connections between first responders and the community at large. If I could toast Mother’s Day with you, it would be to life’s vital connections. They are truly everything.

*Consider attending a major community connection builder: the Chamber’s May 12th Citizen of the Year Award Ceremony–this year to the one and only Sam Morell.

Food, Glorious Wholeshare Food

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Robin Murphy
Robin Murphy

By Michall Jeffers Photos by Carolyn Simpson/Doublevision Photographers

Robin Murphy is a dynamo. Watch her directing the Chappaqua Moms Wholeshare Group, and you’d swear she’s triplets. Volunteers are busy checking lists, arranging goods, and preparing the products members will pick up in just a couple of hours. It’s a whirlwind of activity, and through it all, Robin greets everyone with a smile and a kind word, never losing her cool.

Those closest to Robin know she’s interested in feeding people, but not her own ego. She’s quick to point out that she’s not the only person integral to the project, and especially credits Debbie Rogers as her co-coordinator. She notes, “There are no titles at Wholeshare. It’s strictly community based, and wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers.”

Robin has lived in Chappaqua on and off since 1990. Born in Great Neck, she attended the prestigious University of Michigan. She’s almost 50, and the mom of daughters Ellie, a 20-year-old Greeley graduate, and enterprising eight-year-old Iphigene; but Robin has the energy and enthusiasm of a teenager, especially when she’s discussing her CMWG endeavor.

“Our Wholeshare Group started on the Chappaqua Moms Facebook page as a result of a conversation about what our town really needs,” she explains. “I began researching organic produce sources and came across Wholeshare. While I realized that it isn’t ideal for an individual family’s purchases, I knew it would work well if even just a few families joined together. I never expected it to grow so big so quickly!”

At the Wholeshare distribution site, from left to right: Ilene Popkin, Debbie Rogers, Robin Murphy, Linda McGetrick and Nancy Silver. Photos by Carolyn Simpson
At the Wholeshare distribution site, from left to right: Ilene Popkin, Debbie Rogers, Robin Murphy, Linda McGetrick and Nancy Silver. Photos by Carolyn Simpson

Robin continues, “Despite our name, “Chappaqua Moms Wholeshare Group,” we have many members from Pleasantville, Briarcliff, Yorktown and towns as far south as Hartsdale and as far north as Danbury. Most of the members are women, but we do have some men in the mix, too.”

Chappaqua Moms are no shrinking violets, and everyone enjoys voicing an opinion. As Teresa Bueti notes, “The whole group is pretty smart-you should see the research we post on recipes, dietary issues, and farming practices.”

Danae Richards, named for a Greek goddess, agrees and cheerfully keeps working. Nancy Silver is almost too busy to chat, but Pleasantville’s Jennifer Frawley raves about the “Fresh food at great prices.”

Of course, there is a down side to all this wonderful food. Slender though she is, Michelle Hecht asserts, “There have been times when I’ve picked up my order and discovered I had Camembert, French baguettes, and duck pate, but no one here is complaining! Robin tells us to beware of The Wholeshare 15.”

Old and new adherents converse easily. Kimber Frank, a founding member since 2014, smiles as she remembers ordering a full case of milk, not realizing it would contain 18 half gallons. “We freeze a lot,” she laughs, recalling a split of duck bacon, and musing that several ladies have bought second home freezers.

Carolyn Ramsey fondly relates, “My favorite features are the large lots, and discovering new products. I’d never even heard about purple organic sweet potatoes. Now, I love them.” Four of her friends have followed Carolyn’s lead, and joined, too.”

When Wholeshare members get overly enthusiastic and there’s just too much for one family, sharing and donating are the order of the day. It’s important to Robin and friends that “We also contribute food and funds to Hillside Food Outreach–a really wonderful organization that’s dedicated to delivering food to those in Westchester, Putnam and Fairfield who aren’t only challenged financially, but physically as well. We happily donate food to other community events and neighbors who are having hard times.

Equally important is the value of supporting individual farmers and finding out how much they do to make sure that their products are safe, cruelty free, and that their methods contribute to the preservation of the soil and the environment.

In addition to her dedication as mom and CMWG leader, Robin and her husband own Maid Brigade, which has been a pioneer in green technology for the home cleaning industry.

There’s an old saying: If you want something done, ask a busy woman. If you want something done that’s fun, healthy, and good for the planet, ask Robin Murphy.

Michall Jeffers writes about food and reviews restaurants, both in print and online. She and her husband, John Warner, are longtime Chappaqua residents.

Finding Hidden TREASURES in Armonk

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Treasures volunteers, from left to right: Chum Bogart, Nan Bircham and Amy Knoll Lashmet
Treasures volunteers, from left to right: Chum Bogart, Nan Bircham and Amy Knoll Lashmet

By Heather Skolnick • Photos by Beth Besen

Who doesn’t love a good bargain? The saying goes that it’s the thrill of the hunt, and that certainly rings true for those who love shopping at the Treasures Thrift Shop in Armonk. With an assortment as wide and varied as theirs, you never know what you might find on any given visit to the shop. From antiques to vintage to even brand new, the Treasures Thrift Shop has something on their shelves for everyone. They even have their own Facebook page!

Established in 1968, Treasures has now been a part of the Armonk community for 47 years. The shop satisfies many needs within Armonk, first and foremost of which is to direct 50% of the money raised to the charitable outreach organizations the Church supports. Mostly local organizations, these include the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, Friends of Karen, and the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry among others. Secondly, the shop provides a shopping venue affordable to most within a community where many boutiques cater to the more affluent. Thirdly, the Treasures website points out that the store also fosters comradery among the volunteers while working to support a common cause. And lastly, the Treasures Thrift Shop provides a local option for residents who wish to charitably donate some of their belongings with the hope that they find a new and loving home. Tax receipts are provided for all donations.

008Treasures dedicated “employees” are volunteers from the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. There are 12-15 people on staff to support the store’s hours from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., three days a week. The thrift shop is managed by Linda Ranieris. She joined the church about 30 years ago and shortly thereafter became involved in the shop precisely because it supports such meaningful causes. She compliments all her co-workers, saying that the store truly “has a terrific staff who all truly love working there.” After 30 years, it’s understandable that Linda would feel so strongly about Treasures and its people!

Amy Knoll Lashmet started as a customer and recently became one of the newer volunteers to join the thrift shop staff. She maintains the newly created Facebook page in addition to working in the shop. The page gets updated about once a week with images of current donated merchandise. 
Follow them on Facebook to stay abreast of their latest donated items!

Amy shared several wonderful anecdotes about the thrift shop. She says that Treasures is particularly special because of their customer base, saying “Treasures customers are crazy loyal!” She elaborates, “It’s amazing, the ladies who work there really have relationships with their customers that go back for years!” She also talks about the quality of the donations, citing several very high end donations recently made. Not surprisingly, one of said items was gone in under eight minutes! Amy recommends that if you see something you like, don’t wait–it may not be there on your next visit.
A recent customer was reduced to tears when she returned to buy an item, only to find that it had already sold.

012Shoppers have very positive feedback about the store. The merchandise is wonderful and eclectic, and the staff is welcoming and accommodating. Merchandise in the store ranges from housewares to clothing to tchotchkes and all donations must be in good, clean, saleable condition. Manager Linda says that while they are open three days a week, if someone would like to donate and those days don’t work, she will work to find an alternative time. Linda also accommodates merchandise requests! She gets phone calls looking for specific products and will follow up with customers if a desired item comes in.

Armonk resident Ann Pircio-Pardes saw their sign one day while driving. She decided to stop by to make a donation. She made a donation, and said of her visit, “Since I was there, I decided to poke around a bit. Much to my surprise, I found a few things at terrific prices!” Among the “treasures” she found that day were a pair of shoes, a skirt and a blouse. The experience of coming in to donate and walking out with a purchase is part of the magic of the Treasures Thrift Shop.

Manager Linda Ranieri (L) with volunteer Linda Catlin
Manager Linda Ranieri (L) with volunteer Linda Catlin

Another Treasures shopper is Maria Perpepaj who also lives in Armonk. Maria discovered the shop a few years after moving into the area. She has been a regular shopper there for approximately 5 years now and goes about twice a month. She says, “You can really find nice things at a bargain! The people who work there are lovely and the money I spend goes to a good cause.”

Maria has found several items to purchase there. Among her favorite purchases were a green St. John suit and a sterling silver spoon.

Lastly, completing the circle, anything that doesn’t sell in the Treasures Thrift Shop will get re-donated to another organization. Treasures Thrift Shop is located at 50 Bedford Road in Armonk. Stop by to make a donation, look for your very own pre-loved Treasure–or both!

Heather Skolnick, her husband and three children live in New Castle. Heather works for a major retailer where she designs systems and processes to support Omnichannel shopping. In her spare time, she loves to look for pre-loved treasures, and has begun imparting that love on her young children too!

Cassie Ward: Encouraging Us to Celebrate New Castle’s Vibrant History

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Millie Ignelzi Photo
Millie Ignelzi Photo

By Deborah Raider Notis

As we gear up for the monumental 50th anniversary of the New Castle Historical Society in 2016, the Historical Society is ushering in a new era of growth and revitalization. Starting with a new leader. This February, public historian Cassie Ward became the new Executive Director of the Historical Society.

Ward, who has a Masters in Public History from American University, is determined to ensure that the New Castle Historical Society remains socially relevant and inviting to the community. A native New Yorker, Ward returned north after working for the Heritage Educational Services Department of the National Park Services in Washington D.C. and Virginia’s 400-acre Longbranch Plantation. With years of experience planning special events, working on historical exhibits, and revamping the Longbranch Plantation’s historical museum, Ward is particularly excited about the opportunity to embrace New Castle’s rich and colorful history.

“More than anywhere I’ve ever lived or worked before, the spirit of volunteerism is strongest in New Castle. Everyone seems so involved in the community, and the community has been overwhelmingly welcoming,” raves Ward. As Executive Director, her key role is to manage the historical society and assist committees and volunteers as they plan events.

Almost 99 percent of the New Castle Historical Society is volunteer run, and Ward enthusiastically notes that the volunteers “do a tremendous job of making the Historical Society relevant. They invest their blood, sweat, and tears into the Society.” Many of the volunteers worked with the Historical Society for decades, and they are passionately committed to the future of this program. Ward is excited to leverage their knowledge as she enhances the programs.

ghost gownAs Executive Director, Ward wants the New Castle Historical Society to be a historical and cultural center. 
One challenge will be to keep the Historical Society active outside of the Horace Greeley House. Ward plans to build on the existing educational programs and outreach activities. She wants to revamp all of the amazing programs that already exist, including the annual house tours, the Victorian Valentine’s Tea for 2nd through 4th graders, and the Chappaqua Antique Show. Next October, the Antique Show will move from the Horace Greeley House to Bell Middle School.

Currently, the Horace Greeley House is housing three exhibits. A remarkable Wedding Gown exhibit details the history of the tradition of the wedding gown with gowns from the 20th and 21st century on display.

The Curiosities of Yesteryear exhibit is a hands-on display of everyday objects–from typewriters and oil lamps to candlestick telephones–that were used throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Finally, the Notable Neighbors in New Castle exhibit describes the history of the many famous residents of New Castle. 
Going forward, plans for an antique toys exhibit are being considered. Plus, the new executive director believes that the upcoming 2016 presidential election warrants a timely exhibit and potential discussion regarding the differences between the election process in 1872 and today.

cassie roomEncouraging children to become more involved in the history of New Castle is extremely important to Ward, who states, “For me as a historian, it is extremely important to create a new generation of historians so that we can continue the narrative.” Right now, second graders from Grafflin, Roaring Brook, and Westorchard visit the Horace Greeley House every year. She hopes to implement a story time program for young children at the Horace Greeley House. Ward wants to get children engaged at an early age so that they become invested in the vibrant history of New Castle.

And, Ward has several new ideas to energize the New Castle Historical Society. She hopes that 
the Historical Society will sponsor more walking tours throughout the town and park trails to highlight the rich history of New Castle. She would like to bring more speakers to the 
Horace Greeley House and the New Castle community.

Ward would like to team with local businesses to develop a Historical Happy Hour, during which participants attend a 20-minute presentation followed by socializing, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Ward also suggested a pet-focused community day, an event that was well attended when she worked at the Longbranch Plantation. Ultimately, the goal is to constantly engage the community on different levels and effectively relate to all New Castle residents.

“The New Castle Historical Society should provide services to the community that will get everyone excited about the history of New Castle,” says Ward. She hopes that the New Castle Historical Society can unite generations of community members.

And, finally, she wants to hear from the residents of New Castle. So stop in, introduce yourself, see everything that the Historical Society has to offer, and share your ideas with Cassie Ward, the new Executive Director of the New Castile Historical Society.

Deborah Raider Notis is a writer and co-owner of gamechanger, LLC. She lives near New Castle with her husband and their four boys.

The Impact of Girl AGain Empowering Young Women With Autism

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The White Plains store overflows with gently used American Girl doll merchandise.
The White Plains store overflows with gently used American Girl doll merchandise.

By Gillian Hand

At first glance, it might appear like any other store. Colorful merchandise, carefully handled and placed, lines the walls, and enthusiastic and knowledgeable workers greet you with a smile. You feel welcomed, and in the hands of experts.

But this is more than just a store. It is Yes She Can Inc.’s Girl AGain American Girl © resale boutique–a center of learning, progression and happiness for young women on the autism spectrum.

Preparing for the Workforce of the Future

Yes She Can Inc., founded by former corporate marketer Marjorie Madfis, provides these women with the training and education of business skills transferable to the competitive work world. Girl AGain taps into their passion for and expertise with American Girl products while creating a safe working environment, training them in the skills that will enable them to acquire and sustain employment.

Madfis found inspiration for Girl AGain in her daughter Isabelle, a teenage girl with autism. Though a fan of, and expert on, all things American Girl, the store in Manhattan posed the threat of sensory overload*. “What if I could create a mini version of the store?” Madfis thought, and Girl AGain was born. Alongside Chappaqua resident and psychologist Sheri Baron, Madfis opened the White Plains store in February 2014. The program provides coaching and support in the development of retail-related business skills, along with a nurturing place where their expertise is needed, 
appreciated, and valued.

Girl AGain co-owners Marjorie Madfis (L) and Sheri Baron (R)
Girl AGain co-owners Marjorie Madfis (L) and Sheri Baron (R)

Twelve young women–high school students and graduates in their teens to early twenties–currently work in the boutique, receiving experience in all aspects of the business. Most work approximately two days per week, and get trained “end-to-end” in the variety of skills needed both in Girl AGain and in the work world. This includes preparing donated products for resale, researching and determining appropriate prices, and performing business transactions with customers. They solve problems, collaborate with colleagues and make decisions, all while learning how to deal with uncertainty. By sharing and justifying their ideas, the young women develop the ability to debate and compromise–skills that are crucial in any work environment. Madfis and Baron are aware that this program isn’t for everyone; the participants must be willing to put in effort, cooperate with others, and have motivation to pursue a career.

“There is such an insecurity to give answers and trust their own instincts,” says Baron regarding the training. “They have not yet been given the opportunity to use their own judgment.” Girl AGain’s non-profit mission confronts both this insecurity and the attention, sensory and emotional problems associated with autism disorders. Madfis describes the store as “a safe place to learn new skills without worrying about possible consequences of errors.”

Real World Training Working at Girl AGain has allowed the young women to discover their own strengths and weaknesses. The workers must learn to interact with customers, adjust to distractions, understand the levels of authority, and manage situations they have not anticipated. These experiences teach them the expectations and responsibilities of competitive business –but if they ever feel overwhelmed, they can “chill” in the boutique’s “Cozy Corner” and take a break from the hustle of 
the workplace.

To develop social communication skills, the young women lead special events at Girl AGain where they demonstrate their knowledge and interact with members of the community. Whether it is American Girl doll “Hair Do’s and Don’ts” or a special book reading, these “workshops” provide the women with leadership experience. In addition, weekly business meetings feature the exchange of strategies and ideas followed by a group pizza dinner, both of which are important in the social development of these otherwise isolated young women. Interacting with peers, especially those who share their interests, creates a comfortable social environment where they can stretch in areas that are difficult for them and build their confidence around others.

Madfis and Baron describe the program as an “incubator” where the young women receive the experience they need before progressing to a paid job or additional training. Girl AGain is their first step toward finding success in the competitive workforce, world they hope will discover the potential and capability of workers with autism.

Helping the Mission

Girl AGain’s eager customer base–both young American Girl enthusiasts and older collectors of the brand –happily support the program for its mission of educating the young women as well as its constantly evolving inventory of reasonably priced merchandise. These customers act as part of the training, presenting social and professional interaction opportunities. Girl AGain is grateful for any donations, as they excite the workers, enrich the training, and expand the store’s offerings.

Girl AGain is the first venture of Yes She Can Inc., but certainly not the last. Madfis and Baron continue to develop the program and increase the learning and employment opportunities for girls on the autism spectrum. There is no doubt at all that these young women will develop the vital life skills necessary to live, work, and prosper on their own, bringing their unique talents to whatever they chose to pursue. 
Yes She Can, indeed.

For more info, visit: www.yesshecaninc.org or www.girlagain.com or contact Sheri Baron at sbaron2001@aol.com

*Editor’s note: Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the body’s senses experiences over stimulation from the environment; many people with autism are acutely, uncomfortably and/or overly sensitive to various sensory stimuli–a large, bustlingly crowded store such as American Girl in Manhattan would present a significant challenge.

Gillian Hand is a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School and a frequent contributor to Inside Chappaqua Magazine. She was thrilled to be able to donate her old American Girl products to Girl AGain.