The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening

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MKCCC to Host 9th Annual Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening

feed-me-pixMount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC) will host its 9th Annual Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening event on Saturday, September 28 beginning at 6 p.m.. The flagship fundraiser will once again be hosted by Eric Hadar at Ivanna Farms in Bedford Corners, NY.  The Honorary co-chairs are Beverley & Sabin Streeter and Twink & Jim Wood.

This year’s honorees include Dottie Jordan, who is retiring after nearly 30 years as Executive Director of the Center. David Griff, MKCCC’s President of the Board of Directors,  noted: “Under Dottie’s leadership the Center has become the preeminent child care center in Westchester County.” The Center will also honor the late Grace Marwell and the Marwell Family. Grace was a founding member of the Mount Kisco Child Care Center’s Board of Directors. As a board member and long-time volunteer, Grace helped set the standards for the high-quality programming at MKCCC. She and her family have been dedicated to MKCCC for over four decades.

In keeping with the Center’s seasonal and local farm-to-table philosophy, the event will feature pumpkin specialty drinks and tastings from many of Westchester’s top restaurants. For a full listing of restaurant participants and other sponsors (including Inside Chappaqua Magazine!) plus information about tickets, donations, and additional sponsorship opportunities, please contact Christine Meyer at 241-2135 or email: cmeyer@mkccc.org.

About the Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC)

MKCCC  is a non-profit, NAEYC-accredited childcare facility serving families in Northern Westchester communities since 1971. MKCCC provides exceptional and affordable early care and education to a diverse group of children from three months to eleven years of age. Our experienced and professional teachers, along with our innovative curriculum and programs, such as JEWEL (MKCCC’s Intergenerational Program) and Feed Me Fresh (MKCCC’s garden-to-table, sustainable nutrition program) create a childhood experience like no other.

feedmeMKCCC is located at 95 Radio Circle, Mount Kisco, NY, 10549. For additional information, please visit www.mkccc.org. or call  241-2135. Follow MKCCC on www.facebook.com/MKCCC and www.twitter.com/MKCCC10549 
for the latest news and updates.

NY’s Third Most Successful “Swim Across America”

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Chappaqua Kids’ Laps had Heart and Soul in NY’s Third Most Successful “Swim Across America”

Article and Photos by Zarah Kavarana

swim-groupEarly on Sunday, July 14, the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club was flooded with swimmers of all ages who were eager to jump in the pool and swim to raise money for the grassroots organization, Swim Across America.

The event helped raise both money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment. This was Swim Across America’s second year hosting the event at the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club. In 2012, the event raised $30K, which made it the third most successful Swim Across America event in the greater New York area. According to Media Chair, Jean Fufidio, the total amount raised for this year is currently in the process of being tallied, but the number is already well over last year’s mark.

Swim Across America, Inc. was originally founded in 1987. Through the years, it has united and attracted over 5,000 recreational and competitive swimmers, Olympians, kayakers, boaters, and volunteers in the fight against cancer. Today, it offers 50 swims in 14 different states with multiple chapters. Swim Across America has raised more than $40 million, which has ultimately gone toward research and prevention programs at some of America’s most well regarded hospitals and managed-care facilities.

Silver medalist in the 1976 Olympics and volunteer coach, Bobby Hackett, highlighted the benefits of the event.

He said, “It’s a community getting together for a cause and everybody here knows somebody who has directly or indirectly been impacted by cancer. For me, it’s an opportunity to give back and raise some funds to hopefully make peoples lives better.”

swim-oneTo describe Swim Across America, Fufido said, “Swim Across America is a community-minded organization where it’s national in scope, but local in heart.”

The Long Island Sound Chapter, which includes a large number of Westchester County  members, is now the largest in the organization and has raised over $12 million since its start in 1992. In 2012 alone, it raised about $1 million with support from its community. The chapter has a goal of raising $1.2 million this year.

Swimmers had options to fit their comfort and experience levels. They could swim one mile or half a mile, individually or with a team. Participants came out for a variety of reasons, ultimately uniting together against cancer. Nineteen-year-old Henry Simon decided to take part as a tribute to his father, David Simon, who died of cancer in 2007. He said, “It really started when Coach Dan brought Swim Across America to the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club. He asked me if it was okay making a Team Karen and David because my Dad was a big part of this club when he was still alive, and a lot of kids knew him. I really just do it in honor of him so that everyone doesn’t forget and remembers that it [cancer] touches everyone, not just a few people.”

Ten-year-old Joseph Weiner also participated for the ones he has loved and lost. “The event helps raise money to help fight cancer and people I know have died from having that and it’s really sad. I do the best I can to help.”

Following the event was a free swim clinic from former Olympic swimmer and Katonah resident, Bobby Hackett. He worked with attendees, giving them helpful tips that would greater improve their skills. Hackett would first explain, then demonstrate the hint, and call a few swimmers at a time into the water to try out what they were just taught.

Complimentary food and beverages were available throughout the event, and a kiddie pool was open for the little ones. Medals, t-shirts, and beach towels were given to those who participated.

Many of those who could not or chose not to swim made a pledge to the Swim Across America website: www.swimacrossamerica.org. Inside Chappaqua readers are also encouraged to donate what they can to this influential cause.

Zarah Kavarana, Inside Chappaqua Magazine’s summer intern, is entering her sophomore year at Boston University this September.

Reading has Gone to the Dogs

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By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

Eight-year-old Marielle of Briarcliff Manor never misses an opportunity to read to Too Tall.
Eight-year-old Marielle of Briarcliff Manor never misses an opportunity to read to Too Tall.

Since I was a puppy I have heard people say to my owner, “Maggie should be a therapy dog.” Because I am small, calm, very gentle with children and a hypoallergenic poodle they thought that would be a good job for me.  And I like to have people pet me.  My owner said that these dogs visited hospitals, elder care centers, schools and other places to help people feel better and happy. Then I heard about a therapy dog that has children read to him at the Chappaqua Library. I thought this was really a great thing since I love when my owner, who is a former School Librarian, reads to me. So I contacted Miriam Budin, Head of Children’s Services, to find out about their program Short Tales for Too Tall.

Children sign up for a fifteen-minute session to read to Too Tall, a retired rescued Greyhound racing dog. Accompanied by his owner, Anne Quick, Too Tall listens to each child read either a book of their choice or one that the library provides. “We’ve had a number of different therapy dogs over the past ten years and have structured the programs in a variety of ways, but we’ve come to feel that a private session with the therapy dog feels extra-special, even though it limits the number of children who can participate” says Budin. “The response to Too Tall, a particularly elegant, gentle and gracious dog has been wholly positive.”

When Quick, a Young Adult Librarian adopted Too Tall, she immediately began to train him as a certified therapy dog as well as a  R.E.A.D (Reading Education Assistance Dog). Too Tall told me he likes the children reading to him and especially enjoys the treat they give him at the end of the session. “Even though it may look like I am sleeping with my eyes closed, completely relaxed with my head in the child’s lap, I am paying attention,” says Too Tall. “I have a vivid imagination and close my eyes to picture the stories being read to me.” And he adds that Quick reads to him all the time too. “Her mission in having people read to me is not only to introduce and foster a love for learning and literacy, but also to share me with others and teach people what ‘greyt’ pets retired racers make.”

“Dogs don’t care if you read fast or slowly. They just like to be with people,” said Quick. A parent of one of Too Tall’s readers told me that she brings her seven-year-old son so that he has a “noncritical” listener. Her son had brought his own copy of a Henry and Mudge book by Cynthia Rylant, which is a popular series about a boy and his dog. Marielle, an eight-year-old from Briarcliff Manor wouldn’t miss a session with Too Tall, “I love reading and I love dogs!”

Too Tall can’t take his eyes off Thomas as he reads to him about a boy and his dog. Photos by Ronni Diamondstein
Too Tall can’t take his eyes off Thomas as he reads to him about a boy and his dog.
Photos by Ronni Diamondstein

Quick says she always gets terrific feedback and that the parents enjoy it as much as the kids.  “Some of our readers were afraid of dogs before meeting Too Tall. Some were afraid of reading,” says Budin. “Anne Quick and Too Tall have such an encouraging way about them that the response to their visits has been entirely positive.” Short Tales for Too Tall will continue this fall at the Chappaqua Library. Check the Chappaqua Library website for more details about this special program for children: www.chappaqualibrary.org.

Wow! All this talk about reading makes me want to sit on my owner’s lap and curl up with a good book. Then maybe I can be a R.E.A.D dog too!

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter at maggiemae10514@gmail.com

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant and award-winning photographer who has worked in the US and abroad.

Maggie Mae’s Must Do:

Top Hat and Tails Gala October 18th

Launching a new feature to highlight pet events, charities and organizations and am wagging my tail with joy to tell you about a special event for the SPCA of Westchester, the 11th Annual Top Hat and Cocktails Gala. This hot dog of an affair will be held at the Ritz Carlton in White Plains on Friday, October 18, 2013 from 7:00 to 9:30PM. Step out in style with your dog for a fun evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, canine ice cream bar, animal communicator, live music, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $200 per person. Well socialized dogs and their owners will enjoy this event that supports the many wonderful programs of the
SPCA of Westchester.

For more details visit

www.spca914.org.

Back to School Matters: Chappaqua School Board Convenes

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By Zarah Kavarana

The upcoming school year has brought on the need for much discussion within the Chappaqua community. Board members addressed all concerns during their meeting on August 7 in front of an audience of students, parents, and administrators.

The President’s Report was the first topic at hand.

When the board first approved a meeting schedule for the year, members had left out two days (May 21 and May 28 of 2014) for the last meeting in order to avoid a conflict.

It has now determined that the meeting will take place on May 28.

The board has decided to make a schedule change for the upcoming school year, shifting the start of the meetings from 8:15 p.m to 7:30 p.m.  The goal is not only to start early, but to end early as well.

The Supervisor’s Report was next on the agenda.

As of August 1, there are 58 more students than projected joining the Chappaqua school district. The Elementary School will have 39 more, Middle School will have 19 more, and the High School will stay the same.

In relation to the construction space in Greeley’s I Lab, or E Wing,and the surrounding professional development work, the original classroom space has been gutted and the asbestos abatement has been completed. The renovation and redesign of the space will soon begin. The project is expected to be finished in the fall with an outside date being the beginning of January.

There were four days of the professional development during the previous week with a group of teachers, who are self dubbed as the “Innovation Fellows.” With Chris Hazleton from FNI, the architectural educational firm working with the board on the project, they began creating interesting units of study – both long term and short term. Work in the new I lab will be scheduled as soon as it’s finished. The board has requested that all schools in the district put forth plans for the use of present space, which includes furniture and ideas within the next 18 months. The goal is to think of whole schools instead of “boxes called classrooms.”

The Innovation Fellows have helped cover a variety of projects all summer long. Teams have been working on word study and writing, restructuring the algebra courses, and even an instrumental music program. Some projects will continue until the end of summer.

The ELA and Math test scores for grades 3-8 have dropped across the state, including in Chappaqua. This is relative when compared to all other districts. Superintendant Lyn McKay stated that this should not be a point of concern because Chappaqua still remains on top among the districts it benchmarks. The board does not have access to individual reports. Once they are released at the end of August, the needs of each student can be handled appropriately, and trends and patterns can be detected with the potential of realigning programs, if necessary. Members agreed that this year’s exams were very different from those administered in previous years, and therefore should not be compared.

The school calendars have been printed, and can be found at the board of education offices, the Chappaqua Library, and the town hall. The calendars can also be printed online.

Members of the public then had the opportunity to comment on any matters of concern. Many spoke in regard to the potential replacement of Coach DeGregorio of the boy’s lacrosse team.

Richard Weissmann, resident, urged board members not to replace DeGregorio. He noted DeGregoio’s commitment to the Chappaqua community and his leadership as a mentor to students.

Greeley graduate, Joseph Hinderstein, had a similar take on the matter. He spoke of how he has been greatly impacted by DeGregorio through the years, and noted that the decision would effect not just Greeley students, but those of other students within the district as well–regardless of age.

Current Greeley student and this years captain of the Greeley varsity lacrosse team, Noah Weissman, spoke on behalf of the entire team. Among the words used to describe DeGregorio, Weissman used “genuine” and “caring.” He spoke of his encouragement to not only the whole team, but to players of all ages.

Lynn Scott, mother of two Greeley lacrosse players – one who has graduated and one still in high school–made a strong point. She said that by getting rid of DeGregorio, it would send a message that once a coach is brought in, no matter how great he or she may be, there’s a possibility that the coach may be replaced by people within the community.

Finally came approvals. Among the number of recommended actions approved by the board were the following:

  • A gift of $2,874.00 given by the Greeley PTA to Horace Greeley High School for the purchase of three Epson PowerLite LCD Projectors.
  • A contract in the amount of $219,477.51 with Chappaqua Transportation for summer transportation between July 1, 2013 and August 31, 2013.
  • A contract with the Pleasantville Union free School District for tow students who attended Summer School Services at the wage set by the New York State Education Department
  • An agreement with the Bedford Central School District for one student to be a part of the SAIL II Program at the most current special education non-resident tuition rate, which will be approved by New York State
  • A supplemental agreement with Public Relations Assistant, David Hayes
  • A resolution for the District Clerk to notify the Department of State about a Notice of Claim
  • A resolution for the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) for the learning commons at Horace Greeley High School. The project consists of a renovation of four classroom and a corridor area into an open learning commons.
  • A proposed school lunch budget for the 2013-2014 school year, which has increased by $51,390  since the previous year
  • A NYSED fire inspection for all district buildings between September 15 and October 31, 2013 by Facilities Inspection Services, LLC in the amount of $2,750.
  • A resolution to authorize the tax levy and confirm tax rolls. The budget for the 2013-2014 school year sum will not exceed $114,828,088 for district purposes and a total of $2,899,729 for library purposes. A presentation regarding this matter was made by John Chow, assistant superintendent, and is available on the board’s web page.

The next school board meeting will take place on August 29, 2013 at 10:30 A.M., and the following meeting will take place on September 25,2013 at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are held at Horace Greeley High School.

Pierce House – An Important Stop on the Road to Freedom

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peircehouseIn the early 1720s, Quakers migrated from Long Island to settle in and around Pleasantville. The Pierce Family made their way to the area in 1740. Quakers owned five of the seven main farms in Pleasantville during this time period.

In 1805, Joseph Pierce inherited 125 acres of property from his father, James. The home, known as Pierce House, is believed to have been built around 1813. The original house consisted of just the front two rooms of the current structure. An ardent Quaker, Joseph Pierce became a key figure in providing a safe path for slaves escaping through Westchester. Pierce House played an important role in the Underground Railroad, offering nighttime shelter for those seeking freedom.

This finely crafted, Federalist style Colonial home has undergone a number of changes over the years. The library and interior arches were added in the late 1880’s, when the house served as the Protestant Shelter for Children. During their ownership of the house, the Payne family of Reader’s Digest fame added mahogany paneling in the living room and the library. They also expanded the living space with a brick addition designed by James Renwick Thomson.

Today, this historic house has been meticulously renovated and restored while maintaining the integrity of the original period details. The residence is now a stunning home that is perfect for modern lifestyles.

For more information, contact: Amy Singer, 914-238-0505

amy.singer@raveis.com