The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Ronni Diamondstein

Unleash Wellness with Dog Ownership

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Dog owners know that life is better with a dog. There is nothing like their love, loyalty, and trust along with their enthusiasm when you return home each day. Another great reason to own a dog is that they are good for you. Dogs have a positive impact on your physical health and mental well-being. The science backs this up from studies reported by the Mayo Clinic, the National Institute of Health and Harvard Health among others.

Dogs are great company

You’re never lonely with a dog. They offer emotional support with their cuddles and unconditional love. Dogs can be there for you when other people can’t.

Dogs help you stress less

The comfort of and caring for your dog can take your mind off things to ease your worries. Therapy dogs relieve stress and anxiety. Petting your dog can lower your heart rate and blood pressure reducing cortisol, a stress hormone.

Dogs are heart healthy

Many studies show that dog owners have a lower risk of death. These studies show dog owners have lower blood pressure levels and the bond between the owner and canine companion reduces stress, one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease.

Dogs get you moving

Rain or shine when a dog has to “go,” you have to go out with them too. And it’s not just taking walks. Other activities like feeding, playing and grooming all increase physical activity. Studies show that dog owners were more active than non-dog owners and that they met daily physical activity guidelines.

Dogs make you more social

Dog owners tend to interact more with people and have an easier time making friends. Dogs are great conversation starters. Walking with a dog makes you more approachable. Dogs can also be a “date magnet.”
They make people appear to more attractive.

Dogs are great for kids

The bond a child has with a dog can foster their emotional well-being. Dogs help enhance their social skills and provide therapeutic effects for children with ADHD and autism.

Dogs are great for seniors

Studies show that pet therapy can improve cognitive functions of residents of long-term care facilities. Research has found that dogs help improve the social interactions of seniors and decrease the agitated behavior of those with dementia.

Dogs make you happier

Just looking at a dog wagging its tail can lift your spirits. They boost your mood and a study in Japan found that staring into your dog’s eyes can raise your level of oxytocin, that is known as the “love hormone.”

Dogs can help you cope

In times of crisis dogs can impact recovery psychologically. Studies have shown that military veterans can do better both psychologically and physically when they have a service dog.

Dogs are hard to resist

Why do we find puppies so irresistible? A dog’s facial features possess what’s known as an “infant schema,” a set of infantile physical features that is perceived as cute and triggers an innate caregiver behavior.

Dogs have been human companions since the beginning of civilization. While people think they are taking care of a dog, the dog is taking care of its person as well. Welcoming a dog into your home is a major decision and huge responsibility both in terms of time and financial commitments that need to be carefully considered. But also consider the marvelous emotional and health benefits that a canine companion can offer. Make no bones about it, there’s that unrivaled and unconditional love like no other!

Remembering Richard Lange

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Whenever you walked into Lange’s Little Store in Chappaqua, Richard Lange would greet you with a big smile and his twinkling eyes, and he was always at your service. Whether the store was busy or not, he took the time to chat and ask how you were doing. He always had time for his customers and neighbors.

Richard Lange, best known as the owner of Lange’s Little Store and Deli in Chappaqua, passed away on April 9, 2024. He was 87 years old and is survived by his wife Christa, his daughters Vicki (Bergstrom) and Heidi and his granddaughter Madelyn Bergstrom and her fiancé David Anderson III. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Charlie Bergstrom. Lange was born in Wanna, Germany on Dec. 22,1936 and grew up on his grandparents’ farm. He immigrated to the United States in 1956 and served briefly in the United States Army. In 1968, the family settled in Chappaqua where Lange owned The Little Store. He and Mrs. Lange opened Lange’s Deli in Scarsdale in the mid-1970s, and in Bronxville in the 1980s. They returned to their Chappaqua store in 1989 where it became a focal point in the town.

Lange’s motto was “You need something, I’ll help.” With his warm smile and great laugh Lange touched so many lives from the daily regulars to the store, to very young people, returning college students, and first-time visitors.

A welcoming personality…

Town of New Castle Supervisor Victoria B. Tipp wrote, “Mr. Lange, through the force of his unique personality, created a haven, a second home where people gathered to catch up, have impromptu meetings, and run into friends, neighbors, and familiar faces. He remembered everyone and would chat about what mattered to them. During my years on the school board, he would always ask ‘so, how are the schools doing?’ and had detailed questions about current projects and happenings. Upon learning of my new role with the town, he would simply say with raised eyebrows ‘so…how’s everything?’ and would always listen with great interest and patience.”

A helping hand…

Beth Kuck Hundgen, owner of Whispering Pines of Chappaqua will never forget the day her store caught fire. “It was a devastating moment, watching everything I had worked for go up in flames. But, in the midst of that chaos, one person stood out for his kindness and compassion, Mr. Lange. As I stood outside, feeling helpless and overwhelmed, Mr. Lange appeared by my side. Without hesitation, he rolled up his sleeves and began helping me salvage what we could from the burning building. As we worked together, I couldn’t help but notice the tears in his eyes. He wasn’t just helping me; he was feeling my pain, too. His empathy and concern for my well-being meant the world to me! Mr. Lange’s selflessness and kindness didn’t stop that day. He continued to support me and the community in countless ways, always willing to lend a helping hand or listening ear.”

A generous soul…

George Haletzky, a manager of Lange’s Little Store for 30 years, has known Lange since his childhood, and has fond memories of learning the ropes from Lange. “He took you under his wing and he’d teach you if you wanted to learn. He was a wealth of knowledge. He tried to keep this store like a family atmosphere.” Haletzky cited that most employees have worked there for many years. “The most important thing was the customers,” said Haletzky. Lange, who knew everybody’s name, encouraged his staff to talk to the customers and get to know them as well. “Mr. Lange saw many generations come through here, and always said that the children were the future. He always talked to the kids.” Lange donated to all the sports programs in town. “He was one of the most generous people you’d ever meet in your life, between giving you goodies and actually caring about you.”

A wise man…

Longtime Chappaqua resident Don Roane has known Lange since the Lange family moved to Chappaqua in 1968. “Richie was very appreciative of this country,” said Roane. “Having seen loss and hunger at the end of World War II in Europe, that impacted Richie in the way he lived and treated people. He was wise in his ability to see things. When he saw hunger, he did something about it. He took care of his family, and he took care of yours too. We need more people like Richard Lange. They make the world a better place.”

A man of grace…

At a Celebration of Life Service on April 21 at The First Congregational Church in Chappaqua, his daughter Vicki said, “My father was a wonderful person. He treated everyone the same. He was everyone’s Opa. He was selfless. He loved to give and expected nothing in return. He was the most down to earth person.” Reverend Martha Jacobs spoke of Lange as a mensch (the Yiddish word for a good person) and all the mitzvahs (good deeds) that he was known for, and that he had dignity and a generosity of spirit.

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe called Lange Chappaqua’s rebbe–the one who serves as the spiritual and emotional nerve center of the community whose mission is to care for the well-being of each-and-every person in the neighborhood. “No one brought us together like Mr. Lange,” said Jaffe to the nearly 700 people of all faiths and backgrounds who filled the church.

Hillary Rodham Clinton said that Lange, “left us a great legacy of love.” President Bill Clinton credited Lange as the big reason he has spent the last 25 years in Chappaqua and spoke of Lange’s compassion and the way he treated people. He said that Lange’s life was uncommonly grateful and graceful. “He was incredibly graceful in all the ways that count. As for me and our house, we are grateful for the grace he showered on us.” The same could be said by all who knew and loved Richard Lange.

The Not So Lonely Goatherd: Fat & Sassy Goats in New Castle

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I could hear the sound of music with Julie Andrew’s voice in my head singing, “High on a hill was a lonely goatherd Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo,” as I made my daily visits to the Fat and Sassy Goats grazing outside of New Castle Town Hall last spring. The goats began their work in late May and were contained by a solar-powered electric net fence. The goats helped clear weeds and vines without the use of pesticides or heavy machinery.

In June Fat and Sassy Goats, co-owned by Jenn Balch and Donald Arrant, completed the goat grazing project with the goal of clearing a riparian area next to the baseball field. They worked with the town to bring a herd of 30+ goats to consume and “recycle” vines, weeds and brambles that had overtaken steep banks next to the creek over the course of a week, as an alternative to herbicide application.

On my visits to the goats, I frequently saw members of the New Castle Police Department, some of whom were as obsessed with the goats as I was. The goats appealed to people of all ages. Grandparents brought their grandchildren. Teens stopped by and tiny tots in strollers came by to watch the goats. One friend enjoyed her birthday breakfast in their company.

Every day I posted pictures and videos of the goats at work on social media. “Where are they?” people asked. I was delighted to spread the word.

One day I decided to bring Maggie Mae, the beloved Pup Reporter. She went wild when she saw them. If there wasn’t a barrier separating her from the goats, she would have eagerly joined them. Many of them seemed fascinated with her and met her at the fence. She may not be your typical herding breed like a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd, but Maggie Mae could have started a new trend of toy poodle goatherders.

“This was our first project working directly with a municipality, and in particular, Dennis Corelli, Environmental Coordinator, Sabrina Hull, Director of Planning and Christina Papes, Town Clerk who all went above and beyond to ensure everything went smoothly every step of the way,” said Balch. “We would also like to thank Round Rock Preserve for their catalytic goat grazing project, the New Castle Police Department for being great goat neighbors, and the many friendly people from the community who stopped by to say hi or to watch and appreciate the goats.”

Full ecological restoration of this area is still a work in progress, but they are continuing to speak with the town about a combination of future grazing and re-seeding, so we may see them all again soon. I, for one, would love that!

And Balch adds, “The goats enjoyed their time in New Castle, and we did too.”

Honoring Fallen Heroes: Memorial Day in the Town of New Castle

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Like towns and cities across America, you can count on the Town of New Castle to host a Memorial Day parade and ceremony on the last Monday of May. The tradition of honoring the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country began after the Civil War. Continuing through the decades it was known earlier as Decoration Day until 1967 when the U.S. government officially adopted Memorial Day as the name.

Chappaqua resident Captain Peter Gaudet, a West Point graduate, has been the Parade Grand Marshal since 2017, taking over the command from longtime Marshal and Memorial Day Committee chair Captain Jim McCauley, who remains on the committee. Months of planning precede the parade and ceremonies. Committee member David Egerton compiles the biographies that are read by Girl Scouts during the ceremony. Other committee members are Dr. Michael Finkelstein and Eric Rosenfeld. The committee works closely with Jill Shapiro, Town Administrator, Tiffany White, Assistant to the Town Administrator, Town Hall staff, and Town officials, who help with logistics, produce the program, and invite Federal, New York State and Westchester County dignitaries.

President and Secretary Clinton are among the dignitaries who attend. “Hillary and I love marching in Chappaqua’s Memorial Day parade. It’s not only a chance to connect with so many of our neighbors, but to join in honoring those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of our country. We look forward to it every year as an event that truly represents our community, what it stands for, and what makes it so special,” says President Bill Clinton. The Clintons’ participation is greatly appreciated in the community. “They bring out a lot of people, which is nice,” says McCauley.

Gaudet was Grand Marshal for the virtual and video Memorial Day celebrations in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic and was glad to have the in-person parade last year. “In 2023, we’ll continue to make sure we have this special day to come together as a community and take the time as Americans to reflect on those who gave so much including their lives for our freedom.”

Gaudet credits McCauley and his predecessors for the structure of the day. “We want to maintain the traditions as much as possible, but one of the new things is we’ve had a lot of success accessing interesting speakers with interesting backgrounds, including last year’s speaker my West Point classmate Dreux Coogan, a Chappaqua resident who was a Green Beret and is one of the top executives at Pepsi.” Along with the committee, Gaudet selects the keynote speakers. He couldn’t reveal the Keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony. “We want the element of surprise. People have preconceptions about who Veterans are. We pride ourselves on showing you who the modern American warriors are.”

For Gaudet the involvement of young people is essential. “The most important thing and the focus for me is the children of our community. Children are looking at their parents who are coming out to remember.  This is an opportunity to remind our children and ourselves how fragile democracy is, how fragile freedom is. The least we can do in our community is pass that down to our children.” And since those in the military pledge to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, Gaudet always carries some copies of the Constitution with him to hand out on Memorial Day.

Gaudet hopes that the playing of the national anthem and the speeches at the ceremony all resonate with the community. “I always start the program by asking parents to hug their children and children to hug their parents.” And Gaudet explains to them that they should take the time to hug each other because there are many parents and children who can’t hug each other because they were killed in action.

Commemoration of Memorial Day begins at Victory Corners at the top of hill on King Street in Chappaqua. Girl Scouts present the wreath and taps is played by high school students. The parade then commences down the hill to Memorial Plaza by the Chappaqua train station for a ceremony. At both ceremonies members of local clergy offer prayers, an invocation and benediction. Gaudet says that it’s a good way to start off and end the parade with the words of the religious representatives.

For decades until his death in 2015, long-time Chappaqua resident Gabby Rosenfeld was an integral part of the day.  His son, Eric, remembers how important Memorial Day was to his father. “He served as Grand Marshall for many years and remained as a parade Marshall after that. Community and giving to the community were very important to Gabby and to his wife Louise. Giving his time by participating in the parade and serving on the parade committee was one way to show his support for the town and for those who served.” Gabby Rosenfeld was appointed a “Chevalier” of the French Legion of Honor in 2011. “Only those who have been in the wars and have seen the lives that are lost can truly appreciate the sacrifices that they have made. Gabby saw a lot of that in World War II and considered himself lucky to have returned and been able to live a full and rewarding life. Honoring those who were not as fortunate was important to him.”

New Castle honors those fallen heroes who gave their lives in many ways. One example is the Route 120 bridge named in honor of Sgt. Kyu H. Chay who was killed in Afghanistan by an explosion in 2006. And each year fire department members place fresh flags on the graves of fallen soldiers buried in the Quaker Ridge Cemetery in Chappaqua.

Town of New Castle Historian Gray Williams has seen parades in town since he moved here as a child in the 1930s. “The parade has always served as a celebration of community pride and harmony.”

People line the streets waving flags and encouraging those marching in step. Hearing residents cheer means a lot to McCauley who is a Vietnam Vet.

“It’s a wonderful small-town America feeling,” says Vicki Bergstrom, a lifelong Chappaqua resident. “I still remember the excitement I felt as a Brownie participating in the parade. We made our own banners and I felt so much pride marching down King Street, hearing the cheers and applause as we passed by.” It’s been a family tradition as well. Bergstrom’s daughter Madeline marched when she was a Girl Scout. Her parents, Krista and Richard Lange marched with the Rotary, and her husband Ex-Chief Charlie Bergstrom marched with the Chappaqua Fire Department.

Town of New Castle Supervisor Lisa Katz reflects on the spirit of the day. “It’s an atmosphere of festive reverence, as we come together to honor the memories of those who have given their lives in service to our country. The parade is an embodiment of the best of our community, as we come together to honor our veterans and to never forget the tremendous debt we owe to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

From the marching bands to the muskets, and all the cheers and applause in-between, the sounds of celebration are memorable. Gaudet is optimistic that the day has real meaning for the community. “The concept is to bring out the family and kids for entertainment, and hope there is entertainment plus some deep thought about what makes America special, and why people signed up to give their life for our freedom.”

Photos by Grace Bennett, Ronni Diamondstein, Hannah Rosenberg and Carolyn Simpson. (All rights reserved)

When There’s A Dog in Your Life

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BY MAGGIE MAE with RONNI DIAMONDSTEIN

“I’m a dog – a very special dog. I’m a black-and-white, Toy Parti Poodle. My name is Maggie Mae, and I am the Inside Chappaqua Roving Pup Reporter. With a nose for news, I will give you the dog’s eye view of Chappaqua and beyond.” This is how it all began in May 2010 when I started my very first column for Inside Chappaqua magazine. I am honored to be back writing again for the 20th anniversary issue.

Dogs can make a difference in your life in so many ways. My owner tells people that I am the dog that changed her life, and that makes me very happy because I feel so lucky to live with her for the past fifteen years.

“Nobody will ever love you as much as your dog does.” Jean Craighead George

George wrote that in her book “How to Talk to Your Dog.” She was one of my favorite interviews. And truer words were never written. My unconditional love for my owner warms her heart. I am always happy to be around her, and I think she feels the same way. She often takes me with her in the car for company especially when the ride is long. I like to ride in the car. I’m a great travelling companion, and I love when she takes me to a hotel on vacation with her.

“My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet.” Edith Wharton

I know that during the pandemic lockdown my owner appreciated my company a lot. We already were used to being together most of the time since she retired from teaching nine years ago and now works from home as a writer. I know that I have enhanced her life because she thinks about me more than she thinks about herself. And she talks to me all the time. She calls me a “lovebug” and I show her my love with cuddles and kisses.

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” Gilda Radner

And even though she’s lived alone most of her life and was never really lonely, I know that she never feels alone because I’m always here for her. I make my owner laugh a lot. She is more relaxed when she’s with me, especially when I stick my head under her hand so she will pat me or when I curl up next to her feet and give her my version of a hug.

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” Rodger A. Caras

In our home there is a coffee mug with the saying, “dogs are the best people.” I know I am more than a pet to my owner. I am her family. She is my person. She takes good care of me–I even have pet medical insurance–and she cooks for me. And in return, I know when she needs me by her side. The more she loves me, the more I love her.

Ronni with Maggie Mae PHOTO BY RANDI CHILDS

“Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.” Emily Dickinson

She meets a lot of people because of me. The funniest thing is that when we take our walks–and we walk quite a bit–people often say, “Hi Maggie Mae,” to me, and she thinks they don’t know her name. She doesn’t really mind that at all. I’m her child after all, so this pleases her when I’m acknowledged.

“Dogs are our link to paradise.” Milan Kundera

I’ve become her muse of sorts. She has had more writing opportunities because of me. She started the Maggie Mae Pup Reporter blog and has written several stories with me as the main character that are posted on it. I also think she is amused that I act like her. She is very curious, and I am too. And we both like to know what’s going on in the neighborhood.

“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them.” Thom Jones

My owner says we have a powerful connection, so I asked her to say a few words. “Life is so much better when there’s a dog in your life. One of my friends says that the chance to be loved by a dog is one of the true gifts of life. I couldn’t agree more,” she said. “Maggie Mae, you’re my girl and you bring out the very best in me!”