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Supporting NEIGHBORS LINK Two Moms Describe the Impact of Volunteering on their Families

April 8, 2022 by The Inside Press

Co-Chairs Ali and Kathy on the Neighbors Link Fall 2021 Virtual Fundraiser     Photo by Wendy Reingold

Kathy Rothschild:

My family and I have lived in Chappaqua since 1996. Over the years, as a stay-at-home parent, I have volunteered for many organizations. None have been more meaningful to me than Neighbors Link.

The Neighbors Link mission is to strengthen the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants. Neighbors Link was formed in 2001 by community members who believed that our community is stronger, safer, and more vibrant when we recognize the value and humanity of every resident. I have been volunteering for Neighbors Link in one capacity or another since its doors opened in 2001. 

Currently, I serve as Co-Chair, along with Ali Tejtel, of the Friends of Neighbors Link. The Friends support Neighbors Link through fundraising, advocacy work, and community outreach.

I learned the importance of giving back to the community from my mother. She volunteered as the Director of Blood Services for the New Canaan Red Cross. I have crystal clear memories of her making phone calls at night to schedule and confirm blood donation appointments, and I spent countless Saturdays at local bloodmobiles, watching her in action as she supervised the events. Because of my mother’s example, I started donating blood at age 16 and I still donate today.

Volunteering for over 20 years at Neighbors Link has allowed me to set the same consistent example of giving back to the community for my own children. When I started volunteering at Neighbors Link, my two children were in pre-school and elementary school; now they are “grown and flown.” When I look at the choices they started making in high school and continue to make today, my heart swells.

In high school, my eldest twice swam across the Hudson River to raise money for cancer research; was president of a high school club that raised money for charity; and helped with administrative projects in the Neighbors Link back office. She now devotes more hours than she cares to tally volunteering on the national level for her college sorority–on top of having a demanding career, a (wonderful!) marriage and a baby on the way.

My youngest chose to make a very serious volunteer commitment in high school: He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Chappaqua Fire Department, joining at age 16 and maintaining that commitment throughout college. He continues his first responder focus today by working for the Department of Homeland Security.

My mother would be proud.

Ali Tejtel:

I blush and feel a tinge of excitement when asked how I met my husband. We have an untraditional story that makes it hard to finish with the usual, “What about you?” Our story is serendipitous and sweet, but also perfectly sets the foundation for our relationship and the family we’ve created. We met while volunteering at an animal rehabilitation sanctuary in Namibia, both planning to return to New York afterwards. This experience shaped our relationship in its early stages, as we spent most weekends in Manhattan volunteering, and currently sets an example for our three young children.

Since moving to Westchester, we have found a volunteering home at Neighbors Link. My husband teaches ESL, and I currently co-chair the Friends of Neighbors Link. Our children understand the socio-economic diversity in our community and are always eager to learn more about the clients my husband has met in his lessons, and help me in various efforts as a Friend. We love to find creative ways to include our children in our volunteering, fostering an altruistic attitude that makes these activities fun and meaningful.

A pennant hanging in our family’s mudroom reminds us to “Be Kind” every time we leave the house. Whether the kids can read the words or not, I know they practice this mantra daily, believe in giving more than they take, and always greeting their literal and figurative neighbors with a smile and helping hand. 

While COVID flipped our lives upside down, we also found a rich silver lining in the opportunities it presented for us to help others. My work as a Friend led to organizing a bi-weekly diaper drive for younger families. My children would gleefully tumble into the backseat of our car with a list of diaper recipients, eager to wave to each family who came to receive their package. They now understand the difference between wants and needs, and this experience leaves them humbled and grateful. 

It warms my heart to know how proud our children are to help their community.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Ali Tejtel, Friends of Neighbors, Immigrants, Kathy Rothschild, Volunteerism

Pleasantville Farmers Market: Turning the Fun Back On

April 8, 2022 by The Inside Press

The Pleasantville Farmers Market is getting its mojo back, with a rich slate of music, kids, culinary, and other events right around the corner.

“We spent the last two years trying to stay open and keep everyone safe,” says Peter Rogovin, president of the community nonprofit Foodchester, which operates the Market. “Many people saw us as the safest way to shop: outdoors, socially distanced, masked, with food direct from farms so minimally handled. We even implemented an online shopping platform to get people in and out quickly and with contactless payment.” 

Now, with the kind of cautious optimism that is appropriate in these times, Rogovin continues, “This spring is a great time to restart the amazing programming and culinary events that helped PFM become a place where so many in the area start their weekend.”  

The market’s live music series will showcase the area’s abundant creative talent to provide a fun and vibrant atmosphere. With 21 dates in total, the music series will start on Memorial Day Weekend (May 28) and will go every Saturday until October 15. 

“Live music and top-notch food–what a fantastic combination,” says Stuart Vance, leader of the Music Committee. “Look out for some very special programs this year.” The market’s music area is located near popular vendors selling pretzels, ice pops, tea and coffee, and more, and there’s a comfortable seating area for the shoppers to enjoy.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Farmers Market, Pleasantville, Pleasantville Farmers Market

Winners of the Annual Harvey School’s WELLS Speech Contest

February 24, 2022 by The Inside Press

The Harvey School has announced the winners of the 63rd annual Wells Speech Contest which featured several area residents as finalists.

Taking the top prize in the upper school was senior Maria Millette. The runner-up was fellow senior Elyse Rosman of Chappaqua. Other finalists were sophomore Grace Alpern, juniors Julian van den Tol and Jasmine Zhang, and four local residents, senior Greyson Cooper of Katonah, sophomore Kayla Lichtenstein of Armonk, and ninth graders Daniela Rynott of Mount Kisco and Ryan Byrne of Goldens Bridge.

The Harvey Middle School winner was seventh grader Anna Bogenschutz. Honorable mention was awarded to eighth grader Tory Janush of Briarcliff Manor. Among the other finalists were eighth grader Olivia Barsky and two local residents, seventh grader Stephen Millette of Mount Kisco and sixth grader Amity Doyle of Katonah.

Harvey’s school-wide speech contest tasks students in grades 6-12 with writing and delivering their own persuasive essays. The speeches judged the best from each English class advanced to the semifinal round where the finalists were selected.

Bedford Town Justice Jodi Kimmel and Tony-nominated actress Anne Twomey Lloyd of Katonah served as this year’s judges.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Cover Stories, Happenings Tagged With: Harvey School, Speech Contest

#CHAPP100 Chappaqua Library Turning 100

February 24, 2022 by The Inside Press

“Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future”

The Chappaqua Library is recognizing a major milestone in 2022 as it reaches its 100th year of service. will include activities throughout the year with a Community Centennial celebration on Saturday, June 4, 2022. 

The Chappaqua Library is the heart of a vibrant community where people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures engage in lifelong learning and discovery while actively participating in the life of the community. Its mission: to provide exceptional resources, programs, and services that promote the joy of lifelong learning and discovery and to offer a welcoming place for people to gather and share experiences.

“Over the past 100 years, the Chappaqua Library has enriched the community in meaningful ways, and thrived thanks to the overwhelming enthusiasm and financial support of the community. The Board looks forward to our dedicated staff continuing to provide innovative programs and outstanding service into the next 100 years,” says Ronni Diamondstein, Chappaqua Library Board President. 

Andrew Farber, Library Director says, “The Library has changed dramatically over the last one hundred years. We have strived to respond to our patrons’ needs. Our warm and welcoming staff work is looking ahead to the future and will continue to engage the community with diversity, inclusivity and innovative programs.”

The library welcomes everyone through its doors located in the heart of the community on South Greeley Avenue. In 100 years, the library grew from a space in Lou Kopp’s Coal and Feed Store, located across the tracks on King Street and near the current northbound entrance to the Saw Mill River Parkway, to its current beautiful facility.  Starting with only 2,683 volumes in its collection, the library now offers over 134,000 materials and has added digital content, streaming services, programs for patrons of all ages, and provides space for the community to study, read, and enjoy.  

The upcoming programming  will honor the library’s history and look ahead with book discussions, oral histories, and exhibits. Partnering with many community groups, children’s and family programs will also reflect on the library’s history and commitment to service. Look for garden plantings and a time capsule that will preserve community submissions!  The Chappaqua Library is excited to share its own story as well as the community’s.

2022 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Friends of the Chappaqua Library. In addition to the very popular Annual Book Sale, which will return in April, they will work with the library to commemorate their anniversary. As Katherine Whymark, President of the Friends of the Chappaqua Library, likes to say, “According to my Star Wars friend Yoda, always in motion the future is, and we must move towards and with the future. Thanks to all that have supported the Friends in the past, and thanks in advance to those looking to support us in the future. Never give up, never surrender!”

To learn more about upcoming events, visit chappaqualibrary.org/centennial.

News and Photo Courtesy of The Chappaqua Library

Filed Under: Cover Stories, Happenings Tagged With: #Chapp100, Andrew Farber, Centennial Celebration, Chappaqua History, Chappaqua library, Katherine Whymark, New Castle History, Ronni Diamondstein

Horace Greeley High School Quakers League CHAMPS!

November 12, 2021 by The Inside Press

Horace Greeley High School Quakers beat the Poughkeepsie Pioneers 28–20 on October 30th in a highly competitive rematch to become champions of the Independent League with a 7-1 record; last time Quakers were league champs was back in 2010. This year’s team motto was TRUST THE PROCESS and it certainly worked. Congratulations to Coach Kearns, his staff, players and families.  — Ron Wohl

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Byram Hills, Champs, New York State Champs, Quakers

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