The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Cover Stories

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.

For the Love of the Pie

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(L-R): Scott Fiore and Darin Feldman
Photos by EVAN TRAINOR

How One Facebook Group is Shaking up Westchester’s Pizza Scene

As a lifelong New Yorker and Queens native, New Rochelle’s Darin Feldman was always a big pizza fan. But until a few years ago, his family’s mindset was that “pizza is pizza,” and the slice shop around the corner would generally do.

“We always liked pizza a lot,” Feldman says. “But we never really differentiated between places.”

Then a few years back, Feldman and his son decided to take a ride to acclaimed Eastchester pizzeria Polpettina. He was impressed by the pie’s quality and unique style and began wondering what other noteworthy slices he was missing out on a short drive away.

Last summer, Feldman started Westchester Pizza Lovers, a Facebook group where members debate that very question. As of press time the group has nearly 7,600 members, who each day share pictures and rate their slices from across the county.

Westchester Pizza Lovers was not the first food group launched by Feldman. Two years prior he started NY EATS & TREATS, “a group for eaters, boozers, fine diners and late-night munchers.” That group has some 1,600 members. But he found that his posts about pizza were the ones with the most discussion and engagement.

“For better or worse, everyone in the food group was referencing me as the pizza guy,” he recalls.

Feldman then reached out to his friend Scott Fiore, a North Castle resident whom he met through another food group and proposed launching a page dedicated just to pizza in Westchester. “I said, ‘Yea, that sounds like a good idea,’” Fiore recalls.
“I didn’t expect it to be this big.”

Unlike Feldman, Fiore never questioned the difference between noteworthy and run-of-the-mill pizza.

“My father was very particular about his pizza,” the Bronx native says. “You couldn’t just bring him home any pizza. If it was too thick, he’d look at it and be like, ‘Oh that’s a wagon wheel. What are you bringing this stuff home for?’” he recalls. “It always had to be thin, well-done but not burnt.” So, Fiore always found himself searching for worthy pizza, including when he and his wife moved to Westchester.

“That’s how we started, just looking for good pizza and going to different restaurants and different pizza places,” he says. “It was just about a love of pizza and finding really good pizza. Not just finding pizza, but really good pizza.”

Feldman and Fiore weren’t the only ones. Once launched, Westchester Pizza Lovers took off, at times adding some 1,000 members in a month.

Some of the best

Westchester Pizza Lovers features a constant stream of posts of people sharing their pizza orders of the day, from pizzerias across the county. Posters sometimes rate their pies, often on a 1-10 scale, describing what they liked about the pizza and where it could be improved. Rules for the group are simple – be respectful and stick only to Westchester pizzas (Feldman has launched a separate page for pies across the Hudson Valley).

“Marios Pizza & Pasta, Mt. Kisco NY, great pizza!!” reads one typical post, along with photos. “Thin crust nice and crisp. 10/10!”

“Went for a grandma slice,” says another post, along with a picture of a sad-looking square corner slice from a local pizzeria. “There was no love put into this creation, lol!”

Members also often seek advice on where to get pizza in a given town, or with a certain dietary restriction.

“Are there any vegan pizza options in lower Westchester?” one commenter asked, in a post that received several responses. “Also, any places that have vegan cheese, not just sauce and toppings?”

While a wide range of pizzerias are shared on the page, several favorites have emerged. Johnny’s in Mount Vernon, an 82-year-old establishment which Feldman calls the best in the county “by leaps and bounds,” earns plenty of acclaim. But the most popular in terms of posts and enthusiasm is Pizza Fenice in Pelham, a relative newcomer to the pizza scene.

“Everything he puts out is just exceptional,” Feldman said of owner John Gristina.

There are plenty of places in Chappaqua, Briarcliff, Armonk, and Pleasantville – Inside Press’s coverage area – that are frequently touted in the group. One is Arthur Avenue Wood Fired Pizza in Pleasantville, a favorite of Feldman, whose owner, Brian Peroni, is a group member.

Peroni said he found the page and realized it could be a useful way to keep up on the Westchester pizza scene and promote his own business (restaurant owners are allowed to post promotional items only on Fridays).

“It was nice to see,” Peroni says. “It’s nice to see other places and hope that other businesses are doing well.”

Peroni says that posts in the group have occasionally brought in new customers.

“People come in and say they were on Westchester Pizza Lovers, and they saw it,” he recounts. “So, it’s been a positive. It’s been a plus.”

Another popular local spot is Donato’s Trattoria in Briarcliff, which Fiore says ranks in his personal top 15 or so pizzerias in the county. Amore in Armonk, a personal favorite of Feldman and Fiore, is also frequently shared. In Chappaqua, Feldman mentions Old Stone Trattoria as one of his favorites and says Pizza Station gets significant attention from group members.

And another relative newcomer – Margherita Pizza in Thornwood – has gained popularity.

Burbs or the boroughs?

So how does Westchester’s pizza scene stack up against pizza in New York City? On aggregate, Feldman says, it does not compare. “However, I do think there are quite a few individual pizzas throughout Westchester, and more than a handful, that can absolutely compete with any of the ones in New York City,” he notes.

He points to Johnnys and some of the slice shops in Yonkers – Dunwoodie Pizzeria, John’s Pizza on Devoe Street, Sophia’s on McLean – as just about as good as the best places in the boroughs.

“A lot of people ignorantly say, ‘Westchester pizza, there’s nothing here,’” he continues. “That’s really not true. You just have to do a little bit of homework and be willing to branch out of the comfort zone of your own backyard and maybe travel 15 to 20 minutes.”

For now, Westchester Pizza Lovers is a labor of love for Feldman, who co-owns A-Game Sports in New Rochelle. “At this point in time, I get zero income,” he says of his pizza group. “For now, this is just a fun hobby for me.”

But Feldman has thought about finding ways to turn the group into something bigger and hopes to do meetups, pizza crawls, and events in the future. And both Feldman and Fiore hope their group can help people discover their new favorite pizzeria in their own neighborhood or just beyond.

“Life is too short to eat [lackluster] pizza,” Feldman said in a May 30 post on the group, using a more colorful term. “Drive the extra 20 minutes to get a pie you are truly going to enjoy.”

Byram Hills Ranked No. 1 Public High School in Westchester

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Christopher Walsh, Principal, and Dr. Jen Lamia, Superintendent   PHOTO BY Elise Trainor

Receiving well-deserved recognition, Byram Hills High School was ranked as the number one public high school in Westchester County in Westchester Magazine’s March 2024 issue. The Inside Press asked me to explore the “why” behind the ranking. It is particularly noteworthy as Westchester is home to some of the best high schools in the country. Factors considered included college readiness, average class size, student-to-teacher ratio, SAT scores, the number of counselors, the number of AP courses, and more.

“It’s very exciting when the district is recognized for our strong academic and extracurricular programs. An acknowledgement from Westchester Magazine as the #1 high school in Westchester is a credit to a strong school community that places students at the center of what we do,” says Superintendent Dr. Jen Lamia.

Innovative Programs

“I marvel at how the faculty, staff, and administration continue to develop opportunities for students to find their individual passions and excel,” says Lamia.

The opportunities are endless. Students interested in robotics and coding can immerse themselves in the robotics course and participate in competitions. Extensive offerings abound in the Fine Arts department, including metalsmithing, jewelry making, ceramics, and photography. Available to seniors who qualify is “Perspectives in Literature,” an integrated study that includes literature, philosophy, art, and an intensive writing experience.

One of the most recognized programs at Byram Hills is the award-winning Authentic Science Research program, a three-year program in which students complete independent research under the mentorship of professional scientists. Students submit their research to the Regeneron Science Talent Search (“STS”). Byram Hills touts 132 “Top 300 scholars” and 23 national finalists in the Regeneron STS since 1991.

Two other thriving programs that are distinct to our district are the Global Scholars Program and the StartUp Entrepreneurship Program. Both began as pilot programs sponsored by the Byram Hills Education Foundation (the “BHEF”) and have been very well-received.

According to the Byram Hills website, Global Scholars is an “interdisciplinary three-year program…[in which] students investigate global issues, analyze diverse perspectives, communicate ideas effectively in both English and a second language, and take action.”

The StartUp program, which began in 2022, most recently had 35 members of the community acting as mentors to the students in their start-ups. The two-year program allows students to create and launch their own business or social enterprise. Guest speakers are invited to talk to the kids about starting a business. This past year, they held an exciting evening competition à la “Shark Tank” with parents and business owners in the community acting as judges.

“Byram Hills’ number one ranking is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our teachers, faculty, and the entire community,” says BHEF board member Ally Wolland. “The BHEF plays a critical role in this success story. By funding faculty and teacher-written grants across the district, the BHEF addresses specific needs at each grade level and school. Impactful programs like the Global Scholars program and the StartUP program exemplify the BHEF’s influence.”

“For me, as a parent and BHEF board member, what most exemplifies the essential partnership between the BHEF and the district was the BHEF’s facilitation of an emergency meeting during the pandemic to secure funding to purchase Viewsonic technology to aid in reopening and remote learning,” explains Wolland. “A vibrant and supportive education foundation like the BHEF is a rare gem in public schools. I am incredibly grateful for the profound impact the BHEF has on our school district…”

An Engaged Community and Happy Families

“This ranking was an acknowledgment of the strength of our entire district. We have such a wonderful community, and it starts from the great support we get from the Board of Education and District Administrators. We have families who are incredibly supportive of the work we are doing and appreciate the collective efforts that go into educating their children,” says Byram Hills High School Principal Chris Walsh.

“We have students who have been given a great foundation in learning going all the way back to their first day in kindergarten through every grade level and school in the district. I am most happy for our faculty and staff here at the high school that they can take pride in this and know that their professionalism, care, and expertise are recognized on a regional level. Overall, the ranking helps to reinforce that Byram Hills High School is a special place where students benefit from the highest quality educators, supportive district, and collaborative community.”

For area realtors, who promote the positive aspects of living here all the time, the good news about Byram Hills was not surprising. “As an alum of Byram Hills and lifelong resident of Armonk, I am thrilled that our high school has been named #1 in Westchester County,” says Stacey Sporn, Armonk parent and Associate Broker at William Raveis. “This recognition highlights the dedication of our teachers, the enthusiasm of our students, and the unwavering support of our community. Growing up here, I experienced firsthand the exceptional education and the strong sense of community that defines our town. It’s no surprise that more families are choosing to move here, drawn by our top-notch schools and the welcoming, vibrant atmosphere that makes this area a wonderful place to live and raise a family,”

“I think the district’s recognition of talent is what contributes to Byram Hill’s excellence,” says Harriet Libov, Armonk parent and Associate Broker at Houlihan Lawrence. “The district always looks to the best in faculty to promote from within. For example, Superintendent Lamia was my daughter’s middle school teacher back in the day. Similarly, many of the administrators and principals were promoted after proven success in our district. I feel fortunate that both my kids, each with very different interests, soared academically and socially as a result of what Byram Hills had to offer. Moreover, as adults today, they remain friends with their Byram Hills classmates.”

“Byram Hills High School created an environment in which both of my daughters were able to grow and thrive intellectually and socially,” says Stacee Massoni Blatte, Armonk parent and Associate Broker at Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s. “They had the opportunity to take classes that both challenged and interested them. The immense support they received from their teachers enabled them to excel and equipped them with the resources necessary to continue to flourish throughout their college experiences at the University of Pennsylvania.”

Always Moving Forward

Whether advancing the curriculum or the social and emotional well-being of the students, Byram Hills is always thinking how best to serve its students. A recent district-wide vote approved the use of eight million dollars of the capital reserve fund for the “Lights, Learning, Action!” renovation project at the high school to create The Learning Commons, a reconstruction of the library; install a turf field; and add lighting on all fields and courts.

“Our school community is best exemplified by a senior who told me recently that the thought of leaving Byram Hills and graduating makes her cry – that’s the heart of it all – and I think it’s the school community that does it. We are continually on the flywheel of moving forward for kids,” says Lamia.

He Shoots, He Scores

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Townsend scores against rival Princeton.

Nick Townsend is a name that stands out among the students at Horace Greeley High School in the center of Westchester, where the sounds of basketballs bouncing on wooden floors blend with the excited conversation of supporters. Townsend’s story, from his modest beginnings shooting hoops in the driveway to his spectacular ascent to the Ivy League stage, is a tribute to perseverance, hard effort, and family support.

Nick’s older siblings, who dominated the floor before him, had a big influence on his early basketball interest. He reflects, “I was kind of around basketball pretty much as early as I can remember.” Both my sister and older brother played when they were younger.” The foundation for Nick’s entry into the world of competitive basketball was laid by his family’s love of the game.

Nick’s skill developed while he was moving through the Greeley hallways, guided by his coaches’ close supervision and the team spirit of his teammates. Particularly noteworthy was his sophomore year, which culminated in a successful run to the Section Championship. Nick won ‘Mr. Basketball’ as a sophomore which goes to the best player in Section 1. He shared, “Playing that song while walking out of the county center after winning the championship was a feeling I will never forget and really special with that team,” as he looks back on the incredible sophomore year him and his teammates had.

Not only did Nick play basketball at Greeley, but he also made friends for life and improved his talents under the watchful eye of committed coaches. Nick’s experiences in the Greeley gym, be it intense practice sessions or exciting game nights, have molded him into the player and person he is today. Nick was forever changed by the spirit of camaraderie at Greeley, more so than the victories and defeats. Greeley was more than just a school to Nick and his fellow players; “it was home” he said, from the backing of supporters crammed into the bleachers to the companionship experienced with teammates both on and off the court.

Nick’s commitment to Yale University, where intellectual rigor meets athletic brilliance, was made possible by his performance at Greeley. It was no easy task to juggle the demands of Ivy League studies with collegiate basketball, but Nick took on the challenge with his usual tenacity. “It’s true that being a student-athlete teaches you time management and priority,” he says, emphasizing the priceless skills gained both on and off the court. Nick learned a lot in his first two years at yale. He said, “Greeley did a good job preparing me for this”.

Nick has had two special seasons at Yale, fueled by special basketball moments and relationships created by team victories. His accomplishments this season were immense. Yale had some incredible moments this season, which ranged from thrilling experiences at March Madness to buzzer-beaters in the Ivy League championship. This whole journey this season for Nick cemented his reputation as a standout player and reliable teammate.

There were unique difficulties in making the switch from high school to collegiate basketball, as Nick notes, “Everything is boosted up another notch.” However, even in the face of increased pressure and unrelenting competition, he took comfort in the game’s timeless teachings. Nick muses, “It’s all about the hard work,” reflecting the opinions of his teammates, family, and coaches who helped him mold his basketball career.

One thing never changes as Nick Townsend’s narrative progresses, from the hardwood courts of Greeley to the famed halls of Yale: his unrelenting dedication to excellence and his sincere thanks for the experiences that have shaped him. Every stage of his journey, from the applause of home crowds to the team spirit, bears witness to the game’s transformational force and the unwavering determination of a young athlete with a dream. Nick went from not getting a ton of minutes for Yale his freshman year, to this year being a reliable contributor for the bulldogs.

Nick’s story serves as a reminder to himself as he looks to the future that success is not solely determined by points scored or championships won, but also by the character developed through hardship, the friendships fostered by mutual sacrifice, and the enduring influence of a well-traveled path. Nick Townsend’s legacy lives on in every jump shot, every defensive stop, and every win celebration. He is a living example of the strength that comes from pursuing a dream with tenacity and enthusiasm. He will always be remembered in the halls of Greeley.

Mount Kisco Child Care Center Celebrates 20 Years of Feed Me Fresh

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Finding affordable childcare and early education has long been a complex math problem: Parents must navigate limited availability, high costs, and varying standards of care. And this is only one side of the equation. Working parents often are forced to choose between maintaining financial stability and staying home. However, a possible solution to this problem was established in 1971 at Mount Kisco Child Care Center.

“Because we understand the transformative power of equitable access to quality care and early education for children and families, MKCCC works hard to build awareness regarding the needs of the childcare industry and advocates on behalf of working families to increase access for all,” says Paula Backer, Director of Development. This non-profit childcare organization cares for over 145 children, ages three months to eleven years of age, in a 20,000-square-foot community-built facility. Beyond just a care center, MKCCC helps working families thrive by providing high-quality childcare and education through innovative, appropriate programming and a holistic approach to supporting family needs.

At the core of this exceptional organization are the teachers. Backer notes, “Their care and passion for what they do is evident the moment you step into a classroom.” These qualified and experienced educators foster a distinctive mutual support and caring environment, benefiting the students and the entire team.

Yet, solving this complex equation is far from straightforward. Childcare is in crisis, with costs exceeding what most families can afford, while centers struggle to pay competitive wages. The pandemic worsened the situation, causing a significant labor shortage. New York State lost 42% of its early childcare workforce, and many centers closed or reduced classroom sizes, leading to a severe shortage–MKCCC’s waitlist has reached 500 children.

During the COVID crisis, government funding helped keep centers afloat, but this support has ended while inflation and labor market competition persist. Without renewed financial support, there is grave concern for the future of centers and the families that rely on them. This math problem remains unsolved, and without adequate resources, the equation may become increasingly difficult to balance.

Mount Kisco Child Care Center is renowned for hosting impactful, community-oriented events, including the annual gala to raise scholarship funds for the MKCCC Scholarship Fund, Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening. The 20th Feed Me Fresh event is the hallmark of Mount Kisco Child Care Center’s innovative seed-to-table nutrition curriculum, developed with the expertise of nutritionists, early education teachers, chefs, and farmers. This program integrates hands-on farming activities in the center’s playground gardens with cooking classes that utilize the seasonal produce grown and harvested by the children. The initiative is further supported by an in-house Feed Me Fresh food service team, which provides fresh, healthy, homemade meals and snacks through sustainable methods, supporting local agriculture whenever possible.

Inspired by this program, local restaurants and chefs joined forces 20 years ago to create a fundraising event that celebrates the principles of Feed Me Fresh: nutritious, sustainable, and delicious food. Over the years, this event has transformed into a night of culinary excellence, featuring delectable samples from beloved local restaurants. These establishments not only donate their food but also create immersive experiences at their tasting stations. Keira Treanor, President of the Board for MKCCC, further notes, “We raise a huge portion of our scholarship budget at this one event, and you can always feel the love and support from every guest. Although the gala is very large, at over 300 guests, it feels like a small family gathering, making it my favorite and most special occasion of the year!” The event has grown beyond expectations, offering all attendees a unique and memorable experience.

In addition to the culinary delights, we are thrilled to celebrate twenty years of this event and its significant impact on our organization. Treanor adds that she is particularly excited as we honor two extraordinary members of the MKCCC family, Ruth Goodman, and Peter Schwarz. Their unwavering dedication and commitment to the MKCCC mission epitomize the best of what this childcare center stands for.

Over the years, Feed Me Fresh has evolved into the largest funding source for the Mount Kisco Child Care Center Scholarship Fund, enabling us to continue our vital work in the community. As MKCCC reflects on this milestone, they remain committed to solving the complex financial equation of childcare access and affordability, ensuring every child can thrive in a nurturing environment. For more information, please visit mkccc.org