The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Cover Stories

A Conversation with a Hero

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World War II Vet Sergeant Dan Santagata Regales Audience with Historical Reminisces

On Sunday, February 25th, an adoring and patriotic crowd filled the auditorium at The Chappaqua Library to listen to the moving first-hand stories of a World War II veteran, hero, and neighbor. The New Castle Historical Society had invited Sergeant Dan Santagata, who will be 100 years old in August 2024, to relay his experiences in the US Army. He obliged, offering inspiring stories of grit, resolve, victories, and losses. Keith Hopkins, Sergeant Santagata’s stepson, moderated the discussion brilliantly.

It was impossible to miss his obvious pride and love for his stepdad and the special bond that the two of them share. Sgt. Santagata’s incredible journey and reflections were a testament to his enduring spirit of country before self and a touching tribute to the camaraderie and sacrifices made by those who served alongside him.

Leaving home at the age of 17, Sgt. Santagata was trained as a combat engineer and joined the 5th Infantry Division. As a combat engineer, he belonged to a specialized unit tasked with performing a wide range of crucial work that was essential to the success of his division and many other divisions within the Army.

The significance of combat engineers cannot be overstated, as they were the linchpin to ensuring that every operation and mission ran smoothly. Whether equipment needed to be fixed or obstacles needed to be overcome, it was the combat engineers’ responsibility to step in and address the challenges head-on. Their multifaceted skill set made them the go-to experts for tackling a myriad of tasks, ranging from firing bazookas, operating radios, shuttling soldiers across rivers to searching for and placing landmines and fortifying defensive positions. Sgt. Santagata conducted 26 river crossings during his time during the war.

Sgt. Santagata also shared what it was like to fight under the command of General George Patton, for several years and during the brutal six weeks of “The Battle of the Bulge”, which successfully paved the way to victory for the Allied Troops. Sgt. Santagata’s admiration for General Patton was a theme throughout his reflections on his military service. Despite the divisive opinions surrounding General Patton, Dan held an unwavering belief that there wasn’t a better leader in the military and felt his opinion was shared by many soldiers who also served under the iconic General. Patton’s leadership style, characterized by his boldness, strategic acumen, and relentless pursuit of excellence, left an indelible mark on Sgt. Santagata. Patton’s ability to inspire and command respect, coupled with his unyielding commitment to his country, resonated deeply with Sgt. Santagata.

Sgt. Santagata also shared what his life has been like since his time in service. He has been honored with prestigious awards in recognition of his exceptional service including the Luxembourg Medal of Honor, the Order of Lafayette, and the French Medal of Honor. These accolades reflect his dedication and bravery during a time of great adversity. Recently, Sgt. Santagata had the opportunity to return to France with members of his family on a tour arranged to honor his service. One very special stop on the trip took place at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, where Sgt. Santagata was brought to General Patton’s grave and honored him with a salute one more to his highly regarded and beloved General.

Sgt. Santagata was also brought to the cemetery and grave of a special friend that he lost in battle with the last name of Wentz. Here too, he was able to lay flowers and offer one last salute to a comrade and hero. Sgt. Santagata was proud and honored to be able to share these emotional experiences with his family. He shared that, to this day, it is difficult to think about friends who did not make it home from battle. However, he said, “If I had to do it all over again, I would,” demonstrating his selfless persona. Finally, Dan told us all that whenever someone says, “Thank you for your service” to him, he always responds by saying “Thank you for remembering”. Our community is so blessed to have this hero in our town.

Sgt. Santagata, today and every day, we salute you and thank you for your service.

When Peggy Got Found!

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Plus Advice on Protecting your Pet from Getting Lost

Peggy, a Cane Corso, reunited with her owner after having gone missing for 6 months.

In the hustle of everyday life, our furry companions can sometimes slip away unnoticed.

Whether that is a curious cat darting out an open door or an adventurous dog exploring beyond the confines of the backyard, missing pets are all too common.

Peggy, a Cane Corso, managed to slip out of her owner’s yard on June 24th, 2023, leaving her family distraught.

Briarcliff Manor neighbors sprang into action, and posters were plastered around town to help find Peggy. Meanwhile, Teddy Henn, a professional dog trapper from Long Island, came fully prepared; he spent a tireless six months and 10,000 miles to retrieve the mastiff.

Mr. Henn advised Peggy’s owner Jon Scott to leave his front door propped open in hopes of Peggy entering the home.

Peggy, much to the relief of the family and to the larger community expressing its appreciation on a FB page called Briarcliff Community, was recovered on January 3rd, moments before midnight.

It’s too easy for our otherwise vigilant guard to slip, leaving room for the unexpected to happen. Yet, there are proactive steps every pet owner can take to minimize the risk of losing your treasured furry companions.

How to Not Lose Your Pet

Microchip

Julie Potter of Paws Crossed Animal Rescue suggests microchipping all cats and dogs – this can be done at a local veterinary clinic. Many pets will receive a microchip – a permanent identification inserted under a pet’s skin. The American Veterinary Medical Association highly advises that all pets be microchipped and registered in the event of an unexpected runaway. A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters in 23 states reported that microchipping pets are far more likely to be returned to their owners.

Securing Yards

Animal control centers suggest securing yards to prevent potential pet escapes. The American Kennel Club advises, “You don’t necessarily have to make it higher, but adding a section to the top that tilts inward will deter your dog.”

Additionally, pet owners should walk around the yard and remove anything that could be utilized as a climbing aid, such as wood piles, playground equipment, benches, chairs, or boulders. For diggers, the American Kennel Club suggests pouring a concrete footer at the base of the fence to stop even the most determined diggers. For homes with unsecured backyards, pet owners should avoid leaving their pets outside for extended periods to prevent unwanted escapes. “Pet owners who utilize an invisible fence should always ensure the batteries are charged,” says Lisa Bonanno-Spence of the SPCA Westchester.

Collar and ID

In pet ownership, collars are vital in safeguarding our canine companions and providing peace of mind for pet owners. The Animal Humane Society recommends that pets wear collars both inside the home and outside. Inside, the collar will protect a pet in case of an accidental open door. For shy and nervous pets, Bonanno-Spence suggests investing in a GPS collar. In addition to the standard collar, ID, and GPS collar, e-collars are utilized to prevent destructive behaviors outdoors, specifically warding off pets from venturing out too far.

Keep Them Indoors

Potter suggests pet-owning families always keep cats indoors, and dogs should be kept on a leash. Potter further recommends: “Ensure your pets are in safe spots during holidays or events. Lots of company coming over increases the chance of your pet getting out of the house. Ensure they are in a secure location – holidays like the 4th of July are the biggest nights of the year when pets get out. Give them a safe, calm location so the fireworks are not as scary.” Bonanno-Spence also advises keeping pets in safe, quiet spots during thunderstorms, especially if your pet is more timid.

The Armonk Eagle Will Stand Tall Again

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It doesn’t take a resident of North Castle to recognize its largest and most iconic landmark – a roughly 12 by 40-foot metallic eagle. To this day, we still hear “turn right or turn left at the Eagle” as common directions for motorists driving on Route 22. This local legend of a monument was first constructed nearly fifty years ago to celebrate America’s bicentennial in 1976 and is finally receiving the structural reinforcement it needs and deserves.

Susan Shimer, former North Castle Town Judge, and former President of the North Castle Historical Society, who witnessed the original erection, stated, “It brought out people in a way I had never seen before and haven’t seen since. It symbolizes a togetherness, a common interest, and a sense of community.”

At the time, the statue was originally intended to be a temporary installation that would actually fly over Route 22 rather than sit next to it and was built using primarily wooden supports. The impermanence of such materials has provided opportunities for local volunteer contractors to bring construction to the next level.

“It’s fantastic,” commented North Castle Town Supervisor, Joseph Rende, “The energy and the enthusiasm they all share has been overwhelming.”

These teams will be using a combination of concrete, galvanized steel and a series of low-energy, LED lighting fixtures to create a new and improved viewing experience that will be as beautiful and impressive as it is sustainable and strong. Weather permitting, this project is expected to be completed within the following few months and ushered in with a firework-lit celebration in the planning stages for the fourth of July weekend. Having such a solidified role in this community’s identity, it’s no surprise that the Eagle and its preservation are a significant priority. According to Supervisor Rende, however, that should not be a concern again – at least not in our lifetime.

Volunteering Beyond Byram

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Volunteer work is a crucial factor in any community, as it builds on the work of selfless individuals looking to help others in need. Student volunteering is a great way to grow from new experiences, develop new skills, expand your view of the world, and help make a difference. Colleges and Universities love to see community service on applications. Having volunteer experience means you’re passionate about making a difference and are ready to be involved.

These three Byram Hills students have gone above and beyond in their volunteer work.

Alex Zodda, Byram Hills, Sophomore

1. What does your volunteer work entail?
About once a month, a few girls visited a JCCA (Jewish Child Care Association) cottage of about six to 10 girls. There are three different types of cottages, and I was with the Edenwald cottage, where kids had learning disabilities. Each child would bring a craft activity for the group when we met. These activities were usually holiday-based, creative, and fun. We’d get to know each other and
talked about their passions, hobbies, and even their social dramas.

2. What inspired you to take this on?
My father encouraged me to give the JCCA a try. He worked there as a psychiatrist, and he loved the kids. His dedication really inspired me.

3. What did you get from your volunteer efforts?
One of the standouts of volunteering for the JCCA is you get to understand and meet kids you wouldn’t in other circumstances. It really made me aware of stereotyping in society, and I realized that I’d made assumptions before meeting them. I re-thought how I interacted with people with learning disabilities.

4. How does volunteering make you feel?
Whenever I think of the kids in my cottage, my heart swells. Their resilience was extremely admirable, and they taught me how to appreciate life even though it can be flawed at times. Since then, I do my best to never judge anyone before meeting them. They all mean the world to me, and the overall experience has been a highlight of my teenage years.

5. Do you plan to continue your volunteer work?
Although I couldn’t participate this year, I’m so excited to return next year! I’m looking forward to reuniting with these children, and I couldn’t be happier to have such close ties with the JCCA.

Tyler Bond, Byram Hills, Junior

1. What does your volunteer work entail?
I created and lead Armonk to Africa (A2A) which is a cultural exchange and traditional letter writing program connecting Armonk’s Wampus Elementary School and the Esilalei Primary School in Tanzania, Africa. Once a month I meet with the fifth grade Wampus VIP Jr. Club where I lead the students through activities thoughtfully designed to foster authentic connections with their new friends in Africa and to expand their understanding of the world beyond Armonk.

2. What inspired you to take this on?
My Aunt Monica is a wildlife biologist and activist who has lived and worked in Tanzania for many years studying giraffes and educating people about ways to protect wildlife. Since I was very young, I felt a connection to the work Monica was doing and hoped to one day make a difference too. As I learned about life in Tanzania, I felt a deep compassion for the children there who do not have basic needs met, such as food and water to go to school. At the same time, I was inspired by their big smiles and all that we share in common and thought what a unique and special experience it would be to connect kids in my hometown with kids in Tanzania.

3. What do people get from your volunteer efforts?
The children that are participating in A2A are so excited when they get their new letters. Having a friend halfway across the world is pretty cool! They always reveal something new, they didn’t know before.

It is my goal that the children of A2A will get to know a bigger world than their own. The students I am teaching are gaining a new cultural appreciation and perspective that they didn’t have before.

It is my greatest hope that with the community’s support and beyond, that Armonk to Africa is going to be able to provide every child at the Esilalei School a meal a day at school for a year.

4. How does volunteering make you feel?
Watching the enthusiasm and happiness when students read and write their letters makes me so happy and very proud of the program. I can see their surprise and amazement as they get to know someone their own age who lives in Africa.

5. Do you have plans to continue your volunteer work?
I hope to continue the Armonk to Africa cultural exchange program. I will be launching the Food for Thought fundraising campaign in hopes that by the start of the new school year, the Esilalei school can open its doors ready with food and water for every child. 

I will be travelling to Tanzania to meet and spend time with the students at the Esilalei school this summer!  I can’t wait!!!  If you would like to donate to Food for Thought, visit my website, Armonk2Africa.org

 

Evan McCauley, Byram Hills, Junior

1. What does your volunteer work entail?
I perform piano at nursing homes and assisted living communities for the residents on a regular basis. The performances are held in common areas where the residents come together for entertainment.

2. What inspired you to take this on?
Music is proven to help improve memory and brain function and to brighten mood. At home, I have seen the difference that it makes when I play for my grandparents.

3. What do people get from your volunteer efforts?
Hopefully, my music helps improve the quality of people’s lives.

4. How does volunteering make you feel?
It makes me feel very happy to bring joy to people through music. I play well known jazz standards which evoke nostalgia for the residents. It is very rewarding when I hear them sing and hum along, and I see them smiling. I know that they recognize and are enjoying the songs.

5. Do you plan to continue your volunteer work?
I plan to continue my volunteer work in order to spread the gift of music in my community.

In summary, volunteering is an indispensable pillar in our society and a great contribution to the community. These three students have shown great dedication to volunteerism, and hope they inspire others to pursue volunteer work in their community and beyond.

The Chocolate Lady of Chappaqua

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As many college students do, Chrissie Moses took a job to help college costs and began working in a quaint shop named Chocolate’s Plus in Chappaqua, New York. She was trained in a variety of chocolate making techniques that she would use daily. To this day, she still considers this job to be one of her favorites. Who would have known that over 30 years later, she would take her passion for chocolate and share it with thousands of children.

The same year she received her first teaching position in the Lakeland School District, she was invited to join their after-school program. Creating a club about her passion for chocolate was a no-brainer, and so The Chocolate Club was born. It was a hit with children and parents almost immediately. Those children who participated spent an hour after school making a wide variety of chocolate treats. From chocolate covered pretzels to chocolate lollipops, the sky was the limit, and the children loved every confectionary they brought home to their families. Of course, being a teacher, she also built in knowledge of how chocolate changes its states, and how chocolate is made from bean to bar.

Chrissie’s teaching path changed when she received an elementary teaching position in Pleasantville. In her first year at Bedford Road School, she brought The Chocolate Club to the school’s community. It did not take long before the club’s popularity yielded waiting lists. The club’s offerings expanded from sweet treats to delicious desserts.

In the fall of 2023, Chrissie took her chocolate club private, The Chocolate Club Plus LLC. She expanded her offerings to chocolate clubs, private parties, and full-day chocolate camps. Her philosophy is to give the participants an amazing chocolate experience while also providing parents a place for their kids to go when school is out. The greatest compliment she could ever receive from her families is that going to Chocolate Club Plus is like going to grandma’s house but with lots of chocolate!