New Castle News

Forever on her Side: New Castle Renames and Dedicates a Park to Honor Jean Craighead George, Beloved Children’s Book Author

October 16, 2021 by Alexa Troob

Neighbors, friends-and even a dog’s well timed howl!-applauded & heralded New Castle’s renaming a local park to honor and remember Jean Craighead George.

At the dedication, Jean Craighead George’s children (left to right): Twig, Luke and Craig, were also presented with a gift–George’s 1971 drawing at Grafflin of the main character Sam for children’s book treasure, My Side of the Mountain. Photo By Grace Bennett/Inside Press

On Sunday, October 10, Douglas Park was renamed Jean Craighead George Park to honor and remember Ms. George, an award winning author of 105 books, naturalist, and beloved and influential member of the Chappaqua community. The ceremony was filled with neighbors, friends, and those passionate about nature and conservation. The speakers told stories, reflected on George’s life, read excerpts of her work, and shared their accomplishments and hopes for the park. The speakers included Jen Bounds, Erin Spira, Sue Meany, Ronni Diamondstein, Gray Williams, Wendell Minor, Mercy Garland, and the George children.

Jean George wrote books for young people include the Newberry Medal winner, Julie of the Wolves, Newberry Honor Book, My Side of the Mountain. and the last picture book, Crowbar: The Smartest Bird in the World, that was revised by her children Luke and Twig George and illustrated by her longtime collaborator, Wendell Minor.

Jean Craighead George was one of the Inside Press’s earliest cover subjects! George was interviewed in 2004 by Lisa St. John. Photo in her storybook garden by Lynda Shenkman Curtis.

When a dog howled seemingly on cue in response to Ronni Diamondstein, President of the Chappaqua Library Board of Trustees, imitating a wolf’s howl, it felt as if Jean Craighead George was there as well, and virtually everyone laughed in appreciation.

This ceremony also acknowledged the work put into the park’s restoration. Many invasive species have already been removed allowing native plants to thrive. Jen Bounds, project organizer, shared that soon after clearing the area around the stream, kids were found playing there with buckets in hand. This highlights the goal of conserving the park- to teach children to value and enjoy nature, which is what George strived to do through her writing. “This park will now serve as a memorial that enables future generations of kids to connect, enjoy, and read through a shared community,” said Erin Spira, Board of Parks and Recreation.

While at first glance, it was difficult to view this park as anything more than overgrown plants, the speakers helped to unveil the sentiment behind this special place hidden in nature. Whether it was stories of Craig George getting stuck while caving under Douglas Road, or Luke George falling off of his bike and heading straight into the stream- the audience was able to understand the value behind this park. “I think half of you grew up with us, knew mom, knew the animals, scamperd down these woods, climbed the trees probably a little too high… this was a really magical place,” said Twig George.

Diamondstein read Maggie Mae’s adorable story of meeting Jean George from a past edition of Inside Chappaqua; in 2004, George had graced the magazine cover after an interview with Lisa St. John.

Gray Williams, Chappaqua’s town historian, also reminisced about times he spent at the park and his hope that it “can be restored to the way it was when [he] was growing up.” With all of the progress the park has made, hopefully children in the neighborhood can escape to this wild space the same way Gray Williams and the George children used to do, and the same way Jean Craighead George encouraged through her writing.

Ms. George passed away in 2012, but it is clear that her influence on the community as well as on future generations of children lives on. Jen Bounds shared that after reaching out to Ms. George’s children to garner support for the park dedication to present to the Recreation and Parks Commission, approximately 200 emails and letters appeared seemingly overnight.

Craig George spoke about how he had the honor of “being raised by the most interesting mom in America, in one of the most interesting houses… It was an open house, and a lot of people here I think were touched by that place.” This house can be seen from the park, and Twig said that they raised 173 wild animals there. Considering George’s love for wildlife and value of community, this park is the perfect tribute to her life. In fact, even at this one hour ceremony, a strong sense of connectedness was already felt. “Jean taught generations of children to value and conserve the wild spaces that are entrusted to us,” said Jen Bounds. “For that we dedicate this park as Jean Craighead George Park.”

PHOTOS BY Grace Bennett/Inside Press

FOCUSING ON A CURE: Following a Local Family’s Journey with Crohn’s & Colitis

September 30, 2021 by Robin Chwatko

***Focus on a Cure* *Gala:*** November 13^th, 2021 one.bidpal.net/fw2021gala

In March of 2007, everything changed for the Silverman family of Chappaqua when a pediatric gastroenterologist somberly said, “Your son, Josh, has Crohn’s disease.” For the five months leading up to that day, Ira and Wendi Silverman had helplessly watched their ten-year-old son grapple with unexplained weight loss and flu-like symptoms. After receiving this diagnosis, the three of them drove home in silence; scared, stunned, and confused.

(L-R): Ira, Matt, Wendi, Amanda, and Josh Silverman

That fateful day in March was the beginning of an uncertain and turbulent time for Josh and their family. Josh’s path with Crohn’s was difficult, because the disease’s onset occurred at such a young age and IBD is organically a difficult illness to manage. Now 24, Josh has dealt with an endless cocktail of medications, countless missed days of school, doctor’s appointments, two major surgeries, multiple hospital stays, and early on, nightly feeding tube nourishment to help him thrive.

Looking for a way to channel their fear into action, the Silvermans reached out to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation at the urging of a total stranger- and neighbor.

“On the very afternoon of Josh’s diagnosis, I walked through the front door of our town’s Dunkin’ Donuts and ran into a dear friend,” said Wendi. Overwhelmed, I shared Josh’s diagnosis with her. Just as this friend was telling me about another mom in town whose son had Crohn’s, that very mom was pushing open Dunkin Donut’s back door. Then, for the second time that day, she altered my life with a few words- ‘Join me tomorrow night for a parent support group’. And just like that our relationship with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation was born.”

The mission of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is to find cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the lives of children and adults affected by these diseases. Founded in 1967, the organization has played a role in every major breakthrough in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research, investing more than $384 million into finding causes, treatments, and cures. The Foundation supports healthcare practitioners from all specialty areas that serve patients with Crohn’s and colitis, including gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, colorectal surgeons, nutritionists, infusion specialists, mental health professionals and more, and offers a wide variety of resources including education and advocacy.

“The Foundation provides resources and guidance to patients from the very moment of diagnosis. We are often the first call patients and caregivers make in order to get information about these diseases, understand medication and treatment options and find local doctors as well as emotional support.” said Lisa Harding, Senior Executive Director of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Connecticut/Westchester Chapter. “One of the largest roles we play is helping to educate the general public about these autoimmune diseases. Because the symptoms can be embarrassing, patients are often left feeling alone. We work to remove the stigma that often comes with diagnosis so that patients can feel accepted and confident as they live their everyday lives.”

Since that first phone call to the local chapter, the Foundation has supported the Silverman family emotionally and through patient education programming. And the Silvermans have thrown themselves into supporting the foundation as well. Ira’s began with the Golf committee where he’s volunteered for 14 years, serving as Chairman, a Board Member, and President, and raising over $4 million. Wendi began as a volunteer for the Take Steps walk and then Walk Manager in three counties, and growing the chapter walk program by 121%. Josh and his siblings, Matthew and Amanda, are also involved. They were members of the Take Steps “Team ICure” each year where they fundraised and invited friends to attend the event. Josh attended Camp Oasis, the one week “IBD” camp when he was 15 years old. Matthew ran a half marathon with Team Challenge in 2016 in honor of his brother and Amanda participated in Spin4 in 2020.

It is for this reason that the entire Silverman family, will be honored at this year’s “Focus on a Cure” Gala, the Foundation’s largest annual, fundraiser, and presented with the 2021 Modell Award.

Wendi and Ira Silverman with the 2021 Modell Volunteer Award

“We are so thrilled to be able to honor the Silverman family,” said Harding, “Their involvement, contributions and impressive achievements underscore the family’s hard work, commitment to the mission and ability to inspire others. We joke that you can always count one or more of the Silverman family to be present at Foundation events to help set up, clean up, share their story, build awareness and make other families feel welcome.”

Take Steps Walk: 2015 Silverman Family Josh, Amanda, Ira, Matt, and Wendi

Today, Josh is a thriving adult and continues to exhibit the same strength, resilience, and determination that he learned as a young child dealing with chronic illness. “With Crohn’s disease it’s hard to know when someone is suffering because the symptoms aren’t ones that can be seen, says Josh. “My parents have supported me so much and once they saw how much help was needed in the community, they stretched their efforts to helping kids, teens and adults who are struggling. Because of their commitment, and the work of the Foundation, great advances have been made- and I hope there’s a cure in my lifetime.”

_____________________________________________________________

ASK THE DR: Q&A with specialist Dr. Tom Ullman, M.D.

What are symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic immune disorders of the gastrointestinal track that most commonly give rise to a number of different symptoms including diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, blood in the stool, weight loss, or loss of appetite. Additionally, there are some characteristic symptoms that can occur outside the intestine including eye redness and pain, joint pain or swelling, some unusual skin issues, mouth sores, and a few other others. Sometimes only some or even just one of these symptoms are present, or they can appear in different combinations. In kids, in whom it often first shows up, growth issues may be the only presenting symptoms.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are usually excellent, but sometimes finding the right medicine to achieve that remission can be a challenge, requiring surgical therapy, whose results are excellent, but, in the case of Crohn’s disease, isn’t a curative solution as there is a high rate of post-operative recurrence. Because they are chronic and lifelong immune diseases, patients and family members have a number of concerns about living life with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, but in reality, I’ve had the privilege of caring of a number of patients who despite surgery or difficult treatments have gone on to a number of great professional, physical, and personal achievements.

What are current treatments?

Treatments in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are directed at reducing the disease-related inflammation. We now have a number of targeted immune based therapies and other widely used medications that can be useful in treating debilitating activity.

What should you ask your GI physician?

If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it’s always good to stay on top of disease activity and disease-related inflammation. Your gastroenterologist should be able to tell you how that part of disease is ongoing. You should always ask your gastroenterologist what’s the exit strategy for any time you need corticosteroids, and what vaccines and other health maintenance measures need to be taken.

RESOURCES:

https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/

IBD Help Center (1-888-MY-GUT-PAIN)

Focus on a Cure Gala: November 13^th, 2021 one.bidpal.net/fw2021gala

Honoring, Reflecting & Emphasis on Unity and Community during New Castle 20th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Commemoration

September 14, 2021 by Grace Bennett

The Town of New Castle 20th anniversary 9/11 Memorial Commemoration meaningfully and elegantly honored the memories of Michael Berkeley, Donald Greene, Louis Steven Inghiterra, George Morell and Allan Schwartztein.

These individuals were at one time New Castle residents “who lost their lives on September 11th along with their family and friends left behind,” as noted in the opening page of a Memorial journal of reflections prepared by a committee (private donations covered its cost) to commemorate the event. The journal contains remembrances of the day from family members of the deceased, current residents of those lost that day, and New Castle First Responders, according to Emily Bloom, a representative from the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps., who was on the committee. Their moving stories along with the full program, the day’s and journal’s acknowledgments, can be found on the Town website at www.mynewcastle.org.

Those who attended the ceremony at Gedney Park were reminded by speakers of both the unity of spirit and purpose felt by so many following the horrific events that took place, and also of the heroic efforts by first responders who prevented a far worse destruction.

In a gorgeous symbolic project, Boy Scout Troops 1, 2 and 3 planted 2977 American flags, each one in remembrance of a life lost, in the field adjacent to the service.

Following welcome remarks by Acting Town Supervisor Jeremy Saland, State Senator Peter Harckham, spoke on behalf of Thomas Dunne, retired Deputy Chief, FDNY, who could not attend due to a family emergency. Dunne’s statement first recalled the 343 firefighters lost, and then a July 11, ’01 conversation with one close firefighter friend with whom he had fought fires in the Bronx. They discussed a hardware store explosion in Queens which had killed three firefighters on June 17, 2001. His friend had said, “There but for the Grace of God go you and I.”

Chief Dunne wrote: “In a world full of uncertainties and in a job full of danger, we know it was often just fate that determines our destinies. I could not have know at the time that was to be the last conversation I would ever have with him.”

Harckham noted the need for us to capture the “spirit and support we gave each other in the days and months after 9/11″…. “We live in divisive times. On the morning of 9/11/2001, there were no Democrats or Republicans, no liberals or conservatives… it didn’t matter what race or ethnic group you were. There were only people suffering and dying and people stepping up to help each other as we slowly recovered and pieced our world back together. Let us hold the memories in our hearts but also honor them by our action by continuing to take care of each other.”

Michael Wolfensohn, Millwood Fire Commissioner, who had played a key role in bringing a 9/11 Memorial to New Castle, shared personal remembrances, and then conveyed that the day’s meaning were “one of hope and one of community”…

“We not only honor memory of those lost but honor the countless volunteers who dedicated endless hours providing comfort and support… reminding us not to lose that newfound spirit of patriotism and community that we all felt in the days following 9/11.

“9/11 was the most successful evacuation in our country’s history. That was due to our First Responders and to citizens helping citizens. 500,000 people evacuated New York City that day by boat, another couple hundred thousand walked over the Brooklyn Bridge, 87% of the people survived that day. If you were in the North Tower, below the impact zone, 99% survived… “Please carry that spirit of unity and community every day,” said Wolfensohn.

State Senator Peter Harckham, speaking on behalf of Thomas Dunne, retired Deputy Chief, FDNY

Millwood Fire Commissioner Michael Wolfensohn

New Castle Community Day Returns Saturday, September 18! Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chappaqua

September 10, 2021 by Inside Press

Mark your calendars: The annual New Castle Community Day, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chappaqua in cooperation with the Town of New Castle, will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the downtown Chappaqua Train Station Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New Rotary of Chappaqua President Marlene Canapi described the event is a community gathering with entertainment, food and refreshments, rides for kids, music, informational booths for community organizations, vendors, service providers, volunteer corps, religious groups, and many more.

“We look forward to welcoming and celebrating our community in person!”

In addition, the Rotary announced that Northwell Health & Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps will be administering:

the Moderna and J&J COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 18 and up
the Pfizer vaccine to anyone 12 and up
Booster vaccine to anyone who is eligible

About the Rotary Club

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

What we do

Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to:

Promote peace
Fight disease
Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
Save mothers and children
Support education
Grow local economies

Mission

We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Vision statement

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Guiding Principles

These principles have been developed over the years to provide Rotarians with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world.

Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

The Four-Way Test

The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings:
Of the things we think, say or do

Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Avenues of Service

We channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity.

Club Service focuses on making clubs strong. A thriving club is anchored by strong relationships and an active membership development plan.
Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society.
Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest.
International Service exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. We support this service avenue by sponsoring or volunteering on international projects, seeking partners abroad, and more.
Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs.

News Courtesy of the Rotary Club of Chappaqua

Captain Gaudet’s Memorial Day 2021 Message: “Find Ways to Be Worthy of your American Heritage.”

May 31, 2021 by Inside Press

Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice at the Memorial Day 2021 Town of New Castle Ceremony

World War II Vet William Witkin, Turning 100 this Year, Receives Special Recognition

Plus… A Promise to Bring Back the Town’s Parade “in 100% Full Force” in 2022

Story and Photos By Grace Bennett

Chappaqua, NY, Memorial Field–Captain Peter Gaudet, keynote speaker at the Town of New Castle’s Memorial Day Ceremony, honored the nation’s fallen today stating that “as we pull out of the Covid crisis, each one of us needs to find ways to be worthy of our American heritage… and therefore worthy of the supreme sacrifice of those fellow Americans who gave their lives for our liberty.”

L-R: U.S. Army Captain James McCauley, U.S. Army Captain Peter Gaudet, Honorary Guest, World War II Air Force Veteran Ltd. William Witkin, CVAC Captain Bob Coulombe, and Witkin’s wife, Joan.

L-R: County Legislator Vedat Gashi and New Castle Town Board: Lori Gowen Morton, Supervisor Ivy Pool, Deputy Supervisor Jeremy Saland, Lisa Katz and Lauren Levin

In perhaps the service’s most poignant moment, Captain Gaudet also recognized the honorable World War II Air Force Ltd. William Witkin in attendance–he will be 100 years old this year. “He flew B-24s out if Italy in WWII to bomb Nazi oil refineries in Austria. When I see him here today and say his name, I get chills up and down my spine.”

In past years, Memorial Field would accommodate upwards of a thousand or more for a ceremony at the conclusion of Chappaqua’s world renowned parade down King Street and across Greeley Avenue with so many in the community participating, from the long procession of fire trucks to school marching bands, and parade goers waving to and many finding a chance to exchange a few words with and/or photograph dignitaries and esteemed neighbors including former President Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Governor Andrew Cuomo. In 2020, the ceremony was held virtually due to Covid.

Captain Gaudet noted that in 2022, the town’s Memorial Day Parade would be “back to 100% full force.”

Yet, today was no less grand in feeling anyhow as a modest, appreciative gathering of about 100 residents and visitors heard Gaudet recognize so many in the New Castle community who made the event possible, including the New Castle Police Department, the Chappaqua Volunteer Fire Department, the Millwood Fire Department, the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps., Chappaqua Girl Scouts 1& 2, and Chappaqua Girl Scout Troop 1024, “the Girl Scouts who had planted a bed of Memorial flowers to honor our fallen heroes,” the Memorial Day committee–Captain Jim McCauley, David Egerton, Barbara Jenkel and Eric Rosenfeld–Town Clerk Jill Shapiro and Tiffany White, Sari Shaw, the sponsor of the flowers, Town Supervisor Ivy Pool, Deputy Supervisor Jeremy Saland, Town Board members Lisa Katz, Lori Gowen Morton, and Lauren Levin, and also County Legislator for New Castle, Vedat Gashi.

“It’s a yeoman effort every year to make this so special,” Captain Gaudet said.

During the Invocation, Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs of the First Congregational Church asked everyone to pause for a moment of silence to remember the many, many people who have died during this pandemic. “We pray for all who continue to be affected, pause to give thanks to all the first responders and front-line workers who kept us going and for the vaccine that enables us to be here today.”

“To honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice…,” Dr. Rev. Jacobs continued, “may we be mindful that the sacrifices made by these brave men and women and their families continue to this day; they remind us that America is a great country, but we can never take that for granted.”

In other highlights of the ceremony, two Girl Scouts, Erica Dunne and Gramercy Burton, presented a wreath to honor fallen veterans. Dunne (with Girl Scout Troop 1029) read the oral history of fallen New Castle veteran Corporal William Vance Moss and Burton (with Girl Scout Troop 1079) read the history of Staff Sargeant Kyu H. Chay–both these readings were via biographies prepared by David Egerton. Gaudet also recognized members of the Chay family in attendance.

Recognized today too: the family of Staff Sargeant Kyu T. Chay. Sargeant Chay was killed in action in Afghanistan. The New Castle 120 Bridge into Chappaqua is named in his honor.

The Chappaqua Orchestra’s Kevin Moore, on bagpipes, played Amazing Grace.

Jordana Lichtenthal sang both the National Anthem and God Bless America.

As the sun emerged, Captain Gaudet called upon Captain Jim McCauley and Lt. Col. Michael Finkelstein to join him to read ‘The Honor Roll of New Castle War Dead,’ “those New Castle veterans fallen in defense of our country,” he said.

“In harm’s way around the world, Americans have performed amazing acts of selfless service. They are sources of inspiration and motivation, and we honor them by doing our best to serve our family, to serve our community and to serve our great country.”