The Inside Press

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New Castle News

  “Grease is the word” at Horace Greeley High School!

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 Lead cast overlooking the HGHS competition field.  Photo by Carolyn Simpson

This June one of Chappaqua’s most anticipated annual events returns in a new and exciting way. For more than 75 years the Horace Greeley High School Senior class has produced a stage performance that engages the Senior class as actors, student producers, stage managers, musicians, set builders and sound and light technicians, and raises funds for college scholarships.

Each year more than 200 seniors, some with acting experience but most without, pick a popular Broadway show and practice in anticipation of a few shows over a weekend of bonding with their class as part of the end of year activities.

The first Senior Musical in 1946 provided the seed funding for an Education Fund to support college scholarships for Horace Greeley graduates. In 2003 the Education Fund was renamed The Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund and it continued to raise money for need based college scholarships.  

This year’s live presentation of Grease will be like no other because Covid precautions have pushed the show outdoors to the Greeley competition field for the first time in Senior Musical history, and where the stage and seating capacity is larger than ever under the starry night.

The seniors will perform a “family appropriate” version of the classic movie and stage show. It features the irresistible songs from the Tony Award nominated Broadway show and hit movie, including “Grease is the Word”, “Summer Nights”, “Hopelessly Devoted to You”, “Greased Lightening” and many more. 

The Greeley seniors are working hard and are excited to bring the community back together for live performances after a long two-year absence. Together with the Horace Greeley High School PTA, headed up by Chair, Rita Santelia and Vice-Chair, Nishat Hydari, and parent producers, Christie Krase, Stephanie Gold, Julie Weiser and Ilene Benjamin, and the many parent volunteers from the Chappaqua community working behind the scenes, are all ready to bring to life the story of Sandy, Danny and their Pink Lady and T-Bird sidekicks.

Director Kevin Kearins of KJK Productions, Music Director Ricky Romano and Choreographer Jesse Pellegrino will work with the Senior class for 2 months to bring out their best performances. 

Director, Kevin Kearins is so excited to work on this extraordinary live event. “We have a large group of talented students and the musical lends itself to that.”

Every year the cost of college increases and the needs of Greeley graduates exceed the available funding. The Senior Musical is one fund raising event that helps close the gap so the opportunity for a much higher attendance than a typical indoor show can increase the funds available for worthy students.

Director Kearins says, “Grease has always been around, and the songs have always permeated our society and culture.” “It will bridge generational gaps, and everyone can enjoy it.”

Shows are scheduled for 7:00 on Thursday June 2nd, Friday June 3rd and Saturday June 4th with a rain date of Sunday June 5th at 3:00. For ticket information please go to chappaquaschools.org or https://secure.sellingticket.com/design22/clients/list/index_byUserListAll.aspx?OrganizationID=151

Dust off those leather jackets and bobby socks and “Come together” on these “Endless summer nights”. Be there or be square!

 

A Boost to Food Allergy Awareness in New Castle with New Playground Signs

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Following the unveiling of a Town of New Castle sign promoting food allergy awareness: (L-R) Vicki Tipp, Stacey Saiontz, Jared Saiontz, Lisa Katz, and Heather Orenstein Brown  PHOTOS by Grace Bennett/Inside Press

Chappaqua, NY–Food allergy awareness received a welcome boost in New Castle last week with the unveiling of a sign–offering key reminders to visitors. Ten are now in place in playgrounds throughout the area. In addition, a proclamation  designating May 8-14 Food Allergy Awareness Week in New Castle was announced by Town Supervisor Lisa Katz. See below for the full text of the proclamation.

To announce the development, Katz appeared at the playground outside Town Hall together with town board member Vicky Tipp along with three community food allergy awareness advocates–Stacey Saiontz, her son Jared, 14, and Heather Orenstein Brown–to unveil the sign and offer comments that convey the importance of these measures.

The board and citizen gathering conveyed that 1 in 13 children are being diagnosed with food allergies, and that with the numbers increasing,  it’s vital that every community take simple steps to help keep kids with food allergies safe.

“This is exactly what the Town of New Castle is doing,” said Saiontz.

Thanks to advocacy by 14 year old Jared Saiontz, the Town of New Castle decided to put up signs in all ten town parks advising our community on how to keep food allergic children safe–wash your hands before going on the playground equipment and don’t eat while on the playground equipment.

From Town Supervisor Lisa Katz writing in the Town of New Castle Supervisor’s Report:

“These signs provide education and awareness about allergies and teach community members how they can help play a part to help food allergic children.  They are also helpful as many who do not live with food allergies may not understand that food residue can lead to a reaction. There is no cure for food allergies.  Allergic reactions to food can range from mild symptoms to anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can occur rapidly and is potentially life-threatening. We are proud to help educate the citizens of New Castle on the serious nature of food allergies.  Thank you to Jared Saiontz for bring this to the attention of the Town Board, and to our Recreation and Parks Department, Recreation Commission, and our Town Administrator for helping us to get it done!”

TOWN OF NEW CASTLE FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Food Allergy Awareness Week was established as a national week of encouraging food allergy awareness and supporting those who are impacted by food allergies and anaphylaxis; and

WHEREAS, a food allergy is an immune system response to a food the body mistakenly believes is harmful. When a person with food allergy eats the food, his or her immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals, including histamine, that trigger a cascade of symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract, the skin, and/or the cardiovascular system; and

WHEREAS, food allergies affect approximately 32 million Americans, including 6 million children; and

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of food allergies is significantly increasing among children under the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, nine foods account for 90 percent of all food allergy reactions: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Milk, Egg, Wheat, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, and Sesame; and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for food allergies, strict avoidance is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction; and

WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that comes on quickly and has the potential to become life-threatening; and

WHEREAS, each year an estimated 3.3 million Americans require emergency room treatment for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to food. Reactions typically occur when an individual unknowingly eats a food containing an ingredient to which they are allergic; and

WHEREAS, emergency medical treatment for severe allergic reactions to food has increased by 377 percent in only a decade; and

WHEREAS, managing a food allergy on a daily basis involves constant vigilance and even trace amounts of an allergen can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lisa Katz, Supervisor for the Town of New Castle, do hereby proclaim May 8-14, 2022, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in the Town of New Castle, New York, and encourage the residents of New Castle to increase their understanding and awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis.

Center for Healthy Living Free Webinars in May – Features Holistic Women’s Health & Calming Walking

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Lifecycle and holistic women’s health and calming walking are featured events among the many offered in May by Northern Westchester Hospital’s Center for Healthy Living

MOUNT KISCO, NY – This May Northern Westchester Hospital’s (NWH) Center for Healthy Living featured webinars will include a conversation for women to learn about a lifecycle and holistic approach to women’s health and a course on the calming effects of taking a 20-minute walk outside to help reduce stress and nurture our mental health. All events will be virtual. These classes help support the community, and benefit people’s mental and physical health. Other virtual classes in May include chair yoga, smoking cessation, a healthy cooking class to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and a teen volunteering class open house.

Located next to the Whole Foods Market at Chappaqua Crossing, the Center for Healthy Living provides the local community with well-being and youth engagement programming. The center’s interactive virtual lectures and pop-up events allows the community to reach wellness goals, make educated health decisions, and seek engagement and service opportunities. For a full list of upcoming free events and registration, visit Eventbrite.com.

FEATURED EVENTS:

Mind, Body, Spirit: Lifecycle Care for the Whole Woman

May 19, 12:00-1:00 pm live over Zoom

Cost: Free

Throughout each phase of life, the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of a woman changes. From becoming a woman in your teen years, having your family, to aging, a relationship-based approach to your health can ensure you receive personalized care. Join us for a conversation with Northwell Health Midwifery at Harrison to learn about a lifecycle and holistic approach to women’s health and wellbeing and how a midwifery practice differs from traditional obstetrics and gynecology. Through this webinar, we will explore the gynecological needs and an integrative approach to care for each age group, including sexual health and functioning, mental wellbeing, pregnancy and postpartum care, and menopause. Breathing exercises for stress management will be demonstrated. This program is brought to you by Northern Westchester Hospital, Phelps Hospital, and the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, all part of Northwell Health.

Register at: Mind, Body, Spirit

 

Calming Walking

May 25, 12:00-1:00 pm, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

Grab your headphones and head outside for a 20-minute calming stroll. Time outdoors can provide soothing stress relief, giving us a valuable change in perspective to nurture our mental wellness. Join Licensed Clinical Social Worker Rachel Merchan for a combined walking and relaxation program in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Participants will practice adding calming practices into a routine walk, while connecting with nature and engaging in light exercise.

Register at: Calming Walking

 

Chair Yoga

Cost: Free

Mondays and Thursdays, May 5, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 (no class May 2, 9 or 30) – 11:00 am-12:00 pm, Live over Zoom

Chair Yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga available, adapting poses through creative use of a chair. Emphasis will be on breathing, balance, and moving at your own pace.

Register at: Chair Yoga

 

Smoking Cessation

Cost: Free

May 4, 11, 18, Live over Microsoft Teams

We know it’s challenging to quit smoking – we are here to help. This support group is facilitated by a Northern Westchester Hospital Respiratory Therapist. For specific information, contact NWHSmokingCessation@northwell.edu

Register at: Smoking Cessation

 

Cooking for Reducing Disease Risk: Osteoporosis

Cost: Free

May 24, 12:00-1:00 pm, live over Zoom

Reducing your risk for chronic disease starts in the kitchen. The foods we eat and prepare for our families can be nourishing, satisfying AND healthy. Join registered dietitian Amy Rosenfeld for a discussion about the connection between the foods we eat and reducing the risk for osteoporosis. Amy will discuss nutrition recommendations for strong bones and help you put these recommendations into action in your kitchen. Amy will demonstrate simple, healthy recipes, as well as culinary tips and tricks to encourage you to make nutritious foods part of your everyday routine.

Register at: Cooking for Reducing Disease Risk: Osteoporosis  

 

Teen Volunteer Open House

Cost: Free

May 18, 4:30-5:30 pm, live over Zoom

Looking for a way to give back to the community, learn about careers in healthcare, fulfill your community service hours and gain valuable work experience? Please join Ellen Muentener the Director of Volunteers from Northern Westchester Hospital for a Q & A session on volunteer opportunities available to high school students, as well as the steps and requirements to becoming a registered volunteer. During this program, you will also hear from current student volunteers about their experiences and have the opportunity to ask them questions.

Register at: Teen Volunteer Open House

 

Save the Dates! Chappaqua Library to Celebrate 100-Year Anniversary with Variety of Centennial-Themed Programs

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The Chappaqua Library recognizes a significant milestone in 2022 as it reaches its one-hundredth anniversary. Partnering with community groups, the library has planned a series of programs and activities including a Centennial Ceremony on Saturday, June 4, 2022, with community guests and burying a time capsule.

A complete list of programs centered around “Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future” will be available by mail and provided below. Activities have been developed for all ages, including in-person and outdoor programs.

The library has worked closely with the Chappaqua Garden Club, the New Castle Historical Society, the Town of New Castle, and the Friends of the Chappaqua Library to create programs that will showcase the library’s history and provide interactive ways for the community to contribute towards the library’s sustainable future.

CENTENNIAL CEREMONY 

Centennial Ceremony: Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future

June 4, 2022 | 11:00 AM 

Join us for a community ceremony to honor the library’s 100 years of service. A time capsule will be buried in the library’s courtyard to memorialize our history for future generations. Stay tuned as we announce special guests and activities.

CENTENNIAL PROGRAMS

Embroidery Class for Teens

April 4, 18, 25. May 2, 9, 16, 23 | 3:30-5:00 PM

In this 7-week series, teens will learn embroidery’s ancient and rich art; embellish your clothing with designs–Grades 5 & up. Please register

Teen Garden Club: Planting Heirloom Seeds

May 2, 2022, kickoff through summer | Thursday at 3:30 PM

The Teen Garden Club highlights heritage seeds this season as we honor the beautiful and unique varieties of vegetables and flowers from the past century. The Teen Garden Club meets every Thursday at 3:30 pm. 

Sponsored by the Friends, with a gift from the Linda Zhang Foundation.

Library for a Day: Revisiting Senter Street

May 7, 2022 | 2:00-5:00

The Chappaqua Library revisits our first home on Senter Street as we turn the New Castle Community Center back into a library for the day! Drop by the Community Center for some family fun. Learn about the library circa 1922, try your hand date-stamping a book, and play with some traditional wooden toys. Then, travel through the town center and a century of history with a family scavenger hunt starting at Senter Street! 

Storyteller Carol Birch Presents: “Our Storied Lives”

May 10, 2022 | 7:00 PM 

From the Roaring Twenties until today, family lives weave hiccuping hilarity and drenching sorrows in and out of numberless “ordinary days.” Those ordinary days shimmer in memory’s flickering light. Join Carol Birch for one family’s journey through our storied Centennial year. Carol’s conversational style is fiercely honest as she reminds us how wonderfully strange and strangely wonderful families are! 

Author Talk: “Almost Happy”

May 12, 2022 | 7:00 PM | Online

At the center of the library in the community. Community connects us, and so does laughter. The authors of Almost Happy invite you to “find your buttons, laugh at your inner joke, and be warmly provoked to change for the better.” 

Planting 100 for 100 Years

May 13, 2022 | 4:00-5:00 PM

May 14, 2022 | 11:00-12:00 PM

Kids and families are invited to leave a lasting mark for future library visitors in this plant-one, take-one home program with the help of the Chappaqua Garden Club. Families will be able to bring a tiny part of the library home with them! Learn about native landscape plugs, hear a story and enjoy activities.

Sponsored by the Friends; in partnership with the Chappaqua Garden Club. 

Jr. Garden Club: Milkweed for Monarchs

June 8, 2022 | 4:00-5:00 PM

Kids and families are invited to help with a permanent landscape planting of young milkweed plants to support migrating monarch butterflies at the library. Learn about butterflies, hear a story, and enjoy activities. Grades K-6. Please register.

Sponsored by the Friends; in partnership with the Chappaqua Garden Club. 

Bubbles Bus & Birthday Party

June 22, 2022 | 5:00-7:00 PM 

Kick-off summer reading with a library birthday blowout and treats! The Bubble Bus brings the party to us with music, dancing, and tons of bubbles

The Chappaqua Library is located at 195 S. Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua, New York.

More information about the library can be found here:

www.chappaqualibrary.org

New Castle Ceremony will be Held Tuesday, April 26, to Commemorate Yom Hashoah

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Town of New Castle Holocaust Memorial. Photo by Ali Rosenberg

Residents of the New Castle community will gather in person at the New Castle Holocaust Memorial located on South Greeley Avenue on Tuesday, April 26th, 2022, at 6:30 PM, to commemorate Yom Hashoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The commemoration will feature Holocaust Survivor Trudy Album and keynote speaker Bettina Prober. Mrs. Prober, a Chappaqua resident, is the daughter of Holocaust Survivor Thomas Aczel a Survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald. Thomas is the late grandfather of Horace Greeley Student club E.N.O.U.G.H. (Educate Now on Understanding Genocide and Hate) member, Benny Prober. Trudy Album is a Holocaust Survivor from Czechoslovakia who survived Auschwitz. Trudy will lead the community in the memorial candle lighting ceremony together with the students of E.N.O.U.G.H.
 
Other speakers include Town Supervisor Lisa Katz, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Co-Presidents of E.N.O.U.G.H. Gabe Adams and Jack Rosenberg and members of the Town of New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee and student members of Horace Greeley High School’s club E.N.O.U.G.H. Other participants include Rabbi Brusso, Rabbi Jaffe, Rabbi Sacks, Cantor Ezring and Reverend McJunkin.
 
As Gabe Adams and Jack Rosenberg recently shared in announcing the Third Annual Holocaust & Human Rights Art & Writing Contest, “The Holocaust is a human story that is relevant to all of us.” The Town of New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee along with E.N.O.U.G.H. launched this contest to inspire and educate students on the lessons of the Holocaust and how these lessons apply in today’s world. The Middle School and High School winners of the Third Annual Holocaust and Human Rights Art and Writing Contest will be announced during the commemoration. The first place winners will be sharing their winning submissions with the community.
 
During the ceremony the town will also be dedicating a bench at the memorial in memory of Holocaust Survivor Jack Feldman, beloved Grandfather and Great-Grandfather of the Town of New Castle Holocaust & Human Rights Committee Co-Chair Stacey Saiontz and E.N.O.U.G.H. club member Elliott Saiontz. Jack Feldman’s story of survival is featured in the HBO Documentary “The Number on Great-Grandpa’s Arm.”
 
The commemoration on Tuesday, April 26th at 6:30pm is open to the public.