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150 Year Elks Club Celebration Honors Five Law Enforcement Officers

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On Wednesday, June 13th, at the American Legion in Armonk, the Mid Westchester Elks Lodge held their first Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards Dinner. Here, a group of five officers and detectives from the surrounding area, Steven Vitolo, Lauren Valentino, Steven Mulcahy, James Chiarlitti, and Arcangelo Liberatore, were honored for their outstanding acts of heroism and dedication on the job. Over 40 co-workers, family members, and elks were gathered at the event to watch the ceremony.  

On the eve of Flag Day, a holiday that celebrates the adoption of our familiar red, white and blue emblem, strong feelings of national pride were evident at the event. To kick things off, the Pledge of Allegiance was uttered in unison as the American flag stood tall at the front of the room. Later this flag was used in a service, observing its history and significance. The Elks furthered these patriotic sentiments through the singing of God Bless America.   

The Elks Club (officially known as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks), is a fraternal organization whose primary mission is to improve the communities in which they serve. One big way that they do this is through their commitment to helping those who risk their lives to protect our country: veterans and enforcers of the law.

These sacrifices were commemorated at the event when a moment of silence was ordered for police officers killed in the line of duty. After this silence, the Emerald Society of Westchester, a band made up of both former and active police officers, played God Bless America to further honor those fallen.

Officer James Chiarlitti of Pleasantville accepts his reward from the Elk Club’s Robert Lent.

In regards to sacrifices officer James Chiarlitti, one of the event’s honorees, stated, “People see what we do online and on TV, but they don’t see us working on three hours of sleep and doing double shifts.” He also brought up that, “our families don’t see us on birthdays and holidays and anniversaries,” revealing one of the overlooked things that police families are often forced to give up.

Chiarlitti, a Police Officer for the town of Pleasantville and son of the former chief of police, remembers playing in the station as a little kid. After fulfilling his dreams of becoming a Police officer with the NYPD, he returned to the very station that used to be his stomping grounds. James was complemented at the event for his work ethic, his chief, Erik Grutzner, saying, “he gets it, he understands what this job entails.”   

Officer Lauren Valentino Beams receiving her award

Similarly, Detective Lauren Valentino of the Mount Pleasant Police Department was recognized for her dedication. Formerly a school teacher, Valentino works closely with youth interested in careers in law enforcement, both through the Law Enforcement Exploring program and the Youth Police Academy in Mount Pleasant. When it was mentioned that she had been working at the station for over 17 years she exclaimed, “time flies when you’re having fun.”

Detective Steven Mulcahy of the Pound Ridge Police Department was also complimented on his work ethic. In addition to serving as a Detective, he also works as an EMT and a Firefighter. Last year he was one of the first responders to a horrific double homicide in which a father killed his wife and daughter.

Another Steven, Police Officer Steven Vitolo of the North Castle Police Department, was praised for his split second decision making when he was the first responder to a fire in the Wampus Close housing development. If it weren’t for the fact that he was able to momentarily control the blaze with his fire extinguisher, the 18 house development may very well have gone up in smoke.   

Finally, Police Officer and local celebrity Arcangelo Liberatore of the Irvington Police Department was commended for his bravery in handling a coyote attack. Liberatore was off duty with his family when he noticed a coyote attacking a five year old girl. He quickly fought off the coyote with his bare hands, restraining it until backup could arrive. It was later found out that the coyote was rabid.  

These five officers should each have a whole article dedicated to telling their individual stories, but law enforcement don’t often receive thanks that they deserve. As officer Chiarlitti explains, “You don’t take this job to be thanked, it’s kind of a thankless job, but it’s nice every once in awhile to bring family together and be thanked for the work you do.”

The Elks Club, which is celebrating its 150th birthday this year, plans on making this an annual event and are considering expanding the ceremony to include all types of first responders. To find out more about the club and all their charitable efforts click here.

Derek Rosen (HGHS Class of ’17) is an intern for the Inside Press this summer. In September, Derek will be entering his sophomore year at Syracuse University, where he is a communications major.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Say Something’ Curriculum at Seven Bridges Promotes Young Advocates Voices

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Pauline Daglio, 6th Grade Teacher at Seven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua, here together with ‘Say Something’ letter writers Natalia Kochut (left) and Grace Nocca. Laura Triglia (not pictured), also a teacher at Seven Bridges, collaborated on the project. 

 

 

“A recent project-based learning initiative called ‘Say Something’ at Seven Bridges Middle School centered around the notion that while everyone has a voice, it is critical to teach kids how and when to use theirs. Say Something was born from the lessons  learned while reading the novel The Giver. The story teaches that our voices help to shape the communities we live in and if we do not speak up, as was the case in the novel, our world will become a colorless if not meaningless one to live in.

“Through classroom investigations and parent/child conversations, students uncovered that they do have opinions and ideas that are worth sharing on a wide variety of issues. To that end, each of them learned features of argument writing (the focus of the unit) to develop a formal letter to an individual or agency regarding a concern or a change that might be worthwhile. 71 letters were sent!  While the students’ ideas are wide reaching and varied, their intent was the same. I celebrate their efforts and assure them that even if they do not hear back, they made a difference because they took the time and effort to Say Something!”  — Pauline Daglio, 6th Grade Teacher, Seven Bridges 

Editor’s Note: The two letters below, for example, were sent here to The Inside Press to address, and we plan to! Dozens more letters have been sent to: Andrew Corsilia, principal; Greg Steifel; assistant principal-Jason Semo, director of physical education, health and athletics;  Josh Block, director of technology and innovation; Dr. Christine Ackerman, superintendent; Chappaqua School Board; Chappaqua Town Board; Robert Greenstein, Town Supervisor; Senator Kristen Gillibrand; New Castle Parks and Recreation;  President Trump; Mayor DeBlasio; Senator Chuck Schumer; Maria Ferrari Children’s Hospital; Norwalk Hospital; Yorktown Parks and Rec and to several government agencies in Washington DC including the Children’s Bureau and the Department of Public Health, and to several other local business owners as well.

“If nothing else, each student hopes to receive a response that acknowledges his or her request and that provides some form of feedback about his or her cause,” said Daglio.  (The Inside Press plans to answer these letters too!)

How Can we Help Families Struggling with  School Supplies?

By Natalia Kochut

School supply shopping should be fun and carefree, but not all kids have this experience. Some families don’t have enough money to buy pencils, pens, and textbooks and kids need these necessary supplies. Many people aren’t aware of this problem and we need to start making a change. On the other hand, we can ignore this issue but, what if we take a moment to think about the children’s futures? Do you really want them to live difficult lives? We need to call attention to this issue because, without basic school supplies, kids aren’t able to learn. Families in poverty can barely provide food so most times they aren’t thinking about school supplies. Old school supplies can also cause embarrassment to the child.

About 15 million children in the U.S.A live in poverty. Families who live near or below the poverty line usually struggle to get basic items such as soap, food, or clothes and most times they don’t focus on getting their children new school supplies. If we add more organizations that will donate free supplies to families in need, then children won’t have to worry about saving the one pencil they have. Furthermore, parents won’t have to worry about not being able to provide fundamental objects to their child’s learning. It may be a bit embarrassing going back to school with old, used backpacks and pencil cases. This can also lead to teasing and bullying and no child should have to go through that.

Moreover, kids have trouble learning without proper supplies. The average price for middle school supplies is $520-$1,000. Most families in poverty can’t afford this. For instance, most districts require textbooks which are around $60 each. Without this it is difficult to complete homework assignments and study for tests. Calculators are also another expensive thing on the list. The TI-84 plus CE (usually the one preferred for school) is between $115.59-$150 on Amazon. Above all, kids may suffer and get worse grades because they don’t have good supplies. This can hurt their future of getting into a good college. More donations for necessities in school will make students in poverty feel much better. We need to help their futures and make a change.

Actions need to be taken for kids to have school supplies and people need to become more aware of these issues.                     

What Can we Do about Girls Being Treated Differently than Boys?

By Grace Nocca

Girls have not been treated the same as boys in sports. This treatment against women who cannot play in the MLB and NFL has to stop. In other words, clearly women have not been able to live up to their full potential, and that is because they have been told they can’t.

Aside from the fact that women are technically allowed to be in the NFL, people keep telling them they cannot. According to the article “An Equal Opportunity League,” Greg Easterbrook said that he checked with the league spokesman Greg Aiello who said, “The NFL has no male-only rule.” That is to say that women are eligible as long as they are three years out of high school and have a usable skill set. So even though women can play, they are not encouraged to do so.

Despite the fact that there has never been a woman in the NFL, Becca Longo could be the first. She is already the first to get a football scholarship to a university. Besides Becca Longo, not every woman has the courage to stand up and take charge, so we need to encourage them. While it may seem like a different approach to professional sports, empowering women to try would make a positive difference.

Caitlin Gailagher, author of “Can a Woman Play in the MLB? Fox’s ‘Pitch,’ “ examines the history that women were once banned from being signed in 1952. Then in 1992 that rule was overturned. In addition, Frances Melissa Mayeux became the “first known female on the MLB registration list” which shows that it is possible to break the chain that has kept females from some professional sports.

In contrast to boys, girls have been told that they are not as good or as talented as boys in some sports. This has to stop! With attention given to this matter, we clearly need to do something about it. Thank you for considering sharing my ideas so that I can help to promote this thinking.

 

 

 

 

 

An Invite to the Blum Sisters’ Lemonade Stand: June 9!

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 On Saturday, June 9th, the Blum Sisters’ Lemonade Stand will be at the Chappaqua Farmer’s Market, providing a great chance to indulge in a thirst quenching summer beverage. This is the fifth year that founders Rebecca (age 13) and her sister Jenna (age 10) are operating the stand, continuing their quest to raise money for childhood cancer research. This year the girls are once again squeezing hundreds of lemons in order to meet their goal of raising $2,000, which will go straight to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is an organization that was founded by Alex Scott, a four year old cancer patient who began a series of successful lemonade stands to help other kids with cancer. She managed to raise over one million dollars prior to her death at age eight and created a movement that continues to this day. Following Alex’s successful Formula, the Blum sister’s decided to create a stand in which they placed no set price on a cup of lemonade, rather accepting any amount that each person was able and willing to donate.

Recently, the girls dedicated the stand to their Grandfather (Papa Neil), who passed away due to brain cancer in 2016. Holly Blum, mother of the two sisters, states that their Papa “would be really proud of the girls,” especially since they have managed to raise over $6,000 over the past five years. So come support the Blum Sister’s this Saturday, and help these two kids make a big difference!

Derek Rosen (HGHS Class of ’17) is an intern for the Inside Press this summer. In September, Derek will be entering his sophomore year at Syracuse University, where he is majoring in communications.

 

3rd Annual Spring Festival Fundraiser Plans at Church of St. John & St. Mary, June 1-3

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Chappaqua, NY— Starting this Friday night and lasting through Sunday, June 1-3, the Church of Saint John and Saint Mary at 15 St Johns Place, will be holding their third annual Spring Festival Fundraiser. This family fun occasion offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, including 10 carnival games (with prizes), three huge inflatable rides, favorite ‘New York City eats and treats’ such as fried Oreos and funnel cakes, a beer/wine garden, music and more. Everybody is welcome and admission is free, providing a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, have fun and support a great cause.

All money raised from the event goes towards the church and helps fund their many community outreach programs, which assist those in need and makes Chappaqua a better place for all of its residents. As Fortune Aurora, organizer of the event, states: “Fundraising and helping the community go hand in hand, they’re equally important.” Many, many volunteers are donating their time to help the cause and make this sizable event run smoothly, rain or shine.

The hours of the event are as follows: Friday 6-10 p.m. Saturday 2-10 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m. Two professional bands will be playing the fundraiser, “The 495’s” from 7 to 8:30 p.m on Friday, and the “Station Agents” from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, as well as a local band made up of middle schoolers called “Alien Paradox” from 2 to 2:30 on Sunday. At the end of the day, “Seeing everybody have fun makes it worthwhile,” states Aurora, so if you’re looking for something to do this weekend take a stop at the Spring Festival!   — Derek Rosen

Reflecting on Chappaqua’s 2018 Memorial Day Parade…

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It was such a beautiful day in our country and our community. Community members took a break from their picnics, left their barbeques, and joined together in town to celebrate Memorial Day at the annual parade and ceremony. As the Memorial Day parade began, hundreds of community members lined the streets of downtown Chappaqua to watch the procession move down the hill.

Grand Marshal James McCauley
Vets and residents alike enjoyed a pre-parade, open house breakfast (bagels and coffee for all!)  organized by Veronica Ribeiro (in the jean jacket) and Signy Schroeter Klein (left) outside Ribeiro’s house at the bottom of Ridgewood Terrace; here with the U.S. Army’s Chuck Schroedel and Joanne Clarke.

Among the participants in the parade were Federal, New York State, and Westchester County Dignitaries, World War II, Vietnam War, and Iraq-Afghanistan War Veterans, the Chappaqua Girl Scouts, Brownies, and Daisy Troops, the Chappaqua and Millwood Fire Companies, the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the school bands, and other community organizations. The community-wide event epitomized what Chappaqua stands for, as it captured the diversity, talent, and pure energy of our town.*  Bill and Hillary Clinton, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and more region and town board representatives marched in a row behind Grand Marshal Captain James McCauley who has been leading the parade for nearly 20 years.  

PHOTOS BY HANNAH ROSENBERG

As the parade ended, the crowd made its way towards the Chappaqua Train Station where the Memorial Plaza Ceremony was held. Here, the entire community came together to remember those who died bravely fighting for our country. Dogs barked at the sound of drums while they rolled in the grass, children waved their miniature American flags, and members of the crowd listened intently to the speakers of the afternoon. Some of the events included prayers being recited, the Horace Greeley High School Band beautifully playing the “Star Spangled Banner,” the reading of two New Castle World War II Veterans’ biographies by the Chappaqua Girl Scouts, the reading of the Honor Roll of the Town of New Castle War Dead, and a speech from Colonel John Graham. In Colonel John Graham’s speech, he reminded the town that Memorial Day is not Veterans Day, but rather a day to honor and remember the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom. “1.3 million Americans have given their lives in the 245 years since Lexington and Concord so that the rest of us can live free,” he said. “More often than not, these heroes have been ordinary citizens who answered the nation’s call when we needed them the most.” A sense of reverence could be felt emanating from the crowd of people in response to these remarks.

   All across the country, the efforts of fallen soldiers will be remembered, their sacrifices will be appreciated, and their lives will be honored. As a nation, and as a community, we will celebrate the lives of those who fought for our country and perished protecting the sacred concept of freedom. In Chappaqua, community members from every walk of life—from the parents carrying their new-born infant in an American flag onesie, to Bill Clinton, a former President of the United States— made it a priority to come together and spend Memorial Day united as a town. Anyone who attended the parade and ceremony was able to gauge the values, passion, and love shared by our community members. Together, with our American flags and Chappaqua pride, we reflected on the important sacrifices that have been made by brave women and men whose names will forever be synonymous with “hero.”

*‘Behind the scenes there is a great deal of time and effort that goes into organizing the parade too, noted New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein. This year, a  Memorial Day Committee included Peter Gaudet, Barbara Jenkel, David Egerton, Dr. Michael Finkelstein, Lori Townsend and Eric Rosenfeld, as well as Town Administrator Jill Shapiro and Ciara Gannon all of whom were instrumental, per the town of New Castle.

 

Our author finding a moment for a photo with Bill Clinton

Inside Press intern Julia Bialek is a rising senior at Horace Greeley High School where she is also the Managing Editor of the Greeley Tribune.

Additional photos by Hannah Rosenberg (HGHS ’19) for the Inside Press below and on Facebook’s Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk page):https://www.facebook.com/pg/theinsidepress/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10156481813673669

Michael Finkelstein, M.D., (right) was on the Memorial Day Committee. Featured Speaker Col. John Graham is the former Chief Scientist of West Point and Managing Director of Campfire Capital.