New Castle News

By Grace Bennett, Photos by Kat McKee

Emphasizing the importance of tolerance and respect for diversity, Nethmi DeSilva, a sophomore at Fox Lane High School, accepted a Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester “Youth of the Year Award” during a warm and festive reception at Crabtree’s Kittle House.

DeSilva, who has been coming to BGCNW since preschool (when her mom worked there as a nursery school teacher), described her early years as feeling easily frightened and overwhelmed. “Being comfortable in my own skin was a struggle for me. At school I was quiet and I never talked much unless I was with my friends. I would always want to participate in class, but feel too nervous.”

The Club, Nethmi related, “helped me realize my full potential, and embrace my leadership skills.”

At the Teen Center program at the Club, Nethmi said she learned public speaking skills with the help of the teen center staff. “I gained confidence in myself and stepped out my comfort zone…I found myself doing things that I never thought I was capable of. I was voicing my opinion, leading community projects, and taking on leadership roles in my club, but also in school. I now, can confidently take a stand on issues that are important to me–one of which being tolerance and respect among all diversities.

“We are fortunate to live in a multicultural nation, and still, discrimination exists. It’s important for our youth to tolerate and respect the differences of others. As Boys and Girls Club members we are privileged to have a program such as “Youth for Unity,” which teaches us how to deal with diversity. I hope that programs like this will keep being reinforced in young people’s lives whether at organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club or even in schools. In the words of Helen Keller “the highest result of education is tolerance.”

In other awards, Cameron Rosen, a senior at Fox Lane, received the “Chris Cutri award,” “which recognizes positive attitude, perseverance, strength, kindness, integrity and sportsmanship.

The Youth of the Year Finalists were Cristy Lopez-Duarte, a Fox Lane senior too, and Lillian Chang, a Fox Lane Junior.

Boys and Girls Club staff and board members and family and friends all gathered April 30th offering a hefty dose of love and support for all the honorees. Area VIPs were in attendance too! Pictured below are Joel Seligman, president and CEO of Northern Westchester Hospital, and his wife, Joyce. Martha Stewart, a long time supporter of BGCNW, took time out for photo ops, including the one below with Nethmi and Muffin Dowdle, a long time, beloved Boys and Girls Club board member.

Participants are chosen on local and state levels, “culminating with the regional winners meeting in Washington D.C., to compete for the National Youth of the Year honor. Since the program’s inception in 1947, each National Youth of the Year has met with the President of the United States to formally accept the award and begin a one-year term as the teen spokesperson for all Boys and Girls Club members.

at Chappaqua’s “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” Event

By Matt Smith * Photo Collage by Carolyn Simpson/Double Vision Photographers

Children and adults alike may recall the lyric to the familiar song sung by Fred Rogers at the top of his PBS television show, but on April 11, it was Chappaqua — and not Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood — that people were headed for “a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” And what a beautiful day it was, in many more ways than one. The gorgeous weather not only allowed the event to fully live up to its name, but resulted in a fun, energetic afternoon, with town life more vibrant than ever before. At the helm of it all was Dawn Greenberg, executive director of Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce, who spearheaded the event with the support of Chamber President Dawn Dankner-Rosen.

The event, which was built upon the idea of creating town awareness in Chappaqua citizens, was originally conceived “as something we could do for special education and special needs kids,” Greenberg explained, “as a way to help them navigate through town and learn about their neighbors.” But then, they thought, why stop there? Why not open it up to the whole town?

In simplest terms, it was a “getting-to-know-you” event, and Greenberg felt the necessity of such an event was one from which the town could benefit. “I feel like sometimes Chappaqua is missing a community neighborhood feel. And that’s something that we [Chappaqua parents] all grew up with, and so I wanted to bring that back.”

She also saw the day as an opportunity to inject some historical awareness into town members as well. “We wanted to allow everyone the ability to recognize historic town landmarks,” and become informed with their resources, specifically the ones that may be lesser-known to residents. These include the Greeley House, Town Hall, and the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which are all steeped in rich Chappaqua history. Sadly, Greenberg stated, “most people just come [to town] and hit Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts and don’t realize how many hidden treasures we have in this town.”

That reason alone is most likely why Greenberg was “absolutely thrilled” to have so many eager–and varied–participants in the event. Volunteers ranged from Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein and School Superintendent Dr. Lynn McKay; to business merchants like Eye Gallery, Sherry B., and ICD Contemporary Jewelry; to regular townsfolk, including Horace Greeley High School students. Dozens upon dozens of New Castle families visited town reveling under the generous sun and balmier temps. But the most amazing aspect of all these groups participating was that they all recognized the importance to increase awareness of the daily happenings in town.

Jackie McCarthy, co-chair of the Special Education Committee of the PTA, had approached the Chamber with the idea for the event. “She wanted the kids to feel a part of the community and to learn how to navigate things like making purchases, opening a bank account, or getting a library account,” relayed Greenberg.

“It’s a real learning experience, especially for the kids,” said Lauren Levin, a member of the Chamber, “to know who their town officials are, and town government, and see them up close and in person.” Furthermore, “it establishes a relationship between local store owners and customers,” such that people may remember each other when they see one another in social settings outside of that store–strengthening the community bond. “We are a small town, and it is important to put a name to the face.”

Julie Greco, designer of the North Greeley Avenue Pocket Park (one of the day’s locations open for a tour) was simply excited to see people out and about. “[Small businesses] need people to spend money in town,” she reiterated. “So, they can get to know their merchants and have a nice day on a beautiful day.”

In addition to the landmark tours and numerous discount sales and giveaways from the businesses in town, other municipal employees were set up at tables that adorned Senter Street, including the Chappaqua Garden Club, which gave visitors seed packets, and the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, which gave away free books.

Members of the Chappaqua Volunteer Fire Department were also involved — “We like to get children interested [in the department] early,” said firefighter Paula Kurth — and gave children the opportunity to sit in the front of the fire truck, and take away a complimentary plastic fire hat or rubber duck.

Rose Ellis of Chappaqua Farmers Market was another volunteer on hand, passing out samples of Greek yogurt with maple sugar and massaged kale with goat cheese, as a promotion for the market, which re-opens at the Chappaqua Train Station on May 16th.

The Risko Band also treated participants to a live performance later in the day. Employees from Le Jardin du Roi served up some barbeque favorites for lunch.

Greenberg stresses that the event would not have been possible without the support of so many volunteers, and wishes to extend extra special thanks to its main sponsor, WeeZee: The Science of Play, a five-year-old sensory gym and learning facility located in Chappaqua, headed by Louise Weadock. Inside Chappaqua Magazine was a second major sponsor. Camp Kiwi, meanwhile, offered the free ice cream cones at Hall of Scoops.

Of course, Greenberg’s appreciation and gratitude to everyone involved was wholeheartedly reciprocated. Julie Greco, of the aforementioned Pocket Park, specifically commended Greenberg for her work on planning the whole event: “She’s done an outstanding job; she’s just a dynamo and we thank her. And she’s done it with such a great spirit.”

When asked what she hoped the event would accomplish by the end of the day, Greenberg replied, “My goal is to make people in town feel uplifted and more connected with their community.” Based on the comments of all involved, it seems that her goal was indeed met. It was truly a beautiful day in our neighborhood.

Matt Smith is a longtime Chappaqua resident, who graduated from Skidmore College last Spring, with a degree in Theatre and a Minor in Creative Writing. He is a frequent contributor for the Inside Press, Inc. 

Join Your Friends and Neighbors for Family Fun and Small Town Spirit on April 11th,
11 a.m.-4 p.m. for Chappaqua’s first “It’s A Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood” Event
Sponsored by the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce and WeeZee-The Science of Play

When asked, most people will say that they moved to Chappaqua for two reasons:the good schools and the small town setting. Check out the Ragamuffin Parade in October, the Summer Concerts at the Gazebo and the Memorial Day Parade. These are the times and events when our charming little hamlet of New Castle is at its best and oozing with “small town spirit.”

Many of us love this best about our town and even believe that we live in a parallel Mayberry or Hooterville universe of the Andy Griffith Show, Petticoat Junction and Green Acres.

So, we should certainly know the name of our town Sheriff–as did the people of Mayberry and their beloved Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife, right? Or, how about Hooterville’s friendly store keeper, Sam Drucker? Or, Floyd, the barber? Or, Gomer Pyle, the mechanic?

Do we really know the people in our neighborhood? Let’s have some fun and meet everyone…

On Saturday, April 11th from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m., downtown Chappaqua will be abuzz with
neighbors families and friends for the first annual “It’s A Beautiful Day in Our
Neighborhood” community awareness/spirit event offering children and their families an
opportunity to meet town officials, first responders, shopkeepers and other “important”
neighbors with a map that pinpoints all of the fun stops and activities, special treats, programs,
projects and give-aways. Chappaqua will become a springtime small town utopia with balloons,
fire trucks, kids activities, fun and friends. One of Chappaqua’s important neighbors Louise
Weadock, founder and president of WeeZee-The Science of Play, has helped to make this
important new event possible as the event’s major sponsor.

“This event is in sync with WeeZee’s emphasis on and mission to promote acceptance, compassion, understanding and support for people of all ages and abilities,” says Louise Weadock, founder of WeeZee-The Science of Play. “We are proud to have helped to make this important event happen and to bring together New Castle’s children and families for a day of learning and fun.”

The “It’s A Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood” event was created and is being hosted/run
by the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce. Says Executive Director Dawn Greenberg,
who has been instrumental in bringing businesses together for this event, “It’s vitally important
that our children grow up with a sense of community, as well as feeling a close interaction and a
sense of being grounded within our community. Our intent with this first-ever “A Beautiful Day
in Our Neighborhood” event is to convey that sense of connectedness; that we are all
interwoven and even stewards of our town Chappaqua is a special place and has been for 100+
years and we want to honor and build on that.”

Says Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein: “I want to thank everyone who made this family fun,
meet and greet event possible, especially the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce and
WeeZee-The Science of Play. It encourages small town spirit and community comradery: I
am very much looking forward to it! This is what we are all about. I hope it becomes a yearly
tradition.”

On April 11, families will be given a map to take a self-guided tour, which includes the
opportunity to personally meet the fire, police, mail, town and school officials, as well as many
participating merchants. Senter Street (the street housing the New Castle Community Center and
the Chappaqua Fire Station leading to Bell Middle School) will be closed off to traffic so that
WeeZee-The Science of Play can set up a sensory play-and-learn area that includes
some of the activities that this three-year 18,000 square foot sensory gym is known for.

In addition, more activities on Senter Street will include a BBQ lunch, available for purchase
from the French restaurant, Le Jardin; and the Mike Risko Band will play from 2:00-3:30pm.

Other highlights…Ice cream will be given free to the first 250 customers at Hall of Scoops,
courtesy of Camp Kiwi and the shops on Lower King Street will host a “Chappaqua Moms
Facebook page” meet-up. Other businesses who will be participating in the event include
Chappaqua Paint and Hardware, New Castle Historical Society and Barry Goldstein Dentistry.

Inside Chappaqua Magazine is also a major supporter/sponsor of this event offering pre and post event coverage online and in print! A “Beautiful Look Back” is planned in the June edition which mails free to everyone’s home on June 1.

Here’s a rundown of some of the day’s activities:
WeeZee-The Science of Play with 8 Sensory Stations
1. Bean bag toss – blindfolded and not blindfolded
2. Egg on sand bags and vestibular board
3. Scooter races (seated) around the cones
4. Candy Taste/texture station
5. Balloon volley & water balloons
6. Taste testing
7. Freeze dance
8. Make your own WeeZee Stress Balloons

Police Department
Meet Police Chief Ferry
Tours – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.and 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tour: Holding Cell, Booking Area, Equipment (breathalyzer, fingerprinting, etc.), Vehicles (hummer, motorcycle, patrol car). “KidFind” will also be featured including forms and photo so that the police will have information on file.

Fire Department
Meet Chief Maitland and some of his crew. Get fire safety tips and give-always and check out a fire truck!

Town Hall
Tours – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
An opportunity for kids to meet the Town Supervisor, Rob Greenstein and to receive a key to the city. Also, kids will get a tour of the Courtroom and other departments in Town Hall.

Chappaqua Library
Self-Guided Tour with Activity Map – 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.. Circulation Desk – get a library card; Teen Zone – how to use databases to find books; Kid Area – make bookmarks; Auditorium – Book Dominoes; Resource Area – Stamping Activity

Post Office
Kids will mail out “Beautiful Day Postcards” to themselves. They will also learn what happens to the postcard after it’s put in the mailbox slot.

Meet and Greet: At Sherry B’s from 1- 2 p.m.
Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent, and Dr. Heidi McCarthy, Director of Special Education, and Joan Corwin, Chappaqua Transportation.

Participate in the Creation of Our Community Quilt — Tie together the threads of our town. Mindy Kombert will work with you and your kids to help them create their own square which could be a photo, drawing or quote about Chappaqua. We are charging $10/square to pay for this 5 ft by 6 ft masterpiece.

WeeZee is also planning a “Special Ed PTA Family Social-After Party” with the Chappaqua Special Ed PTA from 4-6pm at WeeZee-The Science of Play, 480 Bedford Road at Chappaqua Crossing. Says Chappaqua SEPTA president, Jackie McCarthy, “This event will give our kids, their siblings and families a chance to socialize with each other while enjoying two-hours of complimentary play at WeeZee’s sensory playground. For parents, we get to socialize too, as well as have a chance to ask an expert any questions we might have on sensory issues. The whole family is invited! We’ll also have pizza and snacks. We need for you to RSVP–but only if you’re coming–if you have not already done so, with how many adults and children to chappaquaptaspecialeducation@gmail.com.”