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The Examiner News: “Inside Chappaqua’s Memorable Night-and Day!”

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Amy Kerwin photo
Amy Kerwin photo

At a full of love and surprise-filled party celebrating 10 years of publishing, Grace Bennett, publisher of Inside Chappaqua magazine, received a proclamation from County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz declaring last Friday, March 15, Inside Chappaqua Day. In the same evening at Crabtree’s Kittle House, Bennett read a statement she received from for Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton with whom she traveled as a member of the press last summer throughout Africa and Turkey. Secretary Clinton recalled dancing together in various locations… “a farm in Malawi” and “even with a foreign minister in Pretoria….” Tonight, more than ever, you deserve to dance…” stated Clinton, to the delight and applause of attendees. Bennett had the first dance with her father, Jacob Breitstein, an 89-year-old Holocaust survivor. Bennett also raised more than $5,000 the same evening for the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center in White Plains where she serves as a board member.

(Published in The Examiner 3/19/2013)

Time Change at the Elementary Schools

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When the school year begins next fall, the day will look very different at the three elementary schools in the district.  Instead of beginning at 9:15 in the morning, students will commence their studies at 8:45.

According to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Eric Byrne, the district has been examining ways to lengthen the day at the elementary schools during the past two years.  Several factors necessitated the change.  “We’re being asked to implement new common core state standards,” Byrne said.  In order to adhere to these standards, additional instructional time is required.  Also, in the past, elementary school teachers never had time to meet together to discuss grade-wide issues.   The new schedule includes a time where all the teachers in the same grade are available to meet.  The longer day will also enable students to attend gym classes every other day.  This will mark major progress in the “push for health and wellness,” Byrne said.

Michael Retting, President of School Scheduling Associates and Professor Emeritus at James Madison University, worked with administrators on restructuring the day.  He mentioned several salient points including the fact that by increasing the day to six and one half hours from six hours, the district will “just be approaching the national average.”  The number of hours in approximately 50% of schools nationwide range from six and one half to six hours and 45 minutes.  In New York State the number of school days are mandated whereas the number of hours are not.  Retting also highlighted the fact that the times for instrumental music lessons have been changed so that students will no longer be pulled out of class throughout the day.   “That’ll be less disruptive to teachers and students,” he noted.

40 Years of Love and Learning at Oak Lane

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The Oak Lane Child Care Center celebrated 40 years of serving the Chappaqua community tonight at Crabtree’s Kittle House and  honored long time board member Evan Glassman.  Board Member Joy Puleo opened the reception with comments about Oak Lane being “a place where children are not only loved, but are learning.”  Executive director Ronni Weinberger introduced Evan who later commended the Center for a nurturing environment which has helped his kids grow into “warm, productive individuals.” In a keynote address that followed, Rob Greenstein, president of the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the need for the community at large and member merchants to continue to support the Center.

Evan, Jackie, Abby and Jacob Glassman
Evan, Jackie, Abby and Jacob Glassman
Grace Bennett with Jackie Glassman, who discovered they were both sporting Sunday blow outs from Santa’s Hair Salon in Chappaqua!
Grace Bennett with Jackie Glassman, who discovered they were both sporting Sunday blow outs from Santa’s Hair Salon in Chappaqua!
Evan and Abby with Astrid and Robert Quish of Chappaqua.
Evan and Abby with Astrid and Robert Quish of Chappaqua.
Rob and Cindy Greenstein of Chappaqua.
Rob and Cindy Greenstein of Chappaqua.
Laura and Melissa Berman of Chappaqua. Melissa is an assistant teacher for a group of 15 “Acorns,” the youngest group at Oak Lane.
Laura and Melissa Berman of Chappaqua. Melissa is an assistant teacher for a group of 15 “Acorns,” the youngest group at Oak Lane.
A table of celebrants.
A table of celebrants.

 

 

 

 

 

Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps Open House, March 2013

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chapp-am-corpChappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps Hosts Youth Corps Open House In March 2013

WHAT:  The Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps (CVAC) is hosting a Youth Corps Open House for incoming candidates and their parents. High school sophomores are eligible to apply for a spot in the upcoming year’s roster. Applications for the handful of available spots are being accepted through April 1, 2013.

The Youth Corps is comprised of 18 local high school students between the ages 16 and 18 who are trained to ride alongside EMTs and paramedics on ambulance calls within New Castle. Youth members are trained in ambulance operations, CPR and basic first aid.

WHEN:  Wednesday, March 13, 7:00 PM and Wednesday March 20, 7:00 PM.

WHERE:  CVAC Headquarters at 233 N. Greeley Ave, Chappaqua.

WHY:  Learn valuable first aid training and help others while enhancing your college application.

INFO:  For more information call (914) 238-3191 or visit www.chappaquaambulance.org

Founded in 1936, the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps is a volunteer organization dedicated to providing quality emergency medical services to the residents of New Castle.  The 70+ volunteer members are a diverse group, from teachers and lawyers to entrepreneurs, students, parents and grandparents. In addition to responding to more than 500 calls annually, CVAC reaches out with programs to educate the community on First Aid and CPR.

 For more information or to become a volunteer, visit www.chappaquaambulance.org. 

Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps. People helping people.