New Castle Supervisor’s Report – April 28th, 2015

Rob Greenstein
Town Supervisor, New Castle

Potholes

On Tuesday night the Town Board authorized an increase to the 2015 budgeted amount for paving town roads by $400,000. In the 2015 Budget we increased Road Paving/Permanent Improvements to $600,000, a 50% increase over last year. Now with this increase we are at $1,000,000 for the 2015 budget, a 150% increase over last year.

Albany

I was in Albany on Wednesday, April 22nd. I met with Senator Terrence Murphy, and his Chief of Staff, as well as Assemblyman David Buchwald, and his Chief of Staff. We talked money – money for diversion, money for sidewalks in Millwood, money for CHIPS funding to help repair our roads and the status of FEMA reimbursement for Spring Valley Road, Hawkes Avenue & Allapartus Road due to Hurricane Sandy. As far as our diversion (a/k/a Clean Water Project), the New York State 2015-2016 budget includes New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act which provides $200 million over the next three years in Environmental Facilities Corp. grants to municipalities to repair and replace existing wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. The legislation contains a hardship provision. It was suggested that one or more of our proposed districts may qualify. We are looking into the application process, which is still being finalized. We will then submit one (or more) applications for each qualifying district.

New Castle Police Department

On April 22 County Executive Astorino recognized Officer Albert Mendoza who successfully administered Narcan to an overdose victim. It should also be noted that his life saving work was the result of the Narcan training and distribution program established and administered by Lt. Daniel Cannon and the New Castle Police Department. In April of 2014 several New Castle officers were sent to one of the first Narcan instructor training sessions in NY State. Our trained instructors then certified every New Castle officer to use Narcan.

Website

Our new, easy to use and easy to update town website, is expected to be unveiled around May 8th.

Roundtable Discussions

Over the next several months, I will be hosting roundtable discussions to discuss topics of interest. The first topic will be a discussion of what prospective home buyers are looking for. This roundtable discussion is scheduled to take place onThurs., June 11th, 7pm, Chappaqua Library auditorium. It will then be live streamed and the video link will be shared via our eNewsletter, website & on social media. Besides real estate brokers, we will be including the President & Executive Director from the Chamber of Commerce, as well as a few new home purchasers. The second roundtable discussion will involve ideas for improving our business districts in Chappaqua & Millwood.

Click here to watch the Supervisor’s Report.

Town Supervisor’s Report 4/28/15 from New Castle Media Center on Vimeo.

New Castle Administrator’s Report – April 28th, 2015

Jill Shapiro
Town Administrator, New Castle

Update on Pothole Repairs

Even though tonight the board is scheduled to approve a significant increase in the paving budget up to a million dollars from $600,000, pothole repairs continue through out town after this very tough winter.

To date from March 16, 2015 we have filled 6276 potholes in town. And, weather permitting, our work continues. Last Friday, we were on the west side of Town with work on Lake Road. Today we were on Annandale and at the train station.

Tomorrow morning at 8am I will be meeting with NYSDOT and Gerry Moerschell our commissioner of public works regarding road improvements (paving as well as installation of roadway markings and improved signage at the grade crossing at Roaring Brook Road). We will be coordinating improvements to the interchange from the lower entrance to Chappaqua Crossing – over and including the tracks to the parkway entrance and exit ramps. The road work to improve the intersection will be scheduled for a weekend – preferably after school is out – and will involve closing that intersection for the weekend only.

As soon as a date is set, we will get that information out to the public so everyone is aware of the detour.

As our town and county tax collection is winding down (Thursday is our last day of collection) Mary Deems our receiver of taxes will have more on that in the future.

We are Gearing Up for Parking

So we are thrilled to report that 991 residents will have the opportunity to renew their parking permits online this year. The Town Clerk’s office sent out over 1000 invitations to residents with annual parking permits to invite them to confirm their license plates and return the invitation to renew online. Just under 1000 residents responded and confirmed their information. These residents will be able to renew online (with a 2% credit card service fee). AMEX is accepted. The system goes live on May 1.

Last but not least our new website goes live on May 8, so stay tuned for more information about that.

Beautification Board is Looking for Some New Members

Do you have some good ideas about how our town could look prettier and would be willing to meet regularly with the Beautification Advisory Board? We meet once a month on Mondays at 4:00 o’clock in Town Hall.

The Board is a non-partisan, advisory committee to the Town Board. Its primary function is to discover and recommend programs of a constructive nature that will contribute to the beautification of New Castle.

Some examples of programs which the BAB sponsors are Clean-Up Day, planting of the containers and hanging baskets, memorial benches, holiday lights on trees and snowflakes on the light poles, town signage and the annual landscape contest. We often work in conjunction with the Garden Club and the Parks Department.

If you are interested in joining please contact Monica E. de Janosi (Co-Chair of BAB) at dejanosi@aol.com with your name, address, phone number and email address. Please state in a few words why you’d like to join. We would suggest that you attend one of our meetings in order to assure suitability.

Chappaqua Farmers Market 2015

Opening Day is May 16; Open every Saturday 5/16<-11/21 from 8:30a.m. – 1p.m.

If you’ve been married 5 years then you know the standard gift for this first milestone is typically made of “wood.” We will be celebrating our 5th Anniversary with artisanal Dough Nation pizza made in a wood-burning oven (close enough) when we unfurl our tents at the Chappaqua Train Station May 16th.

We are particularly proud of the vendor lineup this season and, with close to 40 vendors all told, at how much we’ve grown in the last five years. For a while, we were the “little market that could” – operating in the shadow of one of the most established markets in the area.

But, after five years, we’ve hit our stride.

Shoppers from all over Westchester (and beyond) have discovered our gem of a market with its sophisticated vendor mix, Provencal vibe, stress-free parking and shady, promenade location right in front of the historic Chappaqua Train Station.

Regulars will be happy to know that one of our signature vendors, Stone Barns, will be back again with their coddled pastured meats, just-laid eggs and stunning cut flowers.

The Dough Nation Pizza Oven will be here every other week and we’ve found a second roving wood-fired pizza truck to alternate (Doug Cullen’s Itsa Pizza Truck, from High Falls, NY) so that we never have to go without a rustic pizza topped with local arugula and farm eggs on a Saturday morning.

Sohha Yogurt, voted BEST yogurt in New York last year by New York Magazine, is also returning. As is Pura Vida Fishery with its fresh Hampton Bays catch – including scallops so sweet and buttery you’ll be tempted to pop them raw in your pop mouth- like candy.

We are very excited that the Letterbox Collective is also joining us…This small farm, based in Hudson, NY, grows quirky, heirloom vegetables and also raises pork, reasonably-priced chickens and duck that are raised without antibiotics or hormones. Their feed comes from a barn down the road and is guaranteed GMO free. They grow culinary and medicinal herbs and make their own keg natural soda using ingredients from the farm, like birch.

Other new vendors include Happy Belly Baby which makes fruit and vegetable purees for infants. They are so good, people without children happily buy them to spread on sandwiches.

Also new this season, Brooklyn’s Bien Cuit Bakery and All You Knead Bread will be joining us (on alternating Saturdays) ensuring that Bread Alone does not, in fact, stand alone in the bread department.

You can be sure that we will always have great tunes coming from the music tent (it’s official: Milton, who will be playing opening day, is our new house band) and lots of activities to entertain your children in our grassy “kids zone, ” like Camp Kiwi and the Westchester Circus Camp.

On opening day, Hudson Valley photographer and writer Francesco Mastalia will sign copies of his gorgeous book, Organic, featuring black and white portraits of the organic farmers-and-chefs who are at the epicenter of the farm to table movement in the Hudson River Valley with a preface by local-food advocate (and personal hero) Joan Dye Gussow.

Also, new this year, the Chappaqua Flea will be joining us every third Saturday of the month, including opening day. Look for cool vintage finds, funky recycled furniture and art, and jewelry – all within steps of the market. This is the same organization behind the Hastings Flea which draws hundreds of folks to the Village every second Sunday. Lots to look forward to!

We will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from May 16th to November 21st.

We hope you come celebrate our anniversary with us on opening day – and our fabulous local bounty every Saturday this season.

See you at the market!

TIOLI Shop Opening May 16th

Let the Official Spring Cleaning commence. The TIOLI Shed, located in the Train Station parking lot near the Farmer’s Market, will open for the season on Saturday, May 16th from 9am to 12 noon. The reopening of the shed last year in its new location was a great success. And this year promises to be even better. Thanks to town officials, several improvements have been made to make the operation safer and more efficient. A small area to the right of the shed will be paved. This will allow us to display our wares behind guard rails so we will not have to worry about people, especially children, stepping back into moving cars. It also enables us to create a pull-in zone in front of the shed so people can drop off items without blocking traffic. The shed will also have electricity. In the unlikely event that every Saturday is not sunny and perfect, we can turn on lights to see, even in the back. Plus, we can test small appliances, lamps and other electrical devices before they are dropped off to ensure they are working.

Only New Castle residents are allowed to leave items in the shed. Volunteers can ask to see ID. This is to make sure New Castle residents do not have to pay to have items that are not taken disposed of.

Residents and non residents alike can take things from the shed. And we encourage people to share.

We cannot stop people from selling items they take from the shed but we discourage it.

Please bring donations down as early as possible. Everything has to be secured in the shed when we close at noon. If we do not have available space after 11:30we will ask you to come back next Saturday.

We also ask people not to loiter. There are times when the shed and display area get very crowded. If we see that someone has been there for a long time we will ask them to come back next week. Everyone should have a chance of finding something they need or want.

TIOLI Donation Guidelines

Acceptable items—functioning, clean and gently used!:

Small, clean and functioning appliances, cookware, furniture (in good condition–no tears!), kitchenware, dishes and glassware (in good condition), selected sports equipment, bicycles, toys, games, baby equipment, children’s picture books, ornaments, home repair tools, gardening tools.

Unacceptable items:

Mattresses, large appliances, air conditioners, refrigerators, TVs, monitors, stereo speakers, construction debris, bedding, clothing, books, printers, faxes, semi-functional electronics, chipped or cracked dishes, plastic mugs/containers, skis, ski boots, stuffed toys, cribs, car seats, suitcases, ANYTHING REALLY DIRTY

If you are not sure something acceptable please ask a volunteer before bringing it down. Better yet take a photo on your phone and show us first.

*TIOLI volunteers have the discretion to reject any items deemed unacceptable.

Northern Westchester Artists Guild presents: Art Under the Bridge

May 16 kicks off Northern Westchester Artists Guild’s Art under the Bridge series running every third Saturday from 9:30A-3PM May through October by the Chappaqua train station under the bridge.

Local fine artists, painters, printmakers, ceramists, photographers, fiber artists, sculptors, and jewelry designers all will exhibit their work under the bridge that links the Farmers Market and the Flea Market to the shops at lower King Street.

Shop for fresh locally grown farm goods, shop at the flea market; then stroll under the bridge and see the amazing art work also locally produced!

All work is available for purchase.

Northern Westchester Artisits Guild is a non profit organization, and a proud member of the Chappaqua/Millwood Chamber of Commerce. The Northern Westchester Artisits Guild supports and encourages artists in their endeavors. We see all forms of art as a vital expression of our voice in the community. Making Connections through ART.

Welcome The Chappaqua Flea on May 16, and the Third Saturday of the Month!

Welcome The Chappaqua Flea on May 16, and the Third Saturday of the Month!

The Chappaqua Flea, a curated, outdoor market featuring some of the best vendors from the Hudson Valley will be coming to Chappaqua this season! Beginning on May 16th and taking place the third Saturday of the month, The Chappaqua Flea will located at the train station adjacent to the Farmer’s Market 9am-1pm.

Vendors will sell everything from home goods, vintage finds, jewelry, clothing, crafts and more. Items are mostly one-of-kind, hand crafted or handpicked. The Chappaqua Flea already has some great local vendors signed up for May 16thlike GemsZen, selling handcrafted jewelry made primarily with semi-precious gemstones and Debbie Gioello selling her vintage collectibles. If you have a business or nonprofit and would like a table at the Chappaqua Flea, please apply on the site: www.chappaquaflea.com.

And LIKE our Facebook page here to connect with us and get updates!

New Castle 10K

Don’t be left out

May 17th marks the 28th running of the New Castle 10 K

If you are interested in competing in this challenging run through the streets of New Castle applications can be found on the departments website or by stopping by the office between the hours of 9 AM and 4:30.

Monday thru Friday.Of course we need runners to make the race happen but we also need volunteers to act as road marshals and folks to help at the water stations. If you are interested in volunteering for the Race please contact the Department by calling 238-3909.

Revs and Bevs: Sunday, May 17

Chappaqua (Town of New Castle) will be hosting the first annual car meet­up on Sunday, May 17th, 2015 from 9am -12 pm. “Revs and Bevs” will be held at the Chappaqua train station rear parking lot, by the old skatepark (Allen Place).

Revs and Bevs is intended to be a community event, which brings together the “gear heads” of Northern Westchester, in a casual, and social manner. We are trying to create a place where people can show their own automobiles, but also meet others who share the passion for all things cars. For people who do not bring a car to the show, the public is welcome to meander through the cars, free of charge, and socialize with the owners. Revs and Bevs is modeled after the many other successful car shows that are held in the metro area, usually in the downtown business districts of suburban towns. New Canaan holds “Caffeine & Carburetors”, Greenwich and Scarsdale have their own renowned Concours d’Elegance, and Chappaqua will join the pack with Revs and Bevs.

Admission will be free to all, however donations will be greatly appreciated for the “Hands off the Phone ­ On the Wheel” anti­distraction while driving campaign.

Individuals bringing cars should arrive at 8:30AM to set up and park them accordingly. The show officially ends at 12 pm< but owners may leave at their leisure.

Contact Info:
revsandbevs@gmail.com

Sam Matluck
s.matluck@aol.com
(914) 714 8709

Sam Birenbaum
sbirenbaum97@gmail.com
(914) 588 8248

A Memorable Parade

Three cheers for the red, white and blue! This is a town that embodies the patriotic spirit of the country and proudly so. In the weeks preceding Memorial Day, colorful flags wave in the spring breeze, creating an emblematic border on the sidewalks of Chappaqua.

http://theinsidepress.com/a-memorable-parade/

Castles of New Castle House Tour

It’s Coyote Pupping Season: Learn About Safe Coexistence

Chris Schadler, Project Coyote, Wild Canid Ecologist, discusses preventing coyote conflicts and pupping season safety and guidelines for pets & people. This presentation was co-sponsored by Saw Mill River Audubon and Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee.

Please note: The New Castle Town Board has established two advisory boards to disseminate information to residents about coyotes, including tips on minimizing the risk of coyote attacks on pets and effective ways to coexist safely with suburban coyotes. The Town Board has not yet adopted any formal policy with respect to the presence of coyotes in our community, and any views and opinions expressed by our advisory committees do not necessarily reflect the official policy or practice of the Town.

Coyote Pupping Season Talk, April 20, 2015 from New Castle Media Center on Vimeo.

Camp Registration – Reminder

2015 Summer Camp Registration is OPEN

Town of New Castle Summer Camps
Tots Camp – Ages 3-5
Camp Adventure – Grades 1-4
On the Go – Travel Camp – Grades 5-8
June 29th – August 7th

Camp fees increase May 11th

Save $100 per camper per session and register now

2015 Camp Info and Registration

New Castle Recreation and Parks Department
200 S. Greeley Ave
Chappaqua, New York 10514
(914) 238-3909
http://www.mynewcastle.org/

TCO Concert – One Week Left to Reserve a Seat!

Purchase your tickets before May 1st to reserve a seat – 1st come, 1st serve!!! Click the link below to purchase them now!

Click Here to: Buy tickets for The Flying Dutchman

News from the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber

The Chamber welcomes you to a Mother’s Day event at Le Jardin on Friday, May 8th from 8:30-10. Join us for brunch (mimosas and a special non-alcoholic drink will be served!) and a morning of fun with friends, a toast to all, door prizes and shopping coupons. Don’t miss this special “moms” event and a chance to feel pampered — and have some fun! For more information, please contact Dawn Greenberg.

We’re also gearing up for summer!! Plans are in the works for movies each Friday eve in Millwood. And, we have finalized a fantastic line up of summer concerts every Wednesday at the Rec field. Contact the Chamber for more information about sponsorship opportunities.

Please Save the Date for a fantastic program on “The Magic Behind Great Customer Service” presented by the famous Joe from Mt. Kisco Seafood on Thursday, May 28th. Stay tuned for more details to come!!!

Come to Gaga Fest on Saturday, May 2nd!

The Flying Dutchman or the Curse of Richard Wager Lecture/Recital by Conductor Michael Shapiro

Friday, May 8, 2015 at 7 pm
Chappaqua Library Auditorium, Chappaqua, NY

The Chappaqua Library in collaboration with The Chappaqua Orchestra presents Michael Shapiro, composer and conductor of The Chappaqua Orchestra, in a lecture/recital on Friday, May 8, 2015 at the Chappaqua Library Auditorium. The lecture/recital will be a preview of The Chappaqua Orchestra’s upcoming production on Sunday, May 17, 2015 of excerpts from Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman.

Mr. Shapiro’s talk will reveal the background of Wagner’s choice of the subject of the Flying Dutchman, its origins in myth and literature, and how the opera set the stage for the great opera composer’s later and larger works. Why did Wagner choose this subject? Does the opera carry the seeds of themes and concepts explored in subsequent works of the composer? What is so appealing about a man cursed to sail the seas whose only redemption can be found in the unconditioned love of a woman?

Mr. Shapiro will play excerpts on the piano with guest soloists to illustrate the ideas set out in his talk. He will ask the question was not only the Dutchman cursed but also was the composer Wagner accursed and did he send his curse down through the generations?

The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days

Poesy for Posies

First Congregational Church 2015 Barn Sale

Coordinating a Child’s Special Needs Village: Practical Solutions to Everyday Issues

Coordinating a Child’s Special Needs Village: Practical Solutions to Everyday Issues

What is the best way to coordinate a special needs child’s “support village’ so that everyone is on the same page and the child receives consistent guidance and inputs?

Speaker: Elise Butowsky, Raising Exceptional People. LLC
Sat. May 2 @ 3pm
Chappaqua Library Theater
195 S Greeley Ave
Chappaqua, NY 10514

The League of Women Voters of New Castle Healthcare Forum

The League of Women Voters of New Castle is hosting a healthcare forum on May 6, 2015 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Chappaqua Library to start a conversation about palliative care, hospice, advance care planning, and other issues to consider when taking charge of present and future healthcare decisions. Our speakers are:

Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs – Moderator
Senior Minister at the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua
Former hospital chaplain, author of A Clergy Guide to End of Life Issues

Hal Federman, MD and Dorothy Cafran RN, BSN, CHPN
Palliative Care at Northern Westchester Hospital

Mary Spengler, MS, Executive Director, and Nancy Caputi, RN, BA
Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester

Susan Ferlauto, Esq. and Roberta S. Goodman, Esq., Attorneys
Elder Justice Unit at Pace Women’s Justice Center

More details can be found at www.lwvnewcastle.org.

Lighthouse Youth Theatre will be Performing Peter Pan and High School Musical at the Chappaqua Crossing Theater

Lighthouse Youth Theatre will be performing Peter Pan and High School Musical at the at Chappaqua Crossing Theater. The Chappaqua Crossing Theater is a beautiful venue, where Peter Pan will be presented during the weekends of May 30th and June 6th. High School Musical will be performed during the weekends of June 12th and 19th.

The opportunity for Lighthouse Youth Theater to perform at Chappaqua Crossing Theater could not have happened without the support and efforts of Chappaqua Crossing, Summit Development, Greenfield Partners and the Town Board of Chappaqua. New Castle Town Supervisor, Rob Greenstein, was also instrumental in working with Lighthouse Youth Theatre Artistic Director, John Fanelli, to help facilitate the approval of these performances at the Chappaqua Crossing Theater.

Lighthouse Youth Theatre’s home base is at Standing Ovation Studios in Armonk, New York, and produces shows with young people ranging in age from 4 – 18. Dancing, Singing, and Acting classes and lessons are also available on a daily basis, as well as Rock-n-Roll and music lessons.

Lighthouse Youth Theater is so excited to bring these two live fun-filled, family-friendly shows to the Chappaqua Crossing Theater this Spring. All are welcome and tickets can be purchased through our website or by phone.

For more information, contact John Fanelli at (914) 741- 4205 or e-mail Office@Lytshows.org.

New Castle Field Hockey Association Announces Spring Field Hockey Clinic for Middle Schoolers

Registration is now open for the New Castle Field Hockey Association’s Spring Clinic for 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. The clinic will be held on Saturdays (from 3:30-5:00) from 4/18 through 6/13 and will be conducted by the HGHS Varsity and JV field hockey coaches. Click here for the registration form or more information. Beginners and experienced players are welcome.

Thank a First Responder Day

Chappaqua Garden Club

Wednesday, May 20
Heaven is a Garden
12:30pm at the First Congregational Church, 210 Orchard Ridge Road, Chappaqua
Free and open to the public.

Jan Johnsen is a professional landscape designer and a principal of the established design/build firm, Johnsen Landscapes & Pools, in Westchester County, NY. She is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University and an award-winning instructor at the New York Botanical Garden.

Ms. Johnsen will speak about her latest landscaping book, Heaven is a Garden. http://www.janjohnsen.com/

Please join us at 11:30 for a light lunch and business meeting before the presentation. For further information, email chappaquagardenclub@gmail.com

New Castle Residents Invited To Babka With Rob-Ka

Since the last election, Town Board meetings have become much more of an open forum for public comment. There are no time limits and much greater transparency. But, by necessity, we run our meetings with agendas that cover the nuts and bolts issues in front of us. I’d like to provide our residents with the opportunity to discuss broader issues in an informal setting. Let’s share our philosophies and ambitions for the future of our town. Rob will be there to discuss your ideas, hear your concerns and break babka with you. Email RGreenstein@MyNewCastle.org to arrange a Sweet Summit.

New Castle Supervisor’s Report – 3/27/2015

By Rob Greenstein

Train Crossing Safety

Chappaqua Central School District Board of Education wrote a letter to Congresswoman Nita Lowey applauding the Town Board of New Castle for identifying a project that concerns the safety of our students. Their letter stated that they support any safety mitigation measures as well as join them in requesting that the federal government fund the construction of a railway and roadway overpass at the junction of the Metro-North Harlem Line’s Roaring Brook Road grade crossing and the Saw Mill River Parkway. Click here for PDF

Although there are efforts at the federal level to provide funding for a bridge, we are also working on short-term solutions. Even if the bridge was approved tomorrow, it’s not being built tomorrow. New Castle Police Department has been issuing tickets to drivers waiting too close to the tracks. Local officials also are looking into adding road signs and pavement markings as soon as the weather warms, and plans are in motion to educate residents about reducing risky behavior at highway-rail intersections. We are also looking into traffic cameras. Our efforts have been noticed. Click here for Journal News article “New Castle fighting for a safer rail crossing”. And I was thrilled to receive a letter from Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Operation Lifesaver made a presentation to the Town Board on Tuesday night. Operation Lifesaver is a National Organization dedicated to raising the public’s awareness of the need to be careful around railroad/highway crossings and that it is illegal and dangerous to trespass on railroad property. New York Operation Lifesaver in cooperation with the Town of New Castle is very excited to help residents and non-residents alike stay safe around the railroads in their community. This is all part of the joint safety partnership with Metro North Railroad. Operation Lifesaver also works to change people’s behavior around railroad tracks and crossings with the national public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train”. We just ordered 2,000 “See Tracks? Think Train” car magnets. We are hoping to receive some safety brochures as well. Thank you to Metro-North Railroad Chief Safety Officer Anne Kirsch and Director of Government & Community Relations Mark Mannix for attending this presentation and answering questions.

2015 Downtown Beautification Projects for Chappaqua and Millwood – BAB Update

I would like to provide a summary of the Town Board’s commitment of additional funding to support town-wide beautification projects.

Hanging Flower Basket Program: A total of 96 hanging flower baskets will be installed in the hamlets of Chappaqua and Millwood. This represents an increase of 46 baskets from 2014. An additional 20 baskets will be added in Millwood along Station Road. Millwood previously had 5 baskets. A total of 44 new brackets have been ordered to be installed on the light poles on the bridge and in Millwood.

Planters/Containers Program: A total of 54 planters/containers of variable sizes are spread throughout the hamlets of Chappaqua and Millwood and will be planted with annual flowers, and then the flowers replaced in late fall with winter greens.

Holiday Lighting Projects: A total of 20 new snowflakes were ordered to expand the coverage of snowflakes on the bridge and also coverage in Millwood. A total of 12 snowflakes will be added to the bridge, and 8 new snowflakes added to Millwood. An additional 150 sets of mini LED lights were ordered to supplement lighting of poles, trees and other areas throughout the hamlets. New LED lights have been purchased to decorate the Train Station. The lights selected are the same as previously selected for the Gazebo. Click here for PDF

Millwood Pedestrian and Safety Improvements

Senator Terrence Murphy wrote a letter to Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos requesting $500,000 in funding be provided to the Town of New Castle to provide pedestrian and safety improvements in the Hamlet of Millwood. You can read the letter here.

Diversion & Clean Water

On the water and sewer funding front, in the State Assembly, Assemblyman David Buchwald sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie requesting a $10 million appropriation in the state budget to go to the Town of New Castle for the purpose of installing a sewer line to connect to the Saw Mill Valley trunk line. As well, in the State Assembly’s one-house budget bill is a $250 million proposal for the water and sewer infrastructure program. Assemblyman Buchwald, as well as the Town of New Castle, has been in touch with the East of Hudson Watershed Corporation to see if they may be able to help fund the project. Click here to read the letter.

Potholes

NYS Senator Murphy Co-Signed letter asking for increased funding for our roads. The Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) was established to help local governments repair highways, bridges, and roads that they operate and maintain. Therefore, we are again proudly joining with our local leaders urge you to support a multi-year strategy to address local infrastructure needs in order to help provide our citizens, local property taxpayers, tourists and motorists with the kind of local transportation system they need and deserve. As their letter indicated “local roads matter”. Remember, report potholes to potholes@MyNewCastle.org. You can also read the letter here.

Gerard C. Moerschell, Commissioner of Public Works, made a presentation to the Town Board on “Potholes & Other Forms of Pavement Distress”

Train Station Restaurant

On Tuesday night the Town Board voted to approve the train station restaurant lease with the Chases. This restaurant will offer commuters and Town residents a new dining option. We believe this new venture will add excitement and vibrancy to our downtown. We understand they intend to be fully operational at the beginning of the summer. I’d like to acknowledge and thank our Town Attorneys, Keane & Beane, for their work on putting this lease together. This is the first time that the train station has been leased by the Town, and there were many, many issues that had to be worked out concerning the use of the space as a restaurant. I don’t practice real estate law, but the thoroughness and quality of the lease was readily apparent to me. And one of the best parts for the Town, aside from getting an exciting new restaurant, is that Keane & Beane agreed not to charge the Town for all the extra legal work that was needed.

Town Supervisor's Report 3/24/15 from New Castle Media Center on Vimeo.

New Castle Administrator’s Report – 3/27/2015

By Jill Shapiro

Congratulations to our Police Department on their latest accreditation.

On March 19th the NY State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council awarded the New Castle Police Department a Certificate of Accreditation. The Department was first accredited in 2005. This is the second successful re-accreditation. The Certificate of Accreditation acknowledges the New Castle Police Department’s implementation of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. During the reaccreditation process a team of independent professionals conducted an on-site assessment to verify that the departments policies meet 133 professional standards and that the policies have been successfully implemented over the five year period. This process culminates with the NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation Council’s decision that the New Castle Police Department is worthy of accreditation.

As tax time is upon us, we are happy to introduce the tax search program on our website. It enables residents to access their tax payment history since 2002 but more importantly provides you with 24/7 access to your property tax numbers that you need to prepare your tax returns.

To access this program: go to the Receiver of Taxes page of the website found under the “Departments” tab. On the upper left hand column you will find the icon for the tax search. Search by either address of owner’s last name and tax payment records since 2002 are available to search and print.

We know this will be a great help to residents, and we thank Mary Deems, our Receiver of Taxes, and Patty Antonucci, our Deputy Receiver, for identifying this terrific program and implementing it.

Spring is almost here and that means pot holes! Beginning yesterday and continuing as long as the weather permits- that means temperatures above 45 degrees and no rain- our DPW crews have begun an aggressive campaign to tame the tremendous number of pot holes that have appeared after this most brutal winter.

This pothole repair program is in addition to the paving program that we have scheduled to begin in May. We are assessing the conditions of the roads at this time in order to determine which roads most need to be paved after this past winter. The Board’s decision to raise the paving budget from $400,000 to $600,000 could not have been more timely.

Just a reminder to the public that in order to report potholes, please send an email to potholes@mynewcastle.org.

Chappaqua Farmers Market – Opening May 16

Summer 2015: New Castle Day Camps – Your “Community Camp”

Looking for a quality, affordable and convenient day camp to send your kids to this summer?

Why not choose one of the New Castle Recreation & Parks Day Camp programs!

We offer an affordable day camp program filled with opportunities for campers to be active, be creative and be themselves! Our goal is to host a safe, fun and affordable day camp for the residents of New Castle. Our staff are courteous, professional and always looking out for the well being of the campers. The camp administrative staff members have years of experience not only in a camp setting but as educators, counselors, nurses, coaches and parents. Depending on what camp your child attends, campers will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as: swimming, arts and crafts, music, sports, trips, special events, camp carnival and much more!

To access more detailed camp information and a camp registration form, please see our “Summer Day Camp” page by visiting www.ncdaycamps.com

Registration information can be found here.

The Day Camp Registration Form is required to enroll your child in camp. The form must be completed in full…no partial paperwork will be accepted!

Youth Tackle Football Program

The New Castle Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce that the youth tackle football program for kids in 5th and 6th grades has been revamped for 2015. Starting this year, our teams will be part of a multi-town league and will play games against teams from other towns in Westchester County. The program will now be administered by the Recreation and Parks Department. The season will run from late August through the first week of November. As in prior seasons, all practices will be in the evenings at Recreation Field. The game schedules will include home games at Recreation Field, and away games in other towns.

The Recreation and Parks Department will also continue to offer its Flag Football program for all boys and girls in grades 3 through 5. As in the past, Flag Football will be held on weekday afternoons in the fall. And for 4th graders interested in learning to play at the next level, plans are currently underway to develop a bi-weekly clinic in which the proper techniques of tackle football are taught.

Watch for sign-up information coming soon.

Chappaqua Church Erects Living Cross, Stages Community Easter Egg Hunt

Grace Baptist Church invites you to celebrate Easter and spring by “flowering” it’s eight-foot cross at the corner of King St. and 12 Orchard Ridge Road in Chappaqua, NY, anytime between Sunday, March 29 through Easter Sunday April 5. Complimentary flowers are at the foot of the cross or bring your own spring bloomers. The goal is to fill the entire cross with vibrant flowers by dusk Easter Sunday in symbolic remembrance of loved ones, if troubled by a burden, if praying for someone or simply if you are just happy spring has finally sprung.

Additionally, the church invites the community to join in a special Easter Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. full of contemporary Christian songs. Parents with children ages 0-12 are invited to arrive at 10:30 a.m. for a complimentary Easter Egg Hunt on the church grounds.

“Spring is a beautiful time in Chappaqua, throughout the Hudson Valley and it’s a chance to reflect upon the blood shed by God’s Son for our sins and to rejoice in the power of spiritual renewal through the resurrection of Christ,” said Pastor Larry Holland, Grace Baptist Church. “Adorning this cross with vibrant floral life is symbol that, through belief in Christ, we all can receive a rebirth.”

Advocate for Chappaqua Schools

Advocate for Chappaqua Schools – Make Public Education Whole

The Chappaqua Central School District, the Chappaqua PTA’s Advocacy Committee, and the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association are joining forces on a letter-writing campaign to raise the voices of concerned students and parents. There are sample letters posted on the District’s Advocacy webpage related to three issues: eliminating the GEA; reforming the Governor’s 2015 education agenda; and revising NY’s APPR teacher evaluation system.

These issues are believed to be of immediate concern to the Chappaqua Central School District and likely to gain traction with New York State government at this time. When it comes to public education, elected representatives are better informed about local concerns and their magnitude, and are most likely to respond when they hear directly from their constituents. Please click here to read these letters and to voice your concerns on behalf of the 4,000+ students of the Chappaqua Central School District.

Neighbors Link Gala Honors Gabby Rosenfeld

Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce News

Announcement for all and any categories of businesses that have New Castle clients and customers!

Joining the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce is critically important to your business — even if you don’t reside or work here — but, simply if you’re looking to or currently do business in Chappaqua-Millwood. Our many services and benefits include promotion of your business, social media publicity and managing consumer feedback. And, even more…

We’re excited to announce a great new Chamber benefit/service. We’re revamping our website — and adding a comprehensive listing of Chamber members including your company logo, contact info and a full description of your business!! It’s like getting a FREE AD!

In addition, every Chamber member is invited to create a discount for Chamber members so that fellow businesses and other community influencers can use and offer feedback on your services at a discounted rate!!

Therefore, current (dues paid) Chamber members, please send us as soon as possible:

Name, address, phone, email, Facebook/Twitter info
Type of business (we’ll be setting up listings according to specific type of business — restaurant, plumber, attorney, realtor, etc.)
Logo
Description of business
Chamber member discount

If you’re unsure about your dues status or you’d like to join the Chamber, please contact Dawn Greenberg at dgreenx@yahoo.com.

Steve Berry: The Patriot Threat

The Patriot Threat

Author Steve Berry is the #1 NY Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of The Lincoln Myth, The King’s Deception, The Columbus Affair, The Jefferson Key, The Emperor’s Tomb, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandria Link, The Templar Legacy, The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy and the Amber Room.

His books have been translated into 40 languages with 19,000,000 copies in 51 countries.

Click here for free tickets.

Monday, March 30 @ 7pm
Chappaqua Library Theater

Chappaqua Cares Trunk Show

Chappaqua School Foundation Spring Benefit

Please join the Chappaqua School Foundation (“CSF”) for its Spring Benefit on Friday, April 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor. Proceeds fund educational innovation and excellence in Chappaqua schools. Join your friends and neighbors for a casual evening (Yes, you can wear jeans!) featuring an informative showcase of recently funded grants presented by students and faculty, an extensive silent auction, great food and company. As an added bonus, your ticket purchase also provides you with an all-access pass to Spring Madness – more than a month of discounts and special offers from participating local merchants and restaurants.

CSF promotes educational excellence by driving innovation in our schools. Thanks to the generosity of our community, funding is possible for necessary and important school investments that otherwise are beyond the scope of the school budget. Since 1993, CSF has raised over $2.5 million and funded over 250 innovative educational grants investing in every subject area, classroom, grade and school in our District.

We look forward to sharing this special evening with the community in support of educational innovation and excellence in our schools.

For more information about CSF and to purchase tickets to the benefit please visit our website at www.chappaquaschoolfoundation.org

Kindergarten Registration for September 2015 – Chappaqua Central School District

Registration for children (5 yrs. old by 12/31/15) planning to attend kindergarten this September within the Chappaqua Central School District is coming soon.

If you are new to the District, or if you did not receive a registration packet, please print out a Student Registration Form to get the process started. Submit your completed form and all required documentation to:

Liisa Elsner, Registrar
Business Office/Chappaqua Central School District
P.O. Box 21
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Fax: (914) 238-7231

Email: lielsner@ccsd.ws

If you have any questions or need more information, please call Liisa Elsner at 914-238-7200 x1007 or send her an email.

And please spread the word to your neighbors and friends who might not know about this year’s Kindergarten registration.