North Castle News

At 3rd Thursday: 35 Classic Cars Parade Proudly ‘Round Armonk Square

July 22, 2017 by Inside Press

Story and Photos by Grace Bennett

Anyone who came to take in Armonk’s Classic Cars Show–the highlight of Third Thursday festivities in and around Armonk Square–received a special treat. From the corner of Bedford Road and Main Street, 35 Classic Cars could be found circling a bunch of times around the main thoroughfares; there was friendly waving and thumbs up from area spectators, and just as often, waves back from proud and friendly owners seated behind old time (although some new, too) fun and funky wheels. I imagined they were feeling pretty groovy with all the fanfare.

“It started out with ten cars and grew quickly,” noted Neal Schwartz, the Chamber’s president. All the while, other festivities were in progress on the toasty Square, including arts and crafts for the kids, live music by Gilbert, information and complimentary refreshments from member merchants, and more. For more info, please visit armonkchamberofcommerce.com

On Thursday, July 20, it was really all about the cars. “It’s just a hobby like anything else,” suggested George Drapeau, who together with Robby Morris, pulled together the show on behalf of the Chamber. “The older you get, the more you can afford to maintain it. You know: Bigger boys, Bigger toys?”

(L-R): Nancy Woodyard, Andy Block, and George Drapeau

And it seemed definitely such for Andy Block and his own special toy: a 1960 Red Cadillac, a “series 62 convertible,” he noted. Block, a 23 year resident of Armonk, generously shares his car too: he annually rides it in the town’s early winter Frosty parade and has offered rides in it “to ladies at events for the North Castle Historical Society.” His two kids, 23 & 21, he said, are “used to their father’s hobby. They want me to get buried in it,” he quipped.

Save the date August 17th for 4th Thursday!

Visitors to Armonk’s Fol de Rol Found a Myriad of Activities to Enjoy

June 13, 2017 by Inside Press

By Amanda Kraus

The distant thumping of music can be heard from the parking lot of beautiful Wampus Brook Park. As you approach, the constant beat gives way to the familiar melody of a popular song flowing from the fair’s DJ booth. As you make your way towards the lights, fun, and people, the comforting smell of buttery popcorn fills your nose, drawing you in even further. It is at the 43rd annual Armonk Lions Club Fol de Rol that I find myself walking through crowds of people: babies, children, adults, and grandparents, all enjoying the myriad of activities that you can find at the fair.

While parking, admission, and many activities are free, the Fol de Rol is the Armonk Lions Club sole fundraiser for community service projects and charitable causes; it’s motto is “we serve,” as Linda Trummer-Napolitano, the fair organizer, writes, “All Lions Clubs belong to the International Lions and all raise funds for various community organizations to meet the needs of others in times of hardship or disaster.” The fair features over nine carnival rides, which require tickets or rides bracelets that can be purchased at the ticket booth.

There are also different events, such as “the ‘Clydsedale’ type horses on Friday night, antique cars on view for Saturday morning; there are racing pings in the rides area that will be performing on Saturday and Sunday; on Saturday, the DYNAMO Dogs from Maryland are performing–these rescue dogs have been trained to do an amazing variety of tricks and have performed all over the country,” says Trummer-Napolitano. The fair has over 60 craft and food vendors, ranging from Greek cuisine to your typical carnival hot dogs; there is also a face painter, a henna tattoo artist, and a body glitter artist. Other than a DJ, the fair hosts many local artists performing in a wide variety of genres: jazz, 80s rock, pop, and acoustic folk–on Sunday the middle school band performed at noon.

I asked Trummer-Napolitano what her favorite activity at the fair is, to which she replied, “I love to go watch the crowds and shop at the various craft vendors booths; we have a lot of local food vendors from the Hudson Valley, such as an olive oil vendor and a maple syrup vendor, and there are some really creative jewelry vendors coming this year.”

There is something for everyone every year at the Fol de Rol. Regardless of age, you are guaranteed to have a good time. Admission was free too! Best of all, you can make a difference and support your community by enjoying the rides and local vendors. See you next year!

Inside Press summer intern Amanda Kraus is a rising junior at Tulane University studying English, Philosophy, and Psychology.

White Plains Hospital Sun Safety Discussion

July 18, 2016 by Inside Press

Hot and hazy summer days are upon us, so it was excellent timing for a team from White Plains Hospital, led by Dr. Anita Mannancheril, to be on hand at the North Castle Public Library recently to discuss and answer questions about sun safety, dehydration, tick removal and more.

Pertinent literature was distributed to everyone who stopped by. “Seniors are especially vulnerable to dehydration,” said Dr. Mannancheril. “Take special care to check on elderly individuals or those with mental health conditions who may not be able to as easily articulate their discomfort.”

Presenting at the North Castle Public Libary (L-R): White Plains Hospital Medical and Wellness staff Dr. Anita Mannancheril, Family Medicine; Dr. Samantha Lowe, Pediatrics; Dr. Coral Parikh, Internal Medicine and Nephrology; and Dr. Ellen Lestz, Pediatrics. — Presenting at the North Castle Public Library (L-R): White Plains Hospital Medical and Wellness staff Dr. Anita Mannancheril, Family Medicine; Dr. Samantha Lowe, Pediatrics; Dr. Coral Parikh, Internal Medicine and Nephrology; and Dr. Ellen Lestz, Pediatrics.

The group is planning more public outreach to help promote the new White Plains Hospital Medical and Wellness Center, an urgent and primary health care facility in the heart of Armonk at 99 Business Park Drive. For more information, please visit wphospital.org/armonk. – Grace Bennett

Birthday and Mother’s Day Wishes for 107-year-old Bristal Resident: Marian Henry

May 7, 2016 by Inside Press

Armonk, May 5–Marian Henry, on the occasion of her 107th birthday, was enveloped in love and good wishes from family, friends, staff and residents of the Bristal Center for Assisted Living. Everyone gathered inside the beautiful main lounge to sing Happy Birthday to her and later enjoyed a delicious spread of fruit, sweet treats, and slices from the giant birthday cake.

The petite centenarian offered a shy smile or a wave for the many cameras snapping away while also holding a bouquet of lavender flowers and before receiving laudatory comments from Bristal staff. “We were very excited to celebrate such a fantastic milestone yesterday at our Armonk community,” said George Solano, Executive Director at The Bristal at Armonk. “Marian is very outgoing and one of our most active residents. We congratulate her on her 107th birthday!”

Area public officials declared May 5, 2016, Marian Henry Day. A representative from the County Executive’s office called Marian “a role model that everyone adores…you have a great family and everyone is blessed to have you here.” Additional honors were bestowed upon this centenarian, a former Wall Street broker who began her career there at age 49 and who kept working until she was 99! “The secret to a long life is hard work,” Marian shared. Marian has lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression and the Great Recession, 19 U.S. presidents, Lindberg crossing the Atlantic, and men landing on the moon.

Marian with the staff at The Bristal Assisted Living at Armonk, an assisted and independent living community that offers memory care support as well as enhanced levels of care.

Barbara DiGiacinto, councilwoman of North Castle, extended good wishes on behalf of the town board and told Marian: “You are an inspiration to all of us. North Castle is so proud to have you as one of our very special residents. I’d like to wish you a happy Mother’s Day.” And turning to all the moms and grandmothers and great grandmothers gathered, DiGiacinto added: “I’d like to wish you ALL a happy mother’s day.” — Grace Bennett

Chalk Art Dazzles during Chamber’s ‘First Thursday’ Contest

May 6, 2016 by Inside Press

“Two bands added to the festive vibe: a high school band ‘Gilbert’ captivated the audience for the first hour and a half. Next up was ‘Powderfinger” which kept the audience singing along to their familiar rock tunes.” Robby Morris, Armonk Chamber of Commerce

Armonk, May 5– Despite the raw weather, Byram Hills students showed their talent and grit at a first chalk art competition in town, just one of many festivities that helped kick off First Thursday in downtown Armonk.

Stated Morris: “The Chalk Art Contest, fueled by dedicated high school artists, turned out some amazing works that we were able to preserve and display for all those who didn’t venture out to see the creation process. The five pieces, 4’x4′ squares, are being displayed on Main Street!”

The students’ work took place in Armonk Square. The pictures will be decorating the windows at Framings, Douglas Elliman, and Hickory and Tweed into next week.

“A big WOW to a talented group of Byram Hills High School who braved the cold and wind to create some fabulous chalk art,” said Stacy Wilder, director of communications for the Chamber.

First, second and third place winners are displayed in Framings’ windows. There are two fourth place winners: one is in the window at Douglas Elliman, and another one is at Hickory and Tweed. “Congrats to the artists, and thank you to the merchants!”

3rd place team: Caroline Weiss, Stephanie Spruck, Brianna Mcartle

Wilder said that “First Thursday,” sponsored by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce, has brought a renewed energy and lots of excitement to downtown Armonk. “Residents and visitors get to enjoy great music and art, partake in wine tastings, children’s activities, food specials and sales offered around town,” she said. “It’s a win-win for everyone!”

The retail shops and restaurants all opened their doors with specials to entice the crowds to stay for awhile and enjoy what they have to offer. Downtown really comes alive as more and more people find their way to the excitement of Armonk’s First Thursdays. The next date is June 9th

For regular updates to plans for First Thursday go to armonkchamberofcommerce.com