Happenings

News Release from Community Housing Innovations (forum sponsored by The Journal News):

Alexander Roberts, who first reported on the fact that Westchester’s wealthiest towns had lost as much as 60% of their 25-34 year olds since the 2000 census, will be presenting at a public meeting in New Castle. Sponsored by The Journal News, columnist David Wilson will host a discussion about the Chappaqua Station affordable housing development on Hunt’s Lane that has been stalled due to community opposition and required variances.

Roberts, who is the executive director of the nonprofit Community Housing Innovations, will talk about the historic opposition to affordable housing in Westchester, and how the lack of workforce housing inhibits economic growth in New Castle, contributing to higher taxes.

Wilson has been highly critical of the town, which originally chose the Chappaqua Station site and invited the developer to build on it, and then opposed the project after an election changed the town board.

Bill Spade, a prominent Chappaqua architect and member of Chappaqua for Responsible Affordable Housing, will argue at the event that the Chappaqua Station site is inappropriate for residential use and would stigmatize those who live there.

The HUD Monitor in the Westchester discrimination Consent Decree recently said the county was in violation of the court order because it failed to take legal steps to insure that Chappaqua Station is developed.

Residents are invited to attend the free event.

News Release from Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester:

“Assessing the Outcome of the Recent Israeli Elections”

Thursday, May 21, 2015
Lunch: 12- 1 p.m.
Program: 1- 2 p.m.

The Northern Westchester Jewish Lunch N’ Learn is proud to present Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe at Temple Beth El.

Rabbi Jaffe will be speaking on the most recent Israeli elections and the possible ramifications stemming from the coalition government that will eventually emerge. We will also touch on the structure and machinations of the Israel parliamentary system and how coalition governments are formed and dissolved, as well as the platforms for Israel’s major political parties. Finally we will discuss the current state of the relations between the American and Israeli Jewish communities and what effect these most recent elections may have. This talk is open to both Israel policy buffs as well as those looking for an introduction to this complex system.

Cost is $12. Lunch will be served. RSVP via payment.
Checks can be made to Temple Beth El and sent to the office.
Click here to register and pay online.
RSVP & Payment due by May 14.

Lunch N’ Learn is a collaboration among Bet Torah, Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, Temple Beth Shalom (Mahopac), Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, The Rosenthal JCC, Temple Shaaray Tefila of Bedford Corners and The Yorktown Jewish Center.

The New Castle Historical Society proudly announces its 12th “Castles of New Castle” House Tour to be held Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The New Castle Historical Society, located in the Horace Greeley House Museum in Chappaqua, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of New Castle. All proceeds raised from this event help the Society to fulfill its mission of historical discovery, education, community outreach, and research.

“The New Castle Historical Society has a special place in my heart because it is the story of my adopted home…not where I grew up but where I will grow old and where we are raising our family,” said Georgia Frasch, the House Tour Event Chair. She continued, “I have a special affection for the annual Castles of New Castle House Tour because … who doesn’t love looking at beautiful homes and gardens?!!?”

While many of the details regarding the homes are kept under lock and key until the day of the tour, a few “teasers” have been revealed. For example, one home was nearly destroyed in a town-wide disaster in 1904 but managed to avoid complete devastation while another home “explores geometry through architecture” and will surely leave you feeling inspired. The homes–varied in their decorative tastes, architectural styles, and histories – will provide visitors with a fun-filled day of curiosity and exploration.

House Tour ticket holders will also have the opportunity to dine at the Chappaqua Tavern, Crabtree’s Kittle House, Lange’s Little Store, Old Stone Trattoria, Le Jardin du Roi for a 15 % discount with their House Tour ticket. Douglas Elliman, Houlihan Lawrence, and JP McHale Pest Management have generously sponsored this special fundraiser.

Tickets for this year’s tour are $50 for members and $75 for non-members of the Society. Tickets may be purchased on the Society’s website at www.newcastlehs.org or in-person at the Horace Greeley House Museum, 100 King St. Chappaqua, New York.

All proceeds from the House Tour will benefit the New Castle Historical Society. If you have any questions, please visit www.newcastlehs.org or contact Cassie Ward at director@newcastlehs.org or (914) 238-4666.