• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

  • Home
  • Advertise
    • Advertise in One or All of our Magazines
    • Advertising Payment Form
  • Print Subscription
  • Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Login
  • Contact Us

50th Anniversary

Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program Celebrates 50th Anniversary and Leaves a Lasting Impact on Participants & Host Families

August 29, 2018 by Stacey Pfeffer

Fifty years ago a group of concerned New Castle residents launched the Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program (CSSP). They were passionate believers in civil rights and following the aftermath of the Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinations they were hoping to do something on a local level to help academically motivated students in New York City who didn’t have access to the same opportunities as students in Chappaqua. They wanted to share New Castle’s good schools and tranquil suburban setting with these students to offer them a path to academic success which would hopefully lead to subsequent careers at a time when New York City schools were facing an educational crisis.

From Shakespeare to Digital Storytelling

Little did they know that when they set out to create this program, it would still be in existence five decades later and now thriving as a non-profit that has hosted more than 400 students since its inception. Currently students in the program make a three-year commitment to participate in it each summer during the month of July. They are hosted by New Castle families who provide housing during the week while the students participate in an academic enrichment program that includes classes in diverse subjects such as Shakespeare with actors from the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival at Boscobel to digital storytelling at the Jacob Burns Film Center located in Pleasantville.

Originally the program took place at Horace Greeley High School during the school’s summer school program, where both CSSP and Chappaqua students attended classes taught by Greeley teachers. When the Board of Education decided to disband the summer school program in 2008, due to declining enrollment, CSSP had to overhaul the program. Curriculum changes were implemented along with sourcing their own instructors, under the leadership of then chairperson Diane Albert.

Nancy Stein, a Chappaqua resident who has been involved with CSSP for more than 40 years and is currently an ex-officio CSSP board member has seen the program morph over the years. “We’ve always been insistent that the classes that the children take introduce them to something new that they otherwise wouldn’t have experienced.”

Shaping the CSSP Program

Fran Alexander, a board member and creative writing instructor with CSSP, and a 30-year resident of Chappaqua was one of the people involved with the program when it was undergoing its transformation ten years ago. Although it was a lot more “labor intensive” for the CSSP board members, it also gave them a chance to shape the program and reach out to local institutions such as the Jacob Burns Film Center which resulted in a partnership with them.

Swimming and tennis lessons have always been a mainstay of the program since its inception. “These are social sports and we have had many students come back to us and say how glad they were to learn tennis. Many of the CSSP students have not had much exposure to swimming,” explained Stein. They take swim lessons at the Saw Mill Club and tennis lessons at the Seven Bridges Field Club. To help round out the experience this summer, they also participated in additional activities such as mini-golf and bowling.

(L-R): Raimatou Abdouloye, Javaughn Headley, Stefan Laroche, Ellen Adnopoz, Nancy Stein, Nancy Silver, Vera Abrafi Kyeremeh, Joshua Oppong-Peprah

Although the program only lasts four weeks with the students rotating between host families for two week sessions, its impact is long lasting for both the CSSP students and their host families. Many keep in touch throughout the year and even through college and beyond. Ellen Adnopoz, a CSSP co-chair, points out how much the alumni are still dedicated to the program. Ten alumni spoke at this year’s orientation and several showed up to cheer the students on and participate in another summer ritual, the softball game. “We just can’t seem to separate from CSSP participants and that’s exactly the way we like it.” Some alums have even gone on to serve on the board.

A Formative Experience for All Involved

Vera Abrafi Kyeremeh is a third year CSSP student who attends Collegiate Institute for Math and Science, one of two Bronx high schools that the majority of CSSP students attend. She recently emigrated from Ghana and was reunited with her mother after 13 years apart. “CSSP is a huge opportunity for me. It opened my eyes and made me realize that there is more to life than just going to school. The host families care so much. Two weeks may seem like nothing but getting a place to sleep and waking up and seeing their faces and getting picked up by your family–that builds a connection. They interact with you and ask how your day went and that’s where the connections are made.”

Melissa Labelson Levine, a Millwood resident has hosted Vera for the past three years. Although hosting the same student each summer is not typical, Vera and the Levine family share a special bond. “It has been amazing and she is part of our family. This program has really helped her blossom. When she first came to us she was very introverted but this year she is much more outgoing and she has mentored and taken the first year CSSP students under her wing.” Levine stays in touch with Vera throughout the school year and she has come up for the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival and other events.

Samantha Mortlock has also provided her home as a host family for two years and now serves as a CSSP board member.

“I was absolutely drawn to CSSP because of the opportunity to expose my family to people who don’t come from the same background. To be able to welcome these students into our home is a very great gift for my family. It has helped open our eyes to what is going on only 20 miles away from us.”

Many of the students don’t feel supported or safe in their schools. The issue of school safety was apparent in a recent film screening that the CSSP students unveiled at the culmination of their film class that they took at the Jacob Burns Film Center. The students were asked to develop films that focused on various topics and one was people’s perceptions of the Bronx. In the short film, the CSSP students addressed the positives and negatives of their neighborhoods.

“To give the CSSP students an opportunity where they are completely supported and completely safe for a month and have all the resources to just be able to learn and diversify their experience is amazing. It is great for the students but it also is a really great and eye opening experience for the families,” explained Mortlock.

Nancy Silver has been a CSSP board member for more than two decades and is a co-chair of the program. “This summer I realized that the magic of having these young people at our home impacts all of us and never grows old. While driving on July 4th, one of the students that we hosted had never seen fireworks before and was amazed by the beauty of seeing something so incredible for the first time. We take so much for granted. Everyone says we change lives giving these kids a wonderful summer for three years but the power of this program is far greater for all of us who live in Chappaqua.”

This year, Mortlock was charged with recruiting additional host families. Although she has two young children of her own (ages 5 ½ and 7), she reached out to several families in her daughter’s class and was able to secure additional host families. “Many had never heard of the program.

I think the default is when you have young kids, you think you can’t add any more to your plate. But it really is only two weeks and a minor inconvenience relative to the amount that you are giving to these students and what your family will get out of it.”

Even the youngest children involved with CSSP gain benefits by being part of a host family. Reese Gilvar, an incoming third grader at Roaring Brook Elementary has enjoyed hosting Raimatou and playing Monopoly with her. “My mom is teaching me to be kind and open to other people and to not go on devices when you have guests.”

Ket Hollingsworth, a first year CSSP student feels that living with a host family was a great experience. “It was scary at first but it taught me some important things like how to conduct yourself and make social connections. It also taught me that impressions count. I can’t leave my room a mess for my host family but I do at home,” he laughed.

The host families play a crucial role in the success of the program. “Every one of the kids that comes to the program is just as bright as the kids in Chappaqua. I think the big difference for them is family. Sitting down to a table and eating dinner with the expectation of you participating, that’s what the host families are all about,” explains Stein who will soon be honored in a 50th anniversary celebration for CSSP at the Mount Kisco Country Club on November 4th. Tickets are available at www.chappaquasummerscholarship.com/50th-anniversary

Stein, who organized housing for the students for many years recounts how she still keeps in touch with some of the students she hosted more than thirty years ago. Some of them have become engineers, lawyers, technology consultants and educators. In fact, students from the CSSP program have attended wonderful colleges such as Babson, Brandeis, City College, Dartmouth, Fordham, Howard, Hunter, RPI, SUNY Albany, Binghamton and Stony Brook, Trinity, UVM, Vassar and Wesleyan.

Left CSSP graduate Vera Abrafi Kyeremeh with host family member Meri Levine on right
PHOTO COURTESY OF MELISSA LABELSON LEVINE

What’s on the Horizon for CSSP

As the program looks toward the future, CSSP is looking at ways to ensure a successful college admissions process. This year Alexander and Young Adult author Phyllis Shalant, who co-teach the creative writing class planned a personal essay session utilizing the top five college essays published by The New York Times. “Our class analyzed why they were chosen.” Alexander finds it very rewarding to work with the students over a three-year period “Not only do I see them grow up but also their writing  matures.” Alexander hopes that the class is preparing them to write a great college essay.

In recent years, the program has made a concerted effort to offer more college counseling. Students are offered college essay help, SAT preparation and tours of local colleges such as Manhattanville and once admitted, a generous book stipend. “Some of our CSSP students are the first generation in their families to attend college and we want to help them succeed in college and ensure their graduation,” explains Adnopoz. “To that end, we are making college success more of a focus.”

This past August, CSSP organized its first annual college transition day for students entering college this fall and rising sophomores. The half-day workshop featured a facilitator from the Posse Foundation, a national preeminent college success program. The workshop focused on topics such as high school versus college expectations, navigating imposter syndrome, understanding Myers Briggs types and work styles, selecting courses, time management, managing stress and navigating campus resources and financial aid.

In the coming months, CSSP hopes to begin a formal mentoring program and also a Young Leadership Circle in New York City where CSSP alumni can brainstorm about professional development, network and potentially advise college students on careers.

CSSP students have in different years also heard keynote addresses at graduation from an array of inspiring and noteworthy speakers   including this year’s Carlos Lejnieks of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Essex, Sussex and  Union Counties NJ, who emphasized the importance of mentoring. Last year, alum Kenneth Padilla addressed the graduates. In past years, Chappaqua’s Bill and Hillary Clinton have each respectively addressed the graduates, too.

Adnopoz is proud of her involvement with the program. “It’s one of the best things about living in Chappaqua. As far as we know, we are the only community in Westchester doing this type of program.” Fellow board member Stein agrees and is hoping that the program continues to thrive. “It would be very sad if CSSP didn’t exist anymore in Chappaqua.”

CSSP is at its heart a grassroots initiative, financially supported through contributions from the Chappaqua community and beyond, primarily from two annual appeal letters. The November 4th event will be the first time the CSSP board has organized a fundraising event of this magnitude. The goal is to help CSSP continue thriving for another 50 years.

For more information, visit chappaquasummerscholarship.com


What CSSP Means to Me: Alumni Perspectives

Inside Chappaqua asked CSSP alumni what the program means to them. It is clear from their responses that this four-week program has a long-lasting impact and was a formative experience for them.

Mary Diaz

J.D. Candidate, Fordham University School of Law

CSSP Student: 2005-2008

Diaz is currently a rising second year law student at Fordham University School of Law where she is a Stein Scholar and involved with the Fordham Environmental Law Review, Moot Court, and the Latin American Law Student Association. Before law school, she was a paralegal with the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York for three years in the Securities and Commodities Fraud unit.

It has been 10 years since I have graduated from the program and the Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program continues to be a second family and home away from home. CSSP has been with me every step of the way and through every stage of my life from my teenage days to my college days to study abroad days, relationships, my first job out of college, through adulting, and the law school application process. As the first person in my family to graduate from college having CSSP as a resource has been invaluable. I know that I can always count on CSSP and I am forever grateful for all that CSSP has done.

The Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program is an invaluable program that truly changes lives. It determined where I went to college thanks to a host brother who spoke to me about a fantastic liberal arts university I had never heard of, which ended up giving me the best four years of my life. CSSP is a reflection of the power of access to information and knowledge for the underprivileged. It provided and continues to provide a network that does not exist for people of my means. CSSP welcomed me, a stranger, with open arms, and has offered nothing but love, acceptance, support, inspiration, and guidance. I truly do not know where I would be without the program.


Taralyn R. Frasqueri-Molina

Senior Product Portfolio Manager – Legendary Digital Networks

Molina leads teams who build things in the geek and gamer digital streaming space for this California-based company.

CSSP Student: 1992-1994

CSSP taught me there was much more in the world than what was in my own hometown. For some of us attending the program, it may have been the furthest away from home we’d ever gone, and it encouraged us to go even further. CSSP showed me that you never know where you are going to find the things you are going to fall in love with–in three years of summer school, in the homes of strangers, in the faces of new friends, in your own backyard with a new set of eyes. You go, and you return forever changed.

I’d like to think that 24 years later I’m not exaggerating till things become mythic, but CSSP was a profound experience for me. I attribute a lot of that to Mrs. Stein. It was accidental we even met in the first place, as I remember it. My assigned host family became unexpectedly unavailable. And in that coincidental moment, the golden thread that would stretch between us over decades, was designed. I didn’t know it then, I wonder if she did, but Mrs. Stein would become a singularity in my life, a catalyst for irreversible change. Her absolute belief in the strength I already had inside, her unwavering trust that I could make the right decisions and figure out my own path, became part of the foundation, started by my mother, that I continue to use (even in my 40s!) to grow through struggle into illuminated understanding and compassionate action.


Dr. Peter Mercredi, PhD.

Senior Scientist in the Department of Therapeutics Products and Quality at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Facility

CSSP Student:  2000-2002

Dr. Mercredi obtained his Bachelor’s degree from CCNY and his doctoral degree in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Outside of the lab, Peter enjoys biking, hiking, running and spending time with his wife and daughter.

As a 2002 CSSP alum, Dr. Mercredi always reflects on the opportunities he was afforded that otherwise would not be possible. “I had met so many wonderful families and friends during my summer escapes from the Big Apple. These adventurers were filled with learning and new experiences that contributed to my success in a very competitive world. I loved all my host families and enjoyed learning from the many teachers, especially Mr. Furey. One of the many things I will always remember is the welcoming smiling faces from all the organizers as we unloaded from the MetroNorth each Sunday evening. The leadership from people like Mrs. Linda Peterson, Mrs. Nancy Stein, to current board chairs Mrs. Ellen Adnopoz and Mrs. Nancy Silver, are what make this program so successful after a half century.


Alan Salas

Environmental Engineer, Arcadis

A graduate of Dartmouth College, Salas has been working as a water resources engineer at Arcadis for five years supporting coastal resiliency efforts in NYC.

CSSP Student: 2006-2008

One of my greatest accomplishments as an engineer was being part of a team that helped to build a floodwall and levee at a wastewater treatment plant deeply affected by Superstorm Sandy. In my personal life, I recently moved to the DC metro area and married my college sweetheart this past spring.

CSSP means family to me. I’m still in touch with my host parents, some of whom have become friends and mentors. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the program. They have helped me achieve significant milestones and continue to provide support to this day.


Josee Vedrine-Pauléus

Professor of Engineering at University of Puerto Rico-Humacao

CSSP Student: 1992-1994 and current Board Member

There’s so much emotion and good memories that CSSP brings to mind. CSSP has marked me for life.  Host families taught me the importance of family time, especially around the dinner table. Mrs. Stein, the late Mrs. Peterson, and others provided me with compassionate feedback and encouragement to be my very best; the outdoor/recreational activities opened my world beyond academics and all this with my fellow CSSP classmates to cheer me along during those tough teenage years, WOW!

Recently our family returned home to Puerto Rico, after seven months of being uprooted as a result of Hurricane Maria. Our 6-year-old son never felt at home when we lived in Providence, RI, and constantly prayed for us to return. Upon opening our doors, I realized that ‘There’s really no place like home.”

As cliché as that saying may be, I want to parallel it to what CSSP meant to me. CSSP was an academic program but was also “home” during those three summers. The real gem and cornerstone of CSSP is the realization that an unknown could be welcomed into the home of an equally unknown and form a type of lifetime bond that is found only in a loving family setting. Once I understood that I was at “home,” the academic took care of its self, and I was able to thrive in every aspect, along with my fellow classmates, to exceed all expectations.

CSSP’s founders are true visionaries in the holistic approach taken to design an academically enriching program where the home and host families are at its core; yet I don’t think even they had an idea of the profound impact CSSP would have 50 years later on in so many lives.

I am blessed to have been a part, and grateful for so many who welcomed me “home” week after week, after week.


Snapshots from CSSP Graduation

CSSP celebrates 50th anniversary with cake
Graduation guest speaker, Carlos Lejnieks, CEO of Big Brother Big Sisters (Essex, Husdon, & Union Counties) with students
Sheptin Tutoring Services receives thanks
CSSP graduate Vera Abrafi Kyeremeh with her famliy and host family members
Host family Kristin Miles with her daughter and student, Adamaris Lopez
Gratitude for creative writing teachers Phyllis Shalant and Fran Alexander
PHOTOS BY CAROLYN SIMPSON/DOUBLEVISION PHOTOGRAPHY

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: 50th Anniversary, Alumni, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Boys and Girls Club, Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program, CSSP, Host Families, Jacob Burns Film Center, Mentoring, Volunteers

Lange’s Little Store and Deli: A Beloved Community Treasure Celebrates 50 Years

August 25, 2017 by Dana Y. Wu

In 1965, Richard and Christa Lange moved with their daughters, Vicki and Heidi, to Crest Road. Mr. Lange took over the existing “The Little Store and Deli,” put his name on the sign (“Lange” rhymes with “bang”) and started serving the fresh, homemade classics that are still favorites. Mr. Lange’s successful enterprises over the years included stores in New Jersey, Scarsdale and Bronxville, but this community eatery has remained at the top of the hill on King Street since Vicki started kindergarten in Chappaqua.

What is “Lange’s secret sauce” for 50 years of success?  “We just make the best homemade, great quality deli food that we can,” says Vicki.

Since 1967, there are daily fresh selections, great sandwiches and cheerful company.  Starting at six a.m., Lange’s is packed solid with breakfast crowd regulars who grab their coffees, bagels, muffins and bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches to go.  At lunch, groups of Horace Greeley High School students text in their orders (914-506-5388) and their hearty sandwiches are ready to devour when they arrive.

(L-R): Richard Lange, Christa Lange, Maddi Bergstrom and Vicki Bergstrom

There is always chicken cordon bleu on Thursday, fish on Fridays, and daily fresh roasted turkey and homemade chicken noodle soup to hit the spot. The savory, comfort food in the steam table is very popular with the crews of construction, landscaping and painters who appreciate the ample parking for their vehicles and a chance to fuel up on savory lunch specials such as tasty burritos, rice, ribs, meatloaf and jerk chicken.

Parents also love to pick up delicious items for healthy dinners. Favorite options include broasted chicken (“we use a special pressure cooker so it is crispy but not greasy”), mashed potatoes, split pea soup, eggplant parmesan, and even Cornish hen. There are various great salads (kale, chicken, spa tuna, egg, cucumber or fruit) and flavorful sides. “Lange’s was our second kitchen while we were renovating ours,” attests one grateful mom.

As Hillary Rodham Clinton said in 2016, “Lange’s is Bill’s and my favorite neighborhood spot. The only thing better than the coffee and sandwiches is getting to catch up with all the friends who drift in and out all day long.” Mr. Lange is known to share laughs with customers, especially making sure all kids always leave full and happy.  The managers, Rich and George, have been at Lange’s for more than 25 years and their staff will make anything for customers (“people ask for avocado a lot these days”).  They fulfill many catering orders for events and holidays such as Thanksgiving with all the trimmings. Families love wings for their Super Bowl parties (“always big orders if it is a home team that is playing”), and load up with signature sandwiches, pickles and chips for car trips.

“‘Stay in your own lane’ is a good way to describe what we do. We have four cooks who start at seven a.m. to make everything fresh. Generations of families come here and they know they are going to get the food they remember. I always make sure we have the sides–cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, ambrosia salad, the custard and jello –that everyone loved” says Vicki, who demurs that she “just works here like everyone else.”

Remembering how she used to buy Levi’s jeans at Family Britches, got ice cream at Lickety Split, and shopped at the Old Colony as a kid, Vicki is hopeful about the new infrastructure and streetscape projects in downtown Chappaqua. “More people walking around, more restaurants in town, it’s all good for us. You become your own competition to be the best that you can be.” Vicki offers that Lange’s will be improving its seating since customers like to linger to chat or use the WiFi and sprucing up with new paint soon.

Not only is Lange’s truly a beloved local business, it also makes a difference in the community by quietly supporting organizations with generous donations of wraps for fundraisers, food at Thanksgiving and Christmas for families in need, meeting space for Habitat for Humanity and hosting Empty Bowls volunteers. There are many stories over the years of how Mr. Lange has refused payment for coffee for ambulance volunteers or provided sandwich trays for local non-profit events.

As a 50-year-old institution, Lange’s has shared in a myriad of joys and sorrows with its loyal diners.  Every day, its “old-fashioned goodness” continues to shine out though, greeting hungry, loyal customers (and celebrities) who come to the top of the hill for Lange’s always friendly hospitality and deeply satisfying menu.

Dana Y. Wu is a freelance writer and a local Chappaqua mom who appreciates having Lange’s at the top of the hill.


What Chappaqua Moms say … “What is your favorite thing about Lange’s?”

  • “The South Greeley”
  • “Roast beef, with cheddar and BBQ sauce on onion roll”
  • “Green chicken panini”
  • “Vicki is my favorite person!”
  • “Toasted and scooped everything bagel with egg whites, bacon, cheese, ketchup, salt and pepper… please..”
  • “The Betty–chicken cutlet with tomato, mozzarella, basil”
  • “Sometimes my husband and I lie in bed and talk about how delicious their macaroni salad is. Okay, not really. Except sometimes, really.”
  • “We love their egg sandwiches!!”
  • “My kids love their Philly cheesesteaks!!”
  • “Fresh turkey lettuce tomato with Russian dressing on pumpernickel bread.”
  • “Grilled cheese with chicken cutlet and bacon on white in the panini press.”
  • “The Cuban sandwich for sure.”
  • “Turkey on toasted rye with Russian dressing and cole slaw. Extra on both the dressing and slaw.
  • “Chicken cutlet on a roll with cole slaw and Russian.”
  • “Everything is delicious at Lange’s but if you ask my son, he will say that his favorite thing is seeing Mr. Lange!”

Filed Under: Lifestyles with our Sponsors Tagged With: 50th Anniversary, Chappaqua, Christa Lange, Community Treasure, Lange's Little Store and Deli, New Castle, Richard Lange, Vicki Bergstrom Lange

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Saint Joseph’s Medical Center and Saint Pio Foundation Announce A Margherita for a Smile Community Initiative
  • Sustainable Westchester Names Noah Bramson as its New Executive Director
  • NY Ketamine Infusions Opens Third Location In Westchester County to Serve Community’s Mental Health Needs
  • Celebrate Friday Night Pride on June 2 in Hastings-on Hudson
  • Westchester County Office of Economic Development and Sustainable Westchester Team Up to Launch Clean Energy Accelerator Program
  • World Cup Gymnastics Athletes Sawyer Robertson and Victor Dyakin Take Home Bronze Medals at the 2023 Eastern DP National Championship

Please Visit

White Plains Hospital
Compass: Generic
Compass: Suzette Kraus
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
Caramoor
William Raveis – Armonk
William Raveis – Chappaqua
Repose
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Briarcliff
Rocks by Jolie B. Ray
Douglas Elliman: Chappaqua
Club Fit
Tanya Tochner Interiors by ROCKS
Compass: Natalia Wixom
Stacey Cohen: Brand up Book
Pleasantville Children’s Center
World Cup Gymnastics
Play Nice Together
Compass: Julie Schneider
Compass: Usha Subramaniam
March Boutique
King Street Creatives

Follow our Social Media

The Inside Press

Our Latest Issues

For a full reading of our current edition, or to obtain a copy or subscription, please contact us.

Inside Chappaqua Inside Armonk Inside Pleasantville

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Subscription
  • Print Subscription

Footer

Support The Inside Press

Advertising

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Did you know you can subscribe anytime to our print editions?

Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.

Subscribe Today

Copyright © 2023 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in