Armonk Archives - Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk: The Magazines for New and North Castle

Byram Hills Celebrates Two Athletes Committed to Playing at Division I Universities

December 2, 2018 by The Inside Press

Byram Hills High School celebrated two star athletes taking their talents to Division I universities next year. At a signing ceremony Wednesday at Byram Hills, Carson Frye, signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Georgetown. Griffen Rakower has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Princeton.

Byram Hills High School is celebrating two student-athletes who have committed to playing at a Division I university next year.

At a signing ceremony at the high school on Wednesday, right-handed pitcher Carson Frye signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Georgetown. Byram Hills also honored Griffen Rakower, a goalie who has made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse at Princeton.

“The Byram Hills Athletic Program is extremely proud of the accomplishments of Carson Frye and Griffen Rakower,” said Rob Castagna, director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health at Byram Hills. “These two hard-working student-athletes continue to better themselves and everyone around them with their phenomenal work ethic and relentless competitiveness. We congratulate them as they make commitments to bring their talents to the Division I collegiate level.” Carson and Griffen have established themselves as among the best in Section 1 for their sport.

Last season, Carson posted a 4-1 record on the mound in five starts. He led the Bobcats with a .73 ERA with 58 strikeouts in 38 innings. In a major highlight, Carson threw a no-hitter against the rival Rye Garnets.

As a junior, Griffen had a 62.7 save percentage and finished the season with 132 saves. He held his opponents to under 10 goals in 14 out of 16 games. He earned an All-Section honor, a year after being an All-League player in his sophomore year.

Carson, who plans to study business, credits a mix of athletics and academics at Byram Hills with helping him reach the next level. “The academic environment that we have here is very competitive and everyone always strives to do very well in the classroom,” Carson said.

“I tried to focus on my grades in the classroom first.”

“I knew that my talents on the baseball field, I was pretty good and I could go places, but without combining my skills on the field with my work ethic in the classroom, I definitely would not be here,” he added.

Griffen also cited athletics and the academic excellence at Byram Hills.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the Byram Hills varsity lacrosse for the past four years,” Griffen said. “I think the friendships I’ve made and the coaches I’ve been in contact with have really helped me sculpt my game on the field. I think Byram Hills is a great place to learn, to make relationships with teachers.”

14 Resident Veterans Honored at the Bristal

December 2, 2018 by Grace Bennett

Bristal Assisted Living at Armonk, an assisted and independent living community, celebrated Veterans Day honoring a group of 14 residents who served in the military. State, county and town officials joined the ceremony, commending the veterans for their courage and service.

North Castle Town Supervisor Michael Schiliro, on behalf of the North Castle town board stated: “Your bravery is like that recently witnessed by first responders going into the wildfires of California. It’s no different than what all of you did for all of us so many years ago, and we just can’t thank you enough.”

Honoring veterans at the Bristal (L-R) North Castle Supervisor Michael Schiliro; State Assemblyman David Buchwald; North Castle Councilwoman Barbara DiGiacinto; North Castle Councilman Jose Berra; North Castle Councilman Steve D’Angelo;The Bristal at Armonk Executive Director Samantha Krieger; County Legislator Margaret Cunzio; and U.S. Navy Veteran Stephen Smith representing the Byram Veterans Association. Photos By Grace Bennett

State Assemblyman David Buchwald noted, “Your service is inspiring to the entire community. This day is about each of you and the men and women you served with. I wouldn’t miss this opportunity for anything.”

County Legislator Margaret Cunzio presented an American flag that had been flown in a search and rescue helicopter. It was given to her by a cousin, a Major in the Air Force who had recently returned from service in Afghanistan. A second cousin, she also noted proudly, is a lieutenant colonel who served five tours of duty.

“He (the Major) was in Syria last year, and had just returned home to his nine month old baby girl and three- year- old son. There’s a video of him coming home and his son saying: “That’s my daddy. My daddy’s home. My daddy’s safe.”

“I am honored and proud to display this flag,” she said.

Frosty Day Parade Preview: Five Fun Facts for Those In the Know

October 24, 2018 by Stacey Pfeffer

Inside Armonk got the inside scoop on the beloved Frosty Day Parade scheduled to take place this year on Sunday, November 25 in downtown Armonk. We spoke with Armonk resident Robby Morris, the President of Friends of Frosty, Inc., the non-profit organization in charge of planning the day’s events who provided us with helpful information so you can maximize your fun this year.

1. It’s more than just the parade–it’s many hours of fun-filled activities. The event starts at 12:30 pm with three hours of free activities, rides, treats and entertainment until 3:30 pm. Then there is entertainment on Main Street just prior to the 4:00 pm parade of 40+ participants (including three trains, horse & wagon, four marching bands, antique cars and floats). Several local businesses also offer free samples and discounts throughout the day.

2. All are welcome to participate in this free event. Morris loves how inclusive the parade is and that Frosty is a non-denominational symbol of the holiday season. From the youngest Girl Scouts to senior residents at the Bristal that participate in a festive holiday themed van, Morris enjoys coordinating the 40+ local organizations that march in the parade. An insider tidbit: Morris is actually no stranger to parade life. Born and bred in New Rochelle, he actually has participated in the New Rochelle Thanksgiving Day Parade for the past 50 years as a clown and his vast experience in parades makes the event here in Armonk run flawlessly.

3. Get there early to partake in events such as Build Your Own Frosty decoration at the Hergenhan Recreation Center. “The kids love making their own Frosty yard stick decorations and holding them up during the parade.” Morris, who is a grandfather himself, understands that young kids need down time, so they have plenty of activities planned for the day if your ‘wee ones are in a need of some R & R. For example, the North Castle Public Library shows Frosty cartoons all day.

4. Hours of preparation make the day one of the most anticipated local events. Morris has a team of about 12 volunteers who meet several times a year prior to the event for this “labor of love”. They assess each year what works and what they can eliminate from the parade. This year look for new businesses such as Tauk to participate. The committee also gets to audition several of the performing acts at the parade. Morris is particularly excited about Manhattan-based band Shinbone Alley Stilt Band. They are musicians on stilts and Morris and his team carefully plan out “how to utilize our entertainment to our best ability so the musicians are stationed at various points in the village throughout the day.”

5. Memories are made here. Morris loves overhearing parents and children in town talk about where they stood during the parade. “I love it when during the summer, kids can pinpoint where they stood. It is a day that provides a warm feeling for the community and puts a smile on everyone’s face.”

This is the town’s ninth Frosty Day Parade. Originally, it was a day when merchants stayed open late and was more of a winter walk. They revamped the day and added several activities nine years ago as a way to pay homage to Steve Nelson, the long-time Armonk resident who was the lyricist of the popular holiday song “Frosty the Snowman”.

The parade culminates when Frosty makes his appearance and invites all the parade spectators to “catch-me-if-you-can” with many of the attendees following him to Wampus Brook Park at 4:30 pm for a Sing-a-long and the Holiday Lighting Ceremony at the gazebo.

“It has literally turned into a five-hour free Winter Festival which would rival any Disney production,” sums up Morris.

Fun & Fitness at Jamie’s 5K Run for Love and the Annual Cider & Donut Festival

October 24, 2018 by Stacey Pfeffer

Armonk residents of all ages gathered at Wampus Brook Park for the annual Jamie’s 5K Run for Love and the Cider and Donut Festival on September 23rd. The morning kicked off with the run, which had several toddlers racing in the Donut Dash. Older kids got to participate in the McIntosh Mile and runners ages 10 and up raced to the finish line in Jamie’s 5K Run for Love. The race was created in order to honor the memory of Jamie Love, a passionate runner and former member of the Byram Hills cross country and track & field team who died suddenly of a cardiac arrhythmia while attending the University of Vermont.

Every year friends from his former college participate in the race. Rafael Rodriguez from Bristol, CT was one of Love’s friends from college who studied engineering with him. “We were with him the week that he died. No one could believe it. He was like family to us and that’s why I run.” This year the race had 358 participants with some hailing from lower Westchester and others from as far away as Seattle.

After the race, festival attendees had plenty of activities to choose from. Slime making was a hit for the kids as well as the ever-popular train ride. Food trucks as well as fresh apple cider and donuts were enjoyed by many in attendance. Other activities included donut fishing, pie eating contests and listening to live music by Vinyl Countdown. The autumnal weather was the perfect setting for the fun-filled day.

“The Cider and Donut Festival has become a staple of the community,” commented Neal Schwartz, President of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce. Fresh apples and cider are an Armonk tradition, dating back to 1951, when Ed and Mary Schultz opened their renowned cider mill in town. In 1965, they added hot donuts, whose recipe has endured, even after their closing in 2002. Locals still hunger for those memories and get to relive them at the annual fall festival.

“The Armonk Chamber’s Cider and Donut Festival, which includes Jamie’s 5k Run for Love and the Byram Hills Pre-School Association Carnival, has grown to be a local favorite. We give our member businesses and local organizations a chance to interact with the community in a big way. It’s great to see so many families participating in both the races and all the activities. This is what small town living is all about,” noted Stacy Wilder, the Executive Director of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce.

Net proceeds from the event benefitted children’s programs at the North Castle Public Library, the Byram Hills Pre-School Association and the Armonk Chamber of Commerce.

Four-year old Reed Bond of Armonk
won the Donut Dash
PHOTO BY SAMUEL PFEFFER

Jamie’s 5K Run for Love and Cider & Donut Festival

September 24, 2018 by Inside Press

Yesterday’s autumnal weather was perfect for the annual Jamie’s 5K Run for Love and the Cider & Donut Festival in Armonk. Runners of all ages and carnival attendees had a blast! Sponsored jointly by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce and the Byram Hills Pre-School Association. Photo coverage by Stacey Pfeffer and her son, Sam!