The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Chappaqua

Supporting our Local Merchants

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dawn greenberg w ice creamdawn rosen 2 Welcome to Chappaqua-Millwood’s ever-evolving and prospering business community! The Town of New Castle is comprised of a highly intelligent mix of creative, exciting and enterprising minds and individuals, families and partnerships with thriving businesses of all sizes and in all categories who are members of the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce.

Many Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber members have built and grown their businesses through effective networking, productive collaborations and professional skill-building with businesspeople residing or doing business in the Town of New Castle (Chappaqua-Millwood), as well as neighboring towns in Westchester County. The potential is here for you–and opportunities abound through active participation and membership in the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce.

The new Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce members. Back row, left to right: Jeff Rocco, Dawn Greenberg (Executive Director), Dawn Dankner-Rosen (President), Carolyn Vento, Bernadette Bloom Front row, left to right: Dominique Simons, Collin Slattery, Lauren Levin, Nicole Hair.
The new Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce members. Back row, left to right: Jeff Rocco, Dawn Greenberg (Executive Director), Dawn Dankner-Rosen (President), Carolyn Vento, Bernadette Bloom Front row, left to right: Dominique Simons, Collin Slattery, Lauren Levin, Nicole Hair.

Our mission is to foster the success of any business that aims to serve Town of New Castle residents. To fulfill this mission, the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber creates programs and initiatives that inform and educate, as well support and facilitate connections within the town and the community. Our members report that the skills, exposure and contacts gained through membership in the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber have enabled them to start and expand new business ventures that may not have otherwise happened.

Among the many benefits of membership, we provide a host of member services all aiming to build your business including: a full listing and description of your business (including your logo) on our website; member-to-member discounts, educational programs and seminars, key networking events; special business-community activities, events and parties; and important business-town advocacy efforts.

In addition, we make it a priority to promote greater awareness and enthusiasm for anyone who does business here. Our intensive efforts on behalf of your business include online, written and word-of-mouth communications between your business and the community, as well as your business and the town government via social media, traditional media, grass roots marketing and special events.

We are here to help.

PrintSincerely,

Dawn Dankner-Rosen

President

Dawn Evans Greenberg

Executive Director

 

Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce Annual Highlights

It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

beautiful day at the libraryHeld annually every April, this “getting-to-you-know” event is a great way for local residents and families to come together and meet town officials, first responders, shopkeepers, merchants and other neighbors in a fun-filled day, complete with special treats, programs and projects. The afternoon also features a live musical performance, and local restaurants cater a lunch for all participants to enjoy. This is one event not to be missed!

 

 

Millwood Movie Nights

jungle bookHeld every Friday evening in June in Millwood Park (next to Rocky’s Deli), Millwood Movie Nights are a great way for families to come together, eat popcorn, and enjoy a cool summer night under the stars. Past films shown have included E. T., The Lego Movie, Ghostbusters, Despicable Me 2 and in 2015, The Jungle Book. Admission is free, and screenings begin at dusk each week (approximately 8:30pm). The event is sponsored by the Town of New Castle Recreation and Parks Department with area merchant support.

 

 

Chappaqua Sidewalk Sale

Sidewalk Sales pic groupHeld annually every summer, the Sidewalk Sale is a New Castle tradition! Merchants in downtown Chappaqua line King Street and South Greeley Avenue with their merchandise, available for sale at great discount prices. A fun-filled day for all! For more information, search the ChappaquaSidewalkSale on Facebook.

 

 

Summer Concert Series

summer concert seriesCo-sponsored by the Town of New Castle Recreation and Parks Department, the Summer Concert Series brings families together to celebrate community and listen to great music. The series takes place every Wednesday evening in July, with a different band or musical group performing each week. Past groups have included local favorites Tramps Like Us, the Don Dupont Big Band, a Neil Diamond cover band, and the Chappaqua Orchestra. Amid the music, local food and ice cream vendors are also on hand to serve up some treats, and kids can play in the “Kid’s Corner,” which features various arts and crafts, an obstacle course, and a bouncy castle. The series is held in the
gazebo at Recreation Field on South Greeley Avenue.

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

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Popular children’s book authors arrive from all over the country.
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CCBF Mural by Chappaqua artist Sophie Mendelson

Cherished author and former New Castle native Jean Craighead George once said, “Be you writer or reader, it is very pleasant to run away in a book.” Children and adults of all ages must agree with this statement, as they all flock to Chappaqua each fall, when the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival comes to life. The six-hour event brings over 80 authors (the number grows every year) from all over Westchester County, and a few from New York City and Connecticut, into town to discuss their writing, read excerpts from their books, and sign copies for eager children. Attendees may also participate in arts and crafts activities, and enjoy food provided by a local caterer. Additionally, the Great Chappaqua Bake Sale serves up sweet treats for a donation to their cause.

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Dawn and her team of Book Festival Volunteers

Held in the parking lot at the Robert E. Bell Middle School, the festival enjoys a year-to-year turnout of about 4,000 people from Westchester & Rockland Counties, New York City, and Connecticut; the high response is good news to fans of the physical book, who may have thought it to be at the beginning of a gradual “phasing out” with the increase in popularity of digital media. But Greenberg, for one, isn’t giving in to the technology hype. “I fully believe books are here to stay,” she says. “They’re not going anywhere.”

The inspiration for the festival came after Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown announced that it was discontinuing its annual Children’s Book Day. “When I found [that] out, a lightbulb went off,” explains Dawn Greenberg, 2015 Chamber of Commerce President and the event’s Executive Director. “I thought, why not here? We have a community passionate about education and reading, and a beautiful downtown to show off to the County.”

“The work behind the festival has really been based on an ‘it takes a village’ mentality,” she continues, praising the town for its “enormous support” of the event since the very first day, “It’s truly amazing to see how much we have gotten done in such a short period of time,” states Greenberg, of the work put in every year. “We hope the Festival is something the entire community of Chappaqua can be proud of.”

book fest logo

Children’s Book Author Peter Sis
Children’s Book Author Peter Sis

For more info, go to: ccbfestival.org or search for Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on Facebook.

The Clintons

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Memorial Day-093
Photo by Carolyn Simpson/Doublevision Photographers

More than a decade after moving into the other “white house,” a charming white Dutch colonial home once known as Little Brook Farm, set on just over an acre of property at the end of a cul-de-sac, the Clintons have firmly established themselves here in town, shopping locally and spending time conversing with neighbors both at town functions but also in many, many casual, but animated meetings on the street.

Clinton and hunk in background (Copy)Both have attended the Memorial Day ceremonies in town marching side by side with our public officials including, one year, Governor Andrew Cuomo, another New Castle resident! Hillary Clinton, now a second time candidate for President of the United States, has made it a priority to march in the parade since her days as both a United States Senator and Secretary of State, happily conversing with other attendees and posing for selfies with the crowd. Despite the prestigious offices both have held, they are not mobbed when they appear in town, though always more than gracious to those who seek them out. Chelsea was also frequently spotted in town before her move to Manhattan, and is as friendly and gracious as her parents are to their neighbors.

Hillary Clinton with Gillian (left) and Lindsay Hand
Hillary Clinton with Gillian (left) and Lindsay Hand

Shortly after she became a United States Senator, Hillary Clinton joined the local New Castle Historical Society, the local League of Women Voters, spoke at Second Shift, a group for working moms, and also appeared at the Chappaqua Library to get a library card. While she was there, she read The Very Hungry Caterpillar to a group of toddlers. Both signed their books at the library as well to hundreds who waited patiently in line for their private moment with each Clinton. Both Clintons have attended graduations for students of the Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program. Both vote at the local Douglas E. Grafflin Elementary School, and Hillary has also visited and sat with the children while watching a school pageant. Bill Clinton has spoken at Horace Greeley High School. Though Bill was out of the country when the owner of one of his favorite local eateries was being honored by the local Rotary Club, Hillary made sure to attend the Paul Harris Awards Dinner. Both have frequented Community Day run by the Rotary; they also have attended services at local churches and synagogues.

Bill Clinton can often be seen in town out for a walk with his dog, Seamus (and formerly with Buddy) chatting with those he meets along the way. During the holidays, he has established a tradition of not only shopping for many gifts locally, but also delivering chocolates to the shops
he frequents.

Area Not For Profits

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We are a community that doesn’t hesitate to help those in need or espouse a worthy cause. Here, a sampling of a host of ways to “get involved.”

Chappaqua Interfaith Council

interfaith picIncorporated as a non-profit in 1981, the Chappaqua Interfaith Council is dedicated to providing opportunities for dialogue, learning, social interaction and public service–all motivated by shared core values such as love and a desire to help one’s neighbor, through faith in action. Among its activities is the annual Chappaqua Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Dinner, held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This event pulls together hundreds of community members for worship and (free) shared food. For info, contact: Rev. Leigh Peizet, President, rredeemer@optonline.net

Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester

The BGCNW in Mount Kisco serves 1,700 boys and girls, ages 18 months to 18 years, in its preschool, after school mentoring and tutoring programs, robust swim program (including national champion Marlins) and summer camp. The Club has been ranked among the outstanding Clubs in the national network of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. bgcnw.com

Chappaqua AYSO

Provides youth soccer programs which enrich the lives of children 4-18 years of age. Coaches and referees are made up entirely of volunteers. chappaquaayso.org

Chappaqua Cares, Chappaqua Shares

Created by members of the Chappaqua community to connect philanthropic residents with Westchester-based organizations in need. Donations have been made to Make a Wish, The Guidance Center of Westchester, April’s Child, Ossining’s Children’s Center, Hoods that Help, and Hope’s Door.
chappaquacareschappaquashares.org

Chappaqua Children’s Workshop (CCW)

Before and after school educational programming geared to helping each child gain confidence, independence, and a positive self-image. Serves children from all three elementary schools: Grafflin, Roaring Brook and Westorchard (additional separate programs available for middle school students). ccwkids.org

Chappaqua School Foundation (CSF)

For 21 years, CSF has funded investments in our District for programs, technology, equipment and materials beyond the scope of the school budget. In doing so, CSF connects our educators’ creativity, imagination, and dedication with community support, engagement and investment. The result: CSF empowers our educators and improves the quality of education by making innovation possible in our schools for our children. Since 1993, CSF has raised more than $2.5 million and funded more than 250 educational grants investing in every subject area, classroom, grade and school in our district. chappaquaschoolfoundation.org

Volunteers (l-r): Nona Ullman, Alicia Kalish, Adam Solomon and David Schreiber at a recent Chappaqua School Foundation fundraiser
Volunteers (l-r): Nona Ullman, Alicia Kalish, Adam Solomon and David Schreiber at a recent Chappaqua School Foundation fundraiser

Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program

chappaqua summer scholarship programFounded in 1968, the Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program is a unique three-year summer program for talented New York City students from under-resourced high schools. Twenty-two college-bound students come to Chappaqua every July to participate in challenging classes, afternoon activities and live with host families.
chappaquasummerscholarship.org

Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation

CELF works to promote awareness of the importance of sustainability education, and to help schools and school districts make sustainability part of daily education, through provision of consultation services for teachers, administrators, and students. celfeducation.org

Coalition for Youth

An advocacy group with members from 21 Chappaqua and New Castle-based organizations formed to support our community’s youth. Mission is to create a supportive and interconnected community for our youth and their families. Considers ways to work in concert to ensure that our young people grow, not just in intellect, but also in character, in social and emotional dimensions, and as contributors to a community that values, respect, tolerance, compassion and service to others.

Dawn’s Ray of Hope, Inc.

Established in May 2011 by the friends and family of Dawn Re, a longtime Chappaqua resident who lost her brave battle with cancer in February 2011, to continue Dawn’s legacy of raising money to aid in the fight against cancer. Various events, including our annual “Dusk to Dawn” softball tournament, raise funds donated to support cancer patients and the organizations that provide assistance to them. dawnsrayofhope.org

The Emergency Shelter Partnership

Provides food and shelter for those who need of a safe place to sleep during the coldest five months of the winter. We are a coalition of 16 interfaith congregations and other community groups. Each evening, from November through March, men and women in need of shelter assemble in Mount Kisco to be transported to the weekly host’s location.
emergencyshelterpartnership.org

Evan’s Team

Created by Chappaqua residents that use fun, creative and community based activities to tackle serious issues. Examples of these efforts include a 5K obstacle course on Westchester Medical Center’s campus, Golf, Tennis & Dodgeball event and a raffle for a convertible roadster. Money raised has funded an advocacy group to combat distracted driving (dorcs.org) and to create a Family & Friends Center for Westchester Medical Center ICU (Aug 15th ribbon cutting). evansteamny.com

The Food Bank for Westchester

The County’s emergency food distribution network; acquiring, warehousing and distributing approximately 14 tons of food a day–nearly 7.2 million pounds of food a year. Engages corporations, community groups, and individuals in projects that can positively impact the reality of daily living for thousands of Westchester residents. foodbankforwestchester.org

Friends of Greeley Theatre

Founded in 2008, as a means to support Greeley Theatre. Allows for purchasing of equipment and other necessities to produce three annual productions: the Fall Musical, the Winter Comedy, and the Spring Drama. FGT relies on “generous contributions” to subsidize enhancements and expand opportunities in drama, music, and other theatre-related arts. fgtheatre.org

Friends of Karen

Provides vital and comprehensive support, at no cost, to families in the New York Tri-State region who are caring for a child battling cancer or another life-threatening illness. We carefully match each family with one of our skillful social workers, who serves as their personal advocate. Friends of Karen has touched the lives of nearly 14,000 children.
friendsofkaren.org

Greeley Youth Lacrosse Association

Privately funded youth lacrosse organization whose mission is to provide girls and boys with programs that inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game. GYL strives to help players develop their skills in a safe and fun environment while placing higher value on sportsmanship and learning, rather than solely on winning. Coaches are made up entirely of volunteers, and dues cover equipment and uniform costs. greeleyyouthlacrosse.com

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC)

The HHREC brings the lessons learned from the Holocaust to thousands of students each year. Programs include the Human Rights Institute for High School Student Leaders, Distinguished Lecture Series, Survivor Legacy Education Project, Speakers’ Bureau programming and events at the Garden of Remembrance. hhrecny.org

The Honorable Tina Brozman Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research (Tina’s Wish)

Founded in 2008, Tina’s Wish honors the memory of Tina Brozman, who passed away in 2007 after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer. The organization is dedicated to funding groundbreaking scientific research for the early detection and prevention of the disease. tinaswish.org

Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund

Awards financial needs-based college grants for students who have a financial gap after all other loans, awards and family financial resources have been exhausted. The Grants Committee–composed of three to five Board Directors of the Fund, a HGHS vice-principal, a guidance counselor, and a Chappaqua Board of Education representative–reviews applications and announces decisions each July. Over 92% of all donations go directory to Horace Greeley students or alumni to help with the costs of college or higher education. hgsf.org Making Headway Foundation A non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to the care, comfort and cure of children with brain and spinal cord tumors. Donations accepted online through the foundation’s official website, and volunteer opportunities are also available. makingheadway.org

Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC)

MKCCC cares daily for 160 children, ages three months to 12 years of age in a modern, state-of-the-art facility, built in 2002. With over 20,000 square feet of living space, the Center features growth and learning opportunities for every child in a cozy setting with the warmth and security of home. In addition, our 7,500 square feet of outdoor play space is perfect for everything from picnics to gardening. The Family Services of Westchester program, My Second Home, is also located within our center. We provide high quality, affordable childcare and early education to a diverse group of children in a safe, healthy environment. mkccc.org.

Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry

A grass-roots alliance of 13 faith-based community organizations, The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry offers weekly distributions, providing households with enough nutritious groceries for three days’ worth of complete meals. Home delivery is available for residents with a documented physical or mental disability. mountkiscofoodpantry.org

Neighbors Link

A community center providing critical education and employment opportunities for over 2,300 immigrant and working poor families in northern Westchester County each year. Mission: to strengthen the whole community by actively enhancing the healthy integration of immigrants. Offers programs for new immigrant individuals and families, involving longer-term residents in volunteer opportunities, and creating substantive partnerships with local organizations. neighborslink.org Swim Across America-Long Island Chapter Raises funds for cancer research, patient care and support via eight pool swims and one Open Water Swim in Westchester/Rockland. Register to swim/volunteer/donate:
swimacrossamerica.org/long_island.

Oak Lane Child Care Center

Year-round, full-day program founded in 1972 by a group of working parents from the Pleasantville Cottage School. The organization began as a community of families and staff working together to create the best environment for the children, and officially opened in Chappaqua in 1982. Oak Lane offers four classes in its Center. The Toddler classroom accommodates children who range in age from 18 months to 3 years. In three Pre-K classrooms–two for children between the ages of three and four, and one for children four-turning-five. Nutritious meal plan provided by our on-site chef. oaklaneccc.org

Renaissance Youth Center

The RYC in the South Bronx makes a difference in the lives of over 2000 students every week, transforming and guiding them through the obstacles of growing up in the inner-city, so they too can look to the future with hope and pride. We tutor, mentor, offer music, reading, science, dance, and sports programs, and most of all we teach our kids that their dreams for a successful and healthy future are within reach. renaissanceyouth.org

Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester

For over 35 years, the Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester has been a place of belonging, caring and sharing–inspiring Jewish and community spirit, nurturing individual potential, and respecting diversity. Offers early childhood preschool, summer camps, after-school programs, cultural events, teen leadership, special needs services, and volunteer opps for older adults. rosenthaljcc.org

SPCA of Westchester

Only humane society in the county empowered to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty. Current programs include shelter services, animal rescue, pet therapy, educational outreach, low-cost veterinary care. A proud “no-kill shelter,” SPCA is open 7 days a week. Come in and adopt an animal today! spca914.org

Team Amy

The Amy Marie Crabtree Foundation was founded to honor the memory of Amy’s life and her natural philosophy which she lived each and every day with energy and purity, and which can be held as an inspirational example for all men and women as a guide through a life of integrity, strength, and compassion. Provides support and financial assistance to community initiatives that will benefit the poor, the hungry, the sick, and the unfortunate in order to create a better life for us all. teamamyfoundation.org

Westchester Youth Soccer League

Committed to fostering the physical, mental and emotional character development of youth by providing safe, fair and competitive playing opportunities for each of the players. League sponsors Fall and Spring seasonal travel soccer for its members, including a mini-season for High School students in November. wyslsoccer.org

What New Castle Residents are Saying!

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We turned to the Chappaqua Moms forum on Facebook to ask what “sold” current residents on our town and to share reasons a prospective home buyer might also want to choose the greater New Castle area as a wonderful place to choose to raise their family. Great schools, a sense of security, a convenient commute with easy parking and compassionate, caring neighbors were recurring themes. Here, just some of the answers we received:

When we moved here, we were coming from out of state and knew nothing of Westchester. We started our search based on school rankings and needing to be on a train line that went through White plains. When we were looking at houses in Chappaqua…I was amazed at the people who were so open and welcoming and loved talking about their town….the feeling of living on a forest with wildlife all around us sealed the deal.

–Parke Anderson

Great schools with a reasonable commute into the city and getting more house, more property and more privacy for the same money as lower Westchester. I also love that we are a generous and compassionate community.

–Ann Styles Brochstein

paige schoenberg

I had infant twins and we were living in a tiny two bedroom cottage in Nyack. Something had to give. We started looking at towns in Westchester because of the train line. My sister was living in Chappaqua and I knew the schools were excellent. One weekend I had set up some time to take a look at homes in New Castle. I had the enormous double stroller and I was standing on King Street on a beautiful fall day. There were many people gathered. All of a sudden this parade starts. Tons of the cutest kids ever were marching in all sorts of costumes. There were princesses, lions, firefighters, superheroes, vampires and so on. Once I saw the Ragamuffin parade, I knew this was the town for us. My kids have not marched in that parade for years, but the memories remain.

–Ellen Davis

Girl Scouts PoliceIt is the closest you can get to living in the country while still being within commuting distance to NYC. We feel like our home is vacation. Why go to the Berkshires when you can stay in your backyard? Also it really is the best bang for your buck if you are looking for a larger lot. You can’t get as much land for the price unless you go farther north.

–Jennifer Neuren

Schools. Still reasonable commute to Manhattan. The beauty of the area. The people.

–Jonathan Birenbaum

I heard that the merchants know you by name, the town is hilly, the area bucolic and the schools are good. I had a memory of visiting my Dad’s business colleague when I was a teenager, the house on Spring Lane and Quaker Road. I remembered it was on a hill and the architecture so interesting…like a storybook home. So when my husband brought up Chappaqua because he had a colleague too who lived here, with the prior image etched in my mind, I jumped at the suggestion.

–Barbara Fine Buxbaum

sledding at gedney pic

We came for the schools, the bucolic setting and the commute. Stayed after kids finished Greeley…for the people!

–Emily Haft Bloom

We were looking for good schools, larger lot size and better values, and it felt more country than suburbs to us. –Joan Sepler Close commute to NYC, NJ, and CT. Not far from New England…it’s quiet, peaceful, secluded…more spacious than lower Westchester.

–John Nadler

I commute daily and we have two young kids so we were looking to live closer; however, nowhere felt as country-like. It is beautiful up here, a great break from the city and much less congested than many towns we looked at. We figured if we were moving to the ‘burbs, we wanted it to look and feel like the burbs.

–Amy Luparella Boyle

Schools and beautiful setting. I love Chappaqua!

–Marianna Piedra

Schools and trains. We’re a terminus and a first stop.

–Melissa Kapper Zuckerman

Schools….Less of a “rat race” than Southern Westchester. –Harriet Stillman Helfenbein We are living in a beautiful part of the country, and enjoy seeing all the wildlife we have here. It’s also a safe place to live…There are many offerings for children and adults through the rec department. I could go on and on.

–Pam Percus Rosman

rocks lady and frend and kid

I love the sense of community, the caring and sharing both within and beyond the New Castle borders, the willingness of the many and multi-talented residents to pitch in at a moment’s notice.

–Eileen Gallagher

I love that we come together to help those in need, people we don’t even know–whatever the case may be.

–Georgia Hobaica Frasch

I love the sense of community and outreach that makes us who we are.

–Beth Wagshul Besen

I love the memories I have with my children playing at “police man park” and sitting by “The Duck Pond”–two New Castle landmarks, even if the kids have changed the names a bit. I really do love New Castle. It’s made this Bronx girl feel very much loved and at home.

–Rita Madonna Santella

The Bell School (the architecture) made a terrific impression as I drove into town…I wanted to learn more. I thought the downtown was adorable, and I loved the Pocket Park.

–Leslie Pierson