It’s not too late for swimmers, bikers and runners to sign up and take part in the annual Windmill Triathlon on August 31st. Now in its 15th year, the race was originally conceived by Windmill residents “who saw a great opportunity to celebrate the community through having a low-key triathlon for its members and the residents of nearby communities,” explains Todd Zipper, a Windmill resident and one of the race organizers. “It has a great community vibe with lots of newcomers to triathlon. We also have practice days so people can get familiar with the course,” he adds.
Last year, there were approximately 80 racers. Some of them were part of relay teams, which is a good opportunity for individuals who want to be part of the triathlon, but are not quite ready to swim, bike, and run. “We are hoping to beat our record from last year in terms of participants, but generally, the race is not highly publicized,” notes Zipper.
The Windmill Triathlon is considered a Sprint triathlon with race distances of a 650-yard swim at Windmill Lake, a 14-mile bike ride that goes through a lot of Armonk and some of Bedford, and a 3.6 mile run all in the Windmill community. There are race prizes for various different race groups – women, men, Windmill resident, etc. The prizes are typically for gift certificates to various local businesses who continue to support the triathlon.
This year for the first time, all racers will wear timing chips so that official results can be recorded. In addition, the race organizers have also created a website for race registration – Runsignup.com/Race/NY/Armonk/WindmillTriathlon2019. The race is $84.80 for those who sign up prior to race day and $100 on race day.
The race always takes place on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend, which this year is Saturday, August 31st at 7:30 am. The race begins at The Windmill Club, 10 Maple Way in Armonk. And for racers who have young children, babysitting is available on-site through one of the race sponsors, Breezemont Day Camp so that children can cheer their parents on all in a safe and fun environment.
The echo of drums and bagpipes competed with the cheers of parade watchers who lined downtown Chappaqua for the 2019 Memorial Day Parade. Waving miniature American flags, residents and visitors honored the veterans and organizations* who proceeded down King Street. Chappaqua Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts were among the first groups to march down the hill, as they held American and troop number adorned flags. Some expressed that walking in the parade was an opportunity to present themselves to the community.“I love representing the troop because a lot of people don’t know we have a boy scout troop,” Thomas Macchetto, a troop member and Greeley senior, said before the parade began. “It’s fun to see everyone come together because you don’t see people like this very often.” 
Organizations spanning from the Chappaqua School Board and Library to AYSO and Town of New Castle Senior Citizens also participated in the event, along with veterans who paraded in military vehicles. Parade watchers saw no shortage of students in the procession, as the Greeley, middle school and elementary school bands each performed patriotic songs, which became the background for the First Responders who followed them, trucks included.
