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Westchester Mothers Host a “26 Acts of Kindness” Dinner

January 5, 2013 by The Inside Press

On Wednesday, December 19, Benjamin Steakhouse Westchester and Westchester Blogger StacyKnows hosted the #26 Acts of Kindness Dinner to commemorate the lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Stacy Geisinger of StacyKnows.com invited 26 Westchester Mothers to a vigil and candle lighting ceremony held at Benjamin Steakhouse. Each of the 26 female attendees wrote down an act of kindness they were dedicated to and read them aloud during the vigil.

The dinner was inspired by Reporter Ann Curry’s social media campaign #26Acts. Ann Curry recently tweeted, “Imagine if all of us committed to 20 mitzvahs/acts of kindness to honor each child lost in Newtown. I’m in. If you are RT #20Acts.”

“I wanted to bring the #26Acts Social Media Campaign to life that Ann Curry started on Twitter,” said event organizer Kris Ruby of Ruby Media Group.

“I am thankful that we could come together as women and as mothers to commemorate such a terrible loss. When I heard about Ann Curry’s social media campaign #26 Acts of Kindness, I knew this was a great opportunity to pay it forward and keep the campaign moving to help others and raise money for the victims,” said blogger Stacy Geisinger.

Benjamin Steakhouse Westchester donated 26 meals to the family members of the victims lost. All proceeds from the evening were donated to The Sandy Hook School Support Fund. $1,828 was raised in donations for The Sandy Hook School Support Fund at the dinner. The donations were presented to honorary guest Robert Merola, Legislative Council Member of Newtown, CT.

“Our sympathies go out to the victims families and the entire Newtown community,” said Benjamin Steakhouse owner Benjamin Sinanaj.

stacyknows — On Wednesday, December 19, 2012, Benjamin Steakhouse Westchester and Westchester Blogger StacyKnows hosted the #26 Acts of Kindness Dinner to commemorate the Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy. News correspondent Ann Curry joins #26 Acts of Kindness Vigil at Benjamin Steakhouse.

How Donated Computers Created Bloggers with a Cause!

December 4, 2012 by The Inside Press

mateo012 — MKCCC Bloggers at their Desks: Mateo Ojeda (front) and Stephen Mains.

By Rich Monetti

Through the generosity of a local individual, the Mt. Kisco Childcare After School Program found itself the recipient of five new PCs. As the computers appeared, excitement emerged among students and staff. But as the tech was tweaking us toward operation, anxiety replaced my excitement as a teacher at the center. How where we going to put these to good use?

Duh, you’re a writer Rich, they have something called blogs that makes everybody a journalist now. But who really wants to write unless you’re getting paid.

People who call themselves bloggers, I guess. I didn’t want to set that precedent with my kids. I decided, we’re going to generate some cash. (MKCCC a nonprofit, we’d follow suit and donate the proceeds).

Before getting into the business model, let’s begin with content. I see a soccer game breakout in the backyard or one of our Feed me Fresh cooking projects begins, I hand somebody the camera. If the lucky child happens to be an older, she must blog a story to the photo.

So if you ask 4th grader Kiduce Daniel, who drew the first assignment with his friend Stephen Mains to report on the shiney tomatoes grown in our garden, he’s perfectly honest on what he likes most about the PCs.

“Playing all the computer games,” he says.

Why not and are we any different when it comes to work and play?

“You want to play, you got to pay. Do a story and the games are yours,” I tell them.

Hmm. I need to get better at this inspiration thing, and bringing them the jar with 64 cents accumulated ain’t quite it either.

Stephen’s Mom Kris isn’t so worried about that as MKCCC’s kids can be just as mum about their days as any others. “I’m excited to get the latest because it gives me a snapshot of what my kids are doing that day,” she says. The center’s director of curriculum concurs and goes that one better. “It’s a great way for parents to see that the things that go on here go beyond this just being a place to keep their kids busy,” says Dawn Meyerski.

And maybe a little in print publicity produces enough inspiration that the bloggers ask for the camera rather than the keys to the click that begins their games. “Any encouragement is good, because it feels good to be recognized,” says Meyerski.

Why not, are they any different than us? I don’t know, maybe they will be.

By clicking the link at the end of each blog entry, a page view is recorded for that specific article on my Associated Content dashboard. This amounts to .16 cents per click. and once reaching $25 dollars, the money will be lent to a micro-financing organization called Kiva.org. (See September 18th entry of Blog C).

The kids would love to receive feedback on their work. For more info, write to: mkcccbloggers@aol.com

Blogs:

http://mkcccpresskiva.blogspot.com/

http://mkcccpresskivab.blogspot.com/

http://mkccckivac.blogspot.com/

TRICK-OR-TREAT CANCELLED – AND STORM UPDATES

November 9, 2012 by The Inside Press

Storm Updates & Continuing Humanitarian Efforts
by Local Merchants

Just a reminder, downtown trick-or-treating was cancelled this year. Many merchants have been giving candy out all week and are now out of candy, and done with trick or treating. Right now, our merchants are really just focused on getting their stores up and running for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Holiday season. Thank you for understanding.

Many of Chappaqua & Millwood merchants are lending a hand to help areas hit harder by the devastating storm Sandy. Many of our local merchants are rising up, dusting themselves off, and now want to assist others. Here are a few of our merchant members who are helping to coordinate relief efforts.

Storm update
About 1,700 customers are still waiting for power in New Castle Friday morning, 12 days after Hurricane Sandy stormed through town. New Castle has 1,856 homes without power. 6,374 have been restored. Today there will be 14 restoration crews working in New Castle with 33 bucket trucks and 78 utility workers. Crews will be working at the following areas.

Ludlow
Seven Bridges
Turner Dr
Northbridge Terrace
Hardscrabble Rd
Quaker Rd
White Oak Lane
Saw Mill River Rd
Saddle Ridge Rd

Folks, I realize many are still without power. Hopefully, all 6,574 Con Edison customers in New Castle will soon have power – INCLUDING ME! But, I wanted to take a moment to say that over the past 12 days we have seen our residents rise to the occasion. Whether to check on a neighbor, welcome guests to your homes, or come to the aid of those communities hit harder, this is what strong communities do! The Chamber of Commerce did our best to keep you informed. We provided you with important contact information to help restore power, advised you when stores were re-opening, provided storm updates & helped coordinate relief efforts (listed below). If you would like to receive updates, offers and stay connected with The Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, please click HERE. And, lastly, please remember to………………………….

GET REEL PRODUCTIONS

Linda Kallner has spent these disaster days helping the Town of New Castle get out its updates on Con Ed’s recovery efforts. Here’s the latest-an update by Supervisor Susan Carpenter and an interview with County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz, speaking to Scott Reilly of Prescriptions for Fitness-who’s still without power.
Click here for video.

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Chappaqua Wellness Center is COLLECTING AND DISTRIBUTING (to Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens) supplies that have been specifically requested. The collection will end Thurs morning. We DO NOT need any more clothes….We need BATH TOWELS!!!!!

We will be sorting between 3:30-4:30 if anyone wants to join us. We will have a box truck in the back of the parking lot of 400 king street.

NO FOOD EXCEPT WATER
Bath towels
Blankets
Candles
Flashlights
***Batteries***
Diapers / Wipes
Work gloves and Rubber Gloves
*Rubber Boots*
Masks
Bleach and cleaning supplies
Serving dishes and Utensils

You can check our website at Theminicook.com for updated info on current supplies needed
Chappaqua Wellness
400 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Jen.cook@mac.com
914-299-9165

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Le Jardin Du Roi is collecting non-perishable food.
Food being collected:

Dry Cereal
Granola Bars
Energy Bars
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Bread
Tooth Paste
Water
Gatorade
Nuts
Dried Fruit

Drop items off at Le Jardin between now and Thursday evening. The truck will be leaving Chappaqua on Friday morning. So food needs to be at the restaurant Thursday evening. This collection of food will be delivered to Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens.

(Although Joe didn’t want me to mention this, he is taking part in restaurant week. It started yesterday & actually lasts 2 weeks. Enjoy a 3 course lunch for $20.95, and a 3 course dinner for $29.25. And don’t forget the canned goods.)

Le Jardin du Roi
95 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514-3470
914-238-1368
www.lejardinchappaqua.com

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THE HEALTHY CHOICE COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

The Healthy Choice Compounding Pharmacy is collecting funds to buy needed products such as soap, diapers, toliet paper, depends, baby wipes, cleaning products, batteries, etc. They are buying the products at cost from their wholesaler, and matching funds at 50% up to $2,000 of donations. They have already collected over $500.00, which means with their $250 match, they were able to purchase $750.00 of needed items.

The Healthy Choice Compounding Pharmacy
6 South Greeley Ave
Chappaqua, NY 10514
914-238-1700
http://www.thehealthychoice.net

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Aurora is a collection point for gift cards being gathered by local mom Lori Morton for areas around Barnegat, NJ where she grew up.

At Aurora today (Election Day) customers will be given an immediate store credit for cards or cash they donate, up to $25. Cards most needed are Shoprite, Kohls, Walmart.

Contact Dawn at 914-263-5566 with questions. $725 raised on Monday!

Aurora
1 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514
914-238-8050
www.aurorafair.com

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King’s Scribe is collecting money and supplies for Pets Alive Westchester which is located in Elmsford.

They’ve been bringing up animals from badly hit areas in the city from New York City Animal Care & Control . They desperately need funds and supplies to help carry the influx of new animals–a cat just gave birth to a litter of 5 + kittens, and dog is due to whelp any day! The animals in the city will be euthanized if they can’t be helped by other shelters.

Monetary donations can be made out to Pets Alive Westchester and below is a list of supplies that are always needed there:

Kitten Food
Baby Food
Pureed Meats WITHOUT onions, garlic or salt
High-efficiency Laundry Detergent
Paper Towels
Fabuloso
Scrubby Sponges
Hand Sanitizer
Liquid Hand Soap
Scented Candles
Garbage Bags (45 gallon black trash bags and white tall kitchen bags)
Ziploc Baggies (gallon size)
Purina Cat Chow
Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry and Wet Dog Food
Rabbit Pellets
Glucosamine supplements (Dasuquin, Cosequin, Nupro, Glycoflex)
Small Size Dog Treats and Biscuits
Kuranda Dog Beds
Kuranda Cat Towers

King’s Scribe
1 King St
Chappaqua, NY 10514
914-861-2799
info@kingsscribe.com
www.kingsscribe.com

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The Millwood Volunteer Fire Department has teamed up with NYPD and FDNY for a drive that continues until Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.

Items needed include:
Canned foods, pasta, clothes, toiletries, hygiene products, diapers, baby food, blankets and water

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at the Millwood Firehouse #1 at 60 Millwood Rd.

All items will be sent to Queens and Staten Island for FDNY and NYPD members that have lost everything during Hurricane Sandy. All additional items will be distributed to local organizations in need.

You may bring donations to the Millwood Firehouse Tuesday 11/06 9AM-1230PM and Wednesday 11/07, 8AM to 1PM

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Inside Chappaqua Aiding Food Bank of Westchester.

It’s one thing to be without power following this storm. Quite another to combine that kind of stress with hunger. With that thought in mind… Inside Chappaqua is earmarking a minimum of $1000 from its advertising revenue in the upcoming Winter 2012/13 edition to the Food Bank of Westchester. “Every $1 donated to the Food Bank enables us to bring $4 worth of food to families to soup kitchens and food pantries in the county,” states Katy Coppinger, senior director of development for the Food Bank . Thank you in advance to all the sponsors who help make an Inside Chappaqua Magazine donation possible. Readers can help too with a voluntary or gift subscription of $24 to Inside Chappaqua Magazine, P.O. Box 643, Millwood, NY 10546. At this time, Inside Chappaqua will donate HALF of your subscription dollars from now to January 15, 2013 over any such subscription to that $1,000 amount to the Food Bank as well.

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ANN L. HERRERO – EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR

The Horace Greeley Class of 2016 is having a fundraiser, a Pasta Dinner preceding HGHS’s performance of GYPSY, next Friday, Nov 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (performance begins at 8). They’re raising funds for future class activities and the hurricane relief effort.
Best Regards, Ann

Ann Herrero, CFP®
Financial Advisor
ann.hererro@edwardjones.com
914-238-3137

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DESIRES BY MIKOLAY

For anyone that is affected by Hurricane Sandy, we hope you, your family, and friends are safe. We understand first-hand how difficult a time this can be. We are back up and running as of this past Monday, and would like to extend our warm conference room to any community member who would like to utilize it-whether it be for work or an after-school place to read. We are offering complimentary cappuccino, sparkling water, wine & light fare. We appreciate all the good wishes and support we received while we were closed due to the storm. Our most sincerest thanks, as it did help to get us through a trying time. For your convenience, we will be open Mondays 10-6 the month of November & December. Our dedicated customer care team is here to help you if you have any questions. Please contact us at info@desiresbymikolay.com and a team member will be in touch as soon as possible. We’re deeply touched by how our community – which includes you – has come together during this extremely difficult time. Our thoughts remain with you.

Desires by Mikolay
55 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514
tara@desiresbymikolay.com
914.522.5854

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ELEGANCE II

Don’t forget about our Furry Friends! Elegance II is a drop-off point for collecting donations for our local SPCA in Briarcliff Manor. The SPCA is accepting: gift cards (Target), blankets, towels, wet and dry food for both cats and dogs. They prefer Pedigree for dogs and Friskies for cats. Elegance II is open Tues-Sat 11am-5pm. Pick up a can of animal food when you stop at the Grocery Store and drop it off at Elegance II, 75 South Greeley Ave in Chappaqua-directly across from Wells Fargo. You can go to their website to donate directly to them: http://www.spca914.org/ Don’t forget, the most important thing is to adopt!!!
However, giving is the next best option!
Here is a link to the SPCA “wishlist” online: http://www.spca914.org/files/01092010wishlist.pdf

Elegance II
75 South Greeley Avenue
Chappaqua, NY 10514
(914) 238-3341
www.elegance2.com

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THE CRECCO COMPANIES TEAM

The news from the East Coast has been devastating. We have heard many stories about people in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean severely affected by Hurricane Sandy, many of them still desperate for help. Our hearts go out to those who have lost family members and friends, those still without food, gas and electricity, and those beginning the long process of rebuilding their homes and lives. Many Houzzers from all over the world have offered their sympathy, support and help. In tough times, it is good to know that you are not alone. If you were in the hurricane’s path please let us know how you’re doing.
Please go to this link for some helpful information: http://www.houzz.com/sandy

CRECCO GROUP REMODELING INC
871 Commerce Street
Thornwood, NY 10594
914-747-1152 http://www.creccoremodeling.com/

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Temple Beth El is holding a community-wide supply collection to distribute to some of the many communities hard hit by Hurricane Sandy, and will be accepting the following donations:

Food Items
baby food, boxed milk and coffee creamer; canned fruits and vegetables; raisins, prunes, dried fruit and nuts, and peanut butter; canned meat and fish; cereal, cookies, and crackers; pasta, rice, and instant potatoes; coffee, teas, and hot chocolate; soup and tomato sauce; ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise; vinegar, oil, and salad dressings

Personal Care Items
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, diapers, wipes, baby formula, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene, soap

Gently-Used Warm Clothing (all ages)
Winter jackets, sweatshirts, pants, hats, gloves, scarves, shoes, sneakers, socks, pajamas, new underwear

Other Essentials
Blankets, Batteries, Flashlights, cleaning supplies

For collection hours, please bring to TBE today through Friday 9-5 and Sunday 9-12.
Volunteers are welcome on Sunday at 12:00 to assist in sorting the donations and loading the truck, which will then be ready to move items to disaster relief sites and distribution centers in the tri-state area. The Temple will make as many trips as possible, and is looking for drivers on Sunday or Monday.

Please email Diane Thaler at dianethaler@yahoo.com if you are able to drive or if you have any questions.

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And if you are still without power (like me!), please keep calling & emailing the below elected officials, keep the pressure on:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
(518) 474-8390
gov.cuomo@chamber.state.ny.us

US Congresswoman Nita Lowey
914-428-1707
https://lowey.house.gov/contact-form

NYS Assemblyman Robert Castelli
914-686-7335
castellir@assembly.state.ny.us

County Executive Robert P. Astorino
914- 995-2900
ce@westchestergov.com

Westchester County Legislator Michael B. Kaplowitz
914-995-2848
kaplowitz1@earthlink.com

Supervisor Susan Carpenter
scarpenter@town.new-castle.ny.us

Deputy Supervisor Elise Mottel
ekmottel@town.new-castle.ny.us

Board member Jason Chapin
Jchapin@town.new-castle.ny.us

Board member Robin Stout
rstout@town.new-castle.ny.us

Board member John Buckley
jbuckley@town.new-castle.ny.us

Town Administrator Penny Paderewski
ppaderew@town.new-castle.ny.us

David R. LaBombard
New York State Department of State
Division of Consumer Protection
518-486-2204
David.LaBombard@dps.ny.gov

Inside Chappaqua Magazine Supporting Food Bank of Westchester

November 8, 2012 by The Inside Press

Continue to be safe and warm everyone.

— Grace

7 Facts about hunger in Westchester

More than 200,000 people are hungry or at risk of hunger.
33% of the hungry neighbors are children.
51% are seniors.
57% are registered voters.
68% are U.S. citizens, many are veterans.
1% of the hungry are homeless
5% receive government assistance.

About the Food Bank for Westchester

The Food Bank for Westchester’s mission is to lead, engage and educate Westchester County residents in creating a hunger free environment.

The Food Bank for Westchester was incorporated as a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization under the name of “Food People Allied To Combat Hunger Inc.” in 1988 to respond to the growing needs of hungry Westchester residents. The Food Bank has become the backbone of Westchester’s emergency food distribution network, providing over 95% of all the food distributed by over 220 grass roots programs such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and residential programs, helping to feed some or all of the 200,000 Westchester seniors, children and their families who are hungry or at risk of hunger.

The Food Bank for Westchester distributes 7 million pounds of food per year; delivering 9 to 12 tons of food per day to front-line agencies feeding the hungry. The core program of Emergency Food Distribution is augmented by the following:

Project Green Thumb, which distributes bags of locally grown produce.
Food Recovery Program, which collects prepared and perishable foods from restaurants, corporate cafeterias and supermarkets and delivers the food directly to meal-service programs.
Food Growing Program, which grows produce on unused land using an available workforce.
Kids Café, which provides children hot, nutritious meals after school.
BackPack Program, which provides hungry, at-risk children with weekend bags of healthy food to get through the weekend.
A program entitled Services, Training, Education and Participant Support (STEPS) provides low-income women with children the tools to better manage their families and self-esteem enhancement as the first steps toward self-sufficiency.
Food Stamp Outreach is also provided by the Food Bank for Westchester