Family Fun

New Castle Community Day Returns Saturday, September 18! Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chappaqua

September 10, 2021 by Inside Press

Mark your calendars: The annual New Castle Community Day, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chappaqua in cooperation with the Town of New Castle, will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the downtown Chappaqua Train Station Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New Rotary of Chappaqua President Marlene Canapi described the event is a community gathering with entertainment, food and refreshments, rides for kids, music, informational booths for community organizations, vendors, service providers, volunteer corps, religious groups, and many more.

“We look forward to welcoming and celebrating our community in person!”

In addition, the Rotary announced that Northwell Health & Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps will be administering:

the Moderna and J&J COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 18 and up
the Pfizer vaccine to anyone 12 and up
Booster vaccine to anyone who is eligible

About the Rotary Club

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

What we do

Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to:

Promote peace
Fight disease
Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
Save mothers and children
Support education
Grow local economies

Mission

We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Vision statement

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Guiding Principles

These principles have been developed over the years to provide Rotarians with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world.

Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

The Four-Way Test

The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings:
Of the things we think, say or do

Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Avenues of Service

We channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity.

Club Service focuses on making clubs strong. A thriving club is anchored by strong relationships and an active membership development plan.
Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society.
Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest.
International Service exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. We support this service avenue by sponsoring or volunteering on international projects, seeking partners abroad, and more.
Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs.

News Courtesy of the Rotary Club of Chappaqua

When Cabin Fever Strikes: Three Fun Family Excursions!

November 13, 2020 by Anna Young

With so much uncertainty happening this year most might be seeking some semblance of normalcy at a time when families would be gathering to ring in the holidays together.

With New York’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 significantly lower compared to March, some restrictions have lifted enough over the months allowing for folks to get out and enjoy themselves. Businesses and destinations across the state have also implemented health protocols to ensure safety for all.

Whether it’s eating out, visiting your favorite museum, going skiing or cutting down a Christmas tree at the local farm, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advises those to wear a mask and social distance by avoiding large gatherings and keeping a six-foot distance.

Health officials further warn to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoiding sick people and staying inside if exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus.

Here are some places you can enjoy safely with your family or friends this holiday season.

Untermyer Gardens Conservancy

According to the CDC, taking care of your mental health is imperative during times of increased stress and uncertainty.

Whether taking a break from work, eating healthy or exercising, there’s no better place to take a much-needed deep breath than Untermyer Gardens Conservancy in Yonkers. With multiple gardens and paths spanning nearly 50-acres overlooking the Hudson River, a walk around the historic park is guaranteed to provide more relief than a stroll around the neighborhood or the grocery store.

Untermyer Gardens, located at 945 North Broadway, is open Friday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to COVID-19, admission is accepted through a free timed-entry reservation system which allows visitors to sign up for a 30-minute entry window and visit the garden for up to 90 minutes. Admission is free.

Along with guided tours every Sunday and areas specialized for professional photography sessions, the Conservancy will also host its annual Grand Holiday Illumination from Dec. 12 to Jan. 3. The event will run from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

“For the Illumination, only the Walled Garden will be open to visitors,” Jessica Norman, Outreach Officer for Untermyer Gardens, said. “It can be visited by those who cannot go up or down stairs, but the amphitheater and loggias are not accessible to those who can’t do stairs.”

She added heavy snowfall or significant ice will close the event until walkways are cleared and safe for visitors.

Reservations are required and can be made at untermyergardens.org.

Visitors must wear masks and exercise safe social distancing, with monitors stationed throughout the park ensuring rules are followed. Those refusing to follow guidelines will not be permitted to enter or remain in the gardens. Visitors must also follow the one-way routes indicated on the map and signage and not enter blocked off areas.

The Museum of Ice Cream

While traveling to New York City may elicit some skepticism, there’s no confusion when it comes to ice cream.

Whether you’re diving feet first into the Sprinkle Pool, embracing a tribute to the history of gay pride in the Rainbow Tunnel, riding on the three-story slide, or admiring the dessert feast suspended by floating balloons, The Museum of Ice Cream has 13 exhibitions for ice cream lovers of all ages.

In-person and virtual ice cream making classes are also provided, along with ice cream crafted with true English toffee, 1950s inspired malted milk balls and ripe bananas, according to the website.

In accordance with the CDC, the facility will be deep cleaned before opening, throughout the day and before closing, with team members training to disinfect all touch points immediately after contact with guests. Spaces will also be sanitized after each viewing, the website states, with sanitizer stations in specific areas.

Masks are required and must be worn at all times. Those without one will be denied entry. Refunds will not be offered to those who are removed from the building for not adhering to the guidelines, but will be given to those who become ill and cancel a reservation.

Groups larger than 10 will be prohibited. There will also be markers on the floor to ensure that a safe distance is met, the website states.

Tickets can be bought online and are $39 for adults and free for kids under two.

The museum, located at 558 Broadway in New York City, is open Thursday-Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

www.museumoficecream.com.

The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

The annual Holiday Lights event at the Bronx Zoo will return this year on Nov. 20, with select dates available through January 10.

The event will encompass a larger area of the zoo and will accommodate social distancing procedures to avoid bottleneck areas. This year’s event will feature nearly 50 more animal lanterns than last year and will create five geographically representative lantern safaris that include species from different regions of the world.

People of all ages can indulge in holiday-themed music, ice carving demonstrations, costumed characters, stilt walkers, souvenirs, and seasonal treat like hot chocolate and s’mores. With s’mores a popular attraction, the zoo will also increase its fire pits from four to 12 this year.

A tree will also be erected to ring in the holiday spirit.

“2020 has been a trying year for all of us and has once again shown the resiliency of New York City and New Yorkers,” said Jim Breheny, Bronx Zoo Director and WCS Executive Vice President for Zoos & Aquarium “The city has always been the center of the holiday universe, and The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights will help bring a sense of normalcy to the city.”

Tickets must be purchased online, with adult tickets $34.95 and $32.95 for seniors. Children 3-12 will cost $22.95. WCS members will receive a 40% discount, with members at the Conservation Supporter level receiving free admission.

If unable to attend the event, the zoo’s 265 acres and 8,000 animals are open for viewing. Visitors must purchase tickets in advance and reserve a specific date prior to arrival. The zoo, located at 2300 Southern Blvd in The Bronx, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. www.bronxzoo.com.

Sheep to Shawl: Philipsburg Manor Event in Sleepy Hollow POSTPONED

March 22, 2020 by The Inside Press

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please note that all of the Garden Conservancy Open Days have been canceled up through Mother’s Day at this point.

The Sleepy Hollow’s Philipsburg Manor for Sheep-to-Shawl event originally scheduled for April 18 and 19 had planned to include on-site activities include crafts for children, including a giant 20-foot diameter weaving project. Fashionista visitors can check out Project Colonial Runway all while tapping their feet to a live bluegrass band.

Visitors to this event will be invited to follow the process of textile creation, from the sheep’s back to yarn, experiencing the entire process of turning wool into cloth, watching as sheep are shorn by hand, and taking a turn dyeing and weaving the finished product–all done just like it was over 300 years ago! Updates at hudsonvalley.org.

This is a view of the Sheep-to-Shawl event at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. on April 23, 2017. (Photo by Tom Nycz)

Bear Hunting in the ‘Burbs with My Son

February 22, 2020 by Jennifer Drubin Clark

One of the bears sighted during our hunt
PHOTO BY Jennifer Drubin Clark

We were bored. REAL bored. “We” being my 3-year-old son and myself. The school day was over, our stomachs were full, the weather was crummy, and we had just about exhausted every activity within our house AND the tri-town area (Armonk, Chappaqua and Bedford as we refer to them). It was then, with fierce intent, the idea-heavens rained down upon us. Before we knew it, we were packing up bags of snacks, clothes and shoes suitable for any terrain, binoculars, a camera, and a pen with paper…we were going on a bear hunt.

Perhaps Michael Rosen, the famed author of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” got into our heads?

The car was packed and I found myself more excited about this adventure than any other we’d gone in the past. Why? Because I, mommy here, actually had NO idea where on Westchester’s green earth we were going to find a bear. Yes, a fake one…although I wondered at times if we would have more luck finding a real one? Anyways, off we went!

The sun shade was down and his binoculars were in full effect as we cruised towards Main Street. Never thought my child could be so silent on a car ride. Bless this bear hunt.

Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by carved wooden bears, I had a premonition that we might have a sighting if we headed towards Hickory and Tweed. After all, biking plus skiing = wildlife! The door made its’ familiar jingle as we entered and I secretly prayed that our first bear sighting was going to be just around the corner, literally. FAIL.

“Hi, can I help you find something?” a nice saleswoman asked as Spencer knelt down to focus his binoculars on a piece of dirt.

“Um yea. We’re actually looking for bears….,” I said.

Spencer looked up at me annoyed that I asked for help. He really wants to feel the hunt. I saw it in his eyes. That’s when the saleswoman and I locked eyes, she must have her own kids…she “got it”, and she “forgot” I asked for help as she motioned her eyeballs up the stairs (where they do rentals/ fittings).

“Momma, there’s no bears in here,” he said.

“Wait bud, let’s check upstairs!,” I replied.

Lo and behold, the carved wooden bear I was hoping to see. He stands tall. My son is beside himself. We document our first sighting with time and location, and snap his picture. I give the nice saleswoman a nudge as we walked out in pure elation and off we went to find our next “furry” friend.

This next one wasn’t so easy, BUT the powers of the universe have a funny way of showing us that they’re paying attention. Spencer NEEDED hot chocolate to carry on. He was just so exhausted and that was the only thing that could bring him the energy we needed to keep on trekking. Keeping in line with our animal hunt theme, we landed at The Beehive. He opted for whipped cream and I took a pass.

Now, this time for real, no help here, we get back in the car, I do the loopty loop to get out of the parking lot, and I hear and feel violent jeers coming from the back of the car.

“BEAR, BEAR, BEAR, BEAR, BEAR, BEAR,” my son screams excitedly.

Holy crap. Kid scared the freaking hot chocolate out of me. But he wasn’t lying and he sure wasn’t seeing things. There he stood, our next beautiful sighting; perched nicely above the westward parking lot. Anyone wondering how old a kid is before they’re capable of shedding joyful tears? Three. We jotted down the details from our second sighting, snapped his photo, and slowly regained normal heartbeats.

How were we ever going to top this?!!! I mean we went on a bear hunt and actually found a bear all by ourselves!

As I glanced into my rearview mirror, I saw the yawns coming. My hunting partner was starting to fade. It was 4 p.m. and if I let him fall asleep then, bedtime would be brutal. This is when you pull out your mommy tricks…

“Bud, we did so good today. I can’t believe we found TWO bears! Ice cream time?” I ask.

He stays up. Our bear hunt ends with us sitting on a cow licking ice cream cones for the day. A few days later, we decided to go on another wildlife hunt. As luck would have it our town is a hotbed of other wildlife including the Armonk Eagle and the Guardian Lions sitting outside of David Chen.

Can you help us find more animals in Armonk? Pack up your kid and your car and go and get your hunt on!

The Making of the 45th Annual Fol-De-Rol: A Fun-Filled Event for All

May 31, 2019 by Amy Kelley

Lea, a puppy sponsored by the Armonk Lions who partcipates in Puppies Behind Bars
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARMONK LIONS CLUB

This year will be the 45th of that beloved Armonk tradition, the annual Fol-De-Rol. From June 6-9, residents and visitors will flood Wampus Community Park to enjoy rides, food, vendors, entertainment and more – there will even be a pig race–all arranged for and run by the Armonk Lions Club, to raise funds for their many charitable endeavors.

“It takes you back,” North Castle Town Supervisor Michael J. Schiliro, a longtime Armonk resident, said of the Fol-De-Rol. “It’s a throwback–a simple country fair.”

Schiliro said preparation for the event isn’t too demanding for the town. They plan for police presence, and ready the park. The volunteer firefighters make sure a truck is there. The advance work is really done, he said, by the Lions.

“We plan all year,” said Douglas Martino, president of the Armonk Lions Club. “In January we kick into high gear.” Members of the Lions get permits and insurance and get vendors–an extremely time-consuming process, Martino said. “We don’t like to have two of the same type of vendor.”

Categories such as jewelry may have duplicates, because attendees appreciate choice in certain categories, but overall there’s a three-person committee that seeks to find a diverse and interesting group of vendors who sell everything from pet food to local honey.

“During the event itself we man the ticket booths, set up for the vendors and help them, help set up the tables and so on,” Martino said, adding that the Lions also arrange for lavatories. They bring doughnuts and coffee to the vendors early in the morning to show appreciation as well. “We sell raffle tickets throughout the event,” Martino said. First prize will be $1,000.

A Way to Mark the Years…

Stacy Wilder has lived in Armonk for 25 years. And over time, her experience at the Fol-De-Rol has changed. For a while, she took her children to the rides. “It’s nice to have something so local, without having to go to Playland or Great Adventure,” Wilder said.

As Wilder’s children got older, they wanted to go to the Fol-De-Rol with their friends. “It’s like a rite of passage in Armonk, to go at night with your buddies,” Wilder said. Now, Wilder attends by herself. She enjoys seeing the many people she knows in town, and perusing the vendor’s wares.

And Bring in New Faces

Neal Schwartz, owner of Armonk-based College Planning of Westchester and president of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce, always set up as a vendor at the Fol-De-Rol when his business was new and he was looking to get to know people in town and spread the word about his services in a friendly way, without a hard sell. “That was how I connected to the community,” he said.

Schwartz said besides benefitting good causes, “the biggest benefit (of the Fol-De-Rol) is that some people may not have been familiar with Armonk and might never have been here before. It certainly brings people to town and keeps them in town for that particular weekend and there’s natural overflow.” Attendees often seek out local restaurants for a meal before or after, Schwartz said.

The Fol-De-Rol has even caused interest in living in Armonk, Schwartz said. “The hope is–and it’s happened–that they’ll come and then they’ll say, ‘This is where I want to live.’”

“The Armonk Lions Club gets all the credit in the world for putting this thing on–and then they put the money back into the community,” Schiliro said. “It’s a win-win-win-win-win.”

The Armonk Lions Club helps fund scholarships every year, built a gazebo in Wampus Park, and underwrote the North Castle Citizen’s Council Disaster Relief Trailer, among many other local contributions, Martino said, adding that they’re always looking for new people to join the Lions. The Lions also donate to Open Door medical centers, Meals on Wheels, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and many more, especially sight-related charities. The Armonk Lions is sponsoring Lea, a puppy who is part of the program Puppies Behind Bars. Lea will be trained by an inmate at the Bedford Correctional Facility and hopefully one day will become a service dog for an injured veteran or first responder.

“If it’s a nice day–and that’s the risk factor in all this–you’re outside,” Schwartz said of the Fol-De-Rol. “What’s not to like?”