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first congregational church

A Look Back at Fabulous Fall Events PLUS, Next Year’s Dates!

November 12, 2021 by The Inside Press

On Community Day 2021: The Rotary Club’s Sandy Bueti making his contribution to a popular community weave presented by New Castle United for Youth   Inside Press Photo

COMMUNITY DAY

“The Rotary Club of Chappaqua, in collaboration with the Town of New Castle, hosted a successful 2021 New Castle CommunityDay. Success was due to generous sponsors, participating exhibitors, and the New Castle community. Funds raised will benefit local and global charities. We are thrilled we have a great opportunity to help those in need. On Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Day will once again blend community, personal enjoyment and giving service to others.” Marlene Canapi, president, Rotary Club of Chappaqua

FEED ME FRESH: AN EDIBLE EVENING

FEED ME FRESH PHOTOS by: (c)Hidenao Abe, StudioAbe

 

“Mount Kisco Child Care Center’s 17th Annual Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening was spectacular on September 25 thanks to all the amazing sponsors and volunteers. Over $220,000 was raised for MKCCC’s Scholarship Program toward high quality, affordable care, and early education to a diverse group of children in a safe, healthy environment through innovative and developmentally appropriate programming. Next year’s date: September 17, 2022!” Helen Bock, Director of Development, mkccc.org

CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

Photo courtesy of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

“The eighth Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on October 2 was a celebration of coming back together as a community of readers. Our 70 plus authors signed thousands of books and loved talking to area families. We will return on October 15, 2022, at our full capacity of 120 plus authors. We are so grateful to the Town of New Castle, our sponsors, volunteers, partners and friends.”  Dawn Greenberg, founder, ccbfestival.org

First Congregational Church COMMUNITY YARD SALE & BOUTIQUE

(L-R): Kathy Thorsberg, Olga Seham, Bill Spade, Jon Russell, Carl Thorsberg, Chrissy Chapin, Jason Chapin, Rev. Martha Jacobs and Bill Swenson. Inside Press Photo

A Community Yard Sale and Boutique on September 25 brought together nearly a dozen boutique vendors and over 30 yard-sellers to the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua. Due to its success, a spring-time sale is anticipated too. “It was a beautiful day, and everyone had a great time … people got to see people they hadn’t seen in a long time.” Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs, fcc-chappaqua.org/

THE ARMONK OUTDOOR ART SHOW

Photos Courtesy of the Armonk Outdoor Art Festival

“The Armonk Outdoor Art Show on September 25 & 26 was a huge success featuring 160 amazing exhibitors. The show had record high attendance, wonderful support from sponsors and volunteers, strong sales for our amazing artists and lots of positive energy. We’re grateful to all who contributed to a truly wonderful show. Hope to see you next year, October 1 & 2, 2022, for our 60th Anniversary!” Anne Curran, director, armonkoutdoorartshow.org

OKTOBERFEST

Pleasantville Oktoberfest on October 2nd was sponsored by the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce and the Village to support our local businesses. The event was an incredible success as it brought together families and friends who have not been together since the Covid-19 pandemic started. We thank the Pleasantville Police Department, Department of Public Works, the Village Department, and the Chamber for a joint effort to provide a spectacular event to our great residents.  We plan on hosting this event again next year in the first weekend of October 2022.” -W. Paul Alvarez, Pleasantville Village Trustee. pleasantville.com

Outdoor ping pong matches during Oktoberfest! Courtesy of the Westchester Table Tennis Center  Inside Press Photo
A wheel of fortune at a booth for the Jacob Burns Film Center during Pleasantville’s first Oktoberfest  Inside Press photo

ARMONK CIDER & DONUT FESTIVAL AND 2021 RUN FOR LOVE

Sponsors, volunteers, The Byram Hills Preschool Association, The Love family, and the Town of North Castle all came together to create this year’s Armonk Cider & Donut Festival, the BHPA Fall Carnival and the 2021 Run for LOVE.  “What makes the festival unique is the breadth of activities from the Run for Love road races, a kids’ carnival, and our distinctive donut making right in the Park. This year the Food trucks were a big hit. Save the date for next year: September 18th 2022!“  Neal Schwartz, Chamber President armonkchamberofcommerce.com

A happy participant at the Armonk Cider & Donut Festival.  Resident photo courtesy to the Inside Press
Byram preteens and teens–all contestants in the 2021 Run for Love   Resident photo courtesy to the Inside Press

 
AND MORE…

Batgirl at an all day family fun festival preceding the New Castle Halloween Ragamuffin Parade    Inside Press photo
A craft activity during the New Castle Historical Society’s 1860s themed Family Fun Day   Inside Press photo

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Armonk Cider and Donut Festival, Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, community day, Community Yard Sale, Feed Me Fresh, first congregational church, halloween, Halloween fun, Jacob Burns Film Center, Oktoberfest, ragamuffin parade, Rotary Cluy of Chappaqua, Table Tennis, Wheel of Fortune

Emotional and Heartfelt: An Interfaith Vigil in New Castle Advocates for Racial Equality

June 10, 2020 by Kiran Sheth

“I can’t breathe.” These words are currently part of a national chorus as on May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man died of a cardiac arrest when white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. His death sparked a wave of protests all across the country, with people coming together, either in person or on social media to advocate for racial equality. Demonstrations ensued in over 75 different U.S. cities surrounding the issues of police brutality and systemic racism. People are also coming together to remember the lives of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and many other people of color who have lost their lives to law enforcement.

In New Castle, as previously reported here,https://www.theinsidepress.com/racism-hits-home-as-a-school-district-self-examines-and-commits-to-change-and-growth troubling videos and images have emerged on social media depicting local kids using derogatory words targeting people of color. This comes on the heels of Floyd’s death and has set off a multitude of discussions surrounding how we deal with racism in our local community. In an attempt to address this too, The Chappaqua Interfaith Council and the Town of New Castle hosted an online vigil on Sunday, June 7th, in order to provide a chance for the community to come together during this tumultuous time as well as to offer a voice for many who have been silenced in the past.

The HGHS Black Student Union and E.N.O.U.G.H. club, as well as the Town of New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee, the New Castle Police Department, the Upper Westchester Muslim Society, Superintendent of the Chappaqua Central School District, Christine Ackerman and Town Supervisor Ivy Pool all came together to voice their support for a reform to a system that oppresses people of color.

The vigil began with strong words from Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe, co-chair of the Chappaqua Interfaith Council. “The inspiring images of our youth taking to the streets of our cities and even here this weekend in Chappaqua have made it all the more apparent that for we of the older generations, now is not the time to lecture, but rather to listen. Not to speak, but rather be educated. If anything, this moment calls for a deep sense of humility and the willingness to readily acknowledge that we do not know all that we should know and that voices once overlooked demand to be heard.” He continued stating that there is much more work that needs to be done and that “tonight is not the end, but rather the beginning of a broader discussion.” 

New Castle Town Supervisor Ivy Pool followed Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe’s remarks. She passionately explained how we, as a community must work together and be there for one another, especially in times like this. “We long to be together, to wrap our arms around each other, to hold and lift each other up. And we will. My promise to you is that tonight is just the beginning. We must grieve in order to heal. We must listen in order to act. Tonight is not a box we are checking – it’s a journey that we are on together. I invite all of you to join me in making this a personal and community priority.”

Town Supervisor Pool stated that she understands how hard it is to grieve as tragically her 11-year-old son Mattias died three months ago. However, she continued, resolutely stating that “I am here. I am with you and I am listening, and I am grateful for you.”

“May we open our hearts and minds to the racism that lives within most of us. May we open our hearts and minds and be really honest with ourselves about how we feel about people who are different from us. God help us to acknowledge the pain of those who have been targeted because of the color of their skin. Help us to acknowledge our own tacit approval of those who are targets,” Reverend Dr. Martha Jacobs continued in prayer.

Emily Nobel, a member of Greeley’s graduating class of 2020 then delivered a stirring and passionate speech detailing her experiences with discrimination and racism. “I feel like … I’m underwater, drowning in a pool of my own thoughts and I don’t know how else to explain except by telling you sometimes the only place I feel safe is in my own bedroom.” Nobel detailed how her struggle with racial bigotry is present in her own family and community. “I don’t want the only place I ever feel completely safe to be my own bedroom because I know the minute I step outside my room, the minute I step outside my door, my pigmentation will determine how I am treated and it’s overwhelming. I don’t always want to be reminded that my skin color, something I had no choice over, something that I was born into, could be the same reason that I am perceived as a threat, that I am the one who is dangerous when all I ever did was live. That’s all we want to do. We want to live.”

“Although we cannot change our inaction in the past, we cannot continue to silence the power of our voices because this conversation could be too uncomfortable or too unfamiliar. We need to address the discomfort and invite it in with the stories and realities of the lives of others. We must use our voices to support people or color and organizations that fight for racial equality and legal protection. We must speak up and take active steps to call out and combat racism in our own lives. We must demand change from our institutions while also looking inwards to see how we can improve on a personal level,” declared Greeley junior and member of Saint Mary Virgin Church, Alexandra Fitzgerald.

James Blasdell, a graduating senior from Pleasantville High School and member of the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua also joined in and spoke on behalf of the United Church of Christ Leadership and the staff of the Open and Affirming Coalition. “We have been saddened and angered, but unfortunately not shocked to witness, along with the rest of the country the deaths of Geroge Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, James Scurlock and David McAtee. They are the latest in a long long line of black folk, queer, straight and transgender, our parents, siblings, children, neighbors and friends, God’s children, murdered by the white supremacy that lies so close to the heart of our nation like a cancer.”

Lauren Clark, a Horace Greeley senior alumni, also expounded on what she believes to be the core foundations of the ensuing protests. “The death of George Floyd sparked reactions all over the world. Some may find this time frightening, but it gives me hope. Speaking out against white supremacy and race-based violence doesn’t make you anti-white, anti-police, right or left. It makes you pro-justice, pro-accountability, and pro-racial equality. Caring about the life of another person isn’t political – it’s human.”

Following Lauren Clark’s speech was Sam Rosenberg, a member of Greeley’s junior class and co-president of the E.N.O.U.G.H. club. He advocated for ways in which we can be a more inclusive and wholesome community. “We can start by not allowing police officers with 18 previous complaints to remain active on the force. We can work in our schools to educate our youth in a way that allows them to grow without learning the terrible stereotypes that my generation and all the ones before have been plagued with. We can teach them that words can be poisonous. But most of all, we must make sure that in one week, in 5 weeks and in a year, that the urgency of this issue does not die the same way George Floyd did.”

President of Greeley’s Black Student Union and graduating senior Gavrie Wayne added: “I have been angry for most of my time in CCSD. I was angry when Trayvon Martin was killed. I was angry when I walked into my 7th grade history class and saw a Confederate flag. But some of you are new to anger. You were angry when George Floyd was killed. That was when you woke up. When I was new to anger I didn’t know how to handle it well. I was just angry with no action. That is when I started the BSU. With the help of the current administration, the BSU was able to make significant changes, so I implore those new to anger, find your BSU and create the change you want to see.”

Dr. Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of the Chappaqua Central School District also made an appearance, addressing the racial inequities present in the school system. “As the superintendent, I want to begin by apologizing – not just for the video that is circulating on social media, but to every student who has felt marginalized and not accepted for who they are as a student and a member of our school community. I accept responsibility for this – I am the leader of this district. It is unacceptable, it is wrong and it cannot be allowed to continue. For my part as an educator, I see this as a systematic curricular issue which needs a holistic approach.”

James Carroll, New Castle Chief of Police, and Zabeen Mirza, Interfaith Council Ambassador at the Upper Westchester Muslim Society, New Castle resident and Chappaqua mom, along with Ali Rosenberg and Stacey Saiontz who co-chair the New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee, also delivered heartening messages aimed at spreading acceptance and inclusion within our society.

Reverend Canon Alan Dennis then delivered the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi in remembrance of all those who have died. Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe continued with a special version of Mourner’s Kaddish in which he included the names of those who have been the victims of racial injustice. Reverend Dr. Martha Jacobs delivered the closing prayer in which she advocated for unity and strength within the town of New Castle. The vigil concluded in song by Sophia and Michela Masotti as they sang Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me.”

Interfaith Vigil:

Filed Under: Stay Connected Tagged With: Chappaqua Central School District, E.N.O.U.G.H Club, first congregational church, HGHS Black Student Union, Interfaith Council, Interfaith Vigil, New Castle, New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee, New Castle Police Department, Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, town supervisor, Upper Westchester Muslim Society

Enjoying ‘India Day’ at Chappaqua’s First Congregational Church

October 24, 2018 by The Inside Press

PHOTOS BY GRACE BENNETT

The Indian community in Chappaqua came together in October at the First Congregational Church on Orchard Ridge Road to celebrate Diwali–the festival of lights.

One of the most popular festivals of India, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.” The attendees were welcomed by men, women and kids dressed in gorgeous traditional outfits.

Talented kids and adults came together for an hour long cultural event that showcased the diverse and colorful Indian culture followed by craft activities such as henna application and decorating traditional lamps. It was a lovely and lively event in which to celebrate diversity in Chappaqua! – Swati Bhargava

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Diwali, Festival of lights, first congregational church, Holiday, India, India Day, special event

Play Care Early Learning Center Aims to Ready Kids for Kindergarten and Beyond

August 25, 2017 by Justin Ellick

The Director of the Play Care Center, Xann Palmer
Ask any working parent with young children what their number one concern is and most will say finding quality childcare. As someone who attended a daycare center in Chapapaqua as a young child, I can attest how important it was for my parents to find a day care for me that allowed them both to relax on the job and not have to worry about my safety and wellbeing. They wanted to find a place that would also inspire a love of learning in my formative years. Luckily, there is a great option here in town for Chappaqua parents called the Play Care Early Learning Center.

Play Care on Orchard Ridge Road in Chappaqua was established in 1971 as a cooperative and a mission of the First Congregational Church, allowing mothers the opportunity to participate in various community events and activities. The Director of the Play Care Center, Xann Palmer, who’s had more than 20 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education, views this origin as a big reason why Play Care has evolved into what it is today.

“The church, in 1971, started a co-op here, church members helping each other, where the moms took on shifts, so to speak”, said Palmer. “One person maybe watched kids on Monday and Tuesday and the other person did Thursday, Friday, in that kind of capacity. And we’ve grown into a licensed program by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.”

Since that time, Play Care has developed into a fully-equipped day care facility and preschool with a large experienced staff of teachers, aides and of course the Director of Play Care, Xann Palmer. While the center isn’t affiliated with the church in any way, the center has maintained a close relationship with families by continuing the robust volunteering program that birthed the program in the first place.

“We’re not affiliated in any way with the church, there is no faith-based learning.

We serve everyone. We have all kinds of cultures and people from diverse backgrounds in our program and we honor them all. But, we have held on to where the parents play a part in the program in a volunteer component”, said Ms. Palmer. “We like having the parents present and a lot of them can be present in the morning and some can’t, so we find other ways for them to participate as well.”

The center has two levels of classroom spaces, both of which are above grade so the classrooms are actually filled with natural light. Over the past two years they have updated the spaces by putting in new tile flooring and renovating parts of the main level.

Additionally, Play Care provides a high level of security with a centrally wired alarm system and locked security doors at the program’s entrance. Only staff members and enrolled families are assigned access keys eliminating the entry of unauthorized visitors. The center also has a spacious and gated outdoor playground area that children use for outdoor activities and games.

The Play Care Early Learning Center’s goal is to be the program that families turn to in the Northern Westchester community to provide their children a quality early childhood experience. The employees recognize that these early learning years are crucial in laying the foundation for all future learning environments and they take pride in providing the resources to families in a nurturing and respectful manner, especially Director Xann Palmer.

“Our goals are just to help children have that first school experience be a positive one,” said Palmer. We want them to want to come to school. We want them to enjoy learning. And we want to offer them as many good experiences as they can while they’re with us,” she continued. “Most of all, we want to ensure that every child leaves the program ready for kindergarten and all other future endeavors.”

Filed Under: Lifestyles with our Sponsors Tagged With: After school, center, Chappaqua, first congregational church, Learning, Play Care, playcare, preschool

Volunteer Opportunities Galore Presented at Youth Fair

December 1, 2016 by The Inside Press

During the second annual New Castle Youth Volunteer Opportunities Fair inside Chappaqua’s First Congregational Church in October, area families enjoyed a buffet lunch and a chance to explore a great number of volunteer opportunities in and around town. According to Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobson, the word of mouth since last year’s event helped grow the number of organizations represented. And as noted by the Youth Fair Planning Committee, “One of our young members mentioned that he was surprised that helping others makes him feel good…What surprises many youth is realizing that you are never too young to make a difference.”

PHOTOS BY GRACE BENNETT

Chappaqua Garden Club
Chappaqua Garden Club
Ossining Children’s Center
Ossining Children’s Center
Millwood Fire Department
Millwood Fire Department
Rev. Martha Jacobson (right)
Rev. Martha Jacobson (right)
Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation of America
The Flood Sisters and The Flood Sisters Foundation

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Chappaqua Garden Club, first congregational church, Flood Sisters Foundation, Millwood Fire Department, New Castle Volunteer, Ossining Children's Center, volunteer, Voluteer Youth Fair

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