The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

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New Castle’s Memorial Day Parade, Then and Now: A Fond Remembrance and Reflection

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My family has been going to the Memorial Day parade before I could even pronounce the word Memorial or register that there even was a parade. I was three weeks old when our tradition began. After some growing up and a few trial and errors, we finally designated our spot at one of the many benches along the route, and soon our friends and family would too.

Alexis and Megan Klein before the parade in 2008.

This year instead of arriving early at the green bench to claim our spot for us and our friends, the four of us and our dog (it was her first time attending) gathered on our white couch in the basement to watch the Memorial Day Virtual Ceremony just minutes before it began. 

The 24-minute video began with Captain Peter Gaudet giving some thanks to those who put this together, those who have fought or currently fight for our country, as well as some reminders to hold on tight to your loved ones and that we as a nation are stronger than we think in relation to the current pandemic.

“We will survive. We will thrive. We are Americans. We are not American-nots.”

My family enjoyed that line. Very clever.

The usual happenings of the parade and ceremony occurred in this shortened video. The National Anthem was sung by Jordana Lichtenthal, the names of New Castle residents whose lives were lost throughout the wars and operations were read off and the story of a WWII veteran who can usually be seen waving and riding down South Greeley Avenue in an army vehicle was told.

Normally, our town “celebrities”, The Clintons, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mr. Lange (Yes. Mr. Lange is a celebrity in my book), can be seen walking in the parade, waving and smiling.

This year, the Clintons gave short messages. President Clinton started off the remarks while sporting an oh so patriotic navy blue sweater with an American flag in the middle. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wanted to reassure everyone that, despite the circumstances, they’re still here for us.

“And although we will miss marching with everyone to pay tribute to our veterans on Memorial Day, our hearts will be with all of you,” Hillary Clinton stated.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, State Senator Peter Harckham and New York State Assemblyman David Buchwald spoke, as well as prominent Chappaqua Central School District figures, including the President of the Board of Education Jane Shepardson, annd CCSD School Superintendent Christine Ackerman. The New Castle Police Department offered a few words too. Each of the members of the New Castle Town Board spoke, beginning with Town Supervisor Ivy Pool and followed by Deputy Supervisor Jeremy Saland, and Lisa Katz, Jason Lichtenthal and Laura Levin, and County Legislator Vedat Gashi.

What was my favorite cameo? The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts representatives. It immediately brought me back to my younger years when I was a part of the laying of the wreath ceremony before the parade started and when I was chosen, along with my sister, Alexis, to carry one of the flags (see above!). I also would like to give a shout out to my sister who I made carry the flag for the majority of the time despite her having to wear an Aircast for a fractured ankle. What a champ!

Now, even though I only did Girl Scouts for four or five years, I still appreciate everything that being part of a troop stands for. Was I in it for the cookies? Maybe. But did I learn a lot and make great memories that I still remember like it was yesterday? Yes. In fact, to this day, I can still recite the Honor Code.

Alexis and Megan Klein holding the flag together, despite Alexis having to wear an Aircast in 2006!

Being able to march through town, holding up your banner and having everyone wave and cheer for you was such a cool thing to experience as a young kid. That goes for those who march with their AYSO teams and other organizations as well. I think that is the one thing that is the biggest loss from not having the parade.

When I was 10, I was smart enough to realize that snacks would make the parade that much better. So, a system was made where I would go to Dunkin Donuts and get Coolattas and a friend would go to Rite Aid and get candy. Now that those two places are gone, I’ve been making it through the parade snackless–hard, I know. But I’m a grown up now and can do it.

As I got older, I started to recognize the same faces every year sitting in their lawn chairs in front of different stores. It was fun for me to also spot my friends who were marching with their instruments. It was like Where’s Waldo, only harder because they were walking.

Some of my friends from high school would go and maybe we would see them at one point, but to me this has always been a family thing. Rain or shine, we are there. Standing or sitting at our spot.

The parade after my freshman year of college was more meaningful because I was now seeing people that I hadn’t seen in a long time and after many changes throughout the year it was comforting to come back home and have something traditional and constant to look forward to going to. I felt safe to be back in my bubble.

Talk about a bubble–what could be more safe than your own home? Although it was an unorthodox way for us to spend the morning, there was something warm and comforting to be felt while listening to Taps being played in my basement surrounded by just my family.

Captain Gaudet had said, “With crisis always comes much confusion, but also in crisis, there are moments of great clarity…”

For me, the clarity in this situation is how lucky I am to have had something that has created so many memories over the years, and that although this year was like no other, it will just make the next parade that much more special.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Castle Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts Opportunities

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Photo by Hannah Rosenberg

With over 500 active Girl Scouts and adult leaders with troops at each of the six Chappaqua schools, Chappaqua’s Girl Scout troops are organized by grade level and school attended. Girls beginas Daisies in Kindergarten or in Grade 1, or later as Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors or Ambassadors. Annual events include the Campfire Sing, International “Thinking Day,” Father-Daughter Dance, Cookie Sales, Veterans Day Tribute, Thank a First Responder Day, and an Annual Camping Trip. Girl Scouting remains true to its mission: “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.” Girls enjoy local field trips, engage in meaningful service projects and develop leadership skills and social responsibilities as they advance. Visit chappaquagirlscouts.org or girlscoutshh.org.

Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts of America) in Chappaqua currently divides into three ‘Troops,’ from 6th through 12th grade led by parent Scoutmasters. Cub Scouts at Chappaqua elementary schools divide into ‘Packs’ up to fifth grade; today, girls are welcome to both the Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts programs. Scouts BSA offers a wonderful alternative or supplement to organized sports experiences for children and teens, building lifelong skills. Each Scout can participate to the degree he or she wishes. Your child can also join any time–and will always be welcome. There is always room for more Scouts! Each Troop ‘wins’ by developing leadership, teaching respect for others and nature, providing service to the community–and going on awesome trips! For more information or to join, please visit scouting.org

Courtesy of the Chappaqua Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts of America)

More Than A Parade

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By Sabra Staudenmaier

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Pools are open, playgrounds are busy with active children and sports tournaments are in full swing at town fields. On Memorial Day, Chappaqua residents break from their recreational activities to take part in or observe the highlight of the weekend: the annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade is important to the community, as it is an opportunity to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the Country’s freedom.

The parade begins at the top of King St. and continues down the hill to Greeley Avenue and through town to the Chappaqua train station. An array of marchers partakes in the procession; including Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Brownies and Daisy Troops. The School District’s band students perform patriotic musical pieces like “Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”

Local sports organizations march while proudly displaying their team flags. Town association representatives, including the Chappaqua School Board, The Chappaqua Library and the Town of New Castle Senior Citizens walk alongside military vehicles and first responders. Town government representatives are often joined by other members of government such as Governor Cuomo and Bill and Hillary Clinton. The Clintons have marched in the parade for almost two decades.

The echo of drums and bagpipes can be heard alongside the exuberant cheers of residents lining the streets. Patriotism is exhibited through colors in the crowd; mostly everyone is dressed in red, white and blue and patterns of stars and stripes. Small handheld flags are waved by many of the patrons. Whether you are Democrat or Republican or Independent, young or old, the day is enjoyable for everyone.

The Memorial Day Parade concludes at the Chappaqua train station where the community gathers together to remember those who died bravely fighting for our country. Onlookers watch as officials and veterans speak during the Memorial Plaza Ceremony. Biographies of New Castle veterans are shared and dignitaries and veterans who are present are recognized.

The parade is a reminder that Memorial Day weekend is more than just a time to barbecue and relax with family and friends; it is an opportunity to pay tribute to those who died while fighting for the freedoms that are alive and well in our town today.

Photo by Hannah Rosenberg

PHOTO BY CHAD KRAUS

“The Macy” Briarcliff’s Hidden Gem

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While Savannah, Georgia might be where the Girl Scouts were founded by Juliette Gordon Low, the Edith Macy Conference Center in Briarcliff is considered by many to be the organization’s secondary birthplace. “The Macy,” owned by Girl Scouts of the USA, is a facility filled with a rich past that has evolved into a sought-after conference center attended by people from all over the world.

“You’re moved by the history” walking the 400 acre campus, according to Dorothy Forcina, Chief Marketing and Communication Officer of Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson.  Yet few even know it exists.

University in the Woods

The Macy is named for Edith Carpenter Macy, chair of the Girl Scout National Board of Directors from 1919 to 1925.  Her husband, V. Everit Macy, purchased and donated land adjacent to an existing Girl Scout camp to build a training headquarters in her memory, said Briarcliff Manor-Scarborough Historical Society President Karen Smith. Since that time, the property known early on as the “university in the woods” was expanded in 1962 with construction of Camp Edith Macy featuring the Great Hall, and in 1982 a modern building of wood, stone and glass officially opened as the Conference Center. Four years later, the Creedon Education Center, containing meeting spaces and a living area, was added to the complex, which now houses more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space and 52 guest rooms.

“[Edith Macy] was very active in the Girl Scouts movement,” Smith said, “and the international aspect of Girl Scouting.  The Great Hall looks like the United Nations inside, with different flags.”  Indeed, in 1926, the site hosted the Fourth International Conference on Scouting, the first international Girl Scouting event held on American soil, attended by 56 delegates from 31 countries, according to Girl Scouts USA officials.

There haven’t been many changes to the campus since, but it has remained a consistent draw to corporations and organizations – not just Girl Scouts – for meetings, retreats and events, according to Sherri Hoy, Director of Sales and Conference Planning. The appeal – and credibility – of the Macy is that it is an International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) certified conference center in a retreat setting, she added, awarded the IACC Gold Level of Sustainability in 2009 per its website.

“To have IACC certification on 400 acres of wooded property is a huge draw to Girl Scout training and retreats,” Hoy said, adding that it is an invaluable resource for Scouts locally and around the country. Hudson Valley Girl Scouts are fortunate to have the Macy so close, Forcina added, noting the hundreds of girls who visit each year. Girl Scouts and organization leaders gain invaluable experience, bird watching, letterboxing, geocaching, and exploring the ponds, getting in touch with nature.

Harnessing the Past, Embracing the Future

The welcoming center fulfills Edith Macy’s dream of an instructional facility staffed and equipped to offer high quality training and guidance for Girl Scout leaders, according to Bernice Johnson, Vice President of Procurement, Vendor Management and Properties at Girl Scouts USA.

“Being in the space, surrounded by history yet poised to impact the future, I thought to myself Girl Scouts really do ‘make the world a better place,’” Johnson added, quoting a basic tenet of the organization.

The Macy campus is run by Benchmark Resorts and Hotels, a hospitality management company based in Texas. Several longtime employees have been critical to the center’s operations; Peter Stafford has been the Director of Operations since it opened in 1982, and Hoy has been with the center for 21 years.

“I love what I do, love the property, the people that I work with, my customers,” Hoy said. “I think the longevity of the employees says a lot for the property itself. They put their heart into the work that they do and they deliver the customer service that shows how much they care about the property and our guests,” she added.

Yet still many local residents remain unaware of the gem in their backyards.  Briarcliff resident and Chamber of Commerce President Mike Milano called the Macy a “hidden secret,” only learning of it when picking up a friend after he had lived in Briarcliff for several years.

“I had no idea it even existed,” Milano said. “When you think of conference centers in this area, they’re upright buildings, not tucked away in the woods. It’s obviously unique in that fashion. It’s got more character.”

Similarly, Briarcliff Village Manager Philip Zegarelli likened the Macy to a cabin in the mountains. He’s attended the conference center several times and always looks forward to it. “It’s just one of those little gems that takes you back to a different era,” he said.

Girl Scout Effort Thanks the First Responder Heroes Among Us

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Emma Terjesen tries on the fire dept gear.

They are the volunteers who respond in the dead of the night when a fire breaks out. Or a senior takes a fall. Or a car plunges into a ditch. They give up their sleep, their weekends and their comfort to keep the rest of us safe.

Most people don’t give the town’s volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members a second thought until they need to dial 911. But a group of Girl Scouts from Chappaqua Troop 1029 is trying to change all that. In 2014, the troop created an annual event to honor the town’s volunteer first responders with baked goods, banners, drawings and expressions of gratitude.

Now in its sixth year, the event, called, “Thank a Volunteer First Responder Day,” is held every year on the day after Memorial Day. This year, that date falls on Tuesday, May 28th. That evening, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., the Chappaqua Fire Department, the Millwood Fire Department and the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps will open their doors to the community.

“It’s a great event,” says Greg Santone, Chiefs’ Aid of the Millwood Fire Department. “Our members look forward to it every year. It’s especially gratifying to see all the little kids bringing their drawings and climbing all over the rigs. And we love giving families a better idea of what we do.”

The idea for this annual event started in 2014 when Troop 1029’s members were in fifth grade and looking for a project they could do to earn their Bronze Award—the third-highest community service award in Girl Scouting. “Our troop is always looking for ways to give back to the town,” notes Elizabeth Kasulka, parent co-leader of the troop. “Chappaqua Girl Scouts already deliver cookies to every veteran in New Castle on Veteran’s Day. We thought it might be nice to extend the same appreciation to our town’s volunteer first responders.”

That first year, the members of Troop 1029 pasted flyers in all the shop windows announcing the event. They set up a booth at the Chappaqua School Foundation’s annual Harlem Wizard’s basketball game and had community members sign posters of appreciation. They made banners and collected drawings from younger troops. More than a dozen scout troops showed up at that first event, as well as many other families from the community. “The troops brought all these delicious baked goods,” says Kate Clough, lieutenant of the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps. “We have a high school volunteer unit and the snacks really went over well with the teenagers.”

Photos courtesy of Liz Kasulka

Thanks to the success of the first “Thank a Volunteer First Responder Day,” the troop petitioned the New Castle town board to make the day an annual event. Town Supervisor, Robert Greenstein, designed a banner that is displayed every May at the triangle coming into Chappaqua. “It’s nice that the event is right after Memorial Day,” says Greenstein. “It’s a reminder that our volunteers are much more than people who march in a parade. They’re there when you really need them.”

Every year, the event has grown in size–just as the girls have grown. The current troop members–Erica Dunne, Charlotte Harrison, Stephanie Kasulka, Lauren Schmutz, Emma Terjesen and Eileen Trotta–are now in tenth grade and hope to pass on the tradition to a younger Chappaqua Girl Scout troop in two years when they graduate high school.

“It’s refreshing to be recognized by younger people in the community,” says Russell Maitland, First Assistant Chief of the Chappaqua Fire Department. “Their understanding of the services we provide is the first step for them to become our future first responders.”

Community members are invited to join Chappaqua Girl Scout troop 1029 on Tuesday evening, May 28th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Chappaqua Fire Department, the Millwood Fire Department or the Chappaqua Ambulance Corps to show their appreciation for the volunteers.