The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

New Castle

October 5th Open House for the Chappaqua Fire Department

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Photo Credit: David Rolle
Photo Credit: David Rolle Photo Credit: David Rolle

On October 5th, the Chappaqua Fire Department will be holding their annual Fire Prevention Education open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chappaqua firehouse at the intersection of Routes 117 and 120 in Chappaqua.

According to Chief Russell Maitland, “We take our responsibility to educate the public in fire safety very seriously as fire prevention activities and education save lives. We look forward to everyone coming to the firehouse for demonstrations, education and refreshments.”

The Open House includes the following activities:

  • Smoke House so children can practice emergency evacuation
  • Fire extinguisher demonstrations
  • Car extrication demonstrations
  • Fire Prevention videos will be shown and materials handed out
  • New Castle Police will be checking infant car seats for proper installation
  • Refreshments will be served

For more information, including information on becoming a volunteer firefighter, visit the FD website or call Chief Maitland at 914-238-0819.

Impromptu Sidewalk Sale Encouraged on 9/27

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sidewalk-sale_2014-09-600

It will be a busy day in Chappaqua on Saturday, September 27, 2014!

The 2nd Annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival will take place from 10am-4pm at the Robert E. Bell Middle School. The 5th Annual Great Chappaqua Bake Sale will also take place during that time. The book festival and bake sales are expecting 5,000 guests.

In order to showcase some of the many independently owned shops, salons and food service establishments in downtown Chappaqua, New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein has declared an impromptu sidewalk sale. Supervisor Greenstein stated, “we wanted our merchants to be able to take advantage of the incredible foot traffic generated by the book festival. It will be a great day in Chappaqua!”

This town wide event will have many participating with store-wide specials and fabulous finds! Sale hours are 10am-5pm.

Additionally the Chappaqua Farmer’s Market will be open at the Chappaqua train station from 8:30am-1pm.

A New View of New Castle

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Ian-best2By Ian Karr

When you live in a town as long as I’ve lived in Chappaqua (17 years), you tend to take certain things for granted. It’s the natural progression of life that one day blends into the next and the things that once seemed special don’t elicit the same reaction anymore. If that sounds familiar to you, I have one suggestion…edit an issue of Inside Chappaqua magazine.

When Grace Bennett first approached me about helming the June issue, I was flattered, excited and a bit daunted. While writing is a big part of my job as a Director at IKA Collective, I hadn’t tackled anything with a table of contents since college. Grace has covered hundreds of topics over the years and I wondered how I could come up with something fresh. Especially after growing somewhat jaded about our town.

Like most things that take you out of your comfort zone, I found the process of editing this issue incredibly eye-opening and rewarding.

I thought of my friends in different ways…as potential authors. Who had an interesting voice? Who could actually write? Who would be able to meet a deadline? They say a good friend will help you move, but a best friend will help you move a body. I can now add that a great friend will allow you to edit their work.

I thought of all the English teachers I had spirited disagreements with, and realized that I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. It’s amazing that, after all these years, I still remember some of what they pounded into me about telling a story in 700 words or less. You’re entitled to think otherwise.

But mostly, I thought of our town in ways I haven’t since I moved here. Joe Giannettino’s piece reminded me that we are practically walking distance from some of New York’s most beautiful and enjoyable outdoor activities. Eric Kratz’s article on coaching reminded me how dedicated we are, as a town, to instilling in our kids a passion for sports, fitness and teamwork. Mark Bomback’s essay on moving here from Hollywood and Stephen Barron’s tips on how to cook the perfect rack of Texas-style ribs reminded me that Chappaqua attracts transplants from all over the country…and that we have incredible talent here. And Dan Levitz’s interesting take on his enviable commute reminded me that a lot can happen in a short trip through our quaint little town.

I also had fun asking my radio partner, Jackie Martling, to offer up tips on joke telling. It really is an art, and he’s the best in the world. In the nearly eight years we’ve been doing Jackie’s Joke Hunt, we’ve told or heard over 10,000 jokes. I remember exactly six.

In the end, I came through the experience with a rejuvenated love for New Castle. Our community spirit may not always be on display, but it’s definitely there, making this one of the best places to raise a family, build great friendships…and edit a local magazine.

Our Intrepid All Dads TeamPhotos by Todd Shapera
Our Intrepid All Dads Team
Photos by Todd Shapera

New Castle… Yours, Mine, and Ours

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nc-meetingby Eileen Gallagher

THE place to be on Wednesday evening was Bell, as a large crowd of residents came together with at least one thing in common: their love of New Castle.  Likened to a traditional “town hall” gathering by one of the attendees, this public outreach event had both new and seasoned community members coming together with a united goal– to make New Castle the best town it can be.

“Why Do You Love New Castle,” set on a colorful display in the middle school’s auditorium, invited residents to brag about their town via “Post-it” note comments. “Great schools,” “small town feeling,” “friendly community,” and “involved citizenry” were among several observations conveying the pride and affection felt by many.

This first of four sessions officially kicked off the master plan undertaking, an 18-24 month process, and appeared well received by the 75 or so participants. As both new and seasoned residents checked in (no pre-registration required), they were given an agenda with one of five random group assignments.

Tiffany Zezula of the Pace Land Use Law Center opened the evening with a brief orientation, setting out the “ground rules” of group discussion. In order to accurately record everyone’s responses which will be compiled by Pace and submitted as a report to the town, Zezula encouraged creativity, courtesy, patience, and open mindedness. The groups gladly complied.

nc-meeting2Zezula, John Nolon, and three other Pace staff members each filled several easel pages with the attributes, negatives, and suggestions for improvement regarding the environment, housing, infrastructure, public service, and commercial development of New Castle. Residents across the board had both praise and criticism, and, as observed in one group, benefited a great deal from the experience of those living in town as long as 60 years. Sabrina Charney Hull, the town planner, and board members Adam Brodsky, Jason Chapin, Lisa Katz, and  Supervisor Rob Greenstein individually observed a sampling of each room’s discussions.

As the evening wound down, Maud Bailey of the steering committee remarked, “Tonight was about visions, not necessarily where the barriers are — it’s all about the big picture.”  Pleased with the success of the event, Greenstein observed the “incredible display of community engagement.” Praising the experience of Pace, he concluded, “they lived up to their reputation.”

The Town of New Castle wants your input!

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my-new-castlePress Release from New Castle Town Hall

 

“We want to know your vision for the community to help us design a plan for a better tomorrow.”

In the next few months, the Town is updating its Master Plan, which describes the community’s current conditions and provides a blueprint for future growth and preservation.

This is a great way to voice your opinion regarding the things you care about. We need to know the priority issues, assets and challenges facing the Town in relation to its land use pattern.

COME OUT TO VOICE YOUR OPINION AND THOUGHTS REGARDING:
• Trails, Fields, Parks and Open Space
• Parking and Transportation
• Community Amenities & Services
• Commercial Areas
• Housing Needs
• Economic Development

Wed, May 7th, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Bell Middle School, 50 Senter St
Sat, May 10th, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Horace Greeley High School, 70 Roaring Brook Rd
Thurs, May 15th, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Westorchard Elementary School, 25 Granite Rd
Wed, May 21st, 7 p.m.-10 p.m, Seven Bridges Middle School, 222 Seven Bridges Rd

All addresses above are in Chappaqua.

Visit www.mynewcastle.org for more information!