The Inside Press

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New Castle

#CommunityStrong Inspirations

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From embracing a social justice movement to volunteerism and businesses adapting in a pandemic, the many ways New Castle stayed strong!

At a rally in downtown Chappaqua in August. Photo by Grace Bennett/Inside Press

In June, New York protestors told NBC News that they were fighting two pandemics: the coronavirus and racism. During these difficult times, New Castle residents have banded together to stay #CommunityStrong.

At the foot of the Quaker Road Bridge, there have been local peaceful protests and “parades” in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. On June 13, over 100 people committed to sparking change in New Castle attended “A Rally for Change-Stand Up Against Racial Injustice,” an event held by New Castle Against Racism, a group of Horace Greeley students and alumni.

Members of the community created several Facebook pages to combat racism. One, for example, Chappaqua Anti-Racism Dialogue Group: Reconciling Privilege, provides a space for people to educate themselves, their friends and their families, according to the group’s page description.

Additionally, on Monday, August 3, dozens of community members congregated downtown for a peaceful Black Lives Matter march. People marched with such signs as “SAY THEIR NAMES,” “BLACK LIVES MATTER,” and “YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE BLACK TO BE OUTRAGED.”

Also looking to ignite change in New Castle are sisters and former Horace Greeley High School students, Bhavya and Divya Gopinath They collected video accounts from current students and alumni who shared stories about racism they faced within the school district.

They edited the stories into a compilation and sent the video to the Board of Education and Chappaqua Central School District administrators. Said the Gopinath sisters: “It’s easy to turn a blind eye to this and say that racism doesn’t exist in this privileged community, so we made this video, so the stories don’t go unnoticed.”

These efforts to combat racism in New Castle will continue to strengthen this community.

Chappaqua Central School District Superintendent Christine Ackerman sent an email to all members of the district that said, “The events described by our former students are appalling and illustrate why we must continue to take meaningful and deliberate action to effectuate change to address racism in our society. We understand there is a gap between our espoused values and current reality. We are committed to change.”

Bhavya and Divya Gopinath also received an email from Board of Education President Victoria Tipp on behalf of the Board of Education. The Board authorized the formation of a Community Advisory Committee on Anti-Racism, Equity and Social Justice to enact change in the district.

“We believe that these steps will make a significant and positive difference, and we are committed to seeing these actions through as we keep social justice at the center of our work moving forward,” said Ackerman.

Simultaneously, Chappaqua residents have been coping with the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges that the virus presents. However, throughout it, small businesses, families and individuals have found ways to stay strong.

Telehealth Sessions

“In over 13 years of business, we have never faced a more challenging and uncertain time as this past March. What kept us strong was the commitment and passion of our team and the loyalty of our patients. In a matter of days, we were able to pivot the practice to Telehealth,” said Matt Marucci of New Castle Physical Therapy & Personal Training. “This took persistence and ingenuity on the part of therapists and patients alike. We are up and running now with stringent COVID-19 precautions, but we continue to offer the Telehealth sessions we developed back in March. We are deeply grateful for all of the community support we have received during this challenging time.”

Safety First

Another local business trying to provide access to physical activity while also staying safe is Armonk Tennis Club/Armonk Indoor. They modified their protocols with the safety of their clients as their top priority.

“We at Armonk Tennis Club and Armonk Indoor Sports Center realized soon into the quarantine how important sports are to our physical and mental well-being. As summer approached, we knew that people would want to get active again but in a safe manner. The rules and guidelines we implemented showed our tennis players and campers that their safety is our top priority, and the result has been a great summer. We understand that procedures must be modified in the fall as people come indoors, but we’re still excited about providing a safe environment for the community to learn, play, and compete in,” said Armonk Indoor representative Beau Shea.

Ultimately staying safe is a priority for many businesses. Bill Flooks from Beecher Funeral Home said that despite all the special challenges, “We have managed to get this far with Covid-19.”  On behalf of the Flooks Family, he stated: “Keep up the good work, be smart, be prudent, be safe.”

Several area photographers including Donna Mueller, Carolyn Simpson and Randi Childs are still bringing smiles to families’ faces through the acclaimed #TheFrontPorchProject.

Local chambers throughout the area have been sharing news from the county regarding federal and regional grant and loan options, about available personal protective equipment (‘PPE’) and producing e-newsletters to the community in which businesses post their services. The Chappaqua Millwood Chamber most recently launched ‘New Castle Restart’ to fundraise for grants to small businesses impacted.

Reaching Out

Additionally, during the spike in the number of coronavirus cases in Westchester County, community members banded together and rose to the occasion. Individuals and groups made masks for essential workers, those on the frontlines and the immunocompromised. A series of articles for theinsidepress.com spotlighted these extraordinary efforts.

There was also never a shortage of pizza and other welcome meals distributed to front line health care workers at local hospitals and to first responders thanks to an extraordinary response to a Chappaqua Moms fundraiser.

The Food Pantry at the Community Center of Northern Westchester donated over 7,400 pounds of food and necessities to those in need since late March according to Reverend Martha Jacobs, Senior Minister at the First Congregational Church in Chappaqua.

To stay community strong during the thick of the coronavirus pandemic, people searched for ways to help.

“I am deeply grateful to serve such a caring and engaged community as ours.  While we clergy are used to checking in on our congregants, I have been humbled by the number of congregants who have turned the tables and reached out to inquire how we staff members are holding up,” said Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester Jonathan Jaffe. “Similarly, we were overwhelmed with offers by individuals seeking to volunteer and help in any way possible.  Such moments underscore the sense of covenantal relationship within our community.”

Smart, Agile Community

New Castle Town Supervisor Ivy Pool is impressed by the leadership she has seen both at town hall and among the residents.

“New Castle is a smart, agile community that has time and again demonstrated our leadership in a range of areas. The coronavirus cluster that occurred at the HGHS graduation and related events was a wakeup call for all of us. To defeat the outbreak, we needed to come together as a community and double-down on our social distancing efforts and enforcement,” said Pool. “The outbreak didn’t happen just anywhere–it happened in New Castle, a community of leaders and achievers who were determined to do something.”

Determined to stop the spread, Pool and the rest of the town board passed the first local legislation in the state that required people to wear face masks whenever social distancing is not possible.

“With this new law in place, our police officers have a tool to enforce social distancing, and our community has responded beautifully to our calls to “mask up!” said Pool. “Coming together in the face of adversity is who we are; leading by example is what we do. We are #CommunityStrong.”

Excitement Building for the Chappaqua Summer Sidewalk Sale, July 22-25

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‘Shop Local Shop Safe’ Campaign Theme Launching too in Time for the Chappaqua Summer Sidewalk Sale

For me, the song “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” is synonymous to the holidays and Ellen’s 12 Days of Giveaways. Well, it’s not December, it’s July and we’re not on the Ellen Show, we’re in Chappaqua. But, it’s still the most wonderful time of the year because the annual Chappaqua Summer Sidewalk Sale is back and better than ever! 

After four months of quarantining and social distancing, many people have yet to enter back into the retail therapy aspect of their lives due to the discomfort that comes with entering stores. Well, no need to fear. From Wednesday July 22nd through Saturday July 25th, townies and shoppers from afar can come and browse from over 25 Chappaqua merchants with discounts up to 75%.  Masks will be required, hand sanitizer stations will be available widely and Greeley Avenue will have additional pedestrian walkway with police delineators bordering the parking spots. The New Castle Police Department will be present to enforce all of the above; in short, everyone has been working together to ensure the safety and health of all. 

Many of the stores have implemented a virtual shopping experience by participating in Zoom Around Town or creating text and Facetime services. But more than anything, our merchants are truly eager to see some familiar faces, get that customer interaction that they’ve been missing out on and clear out their spring and summer inventory that hasn’t moved due to the pandemic. 

Tara Mikolay, owner of Desires by Mikolay said, “The sad reality is that this pandemic is going to force approximately 40% of small businesses to eventually close because of it…”

“The world might be feeling heavy right now,” Mikolay added, “but I think the shop local movement and shop small business movement is huge and people especially in this community really, really care about it. It’s a great time to come out, even to shop for Christmas gifts, because you’ll really be helping out small businesses who need that turnover.” 

While thinking about Christmas is a fast-forward, distracting but fun thought, one of Town Councilwoman Lauren Levin’s favorite things about the sale is the season it’s in. 

“What’s great about the timing of the sale is that summer is still not over, and in fact a lot of the products that they sell can easily go through the end of September (pool floats, beach boards, etc.) I just really enjoy that aspect of it because that’s what’s so fun. That’s the ultimate goal, to bring more fun back into the community after months of devastating news and challenging events.” 

The other part of the ultimate goal? To make our town safe enough so that people will want to come shop. The campaign Shop Local Shop Safe is being kicked off with the sale, focusing on getting people to come to our town to shop and support our merchants while doing so in a way that follows health and safety guidelines. Another main aspect that wants to be implemented is simply being social. 

“The challenge with this pandemic is we are not connecting as human beings and I think humans are just naturally social people and it’s really unfortunate that we haven’t been able to do that. With this, I get to see people and get an item like a really cute handbag that is 70% off!” Levin said. 

As a 20 year-old college student who has been at home since March, I have definitely been missing out on that social aspect that comes hand in hand with going to school. I can only imagine that parents, like Levin, are itching to get out and see some lovely new faces – besides their children, of course. 

And, guilty as charged, I have never actually been to the sidewalk sale. I am sure that there are many who join me in the guilty party, and Levin even touched upon the fact there are people who live in this town who had never “stepped foot” in some of our stores prior to Zoom Around Town. So, this sidewalk sale is the perfect opportunity for all of us to get out there, shop and support our local businesses.

Be on the lookout for signs advertising the sale in the coming weeks, as well as maps in town signaling where to park during the sale. You can also get regular town information by signing up for the town e-newsletter! 

Like Mikolay said, “…it’s a great time to maybe treat yourself to a little retail therapy!”

Anti-Racist Action Emphasized at New Castle Rally for Change and for Standing Up Against Racial Injustice

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Member of New Castle Against Racism, Urka Swinney

Chappaqua, NY— Over 100 people attended “A Rally for Change-Stand Up Against Racial Injustice” on June 13 to demonstrate their commitment to making a change going forward. Horace Greeley High School alumni and members of the New Castle Against Racism group, Urka Swinney and Lara Fuhrer, organized the event working with other groups to make the rally possible.

“New Castle Against Racism is a group of Greeley students and alumni that just wanted to come together and make a change. So, we paired with Up2Us and some other small Facebook groups to put on this rally for change so we could make progress in the community,” said Swinney.

In addition to Up2Us, the group worked with the New Castle town board and with the Town of New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee.

As of Friday morning, the day before the rally, the group had two speakers confirmed but dedicated energy and resources to securing others to ensure the rally would be a success. By Friday evening, the group had 15 speakers* lined up.  (See the full list of speakers at the end of this article.)

“I am proud to have been one of many involved in organizing A Rally For Change. The entire process was inspiring and encouraging to see how many individuals were dedicated to making this happen,” said Fuhrer.

Co-administer of Chappaqua Anti-Racism Dialogue Group: Reconciling Privilege, Juliette Harrison

Another Facebook group New Castle Against Racism paired up with is one that is co-administered by Horace Greeley High School alumna, Juliette Harrison.

“I think people in town need to start focusing on practicing anti-racist action which is one of the reasons I created the Facebook group the dialogue for anti racism where hopefully we can have zoom conversations to get that face to face interaction where the conversation is humanized a bit,” said Harrison.

Community members eager to both learn and to support black voices filled the rally.

New Castle Town Councilman Jason Lichtenthal said he attended the rally to continue to learn and to translate that education into action.

New Castle Town Councilman Jason Lichtenthal

“It’s important for me to be an ally for those who struggle to have a voice and to make sure that as a white cisgender heterosexual male that it is my job to listen and then go and act. I find that incredibly important,” said Lichtenthal.

Greeley senior Jacob Miller also attended the rally to continue to learning how to become a stronger ally.

Horace Greeley High School senior Jacob Miller

“I really wanted to come today because I think Chappaqua, along with the rest of the country, still has a long way to go in terms of overcoming its racist tendencies and I think just by uniting and listening to people in the community and hearing their stories, I will be better able to understand what I can do to be a better and more supportive ally,” said Miller.

Fuhrer also understands the importance of listening to become a stronger ally.

“It is important for our BIPOC community members to see and hear that they are not alone, anymore at least, and that we want to amplify their voices and for our White community members, like myself, to hear their stories and learn to become better allies. This is a movement that our community is dedicated to for the long haul,” said Fuhrer.

After the space began to fill with people wearing masks, holding signs and socially distancing, Swinney gave an introductory speech emphasizing the importance of committing to making changes going forward.

Then, a list of names was read. These names belong to black people who lost their lives to racial violence such as Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and D.J. Henry.

Henry was a college student at Pace University when he was shot by police in Thornwood, New York in October of 2010. His name was on posters at the rally on Saturday and shouted when the timing was appropriate as his death took place nearby.

After the reading, the crowd observed a moment of silence before the speakers addressed them.

People from different backgrounds ranging from current students in the Chappaqua Central School District to local clergy and to the current New York State attorney general shared their insights and encouraged the crowd to continue to take action and make a difference. The sole person of color on the Chappaqua School Board, Victoria Tipp, gave an impassioned account of her own background, and stated powerfully at the outset: “We know systemic racism is a death sentence for black people and people of color. We are here to reject the myth of ‘the other’, to affirm our common humanity, and demand bold changes in our institutions.”

Victoria Tipp, CCSD board member and president of the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association

New York Attorney General Tish James summoned loud applause from the community members in attendance when she used part of her time to discuss how to learn, how to grow and how to make change come from this experience.

New York State Attorney General Tish James

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I see this really as a teaching moment that we need to be reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King-that power is the strength required to bring about political, social and economic change,” said James. “And that power at its best is love, implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is love correcting everything and everybody who stands in our way for a more perfect union.”

Emily Nobel, HGHS Class of 2020

The momentum continued to build as Emily Nobel, a Horace Greeley senior, shared a statement she read at the interfaith vigil held on June 7.

“I don’t want the only place I ever feel completely safe to be my own bedroom, the minute I step outside my door, my pigmentation will determine how I am treated and it’s overwhelming,” said Nobel. “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.”

Nobel expressed that she was nervous to speak among the voices of impactful leaders as a high school graduate but is learning what it means to be powerful.

“I’m a small part of a movement that’s been going on before I was born. It’s almost comforting to know I’m only a very small part of this movement, because that means that there’s many people working to make this movement provide long lasting change. I feel that the only thing I really know is how I feel. Trying to describe how I feel to people, so they can understand just a glimpse of what it’s like to be me, has been most effective in making my own impact,” said Nobel.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins spoke about the 1999 Bruce Springsteen song, “American Skin (41 Shots)” written about the police shooting death of Amadou Diallo, a black man killed in the vestibule of his apartment in the Bronx by four New York City police officers. The officers fired a total of 41 shots hence the name of the Springsteen song.

“Bruce’s haunting refrain was ‘it ain’t no secret, no secret my friend, you can get killed just for living in your American skin.’ That was in 1999 and I for that brief moment thought that there were people other than people of color who understood what was happening to communities of color, I thought surely the working class hero that people admire and love would be able to break through that barrier but it didn’t happen,” said Stewart-Cousins.

Fuhrer received notes after the rally about how appreciated and inspiring the event was. One note in particular stood out to her.

“One of the Town Board members shared that her 11-year-old son told her after that he “felt a new understanding after hearing the speeches” and this deeper understanding is exactly why a rally like yesterday’s is important. It forces us to acknowledge our bubble of Chappaqua and challenges us to begin deconstructing our privilege and become accomplices in the movement,” said Fuhrer.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins
16th District Legislator Christopher Johnson

 

 

New Castle Town Supervisor Ivy Pool quoted Senator Kamala Harris stating, “This is not a moment. This is a movement.” With Deputy Supervisor Jeremy Saland (left) and Town Council member Jason Lichtenthal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*SPEAKERS

Alyssa Ashley, recorded statement – Horace Greeley High School class of 2014

Eric Berkeley– Horace Greeley High School class of 2014

Adam Cisse, recorded statement – Horace Greeley High School class of 2017

Monique Dorsey – Community business owner: Double Dees Catering and Wrappers Delight located in Mt. Kisco

Vedat Gashi– County Legislator and Muslim immigrant, statement read by Rrita Osmani– a Chappaqua resident, recent Cornell graduate and former campaign staffer. 

Teddy Graves, recorded statement – Horace Greeley High School class of 2013 

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe – Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, Chappaqua, New York

Tish James – Attorney General of New York

Ken Jenkins – Westchester Deputy County Executive

Christopher Johnson -Westchester County Legislator of the 16th district, Yonkers

Ivy Pool and Jeremy Saland– New Castle Town Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor Pool is starting a Council on Race and Equity to create an action plan for our community.

Zabeen Mirza – Interfaith Council & Community Outreach Ambassador, Upper Westchester Muslim Society, New Castle Resident, Chappaqua Mom

Emily Nobel – Horace Greeley High School class of 2020

Andrea Stewart-Cousins – New York State Senate Majority Leader

Urka Swinney – Horace Greeley High School class of 2015

Rene Syler, recorded statement – Community member and American broadcast television journalist 

Victoria Tipp– Member of the Chappaqua Central School District Board of Education, president of the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association representing 54 school boards in the two counties, on the steering committee of the Lower Hudson Education Coalition advocating for the 77 school districts in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess Counties.

Photo Credits: Photos of Urka Swinney, Juliette Harrison, Jacob Miller and Jason Lichtenthal by Lauren Rosh. Additional Photos by Grace Bennett

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

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“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:

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.