The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

North Castle

Exploring Wampus Pond: A Bucolic Beauty

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One sunny spring day last month, my family and I packed a light lunch and set out to explore the bucolic beauty of Wampus Pond in Armonk. The expansive pond is certainly the focal point of the park and the first thing you see as you enter. It’s amazing to think that right off one of the busiest roads in the area, such a peaceful enclave of nature exists. Wampus Pond is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems that you don’t want to miss. If you’ve never been, may I suggest a visit in the near future–you won’t be disappointed.

Located right on Route 128 in the Town of New Castle and the Town of North Castle, Wampus Pond is a breathtaking jewel of a park. The park offers an array of activities for all–whether you want a bit of an adventure or you just want to sit peacefully with a good book while enjoying nature.

Wampus Pond was named after the Indian from whom the land was originally bought in 1696. The name Wampus means “opossum” and the natural pond was formerly known as Wampus Lake Reservoir. Wampus Pond was once part of the New York City water supply and in 1963, Westchester County bought Wampus Pond and 93 acres from the City of New York.

Recently, a cultural resources inventory was performed which unearthed several Native American artifacts as well as remnants of historically significant residential developments in or near the park. The rich history of the land makes for a truly thought-provoking visit through Wampus Pond. You never know what you may come across or who may have walked the same path hundreds of years ago.

Activities All Year Long

Throughout the year, there are many things for visitors to do at Wampus Pond including ice skating, fishing, boating and bird-watching. Dogs are welcome in the park but must be on a leash at all times and are not permitted in the picnic areas. One activity that many anticipate in the warmer months is the opening of the pond for row-boating. Take a few hours to enjoy a peaceful sail across the pond or pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.

Rowboat rentals are available on weekends and holidays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitors may rent the boats in the building situated between the parking lot and the water. Boat rentals can be purchased hourly or daily and the fee is discounted for those with a Westchester County Park Pass. Visitors may also choose to bring their own car-top boats but must have a permit.

In addition to the rowboats, there are picnic tables set up throughout the park so visitors may be able to relax and enjoy the serenity of the park’s natural surroundings. Wampus Pond makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a quick lunch-hour break, relaxing in its quiet serenity. Please note the park is a carry in/carry out facility.

As Westchester County Parks Deputy Commissioner Peter Tartaglia says, “Wampus Pond is a fantastic spot for a picnic, to study nature or take a few turns in a rowboat on a beautiful summer day. Its location on Route 128 between Armonk and Mount Kisco make it an easy spot to visit when you’re visiting either or both towns.”

Take some time to visit Wampus Pond throughout the year. In the spring, the buds on the trees start to come alive, while in the fall all of the gorgeous autumnal colors of the leaves frame the pond. Kids and adults alike will enjoy ice skating in the winter while summertime is made for boating. Wampus Pond is one of Westchester’s loveliest spots and it’s right here in Armonk. Plan your visit soon and prepare to be amazed with its splendor.

The History Behind the Beloved Armonk Eagle

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Recognizable across generations and indisputable in its significance, the Armonk Eagle has proven to be a special symbol in the Town of North Castle dating back decades.

What began as a simple 12 foot by 40 foot structure that was only supposed to grace the town temporarily has become a landmark rich in history. The origin of the Armonk Eagle goes back to 1976, when the town was preparing for America’s 200th birthday.

The entire country was in a patriotic mood then, which made an eagle the perfect symbol to soar above North Castle during its parade that year, Christine Eggleton, North Castle Historical Society president, explained. Originally, it was only supposed to stick around for the bicentennial, but ended up having an extended stay and has been replaced more than once when the elements battered up the previous eagle, noted Eggleton.

When one town administration decades ago was considering taking the beloved eagle down, Eggletown told the supervisor back then he shouldn’t be surprised if there is staunch opposition to that idea. She was right.

“It turned out he must’ve asked a lot of people (about taking the eagle down) and people felt very strongly about the eagle,” Eggleton said.

It’s an unofficial, visual landmark in the town, Eggleton said. When people are giving directions to visitors, they’ll reference the eagle.

“You know you’re in Armonk when you see the eagle,” she said.

Town historian Sharon Tomback said creating the first Armonk eagle was a massive community effort that required several local volunteers, including and most notably residents Arthur Soka, Charles Elson and John Schnoor.

“You’re driving up Route 22 and there’s the flags flying, the lights on the flag on the eagle and it’s a sense of civic pride and patriotism and community all rolled into one,” Tomback said.

Troy Soka, whose father was Arthur Soka, said the original plan was to place the eagle along Route 120 where the bicentennial parade would take place and suspend it overhead, but that proposal was shot down by the state department of transportation, Soka said. The alternative spot was near the IMB property, on the corner of Route 120 and Route 22, which is where the eagle continues to fly today.

“(My father) always made a big deal about how if you drove on Route 22 from Kensico coming from North White Plains when you approach the eagle and get closer to it, it appears to rise up as if it was taking off,” Soka said.

The eagle had a lasting meaning for Arthur decades after it was built. Even after Arthur moved to Florida, he would occasionally ask Troy, a New York resident, if his eagle was still in Armonk. In fact, in the third sentence of Arthur’s 2010 obituary, it states his involvement with the Armonk eagle and a plaque in town commemorates him for his efforts.

Soka said it gratifies him to see that Armonk has embraced the eagle as “its symbol.”

“And now God forbid you took it down, it would be an uproar,” he added.

But in 2013, losing the eagle was a possibility when it was once again in disrepair and the town didn’t want to use taxpayer dollars to replace it, said former North Castle councilwoman Diane Roth.

When a Garden Club member went to put flowers under the eagle, she noticed a piece of the eagle’s wing broke off and was in the flowerpot. Roth worked to find potential private dollars to pay for it and eventually phoned The Engel Burman Group, which owns the Bristal Assisted Living Facility in town. Although the price tag was a hefty $25,000, the donation came through. For the first time, the eagle was made out of steel metal so it could last much longer than wooded predecessors.

“I think it’s one of the iconic symbols of North Castle and America,” Roth said. “Keeping a memory of our past strengthens our future.”

So iconic that eagle symbols are seen on the badges of the North Castle Police Department and the North Castle Beautification Committee has spearheaded putting them on street signs and welcome-to-town signs.

Armonk Chamber of Commerce President Neal Schwartz, who owns College Planning of Westchester in town, said the eagle is one of three symbols that defines North Castle: An apple, Frosty the Snowman and finally the eagle, which is an all-encompassing symbol for the entire town.

Beautification committee member Angela Monforte said the eagle welcomes visitors and residents alike to the community like a “town mascot.”

“It symbolizes small town living,” Monforte summed up.

North Castle Considers Plastic Bag Ban

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On April 22nd, towns and cities across the world will be celebrating the 49th anniversary of Earth Day. As Earth Day approaches, communities pause and take into account the environmental impact of their actions. One such focus is the use of plastics in society and the ramifications it has on the world around us. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it takes 100-400 years for plastics to break down in a landfill. Many municipalities have targeted one specific area–plastic bags. Single-use, disposable plastics bags are a major source of litter and pollution in our environment as they do not biodegrade and are extremely difficult to recycle.

New Castle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck and Rye are all Westchester towns that have passed laws prohibiting the use of plastic bags. North Castle is now evaluating similar legislation regarding the banning of plastic bags in retail stores. Two prominent figures who are spearheading the movement for this ban are North Castle residents, Linda Trummer-Napolitano and Beth Pollack.

“We launched a BYOB campaign a few years back to encourage residents to bring their own reusable bags wherever they shop. We are in an active period of gathering signatures on a petition from residents who support legislation that restricts single plastic carry out bags and imposes a fee on other carry out bags modeled after the New Castle law.”

New Castle passed its Reusable Bag Law on January 1, 2017 with the objective of reducing plastic bag usage. The law only applies to retail transactions and its goal is to ban the use of single-use plastic bags.  Certain establishments such as grocery, convenience stores and pharmacies are required to charge 10 cents for paper bags. Restaurants, delis, boutiques and liquor stores are exempt from the fee. When deciding how to enforce the law, the New Castle Sustainability Board decided it would rely on reports from consumers and merchants to identify businesses that were not in compliance.

“Our goal is to find a solution that will work in North Castle without causing hardship to anyone. We are a long way from proposing any legislation but we think momentum is on our side.”

Inside Armonk interviewed local North Castle residents about their views on this important issue.  “I think eventually the town should ban the plastic bags. The negative impact it has on the environment is obvious,” says local resident Michael Aberman. “There needs to be a more gradual change to the issue because this is not like other issues.” He then goes on to talk about implementing a tax on plastic bags, much like they do in New Castle. “I think there could be a ten-cent tax to the bags which could incentivize customers to bring their own.”

Some have questioned whether imposing a tax on plastic bags would hurt business owners. However, research from around the region has provided evidence that the long-term effects on stores are very positive. Two studies conducted by Fairfield University one year after Westport, CT passed its law shows a significant increase in reusable bag rates (approximately 50 percent) at the Westport Stop and Shop.

“In DeCicco’s, they shouldn’t ban grocery bags, but for other small stores they should,” states Armonk resident Rianna Rabinowitz. “I wouldn’t think twice about using a paper bag or plastic bag in a large store like DeCicco’s.” Many Armonk residents appear in support of banning plastic bags or imposing a ten cent charge. When asked about whether North Castle should ban plastic bags, Armonk resident Blake Rosen stated, “They should ban it where it is necessary. I know that some states charge ten cents a bag and I think that could be effective in Armonk.”

According to Napolitano, “We believe that many North Castle residents are supportive of a reusable bag or BYOB bill because they recognize the perils that plastic bags pose to our wildlife and the environment.” The Armonk Chamber of Commerce supports the BOYB campaign. She further states that the best solution to this problem is to create legislation.

A Local Winter Wonderland Thanks to Westchester Land Trust

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In 2009, through a partnership with Town of North Castle and the Village of Mount Kisco, Westchester Land Trust preserved a nearly 30 acre parcel next to Byram Hill Lake in Armonk. The stunning lake is used by recreational fishermen and boaters (Note: permits are required) during warmer months but during the winter it makes a magnificent backdrop for photographs. The preservation protects the drinking water supply for local residents. The conservation easement also protects significant wildlife habitat including forests and wetlands.

Photos courtesy of Westchester Land Trust

Frosty Day Parade Preview: Five Fun Facts for Those In the Know

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PHOTOS BY WILLIAM MADDEN

Inside Armonk got the inside scoop on the beloved Frosty Day Parade scheduled to take place this year on Sunday, November 25 in downtown Armonk. We spoke with Armonk resident Robby Morris, the President of Friends of Frosty, Inc., the non-profit organization in charge of planning the day’s events who provided us with helpful information so you can maximize your fun this year.

1. It’s more than just the parade–it’s many hours of fun-filled activities. The event starts at 12:30 pm with three hours of free activities, rides, treats and entertainment until 3:30 pm. Then there is entertainment on Main Street just prior to the 4:00 pm parade of 40+ participants (including three trains, horse & wagon, four marching bands, antique cars and floats). Several local businesses also offer free samples and discounts throughout the day.

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2. All are welcome to participate in this free event. Morris loves how inclusive the parade is and that Frosty is a non-denominational symbol of the holiday season. From the youngest Girl Scouts to senior residents at the Bristal that participate in a festive holiday themed van, Morris enjoys coordinating the 40+ local organizations that march in the parade.  An insider tidbit: Morris is actually no stranger to parade life. Born and bred in New Rochelle, he actually has participated in the New Rochelle Thanksgiving Day Parade for the past 50 years as a clown and his vast experience in parades makes the event here in Armonk run flawlessly.

3. Get there early to partake in events such as Build Your Own Frosty decoration at the Hergenhan Recreation Center. “The kids love making their own Frosty yard stick decorations and holding them up during the parade.” Morris, who is a grandfather himself, understands that young kids need down time, so they have plenty of activities planned for the day if your ‘wee ones are in a need of some R & R. For example, the North Castle Public Library shows Frosty cartoons all day.

4. Hours of preparation make the day one of the most anticipated local events. Morris has a team of about 12 volunteers who meet several times a year prior to the event for this “labor of love”. They assess each year what works and what they can eliminate from the parade. This year look for new businesses such as Tauk to participate. The committee also gets to audition several of the performing acts at the parade. Morris is particularly excited about Manhattan-based band Shinbone Alley Stilt Band. They are musicians on stilts and Morris and his team carefully plan out “how to utilize our entertainment to our best ability so the musicians are stationed at various points in the village throughout the day.”

5. Memories are made here. Morris loves overhearing parents and children in town talk about where they stood during the parade. “I love it when during the summer, kids can pinpoint where they stood. It is a day that provides a warm feeling for the community and puts a smile on everyone’s face.”


This is the town’s ninth Frosty Day Parade. Originally, it was a day when merchants stayed open late and was more of a winter walk. They revamped the day and added several activities nine years ago as a way to pay homage to Steve Nelson, the long-time Armonk resident who was the lyricist of the popular holiday song “Frosty the Snowman”.

The parade culminates when Frosty makes his appearance and invites all the parade spectators to “catch-me-if-you-can” with many of the attendees following him to Wampus Brook Park at 4:30 pm for a Sing-a-long and the Holiday Lighting Ceremony at the gazebo.

“It has literally turned into a five-hour free Winter Festival which would rival any Disney production,” sums up Morris.