The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

North Castle

How Westchester County Executive George Latimer Gets Results

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“A Man of the People”… “A Man of his Word”

Westchester County Executive
George Latimer recently dedicating
a memorial plaque commemorating
the Rising Sun Golf & Country Club,
the first black owned and operated
18-hole golf course in America!
L-R behind Latimer: Victoria Tipp,
New Castle Town Supervisor; Ken
Jenkins, Westchester Deputy County
Executive; and Althema Goodson,
Co-Founder of the Dr. George W. Hill
Legacy Institute
INSIDE PRESS PHOTO

County Executive George Latimer is a regular in North Castle, attending local events, patronizing local businesses and restaurants, and investing in local infrastructure. “North Castle has great diversity and a topnotch workforce,” according to Latimer, who credits North Castle’s police, fire, and sanitation workers, amongst others, with keeping the community running smoothly.

It was Latimer’s investment in the North Castle community that resulted in the restoration of North White Plains’ historic museum, the Elijah Miller House, once used by General George Washington as headquarters during the Revolutionary War.

But Miller House is just one example of Latimer’s commitment to bettering Westchester County. He is a regular throughout the County, and as author, blogger, and North Castle resident Marlene Fischer, points out, “He listens, shows up, and most importantly, cares about the people of Westchester County.”

Latimer, a Mount Vernon native who grew up in a working-class family, boasts an over 30-year career in public service in Westchester County. A life-long Democrat with a results-oriented mindset, he served Westchester in multiple capacities, including City Councilman, County Legislator, Assemblyman, and State Senator representing the 37th District – before he was elected as County Executive in 2018.

As County Executive, Latimer invests significantly in supporting Westchester’s diverse community. “George Latimer is a man of the people,” notes Pleasantville’s Francesca Hagadus, a retired teacher in the Chappaqua Central School District.

George Latimer speaking at the County’s 2023 9/11 Memorial event in White Plains. INSIDE PRESS PHOTO
At a recent meeting of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce  PHOTO COURTESY OF ARMONK CHAMBER

 

Latimer is dedicated to bridging gaps throughout the county. Hagadus calls him “a unifier.” He allotted over $3 million to support neighborhood health centers in Greenburgh, Ossining, and Peekskill. He made affordable housing options more available, investing over $90 million over the past year to build over 2500 units throughout Yonkers and New Rochelle. Throughout his tenure, he rebuilt the Wilson Woods pool and Memorial Field in Mount Vernon and refurbished the New Rochelle Family Court facility.

Human Rights Commission Focus

“I’m committed to making substantive changes, not just with rhetoric, not just with words, but with deeds,” Latimer states. He revived Westchester’s Human Rights Commission, a 25-year-old committee that needed a reboot. Latimer sees this Commission as Westchester’s “single most important force in dealing with prejudice against Black, Asian, Jewish, LGBTQIA+, Latino, and Muslim members of our community.” To support economically diverse community members, Latimer spearheaded a law that ensures free legal support to those facing eviction.

Latimer is a man of his word. As Dawn Greenberg, New Castle resident and founder of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, points out, “He doesn’t just make campaign promises, he follows through. Almost immediately after his first term swearing-in as County Executive, he fulfilled a campaign pledge that was important to me and so many other Westchester County residents. He banned gun shows at the County Center.”

With Millie Jasper, executive director, Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center. INSIDE PRESS PHOTO

As a lifelong Westchester resident, Latimer has seen the enormous population growth in the county throughout his 30-year career. “We’re investing a lot to stay ahead of the curve. The usage of infrastructure, the wear and tear on services, is just perpetual, requiring a constant, dedicated investment.” In response to this “wear and tear,” Latimer dedicated resources and funds to repaving roads and bridges, including the North Castle bridge on Route 22 that leads to the Bronx River Parkway and Central Avenue. As part of Latimer’s commitment to capital projects, he renovated the historic Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse in Kingsland Point Park and modernized sewer trunk lines and treatment plans throughout the county.
Going forward, Latimer notes that the County Center, which was built in 1930 and last renovated approximately 40 years ago, needs an update. He’s also committed to updating Westchester County Airport. A staunch environmentalist, Latimer hopes to fully electrify the bus system, a project he’s made a priority over the past few years.

Stimulating Westchester’s Job Market

At the opening of the Wilson’s Woods Park in Mount Vernon

Latimer is also responsible for stimulating the job market within the county. In 2024, he budgeted over $250 million into economic development programs for minority and women owned business enterprises (MWBE), providing a helping hand so that they can grow and thrive. Latimer also provided $8 million for economic development and his administration conducts job fairs designed to match businesses to potential employees.

Creating more job opportunities for residents is particularly beneficial as Westchester County opens its doors to over 400 immigrants who are now residing in Yonkers, White Plains, and Ardsley. When it came to welcoming new people into the county, Latimer employed “a humanitarian approach. We managed welcoming immigrants in a reasonable way, making sure they received proper healthcare and vaccinations when they arrived and making sure they feel safe and welcome in their new community, with no crime issues.”

Robert Fleisher, New Castle resident and administrator of Facebook’s “New Castle Politics and Policy” page credits Latimer with “significantly raising the bar in terms of constituent engagement. Whether he agrees with you or not, his administration is very accessible.” Hagadus agrees, “He knows every municipality, attends every local Democratic Committee meeting, stands at train stations with candidates, and comes to local festivals and farmers’ markets.”

It’s these personal qualities, coupled with his exceptional record of service, that have many Westchester residents enthusiastically supporting Latimer’s run for the NY-16 Congressional seat. Greenberg believes that Latimer’s “tireless energy and willingness to listen to all citizens, his strong understanding of how to get the job done for the betterment of our community, and his knowledge across all levels of government will benefit his congressional constituents. He’s a public servant in the best sense of the term.”

Latimer is endorsed by 10 local Democratic committees, including Eastchester, Rye City, Rye Town, White Plains, Pelham, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Scarsdale, and Yonkers, as well as the Civil Service Employees Association, amongst others.

Running on his Record & Rejecting Identity Politics

Latimer is running for Congress on his record and for his commitment to bettering the lives of Westchester’s residents. “I’m practical-minded. I don’t need to go to Washington to give speeches about societal trends. Others might try to turn this race into identity politics, but I’m not into that.” Instead, Latimer intends to hyper-focus on the needs in the 16th district, from affordable housing and creating job opportunities to greener transportation and reducing our carbon footprint. He believes it is important to work across the aisle to make progress and sees vilifying Republicans as counterproductive. “My intent is to focus on legislation and funding that will help my constituents.”
Ultimately, Latimer shows up and gets results for the residents of Westchester County. He’s a regular guy, a guy who’s committed to social justice and environmental issues, a guy who’s committed to creating jobs and making sure that the Westchester community thrives, and a guy who’s a lifelong Democrat with a record of health funding for residents in need and completing capital projects like the Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers.

As he embarks on his congressional race, he remains forward-focused and staunchly dedicated to the Westchester community. “I have a long-established record of accomplishments, and if you think I can take NY-16 in the right direction in the future, vote for me.”

The Armonk Eagle Will Stand Tall Again

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It doesn’t take a resident of North Castle to recognize its largest and most iconic landmark – a roughly 12 by 40-foot metallic eagle. To this day, we still hear “turn right or turn left at the Eagle” as common directions for motorists driving on Route 22. This local legend of a monument was first constructed nearly fifty years ago to celebrate America’s bicentennial in 1976 and is finally receiving the structural reinforcement it needs and deserves.

Susan Shimer, former North Castle Town Judge, and former President of the North Castle Historical Society, who witnessed the original erection, stated, “It brought out people in a way I had never seen before and haven’t seen since. It symbolizes a togetherness, a common interest, and a sense of community.”

At the time, the statue was originally intended to be a temporary installation that would actually fly over Route 22 rather than sit next to it and was built using primarily wooden supports. The impermanence of such materials has provided opportunities for local volunteer contractors to bring construction to the next level.

“It’s fantastic,” commented North Castle Town Supervisor, Joseph Rende, “The energy and the enthusiasm they all share has been overwhelming.”

These teams will be using a combination of concrete, galvanized steel and a series of low-energy, LED lighting fixtures to create a new and improved viewing experience that will be as beautiful and impressive as it is sustainable and strong. Weather permitting, this project is expected to be completed within the following few months and ushered in with a firework-lit celebration in the planning stages for the fourth of July weekend. Having such a solidified role in this community’s identity, it’s no surprise that the Eagle and its preservation are a significant priority. According to Supervisor Rende, however, that should not be a concern again – at least not in our lifetime.

Popular Sport Takes Hold in North Castle – Thanks to The Pickleball Ladies of Armonk

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North Castle’s (L-R): Dara Lepofsky, Wendy Ranieri and Heather Hecht
PHOTOS BY DONNA MUELLER

As a long-time competitive tennis player, Heather Hecht was hardly impressed when she first saw people playing pickleball. “I thought it was a very noisy sport that looked like a completely ridiculous made-up game,” she recalled.

“But the fact that the players were having so much fun stuck with me. So, a few years later, while vacationing in South Carolina with my family, I noticed some courts and decided to give it a shot since I’ve always been eager to play any racket sport,” said the Pleasantville resident whose kids are in the Byram Hills Central School District.

Heather instantly fell in love with the game, which is often described as a mix of tennis, racquetball, badminton, and Ping-Pong. She introduced it to her family, as well as to her close friend and Armonk resident, Dara Lepofsky. Dara, another lifelong tennis player, was also smitten and became determined to make it available to residents in her community.

Before long, the two helped pave the way for the fastest-growing sport in the United States to take root in Armonk. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, more than 8.9 million people in the United States now play pickleball, up from 4.8 million in 2022.

Last year, Dara, who oversees the tennis program at the Windmill Club, convinced management and fellow board members to paint pickleball lines on one of the tennis courts. The catch was that a pickleball instructor had to come on board to teach and to make sure the court would be well used. Dara turned to Heather, who had previously taught tennis at a local camp. The two created a curriculum, and Heather’s classes booked immediately. Residents who had already taken up pickleball were thrilled to have a place to play and take lessons close to home. One resident created a community group on the popular Team Reach phone app so residents could communicate and coordinate playtimes. Over the past year, the club painted additional courts, offered more classes, and planned periodic social events, thus giving the sport its due alongside tennis.

“It was like if you build it, they will come,” joked Heather.

 

A Little Pipe Dream Come True

“Within two years, the little pipe dream we came up with while sitting at the beach in South Carolina has become a reality in the area, and I couldn’t be more proud,” said Dara, who is a school psychologist for the Mamaroneck School District.

For Heather, a former benefits consultant, the sport provided a new teaching career. Not long after her classes started at Windmill, the Town of North Castle Parks and Recreation Department joined the ranks of community centers around the country eager to offer facilities for the popular sport and hired Heather to teach.

The Town launched the pickleball program at Lombardi Town Park’s tennis courts last fall, and Heather’s first four introductory classes sold out. Given the interest among residents, the Town offered a winter class on an unused basketball court at the North White Plains Gym, as well as several spring classes at Lombardi, ultimately reaching about 120 residents. Pickleball lines were also painted at Winkler Park’s tennis courts, so the Town now has six public courts for the sport, and residents can play on a first-come-first serve basis. Beginner and intermediate classes are expected to be part of the Town’s recreation programs in the fall, winter and spring.

To some pickleball afficianados, the situation is not ideal since the lines are painted on existing tennis courts, sometimes causing confusion, and players have to learn how to properly adjust the tennis net. “Ultimately, I would love to see the town find space to build dedicated courts so pickleball players have their own place to play,” said Heather, noting that it’s difficult to find dedicated courts except perhaps at private clubs that have converted paddle ball or basketball courts. “But I’m thrilled that we’ve come so far,” she said.

And with public facilities now available, Armonk residents started hitting the courts for pick-up games this summer.

“At the end of Heather’s spring intermediate class, several of us wanted to continue to play,” said Wendy Ranieri, a retired physical education teacher who decided to take pickleball classes to stay active and meet new people. After Heather created a TeamReach group, Wendy took it upon herself to become the group administrator and encourage fellow players to use the phone app to schedule games.

“It’s wonderful to have a core group of people who I see regularly twice a week on the courts,” said Wendy. Ironically, she recalls playing a version of pickleball in college and then improvising in the gymnasium with her middle-school students to keep boredom at bay in the winter months. “I’ve come full circle,” she joked, “but of course the game is very different now.”

The sport has been around since 1965, but started soaring in popularity around 2018. Compared with tennis, pickleball is relatively easy to learn. The plastic, wiffle-like ball doesn’t bounce as much, and the shorter, lighter racket is easier to handle. There’s also less running required since most people play doubles games, and the court is smaller than a tennis court.

“I can’t think of another sport that you can learn well enough within an hour to actually play and feel successful,” Heather said. “You can quickly attain a level of confidence to say ‘yes’ when someone invites you to play. It also provides good exercise, but is easier on the bones and joints, and you can feel like you’re getting cardio without killing yourself.”

But perhaps its biggest appeal is simply that it is a fun social activity. Even players who play competitively can be heard laughing and enjoying themselves. While initially it was most popular with those in middle age and older, 20 and 30-year-olds across the country have discovered the sport. It also lends itself to a great family activity. Both Heather and Dara’s children – ranging in age from 12 to 17 – have been willing to join their moms on the courts.

“It’s taken on a life of its own, and I couldn’t stop it if I wanted to,” said Heather, who now teaches at several locations in the area. “As a teacher, it’s very rewarding to see people pick it up so quickly and have so much fun playing. And seeing pickleball taking off in North Castle has been beyond amazing.”

Where To Play

The list of places where you can play the country’s hottest sport is growing throughout the area. Several public parks have repurposed some of their existing tennis courts to accommodate pickleball. Here’s a roundup of just a few of the public facilities in our local communities.

Armonk – Lombardi Park

85 Cox Avenue
Two tennis courts with pickleball lines
Drop-in play based on availability

Pleasantville – Foxwood Condominiums Park

9 Foxwood Drive
Three tennis courts with pickleball lines
Drop-in play based on availability

Chappaqua – Town Hall Basketball Court

200 S Greeley Ave
One court (sign up in advance)
Sundays: 9 am -12 pm
Mondays: 9 am – 1 pm
Thursdays: 5 pm – 8 pm   

Briarcliff Manor – Chilmark Park

48 Macy Road
Six pickleball courts
Drop-in play open to residents and nonresidents based on availability.
Permits required (application available on briarcliffmanor.gov.

Bedford – Winkler Park

Off Greenwich Banksville Road
One tennis court with pickleball lines
Drop-in play based on availability

To search for additional locations, check out the USA Pickleball Association’s search function: places2play.org

A Dream Comes True – How 63 Acres of Land in North Castle Became a Nature Preserve

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When it comes to open space preservation, a partnership is typically involved. Recently, 63 acres adjacent to a 700-acre forest were preserved, thanks to the partnership with the Westchester Land Trust, the Town of North Castle and New York State. 

That sounds simple, but what it took to achieve that dream goal is quite remarkable.

Could The Dream Ever Come True?

Town of North Castle Supervisor Michael Schiliro had known about this property “since at least 2007.” Over the years, the Town’s Open Space Committee had put the 63 acres on a special list of properties to preserve, and the Town Board had had its eye on it too.

So, why did it take until 2021 for the 63 acres to become a nature preserve?  

The property had changed ownership a few times. Schiliro said there was “concern that a private owner would try to develop the land, and the dream of preserving it would be lost forever.”

Then, in 2019, the property went up for sale. Schiliro was elated when the owners Robyn and Vito Errico approached him: “‘A lot of people are interested in it…. Perhaps the Town could take possession, and we could protect it?'”  

Schiliro contacted Kerri Kazak, Chair of the Open Space Committee, to see if they could “explore ways to preserve this property.” Kazak was eager to contact President Lori Ensinger of the Westchester Land Trust (WLT), which also had had a keen interest in the property.

Kazak had full confidence that a land trust partnership was viable because the Town had worked with the Westchester Land Trust “for years,” and “the WLT is the expert on land preservation in Westchester County [and Putnam] and an incredible resource for municipalities.”

WLT President Lori Ensinger clarified that a land trust is “a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve environmentally significant land in perpetuity.”

Land preservation sounds great, but what made these 63 acres so deserving of preservation? Simply put, they sit on top of a sand-and-gravel drinking water aquifer.

How The Dream Took Shape

“Lori Ensinger thought the property would be the perfect candidate for a New York State water quality grant,” said Kazak, “and the Westchester Land Trust applied for the grant.”  

Securing the million-dollar grant was a labor of love that required such things as property appraisals, surveys, an environmental review, and a lot of legal work. It took two years to complete the complex transaction “because it was partially funded by the Town and by New York State with the remainder funded by WLT,” according to Ensinger. 

Supervisor Schiliro commented: “Talk about a remarkable achievement! Then, Covid hit, putting us a year and a half or so behind in the process.” Finally, in late autumn of 2021, the property was purchased by the Westchester Land Trust with the Town of North Castle contributing $250,000. All the parties involved breathed a sigh of relief.

“The entire Open Space Committee is absolutely thrilled,” said Kazak. “Preservation of this property has been the goal of so many people for so long that to see it become a reality is extremely gratifying.” 

Ensinger praised North Castle Supervisor Schiliro for being “fabulous throughout this entire process” and gave high marks to Kazak and the Open Space Committee for their excellent input and follow-through. 

But Ensinger gives “the ultimate credit” to the landowner, who “could have just listed the property for sale and sold it to a private party.”

It took “great team effort to protect pristine land that I’ve wanted protected for 14 years,” said Schiliro. Perseverance, the art of not giving up, that he learned from his beloved mother, clicked together with “the right team and culminated in something really good.” 

Schiliro said, “It happened because everybody was chipping in–our Board, Kerri, Lori, my Confidential Secretary Mindy Berard, Councilmember José Berra, Town Attorney Roland Baroni, and Robyn and Vito Errico.”

Schiliro further reminisced by invoking the line from his favorite movie Field of Dreams: “There comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place, and the Universe opens itself up for a few seconds to show you what is possible.” 

So, dreams can come true, and the 63-acre property preservation is an example that one did.

How the Dream Benefits the Community

Residents of North Castle should be very pleased that their drinking water is protected. The picture could have been different, said Ensinger: “If the 63-acre property were developed into ten homes or potentially had a commercial or light industrial use, that could have had a significant negative effect on the water resource.”

Another benefit that residents can look forward to, likely in a year or so, is the walking trail that New York State has approved. 

Then, there is the benefit of better air quality. Since the property is next to Highway 684, “the woodland serves to naturally filter air pollutants and particulates,” said Ensinger. This type of land ensures “the permanent connectivity of large blocks of forest” and “contributes to regional efforts to combat climate change.”

But the benefits don’t stop there.

Steven DiFalco, land project coordinator for WLT, said the property has “different habitats that host a diversity of plant and wildlife species… an upland forest with rock outcroppings, a pond, wetlands and a vernal pool that serves as an important habitat for amphibians,” such as wood frogs and spotted salamanders. Plus a waterfall. Who knew!

And Supervisor Schiliro chimed in with possibly the best benefit of all: “The land is protected forever. It was easy to think that we would never be able to secure this property.

“But in comparison to how many years this land will now be protected–for hundreds of years–it was worth keeping the dream project on the front burner.”

The 59th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show Returns to the Field on September 25-26

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Editor’s Note: We are delighted to present the plans for the Armonk Outdoor Art Show, as described by the Show’s Executive Director, Anne Curran. 

Also, since the time the print editions were released, the Armonk Outdoor Art Show has added safety measures to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our volunteers, guests, artists, and sponsors. 

Masks are Required for all attendees over the age of 2, and masks must cover nose and mouth while on show grounds and on buses.

Social Distancing is encouraged throughout all areas of the field. Our new layout of artists’ booths with wide aisles will allow visitors to comfortably browse.

Following an online show last year, the Armonk Outdoor Art Show returns to the great outdoors in its beautiful tree-lined setting, at North Castle Community Park, 205 Business Park Drive in Armonk.  For tickets: https://mailchi.mp/armonkoutdoorartshow/2021-10402562

Typically, the show draws thousands of art-savvy visitors from the tri-state region. Many patrons look forward to the show to reconnect with favorite artists and to discover new, talented artists. First-time attendees will be wowed by the quality and scope of this treasured annual art event.  

A welcoming environment with great food, drinks, and family fun

A spacious field layout will allow added safety protocols and the opportunity to comfortably browse exhibitors’ booths. When it’s time for a break, visitors can enjoy a selection of great food and beverages, including beer & wine.

Free family activities will include take-a-away art kits, a scavenger hunt of clues within artist’s displays, an interactive art installation, fun photo ops, and visiting artists who will guide creative pursuits.

Fine Art and Fine Crafts for every taste, décor, and budget

The top-ranked show presents 160 juried artists from across the U.S. and Canada, exhibiting original artwork across multiple medium, including Fine Crafts, Mixed Media, Painting, Printmaking/Drawing/Pastels, Sculpture, Photography/Digital Art, and Wearable Art.

Artists, happy to chat with observers, often explain the technique, process and inspiration involved in their work. Personal interaction with artists opens the eyes of the beholder to the creator and encourages discovery of art that brings joy with added perspective and appreciation.

Be inspired and plan to purchase great art

There are tools that provide ways to connect with favorite artists, glimpse new exhibitors, help plan a visit to the show and ultimately find artwork that you love.

Follow @armonkoutdoorartshow social media for daily inspiration that will inspire artistic preferences and provide previews of artwork and artists. Save your favorite artists and plan to visit their booths.

Explore the armonkoutdoorartshow.org website to explore the full roster of exhibiting artists, peruse images of their work, and connect directly with them in advance of the show. Don’t miss the five 2021 Featured Artists that are profiled with a short description and video.

Download the field diagram and mark your must-see artists’ booth locations to guide your visit.  

Purchase discount tickets in advance at armonkoutdoorartshow.org

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show, nearly six decades strong, is fueled by talented artists, dedicated volunteers, art-savvy patrons, and generous sponsors, who are committed to presenting an independent, nationally acclaimed Art Show.

Every year, net proceeds of the Art Show support the North Castle Public Library, funding educational and entertainment programs for all ages, and The Armonk Players theater group.

This is a special year of reuniting on the field in appreciation of great art, camaraderie, and staging of another great show!

 

The 59th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show

Community Park, 205 Business Park Drive, Armonk, NY 10504

Saturday & Sunday, September 25 & 26 

10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Shine or Rain ~ Sorry, No Dogs

Admission:  

At the Event: $15, Seniors: $13  

Online in Advance: $13

18 and under: Free

Credit Cards Preferred 

Discount Tickets at armonkoutdoorartshow.org

Photos Courtesy of the Armonk Art Show

Tickets:https://mailchi.mp/armonkoutdoorartshow/2021-10402562