• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

  • Home
  • Advertise
    • Advertise in One or All of our Magazines
    • Advertising Payment Form
  • Print Subscription
  • Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Login
  • Contact Us

PopPop

Chalk Art Brings Joy to PopPop and to Many

April 7, 2020 by Inside Press

A Pleasantville Grandfather with Parkinson’s Disease found reasons to smile–thanks to #Chalk4Joy.

By Maddie Stone

PHOTOS by/courtesy of Kim Wildey

April 5, 2020, Pleasantville, NY– Bill Casey watches from the deck as his three grandchildren, Katie, 13, Abigail, 10, and Michael, 7, turn his patio into a canvas of uplifting messages. Currently in his 70s, Bill suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, making it exceedingly difficult for him to move. Heartbreakingly, Bill cannot be near his grandkids right now.

“It’s hard to be away from the ones we love,” remarked Kim Wildey, daughter of Bill and mother of the three grandkids. “My father always says that his grandchildren keep him young and we knew he was missing all of us and our visits.”

The kids decided to rally their grandfather’s spirits by decorating his patio with sidewalk chalk as he smiled from six feet away.

“The chalk drawing meant a lot to both us and our PopPop,” Katie reflected. “It made us feel happy and we loved seeing him smile. We are trying to keep him safe from COVID-19 so this was a nice way to surprise him.”

It seems people are craving togetherness, as we’re encouraged to be apart, and possess a desire to bring beauty and inspiration into what is an unsettling time. One way of achieving this is through outdoor chalk art creations.

Social media sites exemplify this trend as people post pictures of their driveway and sidewalk creations. The phrases “Chalk the Walk” and “Chalk4Joy” have sprung up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and across social media. This viral sensation has exploded and found its way to Westchester, as locals have been “chalking their walks” with colorful murals and inspirational quotes to try and make the world a slightly better place.

By the way, my name is Maddie Stone, and I’m in 7th grade. I’m a kid. Shocking, right? I may be only 13, but I know we are going through a pretty rough time right now, so taking a moment to spread a little bit of joy using bright colors and intricate designs is exactly what we need.

I loved seeing the creations other kids made and the imaginative ideas they developed. It was nice, with all the stress and worry, to see beautiful masterpieces instead of dispiriting facts and figures.

Even more fun than seeing the drawings was making a drawing. My family and I worked very hard on it, using a variety of colors and patterns. We made a heart, a peace sign, and a drawing of Earth with people holding hands. We also included several phrases such as #togetherapart, don’t stop us now, and, in a flourish of patriotism, spelled out the letters U.S.A. We were definitely pleased with our final product, and were filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

There were four main reasons why making a chalk creation was fun. First, it was nice to venture outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. Going outside in a period where it is so easy to stay indoors and sit on the couch is even more important. Second, it felt good to know other people would see my drawing and maybe what I was doing would brighten someone’s day. Third, I got to spend time with my family. I find even though we are stuck in our house together all day, we rarely get together, all four of us, and do something fun. Finally, fourth, it provided a sense of accomplishment during a mostly powerless time.

We are pretty helpless in times like these, when everything relies on medical professionals and we’re forced to wait for the outcome. Right now, the only viable option is to try and do something that may impact someone else in a positive way, even if just slightly.

This was a great experience. We created something pretty, enjoyed time as a family, and completed our afternoon knowing we had developed something inspiring that might affect someone, somewhere, somehow. Many cars passed by that day. All I can do is hope someone looked out the window.

Filed Under: Stay Connected Tagged With: Chalk4Joy, Chalking, COVID-19, grandfater, patio, PopPop, Sidewalk art, togetherness

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Chappaqua Library Centennial Celebration Emphasized Symbols for Growth and Endurance
  • New Castle Stands Against Gun Violence in Rally Also Urging National Changes
  • Byram Hills High School Juniors and Seniors Honored at Awards Ceremony
  • Athletic Conditioning with Club Fit’s Mat Rios
  • Danielle’s Dreams: Sprinkling Joy Through Art and Adventure
  • The 2022 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival Returns October 15

Visit Our Sponsors

Wallauer
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
Houlihan Lawrence – Pleasantville
Caramoor
William Raveis – Chappaqua
William Raveis – Armonk
Northern Westchester Hospital
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
Phoenix Festival
Compass: Aurora Banaszek
Beecher Flooks Funeral Home
Douglas Elliman: Generic
Korth & Shannahan
CareMount Dental

Westchester Business Center

Follow our Social Media

The Inside Press

Our Latest Issues

For a full reading of our current edition, or to obtain a copy or subscription, please contact us.

Inside Armonk Inside Chappaqua Inside Pleasantville

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Subscription
  • Print Subscription

Footer

Support The Inside Press

Advertising

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Did you know you can subscribe anytime to our print editions?

Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.

Subscribe Today

Copyright © 2022 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in