The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

sustainability

A Meaningful Tour & Case for Saving Buttonhook Forest

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The Case for Saving Buttonhook Forest Following a Guided & Meaningful Tour

Leon Sam Briggs, Elder, Hawk Clan,Tonawanda Seneca who visited Buttonhook Forest with Tyler Chase. Chase is producing a documentary film about preventing cultural erasure of Native American History.
Photo courtesy of Tracey Bilski and Friends of Buttonhook

Walking through Buttonhook forest, I was immediately taken aback by the beauty of it all: the native plants, sunlit trees, vast amount of contiguous open space, and, of course, sacred indigenous stone structures. On a guided tour led by the Friends of Buttonhook Forest, I learned about not only the land’s diverse ecosystem, but also about the history of Native Americans in a way more interactive and meaningful than I had ever experienced.

Friends of Buttonhook Forest (FoBF), led by Tracey Bilski and Victoria Alzapiedi along with their tireless team of both long-time and new residents of New Castle, is a local non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the 20.3-acre Buttonhook forest that is currently owned by the Chappaqua Central School District (CCSD), who has been looking to develop the land.

Initially, the fight to preserve the forest stemmed from environmental concerns. When CCSD put the property on the market for sale in 2019, Alzapiedi and former Chappaqua resident and environmentalist Haley Ferraro started an advocacy effort in the hopes that the community would purchase the land from CCSD to preserve the forest.

“It was unthinkable that our community would intentionally cut down a forest – a precious and rare climate sink that helps clean the air that we and our families breathe – especially during a climate crisis.  We wanted to save these trees that are home to countless birds, beneficial insects, and other animals – who would be displaced if bulldozers come to cut down this forest. Advocating to save this land just seemed like the right thing to do. The just thing to do. The ethical thing to do – to save this forest from being cut down to build luxury homes,” says Alzapiedi.

Saving Wildlife & Addressing a Climate Crisis

How could Chappaqua, a community that always seemed to value the importance of sustainability, choose to actively contribute to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water and air pollution? “We’re in a climate crisis. It’s not anymore that you can just sit by and let things happen,” says Maxine Margo Rubin, member of Friends of Buttonhook Forest (FoBF).

Buttonhook forest is home to thousands of creatures such as bobcats, foxes, coyotes, flying squirrels, box turtles, bats, many species of amphibians, hawks, owls, and migratory birds that would all lose their habitat if the forest is destroyed. “We have to help the animals that can’t talk for themselves,” Rubin adds.

But the animals are not the only living creatures at risk: CCSD’s construction plan calls for 676 of the 1400 trees residing in the forest to be cut down, all of which sequester immense amounts of carbon dioxide, maintaining a healthy air quality and curbing the speed of climate change. Since the school district bought the land in 1973 to build an additional school (a project that was never put into action), these trees were left untouched, growing, thriving, and holding carbon, for nearly 50 years. Evalyn Bladstrom, FoBF member, believes that we must “not just think short term, like the next 20 years, in terms of getting as much as we can monetarily, but long-term, the next hundreds of years, thinking about our own evolution as a species. What is sustainable, and what can we really expect when we remove nature?”

It was not until 2010 that CCSD decided to sell the land, hiring an engineering firm to subdivide the land into six lots for the construction of six $2 million homes. The plans received Preliminary Approval from the New Castle Planning Board in 2019 and CCSD put the land on the market for $3.5 million. After about a year with no bids on the land, it was taken off the market in 2020 during Covid, and returned listed at $2.5 million during the summer of 2021. CCSD eventually accepted a bid of $2 million from a developer in August 2021 subject to them receiving necessary approvals by March 2022.

Happening Now

Since the streams on the sides of Buttonhook forest lead to the Gedney Brook, which leads to the Croton reservoir, approval from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection is necessary before construction can begin. Despite persistent efforts, the school has been unable to receive the necessary NYC Stormwater Approval, which caused their initial contract with the developer to fall through last spring. So, the property went back on the market last summer, and FoBF saw this as the perfect opportunity to make a bid and secure the forest’s protection.

By this time, the fight for preservation had become even more critical as various elaborate and carefully crafted stone structures on the land had been confirmed by various archaeologists and indigenous leaders to be not at all random, but rather an entire complex of prayer stones, turtle effigies, and water markers laid by the Native Americans who once lived on this land. Now, saving this forest will not only preserve a diverse ecosystem, but also a sacred historical site for indigenous people who have time and time again had their history destroyed.

Lessons about Indigenous Culture

The Ramapough Lunaape Nation stated in a letter sent to the New Castle Town Board and Council that “Prayers and intention set years ago will be broken, if even one stone is moved.” Our community has been given a momentous opportunity to right our history’s wrongs, and to set a local example of how to respect and teach about indigenous culture and history. Tracey Bilski, leader of FoBF, reflected upon the minimal information she was taught about who lived here in the past, and how her journey has served as a learning process for her: “we can use this as a case-study,” she shares.

To respect the value that this land holds for Native Americans, FoBF partnered with numerous tribes in order “to make sure that [they] are hearing them right and doing what is best for the earth and the animals, as well as the original caretakers,” shares Lynn Trotta, a local nature-mentor and member of FoBF.

And when the school opened a public bid on the land in June 2022, Friends of Buttonhook Forest partnered with Brothertown Indian Nation to place a bid for which they are still waiting to hear a response. They have extended the bid for review until May 2023, and until then, they remain hopeful. In the meantime, they are holding a fundraiser on April 25 at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center to “celebrate Earth Day and showcase the importance of thinking globally and acting locally,” as stated on their website.

As a junior at Horace Greeley High School, currently studying United States History, I know firsthand that the district encourages students to learn from the mistakes of the past and apply what we have learned to injustices today. Throughout the year, we have learned about far too many massacres of Native Americans, forced removals, and destruction of their land, resources, and culture. Often, I am left feeling lost in terms of what I can do to help make up for this heart wrenching history of oppression: how can one begin to right thousands of years of wrongdoings?

Saving Buttonhook forest is where we can begin.

Land acknowledgements only mean so much: our words become worthless when they are not backed by action. Preserving this historical site is the perfect opportunity to put truth behind our promises of social and environmental justice, and to make a difference right here from our backyard. Because, as Rubin shared, “what we do local, goes global.”

Area Garden Clubs & Beautification Committees Bring Out the Scenery in Full Force

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A look around our local towns and the greenery is never far from view. Area gardening clubs and beautification committees have long made sure that there’s always a kaleidoscope of color to dress up our libraries, schools, town halls and other public spaces. Some stretching well back into the previous century, the missions go beyond just looking pretty. Behind the scenes:

Beautifying North Castle! Yellow Daffodils, New Street Signs & More

 

The North Castle Beautification Committee’s mission is to enhance the hamlets of Armonk, North White Plains and Banksville. The group, comprised of volunteers, has a limited budget provided by the town. They collaborate with the Parks and Recreation Department on most projects. Kevin Foley, the Department’s foreman, is very talented, and the committee appreciates his eye for design, as well as the Department’s labor.

With Spring just around the corner, expect an onslaught of yellow daffodils popping up around the hamlets of Armonk and North White Plains. The Committee continues to add new bulbs each Fall to create more beauty. Additionally, hanging baskets on Main Street, planted barrels and targeted areas around all three hamlets will be sporting colorful flowers.

The Committee doesn’t just beautify with flora, though. They have designed and implemented the installation of new street signs on the primary roads of the hamlets. This includes new welcome signage at entrance points of each hamlet. Also, the group was involved in the addition of two bronze statues–one in front of the Hergenhan Recreation Center, and one at the North Castle Community Center.  

This year they’ll be adding three new picnic tables to Wampus Brook Park–two adult picnic tables (one being handicap accessible), and a mushroom-themed children’s table. 

Committee members Angela Monforte and Carol Bidjarano both commented that they’re always looking for community input and welcome donations. If you live in any of the hamlets and are interested in joining and representing that hamlet, please contact Carol Bidjarano at 914-273-5353.  — By Rich Monetti   Photos Courtesy of the North Castle Beautification Committee

Briarcliff Manor: Where Gardening Endeavors Have a High Calling

The Briarcliff Manor Garden Club was founded in 1955 and its mission has remained constant. “The club’s purpose is to encourage interest in all phases of home gardening and to promote civic beautification, conservation and environmental concerns,” according to Club President Susan Zetkov-Lubin.

BMGC’s current pride and joy keeps the town on yellow alert. “We have a daffodil program, which started in 2014 and is called the BMGC Daffodil Expansion Project ,” said Zetkov-Lubin. “Since 2014, the garden club has planted 1200 daffodils within Briarcliff Manor and will continue to do so. They are particularly beautiful this time of year.”

Add in endeavors like the pollinator pathways program, butterfly gardens and the donation of Christmas decorations and wreaths to various buildings in the area, the town can’t help to feel the uplift. A sentiment that was never more necessary than when Covid reached our shores. “When the daffodils were coming up, we were getting phone calls like crazy because people needed to see that burst of color,” said Zetkov-Lubin. “A sign of hope that made people smile.” 

Briarcliff Manor Center For Rehabilitation And Nursing knows the feeling.  BMGC has volunteered monthly garden therapy at Briarcliff Manor Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing for many years.  

Unfortunately, Covid has prevented the club from entering since 2020 but members will be available when the green light comes. That said, zoom programs will probably become less in play and in person meetings and workshops will resume with the crisis now subsiding.

BMGC also keeps an eye on the future.  “We try to set an example for kids,” said Zetkov-Lubin, and those are more than words. 

The club raises money annually for local educational scholarships. “We find a senior, who is interested in pursuing a career in horticulture or at least major in the field,” she said. 

The club’s Plant & White Elephant Sale will take place on May 7 at the Briarcliff Congregational Church, 9 a.m. – 3  p.m. And then on June 3-4, the BMGC Standard Flower Show at the Briarcliff Manor Public Library will take place.  The Club is calling the affair, “A June Wedding.”

But if the times don’t align for residents, the soil and the club is ready to have you whenever you are. You won’t be disappointed, according to Zetkov-Lubin. “It’s so satisfying because plants and flowers can bring you joy year after year after year,” she concluded.  

Briarcliff Beautification Committee            

Beautification efforts In Briarcliff Manor, alongside the town’s Sustainability Committee, include area kids who are involved in the New York State School Seedling Program. On the current curriculum, schools received the seedlings, decide where to plant and then they go out and break the soil. “It looks like they will plant the white pine seedlings at Briarcliff Middle School and High School,” said Dawn Orza, who is part of the Briarcliff Beautification Committee.

As such, the kids seek out the optimum angle of the sun, how to keep the spot free of weeds and safe from the deer. The youngsters then get a crash course in caterpillars. Milkweed, a necessary host plant for the crawler, the monarch butterfly is the result and yet another avenue to a healthy habitat.

Work that obviously agrees with Briarcliff’s Pollinator Pathways involvement. “It’s all interconnected,” said Orza.

Nonetheless, Briarcliff likes to indulge too, and the pleasing natural manicure that abounds has Orza’s full support. “It’s something I do every day,” said the resident landscape designer, “and if the town can use some guidance, I’m happy to share my expertise.”

For instance, recently intervention meant providing plant palette guidance alongside a new accessible ramp at the Village Hall where the thoroughfare was lined with native flowers and plants. 

Department of Public Works and Recreation, the Mayor, Board of Trustees and Village manager all get into the act too. “We have a great working relationship,” said Orza.

Firmly in sync, the consortium also introduced aggressive native plants to curtail the spread of weeds in public plots; they continue beautification and connectivity at the Pocket Park. “The Department of Public Works removed the tired old plantings, and together we replanted several hundred native grasses, flowering plants and spring bulbs,” said Orza. “Right now, the seed heads from flowers feed the birds and look pretty interesting–even at this time of year.”

Of course, the amalgamation of club members and volunteers always have the initiative, and the past is the proof. The Garden Club dedicated a Blue Star Marker in the Pocket Park, which honors the armed forces.

In addition, after 9/11, the Community created an American Patriot Garden at Briarcliff High school. The respite serves as a place for reflection, a memorial to the victims and heroes and a reminder of the daily importance of human rights. The project was sponsored by the Lower Hudson-Long Island Resource Conservation and Development council in partnership with the State of New York. 

“There are so many wonderful projects that community members have worked on together,” said Orza, and the strength of the community commitment means there’s no end in sight.  –By Rich Monetti  Photos Courtesy of the Briarcliff Garden Club

Harvesting the Rewards of the Chappaqua Garden Club:  “Something for Everyone”

The Chappaqua Garden Club was established in 1928 and will be celebrating their 94th birthday this year!  “The Club works to beautify New Castle and promote environmental education through our programs and community projects,” said Gwinne Porter, the Club president. A not-for-profit, the organization focuses on bringing knowledge to our members in the form of educational speakers and community outreach programs.   

The programs were always in person, but since Covid, they have offered speakers on varied topics via Zoom. “Some of which have and will continue to be in partnership with the Chappaqua Library,” said Porter. “This has worked out well because partnering with the library has enabled us to broaden the scope of the people we can reach.” 

Of course, events are free and open to the public, while the initiatives get into the nitty gritty with the kids too. At the library, there are programs for Juniors, and despite Covid restrictions, these offerings have continued. “We provide take home kits, and film instructional videos, guiding them through the project. All of which are plant and environment related,” said Porter.

The Gardening Club also engages with New Castle seniors on various activities like flower arranging. Last year, a garden at the Community Center was built. New Castle Seniors helped take care of it and got to harvest the rewards.

The group has continued to run popular flower-arranging classes virtually for members as well. In addition, they plan trips throughout the year, which have included New York Botanical Gardens, Wave Hill, and Stone Barns.

The Club started a Greeley Scholarship Program, which is now in its third year. In doing so, a scholarship award goes to two outstanding Greeley senior science students interested in pursuing a major in the field of plant study.

Many people move up to Chappaqua from the city or lower Westchester. They don’t necessarily know how to plant or what to plant and rightfully so, according to Porter. They join to learn, and members try and help. There are some very seasoned members who know so much about gardening and plants. Then there are those who don’t, so the aim is to be a garden club for everyone.

Either way, members like to share and show off their work. Open garden days have them visiting each other’s properties and sharing knowledge “You can find a whole group of people with shared interests,” Porter revealed.

Of course, the camaraderie, beauty and knowledge benefit the town. The Garden Club maintains the 9/11 Memorial at Gedney Park, takes care of the Pocket Park in the town and keeps up the many planters along our town streets. Thus, the beauty becomes second nature. “The Garden Club works together with the New Castle Beautification Board to select ideal plant choices for the Town containers.”  

Pollinator Pathways also extends to the Garden Club, and getting the town engaged and informed is on the agenda. This has the Garden Club informing the community on the importance of planting native plants for the health and survival of our ecosystem. In accordance, forgoing harmful pesticides is in line with the pathway program to protect our wildlife. For example, poisoning mosquitoes and other pests only end up hurting the birds that eat them.

But with all the social isolation hopefully coming to an end, “if you ask our club members what they are most excited about, it is finally getting to meet in person once again,” concluded Porter.

To find out more about the Chappaqua Garden Club, and to register for events, go to their website, chappaquagardenclub.com. Follow them on Instagram @chappaquagardenclub.   Members can also follow the Chappaqua Garden Club Facebook page for additional info and to stay on top of events.  — Rich Monetti with Jennifer Prizer/Chappaqua Garden Club  Photos Courtesy of the Chappaqua Garden Club

Pleasantville Garden Club Members Share the Multitude of Ways to Beautify a Town

The Pleasantville Garden Club, a community service organization founded in 1975 is a fast-growing group of over 100 members who are actively engaged in beautifying the Town of Mount Pleasant and Village of Pleasantville, educating children in the local schools, sharing their knowledge of gardening with each other, and working toward protecting our environment. President Helen Krasnow provides the guidance and support for the club’s dedication to the Mount Pleasant community. 

A high priority of our club is beautification, with a year-round commitment to developing new gardens as well as maintaining and enhancing public spaces. The design, planting and maintenance is accomplished by the club’s membership in cooperation with the Parks Departments of Mt. Pleasant and the Village of Pleasantville. As you drive around our towns, you will see rose gardens, hamlet sign gardens, town clock gardens, a native plant garden at the Pleasantville Community Television Station and many more.

With the worldwide decline in the population of bees, butterflies, and other insects, our club is among a network of communities addressing this problem. “One of our objectives is to work to enhance the Pollinator Pathways program,” said Elsbeth Lindner, Publicity Committee Chair of the Pleasantville Garden Club. Last summer we held a Butterfly Fair to introduce a beautiful Butterfly Garden in Bradhurst Park. The garden offers nutrition for bees, birds, and especially butterflies through the planting of native plants, herbs, and vegetables.  Many children and their parents came to the fair and enjoyed learning about butterflies through the many art and educational activities. Handouts, including “Simple Steps to Creating Pollinator-Friendly Yards” and a “Native Plant Resource Guide”, were distributed to all.  Everyone was thrilled as they watched us release monarch butterflies that flew around and landed on flowers in the garden. We thank the Town of Mount Pleasant Recreation for their support.

At the club’s monthly meetings, visiting specialists discuss topics such as landscape design, native plants, and gardening with deer-resistant plants. Having a good number of knowledgeable master gardeners is one of the strengths of our club. Many presentations have been filmed and are available on PCTV, Pleasantville’s Public Access television station. These shows can be viewed on their website: www.pctv76.org/video/2756/.

Our website, www.pleasantvillegardenclub.org contains all the information about the club including the monthly meetings, gardening resources, and three-to-five-minute videos starring garden club members who share their expertise in various topics. You can also follow the club on Facebook @Pleasantville Garden Club Group and Instagram @pleasantvillegardenclub.

Pleasantville Garden Club’s incredible Annual Plant Sale occurs each year on the Saturday before Mother’s Day at Memorial Plaza, next to the Pleasantville Farmers Market. This year the sale will be held on May 7th from 8 am to 12 pm. Gardeners will find member-grown, proven perennials; hundreds of annuals; vegetables and herbs; plush hanging baskets; and numerous gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Our many knowledgeable Master Gardeners will be there to offer educated gardening advice. All the proceeds are used for beautification and conservation projects in our towns, and to support the environmental education programs in our local schools. The sale is so successful because of the hard work of the Plant Sale Committee and the hands-on help of every member. 

In the spring and summer, we delight in sharing our gardens with other members. The property can be large and expansive with beds of wildflowers and perennials or small and personal with colorful patio containers. Each offers insight into personal style and preference. We also visit public gardens including dahlias at Stonecrop Gardens, daffodils and hydrangeas at Wave Hill, peonies at the Peony Envy Farms, and many more. Each visit is an enjoyable learning experience.

The Pleasantville Garden Club supports STEM education at the three Mt. Pleasant middle schools: Pleasantville, Westlake, and Valhalla. The programs are provided by the Science Barge of Groundwork Hudson Valley, based in Yonkers. Their environmental educators interact with the students on a variety of eco-friendly programs.

In addition to all the wonderful events and garden commitments, a monthly newsletter called The Inside Dirt is sent to each member. Filled with photos and gardening hints and tips, the newsletter gives all the information each member needs to keep up with the club’s activities, accomplishments, and undertakings. Plus, it keeps the members abreast of future meetings, presentations, pursuits, and obligations.

The Pleasantville Garden Club received recognition for its multifaceted work in the community. In 2019, Club was awarded the “Public Service Award” by the Westchester Recreation and Parks. We continue to be dedicated to the practice of horticulture, beautification, environmental protection, education, and friendship. We are eager to serve our community and welcome others to join us.

We are reminded of the Audrey Hepburn quote, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”  — Info and Photos Courtesy of the Pleasantville Garden Club

Plant Sales for Mother’s Day!

In Briarcliff Manor, the Plant & White Elephant Sale will take place on May 7 at the Briarcliff Congregational Church, 9 a.m. – 3  p.m. And then on June 3-4, the BMGC Standard Flower Show at the Briarcliff Manor Public Library will take place.  The Club is calling the affair, “A June Wedding.”

Chappaqua will hold its annual Plant Sale from May 5th – May 7th at the Chappaqua Train Station, over Mother’s Day weekend. “What is most rewarding about the sale,” Club President Gwinne Porter said, “is not just the selling of plants to the community and raising funds for our programs but the way we help answer questions about what plants are best for specific locations. Shade vs. sun, wet vs. dry, our members want to help the community make the right decisions so as to be successful gardeners.” 

In Pleasantville, the Annual Plant Sale will be held Saturday, May 7th, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Memorial Plaza, next to the Pleasantville Farmers Market Gardeners will find member-grown, proven perennials; hundreds of annuals; vegetables and herbs; plush hanging baskets; and numerous gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Knowledgeable Master Gardeners will be there to offer educated gardening advice. All proceeds are used for town beautification and conservation projects and to support school environmental education programs.

New Castle Reflecting On Environmental Justice as Part of Earth Month

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By Tracy Stein

As part of an Earth Month celebration, New Castle residents came together in an advocacy-focused webinar event centered on climate justice. Spearheaded by the New Castle Sustainability Advisory Board, in collaboration with students from the Greeley Sustainability Club and the New Castle Council on Race and Equity, the program addressed ways to become more active in protecting the environment and promoting environmental justice.

 

 

 

 

 

Led by John Opperman (Executive Director of Earth Day Initiative), climate activists Taylor Morton (We Act for Environmental Justice), José Tulio Galvez Contreras (Solar One), and former Greeley graduate Amanda Cronin discussed the pressing intersection between climate change,  environmental contamination and environmental justice, and ways to confront these challenges.

In defining environmental justice, Contreras discussed the long-standing disproportionate impact that climate and pollution historically has had on marginalized communities, who are more likely to live and work in polluted areas and bear a greater burden of environmental health risks. As examples in NYC, Morton described how bus depots (with their high levels of air pollution and links to increased health risks) are housed near communities of color and how these communities historically do not have the same investment in green spaces. Contreras highlighted how the cost of sustainable solutions presents its own environmental justice issue: “those who can afford solar technology or home retrofits are usually not the communities impacted the most.” In their efforts to address these environmental justice impacts, Contreras and Morton argue for the need for community involvement at all levels to advocate for policy change and investment in these communities.

Cronin detailed her own journey to environmental activism, especially the importance of getting involved in community organizations. Her work with the Chappaqua Farmers Market taught her about food systems and agriculture, and ways to promote more sustainable systems. Excited about the opportunities, Cronin noted that there are many ways to get involved in local community organizations. Yet she also challenged young participants: “you can’t wait for someone else to act; you have to take matters into your own hands and use whatever resources you have to do the greatest good.”

All participants addressed the importance of teachers and partnership in education. From experience, Taylor described “teachers as the best community organizers.” To lead to change, curriculums must, but often do not, address climate and environmental justice. Non-profits and community groups often play an important partnership in promoting education policy with lawmakers, while partnering with schools to develop sustainable programming and step in where schools lack the resources. For example, Contreras’ organization Solar One partners to provide k-12 students and teachers a green design lab to enhance learning through environmental projects. Morton noted that NYC schools have a sustainability coordinator to now “champion from the inside.” The speakers also discussed that community organizing was crucial – whether in advocating for policy change or providing resources through community organizations to supplement where communities and schools are lacking.

As a final takeaway geared for some of the young participants, the panelists discussed that there are jobs for those who want to become part of the environmental justice movement through policy work, advocacy, community organizing, and local organizations. In addition, as described by Contreras, the green energy industry will necessarily offer many ways for all Americans to be part of the coming energy transition with the right training and support.

Press here to access a link to a recording of the event.

The program was part of the Sustainability Advisory Board’s (SAB’s) on-going educational efforts and sustainability initiatives. SAB, made up of dedicated Town-appointed members and many volunteers, works behind the scenes to advise the Town on best practices for leading local environmental and conservation efforts. Among its initiatives, SAB spearheaded a gas leaf blower reduction ordinance, enacted by the Town Board and in effect from June 1 through September 30. The ordinance will reduce noxious noise, pollutants, and carbon emissions. Help SAB spread the word on this gas blower ordinance, and see SAB’s website for guidance on best practices for healthy yard cleanup and other initiatives.

Tracy Stein, a graduate from the University of Virginia School of Law, now specializes in environmental policy and advocacy. She has consulted with national and NY nonprofits, including Environmental Law Institute, NY League of Conservation Voters, and Institute for Policy Integrity, on environmental and climate policy. She recently assumed the position of Senior Research Director of Government, Nonprofit, and Corporate Affairs for NYU’s recently established Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab. She sits on the Board of Earth Day Initiative, a NYC non-profit and serves the Town of New Castle Sustainability Advisory Board. 

 

New Castle Town Hall Advisory Boards & Volunteer Opportunities

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The modest building across from the Chappaqua Library on Greeley Avenue is the long-time home of Chappaqua’s Town Hall where multiple departments work to make New Castle a safe, welcoming and smooth running home. The town encourages residents to take full advantage of its services and opportunities–and to become an actively involved citizen too.

The New Castle Town Board is comprised of the Supervisor and four town board members. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, while informal work session meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays. The Town Board adopts and amends local laws regulating the town governance, controls the use of all Town property–except that directly supervised by the Recreation Commission–adopts the annual Town Budget–establishes the tax levy for General, Highway and related funds, and much more.

The Town Administrator oversees the Town’s day-to-day operations and recommendations on personnel matters and prepares the tentative budget for presentation to the Town Board. The Town Administrator is responsible for implementing policy adopted by the Town Board and provides advice and assistance to the Town Board as requested. For complete info about New Castle Town Hall, visit mynewcastle.org.

Opportunities for Seniors

New Castle is proud to note that many residents remain in the community long after the kids have ‘grown and flown.’ The Recreation and Parks Department oversees senior programming to help promote and enhance the quality of life of adults 60 years and over living in the community. Recreation programs, fitness classes and a comprehensive array of supportive services are offered regularly, and encourage both continued independence and involvement in community life. Popular classes at the New Castle Senior Center on Senter Street include artistic pursuits like Watercolor & Drawing and Passport to Active Living daily workouts. Games such as Bridge, Mah Jongg and Poker are another great way to socialize and have fun, and all ability levels are welcome. Music-loving seniors appreciate the free Open Rehearsals of the Chappaqua Orchestra. Lectures, also free, cover topics as far-ranging as classical music to health and fitness. There is even a weekly Pizza ‘n Cinema meet-up featuring vintage and classic films. Senior transportation is available and affordable, and the Senior Watch, a voluntary program open to all, offers peace of mind to those who may not have family or friends available on a regular basis. Further information including the Senter Street Spotlight bi-monthly newsletter: mynewcastle.org/170/Senior-Programs

New Castle Town Camps

Summer is everyone’s favorite season. Longer days, sunshine and warmth, and lots of great outdoor activities make for very happy campers–figuratively, but also literally. New Castle Town Camps are the very definition of happy kid campers. Open to all town recreation residents, there are camp groups for all ages: Tot Camp, designed with young three to five year old children in mind, offers half-day enrollment. Camp Adventure, loaded with fun activities for first through fourth graders, meets at Bell Middle School but includes off-site activities like field trips as well. On-the-Go Camp, for fifth through eighth graders, offers exciting daily excursions to all kinds of kid-approved fun destinations; and the C.I.T program for ninth and tenth graders prepares young teens to move from camper to counselor. There is also a Summer at the Art Center camp for children aged four through seven with a special interest in art. mynewcastle.org/173/Summer-Day-Camps

Recreation and Parks

The Recreation and Parks Department in New Castle is proud to offer something for everyone. Offerings include the finest art workshops in Westchester County along with a wide range of children’s programs from infants to toddlers and preschoolers, as well as a very successful dance program. Looking for camp? The town has a variety of Summer Camps per above for children ages 4 through 8th grade and also Specialty Camps such as Soccer, Lacrosse and Basketball.

Annual events include the adorable Halloween Ragamuffin Parade, a free Fishing Derby and a very challenging 10K & 5K Road Race which traverses the hilly terrain of New Castle. In cooperation with the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce, residents enjoy a series of summer concerts at Recreation Field. There are also a fair share of youth sports here in town as well; youth athletic programs include Baseball/Softball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Wrestling and Basketball.

For more info, call 914-238-3909 or visit mynewcastle.org

Volunteering for New Castle

New Castle offers many volunteering opportunities for residents to share their time and skills. The volunteer options allow residents to play an active role in developing town policies, events, and programs. Here are ways to get involved in helping make New Castle the best it can be:

Every Person is Connected

EPIC promotes the inclusion of community members with disabilities through implementing programs, advising the town board, and developing opportunities for those with special needs. The board informs residents with disabilities on the town’s recreational, educational, and social opportunities, and aims to improve their quality of life. Contact: EPIC@mynewcastle.org

Arts & Culture Committee

This committee supports the growth of the arts in New Castle through promoting and proposing events and programming, such as art exhibits, music, dance, theater, and film. The organization meets twice a month and collaborates with the town and third parties to enhance the community’s events and programs dedicated to the arts. NCACC members also research arts programming of interest in neighboring communities and gather feedback on past and future events. Contact: arts@mynewcastle.org

Beautification Board

The board supports and develops programming that enhances the appearance of New Castle, often collaborating with the Parks and Recreation Department. The Beautification Board sponsors the annual Clean-Up Day in April as well as the “Adopt a Bench” program, which commemorates loved ones and special events. Board members also choose holiday lights and décor for the downtown area during wintertime. Contact: BAB@mynewcastle.org

Community Preparedness Committee

The committee facilitates emergency preparedness for severe weather conditions and power outages. Members advise the town board, educate residents on preparing their homes for emergencies, and coordinate volunteer neighborhood emergency teams. Contact: prepare@mynewcastle.org

Health and Wellness Task Force

Health and wellness are high priorities for the citizens of the Town of New Castle. This committee provides the community with educational resources about public health matters and providing support on a wide variety of health and wellness matters.

New Castle for Inclusion & Diversity Committee

The committee promotes the town’s inclusion and diversity goals through programming in New Castle. To create community awareness about differences in others and encourage respect for these qualities, the organization hosts fundraising events and community celebration. It published a book list (prepared by the Chappaqua Library) which celebrates diversity. Contact: inclusion@mynewcastle.org

New Castle Conservation Board

Studies and advises the Town Board and other Town departments, boards and commissions on developing sound open space planning and assuring preservation of natural and scenic resources within the Town of New Castle.  For more information, please contact Dennis Corelli, Town’s Environmental Coordinator at dcorelli@mynewcastle.org

Sustainability Advisory Board

This board’s many tasks include waste management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and educating residents. A committee advises the board on local construction projects to promote more sustainable practices. Visit www.newcastlesab.org/

Finally, Friends of ChappPac is also a new and vital board supporting the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center.

For more information about any New Castle advisory board, please visit www.mynewcastle.org/250/Boards-Commissions

Sustainability in Action

The Take It Or Leave It Shed

The shed was first opened over a decade ago by volunteers and the Department of Public Works. Located behind the Shell station on South Greeley Avenue, the Take it or Leave it Shed  is open May through October on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon to coincide with the outdoor season of the Chappaqua Farmer’s Market.

You never know what you’ll find at the shed, but it is guaranteed to be free.

Only New Castle residents can donate to the shed (ID is required) but residents and non-residents are allowed to reap the benefits of the items left behind. Items must be dropped off before 11:30 a.m., and there is a maximum of two carloads of items per family per week, so don’t be tempted to use the shed as your own personal dumpster!

For more information and a list of acceptable items for the shed, visit www.mynewcastle.org or call the Department of Public Works at (914) 238-3968.

Reusable Bag Law

In 2017, New Castle showed the world that every day is earth day when the Reusable Bag Law was officially passed. New Castle became the first town in New York State to adopt a ban/fee hybrid bag law. Under the legislation championed by the New Castle Sustainability Advisory Board, the law eliminates distribution of single-use plastic carryout bags at all stores and requires a 10-cent charge for paper shopping bags at the types of stores that use the most bags–grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies.

Every week New Castle saves tens of thousands of bags from entering our waterways and food stream, and littering our parks and roads. This initiative has been so successful that it has served as a model for other Westchester towns seeking to pass similar laws. For more information about this and to see how the Advisory Board is working on changing state and county-wide laws on this issue, visit mynewcastle.org or SAB@mynewcastle.org.

 

The Electric Ride

The Town of New Castle was named the first small community in Westchester County to be designated a Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. A $100,000 grant to the town was used to purchase an electric shuttle which connects Chappaqua Crossing with the Chappaqua Train Station.

 

 Information: Courtesy of The Town of New Castle 

How New Castle Is Leading the Way To a Sustainable Westchester

by

BY KATHY SCHREIBER AND TRACY STEIN

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRACY STEIN

The Town of New Castle is leading the way in promoting a sustainable Westchester. Galvanized by the United States withdrawal from the UN Paris Climate Agreement, the Town joined hundreds of cities and states pledging to uphold the Paris Climate Accord’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, an important step in the fight against the consequences of climate change. The Town of New Castle is working to define and implement measurable goals to reduce emissions 26% by 2025 (based on 2005 levels) as part of its action plan.

Guiding the Town’s initiative is the New Castle Sustainability Advisory Board (“SAB”). This group, comprised of eleven dedicated Town appointed members and many additional volunteers, works behind the scenes to advise the Town on best practices for leading local environmental and conservation efforts, all with an eye on cost savings measures. While broad emission reductions require Federal and State leadership, SAB has promoted and been the driving force behind implementing a number of actions, empowering a local commitment to reducing New Castle’s carbon footprint.

Composting Pilot Program

The SAB is currently spearheading a voluntary recycling program to reduce food waste, one of the largest components of our trash. A win-win as the town’s food scraps are turned into compost at a commercial facility becoming something useful, rather than a contributor to waste and pollution. The Town’s food scrap recycling program provides an alternative to those residents who don’t compost at home. Participants in the pilot program purchase kits (comprised of two collection bins and compostable liners) for $25. These kits are available at the New Castle Recycling center where the food scraps, stored in approved compostable liners, can be dropped off during regular business hours.

Barbara Cardone, a Chappaqua resident recently purchased a compost kit for her four-generation household. She is glad she did because her garbage disposal now will hardly be used so the impact on her septic tank will be less. She keeps both the small container and the large container in her kitchen. “There is absolutely no odor with either of them. Disposing of the food waste at the recycle center is quick and easy,” Cardone said.

The program also provides an opportunity for residents who compost to recycle food waste like bones, shells, meat, napkins and even junk food that are unsuitable for home composting. As commercial composting becomes more widespread and efficient, New Castle may ultimately be able to offer curbside pick up. The Town’s food scrap recycling program will pay for itself and is predicted to even save New Castle money through reduced waste and hauling fees, which is becoming increasingly important as rules on recycling plastic and metals become more restrictive.

Possible Ordinance on Leaf Blowers

The Town is also considering a measure that would have a large impact on emissions reductions – restrictions on leaf blowers. A SAB-recommended leaf blower reduction ordinance would be similar to laws already in effect in 17 other Westchester towns and counting. Most people are unaware that in addition to creating noxious noise and blowing hazardous dust particles and other pollutants into the air, gas leaf blowers emit large amounts of carbon emissions. One study estimates that a single half-hour use is equal to driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck from New York to Alaska.

Using leaf blowers to clean grass clippings is a relatively recent phenomenon while leaving grass clippings where they fall instead offers beneficial composting nutrients to yards and grasses, something that homeowners may not realize. The restriction under consideration would prohibit the use of gas and electric leaf blowers during the summer when air quality is at its poorest levels, but would not impact fall seasonal cleanup.

One SAB initiative helped to cement New Castle as a leader in sustainability. As the first town in New York State to pass a comprehensive bag law, the Town eliminated hundreds-of-thousands of single-use bags and is now a model for multiple Westchester towns. The SAB regularly consults with other towns and the efforts were rewarded when Pleasantville and Lewisboro recently passed bag laws modeled after New Castle’s.

The SAB’s website, newcastlesab.org includes additional information about these initiatives and ways for residents to lower their carbon footprint. The SAB welcomes volunteers. For additional information, email sab@mynewcastle.org.