• 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
  • Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Login
  • Print Subscription
  • Contact Us

swimming

The Little Pool That Could!

September 1, 2015 by The Inside Press

Swim across America

By Isabella and Margaux Weiner

The best of Chappaqua was on display on Sunday morning’s Swim Across America fundraising event at Chappaqua Swim & Tennis, the picture-perfect sunny weather reflecting the optimism of this broad community effort. What started eight years ago as an off-site, four-person swim has grown to a home event involving more than 80 swimmers with ages ranging from six to nearly sixty. Each swimmer swam a half-mile or mile, and money pledged for the swim funds cancer research and treatment.

Swim for America Volunteer Committee
(Left to right): Maija Cekic, Stacey Sayer, Lori Shay, Carrie Dillon, Beth D’Alessandro, Dan Levy, Judy Simon, Katri and Bill Coster–all local volunteers for Swim Across America

The fundraising results of the Chappaqua swim have increased dramatically, with more than $60,000 in contributions so far this year! This puts the Chappaqua Swim & Tennis swim in the number one spot for fundraising among all the pool swims in Westchester and Long Island. This is an outstanding accomplishment for an event that held its first home swim only four years ago, thanks to our community! Olympic silver medalist Bobby Hackett of Katonah helped kickstart the Chappaqua swim, offering a swim clinic to participants.

Many local businesses contributed food and refreshments for the event, as well as wonderful prizes for raffle and high-end items for silent auction. Beneficiaries of SAA-LIS funds include the Cancer Support Team–Purchase, NY; Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at New York Presbyterian, New York; and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center-New York, supporting the Swim Across America Research Laboratory.

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: inside chappaqua, Inside Chappaqua (Sept 2015), pool, Swim Across America, swimming

NY’s Third Most Successful “Swim Across America”

August 14, 2013 by The Inside Press

Chappaqua Kids’ Laps had Heart and Soul in NY’s Third Most Successful “Swim Across America”

Article and Photos by Zarah Kavarana

swim-groupEarly on Sunday, July 14, the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club was flooded with swimmers of all ages who were eager to jump in the pool and swim to raise money for the grassroots organization, Swim Across America.

The event helped raise both money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment. This was Swim Across America’s second year hosting the event at the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club. In 2012, the event raised $30K, which made it the third most successful Swim Across America event in the greater New York area. According to Media Chair, Jean Fufidio, the total amount raised for this year is currently in the process of being tallied, but the number is already well over last year’s mark.

Swim Across America, Inc. was originally founded in 1987. Through the years, it has united and attracted over 5,000 recreational and competitive swimmers, Olympians, kayakers, boaters, and volunteers in the fight against cancer. Today, it offers 50 swims in 14 different states with multiple chapters. Swim Across America has raised more than $40 million, which has ultimately gone toward research and prevention programs at some of America’s most well regarded hospitals and managed-care facilities.

Silver medalist in the 1976 Olympics and volunteer coach, Bobby Hackett, highlighted the benefits of the event.

He said, “It’s a community getting together for a cause and everybody here knows somebody who has directly or indirectly been impacted by cancer. For me, it’s an opportunity to give back and raise some funds to hopefully make peoples lives better.”

swim-oneTo describe Swim Across America, Fufido said, “Swim Across America is a community-minded organization where it’s national in scope, but local in heart.”

The Long Island Sound Chapter, which includes a large number of Westchester County  members, is now the largest in the organization and has raised over $12 million since its start in 1992. In 2012 alone, it raised about $1 million with support from its community. The chapter has a goal of raising $1.2 million this year.

Swimmers had options to fit their comfort and experience levels. They could swim one mile or half a mile, individually or with a team. Participants came out for a variety of reasons, ultimately uniting together against cancer. Nineteen-year-old Henry Simon decided to take part as a tribute to his father, David Simon, who died of cancer in 2007. He said, “It really started when Coach Dan brought Swim Across America to the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club. He asked me if it was okay making a Team Karen and David because my Dad was a big part of this club when he was still alive, and a lot of kids knew him. I really just do it in honor of him so that everyone doesn’t forget and remembers that it [cancer] touches everyone, not just a few people.”

Ten-year-old Joseph Weiner also participated for the ones he has loved and lost. “The event helps raise money to help fight cancer and people I know have died from having that and it’s really sad. I do the best I can to help.”

Following the event was a free swim clinic from former Olympic swimmer and Katonah resident, Bobby Hackett. He worked with attendees, giving them helpful tips that would greater improve their skills. Hackett would first explain, then demonstrate the hint, and call a few swimmers at a time into the water to try out what they were just taught.

Complimentary food and beverages were available throughout the event, and a kiddie pool was open for the little ones. Medals, t-shirts, and beach towels were given to those who participated.

Many of those who could not or chose not to swim made a pledge to the Swim Across America website: www.swimacrossamerica.org. Inside Chappaqua readers are also encouraged to donate what they can to this influential cause.

Zarah Kavarana, Inside Chappaqua Magazine’s summer intern, is entering her sophomore year at Boston University this September.

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: cancer research, Swim Across America, swimming

Remarkable Individuals

May 28, 2013 by The Inside Press

By Sarah Ellen Rindsberg

Joseph D’Adamo
Joseph D’Adamo

Outsiders are often unacquainted with the world inhabited by special needs children. Tomes on the subject are few and far between. Eager to shed light on their rewarding lives, several local families graciously shared their perspective.

Debra Marino spoke of the way in which siblings explain their brothers’ and sisters’ differences to others. When her son, Dylan Bower wanders over to greet his sister Alana and her friends, Alana says, “This is my brother.  He has autism.  He can’t speak too well.”

For Dylan, being among typical kids–which he enjoys immensely– brings its own set of challenges. One day when he was at a pool, talking and splashing to his heart’s content, one of the other boys asked Marino:  “What’s wrong with him?”  “His brain works differently from yours,” she responded. The next question posed was:  “Is it catching?”

Max Krooks’ energy is amazing. On vacations in La Quinta, California, his days include swimming, biking and shuffleboard. “I don’t get tired,” he  related.  Having cerebral palsy and being developmentally delayed diminishes neither his pace nor his desire to remain active.  After a busy day, he craves muffin tops from Stew Leonard’s.

Max Krooks
Max Krooks

At home, Krooks is always on the go. Every week he smiles from the saddle when he participates in the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding program. Volunteers surround Cinnamon, his usual horse, as Krooks posts and trots around the ring.  His proud mother, Robin Krooks, watches each session and revels in his success. “He’s an equestrian when he’s on a horse,” she said.  In a magical dance, the riders follow the gait of the horses. This practice translates into dramatic improvements in posture and movement in their daily routines.

Another important facet of Max’s life involves–you guessed it–more sports.  His long list of activities includes playing VIP soccer (AYSO’s program for kids with special needs) and competing in the Special Olympics as part of North East Westchester Special Recreation’s swim team. He often asks his mother whether she will be attending his activities.  “He loves when people cheer him on,” his mother related.

Lee Block is an advocate for people with Asperger’s, like himself. He eagerly answered a reporter’s questions. “I can share my experiences and hope people will learn from them,” he said.

Attending a talk by John Elder Robison, the author of “Look Me in the Eye,” was a pivotal moment for Block. Robinson’s memoir focuses on his life with Asperger’s. “I felt very connected. That’s exactly how I felt. I understand his predicament,” Block said.

Lee Block
Lee Block

Block described his comfort level when he is with his Aspy friends. “Most boys my age like to play sports and talk about girls,” Block explained. “We stick to our own little world and that’s how I like it,” he continued.

His mother, Toddi Gutner, added further insight into this aspect of Block’s life.  After deciding that public school was not a good fit for her son, she and her husband enrolled him at the Winston Preparatory School.  Here, they found a compatible environment, one that eschews loud music, lockers and bells.  Gutner explained the way in which this setting meets her son’s needs:  “I’m not different there,” he told her. “That’s human nature,” Gutner mused.  “Everybody needs their own people.”

Lori D’Adamo’s son Joseph, who is classified as multi-disabled due to the effects of a seizure disorder, benefits greatly from his participation in North East Special Recreation. He enjoys a slew of fun activities including bowling, field trips and dances at the American Legion Hall.

Joseph’s parents nurture his passion for Broadway musicals by taking him to the theatre once a month. His happiness radiates during the shows. When Lori looks at him sitting beside her, she sees him “beaming from ear to ear.”

Dylan and Alana Marino
Dylan and Alana Marino

At home, Joseph often bursts into song spontaneously, singing one of his favorite tunes. His mom is often treated to a rendition of “Luck be a Lady” from “Guys and Dolls.”

The inspiration for this article came from Sarah Ellen Rindsberg’s fond recollection of the baby’s voice in “Look Homeward, Angel.”

Filed Under: Special Needs Tagged With: asperger, children, riding, Special Needs, sports, swimming

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2

Primary Sidebar

Please Visit

William Raveis – Armonk
William Raveis – Chappaqua
White Plains Hospital
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Briarcliff
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
NYOMIS – Dr. Andrew Horowitz
Raveis: Lisa Koh and Allison Coviello
Purple Plains
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
Korth & Shannahan
Douglas Elliman: Chappaqua
Compass: Natalia Wixom
Sugar Hi
Terra Tile & Marble
World Cup Gymnastics
Pinksky Studio
New Castle Physical Therapy
Temple Beth El
David Visconti Painting & Contracting

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 and Millwood Inside Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Subscription
  • Print Subscription

Publisher’s Note Regarding Our Valued Sponsors

Inside Press is not responsible for and does not necessarily endorse or not endorse any advertisers, products or resources referenced in either sponsor-driven stories or in advertisements appearing in this publication. The Inside Press shall not be liable to any party as a result of any information, services or resources made available through this publication.The Inside Press is published in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in advertising or sponsor driven stories that appear in this publication. The views of advertisers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher’s.

Opinions and information presented in all Inside Press articles, such as in the arena of health and medicine, strictly reflect the experiences, expertise and/or views of those interviewed, and are not necessarily recommended or endorsed by the Inside Press. Please consult your own doctor for diagnosis and/or treatment.

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 © 2025 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in