NEW: Whether to specify “social-emotional-physical well-being” as a third “Strategic Question”
Monday, February 6, 2012
by Christine Yeres
In their work session last Tuesday, Board of ed members discussed whether to add a third “Strategic Question” to the board’s existing two (one on balancing an excellent education with fiscal responsibility, the other on ensuring that students think critically and acquire 21st century skills).
[The district’s mission statement and two existing strategic questions are reprinted at the end of this article. The February 15 Knowledge Cafe to discuss this issue has been postponed, with no future date set yet.]
A useful touchstone
Superintendent Lyn McKay and Assistant Superintendent Eric Byrne told board members that elevating this third element of student life to the status of “Strategic Question” would provide the board and administrators with a touchstone against which they could view all their actions or initiatives—in the same way they use the existing two, McKay reminded them—as either promoting the intent of the strategic question or not.
“Do we have social-emotional issues covered already?” and “Is it the school’s place to cover them?”
Board member Randy Katchis posited that the CCSD mission statement—which includes the language, “We will help [students] learn how to manage freedom and to act ethically” [see below for full text]— and existing two strategic questions [also below] covered the purposes of the proposed third, social-emotion-physical question well enough. Fellow board member Karen Visser was most skeptical of codifying an area in which parents are the prime guardians and guides for their children.
“Whoa,” said Visser, “my gut feeling is “this is my job. As a parent, my child’s social and emotional well-being is my responsibility.”
“I would frame it differently,” said board member Jeffrey Mester. “We need to come up with common standards—what we can offer [students] in our schools in terms of a safe environment, not so much values.”
Board president Alyson Kiesel weighed in. “I don’t think we’re talking about detailed values. It’s more about respecting people’s needs and social and emotional development and understand how that interplays with our primary purpose: academic. Because the ‘social and emotional’ impacts on how they perform at school.”
“We want to create that environment,” added Katchis, “where the [existing] strategic questions can be accomplished to the best of individuals’ ability without creating obstacles we have control over.”
As to ethics and boundaries, “The trouble with those,” said Mester, “is that you have to be able to enforce them and consistently apply them.”
“We do have a Student Code of Conduct,” McKay reminded them.
“Yes, guardrails on the highway,” said Katchis.
“All this is already happening,” said Kiesel, fresh from the board’s walking tour of Westorchard Elementary (which they found very exciting, they all reported earlier in the meeting), “when they read Big Al [a children’s book by Andrew Clements, in which a big, scary-looking fish has trouble making friends with handsome little fish] and learn not to judge someone by their looks. That’s happening, in texts.”
“I think we have to step back and ask why we do what we’re doing,” said Tipp. “Not just teaching them to do well in school—good grades, good SAT scores—but to become successful human beings in the world. What’s the definition of success? High income? Test scores? To be able to manage their lives in the world: what does it take to do that? What will enable them to succeed, to be resilient, confident, and to cope with stress and have good relationships. So that’s what we mean about values—not religion, but things other than academic skills.”
“So do we need to put [these intangibles] into a third strategic question,” asked Tipp, “or continue to embed them in the current questions? And, if we create a third question, are we bound to commit district resources and . . . do we have those resources?”
“[The social-emotional considerations] are now a subset of teaching and learning,” said Katchis. “We teach kids every day resiliency, ‘go to work on these skills,’ ‘get better at what you’re doing.’ I think that’s going on in the district already.”
Later in the discussion, Visser provided an example. “OK,” she asked, “no drinking for the football team?”
“There should be a code of conduct for sports,” Mester responded.
“I was thinking less of rules with punitive measures,” said Tipp. “I was looking in terms of how to teach self-confidence, resilience, to be a contributing member of society.”
“How do you measure such a thing?” asked Katchis. “How do you ensure that?”
“If you create the question,” said McKay, “we can create measurements. There are ways to observe and measure. You want to think first about ‘Do we want to raise the level of awareness about social and emotional well-being?’ Yes, we do. If this is what we expect, how can we measure?”
“Isn’t that like asking ‘Who’s for lower taxes?’” said Mester. “Of course we’re for it.”
“So what is the difference,” asked Tipp, “between having it [already] in the mission statement and putting it into a third strategic question? Because our mission statement means something. Is it more actionable if it’s a strategic question?”
“Yes,” McKay responded. “We can actualize each of those questions. It raises the level of awareness.”
“I don’t think we necessarily succeed in our mission statement,” said Mester. “Maybe putting it in a third strategic question highlights it to the community.”
The discussion of the Third Strategic Question starts at the 33:00 minute mark in the video of the board’s meeting and lasts about 30 minutes. The video, from NCCMC.org, is embedded below.
CCSD Mission Statement
The mission of the Chappaqua Schools is to create a community for learning, where students, parents and staff are joined in the pursuit of academic excellence and personal growth in a caring environment. We seek to develop each student’s full potential through a challenging curriculum, a diversified faculty, and a commitment to intellectual freedom. We will teach basic skills, foster creative and critical thinking, and provide a foundation for life-long learning. We will nourish our students’ emotional lives and guide their social development, instilling in them an appreciation of self-worth, of individual difference, and of global interdependence. We will help them learn how to manage freedom and to act ethically so that each may become a responsible, contributing member of society.
Strategic Question 1 (budget/operations)
“How can the District ensure continuing excellence in academic and extracurricular programs while developing a budget that is fiscally responsible?”
Strategic Question 2 (teaching and learning)
“How can the District ensure that all students think deeply, support their thinking, apply problem-solving skills, and actively participate in their learning as they acquire content knowledge?”
The board of ed’s next meeting is Tuesday, February 28, at 8:15 p.m. On the agenda is “Budget Discussion—School Programs and Staffing.”
Rules and Expectations for “Winter Whiteout Dance” Saturday, February 11, 2012
Parents and Students: The following rules and expectations were designed to provide for a safe atmosphere the night of the dance. Please read and discuss them together and then sign the back of the pre-purchased ticket indicating that you have done so.
1. Students must have a purchased ticket, signed by a parent, in order to enter the dance. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. No tickets will be sold at the door.
2. All school policies are in effect during all school activities.
3. Students may not enter the dance after 9:30 pm.
4. All students must arrange to be picked up from the dance by 11:00 pm SHARP!
5. Students may not bring bags of any kind to the dance. Please plan accordingly.
6. A student found to be in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or another substance will be suspended from school (including extracurricular activities and athletics). Parents will be called from the dance and asked to come to school to pick up their children. Additionally, the student will be barred from attending future school events.
7. There will be an alcohol detection device on hand at the dance which can be used in the event there is suspicion that a student is under the influence. Our ability to suspend a student does not rely on the use of this device.
8. The dance is open to Greeley students only. Guests are not permitted. 9. Students may not walk to or from the dance and they may not arrive or leave by taxi.
Click HERE for a copy in pdf of the “Winter Whiteout Dance Permission Slip & Driving Form” from the HGHS website. Parents of seniors and their passengers (limited to one other student or sibling) must fill out the driving permission form. To be admitted to the dance, every student must have a parent signature on the back of his or her ticket.
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Merchant of the Week: The King’s Scribe on Lower King, of course
Allisa Harvey, The King’s Scribe
Photos by Kevan Full, at kevanslens.com; see more in Photo Gallery
February 3, 2012
by Rob Greenstein
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I dropped in to The King’s Scribe to see how to score some points with my wife.
How long has your store been a member of our community?
My store, The King’s Scribe opened on May 1, 2011. Retail is a new endeavor for me, but I have been a graphic designer and illustrator with an online stationery design business since about 2008.
Besides Valentine’s day, which is right around the corner, what are you other busy times of year?
Mother’s Day was a fantastic time to have a grand opening, and I’m looking forward to another busy Mother’s Day coming up. The holiday season starts for me with custom photo cards and holiday greetings in October. Though I expected a bit of a lull after December, I’m actually busier than ever with wedding invitations and bar and bat mitzvahs. There are so many newly engaged couples around the holidays who begin their wedding planning in the new year!
I know you sell specialty papers and envelopes, is it tough to compete in this computer age?
I don’t like to think of “competing” with the digital age. I’m really conscious of the fact that people communicate in a different way now, and it’s important for me to keep up with that. So I do carry things like iPhone and iPad covers. But my passion is just trying to remind people of the impression that hand-written correspondence still makes, and remind people that certain sentiments just can’t be expressed with a text message or email. Words on paper represents time spent, in a sincere way to make a statement.
I also know you sell all sorts of invitations - wedding, birth announcements, holiday cards, bar/bat mitzvah, graduation, corporate and birthday parties, baby shower—do you have nightmares about eVite?
It does break my heart a little (ok, a lot) when people tell me they are going to send an eVite for their kid’s Bar Mitzvah. What I remind people of in reference to the invitation is that this is the preview of the event to come. It needs to make a statement—now, that doesn’t mean it needs to be frivolous and expensive. But it should be thoughtfully designed, especially considering the importance of such an event as a Bar Mitzvah or special anniversary.
I know your web site http://www.kingsscribe.com is near completion. What type of services will you offer on your site?
I’m hoping its done within the next week or so! There will be capability to shop online and I will ship globally.
I offer shipping services via UPS at a rate below standard retail and I will pack and ship your packages anywhere.
Is your main customer base the creative community?
Not necessarily, but I do really get the warm fuzzies when a customer walks in and says they are a total “paper person” and they really GET what I’m trying to do here! I sell greeting cards for all occasions which gets people in the door on a regular basis
What would you recommend to make our downtown hamlets more vibrant?
As merchants in a small community I think we all have the same hope—that people will appreciate the contribution that our businesses make in their town, and consciously commit to supporting us, because it does go back into our community via donations, events and other outreach.
Any special discounts for NewCastleNOW readers who mention this article?
Sure. With orders of 150 or more Bar Mitzvah invitation suites I will give free digital calligraphy on the guest’s envelopes.
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Visit NCNOW.org’s Business Section to see other “Merchant of the Week” pieces by Rob Greenstein.
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Board of Ed approves plan expanded by Turf Committee to $3 million
February 3, 2012
by Christine Yeres
The Chappaqua Turf Committee (TCTC) has plans to expand its original $2 million fundraising campaign for turf installation on the Greeley Competition Field to include another $1 million for improvements and additions to the surrounding area. On Tuesday, board of education members voted to accept up to $3 million in private donations TCTC intends to raise. At the same time, the board amended its contract with The WBA Group to include the additional design and engineering services—all contingent upon receiving the funds from the TCTC.
Installation of the turf by fall of 2012 remains TCTC’s priority, but additional restrooms, walkways, improvement to the concession stand, the track, and tennis courts are now in the committees sights as well. TCTC currently has around a half-million in donations and pledges.
In its application to the NYS Education Department for the required approvals for the fields project, the board will include needed roof repairs to the Greeley gym. By doing so, the entire $3 million project—turf field and roof repair—qualifies for state aid of around 30% of the cost, resulting in $900,000 back to the school district, spread out over 15 years.
The Chappaqua Turf Committee’s Expanded Plans
Additonal fees (not shown) are associated with each
• reconstruct the running track—$380,000
• replace tennis court lights (with same as on football field, directed downward)—$110,000
• resurface the tennis courts—$30,000
• concession stand, mechanical room, restrooms—$40,000
• entrance plaza and walkway to the field—$210,000
• correct drainage to visitor side of the field—$20,000
• construct restrooms—$104,000
• septic and sewer—$20,000
• scoreboard matrix—$90,000
• press box renovation (at the top of the home bleachers)—$25,000
• move the handicap ramp to the bleachers (they now prevent access to the ground floor storage under the press box)—$8,000
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Middle school and high school writers, submit to the 32nd Annual Young Writers Contest!
February 3, 2012
by Cheryl Jacobs Ehrlich
Winter’s wonky this year! Get inspired by the sunshine and start writing! The 32nd Annual Young Writers Contest is now open for entries. Each year the Friends of the Chappaqua Library sponsors the Young Writers Contest, to find and recognize writing of merit in the community. All students, grades 6-12, residing in the Chappaqua Central School district or enrolled in Chappaqua schools may enter the contest.
The three categories for submissions are:
Fiction (short story, drama);
Non-fiction (essay, journalism, humor, descriptive prose); and
Poetry
First, second and third prizes are awarded in each category, at both the middle school and high school levels. High school winners are announced at the spring Awards Assembly.
As always, this year’s contest will be judged “blind” by a panel of writing and editing professionals. Judges never know the identities of the writers, and vice versa.
Manuscripts should be submitted on paper, in quadruplicate. In past years, the Friends of the Chappaqua Library absorbed the cost of copying each manuscript to distribute to judges; the Friends of the Library save hundreds of dollars (applied to other programs) when entrants provide the copies.
The Young Writers Contest Entry Form and the official rules can be found on the Friends’ page of the Library’s website, at the bottom, or in the Teen section. It can also be picked up from the Library circulation desk, or from middle school and high school English departments.
As for the small print, all manuscripts must be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point type, and no longer than ten pages. There is no fee to enter. All three categories may be entered, but no more than one submission per category will be accepted, so submit your best work. All work must be original and the writer’s own. A separate application form is required for each submission and please make sure your name does not appear anywhere on the manuscript. Please see entry form for the full rules.
Deadline for entries is Friday, March 30, 2012, at the Library, by the close of the business day, or 2:00 p.m. at the school English departments. For more information, read the rules carefully.
The Friends of the Chappaqua Library look forward to seeing the creative talents of the students in the district, and having the opportunity to recognize their original artistic efforts.
The Friends sponsor a wide variety of library programs which enrich our amazing community resource. The Friends also purchase books, DVDs, E-books, audio materials, even furniture, and of course, sponsor the Young Writers Contest. Be sure to attend the Friends’ upcoming fundraising, a staged reading of a new comedy, on March 3, 2012.
Cheryl Jacobs Ehrlich is on the board of the Friends of the Chappaqua Library and a contributor to NewCastleNOW.org.
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Celebrate World Happy Day in New Castle
See the trailer in “Read more…”
February 3, 2012
by Barbara Kornreich
Saturday February 11, 2012 has been declared “World Happy Day,” when screenings of HAPPY, the latest film from Academy ward nominated director Roko Belic, will be held around the globe—including here in Chappaqua at the New Castle Community Media Center.
The feature length film takes viewers on a journey across five continents in search of the keys to happiness. People worldwide will participate in the event by watching the film in venues ranging from large public theaters to community centers, schools, houses of worship, libraries and private homes.
Screenings are scheduled to take place in places as diverse as Cambodia, Brazil and Nepal, as well as in cities across the U.S. The filmmaker’s goal is for people to come together on the same day, to start a conversation about what makes people happy and how we might begin to live more fulfilling lives.
The film HAPPY was inspired by a challenge. Tom Shadyac, producer/director of such films as Bruce Almighty, Liar Liar and Patch Adams, read an article in The New York Times that ranked the U.S. 23rd on its list of happiest countries. To try to find out why the U.S. ranks so low, he asked Belic to travel the world to investigate the origins of human happiness.
The film that resulted is a cinematic quest that takes viewers from the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia, from the beaches of Brazil to the mountains of Bhutan. HAPPY combines real-life human stories interspersed with interviews of several of the world’s leading experts in the science of happiness and well being, to reveal a deeper understanding of why and how we can live more fulfilling, happier lives.
HAPPY was developed under the Creative Visions Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports creative activists who use the power of media and the arts to affect positive change in the world.
The screening will take place at 4:00 pm at New Castle Community Media Center, 400 King Street, Suite 1. Admission is free, but because space is limited, pre-registration is required. To register, click HERE.
Barbara Kornreich is President of the New Castle Community Media Center (NCCMC).
Watch the HAPPY trailer:
HAPPY TRAILER from
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Seven Bridges Theatre Company Presents: Seussical, Jr., Feb. 10-12
Monday, January 30, 2012
by Ellen Davis
The show is cast, rehearsals have started and the excitement builds. On February 10-12, the Seven Bridges Theatre Company will present Seussical Jr., a show that is perfect entertainment for the whole family “no matter how small.”
Aimee Gautreau, chair of the Seven Bridges Theatre Company, noted that, “Seussical Jr. brings to life many of Dr. Seuss’ more memorable characters like Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Bird Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination named JoJo.” She added, “It’s a delightful experience for both performers and audience alike.”
Performances are Friday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m. All tickets are $12 (plus a small transaction fee if purchased online) and are available for purchase through the Seven Bridges PTA website: http://www.chappaquapta.net/SBHome.php
Largest cast in the history of the Seven Bridges PTA Theatre Program
All four grades at Seven Bridges are well represented in the cast. In fact, with 97 performers, Seussical Jr. has the most participants in the history of the Seven Bridges PTA Theater Program.
For some students, this is the first time they will get to work with the professional team assembled by the theater company: Director Kevin Kearins, Chorographer Linda Sabatelli-Carelli and Musical Director John Bowen. “I’m always surprised and ecstatic about the quality of dancing and singing from the students,” commented Director Kevin Kearins. “It’s quite a treat for the production team to work with such talented students.”
Eighth grader Megan Warshofsky, Bird Girl Number 1,who loves singing and acting “has worked with Kevin since her days at Roaring Brook.” Bird Girl Number 7, Gina Bueti, also an eighth grader pointed out: “Seussical Jr. starts simply and suddenly the story comes together and it’s so exciting.” Sixth Grader Julia Dalrymple, who portrays the Young Kangaroo, is “so excited to have a lead part.” So excited, in fact, that she learned all of her lines before rehearsals even started!
So get ready to join Horton, Mayzie, JoJo, The Cat in the Hat and the inhabitants of Whoville for three out-of-this-world performances!
Ellen Davis is a creative director. She is also the parent of sixth graders, Violet and Jackson Gautreau, who are members of the Seven Bridges Theatre Company.
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NEW: Overview of School News
• Third Strategic Question
• CEFF Knowledge Cafe postponed indefinitely
• Parent permission slip and driving form for Saturday, February 11 Winter Dance
• Parents of Seven Bridge student struck by truck sue driver, CCSD, Town and County
• CEFF Knowledge Cafe postponed indefinitely
According to David Hayes, Public Information Office for CCSD, “the Knowledge Café being facilitated by the members of the Chappaqua Education For the Future (CEFF) committee scheduled for February 15th is being postponed until sometime in April.” No reason was given. One of the three agenda items of the committee is a Third Strategic Question for the board to consider, on the “social, emotional and physical well-being of students.” See Whether to specify “social-emotional-physical well-being” as a third “Strategic Question,” in today’s NCNOW.org.
• Parent permission slip and driving form for Saturday, February 11 Winter Dance
To enter the Saturday, February 11 high school “Winter Whiteout Dance,” Greeley students-only (no guests allowed) must have pre-purchased tickets signed by a parent. According the the “Rules and Expectations” set out in the driving permission form, “students may not walk to or from the dance and may not arrive or leave by taxi.” The rules also warn of suspension from school—“including extracurricular activities and athletics” for students who are “found to be in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or another substance”—as well as being “barred from attending future school events.”
The form advises that parents and students “read and discuss [the Rules and Expectations] together.” The $15 tickets will be on sale in the HGHS cafeteria through Thursday, February 9.
• Parents of Seven Bridge student struck by truck sue driver, CCSD, Town and County
According to a report by Elizabeth Ganga in yesterday’s Journal News, the parents of the student (age 14 at the time) struck by a truck on his way to Seven Bridges school filed suit in November in State Supreme Court in White Plains against the truck driver, the school district, the town and county, “saying that the governments,” according to Ganga, “all had a duty to provide safe routes to school and to install traffic-control devices and a crosswalk.”
In her article, Ganga writes, “the lawsuit argues that the school district should have known that [the student, who lives nearby] and other students walk to school. The lawsuit says neither the children nor their parents were ever told not to walk.”
In recent a “Knowledge Cafe” discussion of the budget, several parent participants suggested that, to save money, busing routes be changed to enlarge the area surrounding each school that is not provided bus pick-up because distances are considered walkable. At that time, Chow noted that although the three elementaries, Bell and Greeley all have such areas designated as too-close-for-bus-service, in the case of Seven Bridges there is no area exempt from bus service.
According to Ganga, the police determined at the time that the truck driver was traveling south on Seven Bridges Road “below the speed limit and was not at fault.” The student was, she wrote, “carrying a lacrosse stick and wearing earphones, ran out from behind a stopped SUV and was hit by the truck. He was thrown into a guide rail and a stone wall on the side of the road.” His was transported to the hospital with a fractured skull.
• Open Season for Chappaqua Continuing Education Spring Classes
Chappaqa Continuing Ed brochure for Spring Classes is now available online. Click HERE to download it from CCSD’s website.
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Find out about great town camps at Campapalooza—games, raffles, food
Registration for Summer Camps begins on MONDAY February 6
See a NCCMC video of last year’s camp in “Read more…”
February 3, 2012
by Matt Nordt
Are you looking for some great day camp, sports camps, or specialty camps for your child this summer? Why send your child away for the summer when there is so much to offer here? On Saturday, February 4, come to our Campapalooza! at the Community Center on Senter Street, from 11:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. We’ve invited all of our Day Camp administrative staff, Art Camp, our sports camp staff and our specialty camp staff to speak with you and give out information.
We will also have free refreshments, games, raffles and entertainment for the kids at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. (Snow date: Sunday, February 5).
Looking for a camp to send your kids to this summer? Why not choose New Castle Recreation’s Day Camp programs? We offer an affordable day camp with all the fun of a private camp. 2012 will be an exciting year to attend our camps. We’ll be swimming, going on exciting trips, holding some great special events and hosting some great entertainers.
Our goal is to host a safe, fun, and affordable day camp for the residents of New Castle. Our staff are courteous, professional and always looking out for the well-being of the campers. We have a wide-ranging camp program that values individuality, promotes self esteem and exposes your child to a variety of skills, games and activities.
The camp program includes swimming, arts and crafts, sports, exciting field trips, special events, drama, reading, and much more.
All campers provide their own lunch and beverages.
New Castle Recreation, in cooperation with CSSD, offers camp programs in Chappaqua Schools: Tots Camp at Roaring Brook, On-the-Go and Camp Adventure at Seven Bridges. All camps are licensed by the department of health and adhere to all regulations set by the County and State Health Departments.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact Matthew Nordt, Recreation Supervisor, at 914-238-7289.
Hope to see you at camp!!
The event will take place at the Community Center on Senter Street in the heart of Chappaqua.
For more updated information, check out our camp website at www.ncdaycamps.com. This Summer Camps page will have the latest updates for your camp.
You can also sign up for instant alerts to your email or cellphone by subscribing to one of the three mailing lists. Send an email from the email account you wish to receive alerts to one of the three lists below:
The Rec Department also offers an Extended Day Program each day from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. for kids from grades 1 to 8.
See you this Saturday! In the meantime, browse our catalog: Town Camps 2012
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Tim Bloom to attend LWV “Students Inside Albany” Conference
February 3, 2012
by Sheila Bernson and Jennifer Mebes Flagg
Tim Bloom, an 11th grade student at Horace Greeley High School, has been chosen by the League of Women Voters of New Castle to attend this year’s Students Inside Albany Conference, organized by the League of Women Voters of New York State.
This twelfth annual Students Inside Albany Conference will take place from March 25-28, 2012, and will bring together approximately 40 students from across the state to Albany to get a first-hand education about their state government. The program is designed to increase high school students’ knowledge about the process by which public policy is proposed and enacted, and awareness of their responsibility in representative government. The four-day conference provides students with the information, motivation, and skills to become informed voters and engaged citizens.
While at the conference, students will join their peers in a hands-on learning experience about how state government works. Students will participate in a series of interactive lectures on topics such as the state budget process, the role of lobbyists in the legislative process, citizen rights to access government information, the role of media in politics, and the move to reform state government. The students will have an opportunity to tour the state’s Capitol. The highlight for most students will be the opportunity to shadow their Senators and their Assembly member for an afternoon, with many students getting the opportunity to attend session on the Chamber floor.
For more information on the program please send an email to Lea Barth at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Sheila Bernson and Jennifer Mebes Flagg are Co-Presidents of the League of Women Voters of New Castle.
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Chappaqua Community Garden Second Season Kickoff Meeting
February 3, 2012
by Suzi Novak
Many of us in Chappaqua would like to try vegetable gardening, but have been daunted by too much shade or too many deer. The solution? A community garden, made possible by the generosity of the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the leadership of InterGenerate, a local non-profit established to give more people access to fresh, healthy food.
The Ambulance Corps permitted InterGenerate to build a fenced-in garden on their property; there are 22 beds that can be rented for $50 per season, which runs from April through October. To make sure that even people in need can get fresh food, there is a dedicated Giving Garden with four beds tended by Girl Scout troop 2747.
We are kicking off the 2012 season with a meeting and workshop on starting seeds indoors on Sunday, February 12 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm at the Children’s Program Room in the Chappaqua Library. There are a limited number of plots available for the coming garden season; if you are interested in gardening or thinking about renting a plot, join us! All levels of gardening expertise are welcome. For more information, email Suzi Novak .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Suzi Novak is a board member of InterGenerate. Since retiring from her teaching career at Horace Greeley she has become passionate about the environment. She speaks about sustainable food and helps establish community gardens. Suzi is the co-coordinator of gardens in Chappaqua at the Volunteer Ambulance Corps and in Mt. Kisco at the Marsh Sanctuary.
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Super Food for the Super Bowl at the Chappaqua Farmers Market!
February 3, 2012
by Pascale LeDraoulec
Our “local” team is going to the Superbowl. This Sunday, make your party spread local, too! Come get everything you need for your game-watching party at the Farmers Market this Saturday: pickles, hummus, organic sausages, delicate veal pastrami, artisanal cheeses, and lots of organic, locally farmed meats from both Stone Barns and Gaia’s Breath for chilis and stews. The market runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays at St. Mary’s next to Bell.
Too busy to make soup or chili? We’ll forgive if you head to Fork & Glass for some of their crowd-pleasing soups. This week, they’ve got two new soups: Sweet Potato with Rosemary and Local Maple Syrup as well as Mediterranean Chickpea with Sundried Tomatoes and Kale. For the first time this week, Sunny and Mark will be preparing their popular pork tacos at the market with pork from Stone Barns.
You can take some of their packaged chicken and cheese enchiladas home along with some “cowboy” beans (pinto beans slow-cooked with roasted onions, tomatoes and jalapenos and finished with cilantro and lime.) For those of you who are trying to eat lighter, their Moroccan barley salad made dried cranberries, almonds and tangarine zest is as sensible as it is sublime.
In addition to their popular hummus, Taiim is now selling packages of their delicious house falafel that you can either bake or fry up at home. Wouldn’t that be an interesting departure from chicken wings on Sunday?
True Food of Nyack will be serving up their retro pot pies filled with all things local and healthy.
Flour City Pasta is back this week! This small-batch, organic pasta is intensely flavorful so you really can go light on the sauce. Tomorrow they will be unveiling a new pasta: Pizza Blend - shaped like a fresh baked pizza!
Also tomorrow, Buddhapesto is back with that wickedly good pesto sauce and Bombay Emerald Company is visiting us with a decidedly different “green sauce” which is no less delicious: try their mint chutney on some local lamb! Also: they sell healthy samosas that are ready to bake and serve.
Don’t forget to buy olives and organic Tierra Farm nuts!
Of course, all of the above would work just as well for those (like me) who will be settling into another episode of Downton Abbey instead of watching football…
See you at the market!
Pascale LeDraoulec is Director of the Chappaqua Farmers Market.
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Summer at Wagon Road Camp, a mini-world of diversity in the heart of New Castle
Monday, January 30, 2012
by Vince Canziani
One way to help the children of today succeed in the world of tomorrow is to give them experiences of diversity when they are young. Summer camp is one of the best ways to do this, and Wagon Road’s Summer Day Camp, located on Quaker Road, does it right here in Chappaqua.
As the world grows closer together, people who are open to others with different backgrounds will have an advantage in developing relationships in school, at work, and in society in general.
In my 11 years of running our Summer Camp at Wagon Road for The Children’s Aid Society, I have witnessed the joy of friendships created as the children play and grow together. Summer camp is a powerful experience that helps a child grow and mature in remarkable ways. When a summer camp includes ethnic and economic diversity, the children learn not only about the greater world around them, but also about the accessibility of that world through relationships with others, here and now.
The Wagon Road Summer Day Camp brings together children ages 6-13 from diverse communities in Westchester, Manhattan and the Bronx to play sports, ride horses, garden, dance, cook, act and swim—all the while building understanding and sensitivity that children might not otherwise have.
If you are a parent exploring summer experiences for your children and wish to consider including diversity in your plans, here are some things to consider about Wagon Road:
1. We bring the children together in groups of 12 separated by gender and balanced for different ethnic backgrounds so that no camper ever feels isolated. This size group, supervised by two counselors, allows for lots of opportunities for relationships to build through shared activities.
2. Our staff training includes specific games to help build relationships among the children and encourage new friendships. In addition, the staff reflects the diversity of the children, and model positive relationships among a diverse group of people.
The administration of the camp is made up of highly skilled social service and educational professionals, each of whom has at least 20 years of experience with children. All have worked with diverse populations in their careers, and all provide expert guidance for the children and the staff to insure a successful camp.
The positive atmosphere, the fun and exciting activities, and the group camaraderie of summer camp help children make friends and enjoy time together. Children of different backgrounds learn very quickly to look beyond the visible and social differences and see the person, the friend, standing next to them.
Vince Canziani, LMSW, is the Director of Wagon Road Camp which is owned and operated by The Children’s Aid Society in Chappaqua, a non-for profit organization. For more information call 914-238-4761 or visit http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/wagon-road-camp/summer-day-camp.
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CEFF committee to facilitate next Knowledge Café
January 20, 2012
from CCSD’s “Highlights”
Please join Lyn McKay, Superintendent of Schools, and members of the Chappaqua Education For the Future committee (CEFF), at a Knowledge Café on Wednesday, February 15th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Bell Middle School Auditorium (50 Senter Street.)
The CEFF committee has identified three ideas for moving the district forward that will become its focus.
1) Pursue a paradigm shift toward a focus on 21st century skills
2) Foster risk-taking and creativity…value process and product
3) Establish practices to enhance the social and emotional health of students [In its January 31 meeting, board of ed members will discuss whether to adopted a Third Strategic Question on this subject.]
This Knowledge Café will engage the community in a larger discussion of these ideas. To facilitate the planning process, please take a moment to RSVP by Monday, February 13th.
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NEW: Too many magazines for an elderly parent?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
by Nancy King
On a recent visit to my eighty-six year old mother’s residence, she pointed out a pile of magazines (Shape, US Weekly, Country Living and W) and complained that she had not subscribed to and didn’t want. I volunteered to make the calls to ensure that she was unsubscribed and not billed.
Although I discovered the magazines were promotional and my mother was not expected to pay for them, they were still unwanted. Simply throwing them away was a chore for my mother and, as a child of the depression; the waste of throwing out a perfectly good magazine was difficult. This waste is further compounded environmentally by the materials and energy consumed in production and shipment.
Canceling proved to be an exercise in patience. When I called the number listed in the magazine for subscriptions, I was informed that the subscriptions were ordered through a publisher clearing house or magazine subscription service. (My mother did not recall ordering them.)
Several magazines did not list a telephone number, only a website. The unsubscribe page was simple and easy to use, but ineffective because the magazines were not ordered through the regular subscription process. I had to contact a subscription service and then call customer service to get the name and number of the subscription service. The name and number I was most frequently given was that of National Publishers Exchange. The agent at National Publishers Exchange stated that subscriptions are processed by their company but I would need to contact the subscription service directly. American Preferred Readers, Publishers Clearing House, Direct Reader Services are a few of the companies with whom I spoke. Many times they referred me back to the publisher or to National Publishers Exchange. I quickly learned to expect extended (often in excess of fifteen minutes) hold times. After many hours of doggedly calling and calling again, I think all were canceled (but we can expect 3-4 more issues before they actually stop coming).
Several years ago, my neighbor helped her elderly aunt move to a nursing home. She was shocked by the number of magazines in her aunt’s house. This, combined with my experience with my mother, leads me to suspect the subscription service companies target elderly to “dump” subscriptions in order to increase circulation. I understand that magazines are under siege due to changes in electronic media, but these practices to increase circulation are onerous almost to the point of being predatory when it comes to senior citizens.
The telephone process was confusing and difficult for me – it would have been impossible for my mother. Even starting the cancellation process could be challenging to a senior citizen in that:
* The masthead is sometimes buried several pages into the magazine
* The subscriber customer service information is in a tiny font
* Several publications do not list a telephone number…only website info.
What is to be done? I plan to write to all these publications as well as to my state and federal representatives enclosing a copy of this letter. It’s my hope that they will take action to investigate the practices of the magazine subscriber service industry and take action to ensure that their publications are sent only to readers who want to receive them.
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NEW: Calendar for New Castle Monday, February 6, and beyond
At long last, the “Project for Public Spaces” report is in!
• Tue. Feb. 7: Town Board work session to discuss improvements to Millwood hamlet. 7:45 pm. Click HERE for agenda and link to the PPS report.
• Check out NCNOW’s Calendar page for more.
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EagleFest 2012: View Hudson Valley’s bald eagles
Monday, January 30, 2012
by Christine Yeres
Teatown Lake Reservation hosts its eighth annual Hudson River “EagleFest” on Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (snow date: Sunday, February 5). Headquarters for EagleFest is at Croton Point Park, with additional viewing sites along the Hudson at Croton-Harmon train station boat camp, George’s Island Park in Montrose, and Riverfront Green Park in Peekskill, Kathryn W. Davis Riverwalk Center in Sleepy Hollow and at the New Croton Dam in Cortlandt.
Enjoy guided and independent eagle viewing, raptor shows, bus tours, storytelling, engaging children’s programs and activities, bird walks and displays from 30 local organizations.
Suggested donation for participants in EagleFest is $5. For some activities you must purchase tickets in advance. If you have binoculars, bring them along. Visit www.teatown.org/eaglefest for program details and weather updates, or call Teatown at 914-762-2912, extension 110.
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“Temporary Shelter,” An Art Installation about Homeless New Yorkers
February 3, 2012
by Rachel Rosin
Fiber Artist Heather G. Stoltz tells the stories of homeless men, women and children through her installation piece Temporary Shelter. The art piece, which takes the shape of a sukkah (free-standing hut), will travel to Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester starting today, February 3.
Stoltz’s piece will remain on display at Temple Beth El through February 17, and Stoltz will be speaking at 9:45 AM on Sunday, February 5 to share the stories she heard and the process leading to the piece. She will also be available after the 7:15 PM Shabbat service on Friday, February 3 to answer any questions people may have.
For the last two years, Stoltz has been interviewing men and women in New York’s faith-based homeless shelters and translating their stories into visual fiber art panels that make up the interior walls of the structure. The outside walls are made up of over 100 small fiber art pieces made by children in the city’s family shelters. Stoltz visited nine family shelters and helped the students create art which expresses their feelings about living in a shelter. Represented in the piece are the stories of homeless New Yorkers ages 4 to 75.
Stoltz, who worked as the Community Service Coordinator for Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, spent time speaking with the ten men who stayed in the synagogue’s faith-based shelter five nights a week. After listening to the wide variety of backgrounds and life situations which led them to the shelter, Stoltz decided to tell their stories through her art. Also inspired by Jewish sources, Stoltz decided to use the traditional Jewish symbol of a sukkah as the vehicle for the art. The sukkah, a temporary hut that reminds Jews of the years they spent wandering the desert, seemed like a fitting symbol for a piece about New York’s homeless. In addition, by displaying the struggles and triumphs of these homeless individuals on the walls, the ushpizin (exalted guests) invited into the space will be the homeless men, women, and children of our city instead of the traditional Biblical ancestors.
Since the large population of men, women and children who are homeless is a difficult number to grasp, Stoltz hopes that those who view her piece will see that statistics are made up of individuals each with his or her own personal journey. Temporary Shelter is made possible in part with public funds from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
For more information, visit http://sewingstories.com or contact Heather G. Stoltz at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 203-500-5942….or to arrange for a viewing of the installation please contact Rabbi Geoffrey A. Mitelman at Temple Beth El, (914) 238-3928 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Heather G. Stoltz
Temporary Shelter: An Art Installation about Homeless New Yorkers
February 3 – February 17, 2012
Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester
220 S. Bedford Road,
Chappaqua, New York
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Dance Emotions raises funds for SPCA with Zumba!
February 3, 2012
by Peggy Raiskums
On Sunday Feb. 12, 2012 4th Annual ZumbaThon® Charity Event for the Society for the Prevention (SPCA) of Westchester takes place at Dance Emotions, 75 South Greeley Avenue. Whether you’re a beginner or a devoted practitioner—come join me for one, two, or all three sessions of Zumba!
I’m running three consecutive 50-minute sessions, at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. The suggested donation:
$18 for one session
$35 for 2 sessions
OR
$50 for 3 sessions
A Zumba ® fitness workout is “a Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness party” for all fitness levels.
I donate 100% of the proceeds of our February 12 Zumba sessions to the SPCA of Westchester.
To reserve your time slot email or call me: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), 914-960-4097—or contact the SPCA at 914-941-2896 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Peggy Raiskums is is a licensed Zumba® instructor and personal trainer. Once a year, she leads a Zumba session to benefit the SPCA, this year here in Chappaqua at Dance Emotions.
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Fundraiser at Beth El raises $353,000 for The Cottage School
February 3, 2012
by Marci Garson
Editor’s note: The non-profit Jewish Child Care Association’s “A Tree Grows in Pleasantville” benefit raises much-needed funds, as well as hope, for neglected children who live and study at The Cottage School in Pleasantville. Gathered for a fundraiser in Temple Beth El’s in social hall on January 7, supporters of the school heard children themselves tell their heartbreaking stories. Marci Garson’s report of the evening follows.
Before *Sabrina could get up the nerve to tell her life’s story at Saturday night’s fundraiser for the Pleasantville Cottage Schools, she hid in the ladies room. Finally, a few JCCA members tracked her down and managed to calm her fears. No wonder Sabrina was anxious; she was about to tell a horror story of abuse and sexual molestation that began when she was just 6 years old.
The room was silent as Sabrina explained how she ended up at The Cottage Schools, a safe haven for abused and neglected children. Many wiped away tears as she stood before the well-heeled crowd gathered in Temple Beth-El’s brand new social hall and bravely recounted how her stepfather took advantage of her, her mother refused to believe her, how she turned to drugs, and worse, to “make the pain go away… I had what I would call an emotional breakdown. I started to cut myself which caused hospitalization four times in three months.”
The image these words conjured up was in sharp contrast to the Temple’s stunning room decorated with an enormous sparkling white tree as its centerpiece. But just as the tree represents new growth, Sabrina attributes her new life to The Cottage Schools. Now a senior in high school, she has already been accepted to college and hopes one day to write a book about her life “so that other kids like me won’t feel so alone.”
It takes a village
Sabrina was far from alone Saturday night. Hundreds of people attended the annual “Tree” event this year helping to raise $353,000. All of the money will go directly into the services that protect the residential programs at The Cottage Schools.
In celebration of the Campus’ 100th anniversary the non- profit JCCA also launched “Paving the Way: The Cottage Schools Brick Campaign” at the “Tree” event. It is a yearlong campaign during which bricks can be purchased for $100 and $200, and a tree can be bought for $5,000. The money will be used to create a special family visiting area where a tree-lined brick pathway will lead to a serene park-like setting separate from the rest of the Campus. Saturday night the JCCA sold 100 bricks and one tree, a great beginning for this new project.
*Tahitia, another teen who mustered up the courage to speak Saturday night, expressed sadness over not knowing whether she and her mother will ever be “family” again because “I was tired of being screamed at, cursed at and hit.” Still, she admitted that by age 10 she had started smoking and drinking in order to fit in with the other kids in her rough Bronx neighborhood. After being late to school 106 days and being suspended 6 times in one year, Tahitia was sent to the Diagnostic Program in Pleasantville where she claims her social worker “really helped me to loosen up” and credits her therapist with teaching her to “get out my anger and work through some uncomfortable feelings. Most of those uncomfortable feelings,” she continued, “are being judged for my sexuality…I accept, understand and am proud that I am a lesbian.”
Tahitia feels that owning who she is has helped her to take advantage of the many programs the Campus offer. She joined the basketball team, and got involved with the therapeutic arts program. Tahitia also takes poetry, guitar and African drumming (one of her favorites, she explains, because, “ I got to beat up on something that wasn’t a person”). Tahitia also enjoys a therapeutic horsemanship program where she works closely with a horse named Melos whom she gently lulls to sleep as she grooms him.
None of these programs would be possible without events like the “Tree” fundraiser and volunteers like Lisa Golomb, who taught a photography class that Tahitia enrolled in and is now the teen’s mentor. “She emotionally supports me,” Tahitia stresses, “and makes me have confidence in myself…I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I’m thankful that JCCA helped me get where I am today.”
*Sabrina and Tahitia are not the girls’ real names, but their stories are true and representative of the more than 320 inner city kids who live and go to school at The Cottage Schools until social workers can either reunite them with their families or find them foster homes.
For more information, contact the JCCA at www.jccany.org.
Marci Garson is an Emmy-award winning television reporter. For 15 years she covered national news on Capitol Hill and local news in Miami, Florida, Connecticut and New York. Garson moved to Chappaqua in 1995 to raise her two boys.
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In the garden with Shobha Vanchiswar
Snowdrops, still enjoying a fabulous run this so-called “winter”
February 3, 2012
Things to Do in February
1. If you put away bulbs for cooling in late fall, check the dates and start the process of forcing them. Hyacinths like about fourteen weeks of cooling. Tulips require a couple of weeks longer.
2. Continue caring for houseplants. Check for disease, water regularly, fertilize occasionally, provide adequate light, humidity and warmth.
3. Since the season has been relatively snow-free, use this as an opportunity to keep tidying the garden by picking up fallen twigs and such.
4. Be careful to not walk too much on lawn areas. The grass is still vulnerable.
5. Check to see if anything needs retying or repairing. If possible, take care of matters right away.
6. If you already have things blooming in the garden, just bring the flowers indoors and enjoy them.
7. Keep the shovels, sand and grit handy. Contrary to what the temperatures have been, it is still winter and anything can happen!
8. Let the protection (such as burlap ) around the plants be. The weather might still get harsh.
9. Order seeds and plants for the spring. Get prepared with all the necessaries such as soil, compost, stakes, ties, etc.
10. Get tools including mower blade sharpened.
11. Prune grapevine. Roses can be pruned towards end of the month.
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Senior wrestlers propel Greeley to victory over Pleasantville
Greeley Hosts NYS Championship Divisionals Sat. Feb. 4 9am to 5pm @ HGHS gym
Ben Perlmutter; more photos by Kristen Atlas in “Read more…”
February 3, 2012
by Coach Mike Debellis
The Horace Greeley Wrestling Team honored its seven seniors before their match against Pleasantville on Wednesday evening. The seniors wrestled strong and helped propel their team to a 45-27 win.
Senior captain Jon Russo (126) earned a technical fall 16-0 over Jose Nieves, senior Mike Orbeta (145) earned a major decision over Brandon Castro 15-3, and senior Ben Perlmutter wrestled up a weight class at 152 pounds to pin Michael Zakher in a 1:19.
Also scoring pins for Greeley were: Kirby Atlas (113) over Steven Montes in :38 seconds and Liam Mercer (160) over Mike Nuccio in 3:55. Scoring wins by forfeit were: Scott Wymbs (195) and Billy Marino (220). Earning decisions for Greeley were: Bing Bing Xie (120) 3-2 over Stephen Paternostro and Mitchell Klein (138) 7-5 over Thomas Marrone.
This match capped off a great year for the Quakers. We finished 18-6 for the season and finished second in the league behind state-ranked Fox Lane.
We will be hosting the New York State Championship Divisionals this Saturday, February 4th from 9am to 5pm in the Main Gym at Horace Greeley High School. Teams participating in this event include the Horace Greeley Quakers, the Eastchester Eagles, the Yonkers Bulldogs, the Ossining Indians, the North Rockland Huguenots, the Mount Vernon Knights, the New Rochelle Panthers, the Scarsdale Raiders and the Beacon Bulldogs.
The top four place finishers in each weight class will earn the right to compete for the sectional title the following weekend at Clarkstown South on Saturday (February 11th) and Pace University on Sunday (February 12th). The public is welcome. Wrestling will be going on throughout the day. Finals are tentatively scheduled to start around 2pm. Admission is $5. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Please come support our wrestlers! We hope to see you there!
Captain Jon Russo
Mike Orbeta
Ben Perlmutter
Back Row: Farhan Chaudhry, Matt Mercer, Mike Orbeta, Kolbe Jendzejec, Ben Perlmutter
Front Row: Mike Nadler, the Greeley Quaker Mascot, Captain Jon Russo
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NEW: Action shots of Sunday’s game between the Harlem Wizards vs. Chappaqua Challengers
Monday, January 30, 2012
See more photos in “Read more…” and in Photo Gallery
The Chappaqua School Foundation’s annual contest between the Harlem Wizards and the Chappaqua Challengers in which CCSD students come out the big winners played yesterday to a sold-out house. Photos are by New Castle resident Kevan Full, www.kevanslens.com.
“This favorite community event has been a regular sell-out, enticing hoops fans of all ages to come out and root for their favorite teachers . . . and to laugh and applaud at the athleticism, tricks, and ball-handling wizardry of the amazing Harlem Wizards.
All proceeds from the Harlem Wizards game support CSF grants that fund innovative learning opportunities for our children. To learn more about CSF grants, visit www.chappaquaschoolfoundation.org.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Chappaqua School Foundation Spring Benefit. The April 27 gala will take place at the Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor. The evening includes great food and drink, music, a terrific silent auction and a few surprises.”
~ LaVerne Srinivasan
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Bingham Ray, 1954 - 2012
Bingham and his daughters Annabel and Becca
January 27, 2012
New Castle resident Bingham Ray, 57, an industry leader in the distribution of independent films, died Monday, January 23, in Utah while attending the Sundance Film Festival in Park City. Bingham’s wife, Nancy King, and their three children, Nick, Annabel and Becca, were with him when he died. He was surrounded as well by friends and colleagues in the film industry and was in the midst of doing what he loved to do best, scouting new independent films.
The family plans to hold a memorial service in his honor in early February. In lieu of flowers, they request that contributions be made to the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, on whose advisory board Bingham served since its inception and where he used to host the JBFC Film Club, or to the San Francisco Film Society, for which Bingham began working in October 2011. Links to both are below.
Tributes to Bingham Ray, 1954 - 2012
Below are links to several of the articles and tributes that have been written about Bingham upon his untimely death.
The Fighter: Bingham Ray (1954 – 2012) by Eugene Hernandez, the director of digital strategy for the Film Society of Lincoln Center and a co-founder of Indiewire; posted 1/24/12 on the Film Society of Lincoln Center blog
Sundance 2012: Bingham Ray Remembered by Kenneth Turan, the film critic for the Los Angeles Times and director for the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes; posted 1/23/12 on the Los Angeles Times online
The Bingham Ray Film 101 Syllabus by Sasha Bronner, who worked for Bingham from 2008 – 2010. Upon learning of the gaps in her film education, he promptly supplied her with a list of must-see films from the 30s, 40s and 50s; posted 1/23/12 on Huff Post Entertainment.
Bizzers gather to remember Bingham Ray; Impromptu Sundance gathering draws tears, stories, by Josh L. Dickey in Variety, 1/23/12
Donation information
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Jacob Burns Film Center in honor of Bingham Ray should visit the JBFC homepage, http://www.burnsfilmcenter.org/. You will find a “Tribute to Bingham Ray” on the homepage as well as a ‘DONATE NOW’ button, a red rectangle on the far right. Clicking the button will take you to a secure donation page. Once you fill out the first page, there is room for comment, where you can write “In honor of Bingham Ray.” His family will be informed of your donation, and you will receive an acknowledgment letter by mail shortly after you’ve made your donation. If you have any questions please call Melissa Tepé, 914-773-7663 ext 436.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the San Francisco Film Society in honor of Bingham Ray should visit the SFFS homepage, http://www.sffs.org.
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Auditions for upcoming reading to benefit Friends of the Chappaqua Library
Monday, January 30, 2012
from the Friends of the Chappaqua Library
Seeking Experienced Actors for AUDITIONS for a staged reading of a new comedy, THE CUPCAKE CONSPIRACY, by C.J. Ehrlich and Philip J. Kaplan. The play will be presented on Saturday, March 3rd at the Chappaqua Library Theatre—all proceeds to benefit Friends of the Chappaqua Library.
The play will be performed on book, with some blocking.
Auditions will be held Thursday, Feb 2, 6-8 pm, and Sunday, Feb 5, 3:30-5:30 pm, at the Chappaqua Library Theatre.
THE CUPCAKE CONSPIRACY:
“Terrorism is easy. Marriage is complicated.” When a not-quite ex-husband goes on a blind date behind his wife’s back, he finds himself up to his neck in a terrorist plot involving cupcakes - delicious, evil cupcakes. It may be the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to him, if he can keep his wife out of it!
Seeking:
MAX (20s-40), a nervous air traffic controller who steps outside his comfort zone and finds himself way over his head
NATASHA (20s), a Silesian terrorist, beautiful but deadly, exotic yet vulnerable (part is performed with some sort of Eastern European accent)
ALVIN (20-30), a man of many identities. Must have facility with dialects and be able to radically change character on a dime.
SUZIE (20s-30s), a hedge fund analyst; bold, commanding, yet insecure
Actors must be experienced, and available for two to three rehearsals, with performances Saturday, Feb 25th, 2 pm (New Rochelle), and Saturday, March 3rd, 7 pm (Chappaqua). Travel expenses can be reimbursed.
Audition location: the Chappaqua Library Theatre, 195 South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua, NY.
The Friends of the Library raise funds which sponsor many library programs, including book groups, lecture series, children’s events, the Mark Twain festival, and the annual Young Writers Contest. They also help with the purchase of library supplies such as books, audio books, ebooks, DVDs and much more.
For more information, or to schedule an audition slot, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), with CUPCAKES in the subject line. Feel free to attach CV and/or headshot.
Playwright C.J. Ehrlich is a member of the Board of Friends of the Chappaqua Library. See “Ten questions for a local playwright,” NCNOW.org, 1/28/11 for an interview with authors C.J. Ehrlich and Philip J. Kaplan
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Greeley girls’ and boys’ b-ball teams host free clinic THIS SUNDAY for grades 3-8
See team rosters in “Read more…”
January 27, 2012
by Brian Rosen
THIS SUNDAY, January 29, the Greeley Girls’ and Boys’ Varsity Basketball Teams will host their annual clinic from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. at the Horace Greeley High School Gymnasium. Boys and girls in grades 3-8 are invited to participate.
Each child attending will meet the Quakers and the Lady Quakers and receive individualized attention from the Quaker hoopsters, while concentrating on the fundamentals and mechanics of the game. Additionally, Boys’ Head Coach Dave Fernandes and Girls’ Head Coach John Alkalay will assist with the clinic and share their thoughts about the game in general and Greeley basketball in particular.
During the clinic the organizers will conduct a raffle and a shooting competition, the winner of which will walk away with a pair of tickets to an upcoming New York Knicks game. “Just Get It Done” Greeley basketball t-shirts will be available for a $15 donation.
Hope you can make it to this fun annual event!
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Lower King St. re-do is put off until 2014; town will do South Greeley first, in 2013
January 27, 2012
by Christine Yeres
Last night the majority of the merchants on Lower King Street—and several of their landlords—came to the Community Center to learn whether the town board intends to conduct a major overhaul of their street this summer. Several merchants had asked in the weeks before that they be spared such disruption so soon after the inconvenience of bridge construction.
The project, Supervisor Susan Carpenter informed them, has been put off for two years and will most likely be undertaken in 2014.
“Our engineers tell us it’s not realistic to think the job can be largely finished in July and August,” Carpenter announced, “and since we promised you last week that unless we could guarantee a summer finish, we wouldn’t undertake the project,” it’s postponed.
Instead, she explained, the town would now ask its engineering consultant, Dolph Rottfeld, to draw up plans for both the South Greeley / North Greeley Avenue and Lower King Street projects, then “chop up” the project into sensible pieces. She confirmed that engineers have judged South Greeley to be the more urgent case, to be tackled in 2013. “As the project is being staged,” Paderewski told the merchants, “we’ll bring you along, bring you in to see the plans so you know exactly what’s happening.” She encouraged them to add their email addresses to the sign-in sheet she had passed around.
Although relieved that the digging up of their street and sidewalks is put off, merchants were also disappointed that the planned aesthetic improvements—the re-do of sidewalks and curbs, lighting to match the new lampposts around town, street signs and the fashioning of a small park at the very end of Lower King—must also be put off.
Brito confirmed that the overall plan includes a stop sign the intersection of King and Greeley for traffic coming down the hill. Sidewalks will match the segment of brickwork on view in front of the gazebo.
Susan Maher, proprietor of Breeze, asked whether she would have to wait for the overhaul to have the “DO NOT ENTER” sign at the curb—smack in front of her shop window—moved. Paderewski responded, “I’ll go down with the commissioner of public works and take a look.” Because Lower King is not a State or County road, the town has authority over the signs planted on it.
When the owners of Aurora, Breeze and The King’s Scribe asked whether they would have to wait three years for lighting at their end of the street, Mottel told them that lampposts would indeed have to wait, but that in the meantime, sconces on the buildings themselves had been recommended by consultants who worked on the downtown improvement plan.
Several merchants reported that their basements prone to water seepage. Carpenter responded, “This is the type of thing we need to hear from you. We want to hear from you.” Several merchants, in response, asked that the town commit to educate the town’s residents— their customers—well in advance of any major disruptions.
Several merchants brought up the subject of a chamber of commerce, or lack thereof. Carpenter encouraged them to organize themselves into one they said existed, sort-of, or to form another. “It’s not an easy job,” said Dawn Greenberg of Aurora. Paderewski confirmed that the town’s new website, due to be unveiled at the end of February, will contain a merchant page.
“Let’s keep meeting like this”
Carpenter reminded merchants that the town board meets every week, alternating work sessions with regular, televised meetings. “You’re always welcome at our meetings, and we’ll notify you when these matters that directly effect you come up on our agendas.”
“And we’ll continue to have meetings like this one as we move forward,” added Mottel.
[Related article: Merchants fret that planned repairs to Lower King will hurt business, NCNOW.org, 1/20/12]
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Chappaqua Farmers Market—green on green with Buddhapesto
Open Saturdays 9 am to 1:30 pm at St. Mary’s next to Bell
January 27, 2012
by Pascale LeDraoulec
I’ve been making my own pesto for years—with everything from arugula to nettles—and so have most of my friends, so when I first discovered Buddhapesto and brought it to market, people wondered what all the fuss was about.
When they tasted their artfully displayed samples—a dollop of the electric green sauce on a thin slice of Bread Alone baguette - they clammed right up and bought multiple tubs.
I’m not sure what mystery ingredient the folks at Buddhapesto put into their blender to make this pesto so flavor-charged, but it’s working! Their fan base is growing as quickly as August potted basil!
I’m so thrilled that they will be joining our market in Chappaqua. Their debut was foiled last week by the ill-timed snow storm. I, for one, can’t wait to try some of their pesto on any number of interesting organic small-batch pastas from Flour City Pasta.
Of course, I put it on everything from scrambled eggs to poached fish to grilled lamb- (or ham-) burgers, too. Speaking of burgers…
Roaming Angus will have some fresh (not frozen) chickens this week as well as gorgeous cuts of beef. If you receive Roaming Angus’ email, then you learned this week that there are 29 (!) cuts of beef that are just as lean as chicken. And Roaming Angus carries many of them!
Stone Barns is continuing with their “barn sale” on everything pork…now is the time to dig into that pulled pork recipe you’ve been wanting to try. They also have great plump roaster chickens (frozen), ground lamb and those amazing eggs in the sunny carton.
Pura Vida brought a small amount of ridiculously sweet, tiny Maine shrimp last week. The season is fleeting so get them while you can. So good, a few of us ate some raw at the market last Saturday!
Kontoulis Olive Oil, a monthly vendor, is also paying us a visit so be sure to bring your home bottles for re-filling or, if you’ve never treated yourself to her shimmering green nectar, take some home and watch it make your salads sing. Remember: Demetra won’t be back before Valentine’s Day - and a gift of any combination of her luscious oil with either tapenade, or balsamic vinegar, would make my heart sing.
Little Croc Bakery (gluten-free) and Big Girl Bakery are also here this week to satisfy all your sweet tooth needs.
And I’m happy to report that Lasagna Preziosa is returning to the market on a once-monthly basis, starting this Saturday. Surely you remember his surprisingly light and delicate lasagna bolognese and his pesto lasagna, made with green beans and potatoes, and of course, pesto.
Hmmm….are you sensing a theme here?
See you at the market!
Author/foodie Pascale LeDroulec is Director of the Chappaqua Farmers Market.
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Merchant of the Week— Judy’s Quinn’s family-run Quaker Hill Tavern
Kelly Sullivan and Manager Erin Teter; photograph by Kevan Full, at kevanslens.com
January 27, 2012
by Rob Greenstein
This week I stopped in at the Quaker Hill Tavern to sample some chicken wings and beer and talk to Judy Quinn, co-owner of QHT.
How long has the Quaker Hill Tavern been a member of our community?
We’ve been here since March 2005. I own the restaurant with my daughter Kelly and her husband Tim Sullivan, a/k/a “Sully.” Community and family are important foundations for our restaurant.
Does running the restaurant with your daughter and son-in-law affect your management style?
Yes. We have always believed in using a more family oriented-management style versus a corporate philosophy to run our business. We believe if you treat your employees like family they will take care of your business like they are part of your family and—most importantly— take care of our customers like they are part of our family. In a sense our customer base is a large part of our extended family.
It sounds as though Quaker Tavern is like Cheers, where everybody knows your name.
Many of our staff have been working here for a number of years, most notably our manager Erin Teter. Erin knows everyone by name and usually knows what someone will order before they say it. We make it a point to get to know our customers and we believe this is what sets us apart from other places. You can step in to Quaker Hill and be reassured that you will know someone working and most likely they will know your name or what you drink and we believe that helps people feel at home.
What’s your most popular food, and how do most customers like their chicken wings?
Our Buffalo wings are a big hit all year long so we always have enough on hand. Rest assured football/super bowl fans, we will be loaded up for the big game. The most popular way we sell wings is by the bucket with medium buffalo sauce, extra homemade blue cheese dressing, celery and carrot sticks. Our house salmon burger, home-made, has some very loyal fans. We find that any way we prepare salmon it is always a big hit.
What’s your personal favorite food and beverage?
As far as wine, one of my personal favorites is Kali Hart Chardonnay, which is available by glass or bottle. My favorite local beer is Captain Lawrence on tap, as well as Captain’s Imperial Reserve in a bottle. The recent addition of short ribs has many mouths watering.
Do you do a lot of community events?
Yes. We do our best to support the community through donations. We have donated gift certificates, trays of food and advertise in school programs for plays and sports. We feel the community doubles our support through their patronage at QHT.
I know you have expressed interest in working with the turf committee to help raise money, why is that so important to you?
A state-of-the- art illuminated field at Horace Greeley High School would be a tremendous asset for our sports programs, as well as our community in general. We are looking forward to working with the turf committee to help raise money. In fact, we hope to have a fund-raising event here sometime in February.
Any food and beer specials for big sporting events?
Usually, we do have some. For example, we have a Super Bowl Sunday Special, $25 all you can eat buffet, starting at 6:00 p.m., cash bar (no regular dining service after 6:00 p.m.—only Super Bowl Special). We have eight large TVs and surround-sound. Check our website www.quakerhilltavern.com for upcoming specials and holiday events. Although we don’t deliver, we have take out available all day and night. And we’ll be opening for lunch on Mondays, starting Feb 20th.
What do you think the town could do to make conditions better for business?
It would be helpful if a little more emphasis was placed on including businesses at the top of the hill when scheduling events such as sidewalk sale days and Community Day.
Any special discounts for NewCastleNOW readers who mention this article?
Sure, a ten percent discount for the next week.
________________________
Visit NCNOW.org’s Business Section to see other “Merchant of the Week” pieces by Rob Greenstein.
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SUNDAY: Feel the Quake as the Chappaqua Challengers take on The Harlem Wizards
See more photos from last year’s event in “Read more…”
January 20, 2012
by LaVerne Srinivasan
On January 29, the Chappaqua School Foundation will once again host the annual showdown between the Harlem Wizards and the Chappaqua Challengers. Who are the Challengers? Teachers from across the Chappaqua school district!
This favorite community event has been a regular sell-out, enticing hoops fans of all ages to come out and root for their favorite teachers . . . and to laugh and applaud at the athleticism, tricks, and ball-handling wizardry of the amazing Harlem Wizards.
The games begin at 1:30 pm at the Horace Greeley High School Gym. Buy tickets for $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Auntie Penny, Drug Mart and Marmalade – local community merchants who consistently support CSF. Don’t wait . . . this event does sell out.
All proceeds from the Harlem Wizards game support CSF grants that fund innovative learning opportunities for our children. To learn more about CSF grants, visit www.chappaquaschoolfoundation.org.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Chappaqua School Foundation Spring Benefit. The April 27 gala will take place at the Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor. The evening includes great food and drink, music, a terrific silent auction and a few surprises.
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Greeley Wrestling set to honor seniors on Wednesday
January 27, 2012
by Coach Mike DeBellis
On Wednesday, February 1st, the Greeley Wrestling team will honor its seven seniors and their parents during their match against Pleasantville. The match and festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the wrestling gym at Horace Greeley High School.
Captain Jon Russo, Mike Nadler, Mike Orbeta, Matt Mercer, Kolbe Jendzejec, Ben Perlmutter, and Farhan Chaudhry will be honored for their part in turning the Horace Greeley Wrestling team back into a powerhouse. In the 2008-2009 season, these men started their Greeley wrestling careers. That year the team was 6-10, finished fifth in the league and they collectively scored 11 individual wins for the team. This year, so far, the team is 17-6, second in the league, and they have collectively scored 80 individual wins for the team.
Farhan Chaudhry has been sidelined most of the season with a nagging shoulder injury but has started on varsity since he was a freshman. He also spent a month in Minnesota training with legendary wrestling coach J. Robinson.
Ben Perlmutter has won some big matches for us over the years and continues to be to be a great leader for all of our newcomers.
Kolbe Jendzejec came to us as a sophomore and is an all-county runner in the fall and spring but wanted to do something different in the winter. He has proven to be a clutch performer, winning a huge match that put us over the top against rival Port Chester this season.
Matt Mercer started on varsity as a junior and posted 18 wins. He currently has 14 wins this season.
Mike Nadler had eight wins last season and stepped his game up to the next level with 15 wins this year.
Mike Orbeta has wrestled on varsity since he was a freshman. He is a great leader and works with our youth every night. He currently has 16 wins and is looking to improve on that mark in the post season.
Captain Jon Russo has proven himself again this year riding a 28 win season into the post season. Jon won 20 matches as a sophomore and 30 as a junior. Jon also was named all-league last season.
Each one of these individuals has done their part to make this team a great success in their tenure. Please come watch their last varsity home match and support the efforts and sacrifices these young men have made throughout the years. We will be wrestling a tough and well-coached Pleasantville team. If you have never been to a wrestling match, I guarantee you will have fun. We will be giving out Horace Greeley bandanas to the first 25 students to the match. Help us celebrate 7 great careers.
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Last year, six snow storms by now; this year three
January 27, 2012
by Christine Yeres
By this time last year, says Commissioner Anthony Vaccaro, New Castle had weathered six snowstorms totaling 40 inches of snow on 120 miles of road (= 240 lane miles). So far this year the town has seen only three events requiring salting or plowing: the out-of-season October 26 snowstorm that wreaked havoc on trees and powerlines, a freezing rain on January 16 and the one-day-winter-wonderland last Saturday.
One year ago, the 1,650 tons of salt plus crew members working for 98 hours of snow removal for the six six snowfalls had cost around $173,000. As of today, the town has spent $83,256 for 46 hours of crew work and 666 tons of salt on 17 inches of snow.
The town is divided into 17 zones for plowing purposes. For full-blown storms, the nine highway department drivers are supplemented by drivers from the town’s recycling, building and water departments.
So far, a mild winter
Crews spent more time (working 19 hours straight) but less salt (120 tons for 12 inches of snowfall, or $6,720) on the October 26 snowstorm than for the January 16 freezing rain, when they worked 11 hours straight and used 252 tons of salt. Vaccaro attributes this to the fact that temperatures before the October storm were very mild, so there was no frost in the ground; consequently, crews were able to rely on plowing to do most of the clearing, with salting done only at the very end.
Although no snow fell on January 16—and temperatures had begun to rise, resulting rain-only—freezing temperatures in the days before the rain of January 16 required all-out salting on a continuous basis, Vaccaro explained, “to ‘burn’ the ice down to the pavement.”
The storm one week ago, on January 21, was the first for which crews laid down a pre-application of brine. Before the snow comes, workers go out along the roadways in trucks with large plastic tanks distributing liquid brine from five nozzles behind. (These are the five parallel whitish tracks that appear on road surfaces as the brine dries.)
Once the snow hits, the brine works on the snow or ice from below as plowing and salting goes on above. “The brine is very effective,” Vaccaro explained, “in preventing ice from bonding to surfaces, and also buys us some time before plows or salting is required.” The risk, though, he added, is that “with rain and freezing rain (depending on road temperatures) the brine treatment can easily wash away.”
On January 21, crews began at 3:00 a.m. Saturday and worked through to 7:00 p.m. that night. At around 6:00 p.m. Vaccaro learned that there had been a water main break at the intersection of Harscrabble and Tanglewild, which workers carried through overnight to fix.
Brine had been applied to roadways the day and night before the January 21 storm and—for the first time—workers applied brine to the town-owned sections of sidewalk, some at the train station, others in the downtown. The sidewalks were brined on foot, by a worker with a back-pack container of the solution and a spray wand.
According to Vaccaro, salt is currently about $12 cheaper per ton than last year—$53 per ton vs. $65 per ton. He has plenty of salt now in his stores.
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Press Release from “WeeZee ... World of Yes I Can”
First Indoor Sensory Playspace in Westchester to Open in March in Chappaqua
“WeeZee…World of Yes I Can” Gets Ready to Open almost 25,000 Square Feet at Chappaqua Crossing
Chappaqua, NY – Westchester’s first indoor sensory playspace and the largest facility of its kind in the country, WeeZee… World of Yes I Can, has broken ground and plans to open in March. The indoor play space, to include an innovative concept and design, as well as state-of-the-art equipment, will span almost 16,000 square feet with an additional 8,500 square feet set aside for health care and other professionals at the new Chappaqua Crossing business development located at 480 Bedford Road in Chappaqua, NY. An original opening of 10,000 square feet in Armonk had been planned for WeeZee, but an expanded design and additional features made it necessary for the company to seek space that included more square footage and an open air concept.
WeeZee will offer a host of highly engaging, interactive and imaginative sensory experiences in a safe, supervised environment. The 35 different elements of training equipment—designed to strengthen nervous system conduction in a way that improves academic performance, athletic coordination and social connections in children of all ages—includes a Rainforest & Storm Zone (tactile water/wind experience), Reaction Training & Sports Enhancement Stalls (hand-eye coordination), a Vibration Station (core stabilization), a Cyber-action Floor (anticipation in movement), a Fiber Optic Light Room (visual optimization), and a state of the art Music Room (fully-equipped sound studio with karaoke room). Next to Wee-Wonz (Tot Zone)—parents can wait while their children play and relax in the Wi-Fi, adults-only Zen Den. This room is equipped with massage chairs and iPads for parents to chat, read, watch movies or catch up on the latest breakthroughs in children’s learning patterns and learning disabilities.
“WeeZee is a family’s fantasy come to life,” says founder Louise Weadock, a registered Child Psychiatric Nurse, graduate of Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and owner of the 27 year old, ACCESS Nursing & Healthcare Services, based in Pleasantville, NY. “We have created a unique environment that offers children a time to play and learn that is unforgettable.”
Weadock said that “similar to the way fitness clubs improve physical capability by focusing on muscle tone and flexibility, WeeZee seeks to improve cognitive capability by focusing on the senses to challenge intellectual curiosity in children of all abilities, ages 1-12.”
WeeZee’s program will also be sensitive to the needs of children with learning -disabilities spanning the spectrum from dyslexia to autism, and will offer them “the most appealing play options,” she added.
Weadock, whose daughter was diagnosed at four years old with a severe Sensory Integration Disorder, became fascinated with the effects multi-sensory experiences had on her child’s ability to understand, accept and adapt to her world. “As an athlete, I understood the value that constant training played on increased performance. I knew that any prescribed therapy twice a week was not enough to get my daughter’s nervous system in sufficient sensory-shape to learn!” So, she purchased a diverse variety of sensory equipment and created a playground in the basement of her home for all the neighborhood children to enjoy with her daughter.
“We turned our home into a desensitizing “fun zone” for all. Our house became a place that was always full of kids having the time of their lives while increasing their ability to learn” said Weadock. “The kids thought I was a ‘cool Mom’… their parents thought I was Nuts!!”
Sixteen years later, and following the growth of her successful regional healthcare personnel company, ACCESS Nursing & Healthcare Services; Weadock is launching what will become the largest and most cutting-edge indoor play space for cognitive development in Westchester County and the entire New York region.
With the additional square footage at Chappaqua Crossing, Weadock is creating “A Village” of offices to be licensed by sensory-focused and wellness-related, medical, non-medical, social and academic professionals that serve all family members.
The remaining space will provide an office headquarters for Weadock’s ACCESS Nursing & Healthcare Services, currently located on Manville Road in Pleasantville.
The opening of WeeZee in Westchester County will create more than 100 full- and part-time jobs in a variety of different fields including coaching, therapy, education, design and clerical. Weadock hopes that these positions can be filled by recent college grads and returning veterans “who are having the hardest time of all finding a job.” There will also be opportunities for medical and academic internships for high school, college and medical school students. In addition, there will be an extensive Volunteer Program that provides opportunities to work with children who need extra support.
Consistent with other healthcare professionals employed by ACCESS Nursing, all WeeZee volunteers, interns, Villagers and employees seeking to be involved in this exciting new adventure in learning, will be subject to an extensive background check.
“Our vision is for WeeZee to become a fun place where kids can make friends, have unique experiences, expand their imaginations and improve their cognitive performance,” says Weadock. “We want the sensory adventures and social relationships discovered inside WeeZee to inspire each child to believe, “Yes I Can”!!!
WeeZee will be open from 8:00am to 9:00pm seven days a week. Annual memberships are available.
Construction has begun and a Grand Opening event is scheduled to take place in March.
To find out more about leasing space within the WeeZee location at Chappaqua Crossing, along with memberships and employment opportunities, visit http://www.weezeeworld.com or call 888-840-5653. Also, “Like” WeeZee on Facebook to learn about special promotions, events and news updates: http://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeZee-World-The-World-of-Yes-I-Can.
CONTACT: Dawn Dankner-Rosen/Leah Breyette
DDR Public Relations
(914) 747-2500 office
(914) 420-8219 cell
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Merchants fret that planned repairs to Lower King will hurt business
Cindy Lupica of Marmalade, Dawn Greenberg of Aurora; see plan of park on Lower King in “Read more…”
January 20, 2012
by Christine Yeres
The town board has included in this year’s capital budget funds to repair 100-year-old sewer and water lines under South Greeley as well as those under Lower King Street. Expert consultants have warned that both sets are badly in need of replacement within the next two years, but some merchants on Lower King are worried that their businesses will suffer.
When they presented their budget last fall, town board members expressed their intention to hold off on the South Greeley project, since the merchants and their customers had just endured a lengthy bridge construction process on their front sides and parking lot re-do in back. The board turned its attention instead to Lower King. Some merchants there, however, pleaded to have the project to Lower King delayed too.
In its work session on Tuesday, town board members reviewed the town’s plan for improvements to Lower King Street: redo the four crosswalks of the Starbuck’s intersection and add a stop sign, move angled parking from the north side of Lower King to the south side, redo sidewalks and curbs, add lighting and create a seating area at the very end of the street. Around $650,000 has been allocated for the changes. Since both South Greeley and Lower King have been diagnosed as urgent cases for repair, the board wants at least one of them to be done this summer.
Three merchants from Lower King attended the meeting and gave differing input to the board. Two were new to the block, one has operated there for eight years.
Cindy Lupica of Marmalade, in business for eight years, begged board members to spare Lower King merchants the disruption. They, too, she asserted, had suffered during the period of bridge construction and needed a respite now. “I really feel you need to give us a chance to get back some traction from customers,” she said. “It will really hurt my business if you start three months from now.” As it did with the parking lot redo behind the South Greeley shops, the town is attempting to accomplish the most dramatic of the repairs to Lower King during the summer months, when the population is low. “But I’d rather live another year with shabby sidewalks and get some confidence back from customers,” Lupica concluded.
Pocket park plan for end of Lower King
Dawn Greenberg, the owner of Aurora, the very last store on Lower King, and Susan Maher, who owns Breeze, the shop next door, share a landlord. “I’m new,” said Greenberg, “but I feel as though it’s so hideous down at our end of the street, with no lighting or anything and a landlady who won’t do anything [by way of improvements]. Let’s get on with it. I think it needs to be done.”
Maher, newest on the block, concurred. “I’m all for beautification,” she said. “I would love a beautiful little park at the end of the street. There are five new businesses on Lower King, so there will be an impact.” But, she noted, Breeze had only just opened in September, so she was less familiar with the disruption caused by the bridge. She was sure about the difficulty of the street sign that stands at the curb smack in the middle of her front shop window and hoped that in a redo it might disappear. Both women said that their end of Lower King is very dark at night and that they would appreciate some lighting.
Supervisor Susan Carpenter told the three women that “at some point you have to worry about whether the infrastructure will hold—if we have breaks, it really will put you out of business.” She and Town Administrator Penelle Paderewski assured the three merchants that if the project plans and consultants can be lined up quickly, the most disruptive work—the tearing up of the street surface—would be accomplished in two months, July and August, effectively done by The Return to School in September. And at no time, they promised, would the entire street be made impassible. Parking might disappear for a time, but there would always be through-traffic. Once the pipes are replaced, the street itself will be repaired. Next come sidewalks, then the park at the end.
Everything depends on whether the plans can be finalized and the consultants and contractors lined up fairly soon, said Paderewski. If these can’t be arranged so that the work is finished by end of summer, she told the merchants, then the board would likely put it off.
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Another tenant at Chappaqua Crossing—Access Nursing Services and WeeZee
January 20, 2012
by Christine Yeres
On Wednesday, Chappaqua crossing announced that it has signed a long-term lease for 24,000 square feet of space in Building 400 of its office campus with WeeZee World of Yes, I Can!, a challenging and appealing play space for children with conditions ranging from dyslexia to autism.
Already under construction, by March 2012 WeeZee will open its 15,000-square-foot indoor sensory playspace which WeeZee’s website characterizes as “somewhere between a children’s museum, an indoor playground and a children’s learning center – WeeZee World will offer a host of highly engaging, interactive and imaginative sensory experiences in a safe, supervised environment.”
The remaining 9,000 square feet will serve as corporate headquarters of ACCESS Nursing Services, a nursing and home health care aide service operating in New York, New Jersey and Maryland. Both ACCESS and WeeZee were founded by Briarcliff resident Louise (nickname: WeeZee) Weadock, a child psychiatric nurse.
WeeZee will be open seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and provide around 100 full- and part-time jobs as well as internships for students.
ACCESS currently operates from Pleasantville; WeeZee is a new creation. Weadock was to have opened both businesses last October in Armonk’s Labriola Court, but found she needed the greater space available at Chappaqua Crossing. The 24,000-square-foot ACCESS and WeeZee tenants join Northern Westchester Hospital and Fiber Media, each with 35,000 square feet, Mount Kisco Medical Group (40,000 square feet) and Government Services Administration (GSA, 6,000 square feet).
To view WeeZee’s press release, click HERE.
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A green way to move the snow
Hubby and the wovel (“wheel” + “shovel”—rhymes with “shovel”)
Monday, January 23, 2012
by Susan Rubin
It is 23 days into 2012 and on Saturday we finally got some seasonally appropriate weather. While I’m not a huge fan of winter and snow, I do realize that the cold dark stillness of winter is necessary for a green and vibrant spring. One thing I dislike more than snow is snow blowers. I can’t stand the noise and I don’t enjoy breathing in the toxic stinky fumes. Quite frankly, I harbor a deep concern whenever fossil fuels are burned. We’ve got to find ways to cut our addiction to gas, coal and oil on every level if we care about future generations surviving on our planet.
Last year, when my husband threatened to buy a snow blower, I took swift and decisive action. I bought a wovel online before he could get his act together and purchase a snow blower. He rolled his eyes skyward as he watched me assemble this crazy combination of wheel and shovel in our living room. Needless to say, he was extremely skeptical that my new toy would really move the snow out of our driveway.
This contraption was named Time magazine’s best invention of 2006. The Wovel is super green, it is recognized by Co-op America and National Green Pages™ for its positive, pollution-free environmental standards and zero carbon footprint in usage.
This wacky snow removal device performs equal to or better than a snow blower, and doesn’t hurt your back at all. As it catapults the snow effortlessly off of your driveway, your tricep muscles get a nice workout. Using the wovel is no more stressful than walking, its easy to use for both young and old alike. Unlike most things we buy these days, it is manufactured in the USA.
Last winter’s frequent snow storms gave our Wovel a run for the money. It worked so well that my hubby admitted to me that the Wovel was one of my best hare-brained ideas. The cost of the wovel is under $200, if you pay to plow your driveway, you’ll no doubt save more than $200 over the course of a snowy winter
Visit www.wovel.com to learn more.
Susan Rubin is a long time Chappaqua resident and mom of 3 who is deeply concerned about climate change and resource depletion. She is a member of Transition Westchester: From oil dependence to local resilience.
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TUESDAY: NC Historical Society’s Antiques Lecture & Appraisal Series: This one’s on modern!
Third in the series: Michael Kalesti of Kent on Mid-Century Modern
Monday, January 23, 2012
by Susan Blumenfeld
Uncover your hidden treasures! Join us at the last of the New Castle Historical Society’s popular annual Antiques Lecture & Appraisal Series on Tuesday, January 24, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Chappaqua Library. Always an exciting event, the series provides the community with the unique opportunity to have their suspected treasures appraised by experts in their respective fields.
During each of our sessions, a specialist leads a discussion on their field of expertise and then offer verbal on-the-spot appraisals of items brought by members of the audience (limit: two items per person.) In past years, participants have been delighted to find out how significant historically and monetarily – some of the items turned out to be.
January 24th: MID-CENTURY MODERN
Michael Kalesti, of Kent Home in Chappaqua will lead a discussion about mid century furniture, lighting, and collectibles. He will highlight reclaiming, repurposing and making something old new again.
For more information about the Antiques Lecture and Appraisal Series, please call the New Castle Historical Society at 238-4666. To register for one or more sessions, please call the Chappaqua Library at 238-4779. This event is co-sponsored by the Chappaqua Library is free and open to the public.
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Knowledge Café results are in—on what to cut and how to raise revenues
January 20, 2012
by Christine Yeres
With 36 comments since publication
In his draft budget for 2012-2013, Superintendent for Business John Chow provided a rollover figure—the increased cost of continuing the current program—of $2.8 million. Of that, the district is allowed a budget increase of around $1.4 million (labeled “tax cap limit” in Chow’s presentation), leaving administrators and board of ed members to find $1.3 million in reductions, which may include up to five full time teaching positions. Chow’s draft budget—not yet even a “proposed” budget, he emphasizes—also assumes the use of $3 million in reserves.
Not yet counted toward the reductions is the $500,000 in savings expected from the change in middle school schedule—with teachers of core subjects teaching more minutes in periods of 55 minutes. Those savings may be less now that administrators have found that an increase in the student population at Seven Bridges may require the hiring of two additional core subject teachers.
In the meantime, Superintendent Lyn McKay has released the results of the December 7 Knowledge Café at which 56 participants were asked to brainstorm on ways to reduce the district’s budget by around $1.8 million (now down to $1.3 in Chow’s draft budget), to suggest new sources of revenue, and to identify long-term budget concerns (these turn out to be, mainly, unfunded mandates and the paucity of commercial revenue sources in New Castle’s tax base).
As she promised she would, McKay has included not only the Budget Advisory Committee’s summary of the results (see below), but also two forms of raw data: the notes taken by facilitators at the Knowledge Cafe tables and the tablecloth jottings of the resident, parent, teacher and administrator participants (links are below). All these are provided below (and can also be found on the district’s website by clicking HERE):
Summary of December 7th Knowledge Café
The District held a Knowledge Café on December 7, 2011 with the following stated purposes:
1. To answer the Board of Education’s strategic question – “How can the District ensure continuing excellence in academic and extracurricular programs while developing a budget that is fiscally responsible?”
2. To engage the Chappaqua school community in exploring budgetary ideas.
Fifty-six members of the community and staff attended the Knowledge Café. The first hour was devoted to disseminating budget information to participants and the second hour was devoted to small group work sessions to solicit answers to the following three questions:
* Expenditures – What can we give up and what are the tradeoffs – give examples?
* Revenue – How else can we generate additional revenues to support the school budget?
* Long Term – What is a long-term financial issue that the school district must begin to address now? And, how?
The District’s Finance Advisory Committee was then charged with the responsibility of reviewing all comments and providing an executive summary. Below are highlights from the facilitator and tablecloth notes, which were collected at the Knowledge Café. The complete set of notes can be read at the following links:
Knowledge Cafe Facilitator Notes
Knowledge Cafe Tablecloth Notes
LONG TERM QUESTION
The comments from the Long Term Question encompass both expenditures and revenue. They present big challenges, not solvable by local Board of Education action alone. These are the issues, however, that drive the largest expenditures in the budget and can have the most impact on the tax levy.
State law constraints and mandates cause the greatest pressure on district spending. The pension contribution system, unfunded and under-funded state mandates, the tenure system and the Triborough Amendment were all repeatedly cited. It was suggested that the Board of Education and/or citizen groups lobby Albany both independently and in conjunction with other communities.
On the revenue side, the biggest long-term issue concerns the need to increase the commercial tax base. The town’s lack of a vibrant commercial tax base lowers the overall assessed value of the town and shifts a greater percentage of the tax burden to the residential properties. A coordinated effort by town and business groups to “lure” businesses to town is needed. The benefits will not be realized for many years, but the district/town must start exploring options at once.
REVENUE QUESTION
Various suggestions were made for increasing revenue. One important factor to consider is not to overuse one-shot revenue items. If the district is very successful at raising one-time funds in a given year, the short-term benefit may be a reduced tax levy for that year. Success at lowering the tax levy will have the perverse consequence of further limiting the expenditures for the following year.
In addition to the suggestion to raise the commercial tax base, the following items were suggested as possible sources of revenue for the district.
* Sell excess property
* Charge for use of facilities: Increase user fees, rent out excess space
* Reexamine busing – fees for longer routes, out-of-district routes
* Pay-to-play: Charging students for participation in athletics, theater and clubs. Legal question: Can the district still pay the salaries and other costs of the program, or do those costs have to be paid by a separate non-profit entity? If not, both revenue and expenditure get removed from the district budget. If the district wanted to restore district control of the program in the future, it would likely create a tax-cap issue. (Removal of expenditure probably lowers tax levy or is replaced by a different expenditure and can’t be added back under the cap.)
* Special Education: Charge other districts to educate special needs students. To have economies of scale, these students might need to be housed in one building.
* Increase fees: admission to events, parking for HGHS Seniors
* Commercial sponsorships – buildings, fields; cell towers, cafeteria items, technology
* Create and sell curriculum to other districts, on-line courses
* Fundraisers: kids’ art auctions, branded credit cards, alumni donations, grants
* Tuition-based summer program
EXPENDITURE QUESTION
There are some small items that can be implemented to reduce expenditures by a small amount. Real savings won’t be achieved without changes in Albany (as discussed above) and/or major structural changes to how we deliver education in Chappaqua, e.g., eliminating programs, significantly increasing class size, eliminating teams, etc.
Items mentioned at the café include:
* Seek efficiencies in transportation, reduce number of buses, eliminate short routes. (environmental trade-off)
* Conserve resources, shutter some buildings on weekends
* ½ day kindergarten
* Seek Special Education efficiencies
* Reduce staff: increase class size, reduce course offerings, consolidate/reconfigure schools, on-line courses
* Reduce professional development
* Reduce number of administrators
* Hire retired staff (no pension pay-in)
* Reduce number of aides (use parent volunteers)
~ Prepared by the Finance Advisory Committee ~
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Greeley grad Jason Raylesberg will Teach for America
January 20, 2012
Editor’s Note: From an applicant pool of over 46,000 this year, Jason Raylesberg, HGHS Class of 2008, has landed a coveted place with Teach for America. Starting in September, he’ll teach for two years—whatever subject is needed—in a school with impoverished students in New York City. NCNOW asked Raylesberg about the application process and why he applied.
Why did you apply to Teach for America?
I am double–majoring in English and Music at Columbia University. I applied to Teach for America (TFA) mainly because of a long-held passion for teaching. In high school I taught saxophone lessons to students at Mount Vernon Elementary School, and at Columbia I am co-Founder and co-President of Musical Mentors Collaborative, Inc., an organization that pairs Columbia students with over 30 underprivileged elementary school students. These college kids (including the Executive Board) teach one-on-one instrumental lessons while the program provides free tickets to family concerts at the best concert halls in New York and holds workshops for both students and instructors led by Columbia professors, PhD students, and Grammy-winning musicians. I’ve seen through my work with Musical Mentors how powerful and easy it can be to make an incredible difference using resources I and so many students have been blessed with and sometimes take for granted. TFA’s mission is built upon a very similar premise, and I’m really excited to do my best to make an even larger impact over the next couple of years. And I’m especially excited to do so in New York City, a place I’ve come to know and love so much.
How often do the college kids and elementary kids meet?
Lessons are held weekly, ranging from thirty minutes to an hour. At the end of each semester, students perform in a recital.
Will the group continue after you’ve left Columbia?
Yes. We have a phenomenal Executive Board in place for next year, and I plan to continue playing a role in expanding the scope of the program over the coming years.
What was the TFA application process like?
There are three rounds to the process. First, a written application, on which I was prompted to write a personal statement. The second round consists of a phone interview and online activity. The third round is a full day interview where I taught a five-minute lesson, participated in a group activity with other candidates, and had a personal interview. The third round ended up being more fun than I expected. In it, we had to listen to other candidates’ (fun and interactive) lessons, i.e. to pretend that we were in elementary school, middle school, and high school all over again. It brought me back to those good ol’ Chappaqua school days.
Do you know other teachers in the program?
I have several friends currently in the program, and all encouraged me to apply. So I listened, and am thankful I did.
Will you teach forever, or do you have some other plan?
I’m not quite sure where I’ll stand on future plans in two years, but right now I am considering pursuing a graduate degree in Musicology, Law, or perhaps eventually teaching at the collegiate level.
When does school start and do you know already that you’re teaching here in New York City?
All incoming TFA corps members attend an intensive five-week summer institute which is meant to prepare us for the upcoming school year. For NYC Corps members, that institute begins in late June. I know that I will be teaching in New York City, but I don’t yet know which school.
How are assignments made? Did you request NYC or was it randomly chosen for you?
Over the months before the new school year, incoming corps members interview with principals of various under-resourced schools in their assigned region. Working with TFA, the principals choose which corps members they want in their school. TFA asks you to put down ten preferred regions on the application, and NYC was my first preference. Fortunately, they granted it to me.
What subject or grade will you teach?
My assignment is “General Education, Special Education, or ELS” in any grade, K-12. So I could end up teaching almost anything, really, from middle school math to 3rd grade General Education. It depends on which principals are interested in hiring me and which positions are in most demand.
Where did you get the teaching bug?
I admired certain qualities in all of my teachers, from freshman to senior year, and hope to have the same impact on my students that they had on me. As a teacher, I hope to channel the infectious enthusiasm of Ms. Slavinski, Doc Lucia’s ability to build friendships with his students, and Ms. Breen’s knack for presenting material as clear as can be.
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Greeley’s “Aquamen” enjoying an undefeated season
Greeley’s Alex Smith winning the 100 Butterfly at the Tappan Zee meet
Monday, January 23, 2012
by Jared Krosser
The Greeley “Aquamen” have had an extremely successful season thus far. Since their swimming and diving meet against Tappan Zee High School on December 20, the swim team has also had meets against Westlake High School on December 22, which Greeley won 95 to 83; against North Rockland on January 3, which Greeley won 97 to 84; against Ossining High School on January 6, which they won 97 to 67; and against Fox Lane High School on January 10, which they won 95 to 86.
Suffern, 2009 Section 1 champs, took on the Aquamen on Jan. 12
The last time the Greeley Boys’ Swimming and Diving Team lost a meet, it was to Suffern High School two years ago, so the team knew they would need to swim fast to beat this recent Section 1 champ. Before the meet began, Coach Meg Kaplan stressed to the swimmers that this meet could be tough mainly because all of Suffern’s relay teams were ranked with faster times than Greeley’s. However, the boys did not let this scare them.
The Greeley Aquamen won many of their events. The first event was the 200 Medley Relay, and with a photo finish the Greeley relay touched out Suffern’s relay by less than .2 seconds. The next event was the 200 Freestyle where Greeley’s Risten Clarke took the win. Next came the 200 Individual Medley, where Greeley’s Ian Cooper and Daniel DiGiacomo tied for first place!
Greeley’s Aaron Wald won the next event, Diving. Risten Clarke triumphed again, this time in the 100 Freestyle. The Greeley 200 Freestyle Relay team won their event as well. Greeley’s Chris Koster won the next event, the 100 Backstroke. Lastly, the Aquamen out-swam Suffern in the 400 Freestyle Relay. The overall score of the meet was 102 to 84, with Greeley coming out on top.
So far the Greeley Boys’ Swimming and Diving Team is undefeated with a 7-0 record for the season.
NEW: “Aquamen” do it again, beat Westlake 95 to 83
by Jared Krosser
After a huge win against Tappan Zee on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, the Greeley Boys’ Swim Team was at it again on Thursday, December 22, 2011, this time against Westlake High School. The Aquamen won in many of the events, including the 200 Medley Relay; 200 Freestyle; 50 Freestyle, Diving; 100 Butterfly; 100 Freestyle; 500 Freestyle; 200 Freestyle Relay; and the 100 Backstroke. By the end of the meet, the Greeley Aquamen had achieved a winning score of 95 to 83. Nick Scaglione, a first-year swimmer, raced in the 500 Freestyle and survived!
NEW: Greeley’s “Aquamen” beat Tappan Zee, last year’s Sectional winners in neck-and-neck meet
by Jared Krosser
The Horace Greeley boys’ swimming and diving team was very pumped for their second meet of the season on Tuesday, December 20 against Tappan Zee High School. After coming in second at Sectionals last year to Tappan Zee, the Aquamen were ready to “give it all they got” in Tuesday’s competition. Greeley had the heart to win, but did they have the times?
In the first event, the 200 Medley Relay, Tappan Zee got off to a quick head start by taking first place. However, the Greeley boys were able to keep the score close by taking second and third places. The next event was the 200 freestyle, where Greeley had a 1-2-3 finish by Risten Clarke, Aaron Saccurato and Aaron Blacker, respectively. In the 200 Individual Medley, Greeley’s Ian Cooper took second place. In the 50 freestyle, Greeley’s Henry Simon took another second place, finishing right behind Tappan Zee’s swimmer. By this time in the meet, Greeley was barely beating Tappan Zee, 30 to 32.
In an extremely close race, Greeley’s Alex Smith finished first in the 100 Butterfly with an awesome performance. Following the 100 Butterfly was the 100 Freestyle, where Greeley’s Risten Clarke took second place. At this point in the meet Greeley’s lead had crept from two points to six points, 44 to 50.
Greeley’s Aaron Saccurato finished first in the next event, the 500 Freestyle. The 200 Freestyle Relay followed, and Greeley took both first and second places. In the next event, Greeley’s Jared Krosser won the 100 Breaststroke. By the end of the meet, Greeley had a total of 92 points while Tappan Zee only racked up 76. The 2011-12 Greeley boys’ swimming and diving team had beaten last year’s Sectional winner by a substantial margin!
The team has had two winning meets and no losses this season. Special thanks to Greeley swimming and diving team members Sky Jarrett and Matt Re for keeping score and taking photos throughout the meet.
Jared Krosser is a senior member of the Greeley Boys’ Swimming and Diving Team.
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Board members decide to protest BOCES’ capital expenses by a “No” vote, but also to offer advice
January 20, 2012
by Christine Yeres
In their January 10 meeting, board of education members voted “No” to send a no-confidence message to BOCES and its proposed $18 million capital improvement project, for which the CCSD, one of 18 member districts, would be billed a $1.5 million share. Members realize that their “No” vote may only result in BOCES returning to answer more questions, since the district is obliged to come up with the funds regardless.
Board members are still unhappy that the formula used to calculate its share of the $18 million makes use of property value and enrollment numbers yet ignores usage of the programs, which is low for CCSD. Their other concern is board members’ inability to judge whether BOCES’ plan is fiscally sound. “They haven’t presented a long term plan to us,” said board member Karen Visser. “How do we know that in ten years we won’t be asked again?” In addition, although the district’s own debt is exempt from the tax cap, board members think it unfair and nonsensical that the debt they incur for the BOCES improvements is not.
Board members made a point of proposing to meet with BOCES to provide input along with their “No” vote.
“We do value the shared services that BOCES provides,” said board member Vicky Tipp, “but we have a high level of obligation to our taxpayers and students, so a ‘No’ vote doesn’t mean ‘No’ to contributing to capital improvement, but we have to do our due diligence.”
In the end, said board member Randy Katchis, “we’ll probably end in a ‘Yes’ vote, but my ‘No’ will be to start getting representation within that organization and get a process in place.”
Board members did not specify what advice they would give BOCES, but in previous discussions Katchis has noted that it might be wise for BOCES to sell its current multiple-buildings campus and buy or lease other space—preferably a single building—that would cost less to maintain. He also suggested that rather than spend $3 million to upgrade an existing therapeutic pool, BOCES consider constructing a pool that would be of use to its member districts’ swimming programs (for which many pay for use of outside pools).
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Greeley Hockey Finishes Week With Two Wins
See more photos in “Read more…”
Monday, January 23, 2012
by Bruce Yablon
At Brewster Ice Arena on Thursday night Horace Greeley hockey skated to a 3-1 victory over Fox Lane. Greeley dominated play throughout, holding Fox Lane to just 14 shots on goal while they were able to put 35 shots on the Fox Lane goaltender. Blake Davis led the team with two goals and the defense continued its outstanding play.
Greeley continued its ability to control play against weaker teams with a 7-2 victory over Byram Hills on Friday night. Greg Krisberg notched a hat trick and Noah Ives and Jake Sandor also tallied for Greeley. Owen Gatto created many opportunities for his teammates, gathering 3 assists.
Greeley takes off a week and is back on the ice on Friday Feb 3 in a rematch at Sport O Rama in Monsey, NY against Pearl River, who defeated Greeley earlier in the season 3-2 and then Shepaug at Brewster at 6:10 pm on Saturday Feb 4.
With only four more games to go before playoffs the Greeley team will need to win its games against Pear River and later Ryetown/Harrison if they are to have a high seed when the playoffs begin. The defense led by Owen Gatto, Greg Krisberg, Henry Girardi and Dean Klien as well as a group of strong backchecking forwards have kept opposing players and pucks away form goaltender Neil Hershman this year. The team will need to score more goals if they are to advance deep in the playoffs next month.
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Greeley wrestlers beat Port Chester
Next home game: Wed. Feb. 1, main gym, against Pville
Brent Lobien; more photos inside
January 20, 2012
by Coach Mike DeBellis
Horace Greeley came out victorious in a close match against league rival Port Chester, 39-37 on Thursday evening to secure second place in the league.
The match started with Greeley going down 12-0 due to forfeits in the 99 and the 106 weight classes.
113-pounder Kirby Atlas stepped on the mat and beat senior, Captain Joey Rodriquez 3-2. It was a well-wrestled match by Kirby against a great Port Chester wrestler.
Bing Bing Xie, 120 pounds, just came back from a knee injury to wrestle one of Port Chester’s toughest wrestlers. Unfortunately, he lost by pin in :55 seconds.
Jon Russo, 126 pounds, disposed of Dan Dipippo in 1:26. Jon’s wrestling has been improving throughout the season and he is peaking at the right time.
Freshman Elijah Kim filled in at 132 pounds and lost by pin to Odell Alexander in :49 seconds.
At 138 pounds, Kolbe Jendzejec came up huge for the team by pinning Giovanni Borrayes in 5:34. Kolbe had the match of his life. He was down by several points with a minute left in the match and turned his opponent to his back for the pin. Some guys just compete better when all the pressure is on them. Kolbe is one of those people.
Mike Orbeta at 145 pounds had a tough loss by decision 7-12.
Liam Mercer also had a hard fought battle at 152 pounds and lost by decision 4-16.
Mike Nadler bumped up a weight class to wrestle at 160 pounds and lost by decision 7-12.
Freshman Brock Cvijanovich continues to wrestle like an upperclassman. He wrestled his heart out and had his opponent on his back several times but could not put him away. He ended up losing a close decision 12-15.
Sam Tugendhaft received a forfeit at 182 pounds.
We needed three pins from our last three weight classes to win the match and our heavyweights swept the rest of the way.
Billy Marino, 195 pounds, wrestled Jimmy Lopez and pinned him in 3:36.
Scott Wymbs bumped up to 220 pounds and received a forfeit.
It all came down to Brent Lobien at 285 pounds. Brent shot a great double leg in the first period and put Christian Zamano on his back and pinned him in 1:09.
This was a great win for Greeley, propelling us to a 17-6 record for the year. Our next competition will be this weekend in the Beacon Tournament.
Our next home meet is on Wednesday, February 1st at 4:30 p.m. in the main gym against our rival Pleasantville. We will also be honoring our seniors and their parents that night. We would love to see you there.
Billy Marino
Brent Lobien
Jon Russo
Kirby Atlas
Kolbe Jendzejec
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Boys’ Basketball Quakers notch 62-42 victory over Port Chester Rams
January 20, 2012
by Brian Rosen
In avenging its only two league losses from last year, the Greeley Boys’ varsity basketball team rumbled past the Port Chester Rams on Wednesday evening, 62-42. Harrison Brown and Justin Ciero led the Greeley scoring with 21 points and 12 points, respectively. Teddy Graves continued his strong play contributing 10 points, three steals and five rebounds.
Port Chester jumped off to a 4-0 lead, but it was all Greeley after that. The Quakers finished the first quarter up 15-4 and widened the gap to 33-16 at the half. After the third period, Greeley was up by 26 points, 51-25. The lead allowed some younger players to get some meaningful playing time; Jake Ault netted the first two points of his varsity career.
NEXT GAME: TONIGHT, Friday, January 20, 2012, 7:00 p.m. at Greeley against Harrison.
Come out and support the Quakers!
NEW: Greeley boys’ basketball team wins barnburner in overtime against Peekskill, 76-75
by Brian Rosen
The Greeley Quakers won a heart-stopping overtime thriller, 76-75, on Saturday January 14 against the Peekskill Red Devils.
The Quakers raced out to 17-11 lead by the end of the first quarter. Greeley was paced by 11 points by Justin Ciero and a long-range bomb by Connor Domershick. But by the end of two quarters, the Peekskill Red Devils had drawn to 35-30. During the second quarter, Greeley pounded the ball inside to Harrison Brown and received strong support from a timely Brett Klein three and aggressive play by Teddy Graves and Cole Benack.
The third quarter saw Peekskill continue to advance on Greeley and actually take the lead on several occasions. But the Quakers hung tough and at the end of the third quarter still led, 49-48. Although outscored in the quarter, 18-14, Greeley consistently broke the Red Devils’ full court press and aggressively defended and out-rebounded Peekskill. This bode well for the final quarter and the overtime period that followed.
Both sides run up the score in the fourth
During the fourth quarter, baskets came quickly for both sides with Greeley relying heavily on Brown inside and Ciero from the outside. With only seven seconds remaining, Greeley enjoyed a three-point lead. The Red Devils inbounded the ball and hit a three-pointer from the left wing to knot the game and send it into overtime. The shot drove the hometown crowd into pandemonium.
But the Quakers were undaunted. The lead changed hands several times during the overtime period and Greeley found itself down by two near the end. Then Josh Rosen dribbled around his defender and, with only six seconds left, threw a “no look” pass to Brown underneath, who converted the easy lay-up for the lead and the ultimate victory.
Harrison Brown finished with 34 points and Justin Ciero contributed 21.
Brian Rosen is the father of Josh Rosen, a senior member of the 2011-12 Greeley Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team.
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Greeley boys’ basketball team drops a pair to nearby rivals Byram Hills and Fox Lane
Next Home Game: TONIGHT, Friday, January 20, 7:00 p.m. against Harrison
January 20, 2012
by Rich Klein and Brian Rosen
In two highly competitive games, the Greeley Quakers played the Byram Hills Bobcats on Tuesday, January 10 and the Fox Lane Foxes on Friday, January 6, but came up short 58-54 and 74-64, respectively.
Road trip to Armonk ends in disappointment
On Tuesday, January 10, the Greeley Quakers traveled to Armonk to take on the Bobcats. Byram Hills took command early and, in the blink of an eye, raced out to a 10-0 lead on two three-pointers and a layup off an alley-oop pass. The Bobcats extended their lead to 16-2 before the Quakers steadied themselves with a layup by Harrison Brown. Then Brett Klein provided an immediate spark off the bench by taking a charge, and Greeley closed the first quarter with a three by Justin Ciero and a three-point play by Brown to narrow the gap to 18-10.
Greeley continued its comeback in the second quarter with Matt Xie, in his first game of the season after sustaining a pre-season injury, powering to the hoop for a layup and Klein nailing a three to cut the lead to five at 20-15. Ryan Lubarsky contributed to the surge, converting a fast break layup and two free throws, and the Greeley defense continued its intensity. Two consecutive steals led to easy points for the Quakers, one by Brown and another by Teddy Graves, bringing Greeley to within three points of the lead. At halftime, the Quakers were still down three, 30-27.
In the opening minute of the third quarter, a jumper by Ciero made it a one-point game, which energized the Greeley fans. But the Bobcats stormed back, going on an 8-0 run. Greeley regained control of the game with its own 16-2 run. After Connor Domershick hit a three, Josh Rosen converted a layup off a steal and then hit a three to tie the game with a minute and a half left in the third quarter. The Quakers closed the quarter on a high note, with Brown making a layup, Ciero nailing another three and Brown tipping in a shot off a missed jumper. Greeley led 45-40 at the end of the third period.
The final quarter started well for Greeley with Brown hitting a fast break layup and then two free throws, but then it unraveled for the Quakers. The Bobcats proceeded to go on an 11-0 run and regained the lead, 53-49. There was no quit in Greeley, though, as Brown made a free throw, a driving layup, and then two more free throws, and the Quakers only trailed by one, 55-54, with 1:30 remaining. The final dagger came on a Byram Hills three with under a minute left, resulting in the 58-54 win for the Bobcats.
Despite packed house at January 6 home game, Quakers go down in defeat
Friday night, January 6, before a packed house in the Greeley gym, the Quakers and the Foxes faced off in another rivalry game. Although Greeley started off strong and the game was close throughout, this time, it was just too much Trawick, Will Trawick, that is. The Fox Lane senior power forward hit jumpers, layups and did everything else necessary to secure the 10-point victory. Trawick scored 37 points shooting 19 for 23 from the field.
Next Home Game: TONIGHT, Friday, January 20, 7:00 p.m. against Harrison.
Rich Klein is the father of Brett Klein, a senior player, and Brian Rosen is the father of Josh Rosen, a senior player, on the 2011-12 Greeley Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team.
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Destination: Haiti . . . Mission: Build Six Homes
January 20, 2012
by Hugh Sigmon
We all have the natural tendency to block out horrible news, political strife and economic corruption. We think: What can I, one person, do? Well, there is something you can do to help. It may be a very simple, two-home duplex — 14 by 20 feet, poured concrete and block walls with a metal roof — but if you and your family have been living in a makeshift tent city for two years, it is a dream come true.
One Small House, based in Brewster, N.Y., will send three teams in the spring of 2012 to Haiti to build simple, decent homes for families displaced by the devastating earthquake of January 2010. One Small House has been building homes in rural Mexico for the past decade. Several members of the Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco along with Interim Pastor Jack Lohr will join the first and second Haiti trips, scheduled for March 11-17, and March 25 - 31, 2012.
“We will not be building temporary shelters, but permanent homes, designed to withstand earthquakes and category 4 hurricanes, and positioned to be at the center of a new community,” says team leader Dave Dobson and member of the Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco. Prior to the 7.0 earthquake that killed an estimated 300,000 in January 2010, Haiti was the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Afterward, conditions became immeasurably worse. However, progress has been made. Rubble has been cleared. Rebuilding has begun, and some people have moved out of their temporary quarters and returned home.
Give elbow grease or donate money
Those interested in assisting the local team by supporting the purchase of building materials for the project can make donations through PayPal on the OSH web site: www.onesmallhouse.org/ or by check payable to One Small House, 5001 Stonecrest Drive, Brewster, N.Y.
Donations by check must be accompanied by a form downloaded from the OSH web site. So that PCMK receives credit for the donation, “Team PCMK” should appear on the designation line and the trip ID March 11 – 90028 should be included.
One Small House work teams will be in Haiti, March 11-17, March 25-31 and April 8-14. Those interested in joining a mission trip can register at www.onesmallhouse.org/.
Help move these families out of tents and into real homes!
Hugh Sigmon is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco. Sigmon and his wife, Paula Wiles Sigmon, are part of the first trip—along with Dave Dobson, team leader and fellow PCMK member. Jack Lohr, PCMK interim pastor will go on the second trip.
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Greeley hockey victory over Fox Lane
Game today at 5: 20 p.m. vs. Byram Hills at Brewster.
January 20, 2012
Greeley controlled the action most of the game in a 3-1 victory over Fox Lane.
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Merchant of the Week: Do-it-yourselfer JoAnn Virag of Millwood Hardware
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
by Rob Greenstein
Last week, I spoke with Millwood Hardware owner JoAnn Virag, who took over the store from her father in the late 80’s.
(1) How long have you and your hardware store been a member of our community?
Millwood Hardware has been a member of the community since 1968. Without giving away my age, I’ve worked here my whole life, I took the store over from my dad in the late 1980’s and have been running it ever since.
(2) At the risk of being politically incorrect, I think it’s safe to say that you’re in a field mostly dominated by men, what sparked your interest in this area?
Yes, this is a field that is still dominated by men. Luckily for me, that did not stop my father from involving me in the business. I loved working at the store, whenever needed. This included after school, snow days, vacations and summer breaks. Anyone who has ever worked in a family business can relate. My hardware knowledge and interest comes from helping my father build our family home on his time off. I loved helping him hands-on. Since he worked six days a week, this construction project went on for quite some time. Then when I bought my first home, I intended to just do a little remodeling but ended up gutting the house. I truly enjoy the hands-on aspect of fixing and/or building something. I love when a customer comes in and asks for help. I’m able to base it on first-hand experiences.
(3) You are next to a New Castle landmark—Rocky’s—does your location help business?
Being next to Rocky’s Deli definitely helps! Since they are such a landmark, many times when people call for directions, we can easily use Rocky’s as a point of reference. We often get customers who come in to wander as their order is being filled.
(4) What makes your store different than a box store like Home Depot?
I think what differentiates us from the big box stores is our customer service, our friendliness and our knowledge of hardware. We try to greet each customer that comes in, see what they need help with and then guide them towards a solution. In our 44 years of being a part of this community, we have developed a lot of friendships. But I also hope we have developed a reputation that you can come to us with your project, no matter how big or how small, and we will have what you need and show you how to use all of it. I frequently hear customers comment about the wide variety of merchandise we carry. We also try to keep the store well organized and clean, making it an welcoming environment. And, of course, our staff is knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Over the summer, we hope to do an interior remodel. This will give us a face lift and hopefully find room for new product lines.
(5) Does your inventory change a lot with the seasons?
Absolutely. We are a seasonal business. Around the holidays, we carry holiday decorations, and everything you need to spruce up your house for guests. During the winter, there is usually a need for ice melt, snow shovels, and fireplace supplies. Spring time brings all the merchandise you need for spring clean-up and home repair. We carry items for yard work including grass seed, fertilizers, hoses, sprinklers and gardening tools. And for your barbecuing we carry Weber grills, parts and accessories. If the Weber grill you’re looking for is not in the store, we can order the model you want. The fall is for all those projects you put off all summer long, because you were relaxing and enjoying. Projects that need tending before the cold winter hits. We also carry a wide variety of homewares throughout the year.
(6) What’s the benefit of your affiliation with True Value?
By being a member of True Value, we’re able to purchase from their warehouse instead of direct from the manufacturers. This allows us to carry a wider breadth of merchandise. It also enables us to get more competitive pricing as True Value has the buying power of 4,000 stores. We are now a proud carrier of Benjamin Moore paints, and, of course, we carry True Value paints. They will also provide professional merchandisers to help with the layout of the merchandise. They even have a store design division. In fact, they are drawing up our remodeling plans.
(7) What do you think the town could do to make conditions better for business in Millwood?
I love being a part of a small community—this community! But sometimes I wish New Castle would put more emphasis on Millwood, not just Chappaqua. I feel we have a lot to offer, and sometimes we’re forgotten.
(8) Do you do a lot of special orders?
We do a lot of special orders. Unfortunately, we’re confined by our space. The store is about 5,000 square feet and we have over 7,000 square feet of storage. As I said earlier, we try to carry a wide range of products and a blend of what our customers are looking for. But only so much will fit. And this is another advantage of being a member of True Value, we can order anything out of their catalog. If it’s in stock, we’ll have it in days. The customer comes in, and if it’s not what they want, we’ll simply ship it back—no obligations. Hopefully the remodel will help us create more shelf space.
(9) Any special discounts for NewCastleNOW readers who mention this article?
NewcastleNOW readers are welcome to stop by, say hello, and if they mention this article, they will receive a free 25 foot tape measure, while supplies last.
Millwood Hardware
235 Saw Mill River Rd
Millwood, N.Y. 10546
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:45 am - 6:00 pm
Sat: 7:45 am - 5:00 pm
Sun: Closed
Phone: 914-762-2828
Website: http://www.millwoodhardware.com/
________________________
Visit NCNOW.org’s Business Section to see other “Merchant of the Week” pieces by Rob Greenstein.
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Reporting Pot Holes on State and County Roads—Keep these phone numbers
January 13, 2012
Press release from the Town of New Castle
If you want to report road damage (pot holes) on the following roads (County or State roads), please call the numbers that appear below. You may report them to the Town’s Department of Public Works as well but the State and County respond well to calls from residents and we encourage you to call them. (When we receive your calls for these roads, we report them too to the appropriate agency.)
New York State Roads;
* State Route 128 (Between Mount Kisco and Armonk Town
Lines) - Snow control plowing & sanding only
* State Route 117 (Between Mount Kisco and Pleasantville
Town Lines) - Snow control plowing & sanding only
* State Route 133 (Between Mount Kisco and Ossining Town
Lines) State D.O.T handles all issues
* State Route 134 (Between Yorktown and Ossining Town
Lines) State D.O.T handles all issues
* State Route 100 (Between Yorktown and Ossining Town
Lines) State D.O.T handles all issues
* State Route 120 (Between Armonk and Millwood Town Lines)
- Snow control plowing & sanding only
New York State D.O.T. Office (Katonah); 914-232-3060
Westchester County Roads;
* Seven Bridges Road (From Route 120 To Yorktown Line) -
Snow control plowing & sanding only
* Pines Bridge Road (Between Yorktown and Ossining Lines)
- Snow control plowing & sanding only
* South Greeley Avenue (Between North Greeley Avenue and
Pleasantville Town Line) - Snow control plowing & sanding only
* Washington Avenue (Between South Greeley Avenue and
Pleasantville Town Line) - Snow control plowing & sanding only
* North State Road (Between Route 100) and Briarcliff Town
Line) - Snow control plowing & sanding only
Westchester County D.O.T. : 914-995-4951
Town of New Castle Department of Public Works 914-238-3968
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Occupy Wall Street: The First Season
With 47 comments since publication
January 13, 2012
by William Gerrard
The first time I attended an Occupy Wall Street (OWS) protest was the march on October 1, which ended with the arrest of more than 700 people on the Brooklyn Bridge. The encampment at Zuccotti Park was barely two weeks old, and there was no broader Occupy movement yet to speak of.
I had supported the protesters from the sidelines before the march, despite (or perhaps because of) how flailing they appeared at first—but I might not have been inspired to come out to the bridge that day had it not been for the infamous video of Deputy Inspector Anthony Bologna pepper spraying non-violent female protesters a week earlier.
Police brutality at protests has been a dominant topic in the OWS conversation, and in one sense that’s unfortunate: as individuals, the police have a lot more in common with the protesters than with pension-defrauding bankers and corrupt politicians. But that pepper-spray video, and all of the many images of even worse violence against protesters since then, did get a lot of people mad. And if you want things to change, as Howard Beale says in Network, mad is the first thing you’ve got to get.
“You are your own media.”
While the protesters on the Brooklyn Bridge were still trapped and waiting their turn to be arrested, their comrades were deliberating as a group back at Zuccotti Park about what could be done to help them. The meeting took the form of a leaderless “general assembly,” OWS’s primary vehicle for making decisions, where actions are agreed upon by consensus and all attendees have their own voice—a micro-model of a participatory (as opposed to representative) democracy.
After a certain point, the live video streams coming from the bridge protesters stopped broadcasting; and since the mainstream media had yet to start paying serious attention to OWS, there was no way for anyone who wasn’t standing on or near the bridge to see what was happening.
As a solution, a young man suggested that the smartphone users in the crowd download one of the several applications which allow cell phones to broadcast live video, then head to the bridge to establish a feed. If the news networks weren’t going to provide live coverage of hundreds of people being arrested over the course of several hours on the Brooklyn Bridge, ordinary people would step up and do it themselves.
“You are your own media,” he declared to all.
I searched for, found, downloaded, and installed Bambuser, a free live-streaming app for mobile devices—the whole process took less than a minute—then made my way back to the bridge with a few other volunteers. By now, there was a wall of police blocking the entrance, so we had to stand across Centre Street, yards away from City Hall. I started broadcasting the scene, which quickly escalated as hundreds of marchers arrived to stage a sympathy protest for the arrestees.
I could see that the number of viewers watching my live feed began to rise: slowly at first, by the dozens, then by the hundreds. Messages and questions from viewers started popping up on my screen—“how many arrests?”; “kudos from portugal”; “me too from italy”—to which I could respond by talking into the phone’s mic.
Within half an hour of arriving at the bridge—and having just joined the movement earlier that day—I found myself “reporting” the event for thousands of people. It felt as though I had entered both a new era of media and a new era of politics at the same time; and it seemed as if those two eras were inextricably linked: a “do-it-yourself media,” with news-event witnesses bypassing corporate editorial biases and providing their own live news coverage, in the service of a “do-it-yourself politics,” with citizens bypassing their unresponsive (or irresponsible) representatives and taking to the streets to represent themselves.
”Eviction in Progress”
That powerful interests understand OWS to be an unacceptable threat to the status quo—socialism for the super-rich, sink-or-swim capitalism for everyone else—was made clear a month and a half later when cities across the country launched a coordinated campaign to crush the (mostly) peaceable Occupy assemblies, which had spread rapidly after the mass arrests that day on the bridge.
On November 15, at 1:03 a.m., I received a text message that read, “URGENT: Hundreds of police mobilizing around Zuccotti. Eviction in progress!” (I had signed up to receive the Zuccotti Park “eviction defense text blast.”) When Mayor Bloomberg and the NYPD first tried to clear Zuccotti of occupiers a month earlier, they had announced their plan days in advance, giving the OWS organizers time to mobilize a large number of supporters and to jam the park with bodies. That mistake would not be repeated.
By the time I arrived downtown, the police had already erected a cordon of metal barriers in a two to four block radius around the park, preventing the hundreds of people who had shown up in solidarity—despite the late hour and lack of forewarning—from getting any closer. Though the pretext for the barriers was that the area was “unsafe,” the police were permitting civilian vehicular traffic to enter—leading one woman within earshot of me to observe wryly that we could all get to the park if we just took taxis.
Though she was kidding, I thought it was actually a pretty good idea, so I jogged around the cordon perimeter and hailed a cab. When I confessed to the driver that my plan was to circumvent the police barricades in order to get closer to the park, he was game to help.
The police parted the barricades for us, warily but dutifully. As we grazed the east side of the park coming down Broadway, I slid out the door and started broadcasting with my phone—though by now, at 2:00 a.m., only a handful of viewers tuned in. The park and the surrounding area had already been scrubbed clean of civilians, save for a few street vendors with no customers.
Inside Zuccotti, sanitation workers and police were busy breaking down the occupiers’ tents and makeshift structures and throwing them into bins, which were then dumped into a waiting convoy of trucks.
I had about three minutes in which to observe this well-planned, extremely efficient operation before I was spotted by a cop, who made it clear that what I was doing—standing on a public sidewalk, filming public employees from across the street as they performed public business in a public park—was not allowed, not tonight. He ordered me to retreat behind a mini-barricade half a block away.
As I moved to comply, several police officers clad in riot gear carried a non-resisting young woman by her limp limbs toward the same barricade and placed her safely behind the metal barriers, where a now-former occupier helped her to her feet. The moment she righted herself, one of the riot police took a quick jab at her face over the barrier as though she were a punching bag, then casually walked away while his fellow officers guarded us. The former occupier shielded her after the blow and held her for a brief moment as she recovered. Neither of them said anything.
There were eight other people with me in that little security pen, some of them wearing press passes and complaining that the police were preventing them from doing their jobs. The NYPD was creating a de facto media blackout, which they clearly felt allowed them to operate with impunity. I spoke with another former occupier who fled the park shortly before the police arrived out of fear that they would use tear gas; she had severe asthma, she said, and was afraid that she might have a potentially life-threatening asthma attack amid the confusion. The police reportedly used tear gas toward the end of the raid.
Other guests joined us periodically, including a female bicyclist whom an officer had placed in a painful headlock, and another journalist whose visible credentials did not spare him from police harassment. Civilians in Afghanistan (and, until recently, Iraq) are routinely subjected to surprise night raids by U.S. military forces looking for insurgents—yet there we were, in Lower Manhattan, in the middle of the night, being treated by a para-militarized domestic police force as if we were potential enemies rather than peaceful citizens. When Bloomberg said two weeks later that the NYPD was his “private army,” everyone who witnessed the Zuccotti eviction knew that he was only half-joking.
Foreclosure Tour
As it turns out, by removing the protesters from Zuccotti Park, the Bloomberg administration may very well have done OWS a favor. As symbolically important as the occupation was, it was also a liability to the movement going forward: small business owners in the neighborhood were mobilizing their own protest against the constant disruptions; a few reports of crime within the encampment were creating negative publicity; and a punishing New York winter, perhaps only weeks away, threatened to thin the ranks of the occupiers. Bloomberg spared OWS a potential Napoleonic-style winter retreat, and handed them an Alamo around which to rally. The eviction has compelled the occupiers to extend their organizational reach and their demands for economic justice outward, into the very neighborhoods that have been hardest hit by the economic crash.
On December 6th, as part of a national day of action against America’s housing crisis, OWS worked with local community activist groups to conduct a “foreclosure tour” through the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, where the foreclosure rate is five times higher than the state average. Hundreds of people joined the march, which paused at boarded up, bank-owned houses along the way so that foreclosure victims could stand before the crowd and share their stories of life in 21st century America: predatory lenders, no health insurance, children killed in Iraq.
One of the most radical gestures of the Occupy movement has been to transform everyday spaces—parks, squares, sidewalks, bridges—into empathetic forums where private suffering becomes a public concern. With Zuccotti and the other centralized Occupy camps shut down one by one, these sorts of demilitarized zones within the economic war of all against all—where the spirit of cooperation and sharing survives amid the general reign of greed and fiscal austerity—are free to proliferate.
”I’ve got his back.”
Contrast OWS’ manner of speaking to people—and of encouraging them to speak for themselves—with that of the modern political campaign. Consider, for example, President Obama’s new reelection poster: It’s an image of the back of Obama’s head, in front of an old Gap commercial-style white void containing the words, “I’ve got his back.”
The “I” in the text refers to you, a putative Obama supporter; and your pre-assigned role in the 2012 election drama is to express solidarity with the most powerful person on the planet—a man who isn’t even looking in your direction. The poster makes no mention of whether he has our back; whether, for example, heavily indebted Americans might one day receive the same kind of “bailout” protection against catastrophic financial loss as do rich, well-connected firms like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. (Though extra verbiage about reciprocal back-getting would probably have spoiled the poster’s sleek design.)
Rather than waiting patiently for their Wall Street-financed leaders to experience Saul-to-Paul conversions in limos en route to $30,000-a-plate fundraisers, ordinary Americans are taking the initiative and finding novel ways to help each other.
The final destination of the Brooklyn “foreclosure tour” was 702 Vermont Street, a property vacant for three years—until now, as a homeless family, with the help of OWS and other community activists, was moving in without permission of the owner, Bank of America. This was against the law, of course. But since Bank of America (along with most of the country’s other largest banks) has been accused of committing mass foreclosure fraud, it felt less like trespassing than like a small step toward restitution. As of the time of this writing, the family is still occupying their new home, and more property reclamations are in the works across the country. With the number of people who have been illegally thrown out of their homes potentially in the tens or hundreds of thousands, OWS will have plenty to do through the winter.
William Gerrard is a filmmaker and has been a resident of Chappaqua for 24 years. He graduated from Horace Greeley High School in 2001 and is currently pursuing his MFA in film directing at Columbia University’s School of the Arts.
Part 1: Brooklyn Bridge
http://bambuser.com/channel/wgerrard/broadcast/2012554;
Part 2: Zuccotti Park Eviction
http://bambuser.com/channel/wgerrard/broadcast/2128706;
Part 3: Foreclosure tour
http://bambuser.com/channel/wgerrard/broadcast/2187799
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INTEL Semi-finalist Emily Prentiss, 18-year-old senior at Ossining HS
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
by Christine Yeres
Editor’s Note: After publishing Two New Castle high school seniors are Intel semi-finalists last Friday, NCNOW made a big discovery: Among the Ossining High School INTEL semi-finalists, there was a third New Castle resident, 18-year-old senior Emily Prentiss, pictured above (second from the right) with classmates Amelia Clements, Evan Olin (also of New Castle) and Frances Russell.
Each of the 300 semi-finalists receives a $1,000 award, each school $1,000 for each of its semi-finalist students.
Next steps from the Intel Newsroom
“On Jan. 25, 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named as finalists. They will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 8-13. There, they will compete for more than $630,000 in awards provided by the Intel Foundation. Winners will be selected based on rigorous judging sessions and announced at a black-tie gala award ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 13. The top award is $100,000; the remaining top 10 will receive awards totaling $305,000.”
NCNOW interviewed Ms. Prentiss over the weekend about her research project.
Will you describe your research project for us?
It’s really about the way the brain responds to stimuli we’re not really paying attention to. For example, if you’re hearing a regular “beep,” “beep,” “beep,” going on and then instead a “boop” occurs, your brain notices the change. Or you notice the sound of a siren, because it’s unexpected and it occurs in the ambient. Or you’re in a room and someone touches you from behind. You notice it. There’s a distinct way the brain reacts to those changes and we can measure it.
How did you measure these changes?
I used an electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor the brainwaves of seven normal adult subjects as they watched a movie. Each of the the subjects was holding a mechanism in each hand. We sent vibrations mainly to the right hand, then occasionally to the left instead, then analyzed the data. We found that the brain responds in 172 milliseconds (one-fifth of a second) after the stimulus is presented.
What can be done with the knowledge that these changes are measurable?
The paradigm I invented would be ideal for monitoring the recovery process of a stroke patient, for example. The task could be administered on a weekly basis. It would be inexpensive and non-invasive.
The paradigm also gives engineers and people designing crash warning systems a useful tool—for example, in fancy cars where they have a crash warning system to tell you you’ve departed from your lane or when you’re too close to another car. These systems usually use an auditory or visual alert. But when you’re driving, you’re already using your ears and eyes and such a warning system might cause you to look to the right or left when you should be looking at the road. So implementing a tactile alert, such as vibrations in the steering wheel, might be more effective.
Emily Prentiss
Research Project: The Right Hand Knows What the Left Hand Does: High-Density Electrical Recording of Human Somatosensory Change Detection
Science research teachers: Angelo Piccirillo and Valerie Holmes
Mentor: Dr. John Butler from the Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Abstract
Automatic change detection is a fundamental function of the human brain. It is the process by which the brain detects minute changes in ambient stimuli, regardless of where attention is directed. While it is widely accepted that this function exists, very few studies have ever quantified this function using electrophysiology or mathematical models in the somatosensory domain. Thus, this study focused on quantifying this function using electroencephalography (EEG) and an advanced mathematical analysis method, as well as developing a paradigm that would enable us to measure the function exclusively and effectively. This study used Mismatch Negativity (MMN) as a change detection measure in conjunction with stimuli delivered through an oddball paradigm, in which a stream of standard frequent stimuli is interrupted with a deviant infrequent stimulus. Seven healthy adult subjects completed the experiment. Somatosensory stimulation was delivered to the left and the right hands. Event-related potentials (ERP - automatic, event-driven brain responses) were recorded and measured using high- density EEG covering the entire scalp. Upon analysis, we epoched the standard and deviant data (took small sections from continuous data), leaving 100ms of pre-stimulus recording, and 500ms of post-stimulus recording. On average, change detection occurred 172ms after stimulus presentation within the post-central gyrus across all subjects. The MMN is rapidly becoming an important tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of certain disorders. Thus, the results of this study represent an important addition to literature, as they provide both an easily repeated paradigm as well as a definite metric with which to compare healthy automatic change detection with the abnormal processing habits of clinical populations.
The 14 Westchester County Intel Semi-finalists
Byram Hills High School: Sammi Cannold, Jesse Aaron Honig and Aurora Xu.
Eastchester High School: Brian Christopher McGovern
Edgemont High School: Vikrampal Alexandar Bhandari-Young and Apoorva Ganjam Talanki
Horace Greeley High School: Davis Wong Wertheimer
Ossining High School: Amelia Lyn Clements, Evan Daniel Olin, Emily Katherine Prentiss and Frances Corene Russell.
Pelham Memorial High School: Katharine Winifred Costantini
Scarsdale High School: Gibran Mian
White Plains High School: Benjamin Mark Van Doren
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Two New Castle high school seniors are Intel semi-finalists
January 13, 2012
by Christine Yeres
At 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday Intel Science Talent Search 2012 announced the names of the 300 semi-finalists who will compete for $1.25 million in awards. Among the 300, chosen from an applicant pool of 1,839 in 2012, are two New Castle residents: Evan Olin of Ossining High School and Davis Wertheimer of Horace Greeley High School. Both are 17-year-old seniors. Fourteen Intel semi-finalists were from Westchester County.
Each of the 300 semi-finalists receives a $1,000 award, each school $1,000 for each of its semi-finalist students. Three of Olin’s classmates were also semi-finalists this year.
Next steps from the Intel Newsroom
“On Jan. 25, 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named as finalists. They will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 8-13. There, they will compete for more than $630,000 in awards provided by the Intel Foundation. Winners will be selected based on rigorous judging sessions and announced at a black-tie gala award ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 13. The top award is $100,000; the remaining top 10 will receive awards totaling $305,000.”
Evan Olin
Research project: “The Initial Transition from Shod to Barefoot Running Generates Increased Tibial Shock and Muscle Activation”
Science research teachers: Mr. Angelo Piccirillo and Ms. Valerie Holmes
Mentor: Dr. Gregory M. Gutierrez from the Physical Therapy Department of NYU Steinhardt
Evan Olin, second from left
How did you choose your research subject?
I’m a runner. Cross-country in fall and track in spring. In freshman year I sustained an injury in cross country, tendinitis in my knees. Then in spring track, stress fractures. So I was interested in running injuries and started talking to my mentor about this new trend of barefoot running.
There’s been a lot of attention in the media on, for example, Vibram Five Fingers, minimalist footware that’s essentially the same as barefoot running. It just protects you from rocks and nails. Sales have been increasing.
There’s a change in mechanics involved in barefoot running: Instead of running with the heel hitting first, the ball of the foot hits first, then you bring down the heel. It’s a completely different running style. Because it’s so different, it’s something the body isn’t used to and the transition period from one to the other had never been looked at.
Do barefoot runners sustain fewer injuries?
It’s based on the idea that it would be less injurious. It’s speculated, but research needs to be done. The idea is that in developing, human being have run without shoes. And in countries where they don’t have ready access to shoes, like in Kenya, they seem to have fewer injuries.
In runners who compete?
In both kinds of runners—those who compete and those who run because their life requires them to run places.
So you looked at what happens in transitioning from “shod” (with shoes) running to barefoot running. What happens?
Initially, there were three things: tibial shock, muscle activity and knee flexion angle. Based on changes observed, it’s more likely that a runner would experience an injury before they acclimate to barefoot running. If they just suddenly jump into it, there’s a greater likelihood of injury than if they’d just kept running shod.
The idea is that with knowledge about this transition, people will take it in increments, not just go out and run five miles barefoot, but instead maybe run half a mile barefoot and the rest in shoes.
Do you run barefoot?
I’ve tried it a few times, but it doesn’t really work for the way I run. The way I run, my stride doesn’t really match up. I’m fairly tall, and with barefoot strides, you take a shorter stride because of a change in the ankle. Because you hit on the ball of the foot, you end up having to cut off a little of the extension you would take to land on your heel.
“The Initial Transition from Shod to Barefoot Running Generates Increased Tibial Shock and Muscle Activation”
by Evan Olin
Abstract
Running is a highly injurious activity, and as a potential means to decrease this risk of injury, many runners are transitioning into barefoot running. This requires that habitually shod runners learn to change their foot-strike patterns from a heel-strike to a toe-strike technique. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical risks during the initial transition from shod to barefoot running. Eighteen habitually shod recreational runners ran for three separate seven minute trials, including shod heel-strike, barefoot heel-strike, and barefoot toe-strike conditions. For the barefoot toe-strike condition, subjects were instructed on proper technique. Electromyography (EMG), tibial shock, and knee flexion angle were monitored using bipolar surface electrodes, an accelerometer, and an electrogoniometer respectively. Data were collected and averaged over the 2nd, 4th, and 6th minute of each trial. A one-way MANOVA revealed that average EMG of the medial gastrocnemius (p=0.05), average and peak tibial shock (p<0.01), and the minimum knee flexion angle (p<0.01) all increased from shod (heel-strike) to barefoot (toe- strike) running. While it has been suggested that barefoot, toe-strike running may ultimately be less injurious, these data indicate that the transition into barefoot running presents a high risk period for musculoskeletal injury to the lower extremities. Therefore, habitually shod, heel- striking runners who choose to transition into a barefoot, toe-strike technique must undertake the process cautiously and with knowledge on proper toe-strike mechanics to avoid increasing their risk of injury.
Davis Wertheimer
Research project: “Implicit Processes in Conscious Problem-Solving”
Science research teachers: Ms. Naomi Cook and Dr. Trudy Gessler
Mentor: Professor Kenneth Kotovsky from the Psychology Department of Carnegie-Mellon
Davis Wertheimer
How did you choose your research subject?
For a while I’d been taking meditation classes and have been very interested in the spiritual aspect of the mind. So I’d been thinking for a while of investigating how the conscious and the unconscious mind relate to one another and the scientific basis behind it.
What did you learn from your research?
I found out that what we call intuition is primarily deductive. That is, there’s a lot of different approaches one can take to solve a problem—pattern-based, self-observation, memory—but it turns out that the way most people solve a problem is by using logical deduction. But at the same time, they don’t realize it. They realize they’re improving and becoming more accurate—but they don’t know how. They just assume they’re getting more familiar with the problem.
“Implicit Processes in Conscious Problem-Solving”
by Davis Wertheimer
Abstract
This study used variations on the Balls-and-Boxes problem-solving task (Kotovsky & Simon, 1990) to investigate unconscious processes in conscious thought. When subjects repeatedly solved the original Balls-and-Boxes puzzle, their accuracy and speed improved, despite having no awareness of how to solve the puzzle. Learning was implicit and unconscious. Multiple proposed strategies are available for implicit solution, but previous studies couldn’t reveal which, if any, were predominant. Hypothesized strategies include deductive, metacognitive, memory-based and pattern-based approaches. Ten Balls-and-Boxes variations were solved over three trials to determine subjects’ relative proficiency rates in successive tasks. Different strategies were applicable to different variations, making them harder or easier to solve given previous learning. The strategy effectively in use was determined by measuring relative performances in succession. Subjects demonstrated significant improvement between trials 1 and 2, unless given a puzzle of different logical operation. Such transformations also disrupted otherwise significant correlations among individual subjects’ performances. Subjects consistently demonstrated insignificant improvement, even in the absence of any applicable strategy. This indicates that subjects relied on implicit deduction performed during trial 1, modulated by familiarity in later trials. In a broader context, human “intuition” in problem-solving is deductive, but inhibited or augmented by separate explicit learning.
The 14 Westchester County Intel Semi-finalists
Byram Hills High School: Sammi Cannold, Jesse Aaron Honig and Aurora Xu.
Eastchester High School: Brian Christopher McGovern
Edgemont High School: Vikrampal Alexandar Bhandari-Young and Apoorva Ganjam Talanki
Horace Greeley High School: Davis Wong Wertheimer
Ossining High School: Amelia Lyn Clements, Evan Daniel Olin, Emily Katherine Prentiss and Frances Corene Russell.
Pelham Memorial High School: Katharine Winifred Costantini
Scarsdale High School: Gibran Mian
White Plains High School: Benjamin Mark Van Doren
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Chappaqua Farmers Market: Maria Reina’s creates a cilantro and cashew-encrusted fish
The Market runs every Saturday from 9am to 1:30pm at St. Mary’s, next to Bell.
January 13, 2012
by Pascale LeDraoulec
On an impulse, and because my contractor friend had some free time on his hands, I decided to remodel my kitchen during the holidays.
What was I thinking?!?!
Actually, it’s not as bad as it sounds. There’s something kind of humbling—and liberating—about being reduced to sub-flooring and pipes during what’s supposed to be the busiest time of year in the kitchen. The contractor has been kind enough to leave my stove and bare-bones sink hooked up during the makeover, even though the rest of my kitchen is now in my dining room. (My girls think it’s really cool that our fridge is in the living room).
All this to say that these days I’m keeping the cooking really simple. Never have I been more appreciative of having access to farmers market products on a weekly basis—and in the winter no less! I’ve said it a million times, I know, but, truly, fresh, local ingredients are so inherently flavorful they don’t require much fussing in the kitchen.
A friend who is giving me some advice on layout dropped by this week and was surprised to smell a Stone Barns chicken roasting in the oven along with some Newgate Farms fingerlings and some cumin-dusted cauliflower. “I can’t believe you’re cooking when you’re kitchen is gutted,” she said. I literally put everything in a pan, added salt and pepper, olive oil and cumin, and was done in five minutes. But the payoff was grand.
Local personal chef Maria Reina (www.bellacucinamaria.com) is also a big advocate of keeping things simple in the kitchen. She will be doing a cooking demo at the market this week using fresh fish fillets from Pura Vida, encrusted with cilantro and sea-salt onion cashews from Tierra Farms and topped with a savory jam from Renee’s Jams (also here this week). Stop by her table for a taste and a copy of the recipe (reprinted below). Maria can also answer any ingredient or cooking questions you may have while shopping.
For a quick and easy lunch these days, I’ve been subsisting on sandwiches made with Bread Alone ciabatta or levain bread with cheese from Amazing Real Live Food Co. This week they are having a 30-percent-off special on their nutty Stella Valis Tomme cheese. Make sure to pick some up!
Lucky for me, I stocked up on some of Renee’s savory jams, like pineapple habanero, and some of Bombay Emerald’s plum chutney last month. Good condiments make such a difference! Just like that, they can turn a sandwich into a simple pleasure. Speaking of good condiments, make sure to pick up some Guyank Brand mango hot sauce this Saturday.
Roaming Angus is also back this week. If you’re a fan of their grass-fed beef, this is your chance to stock up. They won’t be back until January 28th.
Also back after a long absence is Little Croc Bakehouse! I hate to even mention that many of her baked goods are gluten-free and/or vegan because I don’t want to turn people off. Trust me, you would never know her teacakes and lemon bars are “missing” anything. They are divine…which is why baker Suzanne Whitney has such a loyal following all over Westchester.
See you at the market—and come early if you want some of those Stone Barns eggs!
Keep your knives at home - Knife Sharpener is back next week (January 21)!
Nut Crusted Fish Fillets with a Spicy Sauce
Makes about 1 ½ cups, enough for 4 fillets
INGREDIENTS
1 cup Tierra Farm Organic Dry Roasted Sea Salt & Onion Cashews
¼ cup Toasted Fresh Bread Crumbs
2 cloves of Garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons Cilantro, finely chopped
3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus more for the pan
Zest and juice of 1 Lemon, separated
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
4 Fish Fillets of your choice, about 1 pound
Pineapple Habanero Sauce, recipe follows
DIRECTIONS
Pulse the cashews in the bowl of a food processor until finely chopped. Take care to not completely puree them to a paste. Mix the nuts, garlic, cilantro, zest, olive oil, salt and pepper tossing well to combine.
Lay the fillets out on a cutting board. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Divide the nut crust between the 4 filets and pack down well. Let the fillets sit for a few minutes to bring the crust together.
In a non-stick pan heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot carefully lay the fillets, crust side down, in the pan and leave for 2-3 minutes. (Resist the urge to move it or poke it with the spatula, you want the crust to set up under the fish.) Once the crust gets to be a nice golden brown carefully flip the fillets over and add the lemon juice to the pan. Sauté another minute until the fish is cooked through.*
Top with sauce and serve immediately.
Pineapple Habanero Sauce
Pineapple-Habanero Jam, Renee’s Jams and Jellies
½ -1 tablespoons of Cilantro, finely chopped
Place 2 ounces of jam (½ of the jar) in a glass bowl. Add 4 ounces of water. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and mix well, allowing it to cool slightly. Add cilantro to taste and use over the fish.
*Cook’s Note: if using very thick filets you may need to finish cooking them in the oven.
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Beginning Spanish at Chappaqua Continuing Education
Monday, January 9
by Christine Yeres
There are still spots available for CCE’s Winter Session of Beginning Spanish Class on Mondays, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Horace Greeley High School, beginning Monday, January 23. Teacher Diana Walker, a New Castle resident, says that by the end of the winter session students will have the basics of Spanish conversation.
The class will meet Mondays, January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27, March 5, 12 and 19 ( February 20 is a school holiday). Make up dates if needed will be Tuesday, March 6 and 13.
Walker will start with a review of greetings and the verbs “ser” and “estar,” then cover the present tense of regular and irregular verbs. The winter session runs about three months and costs $200.
For further information please contact the Chappaqua Continuing Education office at 914-861-9421 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). To download the complete CCE catalog, click HERE. If you have questions about whether the class is right for you, contact Diana Walker at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or phone 238-6856.
Correction: Our original piece announced that Beginning Spanish would start Monday, January 9. January 23 is the start date.
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Greeley Hockey Ends Mixed Week with Overtime Loss to Mt. Pleasant
Coming up: Fox Lane Thursday at 7:55 pm, Byram Hills Friday Jan 20
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
by Bruce Yablon
Greeley Hockey lost three of five games last week beginning with a hard fought battle against Pearl River at Brewster Ice Arena. After Greeley gave up the first goal of the game Nick Girardi and Sam Mishkind found the back of the net a few minutes apart and Greeley led 2-1 going into the third period.
A scramble in front of goaltender Neil Hershman led to a Pearl River goal half way through the period and with less than two minutes to go Pearl River scored again for a 3-2 victory over Greeley. This was Greeley’s third loss of the year, each by one goal.
Next up was undefeated Rye, the fifth ranked team in NY State Division 2 schools. Rye quickly outskated Greeley to start the game but the Quakers battled and a goal by Sam Spar put Greeley up 1-0 after the first period. Greeley knew Rye would come out flying in the second period and they did, scoring two quick goals and finishing with three more in the period on way to a 7-1 victory over Greeley. Greeley hockey has improved greatly this year but the depth and talent of the Rye team was simply too much.
Greeley followed the Rye loss with an easy 4-3 victory over Newburgh Free Academy, controlling the play of the game throughout.
In a game that the Quakers expected to win, the busy week ended with Greeley losing with 10 seconds to go in overtime to Mt Pleasant 3-2. Despite pressure on the Mt Pleasant goaltender, only Blake Davis and Owen Gatto were able to score in another disappointing one goal loss.
This week Greeley skates at Brewster against Fox Lane on Thursday at 7:55 pm and on Friday Jan 20 vs. Byram Hills.
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Free-A-Tree—invasive vine-cutting posse
January 13, 2012
An invitation from “Groundwork Hudson Valley”
Please join us this Saturday, January 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for our Free-A-Tree Invasive Vine-Cutting. We are looking forward to working with a group organized by the Volunteer Center of United Way who are volunteering their time in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
Let’s all celebrate the vision of a better world that Martin Luther King left us with by pitching in to save our local habitat. Together we can restore this stretch of precious green space by removing the vines that are killing native trees and taking over the river habitat!
Upcoming Dates:
* Saturday 1/14/12
* Saturday 2/11/12
* Saturday 3/17/12
* Sunday, 4/22/12
* Saturday, 5/12/12: 3rd Annual
Great Saw Mill River Clean-Up!
All vine-cuttings will be held from 10am-1pm at the Farragut Avenue Restoration site.
Directions
From Saw Mill River Parkway going SOUTH, Exit 11, left on Tompkins Avenue to Saw Mill River Road and turn left. Turn left on Farragut Avenue then turn left into the parking lot. Access also from Saw Mill River Road (Ardsley side).
We will meet on the South County Trailway, a three-minute walk North of the parking lot.
Please dress warmly and bring water. Volunteers under 16 years of age must be supervised by an adult. Training, tools, and refreshments will be provided.
Hope to see you there! Please call or e-mail Emily at (914) 375-2151 with any questions or if you are interested in organizing an additional date for your group.
Background
The Saw Mill River Coalition and the New York State Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation support the Free-A-Tree project, which supports volunteers in their efforts to remove the invasive vines that are strangling trees and shrubbery along the Saw Mill River.
Fast-growing, tenacious vines are among the worst of the foreign plants that threaten to overwhelm local habitats. Oriental bittersweet and porcelainberry, the two most common invaders, crowd out native plants and slowly strangle trees in their upward spiral, eventually shrouding tree canopies from the sun and creating a blanket over under-story plants and shrubs. This significantly diminishes the value of wildlife habitat, in terms of food sources and nesting areas, and has a negative impact upon the number of species that use the river corridor. The Saw Mill River Coalition and the DOT instituted this vine removal pilot project in November 2005 to rescue native vegetation, restore the stream buffer, and preserve the area’s biodiversity.
To volunteer or for more information, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 914-375-2151. Visit our website at www.groundworkhv.org.
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Help Prevent Child Abuse: Become a Parent Aide
The Child Abuse Prevention Center of NY Announces Fall Volunteer Training Dates; Learn Important Social Skills While Helping and Empowering Parents at Risk
January 13, 2012
The Child Abuse Prevention Center of New York, located in White Plains, is calling for Parent Aide Volunteers to assist parents “at risk” for abusing their children. No prior experience is necessary and volunteers are welcome from throughout Westchester and surrounding Counties. UPDATE Tues. Jan. 17: If you schedule an orientation before January 21, you’ll be in time to attend two Saturday training sessions on January 21 and 28.
Parent Aide Volunteers will spend approximately one hour each week supporting an assigned parent, but must first complete a 12-hour training course that provides them with the knowledge they need to become “nurturing, supportive role models to parents who need help dealing with their parenting concerns,” says Laura Schwartz, Executive Director, Child Abuse Prevention Center.
She continued, “Our Parent Aide Volunteers are an essential and integral part of the Center – they usually provide a critical 50% of the support to families.”
According to Linda Paver, Assistant Executive Director, Child Abuse Prevention Center, the majority of the people who go through the training program at the Child Abuse Prevention Center find it rewarding and useful in their own lives. “Our Parent Aide Volunteers have all said that the information they picked up at our training sessions actually helped them in situations encountered in day-to-day living. It’s truly a wonderful and rewarding experience for all.”
Anyone interested in volunteering should call the Child Abuse Prevention Center to schedule an orientation date anytime that’s convenient for them. This orientation will be followed by a choice of two six-hour training date sessions, next offered on Saturday, January 21 and Saturday, January 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There’s still time to schedule an orientation meeting with the Center, a prerequisite for attending the workshops.
To volunteer, contact Linda Paver (LCSW-R), Assistant Executive Director by phone at 914-997-2642, or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
The Child Abuse Prevention Center is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to significantly reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect in Westchester County, New York. The CAPC provides parents with the tools they need to raise their children to be happy, healthy, and productive members of the community and has an over 90% success record working with families throughout Westchester County.
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Sports Buzz: Greeley Fall Sports Post-Season Honors
All-League Fall 2011 Awards—Tennis
Monday, January 9, 2012
by Jim Nottingham
Fall Sports Athletes Inducted; Greeley Sports Boosters Honor Board
There was an elite gathering of Greeley athletes at the Horace Greeley Gymnasium on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. The athletes, representing every fall season sport, were present to receive their post-season All-League, All-County and/or All-Section honors. This season had a record number of Greeley athletes receiving awards – 46 in all. The Greeley Sports Booster Honor Board houses a plaque for each athlete on the gymnasium wall.
The ceremony was conducted by Horace Greeley Athletic Director Steve Young who asked each of the teams to stand and then spoke about the teams’ seasons to the assembly of parents sitting in the bleachers. Young then announced the name of each athlete from the team standing and cited her or his accomplishments and awards.
The athletes stood proudly, but were endearingly humbled by the recognition in front of their peers and parents present. The complete list of the honorees is at the end of this column, but you should take some time to visit the gym and view the Honor Board…..it is impressive!
Congratulations to all athletes. Your achievements on behalf of Greeley Athletics not only deserve recognition, but also a thank you from the community for your athleticism, sportsmanship and dedication and for representing the best of Horace Greeley High School as scholar-athletes.
Special recognition was given to two coaches - Suzanne Guziec, Head Coach of the Girls’ Swimming and Diving Team, was selected by The Journal News as the Section One Swim Coach of the Year and Erin Tracy, Head Coach of the Girls’ Soccer Team was named the League’s Coach of the Year.
The Booster Honor Board Induction Ceremony is open to all. The next ceremony will be held in the early spring for the winter season sports after the honors are voted on by the coaches. The spring season honor ceremony is held during June.
See photos below—and remember that NCNOW welcomes additional photo submissions.
GREELEY FALL SPORTS POST-SEASON HONORS
The following student-athletes and coaches achieved post-season honors for the Fall 2011 season.
GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY
JULIA FORTIER
ALL-LEAGUE
ALEXANDRA HERZOG
ALL-LEAGUE
MARISSA RIFKIN
ALL-LEAGUE
KATHERINE ROSENBERG
ALL-LEAGUE
JENNIFER TAYLOR
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-COUNTY
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY
KOLBE JENDZEJEC
ALL-LEAGUE
JAMES LAFORTEZZA
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-COUNTY
MATTHEW TAYLOR
ALL-LEAGUE
FOOTBALL
JORDAN LEVY
ALL-LEAGUE
TYLER FERGUSON
ALL-LEAGUE
ALEX SCOTT
ALL-LEAGUE
THEODORE GRAVES
ALL-LEAGUE
CORY EKSTROM
ALL-LEAGUE
BRENT LOBIEN
ALL-LEAGUE
JUSTIN CIERO
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-SECTION
FIELD HOCKEY
JILLIAN GREEN
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-ELITE, ALL-SECTION
VAISHALI KUMARAGURU
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-ELITE HONORABLE MENTION, GOLDEN DOZEN
SARAH JANE WEILL
ALL-LEAGUE
OLIVIA HARRIS
ALL-LEAGUE
GIRLS SOCCER
KAITLIN MAK
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-SECTION
JENNIFER MAK
ALL-LEAGUE
MELISSA ARDIZZONE
ALL-LEAGUE
ISABELLA BERKEY
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-SECTION, LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
OLIVIA KERESTER
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-SECTION
NICOLE LEVY
ALL-LEAGUE
GIRLS’ TENNIS
NATANIE ERLIKH
ALL-LEAGUE
LAUREN CHU
ALL-LEAGUE
JOANNA EZRATTY
ALL-LEAGUE
DIVYA TALWAR
ALL-LEAGUE
MAYA TALWAR
ALL-LEAGUE
ALEXANDRA KUNG
ALL-LEAGUE
REBECCA SCHOLL
ALL-LEAGUE
RACHEL GURMAN
ALL-LEAGUE
KRISTEN RAUCH
ALL-LEAGUE
GIRLS’ SWIMMING and DIVING
ELIZABETH BARRY
ALL-LEAGUE
KRISTINA BARRY
ALL-LEAGUE
KATHLEEN DUNCALF
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-SECTION
MARY FITZSIMMONS
ALL-LEAGUE
EMMA SAWKINS
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-SECTION
ERICA SILVERMAN
ALL-LEAGUE
VOLLEYBALL
ALICE ZYLLA
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-COUNTY
PHYLLIS LAI
ALL-LEAGUE
BOYS’ SOCCER
JEREMY KESSELHAUT
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-SECTION
JOSH KOGAN
ALL-LEAGUE, ALL-SECTION HONORABLE MENTION
MITCH SILVER
ALL-LEAGUE
ROBBY ATTIA
ALL-LEAGUE
Coaching Honors:
Suzanne Guziec, Head Coach of the Girls’ Swimming and Diving Team, was selected by The Journal News as the Section One Swim Coach of the Year.
Erin Tracy, Head Coach of the Girls’ Soccer Team was named the League’s Coach of the Year.
All-League Tennis
All-League Fall 2011 Awards
Athletic Honor Roll
Boys Soccer
Ceremony
Cross Country
Fall Sports Honorees
Football
Girls Soccer
Swimming
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Second half of school taxes due January 31; ten percent penalty starts Feb. 1
Town Hall will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; pay online till 11:59 p.m.
January 30, 2012
by Christine Yeres
Bright green postcards went out two weeks ago to the 2200 residents who had not yet paid the second half of their school taxes, which must be postmarked or received by the tax office by close-of-business on Tuesday, January 31. A 10% penalty applies beginning February 1.
This is the third year that the town has sent out one mailing only—on August 30—containing the two halves of the 2011-12 school tax bill. According to Town Clerk and Receiver of Taxes Jill Simon Shapiro, the 10% penalty that attaches on February 1 to any late payment has been arrived at gradually. The first half of the current school tax was due by September 30 and on October 1 the penalty on unpaid bills would have been 2%. On November 1 it climbed to 5%, then to 7% on December 1 and now, to 10% on February 1. In April the fee goes to 12%, then another 1% penalty is added for each additional month.
Technically, said Shapiro, the entire school tax bill was due on September 30, but a four-month grace period is allowed in which to pay the second half. She advises paying the bill—even if by credit card—by the September 30 due date, since the credit card fee is far less than the 10% late fee the town is obliged to charge. You can pay online until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday—but don’t wait that long.
About 4,000 school tax bills go out to residents in August. Since many people wait until the end of December to pay the second half, Shapiro said, she waits until January to send out the reminder post cards only to the 2200 who have not yet paid the second-half bill. The 29-cent reminder postcard is still far less expensive than sending out 4000 tax bills a second time.
As of two week ago, about 90 residents had not yet paid the first half of their school taxes.
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In the garden with Shobha Vanchiswar
January 20, 2012
Just to remind you what it was like this this time last year, I’m going to share a poem I wrote almost to the date last January.
Compare And Contrast
I’m beginning to get a tad anxious about this winter. Where is it? Thus far its been mostly like a very cold spring. Judging from the appearance of some snow drops and forsythia currently in bloom even the garden seems to concur.
So different from last winter which had gone to the opposite extreme. Unsettling it might be but it also has me curious to see what will be the outcome of this unusual weather. There are lessons to be learned ...
Blizzard Magic
Snow carpeted roof tops edged
in icicle fringe
Lilacs costumed as pussy-willows
Hellebore hills, lacy chain-links
Stepping stones become pillows.
Low is now high and high
is higher
Black limbs turned to white
Crystal berries, snow-cone urns
Darkness becomes light.
Brings back memories right?
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In the garden with Shobha Vanchiswar
Confused Snowdrops
What To Do This Month
1. Start praying for snow. A nice blanket of it is very much needed for the spring bulbs and perennials that require a proper state of dormancy in the cold.
Humans are not the only ones getting confused by this thus far mostly mild winter. I’ve already seen forsythia in bloom, daffodils and snowdrops happily piercing through the soil and pansies displaying their smiling faces to anybody who cares to look.
2. Once prayers have been answered, make sure all walkways, steps and paths are kept clear of ice and snow. Use something mild like sand to give traction.
3. Take a turn around the property and ensure that everything that needs securing (rose limbs and other climbers, gates) or protecting (evergreens like boxwood) are addressed accordingly.
4. Check on plants being overwintered indoors. Provide adequate water, light, warmth and humidity. Inspect for pests or disease. Act right away if treatment is required. Organic products please!
5. Gather up the seed and plant catalogs. Take some real time to plan for the seasons ahead. Design new beds, determine which plants are needed and make a list of all the requirements to get things ready as soon as the ground thaws in spring.
6. Order plants and seeds. The plants will arrive closer to planting time. But prepare to start seeds indoors as appropriate. Purchase whatever is needed such as seed trays, soil etc.
7. Keep yourself inspired by visiting the conservatory at the New York Botanical Gardens.
8. Pamper yourself by putting feet up for hours at length. Spring will be here all too soon and you want to be ready and willing.
9. In that same vein, do plenty of reading in winter as time to read is always short when garden chores seem endless.
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In the garden with Shobha Vanchiswar
More photos in “Read more…” and in Photo Gallery
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sculpture in the garden
In the quiet months of winter one can actually scrutinize the garden. Where there is in other months so much busy-ness with leaves, limbs, flowers and such, it is now possible to observe the true lay-of-the-land. Do you see the clearly empty spaces and wonder what can be done about them? Winter gardens needn’t look sorry and lonesome. The starkness of certain spots are simply in obvious need of something to beguile the winter weary heart . Enter sculpture!
Does that word evoke images of marble statuary so typical of old, majestic Italianate gardens or of the gnomes and jockey class of kitsch? Unless any of those are exactly what you favor, I’m not talking about them at all. The bleakness of a garden in winter begs for the addition of interesting structure, something to break up the visual blandness.
Sculptures bring shape and texture to a garden. They can be “hard” works of art made of wood, metal or stone or “soft,” when plants are shaped into topiaries. Standing alone in a well marked spot, sculptures can make bold statements. Or, they can be positioned amidst plants in beds and borders where everything works together to tell a gentle story. Or, imagine coming upon a lovely work of art in the middle of a quiet woodland. Whatever it might be, sculpture should be sized right. Nothing too large to dominate the entire garden not too small that it’ll be easily overlooked. Let it give the landscape some oomph, some panache.
Topiary, the deliberate shaping of plants is an age old tradition but can be used today in more modern ways. Crisp geometric structures of boxwood in spheres, cones or cubes can appear very au courant in the right context. The type of garden dictates the style. Even a hedge trimmed to sharp edges and right angles can lend a contemporary air. The gentle undulations of a well clipped fence of yew while demarcating the external boundary of the garden, also introduces a certain lyrical charm that is striking in all seasons. The high living fences bordering Piet Oudolph’s garden in Hummelo come to mind.
Trees and shrubs are naturally sculptural. Think how interesting are the barks of birch, acer, plane or shag. Or the the colored dogwoods and willow. The seedpods left deliberately to dance on the tops of grasses and such make for ethereal sculptures. Nature herself provides endless choices: the gardener simply has to plant well.
Sculptures can suit diverse tastes, budgets and every garden can benefit from having one or two of them. Works of nature such as large rocks or abstract forms of driftwood can be all that are needed. One can choose traditional or modern works but just be sure they look right in the garden. One needs to notice the sculpture but it should not detract from it’s surroundings. Select something whimsical like a wind mobile to introduce movement. Interesting fountains, sundials and birdbaths do double duty. They offer visual stimulation and perform a function.
A statue can be a surprise element when partially hidden by shrubs in the growing season. It becomes something more striking after the leaves have fallen and offsets the barrenness of winter. Something placed to highlight the quirky shadows cast by the midday sun would be sufficient to capture the imagination.
Take a look around what you already own. Think outside the box and you just might come up with something unique to display. Or, purchase or commission something from an up and coming artist. You can get a one of a kind piece of art for a reasonable price and support an aspiring artist at the same time. Whatever your choice, ‘soft’ or ‘hard’, be sure you know everything about the care of the sculpture and that you can handle what is required.
For inspiration, visit the Pepsi sculpture gardens in Purchase. Or, search the Internet to check out the Chihuly and Henry Moore exhibits at the New York Botanical Gardens from the recent past.
Gardens offer a marvelous canvas for artwork and creativity so lets take advantage and add something clever to our own stretch of earth.
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Newly-elected representatives and judges take oath of office
Waiting to begin; see more photos in “Read more…”
January 6, 2012
by Christine Yeres
A full crowd at town hall chatted and noshed as they waited for U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey to arrive from Albany to swear in new Town Supervisor Susan Carpenter, re-elected Deputy Supervisor Elise Mottel, town councilman Jason Chapin, re-elected town justices Douglas Kraus and David Zuckerman and County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz. Lowey as emcee was worth the wait—still beaming after a day that had begun with her attendance at Governor Andrew Cuomo’s “State of the State” address at 1:30 that afternoon in Albany and eager to usher into office New Castle’s town board members and justices.
Lowey began by recommending that the audience listen to the governor’s speech on New York’s economy, jobs and future. She administered the oath of office first to Mike Kaplowitz, who joked, when she praised him, that he felt as though he was at his bar mitzvah. For each of the officials, Lowey paused after the “I…” and looked expectantly, to hint that they should supply their names; and each then did, as though surprised by the need. By the time Lowey got to Supervisor Susan Carpenter, the last one to take her oath, Carpenter supplied her name promptly, without the prompt.
Republican opponents from November’s election—Bob Kirkwood, Rich Diefenbach and Kevin Moore—and independent Rob Greenstein attended the ceremony. School board members Randy Katchis and Karen Visser were also present, as were many members of the volunteer boards and advisory committees.
Past supervisors Polly Kuhn, Clinton Smith, Jan Wells and Barbara Gerrard posed with Susan Carpenter for a supervisors-past-and-present photo. See more photos below.
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Merchant of the Week: EZ Sports guy Pete Zimmerman
More photos in “Read more…”
January 6, 2012
by Rob Greenstein
I paid Pete Zimmerman a visit this week, to ask him about his 50 years in New Castle, and his 20 years running EZ Sports.
How long have you and your store been part of our community?
This is our store’s 20th year. I’ve lived in Chappaqua for 50 years. My passion is Greeley sports, especially recreation football, grades 4 to 6. I have coached lacrosse and baseball on and off for 40 years. Last year, I was assistant coach for 3rd grade Lacrosse with Russell Maitland, the Chappaqua Fire Dept Chief, who I coached when he played on Greeley JV lacrosse team in the early 80s. The store has given me the opportunity to stay involved with Greeley sports. I couldn’t imagine having a store anywhere else.
You carry so much Greeley logo merchandise, as well as uniforms and equipment for Greeley sports, have you always been focused on Greeley sports?
Yes, we are all about Greeley Sports. EZ sports is named after my late father Ed Zimmerman, who taught me the love of Sports. Having lived in the community for 50 years, I’ve always loved Greeley sports. We are a one-stop shop for Greeley athletes and fans alike. Maybe now is the time to change our name to Greeley EZ Sports.
Instead of using your window space to highlight your merchandise, you have photos of all the Greeley teams, do your customers appreciate that?
The pictures of the sports teams is what I’m all about, promoting the student athletes. My motto is WE SHINE TOGETHER. The pictures are a small sampling of what I’ve collected over the years. We have pictures of Greeley teams going back to the 1930’s. Everybody loves looking at the pictures in the window.
You’ve been involved in Greeley sports probably longer than anyone else in town, what changes have you noticed over the years?
Since the Fall of 1959, when my family moved to Chappaqua, the major change in sports in town is multi-season and travel teams. So many sports are no longer a one-season commitment, which is good and bad. It’s tough for kids to play multiple sports. Quite often they need to chose between football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, hockey and basketball. Female participation in organized sports has certainly increased over the years, which is great.
From a merchant point of view, what changes have you noticed over the years?
It seems that all or most of the town merchants were residents of New Castle and there was a bond between merchants and their customers. Nowadays, there are a lot of absentee landlords. The Town is in a difficult situation, because they have very little control over the landlords to reshape the retail mix in town.
I know you’ve been active with the Turf Committee, how’s that going? And how can residents donate?
The Turf Committee is working hard to bring the turf field, and lights, to the community. I think a turf field would be great for Greeley sports. The new field will be available on an equal basis for all sports. The lights will allow night practice during hot weather days. Important games can be played at our home field instead of at a rented field in another community. Friday night football games would be great for our community. You can donate on “The Chappaqua Turf Committee” web site http://www.chappaquaturf.org.
What do you think the town could do to make conditions better for business?
That’s a tough question. I have a lot of contact with Greeley alumni, maybe they’ll have some suggestions. Things definitely need to improve.
Any special discounts for NewCastleNOW readers who mention this article?
Mention NewCastleNOW and receive 20% off all in-store Greeley merchandise (no specials orders).
________________________
Visit NCNOW.org’s Business Section to see other “Merchant of the Week” pieces by Rob Greenstein.
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Greeley wrestlers take the show to Rhode Island
Next home meet: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday against Fox Lane
More photos in “Read more…”
Monday, January 9, 2012
by Coach Mike DeBellis
Kirby Atlas, Billy Marino, Matt Mercer, and Scott Wymbs propelled Greeley to a 7th place finish at the Chad Antoch Tournament in Westerly, Rhode Island on Saturday, January 7th.
Kirby Atlas placed third in his 113-pound weight class. Kirby busted his lip in the second match of the day and continued to wrestle strong throughout the day despite extreme pain.
Jon Russo placed fourth in the 126-pound weight class, the toughest weight class in the tournament.
Matt Mercer had the best tournament of his career placing third out of 16 guys in his 138-pound weight class.
Billy Marino, 195 pounds, wrestled up a weight class for the team and placed third in the 220-pound weight class. I asked Bill if he would bump up so the team could score more points and he responded “anything for the team, Coach”. It is so nice to be coaching a team that has this attitude.
Scott Wymbs stole the show once again beating a Connecticut state runner-up in the finals. Scott recorded the fall in 2:35. Scott continues to dominate at the 195-pound weight class. Scott is currently 26-0.
Other top six place finishers for Greeley were: Mike Orbeta, Mitchell Klein, Brock Cvijanovich, Liam Mercer, Kolbe Jendzejec, Grady Jendzejec, Ryan Rudinger, Anthony Sasso, Elijah Kim, and Sammy Tugendhaft.
The entire team wrestled extremely well against some high level competition. Going into the tournament, we did not know what to expect. I think the Greeley wrestlers stepped up to a big challenge and it says a lot about their character. They are getting tougher and tougher as the year progresses.
Our next home meet is on Wednesday against Fox Lane, coached by Hall of Fame Coach Joe Amuso, Sr.. We see Amuso’s son, Joe Jr. at home on Friday when we host a dual meet against Division 2 powerhouse Pawling. Both matches this week will begin at 4:30 in the wrestling gym at Greeley. It should be a fun and exciting week and we hope to see you there.
Photos by Kristen Atlas:
Kirby Atlas, 113-pound weight class
Matt Mercer, 138-pound weight class
Scott Wymbs, 195-pound weight class
Billy Marino, 220-pound weight class
Kirby Atlas, Scott Wymbs, Matt Mercer, Billy Marino
Photos by Kristen Atlas
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A look ahead at Board of Ed issues for the new year
The next Board of Ed meeting is “Budget Preview” on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, when the board will discuss “How are we responding to the BoE fiscal question?”
December 30, 2011
by Christine Yeres
• The CEFF committee has chosen three action items. What next?
• How many applicants so far for the two principal positions?
• Does the $3.1 million rollover budget figure include last year’s $4+ million of reserves?
• When will the input from the budget Knowledge Cafe be released?
• In a Jan. 31 meeting, board members will discuss the book Getting to Yes. Good reading for the community?
• In a Jan. 31 meeting, the board of ed will consider a third “Strategic Question” on student wellness, both physical and spiritual
In its December 15 meeting, the Chappaqua Education for the Future committee settled on three areas for improvement for the school district. According to Superintendent Lyn McKay, they are:
(1) moving forward 21st century skills in our schools,
(2) supporting the social and emotional needs of our students, and
(3) exploring ways to ensure students learn in an environment in which they are motivated to take risks.
“Three parents and a teacher are summarizing our work to date,” wrote McKay in an email, “which we will put on the website. We will ask for community input.”
This week, the district’s public information officer, David Hayes, gathered information from several administrators in response to a series of questions from NCNOW:
NCNOW: What will happen next with the CEFF committee and its action items?
Hayes: A small group of four committee members will be working with Eric Byrne in January to pull together information from the three working groups of the CEFF. The work will be shared in January through the CCSD electronic newsletter and will highlight the three areas of focus that we will move forward.
NCNOW: How many applicants for the two principal spots have you received so far?
Hayes: Applications for our principal positions as of 9am on Wednesday, December 21st:
HGHS – 70
RBS - 95
NCNOW: In the board’s scheduled January 10 “Budget Preview,” its agenda question for that evening is “How are we responding to BOE fiscal question?” Will administrators present an ball-park budget or just discuss process? Although it looks as though the tax cap allows $1.9 million additional dollars in the 2012-2013 budget, I’m still confused about the $3.1 rollover budget figure John supplied to NCNOW, and about how the administration arrived at the $1.8 million figure for cuts, since a provisional dollar amount for reserves use hasn’t yet been supplied.
For example, does the $3.1 million figure for rollover assume/include the $4+ million we drew on from reserves last year? If it does not, does that mean that the rollover figure is more like $7.1 million?
Hayes: The January 10 meeting will be to discuss the process and to take a look at where things currently stand since there are still many ‘unknowns’ such as Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Transportation Costs, Special Education Placements, State Aid, Assessed Tax Value, Tax Certiorari Settlements and the Tax Cap Number. The Board meeting on February 28th will be the “Superintendent’s Budget Proposal and Budget Discussion (School Programs and Staffing)” and at that time we should have a better sense as to what the 2012-13 budget will look like.
NCNOW: At the Knowledge Cafe on budget, participants were asked to consider:
1) What specific cuts they would make to arrive at $1.8 million in cuts,
2) What other sources of revenue could they think of, and
3) What is a long-term financial issue that the school district must begin to address now? And, how?
When will the information gathered from participants at the Knowledge Cafe on budget be released?
Hayes: The information gathered at the budget process Knowledge Café was turned over to the Finance Advisory Committee. They are currently in the process of analyzing the information for recurring themes. Since there was a large amount of information collected, the committee expects to have this process completed sometime in January. Once the process is complete, the themes as well as the raw data will be posted on the CCSD web site, etc.
NCNOW: On the board of ed’s January 31 meeting agenda is an item called “Book Study.” The book’s title is Getting to Yes, Negotiating Agreement without Giving In [first published in 1981]. Is this a book board members will read over the holiday and discuss at the January 31 meeting? Do you recommend that community members read the book also?
Hayes: Getting to Yes is an excellent resource for people in all walks of life to learn how to better communicate, collaborate, and negotiate. It is a highly regarded text that our administrative team and Board of Education will be reading and discussing in January. Any community member who is interested in the fine art of communication might find the book to be an interesting read.
NCNOW: That same January 31 meeting lists “Board Discussion: Third Strategic Question.” Is this third question related to (or even the same as) the second CEFF action item, having to do with “social and emotional health” of students? If so, when and how did this issue come to the fore of administrators’ attention?
Hayes: This is just an opportunity for the Board to, should they even chose to do so, initiate a brief discussion regarding whether or not to pursue the possibility of beginning to draft a 3rd strategic question. Various groups have suggested over the past years that creating a third question might be relevant. A third strategic question would not address just social/emotional learning, but the broader realm of wellness and ensuring that students strike a healthy balance in their lives and nourish their bodies and spirits as well as their minds.
To catch up on school board matters, visit NCNOW’s “Schools” page.
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Greeley Boys Varsity Basketball starts League play with win over Harrison
TONIGHT: Greeley plays Fox Lane on Friday, January 6th, at 6:45 p.m. at Greeley
January 6, 2012
by Brian Rosen
The Greeley Boys Varsity basketball team started League play on Wednesday with a 54-49 over Harrison. Greeley (4-3 on the season) was led by Harrison Brown and Brett Klein, each with 14 points. The game also marked the return of Senior Co-Captain Justin Ciero who chipped in with 12 points.
This was the first game for both teams after the school recess and both Harrison and Greeley started slowly in the first half, with points coming at a premium. Greeley led 11-10 after one period but trailed at the half by 2 points, 20-18.
Greeley responded in the third period with aggressive defense, two quick reverse layups by Teddy Graves, and a rebound hoop by Brett Klein forcing Harrison to call timeout with Greeley storming to a 26-22 lead. After the break, the Quakers continued their play, with Graves contributing another layup, and Senior Co-Captain Josh Rosen intercepting a Harrison pass and assisting to Brett Klein who made the hoop and was fouled on the play. Greeley outscored Harrison in the third 17-11 and led 35-31 after the period.
The fourth period was a see-saw battle. Harrison attempted to accelerate play with a full court press, but the Quakers consistently broke the pressure, leading to uncontested layups by Ciero and Brown. Also, Jeremy Kesselhaut played swarming defense during the fourth and helped limit Harrison’s leading scorer, Coby Lefkowitz, to 14 points.
The game was filmed by MSG Varsity and will be shown on Cablevision MSG Varsity on Friday, at 7:30 p.m., and repeated several times over the weekend.
NEXT GAME: Greeley plays Fox Lane on Friday, January 6th, at 6:45 p.m. at Greeley. Please come out and support the Quakers.
Brian Rosen is the father of Josh Rosen, a senior co-captain of the team.
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Greeley Ice Hockey team keeps winning
TONIGHT: Friday January 6 at 7:10 p.m. at Brewster Ice Arena the 7-2-1 Greeley team faces off against the 8-1 Pearl River Pirates
January 6, 2012
by Bruce Yablon
The Horace Greeley ice hockey team skated to a 5-2 win over Nyack/Tappan Zee on Wednesday. Led by Owen Gatto’s two goals, the team jumped to a quick 4-0 lead and never was threatened. Sam Miskind, Nick Girardi and Soctt Jakubowicz also scored as Greeley outshot Nyack 35-23.
Photos of the game can be seen at by clicking HERE.
This Friday January 6 at 7:10 p.m. at Brewster Ice Arena the 7-2-1 Greeley team faces off against the 8-1 Pearl River Pirates in what is expected to be a close game between two of the most improved teams in Westchester/Hudson Valley ice hockey.
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Openings still available for Art Center Classes for young artists beginning Mon. Jan. 9
January 6, 2012
Don’t miss out on the fun! Wood, clay, paint, architecture ... the New Castle Art Center, located at 939 Hardscrabble Road, still has spaces available for the following fabulous classes:
Art-Merry-Go-Round: Mon. Wed. or Thurs. 10-11am
Not Just Paint: Fri. 1-2:15
Saturday Morning with Dad: Sat. 9:15-10am
Just Wood A: Mon. 4-5:30pm
Wood Wood B: Fri. 4-5:30pm
Clay Creations: Tues. 4-5:15pm
Youth Ceramics: Wed. 4-5:30pm
Lines & Colors: Tues. 4-5:30pm
Architecture: Thu. 4-5:30pm
Middle School Ceramics: Fri. 3-5pm
For more information about classes, visit http://recreation.mynewcastle.org or call 238-3909.
Register at the New Castle Town Hall - Recreation Dept., 200 S. Greeley Ave. Chappaqua, Mon-Fri., 8:45 am - 4:30 pm.
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New Hours for the Recyling Department Begin
Monday, January 2, 2012
by Christine Yeres
The Recycling Center yard itself, for residential recycling, will remain open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., but starting this week, the Recycling Department office will be closed from 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 noon on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Leaf bag and recycling bin purchases, mulch delivery orders, and electronics disposal services will not be available during this 45-minute time period. Saturdays the office will remain open continuously from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “Because Saturday is by far the biggest day for recycle visits,” explained Recycling Foreman Bart Carey.
Although the Recycle Center yard remains accessible to residents from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, the office is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so that staff can sort the cardboard, paper and co-mingle that arrives on Saturdays.
The yard waste drop off area, farther north on Hunts Lane, will remain open from Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. continuously.
For more recycling info, visit the Department of Public Works page of the town website by clicking HERE.
If you arrive during this lunch period on Wed-Thu-Fri, the big blue book bins are always there to browse through.
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In the garden with Shobha Vanchiswar
January 6, 2012
New Year’s Resolutions
I’m content to know myself well enough that I no longer make resolutions at which I’m certain to fail. Why set myself up to fail right? However, I need challenges to keep going, doing better and making real contributions. On the surface, the two words seem to imply the same thing. But there’s a difference, at least to me.
In making a resolution, I’ve been given the ultimate goal and not meeting it would mean defeat. However, a challenge clearly calls for me to just do my best. My best is not your best and may not reach the final goal but there is much satisfaction in knowing I tried my hardest. That’s all one can ask for. It’s all semantics you might say and you might be right; but this works for me. I reach higher and harder and that’s really what matters.
In that vein of thought, here are my 2012 challenges in the garden:
1. To spend a minimum of one half hour each day simply enjoying the garden. Observing what is going on and being fully present. This is quite hard for me as its really difficult not to notice what needs doing and get impatient to take care of the problem.
2. To stick to my weeding and general maintenance schedule but not get crazy when the weather precludes the effort.
3. To remember that both plants and humans are highly resilient and will therefore surmount crises such as storms, pests or hangovers.
4. To understand more about sustainability and organic practices and implement more of the same in the garden. It is so easy to feel one is doing enough but that is simply not the case. I can and must do more.
5. To add at least three new native plants to the garden. By new I mean new to my garden. To that end, I’m starting right away with an American winterberry shrub. For the last few years I’ve been mindful about introducing natives as replacements or additions. So this challenge is an ongoing one but, it never hurts to remind oneself. I’m not against all non-native plants. If they’ve been around long enough and are not invasive then they are acceptable. It is crucial however to have far more indigenous plants than those that are not.
6. To propagate more plants. For one thing, it’ll be easy on the pocketbook and provide well for the garden. The other is that I’ll be able to share more with friends. Identifying plants given to me by other gardeners is rather special so I enjoy paying it forward.
Happy New Year to one and all! May 2012 be the best year yet.
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Middle school bowling program picked up by town rec department
January 2, 2012
by Matt Nordt
Along with middle school coaches Jeff Knisley (Seven Bridges) and Jason Lummel (Bell), the New Castle Rec Department is starting a bowling program for grades 6-8 to replace the one that was cut from schools. Seven Bridges Principal Martha Zornow approached us and asked whether we’d be willing to do it. So we contacted three or four bowling alleys, then put the costs together—and starting Tuesday, January 24, it’s a go!
Program Details:
Day/time: Tuesday’s, 2:45 pm - 6:15 pm
Dates: January 24 - March 20 (no session 2/21)
Location: White Plains Bowling Alley
Fee: $270.00 payable to Town of New Castle
Buses will depart from Bell MS (2:45) and Seven Bridges (3:00) and travel to White Plains Bowling Alley. Bus will depart WP Bowl at 5:30 and return to Town Hall. Students will be supervised at all times! Sign up today!
Here is just some of the things bowlers will enjoy:
• A fun youth friendly environment
• Make new friends that last a life time, plus a little fun competition
• Enjoy a sport that will take him/her into adulthood and beyond
• Quality Coaching by Jeff Knisley and Jason Lummel
• Transportation to and from the alley after school
Contact Matthew Nordt, Recreation Supervisor at 238-7289 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
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Winter Rec programs for all ages, all interests, all sport
January 2, 2012
by Christine Yeres
Youth basketball begins Saturday, January 7. The Rec Department has scheduled ski and snowboard trips for kids in grades 6 to 12 for January 7 and 21, and for February 4 and 11 at Mountain Creek, March 3 at Jiminy Peak. See page 17 of the 27-page catalog loaded with activities, available in “Read more…”
To download the Rec Department winter catalog of activities, click HERE. Rec Department office hours are 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To download a printable registration form for programs and classes, click HERE
To visit the Rec page of the town website, click HERE.
Dates to Remember
JANUARY
7 Youth Basketball League Play Begins
7 Ski Trip - Mountain Creek
9 Classes Begin (unless otherwise noted)
16 Martin Luther King Day – No Programs/Classes
21 Ski Trip - Mountain Creek
23 Dance Classes Begin
FEBRUARY
4 Campapalooza at the Community Center
4 Ski Trip - Mountain Creek
6 Day Camp Registration Begins
11 Ski Trip - Mountain Creek
20 President’s Day – Town Offices Closed
No Programs/Classes
20-24 Winter Recess – No Programs/Classes
MARCH
3 Ski Trip - Jiminy Creek
9 Ice Cream Bingo
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County parks for skiing, sledding and skating
January 2, 2012
County Press Release
As winter arrives and temperatures start to drop, Westchester residents can get ready to head out for some great winter fun at locations all over the county.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS FOR SKIING AND SLEDDING AND SKATING
As winter arrives and temperatures start to drop, Westchester residents can get ready to head out for some great winter fun at locations all over the county. No ski or skate rentals are available (except at the indoor Playland Ice Casino). All activities are permitted seven days a week during daylight hours only.
Cross-country skiing is allowed at the following locations:
• Blue Mountain Reservation, Welcher Avenue, Peekskill
• Bronx River Pathway, Valhalla to Mount Vernon
• Cranberry Lake Preserve, Old Orchard Street off Route 22, North White Plains
• Croton Gorge, Route 129, Cortlandt
• Croton Point Park, Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson
• Dunwoodie Golf Course, Wasylenko Lane off Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers
• Kitchawan Preserve, Route 134, Yorktown
• Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial,* Route 35, Somers
• Lenoir Preserve, Dudley Street off North Broadway, Yonkers
• Maple Moor Golf Course, North Street, White Plains
• Marshlands Conservancy, Route 1, Rye
• The trails at Hilltop Hanover Farm, Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights
• The trails at Merestead, Byram Lake Road, Mount Kisco
• Mohansic Golf Course, Baldwin Road off Taconic Parkway, Yorktown Heights
• Mountain Lakes Park, Hawley Road, North Salem
• North County Trailway, Tarrytown to Putnam County line
• Saxon Woods Park, Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains
• Saxon Woods Golf Course, Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale
• South County Trailway, Elmsford to Yonkers
• Sprain Lake Golf Course, Grassy Sprain Road, Yonkers
• Tibbetts Brook Park, Midland Avenue, Yonkers
• Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 and 121 South, Cross River
Sledding is permitted at Croton Gorge, Lasdon Park,* Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, and Dunwoodie, Sprain Lake, Saxon Woods, Mohansic and Maple Moor golf courses.
And, when conditions permit, ice skating is permitted at the following locations:
• Blue Mountain Reservation, Welcher Avenue, Peekskill
• Mountain Lakes Park, Hawley Road, North Salem
• Wampus Pond, Route 128, Armonk
• Willson’s Woods Park, East Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon
• Tibbetts Brook Park, Midland Avenue, Yonkers
• Twin Lakes Park, California Road, Eastchester
Ice is checked daily at all locations; look for a “Skating Today” sign posted that indicates safe conditions for that day.
To check on skiing and skating conditions on weekdays, go to westchestergov.com/parks.
Indoor ice skating and skate rentals are available at the three-rink, climate-controlled Playland Ice Casino at Playland Park in Rye. For a schedule and fees, call Playland at (914) 813-7059 or go to RyePlayland.org.
*Lasdon is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. only
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Ossining man arrested for Jan. 1 New Castle rape
10:50 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2012
by Christine Yeres
On New Year’s Day, New Castle Police received a call from a 26-year-old woman who works in New Castle. According to Detective Sergeant James Wilson, she reported that at 12:30 p.m. she was “sexually attacked by someone known to her” inside a residence in the Town of New Castle. Last night, NCPD arrested Nestor Alejandro Guaman Guartambel, 25, at his residence in Ossining.
Charged with rape in the first degree, Guaman-Guartambel was arrested and brought to New Castle for fingerprinting and photos. He was then arraigned before Judge David Zuckerman, who was presiding at New Castle Town Court, at around 8:00 p.m. Zuckerman ordered that Guaman-Guartambel be held without bail at the Westchester County jail.
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NEW: Inauguration at town hall followed by reception Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, January 2, 2012
At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, newly-elected town board members and justices will be officially inaugurated in a brief ceremony, to be followed by refreshments. County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz will sworn in as well. Come meet and greet them. [The town board’s organizational meeting will have taken place the night before, on Tuesday, January 3, from 7:45 to 8:15 p.m.]
You are invited to attend the Inauguration for
Susan Carpenter – Town Supervisor
Elise Kessler Mottel – Town Council
Jason Chapin – Town Council
Judge Douglas Kraus – Town Justice
Judge David Zuckerman – Town Justice
Michael Kaplowitz – County Legislator
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
7:00 PM
Town Hall
200 South Greeley Avenue
Chappaqua, NY
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Vote today, until 11:59 p.m., for $25,000 from Pepsi to Mt. Kisco Child Care Center
December 30, 2011
An appeal from Mt. Kisco Child Care Center
Mt. Kisco Child Care Center has a chance to win $25,000 from the Pepsi Refresh Project. The Center will use the money to provide scholarships for low income children to attend MKCCC. Voting ends today, Friday, December 30, at 11:59 p.m. and we need your votes! Please vote today to help us win by sending a text (110389 to 73774) or ...
by going online, where you’ll be asked to log in with Facebook: www.refresheverything.com/mkcccscholarships4kids
For more about MKCCC, which has provided high-quality childcare to a diverse group of children in safe, healthy and developmentally appropriate programs since 1971, click HERE, or visit its website, http://www.mkccc.org/.
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Christmas 1963
December 23, 2011
by Joseph Enzweiler
Because we wanted much that year
and had little. Because the winter phone
for days stayed silent that would call
our father back to work, and he
kept silent too with our mother,
fearfully proud before us.
Because I was young that morning
in gray light untouched on the rug
and our gifts were so few, propped
along the furniture, for a second
my heart fell, then saw how large
they made the spaces between them
to take the place of less. Because
the curtained sun rose brightly
on our discarded paper and the things
themselves, these forty years,
have grown too small to see, the emptiness
measured out remains the gift,
fills the whole room now, that whole year
out across the snowy lawn. Because
a drop of shame burned quietly
in the province of love. Because
we had little that year
and were given much.
From “The Man Who Ordered Perch.” © Iris Press, 2004. Reprinted with permission.
Editor’s Note: We first published “Christmas 1963” in December of 2008, with permission from Joe Enzweiler himself. We had reached him by phone, in Alaska, where he lived without a computer and spent time each day cutting firewood to heat his house and whatever hot water he needed. Joe’s publisher, Bob Cumming, gave us permission this year to share this poem again with our readers.
“Joe Enzweiler passed away in his sleep at 2:00 in the morning of April 16, 2011 at the age of 60 after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Joe died peacefully surrounded by his family. All who knew him will miss his clear and distinctive voice. Joe was the author of six books of poetry and was at work on a memoir when he became ill. Iris Press had the privilege of publishing his last three collections of poems. We will all miss him greatly.”
~Robert B. Cumming
Iris Publishing Group
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NEW: Millwood Task Force Meeting Thursday, January 5
Monday, January 7, 2012
by Christine Yeres
The Millwood Task Force meets at 8:00 p.m. at Millwood Firehouse #2, located at 366 Croton Dam Road on Route 134. If you approach it from the Taconic exit for Route 134, turn left at the end of the off-ramp. Continue west along Route 134 for a little less than one mile. The firehouse is about 250 feet past the Hudson Hills golf course entrance. Both are on the left. See the MTF’s agenda, which follows:
• Residents’ Comments - Residents are invited to voice their concerns on any Millwood or West End issue
• Westchester County issues:
• Millwood Fire District at Planning Board on January 17 (siren location)
• Proposed Ritterman 7-lot subdivision at Lawrence Farms Crossway: Planning Board on Tuesday, January 17, at 7:00 p.m.
• Millwood Planning – signs and Project for Public Spaces update
• Millwood Lumber update – landscaping improvements
• Amsterdam Carriage House renovation bids
• Proposed 150’ wireless telecommunications tower update - 50 Hoag Cross Road or alternative Amsterdam Park location
• Proposed Upper Westchester Muslim Society Mosque update
• Tax inequity in West End of New Castle
• Update on Town Board
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“Yeah!” and “Whew!”—an official ribbon-cutting for the Route 120 Bridge
See photos of the ceremony, the old bridge, construction, and the new bridge in “Read more…”
December 23, 2011
by Christine Yeres
The last pieces to put into place were the railings on top of the walls on the section of the bridge over the railroad tracks. A little more than three years after de-construction of the 1930’s Route 120 bridge began in September 2008, local, state and federal elected officials as well as Department of Transportation reps met yesterday morning at the base of north wall of the completed bridge, eager to take multiple scissors to a golden ribbon stretched across Allen Place and breath a collective sigh of relief.
Supervisor Barbara Gerrard announced that the town now possessed “a safe, beautiful bridge—and its landscaping will continue to make it even more beautiful.” Trees, shrubs and ground cover are in place; the second-level “planter box” that runs the length of the north side and serves as additional support for the bridge wall will be planted in spring.
“It is done, Barbara! What a great job!” said U.S. Representative Nita Lowey. “I drove over the bridge to get here this morning. And I remember when the rust literally fell off the bottom of it.” The bridge served, said Lowey, as a perfect example of the type of infrastructure the U.S. must undertake on a massive scale “to keep up with the rest of the world.” In addition, she said, she would continue to demand in Congress that they develop a long-range plan for infrastructure that would also provide critical jobs. “These are not make-work jobs. These are real people who need real jobs,” she said.
State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer praised Gerrard for her “determination—no matter how many misfortunes—to get it done!” State Assemblyman Bob Castelli complimented New Castle residents for “the dignity and grace with which they have waited” for completion of the bridge.
Gerrard praised fellow officials and DOT reps, saying “They had us on speed-dial and we had them on speed-dial,” referring to the several bumps in the road during construction. A group of residents delayed what would have been a June 2008 start by seeking a temporary restraining order which a judge denied in September 2008. When the State failed to pay the contractor due to budget difficulties in spring of 2010, Conti crews stopped work and the speed-dial lines lighted up.
“I especially thank the public for their patience through a challenging time,” said Gerrard. “We have a structure now that will last more than a lifetime—I’m thinking several lifetimes. And thanks to the merchants! Please, everyone,” she added, “go shopping before you leave town this morning!”
A police officer halted traffic for a few moments while, as a group, town board members, elected officials and DOT reps each took up scissors and together cut a wide golden ribbon stretched across Allen Place into many pieces.
The Ribbon-Cutting:The slideshow requires javascript and Flash
The slideshow requires javascript and Flash
The slideshow requires javascript and Flash
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Astorino to approve or veto sewer district creation today, but in phone message hints at glitch
December 23, 2011
by Christine Yeres
THIS JUST IN: Word came from a spokesperson for Co. Exec. Astorino at 9:20 A.M. that he has signed the legislation to allow extension of the sewer district to Yeshiva, Random Farms, Riverwoods and Chappaqua Crossing.
Hershel Reich, administrator of Yeshiva, was uneasy when he heard an ambiguous message from County Executive Rob Astorino on his answering machine yesterday morning. Reich wonders now about the chances for admission of Yeshiva, Random Farms and Riverwoods into the Saw Mill sewer district, which the legislature voted on December 15 to approve. See Co. “Legislature approves admission of 293 New Castle parcels into sewer district,” NCNOW.org, 12/16/11.
At 10:15 a.m. on December 22, Astorino left Reich a message saying, “Obviously this is something I’ve supported. I sent this legislation down to the legislature over six months ago. They’ve tied it to some things in Yonkers which may or may not be able to happen because of the way the bonding is set up. We’ll try to work through those. I will continue to support this.”
“I appreciate what he’s done,” said Reich. “He brought it to the legislature, but I think he should make it happen now no matter how. We don’t want to take ‘No’ for answer at this point. Let’s make it happen. Let him sign it. People will be very upset if this doesn’t go through. It’s very important. It’s the whole community—not only people from here, but also our sister communities—the Yeshiva in Peekskill and one in Bedford Hills—hundreds of people will be upset.”
“The paramount issue is to preserve the water quality of the Croton Reservoir,” said Mark Tulis, an attorney who represents Yeshiva and Random Farms in the sewer diversion matter. “I can’t imagine that the legislature and the county executive won’t be able to work out what appears to be a technical glitch after 20 years of working at this.”
Astorino has until today to veto or approve.
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Chappaqua Farmers Market indoors at St. Mary’s reopens Saturday, January 7th
December 23, 2011
by Pascale LeDraoulec
We’ve had a busy first three weeks of our indoor season, with returning vendors from the outdoor market, joined by some new vendors who have been very well received. We’re taking a break so all of us can spend the holidays with our families and friends. We hope that your holidays are filled with joy and laughter and also with delicious foods. We look forward to seeing you on January 7th when we re-open!
Pascale LeDraoulec is Director of the Chappaqua Farmers Market.
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“A Tree Grows in Pleasantville,” Cottage School January 7 fundraiser at Temple Beth El
December 30, 2011
by Marci Garson
When I first met Darnell,* his dark eyes darted downward as he politely shook my hand. His social worker told me that avoiding eye contact is a defense mechanism for this troubled 11 year-old.
[“Darnell” is not my young friend’s real name.]
The next time I went to visit him, he read to me from books well advanced for his age; books about bugs and insects. Darnell is fascinated by bugs.
So the following week, I toted a book of puzzles and facts called “Awesome Nature.” I couldn’t wait to see Darnell’s face as he perused the yucky details describing nearly every creature that crawls and slithers in the dirt.
But this time, when I got to the Jewish Child Care Association’s Cottage Schools in Pleasantville, where Darnell lives, along with more than 300 other abused and neglected inner-city kids, Darnell wasn’t there. His counselors weren’t allowed to tell me why the sixth grader had been sent to the hospital; all they could say was that this little boy with the big vocabulary, the boy who first avoided my gaze and then hugged me and begged me to come back on Tuesdays and Thursdays, wasn’t feeling good about himself. That was the day before Thanksgiving.
Inner-city youths must rely on strangers for comfort
It is not unusual for a child in Darnell’s situation to have a setback; yet, if he does, he is lucky to be in this safe, structured environment, surrounded by a dedicated staff as well as by a multitude of volunteers. The level of personal attention these children receive is enormous; there are “lunch ladies,” high school kids who mentor and tutor, as well as Bar and Bat Mitzvah youths who have chosen the Cottage Schools to perform their required “mitzvahs.”
Many of these volunteers are from Chappaqua, including Rachel Rader and Wendi Winshall, the co-chairs of this January’s “A Tree Grows in Pleasantville” fundraiser. “It’s the personal attention that makes a difference,” Rader stresses, but admits that tending to these children’s needs “is expensive and the JCCA can’t do it alone.”
This annual benefit has raised a total of $1.5 million over the past six years—money that the non-profit JCCA has used for everything from educational explorations to internship programs, field trips, holiday parties, sports equipment, books, clothing and school supplies. “Our budget has been affected by cuts in public funding,” says Lisa Sherman-Cohen, Director of Communications and Marketing for the JCCA. “Still confronted with a continuing economic downturn,” Sherman-Cohen explains, “we need help to bridge the gap between government funding and necessary operating expenses.”
Temple Beth El Synogogue teams up once again with JCCA
Last year the “Tree” event made a record-breaking $340,000 and this year the JCCA expects to do even better, especially since Temple Beth El in Chappaqua has joined forces with the JCCA by hosting this year’s gala, which also celebrates the Cottage School’s 100th anniversary, in Temple Beth El’s stunning new social hall.
The fundraiser will be the first event to be held at the Temple’s brand new social hall, “a natural fit,” notes Sherman-Cohen. In the early 1950’s, the Congregation held Sunday-school classes at the Cottage School’s Pleasantville Campus. Since then, Beth El’s congregants and families have volunteered their time and effort to the kids at Cottage School.
I’m sure many of you are inundated with party invitations and pleas to help the needy in our area this Holiday season. Still, you may want to put The Cottage Schools, “A Tree Grows in Pleasantville” invite on your “yes” pile. Even if you can’t go to the January 7th fundraiser and enjoy the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while listening to alumni tell how the Cottage School experience helped make them healthy, productive members of society, there are so many other ways that you can make a difference to kids like Darnell, who, as I write this article is still in the psychiatric care center at the hospital. As soon as Darnell is able to return to his pristine cottage, hand-decorated by volunteers with navy blue curtains and cloud-covered powder blue walls, I plan to be there, my book of bugs in my hand.
A Tree Grows in Pleasantville
January 7, 2012
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Temple Beth El Social Hall
220 South Bedford Road
Chappaqua
Attend the Event:
Purchase tickets and join us for a festive winter evening with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. Tickets are $100, of which $75 is tax-deductible.
Make an Additional Donation:
Plant a seed of hope for our youth by making an additional gift and watch your investment bloom throughout the seasons.
Become a Sponsor
Consider joining our list of major contributors whose support is vital to the youth we serve.
Please visit WWW.JCCANY.ORG/TREE to purchase tickets, sponsorships, or simply make a contribution.
Marci Garson is an Emmy-award winning television reporter. For 15 years she covered national news on Capitol Hill and local news in Miami, Florida, Connecticut and New York. Garson moved to Chappaqua in 1995 to raise her two boys.
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Merchant of the Week: Michael Kushner’s “Squires”—stocking for all seasons at all times
/The dressiest new sequined Uggs
December 30, 2011
by Rob Greenstein
I paid a visit to Squires Family Clothing and Footwear—one of downtown Chappaqua’s longest-standing shops—to speak to its owner, Michael Kushner.
You’ve been in business since 1949. That makes Squires the oldest member of the business district. What’s the secret of your success?
We carry a complete line of quality, hard-to-find items for men, women, and children. Whether you need clothes for school, camp, sports or work, we offer head-to-toe outfitting and footwear for the entire family. We are incredibly well stocked despite our size. We have terrific sales associates willing and able to assist. Our experienced staff have been with us for an average of 10 years! Our shoe fitters are professionally trained—two with over 25 years experience - to ensure good advice and proper fit. We believe this builds continuity and customer loyalty.
I know you sponsor a New Castle softball team, are you involved in any other community activities?
We sponsor a little league team every year. We also donate a great deal of clothing and shoes twice per year to the First Congregational Church for its semi-annual Barn Sale—the big one in May, and a second one in autumn. From my understanding, we are usually their largest contributor. We have been donating to the Barn Sale since 1988. After our first major flood back in 1999, many members of the First Congregational Church came down to the store—unsolicited—to help bail out and clean up. It was the kindest and most helpful gesture. After 09/11, we reciprocated by donating hundreds of flannel shirts and thousands of socks to rescue personnel on the front line.
What makes your store different than a chain like Nordstrom?
We’re different from Nordstrom because we cater to the needs of customers year round. We are fully stocked for the ski season for the entire family…...jackets, gloves, hats, socks, base layers (thermals) after-ski boots. We just took in 200 pair of SOREL boots. We stock winter/ski clothing and accessories until the middle of March. While most stores are focused on forcing the season (Spring) by loading their sales floor with spring merchandise, which we do carry year round, we try to have in stock what our customers want…..when they want it….even if that means we have more than what we need. We have always survived difficult times by doing it our way…..which means truly accommodating the needs of our customers. We very rarely have to say…“sorry we ran out”. Not sure if this philosophy is the best for the bottom line, but it does keep customers coming back. Just in case potential customers are unaware, we do carry all seasons year-round. If people are looking for a bathing suit in December for a vacation…..no problem. Looking for a fall/winter fleece for a summer hiking trip in higher elevations? No problem.We don’t have regional buyers, like Nordstrom. We personally sell on our sales floors. We know our customers. We know the brands and items that our customers want.
What’s your most significant change over the past 62 years?
We’re always changing our mix of brands and styles, but our most significant change was the addition of a complete women’s department. Our name used to be Squires Men’s and Boys’ wear. We changed our name to Squires Family Clothing and Footwear in 1996 when we opened our second location in Katonah. And, of course, we added our web site www.squiresny.com. The one thing that has not changed is that New Castle has remained a family-oriented community emphasizing education.
Has business improved now that the bridge and parking lot construction has been completed?
Now that the bridge and parking lot is complete it’s time to get back to a “better normal.” This community deserves these upgrades and now people can shop without concern of delay or chaos. For the last three and a half years the merchants and residents have been struggling with the obvious issues associated with major construction. The effect of the two being completed will be substantial, I think.
What surprises your customers the most?
I think most surprising to new customers is the one-stop shopping experience we provide. We are truly a one-stop answer for clothing, footwear and accessories for every member of the family. We also do FREE ALTERATIONS which surprises many since it’s very unusual in the women’s market. The most surprising item we carry is definitely Christopher Blue, a women’s jean line. Christopher Blue has the best business model we’ve seen for women’s jeans. They offer 4 rises to truly fit any customer that walks in the door. Their fit is amazing. Their jeans are stretch which makes them extremely comfortable. We have had more “come backs” for this brand than any other. We also carry Christopher Blue twills, cords, shorts, capris, and tops, all excellent quality, consistency, and great up-to-date styling.
I know you also have a store in Katonah, anything New Castle can learn from Katonah?
Katonah is a wonderful town. They have a great mix of shops and excellent pedestrian walkways. I believe that our mix of stores has deteriorated over the last ten years, but things are starting to change for the better. The only thing that absolutely should be done is to make the walkways as safe as possible and conducive to shopping. We have had far to many close calls, and a tragic car accident at Greeley and King. I believe that with all of the kids running around on a Friday afternoon after school, we are asking for trouble by not supplying a safe downtown.
Any special post-holiday discounts for NewCastleNOW reader who mention this article?
Yes! Through January 31. 2012, we’ll give customers a free waterproof spray with the purchase of any Ugg boot.
________________________
Visit NCNOW.org’s Business Section to see other “Merchant of the Week” pieces by Rob Greenstein.
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Chappaqua Library acquiring more ebooks for our new reading devices
On the library’s “Digital Media Catalog” page, you can click for HELP!
December 23, 2011
by Christine Yeres
While the popularity of ebooks is steadily mounting, says Chappaqua Library Director Pam Thornton, because of the economy, demand for library copies of traditional books is up as well. “People are buying fewer books in bookstores,” she explained, “so they want more ebooks and book-books.”
Chappaqua Library staff are still getting the lay of the land in the world of ebooks, Thornton said. “Not every publisher allows ebooks, and some of the best sellers won’t ever be in ebook form.” It’s worth browsing the library’s collection of hundreds of e-titles. And now, Kindle-compatible titles are also available through the library’s website.
“We’re constantly updating our online collection,” says Martha Alcott, head reference librarian. She has some advice for ebook searchers. “People need to sign into their library account to see what ebook titles are available to them, because the Chappaqua Library has an ‘advantage’ account—titles we purchase for our patrons only. By signing in you have access to them.”
If you don’t have an online library account, your library card bar code is all you need to create one. Once you have it, see what ebooks the library holds:
1. Start on the Chappaqua Library homepage.
2. Scroll down below the parading band of books (by the way—a click on any one of them reveals a list of other fiction, non-fiction, etc. books) to a column on the right-hand side of the home page. Under the heading “TAKE A LOOK!” you’ll see two options (“Quick Research” and “Ebooks/Audiobooks”). Click on “Ebooks/Audiobooks,” which causes the “Digital Media Catalog” page to appear. Click on “OverDrive,” the name of the service the library uses.
3. Now, on the Digital Media Catalog page, RIGHT AWAY sign in with your library card and PIN number BEFORE you start your search, otherwise you won’t see all the Library’s offerings.
5. Now that you’re logged in, you might need help with the mechanics of signing up to get e-material—or to bring it to your device. The best thing to do is to click on the My Help! button on the upper left. You’ll be taken through all the necessary steps you need to access the materials in the form you want (iPad, Nook, etc.) in order to:
• Listen to audiobooks
• Read eBooks
• Watch videos
• Listen to music
Once you’ve got that settled—whether iPad, Nook, etc., you can graze randomly by scrolling down to an avocado green block of search options on the left—each of which contains many useful categories:
• Audiobooks
• eBooks
• Teen Reads
• Video
• Music
• Browse Collections
• Digital Software
In a hurry?
Jump right to the upper right-hand corner of the Digital Media Catalog page you can check the box “Only show available titles,” which will spare you some frustration.
Know exactly what you want?
Rather than browse, you can again make a bee-line to the upper right-hand corner of the Digital Media Catalog page and us the “Title, Author, Subject…” box—or click “Advanced search…” and get very specific.
Another tip: The borrowing period is set automatically at 7 days’ time. But once you’ve signed up for an account, click on “My Lending Periods” and change the default 7-day borrowing period to a 14-day borrowing period. Ebooks disappear on their own at the end of the borrowing term—so no overdue fines possible!
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Merchant of the Week: Hoops Plus, on the main drag in Millwood
December 23, 2011
by Rob Greenstein
I paid a visit to Hoops Plus at 86 Millwood Road in Millwood to talk to its owner, Jim Hammond. I wanted to learn how business was going and what intereresting products and services were on offer usually—and for the holidays.
It seems your move from Mount Kisco to Millwood happened around the time economy tanked. Has your new location and the increased visibility helped business?
We moved in April of 2008, as the economy was changing. We sincerely like the new location better and definitely have greater visibility but I’ve noticed that people tend to navigate to the bigger towns/cities such as Mount Kisco to do their shopping. The slower economy has impacted our sales overall negatively.
It’s obvious from your name that you sell basketball “Hoops”, I guess game tables are the “Plus”, what else is the “Plus”?
Our basketball hoops are still our bread and butter because there isn’t anyone that knows them better anywhere around nor could offer such a diverse offering of related products. We also offer a complete line of all game tables plus we stock, service, deliver and professionally install other products such as trampolines, ATV’s/go-karts, custom backyard basketball courts, ice skating rinks, tetherball systems, badminton/volleyball, etc.
Any good holiday gifts?
We have tried to bring in some more gifts for under $50 but a majority of what we offer are bigger items. One of our more popular items has been a sound activated illuminated t-shirt that has been seen on the Montel Williams and Ellen DeGeneres shows, as well as worn by Fergie, the Jersey Shore cast and others. A majority of our items are on sale for the holidays and we do offer gift certificates that can be purchased in person or over the phone for more convenience
We hired your company to paint basketball lines on our driveway, do you provide any other unique services?
We pride ourselves on doing many custom installations that our competitors don’t such as custom backyard basketball courts, hoop lighting, court stenciling, wall mounted basketball systems, ice rink and zip line installations, etc. As well as servicing everything we sell unlike the big box stores can offer.
I know you list lots of merchandise on your web site, especially bigger items that take up a lot of space like game tables, does your web site generate a lot of business?
Our web site does generate business in the local sense in that we do not offer pricing online as an e-commerce site would. Due to shipping issues we have decided to avoid this service. It is a good informative site for the local client that might not be able to get into the store due to busy schedules but have heard we offer what they are in need of and want to check us out. Our web site is www.hoopsplus.com and we will be introducing a newly revised site over the next 2 months.
Since you’re so close to the bike path, have you ever considered selling biking products, nutritional supplements, energy drinks, sport nutrition, vitamins, etc?
We have over the several years at this location considered this, especially servicing of bikes because we are currently a certified repair shop for Razor and Currie related scooter products. The decision to stay true to our original roots of hoops, game tables and ATV/go-carts was made so that we may offer our clients the best services we can instead of spreading ourselves thinner by offering additional services.
Have you ever been approached by town officials to sponsor or maintain any basketball courts and/or sponsor a basketball tournament?
Up till now we havn’t been approached but would possibly entertain a request in the future.
What do you think the town could do to make conditions better for business in Millwood?
We feel they could better publicize the fact that there are shops on this end of town (other than the Greeley end) as well, that offer services and products just as important. There have been outdoor related events that draw publicity in the Greeley end of town that haven’t been entertained here. This could help shed light on the fact that we exist.
Any special discounts for NewCastleNOW readers who mention this article?
At this time we have discounts in place for the holidays that everyone can take advantage of.
Hoops Plus
86 Millwood Road, Millwood, NY
Phone: 914-666-7784, 914-432-7784 Fax: 914-432-7783
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
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Giving Opportunities, Close-up and Personal
December 9, 2011
Editor’s Note: New Castle’s residents are inventive and generous. This time of year, consider either contributing dollars to these many home-grown organizations that enrich our lives (or make life possible)—or give them the gift of you, by joining them. Or do both! Here’s a list now, at year’s end, with which to start up something beautiful. Feel free to add to our list in “Comments.”
Arts and Culture
Did you know that Chappaqua has had an orchestra since 1959? Now under the baton of Michael Shapiro, the orchestra plays diverse and challenging programs and has grown into a sophisticated ensemble of professional level artists who perform throughout the year at the Chappaqua Library, the Horace Greeley Auditorium and the town’s gazebo.
The Chappaqua Orchestra
Marjorie Perlin, Executive Director
P.O. Box 461
Chappaqua, NY 10514
phone: (212) 417-9191
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Friends of the Chappaqua Library is a separate non-profit set up to “...to encourage, receive and administer gifts for… special items or projects not covered in the library’s operating budget… and to support the library in developing its services and facilities”. Among other events, the Friends put on the gargantuan used book sale every year in June.
Friends of the Chappaqua Library
Shobha Vanchiswar, President
P.O. Box 445
Chappaqua, NY 10514
phone: (914)-238-4779, x2
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The New Castle Historical Society - located at the Horace Greeley House in the center of town - was chartered to discover, preserve and communicate knowledge of the history of the Town of New Castle.
New Castle Historical Society
Betsy Towl, Executive Director
Horace Greeley House
100 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Phone: (914) 238-4666
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The New Castle Media Center provides training and access to state-of-the-art telecommunications technology so that residents of all ages, organizations and businesses in New Castle can create and view content that matters to our community.
New Castle Media Center
Carrie Krams, Executive Director
400 King Street, Suite 2
Chappaqua, New York
Tel: (914) 861 - 2717
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
School Organizations
There’s a non-profit daycare center right in town. Offering full day care for children from 18 months right up to the day before kindergarten starts, Oak Lane is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Oak Lane Child Care Center
Ronnie Weinberger, Executive Director
49 Memorial Drive
Chappaqua, NY 10514
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
If you have school age kids, you probably know about Chappaqua Children’s Workshop (CCW). For the past 29 years, they’ve provided before and after school care for elementary school children in the Chappaqua School District, as well as an after school program for middle schoolers.
Chappaqua Children’s Workshop
Joanne Saporta, Director
P.O. Box 918
Chappaqua, NY 10514
phone: (914) 238-3295
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Wonder how the schools can afford to have things like whiteboards in classrooms? It’s thanks to the Chappaqua School Foundation. They fund projects in all our the Chappaqua schools— projects that enhance the education of our students but that can’t be supported within the District budget
Chappaqua School Foundation
Michael Kaufman, President
P.O. Box 202
Chappaqua, NY 10514
phone: (914) 238-1905
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During the summer, the Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program (CSSP) invites 16 to 20 promising New York City high school students to join our community. The CSSP’s primary objective is to broaden those students’ horizons and widen their vision of the world while letting them see that there can be a bright, happy future ahead.
Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program
Diane Albert, President
P.O. Box 456
Chappaqua, NY 10514
phone: (914) 238-3966
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Last but not least, the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund (HGSF) offers grants to Greeley graduates to help bridge the gap between the actual costs of college and all other financial resources available (i.e. loans, scholarships, work-study, student savings and parent contributions).
Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund
David Perlmutter , President
P.O. Box 242
Chappaqua, NY 10514
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Service and Self-Help
A-HOME rehabilitates, builds and manages affordable rental housing in northern Westchester County, NY for older adults, disabled individuals and single parent families who, because of age, disability, or family status, cannot afford market rates. In addition, A-HOME promotes independent living with the help of a network of 26 local civic and religious organizations. A-HOME has two properties in Chappaqua.
A-HOME
Apropos Housing and Management Opportunities Enterprises, Inc.
Joan Arnold, Executive Director
141 Tompkins Avenue, 3rd Floor
Pleasantville, NY 10570
phone: (914) 741-0740
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Food Bank for Westchester is the backbone of the county’s emergency food distribution network. They solicit, acquire, warehouse and distribute food to 227 hunger-relief programs throughout the county including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and residential programs - and help to feed some or all of the estimated 200,000 Westchester children, seniors and families who are hungry or at risk of hunger. They’ve been based Millwood and will soon move to greater space in Elmsford.
Food Bank for Westchester
Christina Rohatynskyj, Executive Director
358 Saw Mill River Rd
Millwood, NY 10546
phone: (914) 923-1100
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Hope’s Door, formerly The Northern Westchester Shelter, is a private non-profit organization, which provided a safe haven and caring services to survivors of domestic violence. Its programs are free, confidential and offered in English and Spanish and its mission is to to end domestic violence and to empower victims to achieve safety, independence and healing from the trauma of abuse.
Hope’s Door - a shelter for domestic violence
Carla Horton, Executive Director
PO Box 203
Pleasantville, NY 10570
24-Hour Hotline: (888) 438-8700
administrative office: (914) 747-0828
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Body Wise Connection’s founder, Joy Puleo, created the organization after listening to a dear friend talk about how her body had “abandoned” her after a cancer diagnosis. The Body Wise Connection program promotes healing through movement for people dealing with long-term illness or a challenging diagnosis.
Body Wise Connection
Joy Puleo, Founder & Educational Director
221 North Greeley Ave
Chappaqua, NY 10514
phone: (914) 471-6468
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The SPCA of Westchester makes its home in nearby Briarcliff Manor. It is the only humane society in Westchester County empowered to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty, and it offers pet adoptions, and a spay/neuter clinic.
SPCA of Westchester, Inc.
Shannon Laukhuf, Executive Director
590 North State Road
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
phone: (914) 941-2896
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
OTHER
How many times have you driven by the sign for the Wagon Road Camp on Rt. 120? Run by the Children’s Aid Society, Wagon Road provides a broad range of programs, including a summer day camp for children ages 6-13, overnight respite for developmentally delayed children ages 7-17, adventure team building for middle and high school students, Project Adventure workshops for professionals and overnight visits for school groups.
Children’s Aid Society / Wagon Road Camp
Vince Canziani
431 Quaker Road
Chappaqua, NY 10514
phone: (914) 238-4761
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Children’s Environment Literacy Foundation promotes awareness of the importance of sustainability education and helps schools and school districts make sustainability an ongoing part of education.
Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation
Katie Ginsberg, Executive Director
P.O. Box 412
Chappaqua, NY 10514
phone: (914) 238-4743
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Saw Mill River Audubon is both a local organization with members from twenty communities in Westchester – and a chapter of the National Audubon Society.
Saw Mill River Audubon owns eight separate sanctuaries protecting over 300 acres of critical wildlife habitat in Westchester County – including 4 in New Castle. The sanctuaries are beautiful natural ecosystems nestled right in our own community. Field trips and natural history programs at the sanctuaries allow visitors to learn about habitat conservation and the environment.
Saw Mill River Audubon Society
Anne Swaim, Executive Director
275 Millwood Road
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Web site: www.sawmillriveraudubon.org
phone: (914) 666-6503
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Health and Life Safety
The Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps is not only all volunteer, but it’s also wholly supported by private donations and insurance reimbursements - it gets no state or local funding. As you can imagine, it takes a lot of money to keep two fully stocked ambulances and an EMT car on the road, as well as to keep the volunteers fully trained.
Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Cheryl Borelli, chair
P.O. Box 453
Chappaqua, NY 10514
For All Emergencies: Dial 911 or New Castle Police at (914) 238-4422.
Office Phone: (914) 238-3191
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
We have two volunteer fire departments in town - Chappaqua and Millwood. Both operate 24/7 and are completely staffed by volunteers - people who you see on the train each day, you coach sports teams with, go to your place of worship, work in local establishments, eat in the same restaurants and who you socialize with.
Chappaqua Fire Department
Charlie Bergstrom, Chief of Department
P.O. Box 454
Chappaqua, NY 10514
For All Emergencies: Dial 911 or New Castle Police at (914) 238-4422.
Non-emergency phone: (914) 238-4205
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Millwood Fire Company
Michael Horan, Chief
P.O. Box 94
Millwood, NY 10546
For All Emergencies: Dial 911 or New Castle Police at (914) 238-4422.
Non-Emergency phone: (914) 941-2222
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Located just down the road in Mount Kisco is the Northern Westchester Hospital. You may well have been there, delivering a baby or having your gall bladder out. It’s a non-profit hospital, and depends on the generosity of the community to make significant capital and programmatic improvements - like the brand new emergency room.
Northern Westchester Hospital
Hatsy Brown Vallar – President, NWH Foundation and Senior Vice President, External Affairs
400 East Main Street
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
phone: (914) 666-1200
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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Village Market has longer hours, handy for holiday shopping
December 16, 2011
Editor’s Note: The Village Market is now open longer hours during the week and is also open on Sundays. See hours in “Read more…”
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Police advise against leaving tips attached to garbage cans left out for pick up
December 23, 2011
by Christine Yeres
The New Castle Police Department sent out a Nixle alert on Wednesday warning residents that several people have reported that tip envelopes and packages they had left attached to trash containers for service providers have disappeared before pick up. Find another way to give your gift!
The Nixle alert reads:
“If you intend to make a gift to a person who provides a service to you, Police suggest making arrangements to present the gift in person, even if several neighbors designate one person from their street to make personal contact on behalf of themselves and their neighbors.”
Anyone who observes any suspicious activity, persons or vehicles should contact Police right away at 914-238-4422.
Contact Information:
LT Daniel Cannon
Patrol Division
914-238-4422
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
To register to receive these alerts, visit nixle.com/register/
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In a semester abroad, Sam Fuhrer acts out his yoga in Italian
Sam, in crow pose on Capri, returns to teach yoga at Breathe during his six-week holiday break.
December 16, 2011
by Sam Fuhrer
For a semester abroad, I have been enrolled in an actor’s training program at the Accademia dell’ Arte in Arezzo, Italy, for the past three months. Arezzo is an ancient Tuscan town, about 45 minutes by train from Florence. The Accademia is located on a hillside in the midst of many beautiful orchards and vineyards leading up to a fabulous mountain range.
Every day the colors of the surrounding countryside seemed to change, one day more vibrant and full, and others pale and cool—each having a unique and special tang of beauty that was unknown to me before my Italian experience. When I opened my shade each morning I saw post-card like scenery. The Accademia dell’ Arte is a non-profit organization founded by Scott McGee. It’s a thriving community of artists, musicians, scholars and students who live in an environment dedicated to training, growth and performance. I was basically in paradise.
Aside from the natural beauty around me, the Villa Godiola, where I lived and took classes for the last three months was unbelievable. The sounds of classical music pieces being played perfectly vibrated through the halls and out the windows. There were three giant and empty studios filled with nothing but yoga mats, the smell of pasta sauce came from the mensa, which was being prepared for us by our own personal Tuscan chef and each room had its own personal shower and bathroom; there was nothing more I could ask for. I wasted no time. As soon as I saw the studios, I offered a free yoga class, advertising it as a way to “beat the jet lag and finally settle into Italy.” I had ten people show up and we got right into it.
Although it was nice being surrounded by unlimited beauty, the intensity of the program hit hard and soon. We were taking eight of hours of classes each day, which required an immense amount of physical exertion, as well as an Italian language course. Many people were complaining about soreness, indigestion, funny sleeping patterns and other bodily dysfunctions. Luckily for me I hadn’t been experiencing any adverse effects and in fact felt fully capable and empowered rather than drained. It was clear to me that my daily yoga practice was keeping me healthy and allowing me to get through the toughest part of the program, the beginning.
I wanted to share my secret with the others and hopefully help heal my fellow students. Since my first class had already been a hit I hoped there would be an interest in more, especially after the rigor of the program had become apparent, so I offered to teach a morning class at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday. To my surprise I had 14 people show up the next morning and we had a beautiful practice on a rooftop where we could see the sun rise illuminate the entire city of Arezzo. Unfortunately I was scolded for bringing the mats outside and from that point on we had to practice in the studio.
Either way the morning yoga practice was essential for me and about eight other loyal followers who barely missed a class. The yoga helped me realize and appreciate where I was each day as well as warming and healing my body before getting into crazy acrobatics and other movement patterns. The breath and movement work with yoga is almost synonymous with some of the voice and physical work that actors need and essentially both aim to lead to the same place: unconscious human experience, since an actor needs to lose total self consciousness in order to truthfully give himself to a character he is portraying.
Keeping yoga a constant in my life has helped me find stillness and security in some chaotic times over the past two years. In just under two years my travels have taken me to Mexico, Hong Kong, Greece, Peru, Spain, Italy—and my next stop, January 23, will be India for another semester abroad. Yoga has helped me relax, surrender and embrace experience, making the present more rich and full.
Throughout my next six weeks here at home I will be teaching at Breathe Studio in Chappaqua, right across the street from Rite Aid. The class can range from a rigorous flow and intense physical practice, to a calm restorative session dealing with light movement and focused mostly on breath work. I invite all levels to come practice with me. Give yourself a gift!
Sam Fuhrer graduated from Greeley in 2009. He is now a junior at Muhlenberg College, double-majoring in Theater and Psychology. While at Greeley, Sam wrote about his transition (due to an injury) from sports to theater. See “Trying out a new indoor sport, no equipment necessary,” NCNOW.org, 5/16/08.
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Co. Legislature approves admission of 293 New Castle parcels into sewer district
December 16, 2011
by Christine Yeres
In her last meeting as Supervisor, Barbara Gerrard cheerily announced on Tuesday that, to her “great pleasure and disbelief,” Westchester County legislators had voted the night before to accept the town’s petition for Random Farms, Riverwoods, Yeshiva and a portion of Chappaqua Crossing to be admitted to the Saw Mill River sewer district. Visiting at town hall, Mike Kaplowitz, New Castle’s representative on the board of legislators, characterized it as “an overnight success—after 14 years!”
Gerrard outlined next steps: to work with neighborhoods to put together grant, financing and other funding requests and have the $10 million meant for the project released finally. She proffered congratulations all around—to Kaplowitz, Clinton Smith and Jerry Faiella—for making “this environmentally sound decision happen.”
It was “a victory for the environment,” said Kaplowitz. Once the 293 parcels are connected to sewers, their effluent will no longer enter the Croton Watershed. After an 11-6 vote to approve to petition, it remains for County Executive Rob Astorino to approve it.
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McKay settles on longer periods, two 5-8 middle schools
December 16, 2011
With 21 comments since publication
by Christine Yeres
Superintendent Lyn McKay announced Tuesday that she had decided to implement a new schedule of six 55-minute periods and a 38-minute lunch each day in the existing two 5-8 grade middle schools. She then listed her reasons.
1. It’s right for students. The benefits for all students, both general and special ed students, of the longer periods include: more balanced instruction, more differentiation, more small-group help.
2. No model is perfect. McKay and staffers are still working to mitigate the effects of decreased frequency for World Language and other “encore” subjects that are not the “core” math-science-English-social studies courses.
3. Although the research is not definitive or even strong, said McKay, what is strong, she said, is that “we’ve had a 5-8 model going for the last nine years and we’re pleased with it. And the word that I’ve been hearing, when I visited Roaring Brook recently [for the principal-search meeting], when I asked them what they valued most at Roaring Brook is ‘family.’” She heard this also at the high school principal-search meeting, said McKay. “We have a culture here,” she continued, “where a parent can drop a student off and feel secure that if the student has an issue of any kind—this is what we heard this over and over from Roaring Brook parents,” said McKay—“and that Eric [Byrne, former principal of RB] was great,” added board of ed President Alyson Kiesel, who had attended the same meeting. “But we want to know,” continued McKay, “as parents, that when we’re dropping students off that if there is an issue a teacher will help, a custodian will help, a clerical person will help—and that we build that kind of relationship within our schools.
So one of the things that came out in all of this work is that we really need to ensure that in going from fourth [grade] to fifth that we can keep the family feel, and what are some of the specific things that we can do to help students and parents with that transition. So we’re going to look at that with a smaller group when we go forward. And the same thing is true going from eighth [grade] to ninth, because that came up. So you learn as you have these conversations about things that one might do better.”
4. “Also we chose to do the 5-8 because logistically,” said McKay, as board member Randy Katchis brought up in past discussion about middle school, “it really doesn’t really make sense to make two major changes at one time. We prefer to do the schedule first, and then we can revisit whether it’s 5-6 and 7-8, or, depending on enrollment, a school that’s 6-8 and put the fifth grade back into elementary. That’s certainly is a possibility going forward.”
5. Busing was a consideration, since McKay learned that bus rides at Seven Bridges would go from a 35 to 50 minutes and at Bell from 40 to 50 minutes. That just didn’t make sense, she said.
Another main reason for the longer periods is that it is fiscally prudent, said McKay. “Not only is it educationally sound, but we have the potential of reducing saving close to half a million dollars in our budget.”
McKay explained further, “The 5-8 schools and the longer period—although they’re certainly are some people who do not agree—and I hear that and see that and I understand what they value—we have more people who are in support of it in terms of the community. Valuing the family atmosphere is very important,” McKay reiterated, “and we recognize that and we’re going to work on that going forward.”
McKay suggested that five years out, since enrollment projections at the middle school will be under 300 at each grade level, is a time when the community should look at the possibility of closing one middle school. “You don’t wait until five years from now to start that discussion. You start that in a couple of years as we begin to analyze what’s the next direction to take.” She reiterated that to close one middle school now and squeeze all current middle school students into one 5-8 would mean “art on a cart” and trailers, but five years from now it may be possible to fit comfortably into one.
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Board of ed considers a “No” vote on BOCES’ request for capital projects funding
December 16, 2011
With 23 comments since publication
by Christine Yeres
In Tuesday’s board of ed meeting it became clear that board members’ unhappiness with the cost of BOCES’ proposed repairs had more to do with the annual cost to CCSD of membership in the Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES group—$3 million per year, $1.9 in staff development and curriculum, $1.1 in special education—than with the $1.5 million CCSD must borrow for the capital improvement projects.
The impact of that borrowing will not be felt until school year 2014-15, and then only as $47,000, then less in the out-years, but more than $3 million of next year’s budget will go to BOCES for operations.
Board members again discussed BOCES’ request two weeks before for $1.5 million, CCSD’s share in an $18 million capital project to repair BOCES’ Yorktown Heights facility. Even though board members know that CCSD and other member school districts must come up with the money that BOCES will need—whether piecemeal as buildings require emergency fixes, or for the whole project up front—board members considered voting “No” to make a point.
Board members balked at the request two weeks ago, peppering BOCES’ representative with suggestions to re-examine BOCES needs and costs and questioning the value of membership in the consortium since CCSD uses BOCES’ student services so little. [See “BOCES asks for $18 million for capital repairs; CCSD’s share is $1.5 million,” NCNOW.org, 12/9/11]
Board members again complained that the method of allocating costs—by property wealth and by school district population—is problematic, given CCSD’s relatively light use of BOCES services. They also thought it unfair that the debt service on the money CCSD would borrow for BOCES’ capital improvements would not be exempted from a 2% cap, as CCSD’s own debt service would be.
The board discussed whether to vote yes or no on funding BOCES capital project, a vote that takes place on January 13, 2011.
Karen Visser: It’s still a hard pill to swallow—$1.5 million [for repairs] when we have seven students at BOCES. I understand we use a lot of [staff and curriculum development] resources, but having to give $1.5 million versus the number of teachers we want to keep…
Alyson Kiesel: It’s a frustrating time to be asking.
Randy Katchis questioned whether BOCES needed the several separate buildings in its Yorktown Heights facility. “Can we consolidate them?” he asked. “The time we visited them and the time they came here, they had not done the heavy lifting [of budget trimming]. And I understand from John [Chow] that if we vote ‘No’ they can bill us anyway. But at this point I can’t succumb to something they haven’t justified when we’re asking our own groups to do the heavy lifting.”
Mester: And how do we know they won’t come back five years from now? They don’t seem to have managed their facilities very well.
Mester was bothered, he said, by BOCES’ method of allocating costs among the member districts: by property wealth and number of students in the school district.
Board members asked Superintendent Lyn McKay whether other school districts had voted yet on the BOCES capital projects proposal. She informed board members that most would vote in the first week of January. “We have to vote by January 13,” she said.
Vicky Tipp: On one hand, we have a mutual obligation to support BOCES. We use it for curriculum, counseling, online course development, the Walkabout program, management services. But this is about a capital project. The numbers they gave us—they have 1700 students and we send ten students from here. The way costs are allocated is a problem…. I’m not inclined to want to support this [capital] project at this point.
The route to take, said Tipp, it to go to back to the NYS legislators to talk about costs.
“The time of business-as-usual is over,” said Tipp. “At another time we might have said ‘Oh, well ... they’re going to bill us anyway, so we might as well do it,’ but that time is over. So I’m not inclined to approve it. This is not to abandon BOCES, but this shouldn’t be the end of the conversation. They have to do more and we can help them. But it’s just not acceptable to go keep going with these NYS standards that don’t make sense.”
Visser: If something fails and they have to bill us, do you think everything—the roofs, the air conditioning will all fail at the same time? For example, if the AC fails tomorrow, they’d have to fix it [and CCSD would be obliged to pay the bill for the AC alone] but that would save us money.
Katchis: But there are so many creative solutions. They could sell the property, they could lease property. Leasing would be a lot cheaper than owning. They could do all sorts of consolidations. We know it’s more expensive to maintain a multi-building facility instead of a single-building facility. They really have to look hard and deep. They should be held to the same standard as our administrative team is held to when they do their financial work. They have to do that heavy lifting.
Katchis questioned the pool repairs BOCES is proposing. “How about an Olympic size pool instead, for communities in the surrounding area? There’s demand for that.”
Mester: They have a huge administrative staff.
Katchis That’s 15 teachers [the $1.5 million BOCES is asking for would pay 15 teachers’ salaries]. We should also give BOCES the specifics to get to “Yes.” Tell them what they need to do to justify the expense, so they don’t just hear “No” from us. In the end, we’ll get a bill anyway, but let’s at least improve the process.
Tipp: As long as we keep not challenging these rules and regulations we’ll never get any kind of change. We have to begin to challenge them.
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Supervisor Barbara Gerrard says good-bye and thank you
December 16, 2011
by Barbara Gerrard
Good evening. This evening my Report is a very large “Thank you” to so very many people who have made this administration successful despite the many challenges facing New Castle and beyond. Appropriately, my first and foremost “thank you’s” are to all the residents I served for these past 12 years.
It has been my pleasure and my privilege to serve you for 4 years as Supervisor and 8 years as a Town Board member. My primary goal, one shared with the dedicated members of the Town Boards on which I have served, most especially this Board, has always been to provide the best services we can, in the most fiscally responsible way it can be done. The members of this Board in particular have expended countless hours reviewing proposed legislation, mountains of budget materials, personnel issues, residents’ complaints and recommendations, and suggestions of all kinds from our talented and passionate volunteer boards, all in an earnest effort to make this Town the best place in Westchester to live and to raise our families.
Among the successes the Town Board has accomplished over the last decade include partnering with 10 other municipalities to provide Advances Life Support—- called ALS – to our residents through the Westchester Emergency Medical Services. They work cooperatively with our dedicated volunteers of the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps to provide essential services to our residents. That alliance was so successful that early in 2008 I worked with the Village and Town of Ossining, through then Town Supervisor Martha Dodge – a wonderful woman who spent the last 2 years of her life determined to establish similar ALS services in Ossining, the western portion of New Castle, and now expanding to Croton and other western municipalities. These potentially life-saving entities go unnoticed and underappreciated, until they are so desperately needed.
On a lighter note, over the last several years New Castle has added to additional ball fields. The Town has preserved over 600 acres of open space – remarkable not only because so little land is available, but also because, until recently, the land values kept ever escalating. Even in the center of Chappaqua, land previously used as a parking lot (adjacent to Citibank) has been transformed into a pedestrian plaza, one used extensively in all but the harshest weather. And the rebuilt gazebo, too, offers seating and a welcoming place to read, meet friends, or – when in season – enjoy the musical talents that the Chappaqua Orchestra and the local bands have to offer. There are more subtle streetscape improvements as well – the renovated train station, the new trees, banners and lampposts greeting passengers, and new and rebuilt sidewalks to encourage pedestrian traffic. A new crosswalk between Town Hall and the Library has just been completed. And one of the most requested amenities in Town is now firmly established: we have a thriving Farmer’s Market thanks to our Sustainability Advisory Board members, and to 2 residents in particular, Priscilla Sorensen and Nancy Lyman. Their hard work and determination to work with the Town to make this happen cannot be overstated. They are the perfect example of what this progressive Town working with its residents can accomplish.
Many of these improvements were recommendations from the Project for Public Spaces’ interviews with residents done several years ago. My hard working and valued Deputy Supervisor, Elise Mottel, must take most if not all the credit for our Downtown Steering Committee’s work to effectuate these positive improvements. And we are pleased she has taken on that responsibility now for the hamlet of Millwood. I am certain you will see similar streetscape improvements – and in fact the intersection at Routes 133 and 120 has already seen an aesthetic improvement. Working with our Town Planner, David Brito, the son of the owner of the charming little rail station that is in such disrepair, Mr.Lawrence Rotta, may be able to effectuate and refurbish that structure, and make it a welcoming amenity.
This Board and I also can take great pride in the environmental legislation and policies we have moved forward with the Town. New Castle was the very first community in New York State to become a Climate Smart Community – we took the 10 point pledge to make changes in environmental policies and advance energy savings in all phases of municipal actions. We became members of the International Council of Environmental Initiatives, a multi-national organization whose mission is to reduce carbon emissions. With their assistance, the Town, with the invaluable work of our Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, Gerry Moershell, measured its carbon footprint and has pledged to reduce that footprint by 20% by 2015, a mission we are striving hard to accomplish. We require new residential construction to be “Energy Star” compliant; we have been upgrading our lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs; we installed (with an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act federal grant) a solar wall on our water treatment plant – which will reduce our heating oil consumption at that facility by nearly 20%; we have an outstanding request with NYSERDA to put solar panels on the large expanse that is the south train station parking lot; and we established the aforementioned Sustainability Advisory Board—- one of the most active and successful boards which in just the last 6 weeks sponsored 2 forums, each attended by over 100 people, interested in and dedicated to making New Castle more sustainable in every single way.
But by far the most challenging issues over the past 4 years have been:
1. The reconstruction of the Route 120 Bridge over the MetroNorth tracks (yes, that’s its name)—- although it still has some small finishing touches to go——there is much landscaping to be completed in the spring, and the crosswalks will be enhanced with Belgian Block and brick, along with some wrought iron work that is still being fabricated – the bridge reconstruction which began (after an unfortunate 4 month delay because of a misguided lawsuit) in September 2008, has been completed and de-mobilization is taking place right now. It has been frustrating and seemingly endless, but the finished project is a beautiful structure – true to the original in stonework, lampposts, and other aesthetics, but meeting 21Century requirements for safety, width of pedestrian walkways, sight line vision, lane demarcation and other features.
2. The application for a zoning change on the Readers Digest property. It is so complex and of course is still in litigation, but suffice it to say that all of us who worked on it did so with dedication to what is beneficial to the entire Town. We continue to have complete confidence in the results of our detailed and well-thought out deliberations, but even if you disagree with the ultimate actions, I would hope everyone recognizes that this Board held multiple public hearings, read all the many letters and e-mails, and absorbed literally thousands of pages of SEQRA documents consisting of public input and professional consultants’ reports before making our decisions. The book is still open on the ultimate outcome, but we gave this project enormous energy and effort.
3. Lastly, but by far the most challenging and difficult event has been the collapse of the national (and international) economy. In September of ‘08, when Lehman failed, many of our residents had been members of Lehman – and if not Lehman, sister entities with similar credentials. The fear and panic were palpable ... and unfortunately many families have struggled ever since. This stagnant economy, especially the real estate market, has brought austerity measures to New Castle as well as to most other communities, in Westchester and well beyond. This Board has tried to be as fiscally responsible as humanly possible, even to the point of reducing staff who have been employed by the Town for many, many years. This is not easy and not something anyone feels good about, but this “Great Recession” is not over, and unfortunately will not be really over for quite some time. We ask the residents to be patient and understanding ... we all need to “pitch in” perhaps more than we have in the past. We have a great Town, and we all need to work hard to keep it that way – especially through these less than stellar economic times.
With all of that, I would personally like to express my sincerest appreciation to every single member of the Town Board that it has been my privilege to work with, starting with the Supervisor I was first elected to serve under, the late Marion Sinek. No one could ask for a more dedicated or more knowledgeable Supervisor. She was my greatest inspiration. In addition, I have learned tremendous amounts from Marion’s Deputy Supervisor, Richard Laster – a consummate leader, business executive, school board president, and still a community leader in so very many issues. Jason Chapin was an insightful member of the Town Board when he and I were first elected – I know he will add his thoughtfulness and intelligence to the Board again; Janet Wells generously made me her Deputy Supervisor for 4 years, and it was my privilege to learn from and serve under her. Other previous supervisors have also been gracious with their time and wisdom to help me better understand the responsibilities and obligations of the position: Polly Kuhn and Bruce Gilchrist in particular, shared their significant experiences with me over the years. And I cannot say enough about our counsel, and also a previous supervisor, Clinton Smith—- with his folksy humor and self-deprecation, don’t be fooled—- he is a VERY, very smart attorney with mad legal skills, and as wise a counsel as any municipality could hope for.
There is a group that deserves special recognition, and that is the staff and especially the department heads in this Town government. They are of the highest caliber – Jill Shapiro, our Receiver of Taxes and Town Clerk is dedicated to good and responsive government; our Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, Robert Synder, has a County-wide reputation for environmentally responsible maintenance of our fields and other recreation facilities; David Brito, our Town Planner, has stepped up admirably to the many responsibilities of helping our community grow in a sustainable way; and Robert Deary, our new Comptroller, has proven a valuable asset to the Town who we hope will stay with us a very long time. I must give a very special thank you to 2 special women—- Carolina Bruschi and Daisy Hernandez. Carolina is the Town Administrator’s secretary and Daisy is mine. They are the two most talented, kind, thoughtful people, with really good skills for helping me through all kinds of situations. Thank you both for all you have done over these years. There are so many others I cannot mention even half of them, but I hope they know how deeply I respect and admire their work and their work ethic. We have a wonderful team here. I will just give one mention to two members of our Town Board meetings team who never get recognition: Diane Stevens at the Clerk’s desk, has been taking the minutes of both work sessions and these regular meetings for as long as I can remember. She’s smart, efficient, and I cannot say enough nice things about her. And behind the scenes – doing the “tech work” none of us can master, is Kyle Spitzfaden, whose services are offered through NCCMC.
But the New Castle Town Board must give special and unqualified praise to the Town Administrator, a very difficult position requiring a myriad of skills. The Town was fortunate to have had Jerry Faiella serve in that capacity, steering the Town responsibly and impressively for 13 years. And since his retirement, we have had the outstanding good fortune to have Penny Paderewski in that position, hitting the ground running, working 24/ 7 in one of the most – if not the most difficult year in Westchester’s history as to weather-related nightmares – hurricanes, earth quakes, huge snowfalls, snowfall before the leaves were off the trees, countless residents out of power—- twice in 2 months—- yet she retains her composure, her grace, her professionalism throughout. Working with you has been an absolute pleasure—I could not imagine anyone better to steer the administration of this Town.
That brings me to my colleagues on the present Town Board – I believe I have worked effectively and productively with each and every board member. We have collectively accomplished the streetscape improvements, achieved the environmental goals, and, most challenging, handled 4 budgets over these difficult times. Every Board member has special skills and talents which have made this Board so productive: Michael his creativeness and determination to see things through; Robin his thoroughness and insight; John his enthusiasm and caring for neighbors near and far; and of course, Elise, my Deputy Supervisor all 4 years, my personal right-hand who gives her all in anything and everything she does. I do not believe I could have done this job were it not for her wisdom and pragmatic problem solving.
I welcome in the in-coming Supervisor, Susan Carpenter. She is very smart, very caring, is a very fast learner, and the Town is most fortunate to have her become its new Supervisor. I have known Susan for almost 20 years. She has served on numerous committees and boards, and given Continuing Legal Education courses on conservation easements – her specialty at the Westchester Land Trust. I also welcome the returning current Board members, and the returning Jason Chapin, who as I said I was proud to serve with in the early 2000’s. This is a Town Board that I am completely confident will make wise decisions, and continue to provide for and protect our investment both financial and emotional, in our home town of New
Castle.
Thanks to all for your patience and support over these many years. It’s been a privilege.
Barbara Gerrard
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At local level, Government works, says Michael Wolfensohn in goodbye speech
December 16, 2011
by Michael Wolfensohn
Four years ago I was elected to serve as Town Board Member a job I took very seriously. I have learned a great deal about how government really works and as much as some say Government is broken, on a local level I would disagree.
One of the benefits of working in local government is the ability to make change and see almost an instant reaction to a policy or town betterment. Of course with that immediacy one has the pleasure of hearing from residents on those issues.
In my time on the Board I tried to answer all questions asked of me in a timely and truthful manner and I’m proud to say I never ducked any questions. I was more than happy to listen to other points of view while promoting a respectful dialogue. In that same time we reduce the town spending and workforce in such a responsible way that there was relatively little loss of service while maintaining our AAA bond rating—a feat that I’m very proud of in this troubled economy. We took steps that weren’t always popular at the time with some residents but look at us now. New stores and growth in both Chappaqua and Millwood…
None of these things gets done without the help of an incredible staff of workers. I want to publicly thank all of the employees of the Town of New Castle for making me look so good these past four years.
I approached this job with blunt honesty that I felt was important and refreshing in today’s political climate. Although sometimes the challenges were greater than others, I wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything as it really is a privilege to serve.
In conclusion, I hope that future Board Members and Supervisors will do the following:
Make decisions and be comfortable with them if you’re not then you might not have made the best decision. Never be afraid to be wrong or say you have made a mistake. Make promises to no one and work hard every day with the one tenet that what’s best for the Town as a whole comes first.
Thank you again for the privilege to serve it was an honor and I hope to be back soon.
Michael Wolfensohn
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Board of ed member reports on both state-wide and local efforts to lobby for mandate reform
December 16, 2011
by Christine Yeres
Board of Ed member Vicky Tipp reported to board members on the Westchester Putnam School Board Association Legislative Advocacy Committee meeting she attended. The committee’s goal this year is to agree on two or three mandate reform issues on which to concentrate their lobbying efforts this year and announced the group’s schedule of meetings with legislators in both Albany and Washington.
Committee members noted, Tipp said, “that this year there’s been a real groundswell of many community groups—the New York State School Board Association; the Lower Hudson Council of Superintendents; the regional PTA; “Let New York Work,” a coalition of municipal and business groups from across the State; and many ad hoc community groups as well—collaborating to lobby legislators.”
The Legislative Advocacy Committee means to compose a regional legislative playbook, said Tipp, on the two or three issues for communities to adopt or revise as they see fit, then join in visiting lawmakers in both Albany and Washington.
The committee’s schedule follows:
February 5: Federal relations network conference, briefings with NY Senators and House representatives
March 8: West-Put will have a legislative forum, meetings with New York legislators for a Q & A
March 11: State legislative network in Albany
March 22: Reports by the committee on their meetings with Washington and Albany legislators
Tipp reported that he committee is also studying “the section in the Tax Cap legislation on a Mandate Relief Council, which provides a procedure for school districts and local governments to request a review, a modification or repeal of mandates that are deemed unduly burdensome or unsound.” The committee may create forms for such petitions for relief and learn how to negotiate the process, Tipp said.
Jeffrey Mester: Vicky, Karen and I attended a meeting of a local ad hoc group affiliated with “Let New York Work.” If you’re interested in joining a local group doing their own advocating, contact [New Castle resident] Judy McGrath [judy.mcgrath1@gmail.com].
Board President Alyson Kiesel wondered aloud to board members whether school boards could ever agree on two or three most-important issues to address.
Mester: Triborough, tenure . . .
Karen Visser: I think what we came away with from that meeting was that the big issues, the labor-related issues, are not going to be the ones that we’re going to change. So the things that we could change were smaller, background items.
Mester: Yes, Bill Mooney [a coalition member of “Let New York Work”] was talking about taking incremental change any way you can get it. Significant structural changes are going to be much harder and have a low probability of success.
Tipp: On the other hand, if you’re doing a lot of work putting in a lot of effort for not much financial gain, then there’s maybe no point in doing it…
Mester: But just because there’s a likelihood of its not-happening doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
Keisel: It calls attention to the issues, regardless.
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Area school superintendents move to push back on mandates
December 16, 2011
by Christine Yeres
Superintendent Lyn McKay reported that she had met the week before with 50 other superintendents of the Lower Hudson Council of Superintendents and a dozen legislators to discuss the pressures they feel from non-funded or unfunded mandates regulating transportation, fiscal reform and special education in a climate of diminishing funding.
For example, according to a December 9 Journal News article, Hudson Valley schools seek voice to reduce state mandates, if school districts were to succeed in changing the outside distance to which they are required to transport students to private schools from 15 miles to five miles, 14 school districts would save $3.5 million a year.
McKay said that it would help greatly if the superintendents’ group were able at least to persuade Albany to “‘freeze and review all currently proposed and impending mandates’—just stop some of what they’re asking us to do, which includes evaluation of teachers and principals—at the pace they’re asking us to do it, as well as the additional assessing they’re asking us to do at that pace.” [The new Annual Professional Performance Review requirements by the State—a complex system of reviews of every principal and teacher every year—are due to be put into place in CCSD beginning the next school year.]
By way of financial context, according to the JN article, over the last three years, “30 of its member districts cut $179 million in programs and 1,559 staff positions — costing almost $11 million in unemployment costs. In the same period, the 30 districts lost more than $300 million in state and federal aid.”
“The superintendents’ group,” said McKay, “will now hire a firm and survey districts about mandate relief and transportation across several of our districts and counties.”
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Meet the Merchants: New kid on the block Susan Maher and “Breeze”
More photos in “Read more…” and in Photo Gallery
December 16, 2011
by Rob Greenstein
Susan Maher revealed her guiding principle for the products she looks to stock at Breeze, the newest of the new stores on Lower King Street: “I want my customers to walk out of the store wanting to go home and throw a party.” I asked her to tell me more.
How long has your store been a member of our community?
I am still very new, maybe even the newest “kid on the block”. We opened Mid-September of this year, right after I was able to get my youngest on the bus to Kindergarten, but we have lived in Chappaqua for ten years.
What inspired you to open a store in the town you live in?
A combination of things really. My husband and I have always been frustrated with our downtown and the empty shops and very little architectural character. We often joked during the Readers Digest debate that maybe if Chappaqua just moved downtown to the Reader’s Digest campus it would be a lot more charming. I wanted to open in Chappaqua because I was going to be re-entering the work force with two young children and this put me very close to them so I could still be active in their lives and accessible to them. Also, I already had a personal network from which to build my business. This also was a way to address my frustration with the downtown and give back to the community at the same time. I really never considered other towns. Pleasantville and Katonah would have been other options, but they already have a wide selection of shops.
What is your background?
I have worked in retail since I was in high school, but the majority of my career years were spent at Crate & Barrel. It was a phenomenal company to work for and gave me invaluable retail experience. I have an undergraduate degree in business and have done graduate studies in interior design. This store is a way for me to get back into the work-force after 10 years as a stay- at- home mom and combine my love of retail and design.
What makes your store unique?
I’m striving to offer unique tabletop and gift items that you can’t find in the big-box retailers. I love products with a story, something that I have to explain, something that someone has never heard of. I have something in my store for everyone, from small $8 token gifts to high-end Diane James silk flower arrangements that range from $200-$600. We have a beautiful, extremely popular, Peace Wreath [pictured above] from Lunares for $115 or a small version for $65 as well as the widely publicized pink Himalayan saltware for 20-$40 for the adventurous cook. I carry popular dinnerware lines like Juliska and Vietri which are well-regarded in the industry and are the anchors to my product mix. I also offer fun totes from Scout, tea from SerendipiTea, personalized bins and buckets from The MacBeth Collection and many unique and artisanal ceramics and serving pieces in all price ranges. I offer a gift registry for anyone to register, not just the newly engaged. Feel free to let me know what your wish list is and then send your husband down and I can help him find something for your birthday or any special occasion. I carry products I am passionate about and products that exemplify casual entertaining. I want my customers to walk out of the store wanting to go home and throw a party. I aim to offer classic, unique, colorful and fun products for every home.
Did our town offer any resources, incentives for you, as a resident, to open a store in town?
Not that I am aware of, but now that I have quickly entered the “merchant world” I think there are many things they should evaluate and consider. There is a real disconnect between many landlords and the town and I would love to see stricter zoning, caps on the number of stores in certain categories, requirements on property maintenance, some sort of advocacy for merchant tenants when dealing with landlords. I am now paying property tax twice in this town because my landlord is able to pass that bill onto me. That seems a bit crazy. How about a resident-merchant exemption from real estate taxes on my commercial space? I would also love to be more involved, as a merchant, in the redesign of the downtown. The new lighting at the train station is great, and wouldn’t it look great lining the streets of downtown?
Buying gifts is so subjective, what is your return policy?
I am very reasonable and liberal in my returns, especially just starting out. I am happy to take returns on items that don’t work within a reasonable amount of time. I do really treat a return on a case- by- case basis. As my retail experience has taught me, no matter how many guidelines you put in place there will always be exceptions and special circumstances. Thankfully I have not had many to deal with at this point since I am so new – in short, just try to keep your receipt.
Do you have a website?
Yes, Breezegifts.com and we’re on Facebook, too. Right now my website is more of a blog format, but I hope to work on building into more of an e-commerce site after the first of the year. I am still wrapping my arms around the brick- and- mortar aspect of the business. Managing the web-based components is new territory for me.
Any special discounts for NewCastleNOW readers who mention this article?
I am not a big proponent of discounting. I think that’s really something that the big-box chain retailers have over-used and it cheapens the value of my products. I have such a wide assortment of products in all prices ranges that we can always find something within your budget. Also many of my vendors have strict pricing guidelines so it’s not an option. However, I would love to offer a great little product giveaway for those who mention they read about Breeze in this article. Stop by before the holidays. I am open Mon-Weds. 9:30-6, Thursday 9:30-7, Friday and Saturday 9:30-6 and Sunday 12-4 for the holidays.
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As of Tuesday, 20 applications for each principal position
December 16, 2011
by Christine Yeres
At Tuesday’s board of ed meeting, Lyn McKay announced that in the three days since having placed advertisements for the two principal positions for Roaring Brook Elementary School and Horace Greeley High School, she had received 20 applications for each. UPDATE: As of December 21, the district had received 70 applications for the high school principal position, 95 for the elementary.
The ads appear in the New York Times and in Education Week.
McKay described the various stages and timing of the search. Already she has begun to meet with parent-community member and teacher focus groups. Board member Jeffrey Mester asked McKay how people who are unable to attend a search meeting could make their input known. “What kind of input are you looking for?” he asked McKay. See the three questions, the same for both RB and HGHS principals, below:
Horace Greeley High School ~ Principal Search
We hope to enlist your help in establishing the requisite qualities, characteristics, and level of experience of our next principal of HGHS. Please take a moment to respond to the questions below.
Are you a. . .
• Parent/Community member
• Staff member
• Student
1) What are the strengths of Horace Greeley High School?
2) What are the issues, needs and concerns the new principal must deal with?
3) What are the desired characteristics and attributes the new principal should possess?
[Then click to submit the form.]
Find the HGHS form by clicking HERE; the RB form by clicking HERE.
____________________________________
Candidates have until January 11 to apply. Board member Karen Visser noted that Scarsdale High School is also looking for a new principal. She asked McKay whether that would affect CCSD’s search. Scarsdale will accept applications until the end of January, said McKay, by which time McKay will have begun the interview process, narrowing the applicant pool to eight-to-ten, then to three, for each school.
Then for each principal-search, a group composed of teachers, administrators, students, parents and community members—without Eric Byrne or McKay—will craft questions for the three candidates based on input from the small focus groups that are now meeting with McKay. Each search group will then pose the same set of questions to each candidate, but will be permitted improvise follow-up questions.
Subsequently, McKay and Byrne will meet with each of the three candidates and walk through the two schools with them and discuss with the candidates what they have witnessed in their tours.
Board member Jeffrey Mester asked McKay whether, by that time, candidates’ names would be made public. “Yes,” she responded, “unless there is a candidate who really needs the privacy.”
McKay said she expects to return to the board of ed to recommend principals for each school by early March, adding, “I’ve told each group that we’re not going to ‘settle.’ If we don’t feel, as a community, that we have not found the very best person, we can always go back out again if we need to.”
Remaining focus group meetings____________________________________
For Roaring Brook:
Parents/Community: Wednesday, January 4th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm in the Cafeteria
Students - To be announced
For HGHS:
Parents/Community: Thursday, January 5th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm in the Academic Commons
Students - TBD
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