20th Anniversary of 9/11:
Gedney Park Memorial Ceremony
On Saturday, September 11, 2021, the Town of New Castle will be holding a memorial ceremony at Gedney Park to commemorate those lost on 9/11 and the heroism of both our first responders and all fellow Americans. For those of you who might be unaware, New Castle tragically lost residents and neighbors on 9/11. Their names, as well as the thousands of others, will never be forgotten.
On this 20th anniversary of 9/11, we have a great opportunity to reflect and have a little perspective of all that is going on in our respective lives, homes, workplaces, and communities. We must never forget the terrorist attack that not only stole too many lives on that day and years later, but indelibly altered and damaged so many others. Yet, as we honor these men and women, we must also remember that amidst the chaos and fear of the attacks and in the days, weeks, and months after, not only did strangers and friends unite together in ways many of us likely never saw before nor have seen since, but we witnessed unparalleled heroism and selflessness that even to this day has rarely been replicated.
Please join us on Saturday at 9:30 am to pay tribute to, honor, and remember the people and events of 9/11 including those here at home: Michael Berkeley, Donald Greene, Louis Steven Inghilterra, George Morell, and Allan Schwartzstein.
20th Anniversary of 9/11: Memorial Booklet
With great thanks to all the residents who made the memorial and commemoration possible, including the September 11, 2001, 20th Anniversary Memorial Committee, I wanted to share the 9/11 Memorial Booklet they prepared which includes stories and passages recognizing those from New Castle who passed, individuals who were in or around the WTC on 9/11, as well as those who were here in town. Please take a moment to read what our neighbors and friends experienced on 9/11 and the days that followed. Merely one of many people with their own story to tell, I share mine below:
I was a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office drafting complaints in the early morning hours of September 11, 2001. When the first plane hit, I heard a loud boom but assumed a garbage truck was emptying the dumpsters on the street one floor below. A colleague told me a plane had struck the World Trade Center, about twelve blocks away, and I assumed it was an accidental Cessna collision. Nobody knew what had happened. Even the NYPD officers I was with were unfazed. Minutes later, a second boom reverberated through the building. It then became clear what had happened.
I walked outside and saw hundreds of people staring upward as debris, I think mostly papers and documents from the Towers, floated down. Some guy was screaming "they" just hit the Pentagon and were coming for the federal buildings and courthouse. Sirens wailed. Firefighters, along with police, correction, and court officers, jumped into action. I don’t recall how long I stood there, who I was with, or if I said a single word.
I went back inside, changed, found a colleague, and together we started to walk downtown to see if we could help. As we navigated the sea of people walking against us, the ground below me vibrated. Why were they running the subways, I asked myself? It was not the subways, however, that shook the concrete. One of the towers was cascading down upon itself. Time plays tricks on our minds and memory, but I recollect that in the mere minute it took me to walk around a building, one of the towers that was previously standing, had vanished.
As we walked past the fountain at Foley Square, gray and white frosted “zombies” shuffled up to clean themselves. My colleague received calls from his terrified girlfriend who was stuck in a nearby building as the dust cloud filled her office. He tried to calm her down, to no avail, before losing reception. Continuing toward the Twin Towers, about two blocks south of us the cloud billowed and began creeping through the streets. It became readily apparent that we were not equipped to enter the smog and could become a liability to others. Begrudgingly, we turned back, and along with more people than I could count, meandered uptown in a dazed and shocked state not able to fully grasp what occurred.
In the days that followed, access to lower Manhattan was blocked but I volunteered to process arrestees, so I was able to get downtown. Other than NYPD officers, firefighters, military personnel, and workers hoping to find survivors or recover those who passed, eerily silent darkness consumed the area. I vividly recall the acrid stench that hung in the air. The city seemed vacant and devoid of life. Except, it wasn’t. Leaving the office after 1 or maybe 2 am, I would see hundreds of rats, displaced by the turmoil, overwhelming the sidewalks, undulating like one serpentine being before disappearing into the grates due to my presence. As odd a comparison as it seems, with all the turmoil and violence of that day and those that followed, all I could think was that the will to survive and to find a path forward was alive and churning in every corner of New York City and in every breathing one of us.
I was not at Ground Zero on 9/11. Despite working downtown for twenty years since then, I still have not been to Ground Zero and don’t know if I ever will. I cannot pretend to understand the terror of those who were or agony of those who waited for loved ones they never heard from again. However, my memory of the fear, sadness, and horror will never be forgotten just as I will always remember the unity, courage, and compassion. I am reminded of life’s joys, even on 9/11, as I wish my boy a Happy Birthday every September 11th and as I think of the man I met in the elevator after Lucas’ birth. He had welcomed twins into the world six years to the day he escaped the attack on the Twin Towers.
A Life Taken Too Soon:
Suicide & Suicide Prevention
Earlier this week, I lost a friend to suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No, we were not close, but make no mistake, Kyle was definitely a friend and my “go to” Poughkeepsie guy for all legal matters. An attorney I worked with on multiple occasions and a graduate of my high school in Poughkeespie a few years after I left, Kyle and I would discuss cases, issues of law, and politics from time to time. Although we were on fairly opposite ends of the political spectrum, Kyle sought my advice before successfully running for Millbrook Village Trustee and prior to deciding to challenge Congressman Antonio Delgado in 2020. An honorable, kind, courageous, and inquisitive man, Kyle served our nation in Kabul, Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star in 2011 and the Meritorious Service Medal prior to being honorably discharged in 2014. Not willing to turn it in, Kyle joined the Army Reserves where he was promoted to Major. I can’t speak to all or even many of Kyle’s accomplishments, but whether I ever learn or know of what no doubt were numerous achievements, his absence will not go unnoticed. Only 41 years old, Kyle leaves behind a wife and four children.
While your time here may have been brief, Kyle, your impact will be forever felt.
Please, if you are depressed, lost, or feel alone, know there is no shame and never be afraid to ask for help. All of us need a hand sometimes and there are people who are ready and want to offer their support.If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifelineis available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. Its website offers services including a live chat
Post-Ida Assistance: FEMA & NYS Aid
After President Biden added Westchester County to the Major Disaster Declaration, New Castle residents who were impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida may be able to receive federal financial relief.
Assistance includes funding for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, as well as direct support for individuals and homeowners. New Castle residents may also be able to receive funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property or funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental, and child care. Homeowners and renters should make every effort to document and photograph their losses. Eligible homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding. Assistance can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, and legal services.
Governor Hochul recently announced the launch of the new online resource hub for impacted New Yorkers, available at ny.gov/ida. The hub provides information on available assistance programs and where to find services such as shelter and access to food. The information on the site will be updated as more resources for New Yorkers become available. Additionally, the State is partnering with New York City to support the Ida Recovery Service Centers. These centers enlisted the support of elected officials who represent impacted communities and will offer information on all available resources and assistance.
Residents are encouraged to review the attached pamphlet provided by FEMA and the links below which detail, among other important information, the relief available to residents and how to apply.
The waters may have subsided, but that does not mean danger no longer lurks. If your home was damaged by water, please review these helpful tips from the CDC to best ensure your home remains a healthy and habitable place.
A Look Ahead:
Tuesday’s Town Board Work Session & Meeting
Please join us on Tuesday as we continue to discuss sections of the potential FGEIS and our proposed local mask ordinance, among other issues before the Town Board.
FGEIS Review & FBC Schedule: Join Us!
Whether you join us in person or not on Tuesday, please be aware of the changes made to the FBC schedule. Arguably more important, do not forget that your Town Board welcomes your input as we review our consultant’s responses, along with our professional staff, to your substantive questions. For those wishing to engage us further, please update your calendars as we have moved around some dates and added community engagement sessions to our September 14th, 21st, and 23rd work sessions, and pushed out the potential acceptance of the FGEIS as complete from September 23rd to September 30th. As previously noted, your Town Board will consider a vote on the FBC for North Greeley – and only North Greeley as it has been for some time – on December 7th in lieu of November 23rd.
Please continue to share your thoughts as we work through the process together!
Say it Together: Community Day!
Neighbors new and old, let’s get ready to kick off the fall and back to school with Community Day 2021! On Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 10 am to 2 pm, join your fellow-residents for a fun filled morning and afternoon at the Chappaqua train station.
Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival:
Welcome Back!
You may have heard of it, you may have volunteered for it, heck, you might have even bought a book or two (or four or five). Well, guess what…the CCBF is coming back to the Chappaqua Hamlet on October 2, 2021. After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Town of New Castle is once again privileged and excited to serve as co-sponsors.
With approximately 70 authors and other activities, one of New Castle’s greatest events is also one of the “must” events of the year. Remember, admission is free and there will be protocols in place to best keep everyone safe, but please make sure to bring the energy of excitement for what will no doubt be an incredible time. For further information, including how you can volunteer, donate, or sponsor, please visit the CCBF website. As always, even if they do not ask for it, thank you Dawn Greenberg and everyone who makes this event a reality.
Confidential Paper Shredding Event:
Saturday, September 18th
New Castle will be hosting a confidential paper shredding event Saturday, September 18th, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Recycling Center. Please be patient as we are expecting a large turnout. Residents should line up on Joan Corwin Way and wait for Recycling Staff to direct you. Please bring proof of residency and remain in your vehicle until it is your turn. There will be trucks set up with tables to create a barrier and be aware that only staff will be permitted behind the tables.
The Recycling Center yard will also be open but note that only six vehicles are permitted in the Recycling Center yard at a time. Because of all the activity, please plan ahead and be patient.
Nixle, and Code Red, and Alerts: Oh My!
Since I can’t click my shoes together to magically get the right information in your hands, please remember that you can sign up for alerts such as the NCPD Nixle and the Town of New Castle Code Red online. When you do so, you must specify if you want to receive emails and/or texts.
On August 16th, the New Castle Police Department (NCPD) sent a Nixle alert to residents about stolen cars and recommending that they lock their vehicles after reported break ins. Unfortunately, a vehicle was stolen recently and the NCPD sent another Nixle alert. No matter how many message the NCPD sends, however, if you do not lock your homes and cars (and take the key fobs out too!), you leave yourself exposed to theft. New Castle remains an incredibly safe community with limited crime, but let’s all take the right steps to best ensure none of us are victimized.
Protecting Yourself & Others:
Drive, Bike & Walk Responsibly
One of the things our community prides itself in is how giving and aware we are of others. From wearing masks to protect the most vulnerable from COVID to volunteering in organizations that provide food, clothing, and opportunities to those in need, there is another way we can all “pay it forward”. What is it you ask? Know the rules of the road, follow them, and make sure if you have a child at home, he or she does the same.
Put down your phone when you’re driving. It can wait. Promise. And wherever you are going, the extra ten to fifteen miles per hour you drive above the speed limit on our local roads ain’t gonna’ make no difference getting you to your destination on time. Have no misgivings. You don’t want that kind of regret on your shoulders if your speed causes an accident. If you are walking alone or with friends, be aware of your surroundings and, as recommended by the NHSTA, if no sidewalk is available walk against traffic when possible. Common sense tells us that it’s far easier to move out of the way of a vehicle when you can see it approaching than when it comes racing up from behind. For the bikers both young and old among us? Remember to follow the same rules of the road as the vehicles that pass you by.
COVID Update: September 10th
Our collective efforts to vaccinate and follow best practices is still commendable but we must all be aware of the uptick in COVID cases and the highly contagious delta variant that continues to be the dominant strain. As of September 9th, Westchester County has two hundred and eight (208) confirmed new COVID-19 cases and a total of 2,368 active. Please consider wearing a mask indoors even if you are vaccinated. As a reminder, the Town Board is considering an indoor mask law and will continue discussing the same during our upcoming work sessions.
09/09/2021: 2,368 Countywide, 22 New Castle
09/01/2021: 2,655 Countywide, 24 New Castle
08/25/2021: 2,752 Countywide, 20 New Castle
08/18/2021: 2,706 Countywide, 18 New Castle
08/11/2021: 2,326 Countywide, 24 New Castle
08/03/2021: 1,572 Countywide, 21 New Castle
07/26/2021: 929 Countywide, 13 New Castle
07/13/2021: 349 Countywide, 4 New Castle
07/06/2021: 214 Countywide, 3 New Castle
06/28/2021: 202 Countywide, 2 New Castle
06/14/2021: 304 Countywide, 2 New Castle
06/06/2021: 361 Countywide, 2 New Castle
05/03/2021: 1,923 Countywide, 13 New Castle
04/05/2021: 5,458 Countywide, 41 New Castle
03/03/2021: 5,815 Countywide, 59 New Castle
02/01/2021: 9,883 Countywide, 61 New Castle
01/19/2021: 11,372 Countywide, 139 New Castle (Peak)
As of September 10th, 461,852 Westchester County residents have been vaccinated. In Chappaqua and Millwood, 80.4% and 90.9% of your fellow residents respectively have received at least one vaccination dose while 74.3% and 85.1% received two. Sure, its improvement, but can we turn up the effort a notch or two please?!
Further information for Westchester County is available here.
Get Vaccinated!
COVID vaccines are now widely available at pharmacies, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and other locations across the state. Visit Vaccine Finder or the NY State vaccine appointment website or call 833-NYS-4-VAX.
Thinking about getting involved?
Consider joining a New Castle Board or Committee
The Boards & Committees below are looking for members:
Arts and Culture Committee
The New Castle Arts and Culture Committee (NCACC) is envisioned as a gathering of diverse community stakeholders dedicated to improving the quality of life for the entire New Castle community by enhancing culture and the arts in and around New Castle.
The mission of the NCACC shall be to support, develop, propose and raise awareness of the events programs on art, music, dance, theater, film and all other cultural art forms taking place in an around the Town of New Castle. Events and programs of interest shall include theater productions, arts series, art auctions, concerts and shows, art exhibits, children’s art programs, and community creative festivals.
To achieve its objective, the NCACC will serve in an advisory capacity to the Town Board and other departments within the Town to foster collaboration between the Town and third parties on events and programs dedicated to the arts.
Meetings are 8 a.m. 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month
Term of office it two years
Learn more about the Arts & Culture Committee HERE.
Environmental Review Board
The Environmental Review Board is the primary approving authority for applications submitted in connection with the Town’s wetlands regulations, and for appeals filed in connection with the Town’s tree preservation regulation.
Meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Monday (4th Monday if Holiday conflict) of every month at 7:30 PM and typically last 2-3 hours. The Board does not meet in August.
The term of office is three years
Learn more about the Environmental Review Board HERE.
Ethics Board
The Ethics Board renders advisory opinions on specific situations or when requested, on the conduct of an official or employee, in accordance with the provisions of the adopted Code of Ethics (PDF)
The mission of this Committee is to educate residents of all ages and create community awareness about the Holocaust, other genocides and human rights violations.
The Committee will work with other groups and organizations to educate the community to never forget the horrors of the Holocaust and other genocides and to apply these lessons to today’s world.
The Committee will also work to promote the teaching of the Holocaust and Human Rights in our schools.
Meetings are 7pm the 1st Wednesday of every month
The term of office is two years
Learn more about the Holocaust and Human Rights Committee HERE.
Applications are being accepted through October 1, 2021. Application forms are HERE.
Chappaqua Farmer's Market
Open Every Saturday 8:30 am to 1 pm
Take It or Leave It Shed is Open This Saturday!
The Take It Or Leave It Shed (TIOLI) is a reusable item “shop” managed by town volunteers. No money is involved – everything is free. TIOLI is open for the season (weather permitting) Saturdays through October, and is located at the train station. Location: 1st left after you enter the station parking area from South Greeley Avenue.
The Take It Or Leave It will be open, weather permitting (no rain or strong winds), on Saturdays until the end of October. Drop-off hours are from 8:30 to 11:00 am. Shoppers will be welcome from 9am to noon, although the volunteers will start packing things back into the shed at about 11:45. Only New Castle residents may leave things, because we have limited room in the shed and everything must be stored there if not taken by noon. Signs will indicate the drop-off area.
Because of the improved Covid-19 situation and TIOLI’s outdoor location, masks will be optional. Tables will be spaced to encourage social distancing. Shoppers may be asked to limit their shopping time to let everyone have a chance at the wares. Children must be supervised, and please, no strollers or dogs.
The TIOLI team is greatly saddened by the unexpected death, after a short illness, of our dear friend Bill Kuebler. Bill was one of the earliest volunteers, and one of the most faithful workers. It was he who was largely responsible for finding TIOLI a new place in the station parking lot after many years at the recycling center. He will be sorely missed.
New Castle United for Youth
Community Weave Project
New Castle United for Youth is bringing an interactive Community Weave project to Community Day 2021! We hope you’ll join us on September 18 for our Community Weave to help create a visual representation of all the different facets of our community and the strength of our shared connections.
We need your help to make this project a success.
We’re looking for community members to contribute weaving materials. Suitable materials include chunky yarn, rope or twine, fabric that is long or wide enough to cut into two foot strips, and clean, recycled clothing, sheets or blankets. Collection boxes will be at Scattered Books and Bobos from September 10-17. You can also bring weaving material that represents your family or organization to our booth at Community Day on September 18 and weave it on the loom yourself. Thanks to Chappaqua Paint and Hardware for contributing the materials needed to build our community loom.
Community connections are important for everyone and can be an important alcohol and other drug use prevention tool. By creating strong connections with a community - the place where you live or gather with like minded people - you gain support and a sense of belonging. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Facebook @newcastleunitedforyouth or on Instagram @ncufy
New Castle Conservation Board
Help us Plant Native Ground Covers at Gedney
Help needed Saturday, September 25, 2021, between 9am – 1pm
Please join the members of the New Castle Conservation Board on September 25th to continue to enhance the plantings around the Gedney Brook. The additional plantings will mitigate soil erosion, reduce flood damage, improve wildlife and stream habitat, and protect water quality.
Some of our past projects included: - November 2010, over 30 community members volunteered to plant over 100 native trees and shrubs along both sides of the Gedney Brook. In April of 2021, over 60 volunteer helped to plant 500 native ground cover plants on the road side of the Brook.
The next project will be on September 25th, we will plant approximately 500 additional native plants on the far side of the Gedney Brook.
Plants will include: 50 Solidago flexicaulis - Zig-zag Goldenrod, 50 Aquilegia canadense - Eastern Red Columbine, 50 Polemonium reptant - Jacob’s Ladder, and 50 Pycnanthemum virginianum - Virginia Mountain Mint- for edge/sunnier areas.
No experience necessary! Please bring work gloves and a trowel. Wear durable shoes/boots as the soil may be quite moist. You may want to use these varieties of plants in your yard! In case of rain, the planting will take place on Sunday, September 26.
We look forward to seeing you at future events and programs. Please call the Center at 238-8888 for more information, and continue to check this enewsletter for weekly updates.
Community Center Garden - Ripe For The Picking
Don't forget, herbs and vegetables are available for harvesting from the beds behind the Community Center. The tomatoes are ripening and are sugar-sweet!
Programs
67 Decisions that Need to be Made When a Death Occurs
This webinar will focus on the importance of pre-planning for the different types of burial available (cremation, in-ground, mausoleum). With cremation on the rise, we will address this option in some detail. Other topics to be covered include the difference between a funeral home and a cemetery and how to start a conversation among family members.
Speaker: William Moreno, Family Service Associate, Woodlawn Cemetery
Senior Law Day Returns
Thursday, September 30th, 10 AM - 12:30 PM Ridge Road Park - 287 Ridge Road, Hartsdale. .
Join us for our first in person program since 2019!
This shortened Senior Law Day program will deliver the same benefits that you’ve come to expect:
Practical advice from attorneys and experts on aging issues during these challenging times
Personalized help via one-on-one consultations
Free information and resources from Westchester government and nonprofit agencies
Please call 914.813.6300 during regular business hours to register in advance and reserve your free lunch.
Visit the library website for the most up to date information.
Read the latest Library New & Events Newsletter HERE. Sign Up to receive Library Newsletter direct to your email.
Sundays are back!
Beginning Sept. 12, the Library is open Sundays from 1- 5 pm.
Curbside pickup available 7 days a week.
Programs
Town Hall: Learn More and Contact Us
Town Hall Meetings and Board Packets
To find agendas, supporting documents, and meeting minutes for Board meetings, click here.
To watch videos from recent meetings recorded by New Castle Community Media Center, click here.
Stay Connected
To stay informed about your local government and community, click here to sign up for Town Hall e-News and Community e-News, and sign up with Nixle and Code Red to receive text messages and/or emails for emergency alerts and community events.
Community e-News Submissions
The Town uses the eNewsletter to keep residents informed about community news, meetings, events, initiatives, announcements and other important information. In addition, civic groups, not-for-profit and charitable organizations are welcome to submit time, place and date announcements for their upcoming events for inclusion in the eNewsletter free of charge.
Click here for Con Edison's Storm Central including outage location maps, storm preparation, and recovery tips!
