2021 Election: Congratulations & Thank You to All Candidates
Every election has a “winner” and a “loser”. However, to label those among us who step up, subject themselves to public scrutiny, and inevitably find themselves the target of scorn and attacks by one camp or another would be unjustly harsh. Simply, when democracy works, whether or not we like the results, we are all winners in the purest sense of the word. But as elated, exasperated, or fatigued we may find ourselves; elections have outcomes. Here in New Castle, Lisa Katz emerged victorious in her campaign for Town Supervisor and her fellow “Unite New Castle” running mates – Tara Kassal, Victoria Tipp, and Andrea Sanseverino Galan, who the future Town Board majority plan on replacing with Chris Hildenbrand after Andrea announced earlier in the year she was moving – also came out on top. Personally, and on behalf of the community, I congratulate each one of their successes on a hard fought, difficult, and incredibly long campaign. Every resident and every future Town Board member should have the confidence that personal differences will be set aside and no matter our views on the issues that come before us, we will work together on behalf of the community that we are privileged to serve. Have no misgivings. Your Town Board will always put residents first and I am excited to work with my future colleagues just as we all are to work with all of you.
To my current colleague and Acting Deputy Town Supervisor Lori Morton, as well as her fellow candidates, Holly McCall, Michael Weinberg, and Jenifer Bounds, while you may not have won your respective elections, the number of votes only tells part of your story. Your effort, voice, and genuine desire to better our community is a win for all of us. When you give it your all and you do so honorably for the right reasons, heads should always be held high. Personally, and on behalf of all residents, I heartily say, “Thank you!”
Again, congratulations to “Unite New Castle” on the electoral victory. I look forward to relinquishing my role to the duly elected Supervisor, Lisa Katz, upon the certification of the election.
Onward, New Castle!
Exercising Your Rights: Vote!!
Of the 13,579 active enrolled voters in New Castle this year, only about 5,000, or approximately 37% of voters, made their voices heard at the ballot box in last Tuesday’s election according to the Westchester County Board of Elections (“BOE”). The margin of victory in the Supervisor’s race was 318 votes (approximately 6% of the votes cast). In 2019, 2017, and 2015, about 4,750 of 12,848 (approximately 37%), 5,670 of 12,949 (approximately 44%), and 3,630 of 11,820 (approximately 31%) of our active voters cast their ballots in the local election respectively. Only in a presidential year, where 8,571 of 12,849 (approximately 67%) active enrolled voters slid their ballots into the voting machine, did New Castle see a robust number of residents exercise one of their most important rights.
Do not be a bystander or passenger in your life and the future of the community you live. Whether your issue or concern is a local, county, state or national one, complaining or advocating from the sideline is only so valuable. Do not rely on or expect someone else to be your surrogate. Take responsibility and make it your personal obligation to vote early, send in an absentee ballot, or show up to the polls on election day. Your voice matters!
FBC: Status
At its upcoming meeting on November 10, 2021, your Town Board will discuss the status of the draft Findings Statement for the proposed Form Based Code legislation in light of this week's election results.
Gov. Hochul Grant: Monies for Natural Resources Inventory
While Town staff is deserving of the credit, I am excited to announce that Governor Kathy Hochul awarded New Castle a $36,033 grant as part of a statewide package providing $1.5 million for 39 projects to help communities along the Hudson River Estuary improve recreational access, enhance environmental education, and advance stewardship of natural resources. Specifically, New Castle will use these monies to complete a Natural Resources Inventory, including a detailed analysis and report of the current state of the town's natural resources and recommendations for conservation and mitigation.
New Castles is fortunate to have many amazing volunteers who ensure we lead by example and can inform our decisions. When it comes to environmental issues, not only do we have the Conservation Board to protect New Castle, but also the Sustainability Advisory Board who leads us down a path to a healthier and more environmentally friendly and sustainable future. Governor Hochul’s grant will continue us on the right trajectory.
In Case You Missed It: Nov. 3rd Town Board Works Session
This past Wednesday, with your Town Board and staff sitting on the edge of their seats, the excitement and energy was palpable. Not only did we authorize the purchase of handheld parking enforcement devices to replace our outdated ones, but we also authorized the purchase of new water meters as well. Highlighting the night, your Town Board clarified a contract involving the replacement of oil tanks at our Department of Public Works’ facility. Talk about a rollercoaster ride of a Wednesday night!
2022 Tentative Budget: Potential 3.03% Increase Due to Refuse Collection
The tentative 2022 budget proposes a 3.03% increase in the levy over 2021 ($672,296) although the total appropriations over all funds increased by $2,015,237. The breakdown of the 3.03% is below the tax cap but plainly reveals the challenges we faced in preparing this budget. In short, after going out to bid twice and only receiving one proposal, the refuse component of the levy had an overwhelmingly negative impact on our budget increase. The refuse levy spiked by 19.41%; ($481,600) while the general fund increase was a modest 1.83% or $223,251 and the highway fund increased by only 1.07% or $48,389. Specifically, where the Town had the ability to control expenditures, as with the general fund and the highway fund, the increases over last year were modest as best: 1.83% and 1.07%. However, our refuse costs are subject to external economic drivers outside of our control. The collapse of the international recycling market as well as the loss of local transfer stations and limited avenues for disposal all impacted our new refuse and recycling contract. Although we were aware that market forces would have a significant impact on our new contract for services, we, like other municipalities, were unprepared for the almost $1million increase over our last contract, a marked increase of 32.28% from last year.
The average homeowner with an assessed value of $170,000 or $877,192.98 market value, will see a $110.36 increase over last year, excluding fire protection*. That increase consists of a $23.26 rise over last year or a tax rate growth of .87 for the general and highway fund, and $87.10 for special districts. In past years, the loss of SALT deductions had a negative effect on our housing market. However, the pandemic reversed that trend and continues to positively impact our housing prices and the mortgage tax revenues.
* As part of the special district component of the Town and County Tax bill, Town residents receive fire protection from three different entities. Each carries its own budget.
Saw Mill River Parkway: New Traffic Pattern
The New York State Department of Transportation is advising Westchester County motorists to expect a new traffic pattern along the Saw Mill River Parkway northbound and southbound between Exit 26 (Sprain Brook Parkway) and Exit 30 (Grant Street) in the Town of Mount Pleasant, beginning the week of Monday, November 1st, as part of a bridge replacement and road realignment project, weather permitting.
One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction at all times. Exit 28 (Bedford Road) on the Saw Mill River Parkway northbound will be closed for the duration of the new traffic pattern. Motorists should expect delays and utilize the posted detour for Exit 30 (Grant Street).
The new traffic pattern is necessary to elevate the Saw Mill River Parkway and replace the two bridges that carry the Saw Mill River Parkway over the Saw Mill River as part of an ongoing bridge replacement and rehabilitation project in Lower Westchester.
For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.
Confidential Paper Shredding:
Tomorrow 10am- 1pm
Please be patient as we are expecting a large turnout. Residents will line up in their vehicles on Joan Corwin Way. Recycling staff will be on hand to direct residents. Proof of residency will be required. Residents are required to remain in their vehicles until it is their turn.
Trucks will be set up with tables to create a barrier, and only Recycling and USA Shred staff are permitted behind tables. When it’s their turn, residents will pull up and load documents on the tables. Residents must wear masks/face coverings. Residents are required to remove documents from their vehicle and place items on the tables, and USA Shred staff will load your paper into truck and shred it. Residents are welcome to watch their documents loaded into the shredder
The Recycling Center Yard will be open. Please note only 4 vehicles are permitted in the Recycling Center Yard lines are expected. Note, access to the Residential Yard Waste Area will be a challenge from 10am-1pm during the event please plan accordingly.
Stay Informed: Nixle, Code Red & Alerts
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. Signup here.
COVID Update: November 5th
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 November 4th, Westchester County has 64 confirmed new COVID-19 cases and a total of 1,066 active. It is certainly terrific that our county numbers are steadily declining, New Castle’s spiked once again. Please consider wearing a mask indoors even if you are vaccinated.
11/4/2021 1,066 Countywide, 34 New Castle
10/28/2021: 1,022 Countywide, 21 New Castle
10/20/2021: 1,276 Countywide, 27 New Castle
10/13/2021: 1,423 Countywide, 19 New Castle
10/07/2021: 1,451 Countywide, 21 New Castle
09/30/2021: 1,799 Countywide, 27 New Castle
09/23/2021: 2,231 Countywide, 41 New Castle
09/16/2021: 2,284 Countywide, 42 New Castle
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 November 4th, 486,328 Westchester County residents have been vaccinated. In Chappaqua and Millwood, 85.4% and 96.0% of your fellow residents respectively have received at least one vaccination dose while 76.1% and 88.0% received two. A special “Thank you” to the men and women of Millwood who continue to carry Chappaqua. You guessed it…Armonk is still kicking sand in the face of Chappaqua with double vaccinations making up 76.3% of their eligible populace. Millwood is still setting the pace, but Chappaqua’s still isn’t in medal contention, remaining behind to Mt. Kisco’s 79.5%. Well…at least we are on top of Pleasantville 74.2% vaccination rate!
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.
Help Wanted!
Recreation Commission
The Recreation Commission is currently accepting applications to fill a vacancy.
The purposes and objectives of the Commission are available HERE
To plan and provide opportunities for the residents of the Town for recreation, relaxation, and enjoyment through participation in a wide variety of programs of a recreational nature.
To study the recreational and parks needs and resources of the Town.
To achieve maximum return from moneys expended for such programs by encouraging broad use of such programs, by good management and prudent selection of such programs, and by establishing an appropriate division between tax-supported, partially tax-supported, and self-sustaining programs.
To encourage recreational programs and activity, whether directly sponsored by the Commission or otherwise.
To encourage broad community participation in its programs and coordinate its policies and activities with those of the Town Board.
Members of the Recreation Commission serve a term of seven years.
If interested please complete the Board Application form in the link HERE.
Board of Assessment Review
The Town of New Castle Is Seeking Qualified Candidates For One Open Position on the Board of Assessment Review.
Candidates shall have a solid knowledge of values of all types and classes of property throughout the Town of New Castle as well as a firm understanding of ad valorem taxation.
Members of the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) have been vested with the duty and responsibility of hearing assessment complaints in the first instance. You will be asked to exercise judgment and discretion to render an impartial, objective determination on assessment complaints brought before the board, including a statement of the reasons for the determination.
The Board of Assessment Review (BAR) is a quasi-judicial body and the members of the board are charged with judicial responsibility to get all the facts, and apply appropriate laws and reasoning to the facts in a fair and judicious manner. Accordingly, each member of the board of assessment review should: 1. Possess judicial temperament, patience and tact. 2. Provide a fair hearing. 3. Safeguard the constitutional guarantees of due process of law. 4. Withdraw from a case where he/she deems themselves disqualified by reason of personal or business relationships or interest.
A mandatory training module must be completed after each appointment in order to serve.
The Board of Assessment Review’s primary annual meeting is on the third Tuesday of June (Grievance Day), and members must be available throughout the summer for additional deliberative sessions.
The term of Office is five years.
Please fill out the volunteer application form HERE.
Millwood West End Advisory Board
Seeking volunteers to join the Millwood West End Advisory Board (MWEAB). The Advisory board monitors land use applications, and the general interests of Millwood and the West End including correcting zoning violations and improving the general appearance of Millwood and the West End. The Advisory Board advises and reports to the Town of New Castle and works in cooperation with the other town boards. The Board meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7 PM. Term of Office is three years.
Interested? Please fill out the volunteer application form HERE.
Questions? Please contact Jill Shapiro at JShapiro@mynewcastle.org
Chappaqua Farmer's Market
Open Every Saturday 8:30 am to 1 pm
TIOLI is CLOSED for the Season
The Take It or Leave It "shop" is closed for the season. Plans are to open again in April, 2022. The volunteers who staff TIOLI are grateful for a happy and productive 2021 year, and look forward to next April.
Drumming About You with Bob Bloom
THIS SUNDAY! November 7th at 2pm
New Castle Children's Series - Join us for family-friendly performances at the ChappPAC!
EVERYONE plays! You'll get your heart and hands around BB's colorful cargo of drums to stir a little spice into the music as he launches legendary songs with high-octane melodies! Information & Tickets HERE
United States Air Force Concert Band
November 13th at 3:30pm
The Concert Band is composed of 45 professional Airmen who captivate audiences by telling the Air Force story, and perform numerous renditions of great symphonic classics, marches, Broadway hits, jazz standards, movie music and patriotic favorites. In addition to performing standard repertoire, the Band is also a champion of new music, embodying the spirit of innovation that is inherent in today’s Air Force. Presented by the Chappaqua Library
Covid protocols requiring masks and social distancing will be enforced. Limit 214 people. There is no registration.
Huma Abedin on “Both/And” - Author Event
November 18th at 7:00pm
The Chappaqua Library hosts Huma Abedin at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center to discuss her new book, "Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds." She will be interviewed by Kim Goebel of the Chappaqua Library, followed by pre-submitted audience questions, book sale, and author signing. The event will be recorded for later viewing at chappaqualibrary.org. Program is free, REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Gloria’s Miami Nights
November 19th at 8pm
The dazzling tribute to Gloria Estefan, starring Nikki Torres and The Nikki Torres Experience Nikki Torres is joined by a pulsating troupe of musicians, singers, and dancers to celebrate the music and career of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. Estefan, the Queen of Latin Pop, is famed for dozens of hits, including “Conga,” “Words Get in the Way,” “Anything for You,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” and “Get on Your Feet.” This show has thrilled audiences from coast to coast! Information & Tickets HERE
Desert Highway Band
The Absolute Best Tribute to the Eagles
November 20th at 8pm
The Eagles’ greatest-hits album is the top-selling hits collection in American history, and no one nails those hits better than Desert Highway Band. Their note-for-note renditions of beloved Eagles classics have sparked sellout performances across the country. Spend your evening with the soft-rock sounds of “Tequila Sunrise,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “The Best of My Love,” “Take It to the Limit,” “Witchy Woman,” “Hotel California,” and so many more . Information & Tickets HERE
Feast of Laughs
November 24th at 8pm
All Star Pre-Thanksgiving Comedy Night
Enjoy your last night before the holiday season — with six comics who will crack you up until you’re ready for anything! The show spotlights longtime New York City and national headliners Buddy Fitzpatrick, Mike Gaffney, Billy Garan, Melvin George II, John Iavarone, and Gene Trifilo. You’ll wish you could keep them around for the rest of the year!
A present the whole family can enjoy! Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story of the spirit of Christmas and features the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree and uncover the true meaning of Christmas. After the final bow the audience is invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing traditional Christmas songs and carols. There’s no better way to discover the magic of the season! Information & Tickets HERE
Direct from Las Vegas
The World Famous Edwards Twins
December 20th 2pm & 8pm
A Holiday evening with Cher, Elton John, Bette Midler, Andrea Bocelli, Barbra Streisand, and many more, Starring The World-Famous Edwards Twins. Direct from Las Vegas!
Audiences around the globe have been spellbound by the stunning recreations of iconic performers by brothers Anthony and Eddie Edwards. As “Master Vocal and Make-up Illusionists,” they look and sound incredibly like your favorite superstars. In this show they’ll feature these stars plus cameo performances of dozens more. Information & Tickets HERE
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center
Programs for 2022
Leave The Leaves This Fall
Mulching is 100% beneficial for the lawn. Mulched leaves are decomposed by earthworms and microorganisms and turned into plant-usable organic matter. Please also rake leaves into your garden beds or under trees and clean up your garden in the spring. This will create habitat for overwintering. Larvae hide in pupae among the fallen leaves. Little sweat bees survive the winter in hollow flower stalks, and birds shelter between the branches. If you are interested in promoting biodiversity, don’t use leaf blowers in your yard and don’t clean everything up (later in spring is a better time to cut dead stalks, etc). These are all little things you can do to repair the world.
Screening of Uninvited:
The Spread of Invasive Species!
Town of New Castle Conservation Board and VINE SQUAD are hosting a screening of Uninvited: The Spread of Invasive Species!
This will be shown on Wednesday, November 10, at 7pm. We will have a panel discussion of conservation board and vine squad members who will be available to answer any questions. Click here for the Zoom registration/link.
We hope you find this film inspiring and empowering - you, too, can protect our environment and help prevent the spread of invasive species!
Uninvited is an informative documentary about the damage that invasive species are causing to New York’s natural environment, communities, and economy. But it isn’t all doom and gloom - the film also highlights some of the innovative ways New York State is combating these threats, including how our tail-wagging friends are helping out. Uninvited details the collaborative work of DEC and its partners including NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, the eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs), New York State Invasive Species Research Institute (NYISRI). You can watch the YouTube trailer HERE.
Holocaust & Human Rights Committee
Learn more about the Town of New Castle Holocaust & Human Rights Committee and how you can get involved here. Follow us on Social Media for the latest News & Events.
KRISTALLNACHT
Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, was the night Nazis attacked thousands of Jewish people and destroyed their property. Kristallnacht is seen as symbolizing the final shattering of the Jewish existence in Europe and is commemorated on November 9-10th each year.
For more information about Kristallnacht, click here. To attend a virtual event hosted by The Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust click here.
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY EVENT: A Conversation with Journalist ELIZABETH RUBIN and Afghan Rapper and Activist SONITA ALIZADA
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 8PM via ZOOM
Join us to hear from Elizabeth Rubin, American journalist and award-winning war correspondent in conversation with Sonita Alizada, Afghan Rapper and activist whose family was brought to safety through Elizabeth’s efforts.
Advance registration required. To register, click here.
New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee Mission Statement: The mission of our 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.
Seventh Annual Thanksgiving Desserts Fundraiser
Because Voters Guides and Candidates Forums Don't Pay For Themselves!
The League of Women Voters of New Castle has once again teamed up with Pat Yost of "Babe's Delectables" to offer you a delicious selection of Thanksgiving pies and cheesecakes for your holiday table. We even have a new offering: chocolate pecan pie!
Place your order by November 16, 2021 by mail or by placing your order online.
Pick up your order between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, Tuesday, November 23rd. The address will be provided when you place your order.
We can't do it without your support! Join the League or make a tax-deductible contribution here.
New Castle Historical Society
The Great Holiday Train Show
Wine Around Town - Friday, Dec. 3rd
NCUFY Sponsored Film: Talk to Your Kids
Take advantage of the opportunity to expand your parenting arsenal on NCUFY for two more weeks! Have you ever wondere about how or when to talk to your kids about alcohol and other drugs? Don’t Wait is a short film about the importance of conversations about substances, with an emphasis on how to talk about alcohol and other drugs with kids of different ages. After watching the movie, you can also make use of the excellent parent discussion guide! We like this discussion guide because of how thorough and varied the advice it contains is. There’s a discussion section for parents, a question and prevention activities section for parents to use to engage their kids, and four different advice sections for how to talk to kids of all ages, from preschool to high school. New Castle United for Youth has arranged for a license through November 22 for Chappaqua parents to watch
Don’t Wait - use this form to take advantage of our license and receive access to the film and the parent discussion guide.
New Castle
Recreation & Parks Update
New Castle Recreation Basketball
New Castle Recreation is happy to announce that Recreation Basketball will return this year! Registration opens online Monday, November 1st at 10:00AM
THANKSGIVING MEALS AND GROCERIES FOR SENIORS
The New Castle Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with the Martin Bancroft Community, offers Thanksgiving meals and groceries to Seniors in need.
In addition, all Seniors are welcome to a Thanksgiving Luncheon at the Community Center on Wednesday, November 24th from 12-2pm.
RSVPs for the luncheon and requests for Thanksgiving meals or groceries delivered to your home must be received before November 10th, by calling the Community Center at 238-8888.
Donations and volunteers to cook for this Thanksgiving community program are also needed. Please contact Bess at 238-2093 or at bsteiger@mynewcastle.org
HAPPY THANKSGIVING ONE AND ALL!!
New Castle Senior Services
More Senior Program, Event & Service Information Available HERE
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.
November
11/17 -Arthur Ave, Bronx
December
12/1 -Danbury Mall & Christmas Tree Shop
All trips will leave from Town Hall at 10am and return to Town Hall by 4pm.
Masks must be worn at all times while on the bus
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.
Programs
Town Hall: Learn More and Contact Us
Town Hall Meetings and Board Packets
Agendas, supporting documents, and minutes for Board meetings:
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.
Do not be a bystander or passenger in your life and the future of the community you live. Whether your issue or concern is a local, county, state or national one, complaining or advocating from the sideline is only so valuable. Do not rely on or expect someone else to be your surrogate. Take responsibility and make it your personal obligation to vote early, send in an absentee ballot, or show up to the polls on election day. Your voice matters!
Help Wanted!
November 
Click here for Con Edison's Storm Central including outage location maps, storm preparation, and recovery tips!
