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SAFETY • Out of Harm’s Way around Buses • Why Bike Helmets are for Grown-ups too • Forward Thinking about Texting & Driving • Smart Questions to ask about Guns • Precautions on Behalf of our Precious Pets
Plus: Much More Assorted Safety Wisdom
Special Report: How our School District Addresses Bullying
2nd Annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival: September 27th
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Breaking into the New York City Market, William Raveis Announces 100th Office Together with Paul Purcell and Kathy Braddock, Raveis plans to open East 56th Street office William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance recently announced their latest venture: William Raveis New York City. Together with New York veterans Paul Purcell and Kathy Braddock, William Raveis plans to open its first office in New York City on July 1, 2014. “We’ve been waiting to enter New York City for a long time,” said Bill Raveis, chairman and chief executive officer of William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance. “Our business model offers a stark contrast from how things are typically done in New York. We believe that our brokers are our customers, and we are constantly innovating our own business so we can empower them to innovate their own.”
also thrilled to be working closely with Paul and Kathy as we start this new chapter. They know the New York City real estate market better than anyone.” Paul Purcell and Kathy Braddock have more than 50 years of combined experience in residential real estate. Most recently, they were the co-founders of Rutenburg Realty, and worked to turn the firm into the sixth-largest in New York City. Additionally, Paul and Kathy worked as president and general sales manager, respectively, for Douglas Elliman Real Estate. They also have a successful consulting firm, braddock + purcell.
“I have known Bill for almost 30 years,” said Paul Purcell, managing director of William Raveis New York City. “We worked together when William Raveis purchased Douglas Elliman’s Greenwich and Darien branches. Kathy and I were both Kathy Braddock Paul Purcell William Raveis William Raveis was founded Chairman and CEO Managing Director Managing Director impressed by how prepared the company was for the hand-off. in 1974 in Connecticut, but From the day we made the announcement it was a has since expanded to be the largest family-owned seamless transition.” real estate company in the Northeast, with offices in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, “We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response New Hampshire, New Jersey and Vermont. to the prospect of bringing William Raveis to the city,” said Kathy Braddock, managing director of The company prides itself on its unique approach William Raveis New York City. “Bill truly has an to the real estate industry, giving brokers the entrepreneurial spirit, and his philosophy of ‘the opportunity to form teams and brand themselves, agent is our customer’ is something that will be providing the chance to build their own business unique here. I think people are ready for a change, within the company. William Raveis also offers a and the concept of a family-owned business is real estate concierge service, a live call center that intriguing to a lot of people.” passes leads on to individual brokers. “New York City is undoubtedly a different market,” said Raveis. “That’s why we’re excited to bring a new business model to the brokers working here. We’re
The William Raveis New York City office is scheduled to open on July 1, 2014 and is located in Tower 56 at East 56th Street between Park and Lexington avenues.
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T HE M AGAZINE F OR N EW C A STLE AND B EYOND
Features
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Departments The INSIDE Scoop 4. Safe at Home! By Beth Besen
8. Happenings
• The 5th Annual Great Chappaqua Bake Sale How this great event continues to raise substantial 4. Join the Club Whether you’ve lived here for ages or are still unpack- funds to end childhood hunger. • “Second Saturday” workshop–for those going ing those moving boxes, the Chappaqua Neighbor’s Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival through divorce. Club has something for everyone. By Lowen McKay • Save the date for another Making Strides Join us Saturday, September 27th. Meet 80 popular authors. Boutique, Oct 18th. 7. Chappaqua Children’s Bookentertainment Festival–Take Enjoy fun food, children's activities, andTwo! great books. To 10am-4pm keep celebrating reading, is back with ever | Bell School | FreeCCBF Admission | CCBFESTIVAL.ORG Travel more popular authors and a host of special activities 11. Spa Bliss, Times Two! and fun promotions. By Dori Busell Relaxing, unwinding and bonding via a Girlfriend’s Getaway package at the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa. 15. Can Bullying be Beat? By Sherry Amatenstein and Grace Bennett For her Senior Experience at Greeley, Liora Fishman set out to tackle that tough question. 18. Up in Arms over Accidental Shootings Do ASK, do tell…the life you save may be your child’s. By Dawn Evans Greenberg 22. HANDS UP for Hands Up for Haiti A close up look at this locally supported overseas volunteer opportunity. By Lindsay Hand 27. The Original J-Dates Local Rabbis reflect on the meaning of the Jewish Holidays and in particular, religious tolerance. By Deobrah Notis 30. The Wheels on the Bus… Go ‘round and ‘round all over town (and beyond) and ever more safely. By Dan Levitz 32. Caution: Coyotes Ahead! With our smaller canine and cat companions at highest risk, experts remind us how we can all take extra care. By Eileen Gallagher
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“Safety First” Inside Thoughts
31. The Truth about Underage Drinking and “Host Parties” By Robert Romano 33. Spotlight on Fracking Dangers By Jessica Ruff 34. Why Bike Helmets are for Grownups too By Lydia Evans, M.D. 34. “Forward Thinking” that Helps Guard against Texting and Driving By Ben and Debbie Lieberman
35. Safety Wisdom from our Sponsors
Advice from all walks of life. Special thanks to: LifeWorx, Pools of Perfection, Music in Chappaqua, Mount Kisco Child Care Center, New Castle Physical Therapy, Jodi’s Gym and Dr. Alexandra Chan Katz.
Et Cetera
40. Trapeze Act The art and finer points of risk management. By Randi Brosterman
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Sept/Oct 2014 • Volume 11, Number 8
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Inside ChappaquaTM is published six to eight times a year, and is owned and operated by The Inside Press, Inc. Mailing address: PO Box 643, Millwood, NY 10546. Phone Number: 914-238-2600. Copyright © 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Reproduction of any portion is prohibited without permission from the publisher.
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T he I N S I D E S coop
Safe at Home! Safe zone. Safety-sealed. Safe place. Better safe than sorry. Safe and sound. Have a safe trip. To be on the safe side. Safe at home! These Beth Besen are just a few of the phrases we blithely scatter in conversation with regards to keeping ourselves and our loved ones out of harm’s way. We use them as heartfelt good wishes, but usually without any real expectation that anything will go awry. What if such weren’t the case? What if we literally had to hold our breath until we heard that loved ones had arrived somewhere “safe and sound”? Such is the unfortunate reality that confronts too many people in too many places in today’s world. I shudder when reading and listening to headline news, and give thanks for my
many freedoms and my safety. And so, as I sit staring at my laptop, hoping to find the perfect turn of phrase that will provoke thought and discussion about this topic, I realize that my blank screen and quiet home office speak volumes. Outside, the summer birds chirp and the bees buzz; inside, my fan hums and my dear old dog snores softly nearby. My children are squared away with local summer jobs, my husband is ever-hopeful he’ll be home in time for a round of late golf. Are there complaints? Of course there are. We worry about the weather and gripe our way through the hassles of everyday living. From traffic and train delays to cancelled appointments and interrupted vacations, curve balls inevitably come our way. But we recognize, even as we kvetch and moan, that these are “first-world” problems. And yet! And yet even in our first world “Chappaqua Bubble,” all curve balls are not created equal… Some of us have suffered rural paradise losses when beloved pets succumbed
to wild animals. Others have felt the sting of an unexpected anti-Semitic slur. Though many of us move here for the renowned Chappaqua schools, sometimes the fit is far from ideal and our kids become a target for bullies. And, speaking of kids, what about the serious consequences and ramifications regarding underage drinking? One could argue that, while this is an ongoing cross-demographics issue, it is nonetheless made worse in our suburban car-culture. Add to that the undisputed uptick in distracted driving (by adults and kids alike) and our roads are, without a doubt, more dangerous than ever. These topics, and a variety of other safety concerns and well-being articles, are the focus of this issue. I hope they give you pause. I hope they spark a conversation between family and friends. I hope they both inspire you to be more aware, and also give you a few new tools to reassure your family’s comfort and safety. Peace,
Beth
Come Join the Chappaqua Neighbors Club The Chappaqua Neighbors Club has been a vibrant part of the community for a very long time. Anyone can join the club that has almost 140 members and welcomes women of all ages.
By Lowen McKay
Our friendships run deep. Twice a year, we all meet together for a fine dining luncheon experience. Our monthly Club newsletter lets us know about important upcoming dates. Membership dues are only $25 a year and help cover different expenses.
The club has several special interest groups that meet frequently and new groups are added as interest is raised. Each member can attend The Chappaqua Neighbors Club any activity or meet with any group has a special feeling of friendship on a regular basis or as often as The WOCAS walking group gathering at the George Wash- and an unending sense of fun. It’s a their schedule permits. If you are a club that offers a variety of both difington Bridge Bus Station Exhibit in Upper Manhattan. games enthusiast, come play Bridge, ferent and interesting things to do. Canasta or Mah-Jongg. Monthly And the best part is that you get to month. Also, WOCAS is an enthusicultural outings include museums, do them with a group of women who astic group whose mission is to walk walking tours, or visits to historic sites. every street in Manhattan. have a zest for life and who are there For baseball fans, see a game at Yankee when you need some kind thoughts or stadium. The Book Group discusses a deeds. The Chappaqua Neighbors Twig is diverse selection of fiction and nonone of the service arms whose memfiction books. Our bird watching group bers volunteer at the Thriftree Shop for Lowen McKay, a longtime local resident is guided by an Ornithologist from the and IBM retiree, is honored to be Presithe benefit of the Northern WestchesSaw Mill River Audubon Society. See a ter Hospital. The Quilting group makes dent of the Chappaqua Neighbors Club movie on a Tuesday afternoon. Sewing, quilts for veterans and Blythedale and can be contacted at: needlepoint, and other hand goods are Children’s Hospital. And, Helpline is lowenmckay@optonline.net made at cozy gatherings. Enjoy lunch there to help any member who is going at a different nearby restaurant each through a difficult time. 4 Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014
September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 5
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Excitement Soars for the 2014 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival By Dori Busell
The second annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on September 27 at Bell promises to build on the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event; about 80 popular children and young adult authors are scheduled to meet and mingle with their fans, sign books and read excerpts. A special promotion with Hall of Scoops will create a CCBF special flavor to be sold during September with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the event. “We took a short break to catch our breath following last year’s event but fairly quickly began all the planning to make the 2014 festival an event that can’t be topped,” said Dawn Greenberg, CCBF’s executive director. Just some of the new authors attending to keep an eye out for at the 2014 Festival: Diane deGroat: Diane deGroat is the illustrator of more than 120 children’s books and the author-illustrator of bestselling books about Gilbert, including Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! (Gilbert Goes Green); Last One in Is a Rotten Egg!; and the New York Times bestseller Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink. Notably, deGroat is a former Chappaqua resident and spent many years volunteering at Roaring Brook;s library, which helped mold her stories and illustrations.
’s Book Festival
“Being surrounded by thousands of children’s books was like Christmas in a candy shop!” offered Diane deGroat. “I shelved and checked out books, but I also worked as “a spy” as I observed current gestures, attire and conversation among the elementary population.”
Meet 80 popular authors. tertainment and great books. ssion | CCBFESTIVAL.ORG Christopher Healy: There’s a
lot you don’t know about Prince Charming, at least according to Christopher Healy, author of the Hero’s Guide trilogy: The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle, and The Hero’s Guide to Being an Outlaw. Each book, targeted to grades 3-7, follows four different Prince Charmings after their well-known fairy tales end and the comedic adventures that occur after the happily ever after.
Peter Lerangis: Peter Lerangis is the author of more than 160 children’s and young adult fiction books, which have sold more than five million copies and been translated into 30 different languages. He is best known for the Seven Wonder series and author of two books in The 39 Clues series. His novel Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am, a collaboration with Harry Mazer, won the 2013 Schneider Award, presented by the American Library Association “for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for adolescent audiences,” and it was selected for the 2013 Best Fiction for Young Adults list. Janet Taylor Lisle: Janet Taylor Lisle has published 16 novels for children and young adults, including Afternoon of the Elves, a Newbery Honor book and The Art of Keeping Cool, which won the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Lisle turned to adult non-fiction in 2010, publishing a history of her early New England town, Little Compton: First Light Sakonnet, 16601820. A second volume, A Home By the Sea, 1820-1950, appeared in 2012.She lives with her husband in Little Compton, Rhode Island. Doreen Rappaport: Doreen Rappaport is an award-winning author of 48 fiction and non-fiction children’s books that celebrate multiculturalism, the retelling of folktales and myths, history, the lives of world leaders and the stories of those she calls ‘not-yetcelebrated.’ Her books have received critical acclaim and awards for her unique ability to combine historical facts with intimate storytelling, and for finding ‘new ways to present the lives of well-known heroes‚’ like Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller and the Statue of Liberty. Steve Sheinkin: Steve Sheinkin is the award-winning author of several exciting books on American history for young adults. His 2012 title BOMB: The Race to Build and Steal the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon, was awarded a Newbery Honor, won the Sibert Medal, the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, and was a finalist for
September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 7
HAPPENINGS the National Book Award. His book The Notorious Benedict Arnold won both the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction and the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for nonfiction. Robin Wasserman: Robin Wasserman is a young adult author of the Seven Deadly Sins, Cold Awakenings and Chasing Yesterday series. She also authored the Candy Apple series about surviving middle school. Robin lives in Brooklyn. Dori Busell provides strategic communications counsel and media relations support to Fortune 1000 companies through her co., DK Strategic Communications. Dori lives in Chappaqua with her husband and two young children.
Second Saturday
Divorce Workshop Meet a group of professionals who will address the legal, financial, family and personal issues of divorce in a logical and compassionate way. With the guidance of trained professionals, participants can gain a greater understanding of the confusing divorce process. The next workshop is
Saturday-September 13th, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.,
and will continue the 2nd Saturday of every month. Cost is $45. 100% of proceeds will support the not-for-profit, Wife.org. Where: Workshops will be held at 100 South Bedford Road, Suite 340, Mount Kisco. To register or for more information email: mishelle@secondsaturdaywestchester.com Visit www.secondsaturdaywestchester.com to learn more
The Great Chappaqua Bake Sale Celebrates its 5th Year Having raised more than $50,000 for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, The Great Chappaqua Bake Sale (GCBS) is celebrating its 5th anniversary raising money to fight childhood hunger on Saturday, September 27, at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. In honor of Year Five, the GCBS will kick off a week-long promotion, ‘Share Our Fight with Five’ with local business partners that have
ucts and services year after year to support this cause,” says Holly Blum, Jessica Reinmann and Allison Spiegel, the GCBS co-chairs. The GCBS Bake Sale Raffle and tickets will be available for purchase online beginning in early September and at the children’s book festival on September 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bell School. This year’s raffle includes prize packages donated by 75 businesses and counting and is valued currently at more than $15,000. supported the bake sale since it began Money raised from the GCBS funds in 2010. meals programs in New York State. In New York, 22% of kids struggle HOP FOR A CAUSE MAKING STRIDES BOUTIQUE TheMAKING new ‘Share Our STRIDES Fight with 5’ with hunger. Since 2011, the No Kid SHOP FOR A CAUSE BOUTIQUE OCTOBER 18th, 10AM TO 3PM • GIFTS, RAFFLES AND M ORE promotion will spotlight several deHungry network has helped bring voted business partners that will offer more than 34 million additional meals A CAUSESHOP MAKING STRIDES BOUTIQUE customers CAUSE MAKING STRIDES BOUTIQUE who need O C T O B EFOR R 1 8 t hA , 10 AM TO 3 P M •a special G I F TGCBS S , Rpromotional AFF L E S Ato N kids D M OR E them–including 1.1 item and donate 5% of the proceeds million additional meals in New York. AKING STRIDES BOUTIQUE F L E S A N D Mfrom BOUTIQUE the sale of that item to GCBS. 1OR 8 t h , 1 0A A M CAUSE T O 3 P M • G I F T S , R A FMAKING O R ESTRIDES The campaign is focused on expandThe promotion will begin on Saturday, breakfast and free EORR E1 8 t h , 1 0 A M T O 320. P M • G I F T S , R A F Fing L Eaccess S meals AtoNschool DandMhas Oalso R Eempow• G I F T S , R A FO F LC E STAO N DBM September summer E R 1 8 t h , 1 0 A M T O 3 P M • G I F T S , R A F F L E S A N D M O R Eered more than 10,000 New York The GCBS and raffle “have been a families with the skills, knowledge and huge success thanks to the generous confidence to prepare healthy, affordsupport of the local business commumeals through the Cooking Mat3PM • GIFTS, RAFFLES AND MORE nity, which donates baked goods, prod- able ters program.
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Girlfriend Bonding at the new “Three Stories” at Saybrook Point Inn and Spa By Sherry Amatenstein and Grace Bennett And there we wereAfter our spa de-dancing on a gently bauchery, there seemed rocking private yacht no other option than under the most amaze more licentiousness– balls sunset ever wityup, we made our way nessed (seriously!), cups to the hot tub and let of Pinot Grigio in our the water luxuriously hands. Does this sound massage away whatever like the most romantic sentient thoughts we evening ever? It was, still possessed. but of the platonic kind. We are old friends who Eventually, we had yearned for a time climbed out, showered to reconnect. and prepared ourselves for being on top of the Lucky for us, we water–bobbing to the were invited to sample beat of the gentle waves a Girlfriends Getaway on the 56’ luxury yacht Dining at “Fresh Salt” outside the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa Package at Saybrook Real Escape, www.chara place we could easily have whiled Point Inn and Spa, www.saybrook.com, termotoryacht.com, to enjoy a wild pink away all our hours if there wasn’t so the 25-year-old lush haven located at and purple striped sunset that left us, much we wanted to see and do. We the mouth of the Connecticut River well, spiritually spent! played pool in the lower level Yale in historic Old Saybrook. In a prior Room (one of us whupped the other!), incarnation, the 82-room Inn was a The next morning we resolved large hotel and entertainment complex and drank cocktails over a game of to rouse every inch of our mutual with helipad hosting the likes of Frank chess by the fireplace in the first floor willpower to get off-property and living room. We couldn’t resist munch- sightsee the environs. This could only Sinatra and Ted Kennedy. These days it’s a genteel, award-winning cushy yet ing on fresh fruit or the delicious be accomplished after a (insert your homemade muffins that mysteriously cozy spot where the major stargazing own superlative) Sunday Brunch at kept appearing on a large wooden is accomplished by looking skyward. the Inn’s four-diamond star restaurant table by the kitchen. Fresh Salt. Brunch included every Our ‘home’ for two precious nights After one too many was Saybrook’s regal and spanking muffins, we found the new “Three Stories,” located across motivation to walk the street from the Inn. This sumacross the street to the mer, after a three-year, $250 million Inn proper to hit the fitrenovation, the 19th-century Victoness center. More accurian Italianate estate turned Bazooka rately, to indulge at the Joe bubble gum colored, eight-room newly renovated, state guesthouse opened. There was a new of the art Sanno Spa. paint smell and cozy patio furniture The spa has 11 treaton the rooftop fire patio where one of ment rooms, a Swiss us kept traipsing out to read, instead shower, and indulgent being lulled into a snooze. treatments that feel like an orgy of muffins for The rooms (each with a private The amazing “Kate” suite at the spectacular Three Stories, a new your face and body. balcony) at Three Stories are named accommodation, which opened in July. for prominent Old Saybrook residents We luxuriated, respecsuch as Katherine Houghton Heptively, in the marine-based treatburn–the famed actress’ mother and thing from crepe and omelet making ment “Ocean Memory” and “The a suffragette–and Anna Louise James, stations to a raw bar, entrees and fresh Kate”–the spa’s relaxing signature the first female African-American carved roasts and dips. Even preritual so named as an ironic salute to pharmacist in Connecticut. indulging in a decadent desert spread, La Hepburn who was an intimidating we grabbed some to-die-for croissants presence for decades in the nearby Three Stories felt like much more that gave Three Stories’ muffins a run than your typical outpost of any main beach hamlet Fenwick. for their money! resort inn. It was a retreat unto itself,
September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 11
bathhouse and showers and the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, www.katharinehepburntheater. org, aka The Kate, chosen as the Best Small Theater in New England. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Kate offers tours as well as an eclectic mix of Sunset over the Long Island Sound on a Real Escape Yacht Cruise entertainment--Neil Shockingly still able to button our Simon, chamber music, the Nitty Grity shorts we headed to the car to explore Dirt Band. The 250 theater sets here the historic towns along Connecticut’s are red, the indomitable actress’ fastoried shoreline. Indeed, the Convorite color. necticut River has been referred to as the backbone of New England. We North of Old Saybrook is ‘younger could have rented bikes but one of us sister’ Essex, settled in 1648. There are can’t ride one sans training wheels. nearly 15 miles of sidewalks dotted Don’t ask us who. with impeccably-preserved Colonial era homes, the Essex Steam Train & Old Saybrook, circa 1635, boasts Riverboat www.essexsteamtrain.com more than 100 historic homes, such (toot, toot!), The Connecticut River as the General William Hart House, Museum, www.ctrivermuseum.org, which offers tours (860-395-1635). which hosts many events along the Other highlights include Harvey’s water, including a Fall Gala September Beach, the shallow water town beach, 20th, and the iconic Griswold Inn, NCPT Ad 2.10 rd1_Layout 1 2/25/10 5:51 AM Page 1 www.oldsaybrookrec.com, replete with www.griswoldinn.com, opened in 1776
where we succumbed–sigh!–to eating and imbibing once again. Another must-visit seaside town is Guilford, settled in 1639, home to The Guilford Fairgrounds, www.guilfordfair.org, a hub for summer activities such as the annual fair to be held September 19th to 21st, and Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market & Winery, www.bishopsorchards.com, a family-run business since 1871. For us though, ultimately, there was no place like home, Three Stories, where we ended our idyll as it began-on the front porch with steaming coffee, and yes, a muffin for the road during which serious girl talk ensued. The short drive to and from Westchester made reaching and returning from girlfriend bonding nirvana a snap. While it felt tragic to leave, please don’t despair for us–we will be back! Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW, is an author, therapist, journalist, writing professor and lover of travel and, of course, friendship! Her website is www.marriedfaq.com Grace Bennett is Publisher and Editor of Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines.
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Tackling Bullying
A Greeley High School “Senior Experience” Report By Liora Fishman Nonetheless, regardless of its prevalence in the community, “this is not a perfect world and schools need to be proactive in this area,” explained Seven Bridges Principal Mike Kirsch. It is important to be united against this issue, have a protocol to follow, and a definition of bullying so that we can properly identify and react to it. And that we do.
When I was in the ninth grade, I went to an assembly. It was early in the year, and I was beginning to settle into the looping hallways and brick exterior of Horace Greeley High School. At the assembly, students were shown a movie that was supposed to be a moving and empowering testament to the dangers of bullying and the power of kindness, but all I remembered as I walked out of the gym where these school-wide assemblies took place were bodies of students splayed across a library floor and students trampling each other to clear a crowded cafeteria as gunshots rung through the air. At this assembly, we were shown footage of the infamous 1999 school shooting, the Columbine High School Massacre.
“Bullying is something that is generally done repeatedly, but it is also true that one serious event can be considered bullying too.” –Andrew Selesnick There must have been some message, some powerful meaning to the showing of this movie. But I missed it completely. I am lucky because Greeley was, and still is, one of the places I feel the safest at. As I’ve ascended through Chappaqua schools, I have been treated with nothing but kindness from my classmates and teachers. But what did I take away from this film? Be nice to people who are different from you. They could be dangerous. I understood–then and now–how inadequate this message was, and that in all likelihood, the filmmakers had a different point that I could not see: after all, the footage of Columbine was only part of the movie, not the whole film. It shouldn’t have to be this way. Students should not have to be “scared straight,” terrified into acting kindly towards one another.
Editor’s Note: Contributor Liora Fishman, pictured here, used her “Senior Experience” at Horace Greeley High School to explore the Chappaqua School District’s viewpoints and policies surrounding the topic of bullying, and to explore what to do about bullying in general. Inside Chappaqua was thrilled to pick up Liora’s report for our “Safety First” edition.
The Limits of “Scared Straight” Our country’s media coverage of events like these is relentlessly the same, and often in such situations, this “scared straight” method seems like the only way to get the message across. It goes without saying that reactions to bullying have evolved in unimaginable, horrific ways; shootings and suicides have been triggered by such events. But the media rarely asks pertinent questions: What was the school doing to prevent this in the first place? What can we do? Thus, for many, bullying has become a bit of a cliché, and after a while, anti bullying campaigns fail to resonate with the target audience: kids. Assistant Superintendent for Leadership Development and Human Resources Andrew Selesnick states that it is “challenging for students to understand how serious [bullying] can really be.”
According to the district’s “Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention Policy,” bullying has the “same meaning as harassment.” Harassment involves the maltreatment of a student for a host of difference reasons: gender, sex, race, and weight, to name a few. If this treatment creates a hostile environment in which the student does not feel safe at school, it meets the district definition of bullying. Principal Martin Fitzgerald, of Robert E. Bell Middle School cites “persistence, exclusion, and power imbalance” as common keywords or factors in definitions of the term. “Conflict is not the same as bullying, nor should it be treated that way…sometimes, if it is treated in this manner, it can even exacerbate the conflict,” said Fitzgerald, but he notes that exceptions are made for “egregious issues or situations.” Although harassment is often thought as persistent offensive behavior, the district amends this definition for non-traditional situations. “Bullying is something that is generally done repeatedly, but it is also true that one serious event can be considered bullying too,” said Selesnick. The policy also includes that these acts of bullying can be both verbal and non-verbal. “Exclusion is often the most powerful form of bullying,” added Selesnick. In addition to his daily responsibilities, Selesnick is also the Dignity for All Students Act District Coordinator.The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) is state law enacted in 2012 that provides a uniform protocol when taking action against or in prevention
September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 15
of bullying. It was created to make schools a safer place for everyone–faculty, students, and visitors–because the ramifications of bullying have proved to impact not only the victim and the bully but entire communities. Students have taken their lives, or taken the lives of others–naturally, the state was inclined to act. “It is a preventative measure,” explained Selesnick, “in reaction to some tragedies throughout the state. We have to do something to make sure that everyone is doing what they can to create a safe environment.” When Aiming for Dignity DASA assigns Dignity Act Coordinators to each school. In the Chappaqua School System, these Coordinators are the assistant principals at each school. These administrators go through a training process to ensure the implementation of this policy according to state requirements, and have responsibilities that include investigation and handling of the complaint process. “Every building has a DASA coordinator, and if a student does not know anyone they can go to, that’s the person who will help them and investigate further regarding the situation.” Yet, bullying has evolved from its stereotypical meaning of physical or verbal intimidation. The most common form of bullying seen today is called “relational bullying. It is a type of intimidation that often includes passive-aggression, spreading rumors, or exclusion. It is a type of bullying that most people experience at points in their lives, and even the type of bullying that people exercise. It is less blatant, and more discreet, and even ingrained in social codes and cues. With the advent of technology like smart phones, relational bullying is easier to engage in because “the ability to communicate verbally has become minimal. We are missing eye contact, body language, and voice intonation,” said Amy Valentin, a Horace Greeley High School social worker. This often creates a more complex understanding of the issue, and greater obstacles in tackling the global problem. More often, we have opportunities to write things we would not say to someone in person. Even more pressing is that more often, victims of bullying cannot escape the situation-it follows them home too.
The Impact of a Cyber World “The Internet creates a world where the students can feel totally unsupervised,” said Selesnick. Yet, contrary to popular belief, the school can get involved in these cyberbullying cases. “If this bullying that takes place on the Internet begins to interfere with life at school, when a student is uncomfortable being in school, and it interferes with the school day…that is an opportunity for school involvement.”
Yet, in spite of all the buzz surrounding the issue, there is only so much the school district can do to combat it. Fundraisers and campaigns can only go so far, especially with its overpowering presence in the media. “Meanness exists in our culture. We go to the movies and see people being made fun of,” said Selesnick. “In addition, meanness also exists in the media. How do we minimize something that is so prevalent in our culture?”
However, for all the grief the “cyber world” has brought upon students and adults in terms of intimidation and bullying, it has had its benefits, as well. The Internet has propelled bul-
The Tie to Human Rights “How do we teach empathy?” posed Amy Valentin. It seems like an impossible feat especially to older students. This is precisely what organizations like the White Plains-based Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center addresses. Through annual events for high schoolers, the HHREC holds small-group workshops that discuss injustices such as bullying–but from a different perspective. “We talk to kids about bullying through larger topics such as prejudice, genocide, and hunger,” said Millie Jasper, Executive Director of the HHREC. “We then approach it from a lot of different angles.”
lying into a spotlight, and as a result, has driven actions against bullying, and increased consciousness of it. “We’re a lot more aware of [bullying],” said Fitzgerald. “Much of that came through the power of the Internet-obviously, not in the way one might hope it would, but now we can see the documentation of these encounters.” Such awareness has spurred student run anti-bullying campaigns around Westchester County schools. At Croton Harmon High School, the students launched a campaign called “Words Last Forever”–a program that encourages students to think before speaking, and to avoid judging others before taking the time to talk to them. Similarly, at Harrison High School, students were shown award-winning movie Bully and launched a fundraiser, the first annual “Upstanders Walk,” to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center.
16 Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014
Although much of this change lies in the hand of the students, Jasper considers administrators and teachers of equal, or even greater importance when attempting to minimize bullying. “If the administration and teachers do not buy into an anti-bullying campaign, it won’t happen,” said Jasper. I believe in Chappaqua that teachers and administrators are universally united against bullying, and have taken preventative measures and actions to minimize risk. Fitzgerald cites “the climate and culture of a school, the ideals, such as trying to be a community, being more accepting, understanding, tolerant” as attributes integral to a safe, comfortable school environment where bullying can be reduced. These attributes are emphasized in the classroom, where we promote collaboration, and help kids find their place in our school.” “The Bell 4Core” Unifying Students Although this teaching style has become increasingly the norm across many classrooms and schools, Bell takes it further with its regular assemblies coordinated by Fitzgerald which emphasize kindness and compassion, and the “Bell 4Core.” It is a mission
statement of sorts that underscores four ideals that the school values and promotes. These “core” values unify the students: empathy, self regulation, respect, and perseverance. A visitor can see signs hanging throughout the building and in classrooms in which these characteristics are inscribed. With the Bell 4Core to help, Fitzgerald hopes to “get away from the pessimism of bullying and focus more closely on amplifying community, collaboration, and dialogue.”
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Similarly, in Seven Bridges Middle School, there are organized advisory-curriculums and assemblies that address the issue. Furthermore, through peer-leadership positions, students are able to assume a critically important role of responsibility in the community. “We have an advisory program that meets twice monthly to address issues of civility and to develop a sense of community,” said Kirsch. “Our students raise awareness by making posters that are displayed in the school. Eighth graders, as peer leaders, speak with all students about civility and appropriate treatment of others.” Evolving Attitudes These awareness and action-oriented programs have undoubtedly made an impact on students. Despite the constant changes within bullying culture–from physical violence, to cyberbullying and implicit exclusion–students’ attitudes have evolved, too. “I find students today are considerably more tolerant and sensitive than they have been in the past. Differences are more frequently celebrated than scorned,” said Kirsch. However, the only way we can truly minimize bullying culture in schools is to practice kindness and compassion in our everyday life. This is not limited to the playground or the classroom, but to the home, as well. Bullying does not necessarily stop when we leave school property: if we allow it, it will follow victims throughout their lives, leaving a burden no one should have to bear. Although these vehement anti-bullying campaigns feel relatively new, administrators emphasize that this type of education is here to stay. “This will be the work that we do for as long as we work in schools. We are always going to be working on compassion and kindness,” said Selesnick, “But this is also about the whole community and culture being aware…it is not an issue where the school stands alone. This is a joint mission.” Liora Fishman is a 2014 Greeley graduate who will be attending Barnard College in New York City this fall. As one of the 2013-2014 editor-in-chiefs of The Horace Greeley Tribune, she cultivated a love for writing and journalism that has led her to write for local publications such as Inside Chappaqua and The Examiner.
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Questions Save Lives – ASK Yours! By Dawn Greenberg
When local mom Anna* routinely dropped her toddler at a sitter’s home, it never occurred to her to ask about guns. The sitter came highly recommended, had been diligent about discussing food allergies and even kept her pets in a separate area of the home. Only when Anna read about an accidental shooting between two toddlers in North Carolina did it occur to her to approach the sitter and ask whether there were any firearms in the house. Expecting to be reassured that guns were not an issue, Anna was shocked when the sitter readily admitted that three guns were in the home but "put away where the children couldn't get to them." After a few sleepless nights, and well aware that, had she not asked, there’d be no changes to her or her toddler’s routine, Anna decided to find a new sitter for her child. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry.
visiting a friend when the unimaginable occurred– said friend accidentally shot Nicholas in the head while playing with his father's unlocked and loaded handgun. Following this preventable tragedy, Oksana started to advocate for a law that would require the safe storage of guns in the home; the proposed law, Nicholas’ Bill (S.7822/A.8293), is named for her son.
Nicholas Naumkin, for whom the proposed Nicholas’ Bill is named.
That is why, over the last three years, as mass shootings have stunned and frightened the public, many gun safety groups have come together to address a related problem that is sometimes overlooked: the accidental shootings of children, often in their own homes.
Stories like Anna’s aren’t often widely shared first-hand. They’re the heard-from-a-friend-of-a-friend anecdotes that moms and dads tell one another when they meet for coffee, head to the park or stand on the sidelines at soccer games. When these cautionary tales ARE shared more directly, it’s too often because something unimaginable, something that should never have happened actually did.
According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were at least 140 unintentional firearm deaths for people aged 0-19 in 2011. However, the actual numbers appear to be much higher. A New York Times report from September 2013 revealed that accidental shootings are seriously under-reported: “The undercount stems from the peculiarities by which medical examiners and coroners make their ‘manner of death’ rulings. Choosing among five options–homicide, accidental, suicide, natural or undetermined–most medical examiners and coroners simply call any death in which one person shoots another a homicide. These rulings can be wildly inconsistent…Even self-inflicted shootings that are clearly accidental… can wind up classified as homicides.” Saratoga Springs resident Oksana Naumkin knows all too well the nightmare of losing a child to accidental gunfire. On December 22nd of 2010, her 12-year-old son Nicholas was
18 Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014
Twenty-eight states plus the District of Columbia have some form of safe storage law, but, as of press-time, New York State does not. We are fortunate in that Westchester County (along with New York City) does have safe storage laws. Still, we would all benefit from a state-wide passage of Nicholas’ Bill. The New York State Coalition for the Prevention of Child Access to Guns is comprised of over forty organizations around the state that have joined Oksana in advocating for Nicholas’ Bill. There is something else concerned parents can do right now: ASK. The ASK campaign–Asking Saves Kids–offers a very simple solution to a tricky social situation.
Because children die from gun injuries, and many of these deaths are due to accidental and avoidable shootings.
Basically, and per its acronym, ASK suggests that all parents sending their children to another person’s home for a play date (or anywhere one may have concerns or questions) simply ask if guns are on premises and whether (if they are) they are securely stored. If the answer makes anyone uncomfortable, the play date should then be renegotiated so that all parties feel comfortably satisfied. A Chappaqua dad who keeps several guns for sport explained that his weapons are stored in a gun safe anchored both to the floor and wall with
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*Names and defining characteristics have been changed. Dawn Greenberg is an eight-year Chappaqua resident and the Executive Director and founder of the Chappaqua Children's Book Festival. She's a member of Million Mom March/Northern Westchester chapter. She always asks about guns where her eight and 11-year-old boys play.
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THE COLUMNS - A classic circa 1927 Colonial set on 9.6 acres overlooking WHIPPOORWILL BEAUTY - Exquisitely renovated by owner/designer. Stunning the Kisco River. This private retreat features a beautifully updated main house offering eight spacious bedrooms, five fireplaces, two cottages, sparkling pool, pool house, tennis/ basketball court, two-hole golf course and a Lord and Burnham greenhouse. Total luxury. WEB# CQ1084556 Chappaqua $3,270,000
cooks kitchen, family/media room, formal living and dining rooms, four fireplaces and one-of-a-kind master bedroom suite with spa bath. Three-car garage. Beautifully sited on over an acre bordering preserve with Whippoorwill Lake rights. WEB# CQ1096435 Chappaqua $2,300,000
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Local Market Leadership. World Wide Network. Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014 THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE SINCE 1888.
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SPECTACULAR HIDDEN GEM - This stunning Villa offers an incomparable blend of artisanship, luxury and comfort. Meticulously detailed interior highlighted by lavish millwork, and arched entryways. Exquisite grounds with multiple flagstone patios and front stone wall with gate leading to pond. Tranquil setting, yet close distance to town and train station. WEB# CQ1086759 Chappaqua $1,795,000
WHIPPOORWILL CHARM - A stone pillared entry welcomes you to this beautifully appointed Center Hall Colonial. Updated kitchen, three custom fireplaces, extensive millwork, built-ins and moldings. Level park-like property, tea gardens, slate patios and deck. Minutes to restaurants, shopping and all amenities offered by Chappaqua and Mt. Kisco. WEB# CQ1081324 Chappaqua $1,549,000
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with New York City loft vibe capturing the ultimate in luxury and lifestyle. Immaculately maintained and designed. WEB# CQ892266 Chappaqua $1,850,000
bedroom Colonial features a spacious classic floor plan, high ceilings, hardwood floors and abundant storage. WEB# CQ1091150 Chappaqua $1,550,000
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GRACIOUS LIVING - Renovated Tudor blends pre-war charm with modern conveniences. Chef’s kitchen, family room and master suite addition. Oak and slate floors, original $879,000 detailing. WEB# CQ905233 Chappaqua
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features refinished hardwood floors, remodeled baths and updated kitchen. Set in cul-de-sac neighborhood, close to all. WEB# CQ1083745 Chappaqua $868,500
Source: HGMLS, 1/1/2014 – 6/30/2014, all properties, total volume and units sold by office, zone 2 Chappaqua School district
September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 21
Making A Difference, One Trip At A Time How Hands Up For Haiti is Changing Lives by Lindsay Hand Formed shortly after the 2010 earthquake, Hands Up For Haiti (HUFH) has made extraordinary progress in bringing much-needed medical supplies and help to the devastated country, as well as teaching natives important life-saving concepts. The non-profit organization is a self-proclaimed “medical humanitarian organization committed to improving the Dr. Jane Alyce Hunt sees patients at Open Door Clinic. quality and sustainability of health care in northern Haiti.” Initially founded by Mount Through the continued efforts of Kisco Medical Group doctor and now doctors, nurses, students, and volorganization president Jill Ratner unteers, the organization has made along with several others from Northa huge difference in one of the most ern Westchester, the group wanted medically challenged countries in the to be on the ground to help after the world. As Ratner explained, “When January 12, 2010 earthquake ravaged you work in Haiti, you are given the the developing nation. gift to see your own life in different terms. All people deserve an equal opRatner was tireless, contacting portunity to lead fulfilling and healthy colleagues through the American lives. It is our goal to try to right the Academy of Pediatrics, and with supinequality that exists, one person at a port from both the local community time, through promoting improvement in ongoing care.” Almost 200 people are now involved, most of whom have traveled to Haiti as volunteers numerous times. In the past four years alone, HUFH has facilitated 29 trips to the country and treated over 6,000 patients. In June 2014, HUFH sent 17 people, its largest group ever. Their destinations included Cap Haitien, Bwa de Lance, and Bord de Limonade. The volunDr. Josette Romain at Bod de Limonade outreach. teers “worked nonstop,” said Ratner. “They were triaging patients, starting IVs, assisting the and MKMG, she organized a team to doctors, and distributing and administravel to northern Haiti. After that tering medication.” trip, their goals became clearer and the organization incorporated and None of this is easy, as for the most gained non-profit status. According to part patients are seen and treated in Ratner, “we recognized that our goals deserted churches and cramped clinics were to facilitate clinical trips, incorwithout electricity and running water. porate teaching and new technologies In addition, the volunteers prepared to be shared with Haitian doctors and and delivered “community lectures” for nurses, and to bring much needed and to the people waiting outside. equipment to facilities on the ground.” 22 Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014
Riley de Jong, a Hunter College nursing student and Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corp. EMT who recently went on her first trip with HUFH, recalled a poignant day when she made the important decision to bring an extremely malnourished three-year-old boy directly to one of the doctors. “That day it really didn’t feel like much of an accomplishment,” she said. “I felt a little helpless, seeing this little boy suffering right in front of my eyes from severe malnutrition. It just seemed so unfair. However, looking back now, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Our team provided him with more assistance than he would have ever seen.” While the organization’s efforts are greatly appreciated by the Haitians, the effect of these trips on the HUFH volunteers is profound. “This work is a labor of love and each person involved has felt that they gain more than they give. It crystalizes for myself and others why we went into health care in the first place, and the satisfaction that it brings to help another human being,” said Ratner. De Jong couldn’t agree more. “Haiti is one of the most beautiful countries you will find, full of beautiful people, beautiful mountains and beautiful smiles. Once you go, you too will fall in love with the country and its people–it is inevitable!” Hands Up For Haiti will no doubt continue to do unparalleled work in the country. As Ratner explained, “Once you have been to Haiti, you cannot walk away. It stays with you every day of your life. It is the people who have nothing and yet are so grateful for anything you can do for them that keep you constantly engaged. It is the camaraderie of working with so many people who are like-minded and determined, and willing to spend their time just trying to make things better.” For more information visit www.handsupforhaiti.org. Two-time Inside Chappaqua Guest Editor Lindsay Hand is an incoming freshman at Cornell University.
Happy New Year, Chappaqua! Make it a sweet one!
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CSSP Alumna Pays It Forward By Kate Stone Lombardi
She was 15 years old when she left home in the South Bronx and boarded a train for Chappaqua. Taralyn Frasqueri-Molina was heading to her first summer as a Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program (CSSP) student. She was excited, nervous and remembers being struck by the density of trees. At the time, she’d never been north of White Plains.
Other CSSP alumni have volunteered, served on the Board, and supported the organization, but TL’s gift was a particular delight. “I was overwhelmed by her generosity, thoughtfulness and commitment and caring to our program and students,” commented Diane Albert, Chair of CSSP.
stay in CSSP. “She was big on education,” TL explained. TL’s path hasn’t always been straightforward. After graduating from Ithaca College, she sampled several careers. TL taught martial arts. She went to the Los Angeles Police Department police academy, but decided against becoming an officer. She worked at a temp agency. After a stint
Now fast forward to this summer, 22 years later. Taralyn (who prefers her nickname “TL”) is chatting from her Taralyn Frasqueri-Molina cell phone in Los Angeles. An earlier conversation had been postponed–she was busy bidding on one of the biggest contracts of her career. By the time we connected, TL, an independent contractor, had won the job and would be working on a digital project for Disney. But before describing her work as a woman of color in the male-dominated technology field, her career path, or even her transformation from a girl who grew up in the projects in the Bronx to a businesswoman in LA, TL wanted to talk about CSSP.
Ari Bennett Photo In a keynote address to the 2014 graduates of the Chappaqua Summer Scholarship program, Secretary Clinton first offered a formula for personal success. She then emphasized the importance of passing along acts of kindness to the kids back in their own communities “so they can turn out to be just as sassy as you all are here.”
The program, she said, helped lay the groundwork for her success. It wasn’t just the academic skills she gained. The personal connections were also key. Her relationship with her CSSP host mother, Nancy Stein, who TL describes as “my second mother” has given her strength and support throughout her years in the program.
The Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program is primarily an academic program for scholastically promising students in the Bronx. The focus is heavily on college readiness. Students attend classes at Horace Greeley High in the morning, and participate in recreational and cultural activities in the evening.
This year, TL decided it was time to pay it forward. Every graduating senior from CSSP will receive a $100 gift card to Amazon from TL, to be used for books, supplies, or anything else a student would want.
Local families host the teenagers. For both TL and Nancy Stein, the connection was immediate. “She was understanding, compassionate and beyond her years,” Ms. Stein said. “She intrigued me right from the beginning.”
“It’s time to give back,” she said. “I thought, ‘Taralyn, you did not get here by yourself. Now that you’re in a position where you’re not struggling, you need to look at how you got there.’”
TL had her struggles. Her mother, with whom she was deeply close, became terminally ill, and passed away in 1994. But even as her health declined, TL’s mother insisted that her daughter
24 Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014
in post-production at Playboy TV, she landed at Disney. Over six years, she worked her way from media scheduler to project manager, overseeing eight teams in the animation studios. Now, as an independent contractor, Disney is her client. TL’s gift to each CSSP graduate comes with a hand painted card featuring a violet, her mother’s favorite flower. She hopes this is just the beginning of her philanthropy. “The program was a lifesaver and a safety net,” TL said. “My next step is to go bigger, because for me it’s not a big enough statement of what CSSP has meant to me.” Kate Stone Lombardi, a journalist and author, was a CSSP host mom for many happy summers.
Hillary Clinton Celebrates with 2014 CSSP Grads Photos by Ari Bennett
At a reception that followed the kids’ speeches and Hillary Clinton’s talk, There were teachers and staff to thank along the way with gifts everyone gathered inside the New Castle Community Center for a deliand kind words. cious meal, and for a special cake.
The seven Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program graduates post Secretary Clinton’s address to them. Each graduate addressed family and friends who had assembled. Prior, the students took time out for various photo ops, both with Secretary Clinton and also with each other.
Secretary Hillary Clinton: “Remember how important kindness is, how significant it can be, and that if someone shows you a little love, support and kindness, it can make all the difference. Look for opportunities to pass on kindness building on what your families have done for you.”
Ari Bennett, Greeley ’14, will be entering Union College in the fall with a passion for math and the digital arts.
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Why We Kvell* About Living Here Celebrating the Jewish New Year –and Religious Tolerance By Deborah Notis For many, fall is a time of renewal. This is certainly true for Jewish people, as they welcome the New Year, celebrate the harvest, and begin a new cycle of reading the sacred Torah in the fall. It’s also a time to recognize and appreciate the town of Chappaqua, where everyone can worship as they please without great prejudice. Ten days after Rosh Hashanah is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and the most somber day on the Jewish calendar. Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe, the new senior Rabbi of Temple Beth El in Chappaqua, emphasizes that religious tolerance is something that’s inherent in Judaism. “The Torah does not begin with the story of the Jewish people but rather with all humanity.” Judaism, at its roots, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe teaches religious tolerance and acceptance. Rabbi Mark Sameth of Pleasantville Community Synagogue offers a broad perspective too regarding our community’s tolerant attitude about religion, stating, “Maybe it has to do with that fact that people…wherever they are in terms of religion, they Rabbi Mark Sameth still have spiritual longings, a need for community, a sense of purpose.” Ultimately, whatever the motivation for this spirit of acceptance, it’s another reason to feel fortunate and count our blessings this holiday season.
Sukkot is followed by Simchat Torah, during which Jewish people rejoice in completing another year reading the Torah. Simchat Torah celebrations are like a huge, celebratory party, complete with singing, dancing and bountiful feasts. All in all, these holidays “provide the Jewish people with an opportunity to reconnect with one another and as a community with G-d,” notes Rabbi Jaffe.
The Jewish “Reset Button” The Jewish Holidays season is “like a reset button that gives us a new chance to access a renewed sense of hope and a way to deepen one’s gratitude,” states Rav Shoshana MitraniKnapp, who offers High Holiday services to Jews without shuls. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks a time Rav Shoshanna Mitrani-Knapp. of renewal and is considered a symbol of hope within the Jewish community. With the blowing of the Shofar at the end of the holiday, Jewish people are calling the Messiah, hoping that he will arrive in the New Year. Sukkot, which follows Yom Kippur and lasts seven days, is one of the most festive Jewish holidays. With large feasts and celebrations under the traditional ‘Sukkah,’ or shelter, built and decorated with poles, tree branches, and bamboo reeds, dried corn and gourds, Jewish people pray for a bountiful harvest.
While Jews in our area can celebrate the holidays in relative peace, nationwide anti-Semitism is still an all-to-frequent occurrence. The Anti-Defamation League noted that incidents of violent anti-Semitic assaults increased in 2013. In April 2014, before the Jewish holiday of Passover, a 73-year-old white supremacist with a long resume of anti-Semitic acts opened fire outside Jewish centers around Kansas City. Closer to home, Greenburgh Fire Chief Anthony LoGiudice was accused of making antiSemitic slurs about the town supervisor, Paul J. Feiner. And while Chappaqua has not been immune to acts of anti-Semitism (an incident at Seven Bridges gave us all pause), it still remains largely safe for practicing Jews. As Rabbi Jason Nevarez of Bedford Temple Shaaray Tefilah tells us, “This area is a wonderful place to raise a Jewish family.” Part of what makes this area such a great place to practice Judaism is the openness and respect that our community has for all religions. Many houses of worship team together for interfaith events and open their doors to the community as a whole. Temple Beth El takes part in numerous interfaith activities throughout the year, including an annual interfaith Thanksgiving dinner so popular throughout the community. This year, Rabbi Nevarez leads the Northern Westchester Interfaith Council. continues on next page *to be extraordinarily proud; to rejoice
September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 27
Bearing Witness even deeper “respect for and underRabbi Aaron standing of Catholicism.” Ultimately, Brusso of Mt. an increasing familiarity with differKisco’s Bet Toent religions enables people to achieve rah Synagogue a greater level of respect for diverse teams up with religious and spiritual beliefs. Catholic leaders every summer to Overall, Americans are “benefitting participate in the from a marked increase in religious Anti-Defamation tolerance,” says Rabbi Sameth. He League’s Bearing cites a 2013 study by Rice University Witness program. Rabbi Aaron Brusso that “showed a ‘substantial jump in According to the proportion of Americans who view Dr. Alexandra Rabbi Brusso, this all religions with equal respect.’” Plus, program hasDr. helped him to developChan an Alexandra as Katz Rabbi Nevarez and Rabbi Sameth Alexandra Dr. Family and Cosmetic Dentistry point out, in our Chan Katz Chan Katz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Family and Cosmetic Dentistry communities, Dr. Alexandra Jews live in proxDr. Alexandra’s Parisian-inspired Dr. Alexandra’s Parisian-inspiredDr. Alexandra’s Parisian-inspired imity to others dental clinique boutique will Chan Katz dental clinique boutique will dental clinique boutique will with similar idenhave its Grand Opening in July! Family andits Cosmetic Dentistry have its Grand Opening in July! have Grand Opening in July! tities, and many CUSTOMIZED “AT HOME” TOOTH CUSTOMIZED “AT HOME” TOOTH CUSTOMIZED “AT HOME” TOOTH WHITENING/BLEACHING TREATMENTS WHITENING/BLEACHING TREATMENTS non-Jews have Dr. Alexandra’s Parisian-inspired Dr. Alexandra’s Parisian-inspired WHITENING/BLEACHING TREATMENTS PREVENTATIVE CARE • DIGITAL X-RAYS PREVENTATIVE CARE • DIGITAL X-RAYS dental cliniquePREVENTATIVE boutique willCARE • DIGITAL X-RAYS ties to Judaism EXAMS • CLEANINGS • FILLINGS EXAMS • CLEANINGS • FILLINGS Dental Clinique Boutique. have its Grand Opening in July! SEALANTS • BONDING • CROWNS SEALANTS • BONDING • CROWNS through friends, EXAMS • CLEANINGS • FILLINGS ORAL SURGERY/EXTRACTIONS ORAL SURGERY/EXTRACTIONS We Create Beautiful CUSTOMIZED “AT HOME” TOOTH• BONDING •Smiles neighbors, and SEALANTS CROWNS PERIODONTAL THERAPY ENDODONTICS/ PERIODONTAL THERAPY ENDODONTICS/ WHITENING/BLEACHING TREATMENTS ROOT CANAL THERAPY ROOT CANAL THERAPY relatives. These ORAL SURGERY/EXTRACTIONS PREVENTATIVE CARE • DIGITAL X-RAYS Dr. Alexandra Chan Katz, LLCMORE! PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND MORE! PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND factors contribute PERIODONTAL THERAPY ENDODONTICS/ EXAMS • CLEANINGS • FILLINGS ROOT CANAL THERAPY We provide nutritional dietary We provide nutritional and dietary advice, 914-238-8552 to making this SEALANTS •and BONDING •advice, CROWNS general health assessments and supportive general health assessments and supportive PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND MORE! ORAL SURGERY/EXTRACTIONS a safe place for services. Botox treatments coming soon! services. Botox treatments coming soon! www.dralexandraclinique.com PERIODONTAL THERAPY ENDODONTICS/ people to practice We create beautiful smiles. We create beautiful smiles. We provide and dietary advice, ROOT CANAL THERAPY New Location: 160 nutritional King Street, Chappaqua Judaism. general AND health assessments and supportive PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY MORE!
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Religious tolerance is very much about looking inside too; that looking and “checking” are what reside at the heart of New Year services. According to Rabbi Maura Linzer of Temple Beth El, from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur “the Jewish people are obligated to engage in the process of Chesbon Nefesh, which literally translates as a checking of the soul or self. We look back upon our thoughts and deeds, asking where we missed the mark of being our best self.” Deborah Notis is a writer and a cofounder of gamechanger, LLC. She lives in Westchester with her husband and four sons.
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September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 29
The Bus Stops Here!
Or how I Learned to Just Say Go By Dan Levitz
I remember driving my son, our firstborn child, home from the hospital. My wife and I were a nervous parental cliché personified–hazards on the whole way, our usual five minute drive across East 86th Street took 20 instead. Old habits die hard. Charlie was starting first grade when we moved here, and my wife and I were far more nervous than he was about taking the bus to school. My recollection of the bus at his age was something akin to Lord of the Flies; complete anarchy, survival of the strongest. Charlie was a robust little snapper but, at six, did he have the stuff to weather this oncoming daily storm?
down on 120. The bus driver wisely pulled over, kids exited safely and kind neighbors harbored our children until the storm, literally, passed. School was canceled the next day and Charlie was interviewed on News 12. Perhaps the greatest day of his life to that point.
Of course, to our All aboard after a day of Kindergarten at Roaring Brook School. extreme relief, it was obvious that my boy felt safe. And, in the rare case where there As Charlie moved on to Bell, and was a behavior issue on the bus, we now Greeley, it occurs to me that we learned that Roaring Brook School had rarely ever think about the details of (and has) an effective response. Bus his daily bus rides. It’s just a fact of his Safety Coordinator Bill Woolard is a routine. This confidence comes from well-liked and respected Physical Eduknowing that Chappaqua Transportacation teacher who has been the bus tion Company operates with our chilsafety czar at RBS for 12 years. I asked dren’s safety as priority number one. him about his training for this role and he cited his decade’s long experience I met with longtime CTC owner with at-risk youths, special needs kids Joan Corwin who emphasized, “We are and here in Chappaqua. Bill describes doing all we can to insure the children’s himself as “large, ugly and loud” which safety.” She pointed out that drivers may be needlessly self-deprecating but and monitors are extensively trained in certainly gets the kids’ attention. Bill bus safety, taking both required courses sits when talking to a student about and physical performance tests. This RBS’s “three strike” bus safety policy passionate woman noted that, early on, so his formidable stature isn’t overly her authoritative command garnered intimidating; first strike is a conversathe nickname The Godmother. Now, tion with Bill, second a Bus Behavior however, she’s mostly called Mom by Worksheet and third is a suspension bus drivers, monitors and employees for repeated disallowed behavior. who have worked for her as long as 30 Notably, three strike offenders are years. Joan told me that she’d be unextremely rare. able to count the number of hugs she’s given nervous Moms over the years Our bus transport nervousness only because there’ve just been so many. The re-emerged in rare instances like the message I received from our conversamini-rogue-tornado we had one spring. tion was a strong feeling of empathy Long story short, headed home, the with the parents and a professionalism bus couldn’t proceed due a sudden and that never strays from the bottom line intense storm which brought trees of safety ahead everything else. 30 Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014
My daughter Bella came along five years after Charlie, and was a baby when we moved here. Bella, a Special Ed student, has generally traveled on the smaller van-type buses. I’ll never forget when, as a 2 1/2 year old, Bella got on one of those little busses, with its wonderful mix of children, and headed away from us for the first time. It was difficult for us as parents but Bella seemed happy to be leaving her nervous folks behind. Since then, she’s studied at several schools in Westchester, riding as far as Bronxville on a daily basis. The thought of this long trip, on highways, was nervousmaking. However, once we met the wonderful bus driver and monitor we felt confident and relieved that she was in good hands. I sat down at Lange’s Deli with Tiffany Thomas who has been my daughter’s Bus Monitor going back at least five years. The distinct message that came across from our conversation is that the children’s safety is the number one concern for these professionals. They are required to take two safety classes per year and, in working with Special Needs children, go out of their way to make the bus feel safe and friendly. Tiffany noted, “On the bus I treat Bella and the other kids as if they are my own.” Tiffany also described situations where her bus role requires flexibility, saying, “some kids you sit with if they need it,” which she is happy to provide. Both of my kids have had very positive experiences taking the bus to school mostly due to the fine professionals who transport them every day. I wish I could say that all school transport nervousness has been eliminated, but I don’t see any way a bus-driver or monitor can help with the next parental anxiety filled milestone. Charlie will be driving himself to school next year. Yikes! Dan has lived in Chappaqua for 10 years and is an art dealer and writer with a blog on The Huffington Post.
Teenage Drinking: Parents' Responsibility AND Liability for "Hosting" By Robert Romano, Esq. I’m hearing this more and more lately.... Some parents with older teenagers feel that if their kid(s) want to throw a “bash” with alcohol, they would prefer to have them drinking at their own home with their friends, rather than have them party elsewhere. I have had parents say many times to me words akin to ‘kids will be kids’ and ‘they are going to drink no matter what we do, so better they do it under our room,’ in effect they feel their approach is allowing the lesser of two evils to take place. We need to do everything in our power to not allow either of those scenarios to take place. By keeping channels of communication, and explaining the real consequences of underage drinking to teens, they are
more likely to act responsibly. They need to fully understand that drinking alcohol anywhere under the age of 21 in New York State is not just dangerous, but illegal, and not allowed...not even "a little bit." I’m not totally naïve. While this approach may be limited in its effectiveness, hopefully, it will have some impact. One thing I would never do is to intentionally allow underage drinking to take place in my home. New York State happens to have some of the strictest social host and dram shop statutes in the country. These laws expose homeowners (and commercial establishments) to almost boundless liabilities in the event someone is injured or killed as a result of alcohol being served in their premises.
even have to say this, but if the risk of a loss of life is not enough to make you think twice about hosting a party with underage drinking, perhaps the risk of the loss of your house, cars, and future income will. Robert Romano, Esq., is an attorney based in Armonk whose practice focuses on restaurant/liquor license law. Having also represented clients in local courts in matters ranging from traffic infractions to misdemeanor charges, he has firsthand experience in dealing with teenage legal matters. Visit www.ArmonkLaw.com
Without minimizing the human tragedies that all too often result from underage drinking, the financial exposure to the homeowner/host can be catastrophic as well. It’s sad that I
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Love, Loss and Coyote Awareness By Eileen Gallagher Many residents of New Castle were drawn to town by its bucolic setting, peaceful surroundings and abundant wildlife. People are captivated by the sight of a soaring eagle, nestling fawn or elegant swan. One member of the neighborhood, however, isn’t always a joy to behold. He is at once admired, feared, loved and dreaded... the enigmatic coyote. Though opinions differ as to the origins of their habitat or their preferred food source, no one disputes the fact that coyotes pose a threat to our pets.
School, but he never found a trace. The same day, a neighbor was walking on the block with her toddler and beagle when a coyote came behind them. She blasted the air horn she was carrying, but the coyote just stood there. Thankfully, another neighbor happened by and finally got the coyote to leave. “Something was wrong,” said Wong. “It could have attacked someone.” Wong notified Bell Principal Martin Fitzgerald the day after the incident. Fitzgerald was very sympathetic, according to Wong, and was instrumental in getting attention to the matter. Fitzgerald himself had encountered a coyote on two different occasions while out running by the Croton Reservoir. One had run off into the woods as Fitzgerald neared it on the trail, but, another time, a coyote stopped and stared at him from a distance as he passed by.
Coyotes have emerged as a growing threat in some suburban communities. Photo by Jim Horton, wildlife professional.
This threat is clearly not ours alone, for coyotes are present in many towns across the country. Increasing numbers of reported incidents in our town over the past few years bespeak the danger they present. Several residents have suffered the loss of, or injury to, their
pet, and some have graciously shared their stories with Inside Chappaqua. Joyce Wong knows all too well the life-threatening capabilities of coyotes. In October of 2013, her family’s Chihuahua, Papi, was believed to have been taken by a coyote around 8am on a school day following her and her husband’s departure for work. The family’s baby sitter heard barking after she let their two dogs out alone, something the family never did. After calling the dogs back to the house, the sitter said that the larger dog, Lena, returned alone– Papi never made it back.
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Already on her Manhattanbound train, Wong received a frantic phone call from the sitter and, after instructing the sitter to call the police, immediately returned to Chappaqua. The officer looked for signs of Papi around the home, located within 100 yards of Bell Middle
Kathleen Cape, a resident of the Orchard Ridge area, also lost her family’s pet to a coyote around the same time. Her two ‘outdoor’ cats had snuck out the door as she left the house to take her daughter to school. When Cape returned within minutes, she found one of the cats shivering by the door, but no sign of the 10 year old Maine coon the family had named Lola. “They always stayed on our property–they never really wandered,” Cape said of the cats, which always came when called. She grew very concerned, especially after their Labrador retriever puppy stood in the garden barking and howling for more than an hour. Cape created flyers with Lola’s photo and received a call with heartbreaking news that afternoon. A neighbor from the street backing Cape’s saw a coyote in his garden carrying a lifeless cat matching the photo on the flyer. When he mentioned seeing a blue collar, Cape knew it was Lola...
This story continues (including images of beloved pets lost) at www.theinsidepress.com
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Understanding the Dangers of “Fracking” Many people in New York State have heard about high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing, the unconventional natural gas drilling method better known as fracking. But, people may only know some of its dangers. Fracking, including infrastructure such as pipelines and compressor stations, carries many risks: polluting air, poisoning land, and contaminating water and food. Evidence of risks and harms is growing so rapidly that Concerned Health Professionals of New York (CHPNY) recently published a Compendium featuring hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and other findings. Fracking releases numerous air pollutants, including methane–a potent greenhouse gas that is the main component of natural gas–benzene and other volatile organic compounds, and ground level ozone. These pollutants
can lead to health impacts ranging from rashes, nausea, and nosebleeds; to respiratory and neurological problems; and even cancer. Ground level ozone threatens crops, risking economies of places like Minisink in New York's Black Dirt Region, and New York’s food sovereignty. Numerous studies show strong evidence of groundwater contamination. When water needed to drink, wash, cook, bathe, and water crops and livestock is contaminated with fracking chemicals–including many endocrine disruptors and carcinogens-it increases risks of reproductive, metabolic, and neurological disorders. Leaks, spills, blowouts, explosions, and other accidents further exacerbate these dangers. Fewer people may know that fracking increases our exposure to radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The Marcellus Shale, the rock formation underneath New York and Pennsylvania that the gas industry wants to frack, has incredibly high levels of radioactivity including
radon. Radon could travel with fracked gas in pipelines into homes, increasing the risk of lung cancer, especially among children. Fracking leads to climate change. Massive amounts of the potent greenhouse gas methane–34 times more potent than carbon dioxide–leak throughout extraction, transportation, and storage of natural gas. Additionally, the entire fracking process is dependent on other fossil fuels for thousands of truck trips per well, and other machine operations. Climate change directly threatens us through dangerous, extreme weather and sea level rise. It affects us through changing temperatures, impacting growing seasons and limiting food crop growth –ultimately threatening our ability to feed ourselves. We must address fracking and climate change now. Get involved. Ask Governor Cuomo to ban fracking. Join the People’s Climate March in Manhattan on September 21. Jessica Roff is the Downstate Regional Organizer of New Yorkers Against Fracking.
September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 33
Chin Up, Mom and Dad!
Why Bicycle Helmet Safety is for Every Family Member “Do as I say, not as I do” is an idiom that’s fodder for endless sarcastic remarks. It is clear that one of the most effective teaching tools parents have is modeling behavior. So I am totally flummoxed when I ride my bike on our beautiful local bike trails and see families out for a weekend ride.Why flummoxed? Because children, dutifully wearing their helmets, ride along wheeling and squealing, with their helmet-less parents trailing behind. New York State requires helmets for riders under 14, but sadly, no such requirement exists for adults. While statistics vary slightly depending on the source (U.S. Dept, of Transportation, NY State & the CDC), pedal cyclists deaths nationally range from 625-825 annually; over 500,000 injured require emergency medical attention. The vast majority of deaths (85-90%) occur in individuals 16 and older. In 2009, 91% of bicyclists killed were not wearing helmets. The most
By Lydia Evans, MD
serious injuries amongst these victims were to the head. The estimated cost of caring for the injured, unhelmeted cyclists is $2.3 billion annually. So what happens when you hit your unprotected head? While the skull is fairly strong and hard, the brain is soft (almost jello-like), and floats in cerebral spinal fluid. Inside the skull are many sharp ridges and edges. When the head is hit, injury occurs as the brain is propelled back and forth against these protuberances (even if the skull itself is not fractured). The end result? Bruising and bleeding in the brain, and destruction of irreplaceable nerve cells. I have ridden bicycles since childhood (yep, the classic picture of my poor father running alongside, holding onto the back of my seat until I finally “got it.”) I have suffered my share of road rash, but my helmeted head has remained unscathed. Bicycle falls are
not just from motor vehicle collisions. An unseen small stone, wet leaves, or a tiny surface crack can send you and your bike flying. It only takes a second of inattention (“Oh, look at the deer,” and “What did you say, honey?”) and bang, you are on the ground. So why doesn’t everyone wear a helmet? Some adults tell me that they “know how to ride” and won’t fall on the motorless bike path. Any experienced cyclist will tell you that this is a fallacy. I believe the main problem is that helmets can initially seem a little annoying. So is wearing a seatbelt or using sunscreen.But these minor inconveniences can all save your life. So please buckle up! This time…under your chin. Dr. Lydia Evans has a private practice, specializing in both cosmetic and medical dermatology, in Chappaqua. Her last biking trip was with her husband through the back roads of southern Spain.
Be a Forward Thinker…and NOT Part of the Herd By Ben and Debbie Lieberman
In the 70’s, smoking two packs of cigarettes a day was common. In the 80’s, driving drunk was something to joke around about. While we are at it, nobody wore safety belts in cars, either. Just because “everyone was doing it,” did not make the behavior less dangerous or less moronic. We can all be pretty stubborn and sometimes we need a good wake up call. Now look at driving with a Smartphone. The gigantic number of people absorbed and dependent on this relatively new and portable technology suggests the ramifications of this current distracted driving phenomenon will be even more dramatic than the above examples. The addictive need to be connected at all times is your own prerogative, until you are navigating a car and converting that vehicle into a two-ton missile. FYI–like cigarette companies in the
past, technology companies today are not only dismissing the warning signs but are going full speed ahead with technology packages in cars that fufill your need to stay connected. I would argue, an automobile is meant to take us from “Point-A to Point-B” and confusing that with business or entertaining ourselves is getting people killed. The lesson learned from cigarettes, seatbelts and DWI is that behavior can change. I believe that distracted driving behavior will change eventually, but like cigarettes and DWI’s, I worry about all the damage that will be done as we travel up this learning curve. I can say with a very clear conscious, as someone who doesn’t view my phone while driving… that I haven’t missed a party and I haven’t gone broke. I manage just fine to find times away from the steering wheel to get everything done. Some might disagree with the need to relinquish the devices, but to me, it seems like a pretty minor adjustment considering the downside risk. I guess the question I would like
34 Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014
to ask the busy multi-taskers with existences more important than mine: How (or why) is your agenda more important than someone else’s life? There are many statistics confirming that distracted driving impairments are equal to, or greater than drunk driving. But it doesn’t take an academic study to prove that if you take your eyes off the road, you are more likely to crash. This should register with our common sense. Let’s all rise above the herd. Let’s be forward thinkers. Debbie and Ben Lieberman, Chappaqua residents for the last 20 years, are the founders of DORCs (Distracted Operators Risk Casualties) together with Deborah Becker. DORCS is an advocacy group committed to education, legislation and enforcement in efforts to combat distracted driving (the way MADD fought drinking and driving). Ben and Debbie are also the founders of Evans Team, which organizes fun, community fundraising events in memory of their son Evan. For more information, please visit evansteamny.com
Safety Wisdom from our Advertisers Home Safety for People with Alzheimer’s
Enhancing home safety for an elderly person with Alzheimer’s can be a difficult task. Aside from taking care of installing handrails, re-arranging furniture and removing other obstacles from the home (as you might for any frail elderly), there are much less obvious hazards to someone losing their memory. An elderly person with Alzheimer’s, for example, may forget a knife is sharp or a stove is hot. Many people who suffer from this disease will also have a tendency to wander and it doesn’t matter if it is day or night. An elderly person who lacks judgment, coordination and is disoriented wandering around their home in the dark of night can be heading toward disaster. Vigilance is key plus these preventive measures: • Clear a home of tripping hazards such as electrical cords and loose rugs.
Sharp corners of furniture can cause serious injuries during a fall. • Keep extra lighting in the house and contrasting floor colors at doorways, stairways and landings. This will make it much easier for someone to see the difference in the surface and possible changing heights and help prevent tripping and falling. • Install motion sensors and door alarms to help caregivers know when a elder moves around at night. Night lights in their bedroom and other traffic areas also ensure safe movement at night. • Lower hot water settings to avoid burns. An individual with Alzheimer’s may actual forget that the “H” on the faucet means hot or even forget what “hot” is.
substances. To protect from wandering, utilizing deadbolts or locks on gates can also be a good idea. These are just some of things to consider when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s. In the event you feel you need assistance from a professional, there is help available. Whether full-time, part-time or 24/7, LifeWorx’s non-medical professionals are fully screened to ensure that they have the proper skills and are trustworthy and reliable. This has led to a track record of satisfied clients who have used our Elder Care Experts in the New York Metro and Fairfield County areas. Contact us today to start reviewing candidates immediately. Visit www.lifeworx.com or locally, please call 914 458-9933.
• Use child proof locks to block access to sharp or otherwise potentially hazardous appliances, objects, and
A “Second Step” Toward Helping Children Make Safe Choices By Ruth Goodman, LMSW When considering the needs of a child, safety comes first. There are different kinds of safety that are essential for a child’s well-being. Physical safety may be most obvious, however personal safety is equally important. It is never too early to begin teaching a child how to make good, safe choices. The basis for good decision making starts with an ability to identify and articulate one’s needs and feelings. At Mount Kisco Child Care Center, we are dedicated to assuring that all children in our care are taught these skills. Our teachers are formally trained to employ a curriculum called Second Step. This program teaches a child to verbalize his/her feelings with age appropriate lessons and educational toys. This ability fosters successful interactions with their peers as well as with adults. These positive experiences are the building blocks for high self esteem and confidence. It is our goal to nurture these qualities in each child that we serve. A child who feels good about his/herself is equipped to make positive choices in adolescence and into adulthood. Ruth Goodman, LMSW, is a Social Worker for the Mount Kisco Child Care Center. www.mkccc.org or call 914-241-2135
Choosing a Safe Gymnastics Program. What to Ask! Advice from Jodi’s Gym • Does the program have clearly defined curriculum? • What are the qualifications of the teachers? USAG safety certified, background checked, CPR/First Aid, experi ence working with children, education, gymnasts...the more qualifications, the better! • What is their initial training? What ongoing training do their teachers receive? • Are the class ratios low? This is very important for a safe gymnastics environment. • Is the equipment suitable for the age group? • Is the gym set up safely? There should be clear paths for children to walk and safe landing areas for dismounts. • How clean is the gym? Clean and safe go hand in hand. • What are the qualifications of Program Manager? Their training, education, background and experience in the position are all important. • How carefully are their students supervised? The teachers should be able to see all of their students at all times (never with their backs to them.) Teachers should also always have their entire group of children engaged. • Are multiple staff members always present? A facility should always have more than one staff member present and lobby should be attended. Visit www.jodisgym.com or call 914-244-8811 September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 35
Safety Wisdom from our Advertisers Safety and Beauty in Musical Expression As the long time director of Music in Chappaqua, Janet Angier’s approach is one of nurturing students and unleashing the creative eager to surface in every budding musician. At Music in Chappaqua, that is accomplished in a safe, non judgmental environment. Imparting the rudiments of music and exploring avenues to musical enrichment do not have to rely on memorization and forced instruction, she insists. As such, Angier has cultivated the concept of teaching through a freer and more passive route to musical enlightenment. “What I’ve seen in public schools and in the many generations that have passed through my teaching and school is that the way music is often taught through the written page, works for some, but not all,” Angier explains. She envisions one day articulating her alternative methodology to public school music teachers and hoping that
they will embrace it as fervently as she has. Accentuating the positive, rewarding successes along the way, and reveling in the Janet Angier joy of creating music supersedes traditional study for many and is their preferred route to fluency, she says. “I’d like an approach where the intellectual level is reduced and the ‘feeling’ is more embraced,” she adds. Allowing students to choose a few chords and give them a rhythm to play with can set them on the road to understanding and improvised creativity. “It’s instant gratification,” she adds. Angier’s own visits to Nashville have confirmed her observations: “I’ve seen how they teach bluegrass and the same applies in such things as African
drumming circles. The non-Western approaches are very successful, and socially based, rather than intellectually based. This could be very gratifying” if offered as an alternative in the regular public school music curriculum, she feels. Angier champions the idea of students relying on self-expression early on in their study, rather than waiting years for their teacher to say “Add expression.” “In teaching, it’s important to notice the good things: What you see and what you focus on is what develops. If you notice what the student is doing right, they’ll notice that as well, and it will grow. I encourage everyone to see the good, and not to focus on the things that are not.” For more information about registering, write to mail@musicinchappaqua.com, or call 914-238-3123
How to Avoid Cuff Injuries By Matthew Marucci, PT, MSPT, OCS, CSCS The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles whose primary function is to stabilize the shoulder. Given the amount of mobility our shoulders afford us (painting a ceiling, scratching our back) stabilization is no small task. The shoulder’s stability also depends on the strength of muscles attached to our shoulder blades. For more literature on avoiding cuff injuries and videos of the exercises listed below, please visit New Castle Physical Therapy’s Facebook page. Reach smartly. There are obvious limits to this concept, but just as you can lift with your knees to protect your back, you can alter the way you reach to protect your shoulders. Two simple modifications are reaching with your thumb facing up and getting as close to the target object as possible. Keeping your thumb up when reaching makes it less likely your rotator cuff will impinge on the top of your shoulder blade. Moving closer to the target object or using a step stool can result
in significantly less motion required from your shoulder. Take breaks. No one enjoys washing windows or painting ceilings, so most of us try to work quickly. For repetitive tasks, minimize risk by making the movement as low stress as possible. Take breaks. Even well designed movements can fatigue your cuff over time and place it at risk for injury. Know your body. Most people would stop a particular activity if they felt discomfort in their shoulder, but many are unaware that a large number of cuff injuries cause pain lower down the arm. Pain halfway down the outside of your arm can be a hallmark sign of a cuff injury, even in the absence of any additional shoulder pain. Perform each exercise here three times per week; three sets of 12 repetitions. Scapular Retraction: Using a resistance band, gently squeeze your shoulder blades together, taking care not to shrug.
36 Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014
Using a light weight (2-3 lbs), lift your arms (with your thumbs up as if the weights are ice cream cones) to the height of your shoulders. Side Lying External Rotation: Lie on your side with a small folded towel between your shoulder and side. With your elbow bent to 90 degrees lift the weight (2-3 lbs) from your stomach until your forearm is parallel to the ground. Matthew Marucci, PT, MSPT, OCS, CSCS, a partner at New Castle Physical Therapy & Personal Training, is also Chair of the Hudson Valley District New York Physical Therapists Association. Visit www.newcastlept. net or call 914-488-5440
Safety Wisdom from our Advertisers
Swimming Pool Safety Advice: A Must Read By Christopher Carthy The party line may be that parents must watch their children, but swimming pool safety is really about protecting young children when the unexpected happens. Nothing is better than a good fence around a pool with operable self-closing gates. After researching fatalities around the country, I almost always find fence protection was broken or nonexistent. I have built many pools where we fence the property line and not the pool so that there is no fence between the house and the pool. Homeowners sometimes request this for aesthetic reasons (preferring no gate to open from the back of the house), but honestly, it is not as safe as a fence that encompasses the pool area.
An automatic cover does provide a safe barrier when it is closed, but it is not the equivalent of a good fence because a cover can be left open. Automatic covers are expensive and require a fair amount of maintenance. However, they are wonderful for heat retention. Pool alarms are rarely effective; I would not rely on them. Diving boards get a bad rap: I would argue a pool is safer with a diving board as it designates an area from which to dive. A correctly placed diving board on a correctly designed pool promotes safety. On the other hand, diving rocks are not safe. They typically protrude into the pool and present the risk of a swimmer hitting his head on the rock. Anti-entrapment safety measures guard against the rare possibility of someone getting entrapped by the suction of a pump. To guard against entrapment, be sure all your suction
Three Important Dental Safety Tips! Dr. Alexandra Chan Katz in Chappaqua recommends:
1) Bringing in your baby on his/her first birthday for a visit. “We do mommy/daddy lap exams! Get your baby to know us early on! No regrets !” 2) A check up every six months for a cleaning and exam. Dr. Katz’s experienced staff will give you a "personalized demo" on "home care and maintenance.” 3)Floss only the teeth you want to keep and floss them "the right way!" “Healthy gums are so important; we will show you the safe way to brush with a soft brush and floss!” For an appointment, call: 238-8552
Le Jardin du Roi
French Bistro 95 King Street • Chappaqua, NY 10514 lejardinchappaqua.com Tel: 914-238-1368 • Fax: 914-238-4864
Serving Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner, 7 days/week, Open 8am
ports have a good (if possible VGB compliant) cover. Finally, kids should not stand on rafts in a pool or they may fall and hit the edge of the pool. Remember the lifeguard from your youth yelling “Don’t Run?” Well, it is true, running and pushing can be dangerous around a pool. Like many things, good common sense goes a long way toward a fun and safe pool. Christopher Carthy is the principal of Pools Of Perfection in Armonk. He is a Certified Building Professional by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals. Pools of Perfection has rendered many thousands of service calls in the last 25 years and have built magnificent poolscapes in the Armonk and Chappaqua community. For more info, email: ccarthy@PoolsOfPerfection. com or call 914-273-SWIM (7946)
What to do about CLIQUES By Margaret Mak
Not all groups of friends are cliques, but cliques are those groups who purposely leave others out. This can be especially hurtful to school-age kids who are outside of the clique. To help these children deal with being on the fringe: · Remind them to stay open to friendships outside of the clique. · If they really want to be friends with someone in the clique, invite just that person over to hang out. · Most importantly, reassure them not to take it out on themselves. Encourage them to be confident, true to themselves AND be kind to everyone, not just a select few. Eye Level of Pleasantville 71 Wheeler Ave. Pleasantville, NY 10570 914-741-0407 www.eyelevelpleasantville.com.
Expires 10/31/14
• First Month’s Tuition • New Students Only • Valid only at Pleasantville Center
Margaret Mak is the Director of Eye Level Learning Center of Pleasantville, located at 71 Wheeler Avenue. Eye Level (formerly E.nopi) is a 30-year-old supplemental education program with a philosophy that every child has the potential to learn and master math, reading and writing. “We enable students to realize this potential by bringing the instructional materials to the eye-level of your child,” states Mak. For more information, please contact her at 914-741-0407 or email eyelevelpleasantville@gmail.com. September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 37
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38 Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014
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Houlihan Lawrence Cover Sponsors Advertisers at a Glance • Sept/October 2014
Danika Altman, Ph.D............................................................. 25 Beecher Flooks Funeral Home............................................... 23 Bellava Spa............................................................................ 10 Laurie Berg Designs............................................................... 38 Bet Torah............................................................................... 26 Bewies Holistic Market............................................................ 9 Bilotta................................................................................... 10 Barbara Brown, Houlihan Lawrence...................................... 13 Camp Ramaquois................................................................... 31 Chabad Hebrew School.......................................................... 28 Dance Emotions..................................................................... 29 Eye Level Learning Center..................................................... 38 Family Britches....................................................................... 9 Forest Hills Financial Group.................................................... 3 gamechanger......................................................................... 28 Guacho Grill Argentinean Steak House.................................. 25 Cindy Glynn, William Raveis.........................................Gatefold Hands Up For Haiti................................................................ 14 Harvey School.......................................................................... 6 Hickory & Tweed................................................................... 17 Houlihan Lawrence Home Listings................................... 20,21 Jews Without Shuls............................................................... 26 Jodi’s Gym............................................................................. 29 Dr. Alexandria Katz, LLC....................................................... 28 Kensico Soap Bar................................................................... 38
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Kitchen and Bath Source....................................................... 13 Le Jardin du Roi French Bistro.............................................. 37 Dr. Corinne D. Menn................................................................ 9 Mount Kisco Child Care Center................................................ 6 Music in Chappaqua................................................................. 5 New Castle Physical Therapy.................................................. 12 Nicolaysen Agency, Inc.......................................................... 32 Wally Peterkin, PGI Professional Golf Instructor.................. 19 Pets a Go Go........................................................................... 33 Pleasantville Community Synagogue................................ 23,29 Purple Pen College Essay Advisory......................................... 38 Riverside Memorial Chapel.................................................... 14 Alan Sheptin Tutoring........................................................... 31 Samalin Investment Counsel................................................. 19 Steffi Nossen School of Dance................................................ 38 SOWE Food & Wine................................................................ 19 Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester............................... 26 Visiting Veterinary Practice of Westchester.......................... 33 Walgreens.............................................................................. 39 Westchester Tree Life............................................................ 31 World Cup Gymnastics........................................................... 23 World Cup Nursery School..................................................... 39
Come experience our new store and friendly staff at 411 King Street. ★ Meet your neighborhood pharmacist. ★ Use our photo dept. ★ Enjoy our vast selection of foods and other products.
We Have Flu Shots and other Immunizations 15% OFF all Products 20% OFF all Walgreens Brand Items Offer excludes dairy, tobacco products and prescriptions. Coupon can be used at the Walgreens 411 King Street location ONLY. Must present this coupon at time of purchase. Limitations may apply. Expiration: September 25, 2014
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September/October 2014 Inside Chappaqua 39
ET CETERA
By Randi J. Brosterman Safety rules–driving safely, behaving safely, and exercising appropriate caution are all necessary for our survival. So here’s the question: Can risk taking be a good thing? Certainly, thoughtfulness and preparedness are needed, and a willingness to seize the moment when opportunity comes knocking. In my first job out of college, I was miserable. Working until 11 p.m. daily, the window of time between my work clothes and my pajamas got smaller and smaller, until there was no time for my blue jeans in between. I quit my job without another job in hand, thinking that at age 24, I needed to have enough guts to go find another job on my own. I was gainfully and happily employed within three months. Later, in the spring of 1987, I interviewed for a summer job between my two years of MBA education. Although I was well qualified, the interviewer told me she had no positions available. I said, “Well, you have my resume, I have your card...if you sell a big project this summer, call me.” As I was walking out of her office, I turned to her and said, “The risk you run in not hiring me is your competition will.” I’m not sure where I got the chutzpah at age 26 to say something so brash, but she called me back the next day; she had created a summer position for me. At about the same time in my life, on the personal front, I learned to scuba dive, traveled alone to Southeast Asia and entered into long-term relationship. Each of these choices felt risky and scary, but pushing through my fear enabled me to establish some of the most satisfying aspects of my life. Nine years later, I was presented with the opportunity to move to a start-up, mid-market business within my firm. I had only one requirement, which I was not shy about voicing. I wanted to know if I would have an op-
true happiness. Optimism and constructive risk taking can be healthy and fun. So here are a few guiding principles that have worked for me and might resonate with you:
portunity to become a partner. It was the best career move I ever made. Leadership experts I’ve long admired often liken risk-taking to a trapeze act –you don’t have an act unless you are willing to let go of the bar! Over time, I’ve learned to live by these words. We live in a town where safety is our overriding concern. As the 2014 HGHS class Salutatorian shared at this year’s commencement, “We are among the most privileged people on the planet... we live in a bubble.” So how do we begin to think about moving out of our comfort zone, when safety is our overriding concern? What are healthy risks, that don’t compromise our safety, yet help to move us forward to new places? As I learned from my statistics professor in college, there is a clear difference between a risk and a gamble. A risk is something you can assess, assign probabilities to outcomes, and calculate an expected result. A gamble has none of these attributes. Taking risks can involve travelling to new places, changing professions, or walking away from an unhealthy relationship. Taking risks involves selfempowerment to try something new, to speak out, rather than be silent, to choose constructive action, instead of settling for passivity. Self-empowerment to pursue one’s passion has the potential to result in
40 Inside Chappaqua September/October 2014
1. Desired outcome. Envision what you would like the outcome to be. 2. Preparation. Do your homework, come to situations prepared. 3. Stretch zone. Be willing to move out of your comfort zone. 4. Self-empowerment. Move past the fear: be brave. 5. Letting go. Be willing to let go of the bar. I recently decided to retire from the firm where I was a partner for 15 of 26 years. At 55 years old, I have once again decided to let go of the bar. Risk taking at this time of life has a whole new resonance for me. There is still plenty of fear mixed with a world of excitement. While I’ve had a great career to date, I’m looking forward to the next chapter.
Leadership experts I’ve long admired often liken risk-taking to a trapeze act–you don’t have an act unless you are willing to let go of the bar! Over time, I’ve learned to live by these words. My experience taking risks in life and in the business world has consistently led to new and interesting opportunities. Looking back, I take great pride in these moments, which ultimately led to greater happiness for me, personally and professionally. Randi Brosterman is a local resident who seeks to inspire leadership in women through self-empowerment.
Would you like a Magnificent Poolscape on Memorial Day 2015?
Now is the time.
Please call Christopher Carthy for a free consultation about our award winning design skills, permit procurement process and construction program. For a reference on Pools Of Perfection, please ask us or ask your neighbor. Residents of the Chappaqua School District, receive a 5 percent discount on our outstanding comprehensive fixed priced maintenance program.
POOLS OF PERFECTION
523 Main Street • Armonk, NY 10504 • (914) 273-SWIM (7946) CCarthy@PoolsOfPerfection.com
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Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival Join us Saturday, September 27th. Meet 80 popular authors. Enjoy fun food, children's activities, entertainment and great books. 10am-4pm | Bell School | Free Admission | CCBFESTIVAL.ORG