2014 November Inside Chappaqua by The Inside Press: Inside Chappaqua & Inside Armonk

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Inside: Meet the Candidates for Office too

Meals Plus Compassion at Area Food Pantries Our Chappaqua Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Book Festival Coverage!

New Castle League of Women Voters and How they Get out the Vote

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September/October 2014

T HE M AGAZINE F OR N EW C A STLE AND B EYOND

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Features

6. The League of Women Voters A comprehensive Inside look at the League, plus overviews and interviews with current candidates for office. By Vicki de Vries

Departments The INSIDE Scoop

4. Gratitude with a Side of Laughter A note from Editor Beth Besen

27, 28. Happenings

• The 2014 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival: Our “Look Back” Coverage By Gillian Hand and Grace Bennett • Town’s “Hands on the Wheel and off the Phone” Campaign Kicks off

Et Cetera 10. The Movember Movement Hint: You’ll want to read this one, so don’t shave it for later! By Dan Levitz 13. Soup’s On…with Elinor Griffith The do-good/feel-good gift of community service. By Heather Skolnick 18. Heroic Bonds From Chappaqua mom to Lone Soldier mom. By Jill Schachter Levy 20. Coyote Redux Our updated report on all things Coyote. By Eileen Gallagher

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32. Splinter Groups By Ellen Davis

COVER: Board Members of the League of Women Voters® of New Castle. Font row, left to right: Janet Wedge, Lea Barth, co-President Sheila Bernson, co-President Jennifer Mebes Flagg, Leslie Kuhn, Evelyn Bloom. Back Row, left to right: Barbara Cardone, Haley Ferraro, Amy McNamara, Sharyn Vetter, Dianne Kleinmann, Mary Kirsch Photo by: Carolyn Simpson www.doublevisionphotographers.com.

November 2014 Inside Chappaqua 3

T he I N S I D E S coop

Gratitude with a Side of Laughter Can we talk? Interestingly enough, those iconic three little words–today, instantly recognizable to Joan Rivers fans the world over– weren’t planned. Beth Besen There were no focus groups, no marketing meetings. To hear Joan tell it, the phrase just happened. Organically. She wanted to strip her routine down to the truths and have a real and meaningful dialogue with her audiences. This issue, I’d like to borrow the late great Joan’s thinking and, stripping away the usual platitudes, talk about something important to all of us– gratitude. However cliché it may seem, November is actually the perfect time to talk turkey about the means and ways of giving and thanks. Not only do we

Speaking of exceptional individuals, what about women like Elinor Griffith? When it comes to giving, she leads by example. Our Soup’s On article clearly shows that many local people depend on the kindness of strangers. But while volunteers often join an effort as relative strangers, many of them often find and become enduring friends. After all, where there’s giving, there’s gratitude. And, as Elinor suggests, more often than not the giver gets so much out of the deal that gratitude becomes a two-way street! That’s a pretty cool way of looking at thanks and giving, n’est-ce pas!?

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celebrate our nation’s Thanksgiving holiday, we celebrate our individual and united freedoms with elections at various levels of government. Our cover story features the League of Women Voters of New Castle; and let me tell you, they tell it like it is! No partisan politics for this group–you want to know where a candidate stands, the League can recite you chapter and verse. They are an amazing organization of talented, smart, invested and, above all, giving women and (surprise!) some men who do so much for so many in our communities. I don’t know about you, but I am truly grateful for them and for their service to all of us!

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Last, but certainly not least, let’s give it up for the heroes among us. They don’t always wear capes and leotards, but we know who they are. Our New Castle community has all kinds of heroes, mostly unsung, and I’d like to ask that we all take a moment to think about which and how many everyday heroes have made a difference in our lives. Moms and dads, brothers and sisters, teachers, coaches, doctors and nurses, fire fighters, police…you get the idea! And, while we’re on the subject, a very special salute to a family that has a one-of-kind perspective on heroism–please make sure to read Home Grown Heroes. Personally, I’m ever so thankful for your attention, your interest, your time. The positive feedback I’ve received from many friends (old and new) in our community, and beyond, has been tremendously gratifying. I mean that most sincerely. And, if I may quote Joan once more before signing off - Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift, that’s why we call it the present. Yours, with gratitude,

-Beth

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November 2014 • Volume 11, Number 9 Executive Editor Graphic Designer Web Design Beth Besen Dina Spalvieri Annette van Ommeren Accounts/Billing Carine Feist

General Counsel Brian Hand

Inside Chappaqua 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. TM

Saturday, November 8th 10am-4pm

I’m also thankful for the men of Movember. Yes, those generous guys whose hirsute lips help raise awareness for men’s health concerns. We women love to talk and share. But most men? Not so much. They need an ice breaker. Hair it is for Movember. And, seriously, how can you ignore someone whose very face says I moustache you an important question!?

Inside Chappaqua may not necessarily agree with any one editorial viewpoint or necessarily endorse a particular product or service advertised. Editorial submissions should be mailed to the above address (please enclose an SASE) or sent to editor@insidechappaqua.com. For more information, rates and advertising calendar, go to www.insidechappaqua.com.

Publisher & Editor, Grace Bennett

For Story Ideas or Press Release submissions, please email: editor@insidechappaqua.com or beth@insidechappaqua.com For Advertising Inquires, please email: advertising@insidechappaqua.com

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Casting a Vote for

New Castle’s League of Women Voters By Vicki de Vries When Election Day rolls around November 4th this year, how many residents of New Castle will enter the voting booth with an air of confidence, familiar with the candidates and the issues? Despite over 12,000 registered voters in New Castle, chances are that a significant percentage will still lack the information needed to make an informed decision. The League of Women New Castle League of Women Voters visit the United Nations. Voters of New Castle to the rescue! Courtesy of world of dedicated members willing to the League, all houseroll up their sleeves. holds in New Castle will receive a mailed copy of the annual Voter’s Active all year long, the New Castle Guide with its vital information on the candidates from the local to the federal League provides a host of important level, their positions and other related civic services to residents. Fostering its goals, the local chapter sets up topics. This year, three state-wide a booth on New Castle Community propositions are up for a vote, making Day to encourage voter registration. the guide all the more invaluable. On September 23rd, National Voter Registration Day this year, the League Co-President Sheila Miller Bernson set up a voter registration table near said, “The New Castle League pays to the local Starbucks in Chappaqua. And have the guide mailed to every household in New Castle. It costs thousands when Westchester Community College holds its Registration Day, the League of dollars for us to mail these out. Most people think their taxpayer mon- helps to register prospective voters ey has paid for the Voter’s Guide, but it on campus. comes out of the League budget.” Every year in March, the New Castle Clearly, the Voter’s Guide, also found League also sponsors “Conversation with the Supervisor”; this event, in the local library, community center, historically held only in the mornings, and some supermarkets, provides a now runs an evening session too so major community service. But that’s that more people can hear Supervisor not all. Greenstein discuss the state of New Castle and take questions from the Helping To Keep the Wheels of audience. Democracy Turning “We encourage people to register, League members also serve as vote, and become well-informed about observers at school and Town Board candidates and issues,” said Mary meetings. When the New Castle Kirsch, the local chapter’s Voter ServLeague got started in 1949, the Town ice Chair. In that statement resides a 6 Inside Chappaqua November 2014

Board at first was suspicious of the members who were only trying to be wellinformed citizens! Even high-school students have a place in the League. “For the past three years, we’ve sent a New Castle student to the State League’s fourday ‘Students Inside Albany’ conference to learn about State government,” said Lea Barth, Membership Chair. One of the newest programs is “Running and Winning,” a day-long workshop that Co-President Jennifer Mebes Flagg says gives Westchester highschool girls “a chance to meet with women elected officials and learn what it means to run for office.” Last but not least, the New Castle League sponsors “Candidates Night,” at which candidates get to present their positions and take questions from the public. This year, Candidates Night falls on October 23, and will be held at the Chappaqua Library. True to its roots, the New Castle League is non-partisan, meaning it does not endorse a candidate or a political party. That kind of position visà-vis candidates is quite remarkable. But, then again, being non-partisan has been a hallmark of the parent organization since its own inception in 1920, when Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League of Women Voters. Some marvel at her prescience as just six months later, the historic 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote.

When the national organization modified its charter in 1973 to permit men to join its ranks, all of the other state, county and local leagues followed suit. Today, the New Castle chapter boasts over 100 members, some of whom are men. Few know, for example, that Bruce Gilchrist once served as a New Castle League president.

representatives to serve as observers, while the New York State chapter sponsors “League Day at the UN” to tour the facilities and focus on issues of special concern to women. Additionally, in 2012, the New Castle League organized its own trip to the UN and spent the day learning about human trafficking.

Some of the positions the National League has taken are decidedly controversial. One such Co-Presidents Jennifer Mebes Flagg and Sheila Bernson register voters in downtown Chappaqua during National Voter Registration Day. position was its objection to the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, which the Supreme Court held up as While the League might take an ofconstitutional in 2007. Given its overficial position on an issue, Flagg said all goals, modus operandi and substanFrom its very inception, the League it also “provides a rationale for both tial achievements, the League is to be of Women Voters has taken advocacy sides of that issue, and allows voters commended for its commitment to the seriously. The New Castle chapter is no to make up their own mind” through democratic process and the ideals of exception, having tackled a variety of educational forums which are paid for fair play, consensus and non-partisannational and local issues including, but out of membership dues. ship toward candidates and political not limited to, gun control, fracking, parties. And, yes, for its willingness to affordable housing, health care and Sometimes the issues are tied in study all sides of a controversial issue education over the years. with educational endeavors. “This and take a position on it. year, together with a Bell student, we Before the League takes a position of cosponsored a screening of the film Flagg’s comment captures it all: its own, Co-President Bernson exGirl Rising, which is about the educa“The League can be a powerful force in plained, it follows a highly disciplined tion of girls around the world,” Flagg issues.” For example, “the New York consensus process. League members said. “And in 2012, we cosponsored State League has taken a position on with Chappaqua’s Temple the redistricting proposal and is advoBeth-El the film Miss Repcating voters to vote ‘yes’ this Novemresentation, which is about ber on Proposition 1.” how women and girls are represented in the media.” Clearly, “in addressing local, state, national or international issues, our “When I first moved to LWV hats are ever changing,” said past town over 20 years ago,” said chapter president Suzanne Maltz, who Carol Hurford, a member is an alternate observer to the United and past president of the Nations for 2014-2015. “Our willingNew Castle League, “the ness to try on different hats is very League… played an instruchallenging, and that’s exactly the way mental role in studying and we like it!” educating our citizens on the pros and cons of professional The Consensus Is In town management. After While a lot of the work of the New reaching consensus, Castle League is time consuming, the it worked tirelessly to members find a great deal of satisfacHorace Greeley High School students Brandon Hilfer (left) achieve such management tion in being part of it. Public service and Dev Jhavieri (right) with Assemblywoman Mayer at the for the town.” In fact, “no and civic responsibility aside, a less League’s Students Inside Albany Conference. other organization in New Castle provides the non-par- promoted side of the League is the camaraderie it exudes. tisan, in-depth issue study or educalisten to a presentation of both sides tion services on local issues that the of an issue, discuss it for an hour or “I feel it is a privilege to sit around League does.” more, and then put it to a vote. If a table at meetings, listening to really there is no unanimous vote, the local intelligent women discussing subjects The League has always had an interLeague does not take a public stand on national focus as well. The National that are important to everyone,” said the issue, even if the State and Nation- League, which was supportive of the New Castle League Board Member al Leagues have taken stands. founding of the United Nations, sends and Treasurer, Barbara Cardone, “not Taking a Stand on Issues An objective observer could easily say that the New Castle League does enough already. But the members don’t see it that way!

November 2014 Inside Chappaqua 7

only in our community but around the world.”

New Castle and held positions with the State League.”

Echoing Cardone’s sentiment, Bernson added, “When I moved back to this area in 2006, I joined the League to get to know people and find out about our town. It’s a great way to get to meet impressive, smart women.” And men!

Perhaps most telling of all is the praise from former Assemblyman Bob Castelli: “I’m a fan of the League! It gives the little guy a chance to be heard and serves a very valuable purpose for all of us. It’s always given me a level playing field and an opportunity to present my case to the people I want to serve.”

Barth, who is tasked with keeping the League’s presence in the public eye, pondered, “Without the local chapter, where would people in New Castle have gotten non-partisan information for the last 65 years?” “If people are interested in good government and transparency,” she continued, “they should support organizations like the League, which thinks it’s important for people to know who is funding political campaigns regardless of what side of the aisle–labor unions, George Soros or the Koch Brothers, et al–the money is coming from.”

Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein speaking at the League’s “Conversation with the Supervisor” annual event last March.

tributes the success of the New Castle League to its “smart, dedicated and hard working” leadership through the years. “We all benefit from their outstanding efforts.”

Bernson, whose late mother-in-law, Mary Bernson, was the first President By now, the “consensus” should be of the New Castle League, described unanimous–the New Castle League it “as a breeding ground for people OF NEW LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS®who serves the public well. go CASTLE on to do public service.” For P.O. Box 364 example, the late Marion Sinek “went Chappaqua, New York 10514 Barbara Gerrard, former Town from being the President of the New Supervisor and League member, atCastle League to being Supervisor of e-mail: lwv.newcastle@gmail.com (Addresses are Chappaqua 10514 unless marked)

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS® OF NEW CASTLE

P.O. Box 364 • Chappaqua, New York 10514 • e-mail: lwv.newcastle@gmail.com 2014-2015 Board of Directors (Addresses are Chappaqua 10514 unless marked)

2014-2015 Board of Directors

OFFICERS Co-President

Sheila Miller Bernson

Co-President 1st Vice President (Membership) 2nd Vice President (Health Care) Secretary

Jennifer Mebes Flagg Lea Barth

Treasurer

Barbara Cardone

Amy McNamara Sharyn Vetter

ELECTED DIRECTORS Education Janet Wedge

Local Planning

Haley Ferraro

Millwood-West End Advisory Board Programs

Dianne Kleinmann

Voter Service

Mary Kirsch

Evelyn Bloom

Youth Leslie Kuhn APPOINTED DIRECTOR None at present

7 Alder Way, Armonk, 10504 82 Hilltop Drive 110 Marcourt Drive

sbernson@mac.com

238-4786

jenmebes@gmail.com barthpetrillo@gmail.com

238-3724 238-5153

403 Roaring Brook Road 18 Random Farms Drive 2 Shadowbrook Parkway

amy.w.mcnamara@gmail.com

238-8342

svetter@optonline.net

941-7556

bacppend@aol.com

238-9283

170 Pines Bridge Road, Ossining, 10562 27 Garey Drive

janet@janicwedge.com

941-5989

hmferraro@yahoo.com

48 Edgewood Rd, Ossining, 10562 5 Woodmill Road

dmkleinmann@verizon.net

917-8171756 941-4984

herbevbloom@yahoo.com

241-0652

115 Somerstown Road, Ossining, NY 10562 6 Kitchawan Drive

mary.kirsch@gmail.com

409-2989

leslieskuhn@aol.com

629-1990

8 Inside Chappaqua November 2014

Castelli’s endorsement makes a clear and compelling case for why the New Castle League truly deserves everyone’s grateful support. And keep an eye out for your Voter’s Guide. The League contact information is LWVNC, P.O. Box 364, Chappaqua, NY 10514 or www.lwvnewcastle.org. Annual dues: $65 for an individual, $95 for a family, and $21 for students. Vicki de Vries, a freelance writer/editor and educator living in Westchester “country,” casts her vote for the LWV of New Castle.

Candidates Presented in Alphabetical Order New York State Assembly (District 93) -David Buchwald: Incumbent Unopposed (Democratic Party line) “Together we’ve made progress, but there’s more work to be done!” Over the past two years, I’ve enjoyed working with local school officials in the District and have helped to increase state-aid for education to the Chappaqua Central School District–16% this year and 18% last year, which is an overall significant increase in state support for local education…. There’s still the ongoing need for high quality government. That’s why I’m the lead sponsor of a state constitutional amendment to strip state officials of state pensions if they’ve been convicted of a felony involving a breach of the public trust…. Ninety State Assembly members have signed onto the amendment, which passed through its first committee vote. That’s an historic level of progress on this issue…. Passing the bill so that the people of New York can vote on it is still a long process, but I’m committed to pushing continues on pg 24

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MOVEMBER -

Changing the Face of Men’s Health Groucho Marx, Albert Einstein, Frank Zappa, Burt Reynolds. Is there a particular shared physical attribute these famous names bring to mind? No? How about Charlie Chaplin, Gene Shalit, Clark Gable? Still not sure? Visualize The Village People’s Construction Guy, Salvadore Dali and Borat… As the moon over Halloween recedes, Movember will begin. That is not a typographical error. The month formerly known as November, for many, has now been meaningfully changed to Movember. During this great autumn month, some presumably post-pubescent men with the ability to achieve facial hair will grow a mustache with intent to “change the face of men’s health.” Clever puns aside, this annual event is an important world-wide effort to raise awareness (and funds) for serious men’s health issues. It all began in Australia in 1999 where ‘Mo’ is slang for a mustache. A well intentioned group of men coined the term Movember with the simple concept of starting clean-shaven and then growing mustaches throughout the month to raise money for charity. A donation could be made to a specific ‘Mo’ or to sponsor a team of mustache growers. This evolved in the early 2000s to more specifically focus on Men’s health issues like prostate & testicular cancer along with depression, which many people, unfortunately, just aren’t comfortable discussing. What these illnesses all have in common is that early detection can be life-saving and Movember is an effort to make people speak up and seek help. It’s an interesting aspect to male culture that these pervasive health issues need this colorful event to raise awareness. Logic would seem to dictate that if a man was having an issue he would simply call the doctor. However, as an adult male I can confirm that, logic be damned, it is just so easy to live in denial. I’m not sure if this is a hard-wired male genetic flaw or an evolutionary defect. Perhaps the genius behind Movember is that people are not the 10 Inside Chappaqua November 2014

Movember Foundation Photo

by Dan Levitz

Mo Bros take action by growing a moustache for the 30 days of Movember, to spark conversation and raise funds.

slightest bit hesitant to talk about that blossoming growth of hair on one’s upper lip which is the perfect segue to discuss what are quite serious and potentially life-saving subjects. In a broad sense, the timing of Movember couldn’t be any better. With apologies to Brooklyn hipsters rocking waxed handle-bars, I think I can say with some confidence that the mustache has fallen out of favor. Nowadays when you see a gentleman with a magnificent growth of hair above his upper lip you might hear words uttered like What was he thinkin’? or faux sneezed Porn-stasche! Somewhere along the way what was once an appealing stylistic male attribute has become something of a grooming pariah; a facial fashion-don’t. Full disclosure, I usually wear a goatee which seems to be more acceptable to many than a plain old mustache. One day I shaved the beard and soul patch which left a fairly wonderful ‘Mo’. I proudly strutted out of the bathroom to show my lovely wife who looked up at me, smiled and calmly yet

vehemently said, “No.” She went back to her book and I went off to shave. Chappaqua resident Stuart Angowitz sprouted a full-on mustache for two recent Movember campaigns raising several thousand dollars. For Stuart, enjoying not shaving was a pleasant surprise and the simplicity of just sending an email to friends and family about Movember was an effective way to get the message out. He also found the endeavor to be a natural way to broach important subjects like Prostate Cancer. An old friend of mine, Ken Umansky, has only one time ever worn a mustache and that was in Movember of 2013. Ken noted, “It was meaningful to raise awareness about early detection.” He was also happy to receive a number of inquiring gazes towards his new facial coiffure from female passersby. Maybe the ‘Mo’ is making a comeback! Speaking of The Ladies, women reading this may wonder how they too can get involved. There seems to be an inherent flaw in Movember as, theoretically, growing of the mustaches is only feasible for about half the human population. However, the folks organizing Movember have gone out of their way to encourage women to become ‘Mo Sistas’ who are encouraged to support the men in their lives participating in Movember and to help the cause. Besides starting conversations about men’s health, Movember has raised substantial funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Testicular Cancer research, The Movember Awareness and Education Campaign and a long list of specific health related research endeavors. Details about where the money goes and how to donate and/or sponsor a mustache can be found us.movember.com. Dan has lived in Chappaqua for 10 years and is an art dealer and writer with a blog on The Huffington Post.

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“ Soup’s On! ” By Heather Skolnick

Now that the sun has set on summer and the leaves have completed their color transformation, cold temperatures are setting in. Fall and Winter are a good time to keep in our thoughts those who may not always have a hot meal or sufficient groceries available. Area soup kitchens and food pantries help provide that commodity to our community members who are in need. The origin of the term “soup kitchen” is pretty straight forward–a facility where bread and soup for those in need was provided. They have been documented as far back as the 18th Century in Europe, and arrived in the United States in the late 19th Century. During the Great Depression, soup kitchens became an important salvation to those in need. In the subsequent years, they fell out of favor and didn’t re-surface in any significant way until the recession in the 1980s. Today, soup kitchens and food pantries serve a very important purpose. They provide hot meals and/or groceries for those who would otherwise go without. While many may

Food Pantry volunteer Jonathan Fischer of Chappaqua.

not realize, there is a significant need for this service in New Castle and the surrounding areas. The Community Center of Northern Westchester’s website provides the statistic “One in five residents in Westchester County is food insecure.” In 2011, more than

healthy, balanced meals to those who can’t go to a food pantry in person. The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry offers delivery service to those who need it. Roberta Horowitz from the Pantry said they currently deliver to 13 families, and serve approximately 250 families a week at their facility. This pantry allows people to shop weekly, selecting their own food among a selection of canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and bread from Panera. They are supported by 12 congregations. Clients must live in Mt. Kisco or surrounding areas that are not serviced by another weekly pantry.

Executive Director Sherry Wolf in the Community Center of Northern Westchester’s food pantry.

1,800 families took advantage of their services, providing 184 tons of food to those in need out of their facility right in Katonah. The Community Center is a one stop shop for anyone who needs a little help getting back on their feet, providing clothes, supplemental food, English classes and help job hunting. A family can visit the grocery area up to once a month and can select groceries that will provide meals for four to five days. Their goal is to “take the edge off hunger and provide essentials,” says Community Center of Northern Westchester’s Executive Director, Sherry Wolf. Between one third and one quarter of the food available in their pantry is donated by the community and community partners. The Community Center of Northern Westchester is supported by 31 different religious, civic and educational groups in the area. The Center has been serving 37 communities in Northern Westchester for 22 years. Ms. Wolf says that they are here for everyone and anyone–including “your neighbor next door.” They provide “help with compassion.” They have 300 volunteers who have done 50,000 hours of volunteer work. Help for your neighbors, by your neighbors. Some facilities not only provide food, but will also deliver

Another option is coordinated through the Chappaqua Interfaith Council. The Interfaith Council has broad religious representation from over 20 different congregations. One of the organization’s initiatives is the Emergency Shelter Partnership which provides a place to sleep for up to a week along with a hot meal. Each religious house takes a turn hosting, with each facility participating one to two times each winter. This initiative was spearheaded by Reverend Paul Alcorn of Bedford Presbyterian Church in

To volunteer or contribute monetarily to an organization that helps provide these services, some contacts are: Food Bank for Westchester: www.foodbankforwestchester.org Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry: www.mountkiscofoodpantry.org Community Center of Northern Westchester: communitycenternw.org

Nancy Borowick Photography

November 2014 Inside Chappaqua 13

ent on volunteers. Chappaqua resident Elinor Griffith, a long-time volunteer among a variety of local organizations, suggests that giving back is “like a way of life” and that it unites a community. Volunteer opportunities for soup kitchens and food pantries are many. They range from working at the forefront distributing food to ensuring that there is both awareness of the need and knowledge of the food options for anyone in need. Sherry Wolf left me with these words of wisdom: “Demonstrate your compassion with your children. They model your empa-

Bedford Village. Reverend Alcorn says of the initiative, “It got started about 10-11 years ago when several of us in the community became concerned because we knew there were people sleeping outside in the winter. “Those in need gather at the police station in Mt. Kisco; a bus then takes them to the host congregation. On average, there are 18-24 people at a time being housed. Word of mouth and local police are leveraged to get the message out. Soup kitchens and food pantries are heavily depend-

thy and become your ambassadors.” These are words to remember this time of year when many are in need. Heather Skolnick, her husband Neal and their three children have been New Castle residents for seven years. Inspired by what she learned writing this article, look for them finding appropriate ways to volunteer their time as a family.

Up Close and INSIDE with Elinor Griffith she is working on. She is also someone who embraces diversity and welcomes all with an open heart.” Joining the church board was just the tip of the iceberg for Elinor. She then became involved as a lay person in the Chappaqua Interfaith Council. The Interfaith Council coordinates and provides a variety of services to many people in the community.

Elinor Griffith is a long time Chappaqua resident who dedicates much of her time to volunteer work, and has been doing so for many years. She offers a wealth of knowledge about local volunteer opportunities, much based on her own experiences. She has been involved in a wide variety of organizations and activities and has served as an inspiration to many to get involved, including me! She shared with me why she got involved and some of the unexpected benefits she gained as a result. Elinor first got involved many years ago with Birchwood Swim and Tennis Club. As a busy full-time writer, editor and mother to two children, free time was scarce and reserved for family. So she volunteered alongside her children. This was a win-win–it demonstrated to her teenagers the message that giving back to the community is important while simultaneously allowing her to have quality family time. Subsequently, Elinor was asked to get involved with her church board. Initially, she balked–she was already running at full throttle among her professional and personal commitments. But she quickly came to realize that,

Along with her volunteer work, Elinor Griffith is also an accomplished writer, gourmet guide and editor. Visit www.elinorgriffith.com

as Elinor recently verbalized, “Now is a great time. Being busy is no excuse! Just get out and do something–even if it’s a small thing.” So she did.

Elinor joined her church board and found that giving back to her community was incredibly rewarding. She found an increased sense of belonging within the New Castle community. As a bonus, she discovered that she was not only fostering new friendships while volunteering her time, but that she was deepening existing ones through a shared love of giving back. Grace Bennett, long time friend of Elinor’s 95 King Street • Chappaqua, NY 10514 said, “I’ve always lejardinchappaqua.com found Elinor to be so enthusiastic Tel: 914-238-1368 • Fax: 914-238-4864 and dedicated to Serving Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner, 7 days/week, Open 8am whatever project

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Elinor was also on the board at Open Door for many years, and more recently, joined the board of New Castle Community Media Center. NCCMC is a non-profit organization whose main initiative is to help connect the community thru local media programming. Located in the library, they film all town hall meetings. These meetings, along with select other town meetings, are viewable on the web and local cable channels. Elinor is a poster child for how rewarding giving back to the community can be. She modestly says that part of her love of New Castle stems from how engaged in giving back the people surrounding her are. To those who feel they may be too busy, Elinor shared with me an analogy told to her many years ago: Volunteering is like quilt. No one person has to be the entire quilt. An hour here and an hour there is like a square on the quilt. Your square joined with someone else’s square can quickly result in a completed quilt. Don’t feel that volunteering has to be an overwhelming commitment–it can be done one “square” at a time. Of her many years of volunteering, Elinor says, “Pushing up your sleeves and helping neighbors in need can become one of the most satisfying areas of life. [It] gives an opportunity…to make our part of the world a little better.” –Heather Skolnick

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Home Grown Heroes By Jill Schachter Levy Last summer I got caught in Operation Protective Edge, first when Delta halted planes from Tel Aviv, then when I became too glued to leave before my kids were safe. Two kids, double jeopardy. I graduated from Chappaqua Mom to Lone Soldier Mom. Times two.

an Iron Dome interceptor. My Delta flight was banned because a rocket landed near the airport but only one. Iron Dome was our hero, like Iron Man but real. Surreal. No surprise that this technology is a hot new seller on the world military market.

Iron Dome worked in Tel Aviv, but a hundred miles down the Mediterranean Sea, closer to Gaza, rocket launchers were so close folks had 15 seconds until impact. They had no Jill (center) and her children Sara and Eric enjoy the best kind of close encounter warning of Hamas ter–family togetherness. Operation Warm Embrace brought lone soldier parents and rorists popping out of their combat soldier children together for a weekend of hugs. tunnels. Costing three million dollars each to Annapolis, West Point and the Israel dig, some had electricity, some were Perhaps I could have seen it comDefense Force. It was funny to read wide enough for motorcycles, all were ing on 9/11/01 when my daughter IDF next to my daughter’s name on stealthily camouflaged to facilitate called me from a play date with “just the college acceptances list; my fashsurprise attacks and/or kidnappings one question–they did it on purpose, ionista is more FIT than army boots. of Israeli farmers and their families didn’t they?” Even the spectacular AYSO and Greeley track won her the living two miles from Gazan farmers 9/11 Memorial Museum somehow dis- position of combat fitness instrucand their families. People who used to plays aftermath as if New York’s police tor: light Air Force khakis by night, work together and share cafes. Until Lulu Lemon leggings by day, Hamas. Now it was warplanes vershe keeps pilots fit by leading sus rockets. Now uniformed soldiers Pilates and Spinning on an entered Gaza to dismantle terror tubes air force base near Syria. As a that ended under the cool, tiled floors fluke, in July, her base schedof kibbutz living rooms. These tunnels uled her for turbinate surgery; were Hamas’ war surprise. the army paid, I flew, and the post-op recovery bled into My war surprise was that the ground Operation Protective Edge, incursion included my son, one of the bringing me and war up close. When Delta cancelled my flight IDF’s boots on the ground. I knew he was going in when he called to say he from Ben Gurion Airport, I stayed in Tel Aviv with ringside wouldn’t have his phone for a while. Once he became a commander he had seats and skin in the game. his phone all the time, a tool and a privilege. No phone meant one thing. Israel usually sounds like Training exercise. Okay, one more Chappaqua discussing the thing. War. Unbelievable as it seemed. future of the Readers Digest He spoke to me, then his sister, then property, but for 50 days last A hug and huge sigh of relief–Jill, with Eric right after he asked to speak to me again for a final I got out of Gaza. summer you could hear a pin love you. Just in case, we understood. drop. Well, aside from warSo we’d both know he’d told me. and firefighters faced a natural disasplanes. And red alerts announcing ter, but such attacks are man-made stray rockets, as a rocket sent over a I became an instant news junkie. Did all the way, and my kids wanted to do major city should only be called ‘stray.’ they go in? How far? For how long? Is their part to defend democracy. There we stood in Tel Aviv, three milmy son’s unit in? Gossip abounded. lion people, looking high up at blue Ignorance was bliss, and yet the worst My Greeley grads are not unique; sky where rockets were streaking by, part was no word. I lived on clues others of Chappaqua’s ‘finest’ chose two, three, five, each kissed midair by My son and daughter entered Roaring Brook in an age of innocence, and walked out of Greeley into a post 9/11 world. Marched, as it turned out. After Greeley they flew off to learn Hebrew and serve in Israel, America’s ally and beacon of democracy in the Middle East.

18 Inside Chappaqua November 2014

from my recovering daughter’s vast network of soldier friends and the occasional call from an unknown cellphone my son grabbed as he rolled out of Gaza to refuel. My own phone was glued to me. I answered every number just in case Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva called to report an injury. When I heard from the cell phone company welcoming me as a new customer, American style, I went cold as I realized the army didn’t know my number. How would they contact me? Death is a personal visit. “Don’t worry,” my sang-froid combat fitness instructor daughter cautioned, “Mossad nails harder tasks than locating you.”

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My son entered Gaza with the first group, and left with the last. He had a birthday in Gaza. No stray bullet got him. No friendly fire. No tunnel booby trap. By year-end, both kids will have ended a service during which, despite the odds, they caught a war, providing them common ground with their own grandparents, the great generation who fought a worldwide enemy as power-hungry and as ruthless as Hamas, ISIS, al-Qaida, Hezbollah, and Iran combined. At first, I was incensed that kids were being asked to risk their lives for mine. The moment I gave birth I shifted generations and became a parent, a caregiver. This summer I shifted again when I saw my infantryman’s heaviest burden was not fear, though he was terrified, but the deep worry he was forcibly causing his dad and me. My son knows what it means to lead troops and a family, and I realize the baton has passed, though I would appreciate a few years of me-time before sliding into that last and best phase, grandparent. We moved to Chappaqua in an age of innocence and I didn’t see this coming, but, by 2001, I should have. After all, 9/11 shook us all–adults and children. That my Chappaquaraised children grew to soldier in today’s defensive, global war still shakes me. But, there is a silver lining; being on the front line forged in my kids and in my family an extra unbreakable bond. An Iron Bond. And, for that, I am grateful. Jill Schachter Levy moved to Chappaqua in 1992 and lived here for 17 years. She worked in finance in NYC until the draw of the Chappaqua PTA became too strong. When her kids grew up she started blogging - about her kids, of course, and the world they and we live in.

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Love, Loss and Coyote Awareness By Eileen Gallagher Due to the attention generated by this article, it is being reprinted in its entirety. Coyotes are definitely news here in town. Since the story originally ran in September, there has been a continuing spike in reported coyote activity; whether due to increased awareness, actual activity or a combination of both may be debated. What is not subjective, however, is that several pets have fallen victim to coyote attacks in our town in the past year alone.

Oscar, the Silverman family’s fur-baby, is sorely missed by family and friends alike.

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. 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.

Papi was believed attacked and taken from her home near Bell Middle School last October.

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

20 Inside Chappaqua November 2014

coyote around 8 a.m. 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 came back.

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

Already on her Manhattan-bound 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 School, but 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. 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.

Main coon cat Lola always stayed on her property and came when called.

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. A rescued dog named Jarron was reported missing from the same area of town around the same time as Papi and Lola. Jim Horton, a wildlife professional and owner of Quality Pro, was called by New Castle police later that month after one of the officers spotted a large and mangy looking coyote in the area.

According to a statement my fur-baby. He came everywhere then released by police Chief with me. He even rode in the Charles Ferry, “the Police wagon in stores like Homegoods Department has always on top of my jacket so he wouldn’t been prepared to use a shed or hurt his paws.” With brimtrapper if a coyote situation ming eyes, she continued, “I made became a threat to public him homemade gourmet food. He safety. This unusually large slept on my bed. He was totally mangy coyote was seen on special to me.” school grounds by a police officer and there have been Amy’s son Joshua, a senior Ann Brochstein’s Samson, shown recuperating from surgery and a small pets reported missat Greeley, described his loss. “I multi-day hospital stay. ing in the area. These facts didn’t just lose my dog, I lost my are what were considered in best friend.” He continued, “They the decision to trap the animal.” Chief A few hours later, Silverman and her live in our homes, sleep in our beds. Ferry went on to say, “Coyote attacks Coyotes take these precious pets from four children noticed that Oscar was on humans are extremely rare but gone from their home. “He might have our lives.” He proudly shared many when it comes to children we cannot tried to follow my daughter to the car, of the beautiful photos he had taken take chances.” over the years, along with a video thinking it was me,” Silverman said. presentation set to music to honor his The family and friends set out within Unfortunately, after obtaining the friend. He told about the toys Oscar minutes, searching the neighborrequired permit, placing cameras, and had, and his three different beds. He hood with flashlights and calling for subsequently setting up monitored, also pointed out a paper prominently Oscar. By the early hours of the next humane traps in the woods behind displayed on the refrigerator–the permorning, they returned home with Bell, Horton was unable to trap the mit obtained from the New York State hopes that someone had found him coyote, which had most likely “disDepartment of Environmental Conand taken him in for the night. When persed” by then. servation to trap the coyote plaguing daylight came, they created flyers and distributed them to every house in the their yard. “My last memory of Oscar This spring, a six-year-old Havanese was seeing him licking Josh’s face.” surrounding area. named Samson was attacked by a coyote but managed to escape. Ann These women and their families exWhile going door to door, Silverman Brochstein described how her family’s perienced great sadness and pain, and recalled one of the neighbors telling two dogs, Samson and Cosmo, were her that she had seen a coyote near the shared their stories to help increase out in the yard in late April of this year swing set in her own yard the morning awareness of the potential danger to when she heard a scream. Samson ran pets in the community. Wong’s daughOscar disappeared. The woman was to the door to be let in, and, according new to the neighborhood and worried ter wrote a story, “Two Lives, Two to Brochstein, ran around “crazed.” Hearts, Two Memories,” to express for her small child, but didn’t know of When she finally coaxed him out from a way to notify anyone else. Another her love and loss. “In Lola’s memory, under a console table, she found a anything I could do to help out,” neighbor a block away later called large bulge on the side of his abdomen in response to the flyer, reporting a and bite marks on his back. ImmeCape said of her desire to spread the recent coyote sighting in her yard. Undiately taking him to an emergency word about ways to prevent coyote atlike Silverman’s yard, neither of those veterinary office, she learned that the tacks. Josh Silverman began working yards back up to the woods. coyote, in grabbing Samson, had torn on an app to track coyote sightings. his abdominal wall and diaphragm. All of the families responded to Town A conversation with the animal Samson required surgery followed by a control officer, James Moore, gave Supervisor Rob Greenstein’s Facebook multiple day stay in the hospital. posting asking for volunteers as part Silverman very little hope that Oscar was alive. “He mentioned sightings on of a taskforce he was forming to deal Piecing together evidence, both with the seemingly growing coyote a nearby street and said that a coyote the police and the vet thought that presence. probably took Oscar, and that there 12-year-old Cosmo had distracted the would be no remains but the collar.” coyote momentarily, saving Samson’s * Since the original interviews and pubBelieving that to be the case, she sent life. Noteworthy too–the attack seem- her children into the woods to look lication of this story, Town Supervisor ingly happened on the stone patio, Rob Greenstein has been hard at work on for Oscar’s collar, but instead they about ten feet from the door. new and improved methods of communifound the partial remains of their cation. See next page’s Town Hall update. beloved companion. “I hate that this Most recently, the Silverman family is their last memory [of Oscar]. It is lost their beloved Pekingnese, Oscar, Eileen Gallagher has lived in Chapdespicable.” Silverman also expressed to a coyote. Amy Silverman had repaqua for 11 years with her husband, extreme frustration that there was no turned to her home late in the aftertwo sons and two dogs. She is a freelance alert* such as Nixle to inform people noon on July 10th. Suffering from a writer, community volunteer, former of coyote sightings. migraine headache, she had gone to PTA chairperson, and avid animal the doctor for blurred vision and light lover. Originally from Long Island with Oscar was a special friend to the sensitivity. When she returned home, virtually no experience with coyotes, she Silverman family, and known widely she went right to her room to rest. as a friend to both other dogs and peo- became interested after encountering one Oscar stayed with her as he usually in her backyard. ple. “Everyone loved Oscar,” recalled did, sleeping under her bed. Silverman. “I’m devastated. He was

November 2014 Inside Chappaqua 21

Town Hall Update: Two New Committees Formed to Address Coyote Issues To increase community awareness, minimize the risk of coyote attacks on pets and otherwise reduce the risks associated with encounters with coyotes, the Town has decided to establish two different committees to study the problem: Coyote Management Task Force and the Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee. Both committees recognize that coyote sightings have noticeably increased in the Town of New Castle over the years. Town residents have reported having their dogs attacked and killed by coyotes. The town recognizes the need to educate residents about the presence of coyotes and seek input from the community as to coyote sightings and interactions.

The goals and work of the Coyote Management Task Force shall include providing information to residents about coyote hazing (i.e., teaching residents how to effectively haze coyotes in different situations such as at home, in a public park, etc.); identifying measures that can be taken by Town staff in our DPW and Recreation and Parks Departments; informing residents on best practices for storing garbage, using bird feeders, storing food, cleaning-up picnic areas and ball fields; exploring and developing methods and criteria for tracking coyotes and notifying residents about coyote activity in their immediate neighborhoods; and providing information as to when trapping may be necessary. Education and Information The goals and work of the Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee shall include providing science-based information and coyote management plans and strategies regarding best practices on all levels for dealing with coyotes, including but not limited to providing education and information to residents and to the Town Board regarding hazing, prevention strategies, tracking, conflict deterrents and behavior modification, what to do when sightings occur, coyote management and trapping when necessary.

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New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein stated “the Coyote Management Task Force and the Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee will work in a collaborative fashion to provide residents and the Town Board with a full range of information and perspectives on dealing with the presence of coyotes in our community.

Many websites offer coyote information. Ann Brochstein highly recommends the tips provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife: If a coyote approaches you: •Do not run or turn your back. •Be as big and loud as possible. •Wave your arms and throw objects. •Face the coyote and back away slowly. •If attacked, fight back. Protect your pets: •Keep pets on a short leash. •Use extra caution dusk through dawn. •Avoid known or potential den sites and thick vegetation. •Do not allow dogs to interact with coyote. Be prepared! If you have concerns about an encounter with a coyote: •Recreate during daylight hours. •Walk with a walking stick. •Keep a deterrent spray handy. •Carry noise makers or rocks to throw. Your home & coyotes: •Never feed coyotes. •Remove attractants from your yard, including pet food, water sources, bird feeders, and fallen fruit. •Secure trash in a container with a locking lid or put trash out on the morning of pick up. •Deter coyotes with a six-foot privacy fence. •Never approach wildlife–if a coyote approaches, yell, throw rocks or sticks at it, spray with a hose, or bang pots and pan. Your pet & coyotes: •Keep pets on a six-foot leash when walking. •Never allow your pets to "play" with a coyote. •Pick up small pets if confronted by a coyote. •Always supervise your pet when outside, especially at dawn or dusk. •Never leave cats or dogs outside after dark. •Don't leave pet food outside. •If you must leave your pet outside, secure it in a fully enclosed kennel.

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for something so many Westchester residents believe in…. And now that my district office has moved to nearby downtown Mount Kisco, my constituents are always welcome to visit.

U.S. House of Representatives (U.S. Congressional District 17) -Christopher Day: (Republican Party and Conservative Party lines) “A Brighter Future Today” Our country is at a point where we’re at risk of losing the American Dream… It’s time to make hard decisions to get high quality jobs and strong defense back without petty partisan politics. I would work hard to get infrastructure projects [like the new Tappan Zee Bridge] and get decent immigration reform passed to have a secure border. Also, I would incentivize local businesses to grow and expand and try to attract new businesses to Westchester. Then there’s the federal government telling our local school systems, “Teach Common Core or no money comes your way!” and getting involved in Westchester zoning and calling suburban areas ‘racist.’Educational and zoning issues are best resolved on the state and locallevels.

U.S. House of Representatives (U.S. Congressional District 18) -Nan Hayworth: (Republican Party, Conservative Party and Independence Party line)

“Doctor. Mother. Neighbor” Everywhere I go in the Hudson Valley, I hear people saying we have the potential to do so much better…. We need to welcome hiring and business

growth and help our neighbors so they can continue to live and prosper in our area. I’ve been fighting to have affordable health care that does not cause employers to have to reduce work hours. I want to unburden the business community from unnecessary regulations and taxes. I’m also committed to protecting Social Security and Medicare and to keeping federal regulators from interfering with Westchester’s local zoning laws…. When I was in Congress, I co-sponsored the REINS Act, which would have reined in federal regulators and prevented them from passing major regulations that have significant economic impacts on our economy. My opponent voted against it, and now Hudson Valley families are stuck paying more for their electricity.

U.S. House of Representatives (U.S. Congressional District 17) -Nita Lowey: Incumbent (Democratic Party line) “Helping New Yorkers Get Ahead” I had a wonderful time meeting so many great people at the recent New Castle Community Day in Chappaqua. I’m proud of my success fighting for our communities’ fair share of federal resources. New Castle has benefited from vital public safety equipment for the Police and Chappaqua Fire Department and $1.2 million for work on the Route 120 bridge over the Metro-North tracks. I will continue to fight for local projects as well as work to make sure that college is affordable for middle-class families and that women get equal pay for equal work.

24 Inside Chappaqua November 2014

U.S. House of Representatives (U.S. Congressional District 18) -Sean Patrick Maloney: Incumbent (Democratic Party line) “Proudly Serving New York’s 18th District” I’ve been hard at work doing the job folks sent me to do. That means passing 13 bipartisan bills through the House of Representatives… passing disaster relief for our communities to rebuild from the damage done by Sandy, investing in our infrastructure, working across the aisle to fight things like the heroin epidemic in the Hudson Valley and helping our veterans ...I’ve fought to keep local manufacturers and hundreds of jobs in the Hudson Valley, partnered to grow and expand the biotech industry, pushed for local infrastructure projects that create jobs… In New Castle and Westchester, I’ve fought to repave Route 133 between Route 120 and Mt. Kisco and to get $65 million in disaster relief for our communities and nearly $4 million in aid to help our area’s homeless veterans. I want to grow this economy… by investing in the middle class and protecting programs like Social Security….

New York State Senate (District 40) -Terence Murphy: (Republican Party, Conservative Party, Independence Party and Green Party lines) “Working Together To Give Everyone a Chance To Succeed” In my work as Town Councilman in Yorktown Heights, I worked across the aisle and got the job done. I

would do the same in Albany. We have to cut taxes and make New York a more affordable place to live and also a business-friendly state. As a Town Councilman, I’ve given two consecutive tax decreases –more than any decrease in over a generation and helped to usher in close to $250,000 worth of new business development…all the while keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum…. We also need to change the ethics climate in Albany. In Yorktown, I helped to rewrite the ethics law to include financial disclosure statements and the creation of an ethics committee. Of vital concern is the 300% increase in heroin use, which we must halt in Westchester County and elsewhere in the State. And finally, as your New York State Senator, I would continue to fight for the Veterans, who fought so hard for us. Justin Wagner: (Democratic Party line) “Mainstream Values. Common-Sense Solutions” Albany needs to solve problems with common-sense solutions, not with partisanship. I’m not a career politician. I’m focused on passing ethics legislation, meaningful mandate relief to reduce property taxes and rebuilding New York’s decaying infrastructure. These are not partisan issues, but they are issues that have been neglected by Albany for too long. Economic issues are very important and will be my primary area of focus, but I’m also concerned about value issues such as keeping New York a pro-choice state and passing the Women’s Equality Agenda. I’m also a strong proponent of mandating background checks for gun purchases to ensure we keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill.

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HAPPENINGS

Authors and Llamas and Sun, Oh MY!

Intro and Photos by Gillian Hand Anyone who visited a sunorganizer Dawn Evans Greendrenched downtown Chapberg believes that nearly all of paqua on Saturday, September the 10,000+ books offered for 27th, could tell that the second sale were purchased by avid annual Chappaqua Children’s young readers and their famiBook festival was a huge suclies. Greenberg hopes that “all cess. With nearly 85 authors, a over the area kids fell asleep delicious food court, a variety reading a new and treasured of children’s activities and a book”.– Gillian Hand special visit from llamas, the festival exceeded all expectaGillian Hand is a sophomore tions. New Castle police esat Greeley, and was the youth timated over 5,000 visitors volunteer coordinator at the throughout the day, and event festival this year.

Author Gail Carson Levine

Author James Howe

“And Can we do it Again?” Article and Photos by Grace Bennett

I asked the three main organizers of the event to reminisce about their greatest surprises, accomplishments, challenges–and hopes for next year’s Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. Janine Marino, Creative Director, interviewed various authors throughout the day, and said she discovered that “they actually enjoy being there as much as the kids do. They all said they loved meeting their favorite book authors as much as the children love meeting them!”

At the festival too: Many kid volunteers for the 5th Annual Great Chappaqua Bake Sale raised over $25,000 this year toward a national No Kid Hungry campaign.

Marino described Greeley and Skidmore grad Sophie Mendleson’s downtown mural, “Where the Characters Are” as perhaps this year’s greatest accomplishment.

“It’s a gorgeous reminder of a great day that we can enjoy all year long .” The biggest surprise may have been how smoothly the day actually went. Madeline Finesmith, assistant executive director reminisced: “With so many amazing authors and sponsors, we had to shuffle and reshuffle before we could put Chappaqua Artist Sophie Mendelson’s “Where the Characters Are” mueverything together ral on North Greeley Avenue helped ignite a huge amount of excitement to create great flow, for the CCBF this year. presence, and shade Haven’t the slightest doubt, ladies. So, for the authors sitting dear Reader, save the date for the third at their tables for six hours.” annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Naturally, it was all worth it, as exec- Festival: October 3, 2015. utive director Dawn Evans Greenberg Grace Bennett is the Publisher and noted: “Creating this much fun and Editor of The Inside Press, Inc. She has joy is addictive.” Greenberg said she invited Greenberg to guest edit a special hopes to introduce ever more young section about the festival in the next fall teen books and perhaps adult books edition of Inside Chappaqua Magazine. too next year. At one point she looked down from St. Mary’s “on thousands Our festival coverage continues on of smiling people, arms full of books, the next page. excitedly engaging with authors–and thought: “How could we have created this? And can we do it again?” November 2014 Inside Chappaqua 27

HAPPENINGS

Author Todd Strasser discussing his books with a young fan.

Executive Editor Beth Besen in an IPhone moment with a llama from Hudson Valley Llamas.

Jon Davidson/Office of President Clinton

“Clifford” with CCBF teen volunteers.

News of the birth of Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky captured attention around the world. Of course, residents of Charlotte’s grandparents’ hometown were particularly excited to hear–and the news also broke just one day before the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. A quick thinking CCBF committee, with artist Sophie Mendelson’s help, pulled together a basket of books for Charlotte, dubbed (by this publication) Charlotte’s Basket “Charlotte’s Basket.” Once “cleared,” Dawn Evans Greenberg delivered the basket to the Clinton’s home.

28 Inside Chappaqua November 2014

Zero Tolerance for Distracted Driving In just one early fall morning, the New Castle Police Department issued 12 tickets to drivers caught using an electronic mobile device while driving.Five additional tickets were issued to drivers using a cell phone. The town's new "Hands off the Phone and on the Wheel" campaign was launched with sobering information in mind. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that texting and driving is more dangerous than drunk driving. "I can't imagine the public response if we were reporting the arrest of 12 drunk drivers during the morning commute," stated Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein.

New Castle Chief of Police Charles Ferry added: "Our goal is to see texting while driving as socially unacceptable as DWI. We want to be able to report that our officers are no longer observing distracted drivers. Until then NCPD's zero-tolerance enforcement will continue to ticket drivers who choose to use hand held electronic devices while driving. Violators face a fine and 5 points on their driver's license. Probationary and junior drivers convicted of a cell phone use or texting violation will have their license suspended for 60 days. Fines and suspensions increase for subsequent convictions.

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November 2014 Inside Chappaqua 31

ET CETERA

Splinter Groups By Ellen Davis I loved when Chappaqua Moms first started on Facebook. What a great way to help bring our community together. We have a central location where one can check in for advice and information on a plethora of topics like childcare issues, homeowner tips and the occasional hilarious anecdote. I extend kudos to the founding members. But I am starting to feel like we are maybe creating too many splinter groups. I understand Chappaqua Moms Sales. I know that hundreds of items a week are bought and sold. Although, personally, I can’t wrap my head around wearing used shoes, that’s my issue not yours. And the Chappaqua Wholeshare Food site? Lots and lots of splits of mangoes and cow sharing. Great idea. But here’s a question. Do we really need all of these significantly smaller groups that are private? Can’t we all be part of a larger group? There’s Chappaqua Moms Travel, Gardening and Couture. There’s a separate coyote site and a

Do we really need all of these significantly smaller groups... separate site for Dads. But then there’s Chappaqua Moms and Dads. How specific do we have to be? Chappaqua Moms Moms for Grandmothers? Chappaqua Moms Mabley for comedians. Chappaqua Mom-entum for the work out folks. How about Chappaqua Mom-sers for those with unruly children? Or Chappaqua Mom-ents when something special happens in our lives? I digress. But I think you get the drift. And there’s a bigger picture. What I am noticing in Chappaqua Moms is a microcosm for what’s going on all around us. Can’t we all be a little more inclusive? I was upset after reading a 32 Inside Chappaqua November 2014

question for both of you. She wants to know if you and Aimee both wore wedding dresses when you got married.” After we stopped laughing, we explained that we’re not legally married but definitely consider ourselves a family. So neither of us wore a wedding dress. No judgment. Just curiosity. I actually loved how open and innocent that question was. Chappaqua is made up of such a varied group of people. Isn’t it amazing we have the opportunity to learn about different cultures, different nationalities and different points of view? Why limit yourself by only getting to know people who are just like you are? Why be part of a narrowly casted group when you can be part of something more?

woman describe how, because of her clothing, she was made to feel “less than” in a frame shop. If I was judged by my appearance, I don’t think the A&P would even let me buy milk. I go to work in Levi’s. I remember a woman looking at me for days on end on Metro North. I tried not to get too paranoid. Finally she spoke to me and said, “Sorry if I’ve been staring but I see you every day in jeans and I just need to know what you do for a living?” I was relieved that was all she wanted. Then I explained to her that I worked in television and I spent much time in edit rooms or on shoots. She told me she was so jealous that I could wear such casual clothes. We ended up having a lovely chat. I never mind curiosity about anything in my life. But it’s pre-judgment that throws me for a loop. How can anyone assume someone can’t afford something based on appearance? Or how can one assume someone might not be cultured or educated based on appearance? You can’t and you shouldn’t. Years ago a local mom said to my partner and me, “I know this might sound crazy, but my daughter has a

Since we moved to Chappaqua around fourteen years ago, my family has gained such a diverse, adorable, funny, amazing group of friends. A cross section of the world seems to be represented. One family invited us over for traditional Indian fare. And it was beyond delicious. This same father came to our B’nai Mitzvah and couldn’t believe what a special day it was. Another taught me so much about the Muslim religion, and was thrilled to hear all about the news network I work for. Whether it’s bringing us rugalach from my favorite Long Island bakery or watching the kids without a moment’s notice, our friends do us great favors and don’t need explanations as to why. With Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Festivus and anything else you celebrate upon us, let’s leave ourselves open. Open to the wonderful possibility of being part of something big, not small. Part of something inclusive, not exclusive. Part of a group of people who accept and not reject. Join me. Ellen Davis is a Writer, Producer and Director for Television.

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Pools of Perfection Cover Sponsors Advertisers at a Glance • November 2014

Amadeus Conservatory of Music............................................ 25 Sena Baron, William Raveis..................................................... 9 Beecher Flooks Funeral Home............................................... 29 The Bristal Assisted Living.................................................... 12 Camp Ramaquois................................................................... 31 Chappaqua Craft & Gift Fair.................................................... 4 Club Fit.................................................................................. 12 CoutureDossier.................................................................. 25 Dodd’s Liquor City................................................................... 3 Drug Mart............................................................................. 26 Financial Asset Management Corp........................................ 15 Gaucho Grill Argentinean Steak House.................................. 31 Cindy Glynn, William Raveis.........................................Gatefold Bonnie Golub, William Ravies.................................................. 1 The Harvey School................................................................. 26 Head Over Wheels Salon........................................................ 29 Heckler & O’Keefe Public Accountants.................................. 26 Hickory & Tweed................................................................... 19 Houlihan Lawrence..................................................16,17,19,29 Jodi’s Gym............................................................................. 26 Dr. Alexandria Chan Katz, LLC.............................................. 31 Sandra Landis, Psychic, Chappaqua Wellness Center............. 31 Le Jardin du Roi French Bistro.............................................. 14 March Boutique..................................................................... 15 Melts Gourmet Grilled Cheese............................................... 25 Music in Chappaqua............................................................... 29

New Castle Physical Therapy.................................................. 23 Nicolaysen Agency, Inc.......................................................... 22 Wally Peterkin, PGI Professional Golf Instructor.................. 30 Prescriptions For Fitness....................................................... 11 Riverside Memorial Chapel.................................................... 23 Rockin’ Jump........................................................................... 5 Alan Sheptin Tutoring........................................................... 26 Steffi Nossen School of Dance................................................ 28 Westchester Tree Life............................................................ 31 World Cup Gymnastics............................................................. 2 World Cup Kindergarten....................................................... 25

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