The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Inside Press

Self Exploration

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By Grace Bennett

Not too long ago, my Self surrendered under extreme duress to enemy forces. Sadly, she is still being held hostage by said forces intent on replaying, reliving, retelling.  Re…diculous!

Fortunately, positive internal negotiations are underway to rescue imprisoned Self, and especially to restore her vitality, which was seriously compromised during a largely unprovoked siege led by another, one might argue, more self preserving Self.

An outside individual, offering freely and generously from herSelf wisely advises: “Once you stop hitting the replay button to get to the bottom of what happened and why, you will be just fine.”

Moral of the story:  Sometimes, for survival and sanity’s sake, you need to hang up the quest for clarity and resolution simply to clear a path for the far more critical and safe return of your very essence. To thine own self: not only be true…be a hero.

Statue of Liberty Re-opens

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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the reopening of the Statue of Liberty under an agreement reached with the federal government on Friday, October 11. Under the agreement, the State will fully fund National Park Service personnel at the daily cost of $61,600 to keep Liberty Island National Park open to visitors as the federal government shutdown continues.

“Today, as visitors from across the globe descend on New York, I am pleased to announce that the Statue of Liberty is officially reopened,” Governor Cuomo said. “While the federal government shutdown remains at a standstill, we in New York will not let this international symbol of freedom and democracy remain closed. The Statue of Liberty attracts thousands of visits every day, generating economic activity and supporting jobs that we cannot afford to lose. So today, we are back in business and Lady Liberty is ready to welcome New Yorkers and visitors.”

As a result of the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of the Interior closed all national parks across the country last week and furloughed more than 20,000 National Park Service employees. In response to the economic impacts that park closures have on local communities, the Department is considering agreements with Governors who indicate an interest and ability to fully fund National Park Service personnel to reopen national parks in their states. These payments will not be reimbursed unless Congress passes a law to provide refunds to individual states.

Under Governor Cuomo’s agreement with the Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, the State will pay for the first four days of reopening the park, with funding coming from the State’s tourism budget. To keep the park open, the State must give the Department two days’ notice for every additional two days. The park will be fully open and functioning as usual. The State will pay the federal government $61,600 for each day that the park is open.

Liberty Island National Park has a major impact on the New York State economy. According to a 2012 annual report by the National Park Service, 3.7 million people visited Liberty Island in 2011, generating $174 million in economic activity and supporting 2,218 jobs. Every visitor spends an average of about $35 for the ferry, food and souvenirs at Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Additional expenditures outside the park are estimated to be as high as $100 with each visit. The park generates more than $15 million in revenue from concessioner and franchise fees for the federal government, as well as $3.2 million in license fees to New York City parks plus sales taxes.

As a result of the shutdown – which has denied access to more than 10,000 visitors to the park daily – more than 400 direct jobs have been lost at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, including with the National Park Service and Evelyn Hill, Inc. Statue Cruises which provides ferry rides to the island has seen its daily ridership drop 50-70 percent, and the company now has 180 jobs at risk. In addition, the federal government itself is losing $50,000 per day in concessioner fees.

This shutdown also follows an eight-month closure of Liberty Island due to Superstorm Sandy. Ellis Island remains closed to the public.

First time Chamber Champ Honorees!

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Joan CorwinBy Grace Bennett

 A resounding applause and standing ovation went to a teary Joan Corwin, head of the Chappaqua bus company (Chappaqua Transportation, Inc.,), who received a lifetime  achievement award tonight at the first annual Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Champs” Awards. 

Robert Greenstein, head of the Chamber, cited Joan’s well over 30 years of service to the community.  He noted her prescient fight for legislation against using cell phones while driving back in 2001 and her most recent Herculean efforts to get the roads open and buses through town following Hurricane Sandy.  He said though she employs over 125 people, “Joan knows every bus driver who picks up those kids.”

The first major award of the evening went to Dawn Evans Greenberg as “Volunteer of the Year” for her outstanding work launching  the hugely successful Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. Next, Paula Barbag and her “Consulting for a Cause” were honored as best new business. Paula noted among other things her company’s  “drive to help organizations build social enterprises.”  

The Making Headway Foundation, which funds research intended to battle pediatric brain cancer, received the best not for profit organization award.  Catherine Lepone, executive director, accepted the award and announced that most recent fundraising dollars are being earmarked toward establishing a new lab at NYU Medical Center dedicated to pediatric cancer research.

Finally, Janet Angier, founder and director of Music in Chappaqua, now in its 20th year, headed to the podium next to accept a “Business of the Year” award and gracefully thank the attendees and the Chappaqua community at large for their support.  

The first annual Chamber Champs took place following a cocktail hour and over a fine buffet dinner at Crabtree’s Kittle House. Prior to announcing the awards, Rob  introduced and honored attendees New York State Assemblyman David Buchwald and  County legislator Mike Kaplowitz, each of whom also addressed  the merchants and various residents and guests who had gathered.

  “The downtown is the heart and soul of the community,” said Rob at the outset, explaining the purpose of the Chamber and the awards. “If it’s not doing well or vibrant, that becomes a reflection of the community.”

Buchwald Brings “Assemblyman On Your Corner” Series to Chappaqua

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           Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester) announced that he will be launching, “Assemblyman on Your Corner,” a series of planned stops across his district in Westchester County in an effort to bring his office to the people he represents. Assemblyman Buchwald invites community residents to attend any of the sessions to ask a question or relay a problem they hope can be solved. The following stops are currently scheduled, with Chappaqua on Tuesday morning:

  • Sunday September 8th, 11am at Powell’s Clam Bar – 58 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY 10528
  • Tuesday September 10th, 9am at Starbucks – 2 South Greeley Ave, Chappaqua, NY 10514
  • Sunday September 15th, 11am at Scotts Corner Market – 55 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge, NY 10576
  • Tuesday September 17th, 9am at Tazza Cafe – 382 Main St, Armonk, NY 10504
  • Wednesday September 18th, 5:30pm at Katonah Restaurant – 63 Katonah Ave, Katonah, NY 10536

“‘Assemblyman on Your Corner’ is an opportunity for me to bring my office out to you,” said Assemblyman Buchwald. “I have the privilege of representing the town of New Castle, and I want to make sure it’s as easy as possible for folks to discuss their concerns, ask questions and work with me to solve problems related to State government. One of the great joys of my job is hearing your opinions and helping people navigate state agencies on matters ranging from housing and growing businesses to taxes and the DMV. I look forward to hearing your voice Tuesday morning so that you can have full confidence your Assemblyman is listening.”

Since taking office in January,  Assemblyman Buchwald has relocated his district office to downtown Mount Kisco, which is easily accessible by bus and Metro North trains. Assemblyman Buchwald’s district includes the towns of Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge and the city of White Plains. Any resident who cannot attend the sessions is encouraged to call his district office at 914-244-4450.

Rotary Club’s Community Day Plans in Progress!

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By Steven Bernstein

This year’s New Castle Community Day will be held on September 21st.  All those who attend will experience a lovely day of food and amazing attractions that people of all ages will enjoy.

“We’re going to have rides for the kids.  We’re going to have musical entertainment also, we’re going to have some singers and hopefully some local bands,” said Pam Thornton, President of the Chappaqua Rotary Club, and Director of Chappaqua Library.

Community Day is the perfect way for new comers to get to know the community, and for longtime residents to reacquaint themselves with all the great organizations that the town has to offer.

“It’s a day when local organizations get to exhibit what we do.  It tells people what we do for them, for the community.  That’s the best part of it.  The New Castle Historical Society, the Chappaqua Library, the Chappaqua Orchestra, and others… we all come out to show the community what we can do for them,” said Thornton.

All proceeds will be given to local charities.  Between 50-70 local organizations will be present.

“A lot of people come.  This is a terrific community event.  It’s a wonderful, wonderful community event. There’s good food and a wonderful sense of community.  Wonderful opportunity for people to get together and enjoy their community,” said Penny Paderewski, Town Administrator at Town Hall.

“It’s a great event for letting the residents see some of the organizations that are working on behalf of the community.  All the different organizations are given the chance to meet the residents and highlight what they’re doing for the community,” said Rob Greenstein, head of the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce.

Community Day begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. So mark your calendars for September 21st, and enjoy a fun filled day that celebrates all the New Castle community has to offer.