Inside Press

By David McKay Wilson

10. North County Trailway
The 22-mile trail along the right-of-way of the Putnam branch of the NY Railroad, is one of the region’s premier off-road biking facilities. You can find it in Millwood as it crosses Route 120. As you head north, you ride peacefully through a hardwood forest, and cross the Croton Reservoir on the old railroad bridge. It connects to the 12-mile Putnam Trailway in Baldwin Place to the north, and the 23-mile South County Trailway to the south, providing safe terrain for recreational riders. If you have a good headlight, try riding it on a full moon on a warm summer’s night north to Baldwin Place and back.

9. Fun Folks to Ride with
Biking is fun for families. It’s also a blast for adults looking for weekend recreation in a sport that’s easy on those creaky middle-aged joints. Chappaqua cyclists often show up on Westchester Cycle Club rides. I’ve drafted off Lloyd Oestreicher’s wheel as I try to keep up with B-plus riders. Jeff Moscowitz and I joined a group on a 100-mile ride from Putnam up through Dutchess County last spring. A few years back, Kevan Full and I met early one morning to commute by bike to work–I ended up on Gannett Drive in Harrison while he kept going on to Stamford.

8. Discovering Chappaqua on Two Wheels
Riding the roads of Chappaqua lets you experience the place from a new perspective. Breathe the fresh spring air pedaling across Kipp Street. Glimpse the irises and day lilies blooming in late May at Rocky Hills on Old Roaring Brook Road. Cruise along Campfire Road, marveling at the serpentine stone wall that follows the roadway. Ride to town to pick up a book at the library. Or ride your bike down to the train station for your morning commute. It cuts the planet’s carbon footprint, and gets your blood flowing–before work and on your ride home.

7. Julio Bicycles
The shop at 45 South Bedford Rd. has been around since 1989, when Julio Sierra decided to provide service and sales for central Westchester’s bike lovers. When Julio is home in Uruguay, you’ll find his son, Willy, and Pete Ceretta at the shop, which has kids bikes with training wheels, full-suspension mountain bikes, and high-end carbon bikes from manufacturers such as Scott, Litespeed and Marin. Bring your bike to Julio’s each spring to get it tuned up. Julio’s can outfit you in the latest cycling fashion. A good pair of padded cycling shorts will improve your ride immeasurably, and bike shoes with cleats
that clip into your pedals will improve your performance.

In warm weather, cyclists gather at Julio’s at 8 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Mountain bikers load their bikes on racks on a car or two, and head for prime mountain-biking terrain at Graham Hills in Pleasantville or Blue Mountain in Peekskill. The road cyclists will head north on jaunts of 40 to 60 miles, taking loops up that range up into the hills of Putnam County.

6. Tazza Café in Millwood Tazza, located in the A & P shopping center in Millwood, is a great place to stop for a bathroom break or for a latte and muffin on your ride up Route 100 or along the Trailway.

5. Route 100
Route 100 was once Westchester’s go-to destination for cyclists, as they headed north from Millwood, crossing Muscoot Reservoir and heading north to Katonah along a relatively flat roadway, with broad shoulders and gorgeous views. The state DOT’s installation of rumble strips along the four-mile section, from Route 118 to Route 35, created a hazard there, but cyclists have coped, now being aware of the parked cars, and veering out into the roadway when needed through the breaks in the bumps every 500 feet, and then getting safely back on the shoulder. It’s still a great place to ride despite some of its ongoing challenges.

4. Cinco de Velo
In early May, the Westchester Cycle Club, at www.westchestercycleclub.org, holds its annual multi-level ride event, which has started from the Edith Macy Center, on Chappaqua Road in Briarcliff Manor. Riders gather at 9 a.m., go out on rides that range from 25 miles for the D riders–those are the slow pokes–to 65 miles for the A riders. They return by noon for a catered lunch. These events draw about 100 riders. If you cycle with a group, you tend to ride longer, and faster, than you might do on your own. And riding on a group ride has an added benefit for new riders– there’s someone there who knows how to change a flat.

3. Chappaqua’s Metro-North Parking Lot
It’s the perfect place to teach
your child to ride on weekends.
The expanse allows kids to get the feel for pedaling, without having to fret about crashing into a tree. It’s flat, so you don’t have to worry about them losing control on the downhill.

2. The Hills
Chappaqua has great hills. There’s the long slog up Seven Bridges from Route 100, and the many false summits on Hardscrabble, as you climb south toward Briarcliff. For a challenge, ascend McKesson Hill, or take Roaring Brook west from the Sawmill. What comes up must also come down, and I’ve hit 48 mph in a tuck descending Whippoorwill. A word of warning: be prepared for the corner at the bottom of the hill.
1. Location, Location, Location
Chappaqua is the hub for the region’s best cycling terrain. The parking lot at the Millwood A& P in 2010 was the most popular starting point for rides sponsored by the Westchester Cycle Club. In 2010, 149 of the club’s 961 rides started there. Go west into the twisting roads of Ossining and Croton. Head east for lunch in Greenwich. Go north and cruise around New York City’s reservoirs in Carmel, and return with enough time to recount your triumph over a cup of coffee at Tazza.

Freelance journalist David McKay Wilson is executive director of the Bike Walk Alliance of Westchester & Putnam, at www.bwawp.org.

By Susan Pecker

Editor’s Note: A prominent local camp consultant (and Chappaqua mom) shares with us the joys of sleepaway camp.

10. Disney Was Not Joking. Michael D. Eisner, former CEO of Disney, shares that “camp is a guide to growing up, learning to rely on yourself as you work as a team, developing tools for leadership, competing to win but finding pride and growth in defeat.” That’s not Mickey Mouse stuff!

9. Me, Myself and I. Sleepaway camp is the one place a child can make decisions and problem-solve in a safe, caring environment without parents or teachers. At camp, children learn to manage conflicts and different personalities. Campers come home with increased confidence and a greater sense of independence.

8. All in the Family. While joining together in cleaning their bunk, painting scenery or playing in tournaments, campers become part of a new team of friends and counselors (from all over the country and world) who become a family reuniting year after year.

7. A Camp for a Child. Each child is unique. Some sparkle when playing soccer or performing on stage while others yearn to be the next best baker. There is a camp for each child to explore various interests.

6. The Best Part of the Day. Sleeping next to their best buddies, campers spend “flashlight time” sharing the day’s accomplishments, funniest moments and stories. Late night talks become one of the most bonding moments of camp.

5. Bragging Rights. Sleepaway camp exposes children to activities that are new and unique. Camp is a motivating place for children to grow and succeed–whether it’s getting up on water-skis for the first time, cheering a Color War song or writing for the camp newsletter.

4. Hands Are Not Just for Texting and Typing. At camp, children will rest their fingers from cell phones and computer keyboards. Campers’ fingers return to no-tech activities such as writing letters, whittling a wood bench and weaving a potholder.

3. Camp Is Not Just for the Camper. While their children are having fun-filled, action packed days, parents get a reprieve from the fast paced daily routines of packing lunches, carpooling and laundry. Sending a child away for a few weeks allows couples to renew, rediscover and recharge their relationship.

2. What They Enjoy. Without the pressure of homework and tests, campers discover what activities–not subjects–they enjoy and have fun doing. No one grades fun!

1. Winter, Spring, Summer And Fall. Ask anyone who went away to camp. Camp friends are year- round, life -long friends. Camp creates memories that last a lifetime.

Susan Pecker is a camp advisor with The Camp Connection, a camp advisory service for over 25 years and a reliable source for all types of camps (specialty, traditional, weight-loss, self-empowerment, etc.), as well as pre-college programs, community service, language immersion, teen travel and internships.

By Deborah Nelson and S.L. Shimer

We met online after separating from our spouses (each of us had been in long-term marriages and had three teenage kids). Although our backgrounds were different, there was a similar “feel” to our online profiles, leading to an optimistic introduction. Almost three very happy years later, we have been asked to share thoughts on building a successful relationship after divorce. Here they are!

10. Know what you want. This is not an easy suggestion, but it helps to narrow the field. Do you want kids? How far is too far geographically? How old is too old? How young is too young? How sexual are you? A mismatched level of sexual interest is a problem.

9. Reevaluate the importance of “common interests.” Much more critical is a “common mindset,” i.e., the ability to converse and connect in other ways (hint, hint). Common interests can be a plus, but they are not mandatory for a great relationship. However, if he is a golfer and you are not, be prepared to spend time alone or find another relationship!

8. “Good Enough” is not ok! If you have to convince yourself that you have feelings for the person you are dating, you have a problem. You cannot force “love” when deep down, you know something is not right. Trust your gut. If it feels forced, let go and move on.

7. Break old patterns. Be honest with yourself. The failure of your marriage was not totally the fault of your spouse. Figure out how you contributed to issues and slap yourself in the head if you find that pattern repeating itself in your next relationship. We often do not see our own blind spots, so be open to constructive criticism from a trusted friend.

6. Be realistic. Jennifer Aniston and George Clooney are not interested in you! In addition to the intangible characteristics that you seek in a partner, set your appearance goals realistically (this point especially applies to men).

5. Take a good look in the
mirror. If you are not happy with the level of talent you are attracting (Tip #6), work out at the gym, buy a new wardrobe, get a better haircut and/or a makeover.

4. Deal with the “focus”
issue. Ladies, all men have varying degrees of ADD. Accept this fact and do not get upset if he mentally wanders off when he is with you. Instead, bring him back with a caress or gentle kiss. Gentlemen, turn your BlackBerrys off once in a while and try to focus on her for an undivided 15 minutes once a day (in the bedroom does not count).

3. Men CAN make plans.
In marriages, some men get lazy and passive in planning activities, and women become controlling and “in charge.” Break this pattern! Once you are through the initial dating phase of your new relationship, men can cook romantic dinners, plan a night out and otherwise act like men. And their girlfriends can cede control and be taken care of occasionally.

2. Simply spend time together. Just because you do not have a “checklist” of items in common at the outset of your relationship, that does not mean you cannot enjoy each other’s company outside of the bedroom, whether it is exercising, finding a TV series you enjoy, or even reading and discussing the same book. On a good day, you can only spend three hours in bed when you are not sleeping, so find other things to do together!

1. Rediscover sex! Whatever your age, if you are single after a long-term relationship, or have been single for a while and not found the right person, you have been missing that “quality time” in the bedroom. So, when you find the right person: 1) enjoy yourself; 2) let the other person know how much you are enjoying it; 3) express yourself and your desires; and 4) focus on satisfying your partner.

Good luck and have fun!

Deborah Nelson is a health and wellness expert who has discovered the link between intimacy, confidence, and food, and uses her knowledge to support women in achieving their health, weight, sex and family goals. For more information, contact deborah@saucywellness.com or check out 10secondkiss.com. Also, look for Deborah’s upcoming book collaboration, a hilarious, yet serious look at how men act in relationships called Don’t Be An Idiot. S.L. Shimer, Deborah’s lucky boyfriend, lives in Chappaqua. He is a private equity fund manager.

By Nancy Shenker

10. First, you really do need to try. No one has ever succeeded in business without some amount of intent, exertion, talent, brilliant ideas, focus, commitment, flexibility, connections, or a healthy dose of all of them. Business is all about passion, attention to critical detail, and perseverance.

9. Think big picture and long term. Have a vision for where you are heading. Make sure you have a plan…a real one that’s written down. Your inner circle (see #7) can help to keep you on track.

8. That said, sweat the IMPORTANT small stuff too…especially your financials. “If it doesn’t make money, it doesn’t make sense.” Quality is still important (especially to customers).

7. Build your inner circle. Develop a small group of trusted advisors who you can go to for advice, creative thinking, and even just a cocktail or two and a shoulder to weep on when times are tough. When you find people you can trust, cling to them tightly (of course not literally…touching in the workplace can create legal issues). Don’t attempt to do everything yourself. Outsourcing can be your friend. Learn to delegate well.

6. Stay fresh. This is not a reference to personal hygiene. We’re talking about getting out and expanding your world. Read, read, read. Attend conferences (even those outside your industry). Remain open to new ideas. Do not begin every sentence with “Yes, but….” Instead, think “Here’s how….” Get out of your office and attend events. Talk to strangers.

5. Mourn fast and move on. Learn from past mistakes and don’t spend a lot of time beating yourself up. Don’t blame others either. Just dissect what went wrong, how it could have been avoided, and what you will do next time.

4. Care about people. If you’re the boss, hire slowly and cut your losses quickly when you make a hiring mistake. A great employee or partner is invaluable. Be a good leader. Inspire and reward. Take time to teach and groom the right people. Celebrate successes. You want your team to look forward to coming into work. If you’re not the boss, do not engage in gossip or negativity. Display a can-do attitude and build a good working relationship with your boss…ask him/her how you can do a better job.

3. Take time to take care of yourself–and others. Your business will not succeed if you are sick (or, worse yet, dead). Vacations, family time, exercise, healthy eating, and laughter are all important. Giving back to others (through non-profits, volunteer work, and involvement in your community) is not only good for society but they’ll make you feel better too. And you’ll meet some cool people (which can be good for business).

2. Don’t poo-poo or shy away from technology. It’s here to stay. Make it your friend but do not become its slave. Learn how to use social media to expand your circle and connect with customers. Get the right kind of training. Everyone these days claims to be a guru or rock star. Social media has only been around for a few years and was invented by a college kid–not a business man. It’s still in its infancy. We’re all still figuring out its true value, so make sure you’re not spending too much time “dabbling.” It’s an enhancement to traditional business–not a replacement. Buy and use only devices that will save you time and make your life easier. Don’t invest in technology just so you can feel groovier. And humanity is still REALLY important–maybe even more than ever before.

1. Listen to your customers. Respect your customers. At the end of the day, these are the people who keep you in business and can give you ideas that will make your business better. Know who your customers are, what they want, and how you can serve them better. In short, love your customers.

Nancy A. Shenker is the CEO and Founder of theONswitch, a marketing company that combines traditional and new media to build businesses. She is a late-life entrepreneur, having spent the first part of her career in executive positions at Reed Exhibitions, MasterCard International, and Citibank. She lives in Chappaqua and serves customers from coast-to-coast. Her latest venture, www.nunumedia.com, includes a series of business comic books called Bad Girl Good Business. She loves making lists.

By Lindsay Hand

Think you know everything there is to know about Chappaqua? Think again! Ever wonder about that old building on Quaker Street or where you can download music for free? There are countless things about Chappaqua and its resources, past and present, which many people don’t know. Here’s a list of ten things about Chappaqua that even the Quakers would find interesting.

10. Download free music using Freegal. There is a library of thousands of songs available through Sony. Just visit chappaqualibrary.org, click on “Freegal,” and then the link to sign in with your library card number. You are limited to three downloads per week, but can add songs to a wish list to download the following week. The music can be put on an MP3 player or an iPod. It’s a quick and easy way to download free music!

9. Find 58,000 free online video tutorials for computer programs. Flustered by the complications of today’s technology? Visit the library website and click on the link to Lynda.com for instruction on programs such as Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver and more.

8. New Castle’s worst disaster occurred on Quaker Street
On July 16, 1904, a tornado zoomed down Quaker Street, stopping in front of the Quaker Meeting House. There were a few fatalities and five houses and three barns were completely destroyed. The damages totaled $100,000, which is the equivalent of approximately $2.4 million today.

7. A liberty ship was named “Chappaqua” During World War II, a liberty ship was name “Chappaqua” because of the large number of war bonds sold here. Liberty ships were slow cargo ships that were fast to construct and very reliable.

6. The original Horace Greeley School was in the Current Robert E. Bell School building.
The Horace Greeley School was built in 1928 after a fire devastated the Chappaqua Mountain Institute on Quaker Street in 1908. It was renamed the Robert E. Bell School when the new Horace Greeley High School was built in 1957. The three elementary schools were built in a 20-year period around this time as well.

5. You can borrow museum passes to visit many area museums for free. These passes include the following: the American Museum of Natural History, the Frick Collection, the Guggenheim Museum, the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, the Bruce Museum, the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, the Katonah Art Museum, the Neuberger Museum of Art, the New York Historical Society and the Stepping Stones Museum for Children.

Follow the same steps used to get to Freegal and you’ll find “Museum Passes.” As with the other online resources, you need to be a library cardholder in order to borrow
a pass.
4. The Library site has a special link for birding enthusiasts.
The link, through Cornell University, is called the Birds of North America. Click “Online Resources” (the first option) on the library website to get started.

3. The Quaker Meeting House was an important asset during the American Revolution.
The Quaker Meeting House was used as a hospital for some of Washington’s wounded soldiers after the Battle of White Plains on October 28, 1776.

2. The Library has 100 Reference Books online. At the library website, click “CREDO REFERENCE.” This site helps you search through many reliable sources and databases all at once. Just follow the steps to the login page, and type in your card number.

1. A major town Industry in the 19th century was pickle production. A large number of local orchards produced vinegar. In 1848, when the railroad first came to Chappaqua, farms began to grow and ship “cash crops.” The abundance of vinegar and other products led to the creation of cider mills, a pickle factory and a barrel factory.

So, next time you’re sitting around somewhere, you can pop out a random “Did you know?” and wow them with your knowledge of the Town of Chappaqua, known to the original Native American inhabitants as “Shapiqua.” Who knew?

Thank you to the Chappaqua Library, www.chappaqualibrary.org, and the New Castle Historical Society, www.newcastlehs.org. for providing such interesting background and resources about Chappaqua.

Lindsay Hand is a freshman at Horace Greeley High School. This is her second article for Inside Chappaqua.