The Inside Press

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The Inside Press

“Oh, the places you’ll go!”

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lindsay-letter-shotDr. Seuss’ words, repeated to me on the threshold of graduating elementary school and then middle school, have again begun to swirl around my mind. That book was the main inspiration for my first-ever Inside Chappaqua article back in 2010, but Dr. Seuss’ messages and motivations have stuck with me and made more sense as I’ve grown and matured. It seems rather silly, doesn’t it? A seventeen year-old obsessing over a children’s book. That’s the wonder of it all, though; our younger selves had no idea of the impact those stories would have on our lives.

Sure, there’s a huge, terrifying, wonderful world outside of Chappaqua. I read all about it in the Magic Tree House books, going on adventures and first learning about history through the eyes of two young children not so different from myself. The books of my childhood shaped who I am, the messages within staying with me and taking on new meanings as I’ve gained more experience in the world.

From Potter to Gatsby, Tolkien to Hemingway, books have always been part of me.  I know that between the covers of a book I will always find escape and a place in which I can lose myself and forget about “real life” for a while.  This lifelong love of reading has fueled my excitement for the first-ever Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival this October.

dr suess bookI am beyond thrilled to reprise my role as Inside Chappaqua guest editor-in-chief and to again work with the original “Dream Team” of Greeley writers, all of us about to enter our senior year.  I thank them for their incredible work and not hesitating to be part of both this and our first issue in September 2011, and wish them all the best this year, in college and beyond. A huge “thank you,” of course, to Grace Bennett, for again providing this extraordinary opportunity, and to my family, for always being there for me. Their constant support and belief in me has increased my confidence and shown me that I have the ability to accomplish anything I put my mind to.

And thank you, Chappaqua, for being an open, enlightening community in which youth can grow and flourish.  Our formative years here will no doubt influence the decisions my classmates and I make going forward; Chappaqua has played a key part in shaping who we are, and now it’s time to put all of that into the “real world.”

Our experiences growing up and the messages we’ve absorbed will stay with us forever, and help us to rise to unexpected and exciting places.

Oh, the places we’ll go, indeed.

–Lindsay Hand 

HGHS Class of 2014

Technology in Town: Changing the Way Chappaqua Works

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hurricane-sandyBy Rachel Neuburger

The purpose of technology is to make life safer, easier, and more interesting for people everywhere. This has certainly been the case in New Castle, where recent technological initiatives have changed the way the town functions. New technological advancements and communication developments cover all facets of life in Chappaqua; here are just a few examples of the myriad benefits residents and students have received over the past year:

Adjusting Post-Hurricane Sandy

The ferocity of Hurricane Sandy, the infamous late-October storm, took many by surprise. Seventy percent of households in Chappaqua lost electricity, and schools were closed for almost two weeks as the town went through the lengthy process of rehabilitation. Sandy was a wake-up call for the town, as it was clear that the traditional system of communications would not suffice if a similar natural disaster were to occur in the future.

Before and during the hurricane, the town utilized a system called Nixle to cover its communication needs. The system sent advisory messages to citizens containing important safety information and reported road closings via text messages and email. What this system lacked, however, was an element of vital importance in emergencies: a telephone component. “The more information we can get to the residents,” said Town Administrator Penny Paderewski, “the better it is for everyone.”

Hence the reason, in early January of this year, a new safety system was introduced, called CodeRED. This new alert system sends not only emails and text messages, but also delivers “robo-calls,” pre-recorded messages with safety updates, to both cellular devices and home phones. These telephone messages are of particular importance during emergency situations–such as devastating hurricanes–and can be sent by the Town Administrator or Commissioner of Public Works.

coderedlogoIn addition to the implementation of CodeRED, the town has also established a new mapping system, viewable by residents on their computers, that shows where road blockages are during major weather situations. Just like CodeRED, this system will only be in operation during significant storms.

Bringing Schools Up-To-Date

The Chappaqua school district is dedicated to applying emerging technology to the learning experience–a commitment embodied in the hard work done by the district’s Technology Department. Led by Director of Instructional Technology Darleen Nicolosi, the department looks to evolve the understanding of what it means to be a 21st-century learner, and to help students use technology creatively, productively, and responsibly.

One of the most prominent and lauded examples of the Technology Department’s work can be found in the L.I.F.E. School, an alternative-learning community at Horace Greeley High School. For the 2012-2013 school year, the L.I.F.E. School received a grant for a one-year iPad program for juniors. According to program director Jon Hirsch, the iPads serve as an enormous game-changer for students, greatly benefiting the collaborative and research-oriented environment for which the program is known. The iPads are used to make videos, presentations, and projects, and their Internet capabilities allow for the use of Twitter and messaging as learning tools. “They are very helpful for communication and organization,” said L.I.F.E. school senior Olivia Sackler.

While Chappaqua high school students reap many benefits from the Technology Department, the department’s initiatives extend to all students. Elementary school classrooms are well equipped for the modern learning experience: each contains a Windows computer cluster with one computer connected to a presentation monitor.

In addition, the music classrooms at the elementary schools are equipped with SMART boards and other SMART technology that enhances music lessons and allows students to view concerts from the convenience of the classroom. With these tools at hand, younger students can learn in an interactive fashion, exploring the wealth of learning opportunities that will be available to them in years to come, while simultaneously establishing fundamental research and study skills.

Perhaps the most unexpected and unique of this year’s technological initiatives, however, can be found at Seven Bridges Middle School: through a Chappaqua School Foundation grant –one of the most common sources of funding for technological projects–art students use Cintiq drawing tablets to design three-dimensional artwork, which is then produced in real life using a state-of-the-art 3-D printer. This printer has greatly enhanced the art and graphic design classes offered at the school.

While thus far this incredible design tool is only in use at Seven Bridges, middle school students across the district have access to many other tools, including Macbook laptop carts. These laptops have been used in every core subject as well as in language, art and music courses, and come with programs such as Garage Band, iMovie and iPhoto, which are often used in class projects.

Public opinion has been highly positive for improvements introduced this year, and the Chappaqua School Foundation is consistently supporting new initiatives with its many grants and projects. As these and copious other recent technological initiatives show, the town of New Castle and the Chappaqua Central School District are devoted to using 21st century innovation to make life easier, safer, and more enriching for all residents, whether they are raising a family or learning their ABCs.

stripes bookRachel Neuburger is a senior at Horace Greeley High School. Growing up, her favorite book was A Bad Case of Stripes.

Cameras and iPhones and Kindles, Oh My!

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By Amelia Abemayor

Technology.

iphone2It’s all around us; in our homes, our schools, even hidden in the deep depths of the earth. But what is it, really? By definition, technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. However, in a world where the number of Facebook friends defines a person and cell phones have practically become extensions of our bodies, technology has truly developed into more than just a simple dictionary definition.

Whether you’re a new-age Kindle or Nook owner or prefer to stick to plain old books, it is hard to imagine that we once lived in a world where technology did not have a major presence in everyday life. As society grows more and more dependent on technology, it seems as if we are losing the ability to survive without it. Just thinking about a day without my electronics gives me the chills, and leaves me wondering: what technology can we not live without?

I first looked at myself, your everyday teenage girl (who, according to her parents, happens to be a “technology addict”). I chose a random, standard day, and set out to go about my life normally; but this day was different. It was a day sans technology: I went to school with no phone, no laptop, and essentially (what felt like) no dignity. I soon realized the drastic effects technology has on me. Whether it is in class, or simply sitting at the school lunch table, technology’s presence has become irrevocably entwined with my life.

While I sat there with nothing but my backpack, my friends and peers were attached to their phones and practically drooling over their computers. Even teachers and staff throughout my classes relied on every piece of technology in their classrooms to teach. The struggle soon became real. It was hard to come to the realization that my life had been controlled by my electronics all this time, but I still tried to stick the day out.

camera2That was, of course, until I got home. I felt empty, like something was missing; the withdrawal symptoms really hit when I got home from school. Unfortunately, my experiment failed miserably as I checked every single notification possible the second a computer was in sight.

Although my attempted research was unsuccessful, I was still eager to further investigate our world’s relationship with technology. I talked to friends, family, even my 84-year-old grandmother. The answers were all different and unique in their own way, just like every update of the iPhone. Some said they could go days without the buzzing and beeps, while others said they would experience the same withdrawal affects I dealt with that day.

It’s really crazy to think about. Could you go a day, even an hour without air conditioning? What about no cars, trains or planes? It would feel like the apocalypse, or the return of the Middle Ages. Technology has become so completely ingrained in our lives that it would be virtually impossible to eliminate it for even a day.

All in all, our love-hate relationship with technology keeps on growing and growing as our world keeps on advancing. Soon enough, the thought of a technology-free world won’t even be present in our minds. The world we live in today, and the future that awaits us, is constantly depending on technology in every single way.

amelia bookAmelia Abemayor is a senior at Horace Greeley High School. Growing up, her favorite book was Amelia Bedelia.

Linking Communities: Chappaqua Orchestra’s Performs at Shawangunk

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While Lindsay Hand and the rest of the Greeley dream team were so busy and ably pulling together this edition of Inside Chappaqua (great job everyone!!!), I experienced something rather unique and wonderful and thank Cynthia Peterson, executive director of the Chappaqua Orchestra, for a very special invite…Braving a July heat wave and perhaps some trepidation at the prospect of visiting a maximum security prison (I know I felt it as the only media covering the event), eight members of the Chappaqua Orchestra, otherwise known as an octet!, visited the Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Wallkill, New York.

After leaving our cell phones in our cars, locking up possessions in a locker room at a Visitor’s Center, and getting our hands stamped for clearance, we were all  escorted through several secured entry points before reaching a gymnasium where rows of chairs were set up in advance.

(L-R) The Chappaqua Orchestra members at Shawangunk were: Seth Jacobs (cello), Elizabeth Romano (bassoon), Lou Pappas (doublebass), Cynthia Peterson (executive director), Adam Schommer (horn), Yang Sun Kim (violin), Chie Yoshinaka (violin), Eric Drucker (clarinet), and Jules Lai (viola). Far right: Deputy Supdt. for Programs Neville Andrews and Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator Ebony Blacke. The program at Shawangunk: Octet for Strings, Winds and Brass, by Franz Schubert (two movements); duets for two violins, by Bela Bartok; Danzas Cubanas, by Ignacio Cervantes, arranged for Horn and Bassoon by Paquito D’Rivera; Clarinet Quintet, by W.A. Mozart (one movement); Moon River, After You, and Summertime (by George Gershwin) arranged for two violins and doublebass and Sister Sadie by Horace Silver, performed as a jazz bass solo.
(L-R) The Chappaqua Orchestra members at Shawangunk were: Seth Jacobs (cello), Elizabeth Romano (bassoon), Lou Pappas (doublebass), Cynthia Peterson (executive director), Adam Schommer (horn), Yang Sun Kim (violin), Chie Yoshinaka (violin), Eric Drucker (clarinet), and Jules Lai (viola). Far right: Deputy Supdt. for Programs Neville Andrews and Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator Ebony Blacke. The program at Shawangunk: Octet for Strings, Winds and Brass, by Franz Schubert (two movements); duets for two violins, by Bela Bartok; Danzas Cubanas, by Ignacio Cervantes, arranged for Horn and Bassoon by Paquito D’Rivera; Clarinet Quintet, by W.A. Mozart (one movement); Moon River, After You, and Summertime (by George Gershwin) arranged for two violins and doublebass and Sister Sadie by Horace Silver, performed as a jazz bass solo.

The octet members warmed up a bit, and soon, inmates began to come in and take their seats with a distinct air of anticipation. (No photography was allowed of the inmates seated; they would have each had to sign a clearance form first.) Across the front row, about a dozen correctional staff were seated including Shawangunk Superintendent, Joseph Smith. They all were treated to an  hour of musical scores, duets and a solo, to the delight and ultimately a standing ovation by some 40 inmates plus correctional staff. I had a short period right after to ask a few of the inmates–Ronald Robertson, Louis Martino and Anthony Jennings–for feedback. Robertson (a man in his 40s) noted that it was the first time he had ever heard classical music. “The opportunity to was truly a blessing,” he said.  Martin said he has had a lifelong love for classical music. “It was all I listened to as a young boy on public radio.” Jennings, head of the “Inmate Liaison Committee” at Shawangunk, said, “I felt it was my duty to come and I encouraged others to also experience it.”

Almost 90  inmates signed up, noted Shawangunk’s Deputy Superintendent for Progams Neville Andrews, who added that the men also enjoy other arts and lectures periodically through a Visiting Professor Program at SUNY New Paltz.  “It breaks up their daily routines. Most of all, the link to the outside community means a lot to them.”  That was easy to see.

The next day, I asked Peterson to send me a statement about the Chappaqua Orchestra’s decision to perform at Shawangunk–and about how the experience was received by the octet members following the one hour long performance. Stated Peterson: “Our mission is to bring great music and great performances to all segments of the community.  We hope to impact people’s lives, not merely entertain.  The wonderful musicians were greeted with a highly responsive group of listeners, creating a shared, communal experience.  The musicians were deeply touched by the audience’s show of appreciation–a standing ovation.  All were affected by the events of the afternoon.” Kudos to the amazing Chappaqua Orchestra, and wishing everyone I met at Shawangunk well.

Budding Authors Get A Chance to Shine

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By Liora Fishman

chapp-libraryAs winter approaches, the 34th Annual Friends of the Chappaqua Library Young Writers Contest will begin to accept entries from gifted student writers in the Chappaqua school district. The contest acknowledges the wide range of exceptional and inventive writers in the community and gives all students the chance to try their hand at writing a variety of genres, from poetry to nonfiction to short stories. The contest accepts student-written literature and showcases the talent of the applicants in the form of first, second and third place prizes. Winners are presented with certificates and monetary prizes, and a bound copy of all the work is placed in the stacks of the Chappaqua Library.

The Young Writers Contest is a program offered through Friends of the Chappaqua Library, a group that meets monthly to coordinate events that enhance the community’s interaction with the Chappaqua Library.  The group hopes to promote creativity and literary inspiration through the contest by “encouraging students around the district to share their writing in a more public way than just turning it in for a grade,” explained Cheryl Ehrlich, coordinator of the Young Writers Contest.

Contestants may submit one piece per category, for a total of three works. Often, students choose to submit works they have completed in school, though some choose to create their pieces outside of school. Eva Sibinga, former Greeley student and winner of the 2012 Young Writers Contest’s Fiction section, submitted her story 
“A Decision at Hopewell” after completing it for her Creative Writing class. “That piece was actually the only thing I’ve ever submitted to a contest,” said Sibinga. “I regret not submitting to the YWC other years, though. I really  love the Chappaqua Library, and it felt good to participate in something that they sponsor.”

For many students who often find themselves immersed in the science and math departments in school, the contest is a means for literary expression and creativity that they would otherwise be unconnected with. “At school I’m often very focused on math and science, [but] I really enjoy English and I love this outlet–it’s my way of keeping in touch with that side of me,” said Rachel Neuburger, 2012 Honorable Mention recipient for her non-fiction piece, “Confessions of an Obnoxious Vegetarian.”

The contest has a long history of maintaining integrity in regard to its choices of winners, insisting on strict procedures writers must follow in order for their piece to be reviewed by the judges. “The Young Writers Contest has been sponsored by the Friends of the Chappaqua Library for close to 35 years, and I just carry on the traditions that came before me. I’ve streamlined certain procedures, but the rules don’t change,” added Ehrlich.

One of those rules is the “blind” policy, which insists that those submitting pieces omit their names on their writing. Should a writer’s name be on his or her entry, the panel of judges will not review the piece. “In years past, some coordinators would white out the names, but really, this isn’t fair to the other submitters who follow the rules,” said Ehrlich.

However, a new element of the contest utilizes the ease of the Internet, allowing submissions to be made online. This development was first put into effect in the 2013 Young Writers Contest, setting the precedent for the future contests in hopes of being more environmentally friendly and straightforward. Students can upload their work as a PDF to the Chappaqua Library’s Submittable account.

The Young Writers Contest encourages students to create a piece of writing to take pride in and fosters creativity and experimentation in regard to students’ writing. “It’s a really positive way to get yourself out there and get some feedback on your writing, and get comfortable with the idea of sharing your form of expression, which can be scary but is often very rewarding,” said Sibinga.

Additionally, the contest showcases the student talent that would otherwise be unrecognized. “[The Young Writers Contest] shows how much talent there is in the district, and I think it inspires students to throw their work in the mix and get involved,” said Neuberger.

Ehrlich couldn’t agree more: “It’s as much about the submitting as the winning,” she explained. “Sure it’s great to win, but the act of submitting lets you feel the value in your work. You also on some level declare to yourself ‘I am a writer.’ Writing is a life skill that lets you communicate with and persuade and move others.”

The deadline for the 2014 Young Writers Contest, expected to be in late March, will be announced shortly.

harry potterLiora Fishman is a senior at Horace Greeley High School. Growing up, she loved the Harry Potter books.