Grace Bennett

A Full Circle Beginning for New Chappaqua Library Director Andrew Farber

November 13, 2020 by Grace Bennett

In an interview this fall, Andrew Farber’s excitement was palpable. Outside the doors of the Library where we met, Farber expressed that his life has come ‘full circle’ from being a child visiting at the Chappaqua Library where his mother Susan Riley used to work part time as a librarian, to present times as the new director of the Chappaqua Library!

Farber’s position became official on October 19 after being appointed by the Library’s Board of Trustees.

“We are delighted to have him join our staff,” said Ronni Diamondstein, the library board Acting President. “He will be a great asset to our community.”

Farber succeeds Pamela Thornton in the role she served for the last 13 years. Thornton retired this past August.

Farber was the Director of the Somers Library position since 2015. “Andrew is knowledgeable, personable and creative. He brings to us an extensive IT background along with experience in management, budgeting, long range planning, grant writing, staff development programs and community outreach,” said Diamondstein.

Farber has worked successfully with the Somers Library Board and the Friends of the Library to create and implement policies and programming for both the patrons and the staff, according to a release provided by the board. “He created a partnership with Somers’ largest hamlet, Heritage Hills, and also expanded the library’s community outreach by creating new partnerships with local businesses and schools.”

Farber currently chairs the Westchester Library System Public Library Directors Association Technology Committee. He began his career at the Greenburgh Library working there for 16 years ultimately becoming the Young Adult Services Librarian, a period that he looks back on fondly.

“I was incredibly rewarded by my work with teenagers,” said Farber, who grew up in Ossining. “I felt I could really influence young lives. It was hard to leave, but Somers presented a new and bigger challenge.”

Commenting on his new role in Chappaqua, Farber said he first planned to “immerse myself with policies and procedures, get to know staff and any concerns, and introduce myself to local groups, before making any changes.”

“The Chappaqua Library is well used by its constituents, so there are high expectations for the library that come with that,” he said. “I hope to continue the great programming the library offers. Pam has done a great job in her tenure and I hope to continue that.”

He noted that libraries today were historically already adding more online services, pre-Covid. He said we can “expect even more visual digital streaming such as online movies and concerts on top of all our usual audio/electronic books.”

Given that the library is an invaluable asset to the community during ‘Home for the Holidays,’ I asked Farber what might be in the works for the early winter. He offered: “We will be doing holiday type programming; perhaps virtual tours of different locations which we can share with the public at no cost.”

As for the future of library going, he added that we may see “more and more ‘normalization’ too as the pandemic tapers down. “I plan to work closely with the staff and board to see what their plans are for movement in that direction, and to see how we can proceed safely.”

To keep up with programs at the Chappaqua Library, visit ChappaquaLibrary.org.

Cozy at Home

November 11, 2020 by Grace Bennett

If you are reading this cozying up to our ‘Home for the Holidays’ editions of the Inside Press, or taking in some of the stories right here, then mission accomplished! My simple goal is that you might find the basic joy of ‘the season,’ and to make your days just that much brighter. I hope too that you will love an Inside Chappaqua cover story spotlighting nine inspiring women who have set out to build bridges in town in a multitude of ways in our schools and in our neighborhoods.

As we continue to ‘share the heart of the community,’ you will find welcoming spotlights, including a ‘Gotta Have Arts’ cover story in Inside Armonk of resident artist Evan Lorberbaum whose work can often be found at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show. In Inside Chappaqua & Millwood, ‘meet’ the new Chappaqua library director Andrew Farber, and new resident Térron Richardson and learn more of his delightful candle line. If your heart has been broken, know you are not alone this holiday season, as you will see when you read about “Lonely Hearts,” a special support group formed by Chappaqua social worker Lexi Joondeph-Breidbart, who describes her own heartbreak.

If you like most have been lamenting 2020, do take a moment to remember and cherish a positive memory or two, whether something little or something ‘big’–such as a child’s wedding, as was true for everyone’s favorite neighbor and prolific blogger Marlene Fischer (“Thoughts from Aisle 4”) who turned her experience into a book; please turn to the spotlight on Marlene and a book excerpt. More stories/essays in these issues touch on love for our moms and dads in assisted living, sisterly love, ‘blanketing’ many deserving residents with love, and on missing the love of extended family at Thanksgiving. So, enjoy!

With seasonal time off from iLearning and work challenges, I also felt certain readers might appreciate a few ideas for fun and safe excursions, so we present three stellar suggestions. Follow new guidelines, but please also visit or otherwise support a favorite restaurant or two this holiday season with home delivery or curbside pickup options; area proprietors are working harder than ever to make the experience as safe and inviting as possible. Speaking of safety, you will also find advice here from area fire chiefs that will help protect your home from fire.

In the child-care arena, uplifting end-of-year news is the long awaited for opening of a modern and inviting new building for the Ossining Children’s Center (highlighted on a ‘Happenings’ page). I also commend a generous tribute from the Mount Kisco Child Care Center to their teachers and staff. A campaign is underway honoring their courage and dedication.

Wishing you peace and blessings.

Chappaqua Rotary’s 2020 Student Community Service Awards

August 24, 2020 by Grace Bennett

Two exemplary Greeley students, Angelina Brunetto and Quinn Singer, were honored this summer at Crabtree’s Kittle House during the annual Chappaqua Rotary Club’s 2020 Student Community Service Awards.

Vedat Gashi, County Legislator representing District 4 and New Castle Town Board Member Lisa Katz each respectively presented the students with both accolades and certificates to recognize their service.

Angelina Brunetto volunteers extensively at the Veterans Hospital in Montrose she stated, “to gain experience in the healthcare industry while giving back to our heroes… Assisting in different departments, I interact with the veterans, and gain firsthand knowledge of the bravery and sacrifice they experienced while in Service and Active Duty… Through my volunteer work, I have grown more compassionate for Veterans, seniors, and those less fortunate.”

Quinn Singer has been a volunteer at many events for Draw for Paws, a not for profit named in honor and memory of Scarlett. Scarlett’s Rainbow Rescue works with homeward bound of Mississippi to transport hundreds of puppies annually from kill shelters to their forever families. Quinn has also volunteered with Draw for Paws to expand pediatric cancer awareness. “This group was created by a young girl who battled brain cancer, and I wanted to help their cause,” said Quinn, who also helped with the not for profit’s efforts and services at local hospitals.

The 2020 Student Award was organized by Horace Greeley High School Guidance Counselor Rebecca Mullen. The award was given to honor Greeley Guidance Counselor Patrick Dougherty “who helped to keep the Community Service Recognition on track and procured applications for many years,” said Sandy Bueti, board member. Community recognition awards by the Rotary, such as these, are accorded to community members who most exemplify the Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self.”

Incoming Rotary Club president Eileen Gallagher and fellow Rotarians also took the opportunity to thank and honor outgoing Rotary Club president Lavdie Maqedonci-Krasniqi for her service. ‘Lavdie’ thanked many well-wishers for their support during her Rotary tenure and for their support during a successful battle against cancer.

– Grace Bennett

Getting to Know Richard Bloom: The Making of a Great Financial Advisor

August 24, 2020 by Grace Bennett

Richard Bloom’s first memory of the stock market was when he was a young child. He would hear his grandfather talking about buying shares of GE. “I didn’t know what it meant, and actually thought he owned the whole company! Eventually he taught me what it really meant to buy and own a piece of a company. As a way to educate myself and my siblings, he asked us to pick a company we liked and agreed to buy us each 10 shares of that company.”

Of course, as any kid would do, Bloom chose Toys R Us! “As this was the pre-internet era, he bought us graph paper and taught us how to look up the ticker in the newspaper each day and chart the price of the stock,” said Bloom. It was his first introduction to investing, “but more importantly, it was a great learning experience and bonding opportunity with my grandfather.”

This early introduction ignited a desire in Bloom many years later to study finance in college. From his career’s start nearly 15 years ago, he has worked with the same team, The MayerGelwarg Group at Morgan Stanley. His two partners, each with over three decades experience have taught him that what makes a great advisor is not only helping clients develop sound financial plans, but doing so at the highest level of service.

Building Relationships

Today, the part of Bloom’s job that he loves the most is the deep lasting relationships that he has built with his clients. “My job is not only to ensure they are taking the right steps toward financial security, but to assure and reassure so they can handle the emotional side of investing in the markets,” he explained. “This entails asking very specific individualized questions during a first and second meeting to understand how the client views the world and what impact that will have on their emotional fortitude during the inevitable ups and downs we will experience together.

“From the moment I meet a prospective new client, it is my responsibility to demonstrate financial acumen and understanding of their unique needs,” Bloom continued. “Knowing my clients seek out and trust my guidance is incredibly rewarding.

Since the pandemic, Bloom has interacted with many individuals within and outside of the industry who wonder how he and his clients are handling the stress and uncertainty. While acknowledging the increased demand in terms of time and energy, Bloom has also found it to be one of the most fulfilling moments of his career. “Now more than ever, clients and potential clients are razor focused on the importance of having an experienced financial advisor. I continually remind my clients of the plan in place to ensure their short-term needs will be met under any market conditions without jeopardizing their long-term financial goals. And most importantly, if/when there are changes to their personal situation, we can make any necessary adjustments needed. While we cannot control the markets, we have complete control over the decisions we make together.”

Discipline as Key to Success

Bloom emphasized that although there are virtually no barriers to investing in the markets on your own, a great deal of discipline is required to be successful in the long run. “Investors must develop a strategic asset allocation and stick to it; they have to rebalance across asset classes including selling outperforming investments; they also must understand the tax ramifications of each trade because at the end of the day, it’s not about what you make, but what you keep.”

If any one thing frustrates Bloom, its hearing of investors who panic and sell out of the markets at the lows and miss the inevitable rebounds. During his local “Wine and Wealth” seminars at Le Jardin in Chappaqua, Bloom has maximized the opportunity to educate numerous members of the community. “These are fun, low-key social and educational events where I team up with one of our portfolio managers to present on different investing topics,” he said. “My goal is for all attendees to walk away with a few investment concepts that they can use to prevent themselves from making financially detrimental mistakes.”

Bloom and his partners also practice what they preach. “We make it a focal point of our business not to invest our clients’ assets in anything we ourselves or our families are not invested in. Most financial advisors cannot say that,” he stated. “Our asset allocation, or the mix of stocks and bonds, may differ but the portfolios we utilize for various asset classes are the same. We do this to eliminate any conflicts of interest and our clients take comfort in knowing that we are invested alongside them.”

Westchester Living

Bloom is proud to call Westchester home, a perfect choice to establish roots personally and professionally. His wife Marisa grew up in Chappaqua. Bloom, originally from the Philadelphia suburbs, originally thought he would move back there. “However, I quickly learned that once I married a New York girl, I’d be here for life. And now I absolutely love it.

He said his kids love spending time at Gedney Park, and always look forward to the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival and the Armonk Cider and Donuts Festival. His family visits the local farmers markets every weekend as well. “We make it a priority to shop at and support local businesses. We couldn’t be happier living up here.”

But no matter how grounded one might feel in the community, Bloom understands how ‘unsettling’ the markets can be right now, and the feeling of uncertainty that comes along with it. “The markets also tend to operate in the exact opposite way of how we live our lives and are hardwired to think,” said Bloom.

“In the very short term, people generally know what is going to happen to

them–what their schedule is going to be tomorrow or next week or next month. Where we will be in 10 years has a much wider range of outcomes and very little certainty.

The ‘Long Term’ Mindset Advantage

“The markets, on the other hand, have much more certainty in the long run while there can be extreme volatility in the short term. Understanding this helps alleviate my concerns for what is happening in the world right now. No doubt we are experiencing sea-level changes in our country and society; however, when you look back in history, changes are always taking place with industries being disrupted. Being able to take advantage of these changes, block out the noise, and stick to your long-term plan through it all provides you with the best chances of success.”

A recent article by Bloom in this press discusses strategies to help investors remain focused during turbulent times, even when it can be hard to think clearly. (https://www.theinsidepress.com/staying-focused-in-turbulent-times/)

Most meaningful for Bloom has been growing with his clients and witnessing wonderful things that happen to them in their lives. What he has found is that many times those great things do not have anything to do with wealth. That thinking has accorded Bloom perspective. “There are three simple rules I try to live by: First, be a good person and respect others. Second, surround yourself with people you like and can learn from. And lastly, don’t ever sweat the small stuff, including a bad day in the markets!

To reach Bloom, write to Richard.Bloom@morganstanley.com

Saluting Your Strength

August 19, 2020 by Grace Bennett

In 2020: If you’ve lost a job, a home, a business, a relationship, or in any worst case scenario, gotten ill, or seen a loved one through illness, or worse, then you might have taken stock of life itself. Most of us have gleaned ‘lessons’ from the unexpected, and at times, extremely hurtful losses these last six months to individuals and communities far and wide in these unprecedented times.

No one of us is ‘the same’ and there is ‘no business as usual,’ anymore. Not really. Coronavirus aside, 2020 did a fine job delivering a steady stream of calamities; the jokes to cope flowed as we all hunkered down. The rather severe tropical storm Isaias added a final sucker punch… proving that any control we think we have over our planet is, while not delusional, a continuous work in progress, shall we say.

The good news: The buzz, sometimes everywhere, it seems, is of a new level of self-awareness and personal growth, and other spiritual (frequently coupled with fitness) pursuits that may have been continuously shelved, pre-Corona. Low priorities have become high ones. Those with a basic survival instinct (i.e. most of us) have had no choice but to step up by looking inside ourselves too, to cultivate what brings inner happiness, and what gnaws at it, and to take actions long shelved to maximize the former, and minimize the other.

Constructive actions can be diverse, far ranging–what works for you, might seem absurd for another… your personal happiness may be vested in saving a marriage, another will find salvation saying goodbye to an unhealthy attachment. Maybe your path is something ‘small,’ like signing up for a course at Chappaqua Continuing Education (a pleasant surprise to receive their booklet in my mailbox), or something ‘big,’ like investing time in volunteering or helping a social justice movement like Black Lives Matter which has tugged at heart strings this summer. Or ‘something big’ can be finally booking a trip on your bucket list. Consider if you have backburned general health needs long enough, like that, ahem, mammogram or forever delayed colonoscopy (guilty as charged).

Our beautiful communities are no exception to inner life dynamics. There has been pain here too, often well-hidden pain. The path forward has to include shoring up your inner strength to break free. I’ve watched many grow incredibly strong during this pandemic, and I believe I’ve grown stronger myself.

So, whatever you have ‘been through’ these past six months, I salute the strength that has seen you through, and that will continue to see you through whether you are navigating back to school or college challenges, creating safe work and school environments or whether you are courageously confronting a difficult job market or in the business of saving your business.

Eternal and continued gratitude to our role models of inner strength–those on the frontlines of health care delivery at our local hospitals and our first responders, where #CommunityStrong is continuous 3-D viewing. Stay well, stay safe.