The Inside Press

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The Inside Press

Don’t forget to Vote on November 3

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Screenshot 2015-10-16 11.19.22By Marianne A. Campolongo

On November 3, New Castle voters will choose their Town Supervisor, two town board members and other local officials and judges.

“Not all people live in a country where they have the right to vote. The right to vote in some parts of the world is exercised at great personal risk. It always helps me to keep that in mind when voting is really inconvenient, ” said Mary Kirsch, Voter Service Director of the League of Women Voters of New Castle.

According to a report by Nonprofit Vote, nationwide, in 2014, just under 37% of eligible voters turned out to vote, the lowest level of voter turnout seen in a midterm since World War II.” In New York State, that number was even lower. At 29%, New York ranked 49th in voter turnout, with only Texas and Indiana having lower participation.

The report notes that low turnout leads to more polarized politics. “At a local level, the act of voting grows from and helps foster healthier and more engaged communities. Voters are more likely to…contribute to their neighborhood’s ‘social capital’ and live in communities where neighbors are in contact with one another.” When local offices are at stake, as they are this year, each vote is more important, and should spur participation rather than discourage it.

In addition to town offices outlined in the accompanying articles, incumbent Westchester County Court Judge Susan Cacace (D, R, C, IN, REF) is running against Helen M. Blackwood (D, WF) currently Mount Vernon City Court Judge, incumbent Surrogate’s Court Justice Frank W. Streng (D, GRE) is running against Brendon R. Sall (D, WF, WE)  and incumbents Michael B. Kaplowitz (D, REF) is running for County Legislator and Douglas M. Kraus (D, R) for Town Justice, both unopposed.

You can learn more about the candidates at www.Vote411.org and by attending Candidates’ Night on Oct. 29, 7 p.m., at the Chappaqua Library.

Team New Castle: Proudest Accomplishments

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Team New Castle candidates (L-R): Eileen Gallagher, Seth Chodosh and Robert Greenstein
Team New Castle candidates (L-R): Eileen Gallagher, Seth Chodosh and Robert Greenstein

By Marianne A. Campolongo

Incumbent town Supervisor Rob Greenstein (R, IN, REF) is running with new town board candidates Eileen A. Gallagher (R, IN, REF) and Seth Chodosh (R, REF) on the “Team New Castle” ticket.

Greenstein said his proudest accomplishment since taking office in January 2014 is “how much I’ve been able to accomplish in such a short time.”

“We’ve saved over $3.3 million on our garbage contract, Worker’s Comp renewal saved half a million,” Greenstein said, enabling the town to “increase our paving budget by $600,000 from $400,000 to $1 million [and increase the] downtown beautification budget from $500 (I’d put in parenthesis–that’s not a typo) to $25,000. We’re providing the funding that should have been provided forever,” he said. According to figures from Greenstein, the garbage contract savings will be realized over seven years, the Workers Compensation Insurance savings with be realized in two years.

Greenstein is also proud of the Distracted Driving Campaign which has increased distracted driving tickets from 50 in the period October 1, 2013 through September 28, 2014, before the program began, to 681 tickets issued October 1, 2014 to September 28, 2015 for an estimated revenue of $68,100 versus $5,000 in the year before the program began, he said. To put that in perspective, total estimated revenue from fines was $184,490 for that same 12-month period, versus $94,300 in the previous 12 months.

He is also proud of progress made at Chappaqua Crossing. “We saved the Wallace Auditorium. It’s being donated to the town. As part of the approval process, the owner of Chappaqua Crossing has donated funds to develop a greenway path running parallel to the Saw Mill Parkway from downtown Chappaqua to the high school (the ‘ChapLine’).” He said he is also pleased that of the 120,000 square feet of retail space proposed for Chappaqua Crossing, roughly 40,000 square feet will be a Whole Foods and 40,000, Lifetime Fitness. “When I posted that there was going to be a Lifetime Fitness, I got 130 likes on Chappaqua Moms,” he said.

Under his leadership, Greenstein said, “We revamped the town website and started an eNewsletter that people love. You can sign up at www.mynewcastle.org. He is also proud of the new town welcome brochure. Greenstein also points out that they have simplified the email addresses for town government, making it easier for people to contact town officials, as well as the website set up to share up- to-date information about New Castle’s Downtown Revitalization project, www.downtownstrong.org.

Greenstein also stressed that he has been instrumental in the effort to finish up the Master Plan for the town “that languished forever.”

He likens the beginning of his term as town Supervisor to “walking into an empty house,” since, he said, there was so much to be done.

In addition to his position as Supervisor, Greenstein is an attorney in private practice. Gallagher, a freelance writer who has lived in town for 12 years, has been an active volunteer at her church, a parent manager of her son’s travel soccer team, and has served in various capacities in the PTA including Chair of Westorchard Elementary School PTA. She is active in CFRAH (Chappaqua for Responsible Affordable Housing) to advocate for safe, welcoming housing, chairing the New Castle Coyote Management Task Force, a Rotary Club member, volunteering in organizations in the larger area community.

Chodosh is an entrepreneur and adjunct professor at the Metropolitan College of NY who moved back to town in November 2014.

About the other members of his team, Greenstein says, “Eileen has been attending Town Board meetings for years. She’s been working with charities her whole life and as part of our campaigning we’ve been doing give-back projects–events where people come and donate stuff. She cares and she gets involved. Win or lose, with these projects we’ve done some good at least during the campaign. Seth and his wife grew up here and recently moved back with their young family. He brings a fresh set of eyes and a fresh perspective.”

“We’re trying to keep a positive campaign.  I think most people are happy with what we’ve done,” he said. You can learn more at www.teamnewcastle2015.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/TeamNewCastle2013/

 

One New Castle: Platform Highlights

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At a fundraiser inside the Quaker Hill Tavern: One New Castle candidates (from left) Hala Makowska, Victoria Alzapiedi and Jeremy M. Saland
At a fundraiser inside the Quaker Hill Tavern: One New Castle candidates (from left) Hala Makowska, Victoria Alzapiedi and Jeremy M. Saland

By Marianne A. Campolongo

Town Supervisor candidate Victoria Alzapiedi (D, WE) is running on a ticket together with town board candidates Hala Makowska (D, WE) and Jeremy M. Saland (D, IN) as team
“One New Castle.”

Why One New Castle?

“Hala, Jeremy and I are committed to bringing the community together,” said Alzapiedi, who is challenging incumbent Robert J. Greenstein (R, IN, REF) for Supervisor. “Our hope is that we will approach things in a way that hears all voices and perspectives of all residents in hopes of finding common ground –even when we disagree–and find effective solutions in the best interests of our entire community. We don’t want to shut down those who have different perspectives. We want to take an inclusive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities faced
by our community.”

One New Castle has presented  a four-pronged platform: responsible hamlet development, spending and investing wisely to save tax dollars, planning intelligently to preserve the environment and quality of life, and creating ethical, inclusive, responsible, and transparent government.

If elected, according to Alzapiedi, she and her team intend to “finish and implement a true Master Plan.” She said they are “very concerned that the current Master Plan doesn’t include Chappaqua Crossing. That will be a third hamlet.” As such, it “can have a huge impact on the hamlets of Chappaqua and Millwood.” Her team wants to determine “how they can function in a complementary way that will serve to boost all businesses.”

In order to develop a “robust dynamic downtown,” Alzapiedi noted that the “future needs of retail are different. We need innovative ways to bring people into businesses and create a sense of community. We need spaces for the community to come together.”

One of those spaces she would like to see is “a destination style playground… [which will] provide families both in and outside of New Castle a reason to come to downtown Chappaqua or Millwood. Utilizing soft touch products in conjunction with natural, manmade and recycled materials, a themed playground integrating stand alone and interactive water features, slides, climbing structures, tunnels and swings would not only give families who don’t have access to pools or other easily accessible sources of recreation an opportunity to get together and and grow memories, but bring much needed foot traffic and business to shops and stores that may otherwise be adversely impacted by Chappaqua Crossing,” she said.

Another way to encourage downtown business and community spirit Alzapiedi envisions is “Saturday under the Stars” at the train station plaza with food trucks and dancing. She believes this “could complement the new restaurant going into the train station to enhance that.”

An attorney and management consultant who started and ran a non-profit youth development program for eight years, Alzapiedi said, “We want to create a youth advisory board of middle school and high school kids who can advise the town on issues that affect them. Here we have these great schools but if you go downtown, kids are hanging out at Starbucks and nail salons.” She envisions the board giving the town’s youth a greater voice in recreational programing at the library and elsewhere.

If elected, Alzapiedi and her team plan to continue and expand on the current e-newsletters to “to keep people posted on developments and proactively keep them informed by sharing meeting agendas in advance so they can participate and weigh in,” she said.

Alzapiedi has held several public service positions both in New York and in Washington D.C. Since moving to town in 2008, she has been Co-Chair of the New Castle Conservation Board, Chair of the New Castle Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee, and a member of the League of Women Voters. Makowska, a 16-year town resident, former volunteer firefighter, and Chair, Millwood Board of Fire Commissioners, has also served on the Master Planning Steering Committee, the Millwood West End Advisory Committee, and on the board of WENT (West End Neighborhood Taxpayers).  Attorney Jeremy Saland, a town resident for nine years, has served as New Castle Town Prosecutor since 2010. He has also coached T-ball, baseball and soccer in New Castle.

“I’m proud to be running with Hala and Jeremy. They are both smart, thoughtful people with great ideas, a love for our Town, and solid track records of serving the needs of our community,” said Alzapiedi.

You can learn more about One New Castle on their campaign page www.onenewcastle.org and their Facebook page www.facebook.com/onenewcastle

Marianne A. Campolongo is a photojournalist living in Chappaqua. Check out her blog at www.travelstockblog.com.

How Chelsea Clinton Inspires Kids to Make a Difference with New Book, It’s Your World

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Amanda with Chelsea Clinton at the Chappaqua Library book signing
Amanda with Chelsea Clinton
at the Chappaqua Library book signing

By Amanda H. Cronin

On Thursday September 24, I got the opportunity to speak with Chelsea Clinton about her new book, It’s Your World–Get Informed, Get Inspired, and Get Going! Chelsea is the Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation, and is the daughter of our very own illustrious Bill and Hillary Clinton. Chelsea has traveled all over the world working on humanitarian projects where she met and was inspired by children of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. In this, her first book, she talks about the ways kids can make a difference in our world, and how they already are. Here’s the exchange I was fortunate to have with her prior to her Chappaqua Library book signing.

Amanda: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me!

Chelsea Clinton: Thank you for being interested in It’s Your World!

Amanda: What inspired you to write this book now?

Chelsea Clinton: I continue to be struck by the curiosity of young people. Adults should recognize that young people are taking charge and are en- gaged in making a difference. Knowing that I was going to become a mom lent a greater urgency to writing this book because I felt even more of a respon- sibility. I wanted to empower young people to make a difference across our country and across the world.

Amanda: In your book, you say that, “more than anything else, education is an area where adults should listen to kids,” and that you hope that students “will speak up and speak out about what we think education should mean in our schools.” Can you please explain more about this?

Chelsea Clinton: Yes! Oftentimes people say to me, “What do you think kids should care about?” And I say, “Well, just ask kids, they’ll tell you!”

It’s up to us as adults to support kids in engaging in making a difference. I certainly think that that’s true in schools. Kids spend more time in school than they do at home, so trying to listen–actually, not even trying–listening to kids about what they want to learn in school, and how they think they’ll best learn in school, is something that I believe every adult should do.

Amanda: Millions of kids are being held back from going to school because of their gender, their economic hardships, or because there is simply no school around. We are very lucky here in Chappaqua to have such an outstanding school system. How can we help girls and boys around the world who don’t have the same educational opportunities?

Chelsea Clinton: Since 1918, every kid in the U.S. has had the right to a free public education. In a lot of countries, kids don’t have that right, or there is that right but it is not put into practice because there just aren’t enough schools, or teachers, or materials. Organizations that build schools and provide funding to train teachers are so powerful because they are solving problems in places where communities clearly want their kids to go to school. At Horace Greeley, something that you can do is to sponsor the building of a school!

Amanda: You seem to be really hopeful and optimistic about the capability of today’s kids to tackle these huge issues. Why do you believe that
we can?

Chelsea Clinton: Because you already are! I hope that is apparent for anyone that reads It’s Your World. Kids are already profoundly impacting such things as the health of their families, saving iconic species like elephants, and helping school environments become safer. The strong answer to your question is all the stories that I am so grateful to be able to share about kids who are making real, tangible, meaningful impact across the world today.

Amanda: Now a hometown question… Do you like visiting your parents in Chappaqua?

Chelsea Clinton: It’s a beautiful place, and my parents love living in Chappaqua, even more than they thought they would. My husband and I love visiting; it feels very much like home. It’s really nice now that I am a mom to have a place to go where Charlotte [her daughter] can crawl around on the grass.

Amanda: Yes, I love it too! Thank you so much for talking with me today!

Chelsea Clinton: Thank you!

Amanda Cronin is a junior at Horace Greeley High School. She is news editor of The Greeley Tribune, a student of Writopia Lab, and a member of the iMatter Youth Council. She hopes to one day make a difference in our world.

TODAY! The Chappaqua Orchestra Presents: Peter and the Wolf in the New Wallace Auditorium!

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By Matt Smith

Calling all Prokofiev fans–especially those with kids! You’re invited to join The Chappaqua Orchestra (along with the bird, the duck, the cat, and several others) on Saturday, November 7th, for a performance of Peter and the Wolf. As one of the first concerts launching the orchestra’s new 2015-2016 season, the evening’s family-friendly program will not disappoint.co childrensconcert

(L) Michael Shapiro (R) David Restivo
(L) Michael Shapiro (R) David Restivo

The piece will be paired with The Runaway Bunny, an adaptation of the classic children’s story by Margaret Wise Brown, set to music by composer Glen Roven. Famed violinist Kinga Augustyn will serve as soloist on that piece, while Elliott Forrest–broadcaster at New York’s classical music station WQXR–will narrate both selections. Additionally, each composition will be accompanied by a series of projections behind the musicians to help tell the stories visually.

And as for the choice of repertoire? It was simply a case of good, nay perfect, timing. “Since I’ve been with the Chappaqua Orchestra, we had never done Peter and the Wolf,” explains conductor Michael Shapiro, who has been with TCO since 2002. “So, I thought ‘now’s the time!’ It’s such a great story–and great for kid–and a beautiful piece of music.”

co childrensconcert
And it’s clear The Chappaqua Orchestra is seizing this “great opportunity” as best it can; hoping to pique interest and maximize community involvement, the ensemble has arranged a few pre-show activities with other organizations in town. Prior to the concert, Camp Kiwi will host a variety of games for the kids, and members of the Westchester Music Conservatory will provide an instrumental “petting zoo,” which will allow guests to get a closer look at–and even touch!–the individual instruments within the orchestra.

“We feel that if we are to become a regionally known orchestra, we have to make sure the people in our own community and town know about us and are coming to see us,” Restivo reiterated. “What better way to [kick off our season]…than by celebrating our youth?!”

orchestraAnd as if you needed yet another reason to attend this classical extravaganza, Shapiro is also quick to emphasize that the travel time simply can’t be beat! “If you want to go to a concert in Lincoln Center, you have to factor in the drive–up to two hours round trip–and then, of course, the added considerable expense,” he explained. “[TCO] is of the same professional quality [as those musicians]…and we’re right here in Chappaqua! No need to travel [far].”

Additionally, Shapiro notes the importance of “bringing professional level music of all kinds–symphonic, theater and film music, family and children’s concerts–to our local community,” and how he hopes, specifically with these child-oriented pieces, the youngsters leave with a more deepened appreciation and “enthusiasm for music.”

Echoing this sentiment is Restivo, who stresses, again, how he hopes the move to Wallace will increase community awareness of what the company has to offer. And though the selections may suggest a lean toward a youth-centric program, he assures concertgoers that the evening “will get people of all ages excited about our group.”

So, get up, do your part, and please join The Chappaqua Orchestra for what is sure to be an undoubtedly incredible evening of music!

Hailed as “The Jewel of New Castle,” The Chappaqua Orchestra has been serving Northern Westchester since 1958. The Children’s Story Concert, again, will be performed live on November 7th at 4 p.m. Wallace Auditorium is located within Chappaqua Crossing, at 480 Bedford Road, just off of 117.

For more information, visit chappaquaorchestra.org.

Matt Smith, a proud graduate of Skidmore College, is a regular contributor to The Inside Press.

A Spectacular New Home Inside the Wallace Auditorium

Screenshot 2015-10-16 11.43.50The Chappaqua Orchestra’s fantastic musical offerings aside, the concert itself is only one of the reasons this event is so special and meaningful to the orchestra. An equally important cause for celebration: the performance will be the first for the musicians’ group in their newly christened home at Wallace Auditorium in the Chappaqua Crossing plaza.

The ability to perform in the auditorium is especially significant, as the venue was originally set to be demolished as part of the plan for Chappaqua Crossing’s redevelopment. Last July, the town entered into a lease agreement with Summit Greenfield to salvage the space, and the Town Board has since created and Arts and Cultural Committee–on which both Mr. Shapiro and The Chappaqua Orchestra’s Executive Director David Restivo sit–to fund and administer the auditorium.

“It’s very exciting,” said Shapiro, on the subject. “I think it’s wonderful that they fought to keep it standing. We’ve played in many venues…Greeley [Auditorium], Chappaqua Library, the Gazebo…. [and] we have needed a permanent home that is worthy of our orchestra, so it’s nice to finally have a place to call our own.”

“With the creation of the Arts and Cultural committee, we are doing whatever we can to make sure TCO is a part making Chappaqua and New Castle the center of Arts and Culture for all of Westchester,” added Restivo. “With the acquisition of Wallace, the town has a great opportunity to do this.” –Matt Smith

“We are at the forefront of what is happening with arts and culture in our town. In making the Wallace Auditorium our new home, we will essentially be the only orchestra in Westchester that will have its own space to perform in. TCO would love to have more involvement from the residents of New Castle to help us further this success, not just through attendance, but also volunteering for our concerts and possibly joining our Board. It’s an exciting time
to be a part of the oldest
orchestra in our county!”
– TCO’s Executive Director David Restivo