The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Sarah Ellen Rindsberg

Interning in Congresswoman Nita Lowey’s Office

by

Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Intern Michael Brandon

An internship in Washington is a position coveted by many college students.  Michael Brandon, a Chappaqua resident with a keen interest in politics, decided to seek this opportunity.  After completing the application and interviewing in Lowey’s office, he was selected for the job.  Brandon, a political science major at the University of Michigan of Ann Arbor, spent his spring semester in DC.

Brandon’s responsibilities ran the gamut from administrative to actual participation in the legislative process.  He was quick to point out that even “sorting mail is still pretty cool when it’s from Nancy Pelosi.”  He attended briefings and researched cases.   As an intern, Brandon was not only a witness to the politic process but an effective participant.   “My research into campaign finance resulted in a legislative recommendation,” he noted.  Other research topics included the mortgage services industry and nuclear proliferation in Iran.

Working with Lowey was one of the highlights of the internship.  Brandon described her personality as “crazy friendly.”  He attended several hearings led by Lowey including one which included testimony by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, a fellow Chappaqua resident.

During his academic career at Greeley, Brandon was the editor in chief of “The Greeley Tribune.”  Under his leadership, the scope of the paper expanded beyond the usual issues of cafeteria food and parking to those of national significance.

Brandon explained the genesis of his interest in politics:  “It sort of comes originally from a progressive sensibility I have about the world.  Until we live in a perfect world there will always be room for change.”

 

 

Chappaqua School Foundation’s Spring Madness

by

In Chappaqua, March madness is followed directly by spring madness; an altruistic shopping experience created by the Chappaqua School Foundation.  The purchase of a ticket to CSF’s annual benefit on April 27 entitles patrons to discounts and promotions at a wide variety of local businesses.  Donations from merchants are given directly to CSF and are used to finance enhancements in the school district.

The idea for the program was first presented to CSF by Barry Mishkin of Family Britches.  Participation by merchants has increased substantially over the past few years and the duration of spring madness has been extended to six weeks this year.  From April 1 to May 15, ticket holders reap savings when shopping locally.   “The bottom line is CSF does very well and it benefits the merchants,” Mishkin noted.

Tara Mikolay of Desires by Mikolay, is a huge proponent of spring madness.  “It’s really important for the residents to know that our stores are supporting local charities,” she said.  In addition to offering a 10% discount to all ticket holders during spring madness, Desires will be hosting a cocktail event – open to everyone – on May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m.   During this event, the 10% discount will be offered to all attendees; just in time for mother’s day.

More than 60 businesses have signed up for spring madness.  The following is a brief list of some of the participants and their respective promotions:  Auntie Penny; 25% off one purchase, Quaker Hill Tavern; one brownie sundae per table, Rhododendron; 20% off one item, March Boutique; 10% off one purchase, and Richard Scott Salon; 10% off any one service on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.  Click on chappaquaschoolfoundation.org/index.php/site/springmadness2012 to see the complete list.

 

AMVETS Bridge Closure

by

When residents received a postcard from the Department of Transportation warning about upcoming traffic delays due to a huge project on the AMVETS bridge, a collective groan echoed throughout the hamlets.

When queried about efforts to allay the fear of massive traffic delays for those who recently endured three years of disruptions caused by the bridge construction in town, NYSDOT Region 8 Public Information Officer, Sue Stepp was extremely sympathetic.  She had worked on that project also and is prepared to help travelers during the renovation of the AMVETS bridge on the Taconic State Parkway.

“We know that this project is going to cause delays and be very frustrating,” Stepp acknowledged.  The aim of the postcards was to encourage commuters, shoppers and travelers to investigate and utilize alternative routes after construction began on March 26.  On April 1 the northbound lanes of the Taconic State Park which go over the AMVETS bridge will be completely closed.  The bridge is scheduled to reopen on November 9.

The announcement of the renovation prompted some to question the safety of the bridge which is situated on a heavily traveled part of the Taconic.  “It is safe but if it continues to get used as is it will continue to deteriorate,” Stepp related.

Alternate byways include Underhill Avenue and routes 100, 118, 129 and 134.  The northbound entrance to the Taconic at route 134 will be inaccessible.  Information regarding current travel conditions are available at www.511NY.org and via phone 511.

 

 

Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund Honors Lyndall Boal

by

Lyndall Boal

Each year the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund bestows the Ed Habermann award on an outstanding individual in the community.   This year’s recipient, Lyndall Boal, was chosen for her dedication to improving the lives of young people, following the principles of the consummate volunteer, Ed Habermann.  Boal is the social worker for both Bell and Seven Bridges middle schools.

The room at the Kittle House was full of good cheer on the evening of March 15 as Boal was feted during the HGSF’s annual fundraiser.   Accolades from colleagues and students flowed continuously throughout the night.

Assemblyman Bob Castelli came to honor Boal and presented her with a citation in recognition of her many contributions.  A proclamation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators, designating March 16 Lyndall Boal Day, was read by HGSF President David Perlmutter.  The cry, “Everyday is Lyndall Boal day,” rose from the crowd.

Michael Abemayor, a graduate of the class of 2009 at Greeley highlighted Boal’s attitude toward her position.  “It wasn’t just a job to you, it was family,” he observed.  He then went on to relate a humorous anecdote.  “Remember the time I put the phone in the ceiling?”  Abemayor appreciated the fact that even when questions were posed at the time as to the nature and perpetrator of the prank, Boal remained mum.  This sentiment expressed precisely the strength of the alliance forged by Boal with young adults in the community.

Perlmutter discussed the role the HGSF plays in Chappaqua.   “We’re not a homogenous wealthy community.  Many can’t afford tuition,”  he said.  The fund provided scholarships for 29 students last year.  Perlmutter extolled Boal’s praises and expressed the hope that the award would inspire “other teachers to reach out to the kids in a way that’s meaningful.”

A full feature length article on Lyndall Boal will appear in the Mother’s Day print edition of the magazine.

 

Internship Program at Town Court

by

When Judge David Zuckerman ascended to the bench at town court, he saw immediately that the judicial proceedings could serve as a valuable teaching tool for high school students in the Town of New Castle.  He created an internship program for those interested in exploring the legal system.

There are currently ten students enrolled in the court intern program which began last year.  Interns attend sessions of the town court which convenes every Thursday evening.  After the court has been adjourned, they have the opportunity to discuss the proceedings with Judge Zuckerman.  These meetings often include a lesson on a certain aspect of the law and lively discussions about national trials.  “We talk about current events that are law-related,” Judge Zuckerman related.  Many questions were posed regarding the Casey Anthony case.

In addition, guest speakers are invited to address the group.  Guests have included, “an assistant district attorney, a private criminal defense attorney and other professionals who can give a more balanced perspective,” Judge Zuckerman mentioned.

The court rules on a wide variety of criminal cases including felonies, misdemeanors and violations which have taken place in the town of New Castle.  Small claims and traffic infractions are also heard.

The program is extremely beneficial for the students.  “I think that the kids are getting an early exposure to both the law and how the court system works,” Judge Zuckerman observed.

Inquiries may be directed to court clerk Diane DiCerbo at Ddicerbo@town.new-castle.ny.us or 238-7264.