The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Et Cetera

‘Memories Live Here’

by

Maggie sipped her tea, then said, “But I’ve lived here for 45 years. This is my home. All my memories live here.”

This is just a scene from my recently published novel, Memories Live Here. Maggie is just a fictional character. 

Despite its title, Memories Live Here (available on Amazon and locally at Scattered Books) is not a book about “memories” of my life in Chappaqua or Brooklyn or Chicago or any of the other places I’ve lived. It’s a thriller mystery and family drama about three brothers who uncover their dead mother’s diaries (her friend Maggie’s been keeping them), and how a “rendezvous” with artificial intelligence helps them discover the hidden truth behind their father’s mysterious death. While not autobiographical, each character does seem to carry traits of the people I’ve known throughout my life.

Two years removed from our life in Chappaqua, I realize the title of my book is very much true. Our “memories” do reside in the places we’ve lived, ready to jump back into our heads.

My wife Hildy and I raised our two children on Deerfield Road, where we lived for over twenty years. In Chappaqua, I often thought my nickname was “Oh, you’re Hildy’s husband!” After all, Hildy was the recognizable figure around town: Board member of the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund, substitute nurse at Roaring Brook, car-pool mom, not to mention head lice checker. Hildy was everywhere.

As for me, I had the typical crazy, high pressure job. Even if you didn’t know me, you had to recognize the pattern. You know, I was the one who worked long hours; hosted too many client dinners; amassed frequent flier miles. 

But when my day or week was done, I was always comforted to come home to Deerfield Road, turn everything off, and just be “Hildy’s husband” and “Noah and Perri’s dad.” Our home in Chappaqua was a place to decompress, do the dishes, play in the snow, go for long walks, drive the kids around to whatever activity of the day, enjoy family meals. I felt so fortunate. It was a great time in our lives. 

Every time I return to town, whether to pick up food at Old Stone or eat with friends at Le Jardin (“outside, please, Joe”), memories from the past are “triggered,” and multiple scenes emerge from the recesses of my mind.

I blinked my eyes and the children became adults and moved on to follow their own passions.Yet still, every time I return to town, whether to pick up food at Old Stone or eat with friends at Le Jardin (“outside, please, Joe”), memories from the past are “triggered,” and multiple scenes emerge from the recesses of my mind. 

Driving down King Street, I can still see Noah and Perri coming out of the old Chappaqua diner, or running around the baseball and softball diamonds in front of Bell Middle School. Making my way up route 120, I can see my two dogs, Pixie and Clyde, racing and splashing through the wooded trails of Gedney Park; and that’s my family cruising up the north county bike trail. On the ballfield behind Rocky’s, there I am with the neighborhood guys playing touch football (I still have my “Deerfield and Dave” baseball cap). 

Even scary memories can conjure up positive reflections. For me, it’s the scene of my car accident where Reader’s Digest Road crosses the Saw Mill Parkway (Please, everyone. Look both ways, even after that light turns green)! While I walked away with minor bruises from that collison, I can still see those professional and dedicated volunteers from the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corp. coming to help. I will always be grateful.

These days, in the words of John Lennon, I’m “no longer riding on the merry-go-round.” While Hildy started a private geriatric care management practice, I get to spend my time traveling on a path full of stories and characters and ideas, certain there are more books to write in the years ahead. 

As far as the past, well, I’m comforted to know my memories will always be there, waiting for me in Chappaqua.

The Art of Being Neighborly on my Cul-de-Sac

by

It’s a week before the big day and our family has convened to strategize a significant plan of action. This approach must be executed with meticulous detail so that the inevitable impending onslaught will be met with precision. A disciplined chain of command will ensure that whatever blueprint we settle upon will come from the top. Which is most definitely not me. My wife, Laurie, has decided, as The Decider, that the candy should be put into easy to distribute, pre-packed little bags with plump pumpkins on them. While this laborious option will guarantee fairness and efficiency (and trackable statistical data my wise-guy son adds) I tend to lean towards the more chaotic and subjective. Why not greet each kid, assess quality of costume (along with their trick or treat statement) and then distribute loose candy based upon this information? With 200 to 300 trick or treaters expected you can see why I am not The Decider. Welcome to life on my cul-de-sac.

When we moved to our Northern Westchester digs everything seemed new and a bit odd but exciting too. In the city we’d walk the kids to school every morning and it was a sweet ritual. Leaving that and other distinct urban scenarios behind made me hesitant to embrace the move to this beautiful bucolic suburb. However, almost immediately, it was clear that the more rural versions of our established routines were equally wonderful. In this case, we’d lose the family time spent walking to school as, now, the bus-stop is literally in front of our house. This simple fact of geography led to very fast friendships for the kids, as well as parents, who would all gather on a near daily basis. It would be impossible not to notice that we’d absolutely landed in a neighborhood.

Some of the bus-stop relationships evolved into friendships that still remain. Others were fleeting and on occasion a little contentious but that’s just the way life is with people interacting daily, sometimes before coffee. What became intriguing to me over time was the evolution of the bus stop. You’d see your kids eventually age out along with their peers followed by new kids which were often younger siblings you might know. At one point a whole new crop of kids populates the space by the house and, not being connected to it other than seeing it from the window, you realize that that particular aspect of living in the cul-de-sac always continues. Just as sweet as ever but no longer a direct part of our lives.

It may be a personal flaw but I’m very quick to base opinions upon my initial impression of people. Fair or not, neighbors show themselves one way or another and, unwittingly, I reach a conclusion about who they are which will never change unless they prove otherwise. I know this is absurd and not particularly neighborly but here we are. Shortly after we landed in our house a neighbor said hello and within 10 seconds told me I needed a new roof on my house. Probably a wonderful person but, for me, he’ll always be that guy who was critical of our new abode when I was at the height of emotional vulnerability homeowner-wise.

Along those lines, when the kids were young, there was a mother at the bus stop with a child the same age as my son. She wasn’t particularly friendly, even a bit abrupt, and I rashly concluded she was just kind of a hard case. Our kids became friends and I got to know her a little better and, of course, she turned out to be a very kind person. It turned out this single mom had serious health issues and I always felt terrible about my initial shallow rush to judgement. One December she came by to ask me to tune an electric guitar she’d bought for her daughter. I happily did so and she gave me a warm and spontaneous hug. I watched her walk away, guitar in hand, in light December snow headed up towards her house at the end of the cul-de-sac. The neighborhood is quite simply a community of folks living in close proximity and all that that entails.

20 Local Dancers to Appear in 19th Year of MCD’s Nutcracker

by

Twenty students from the Armonk Center for Dance will appear in MCD’s 19th annual Nutcracker at The Riverside Theatre in New York City December 6-8th, 2019.

Local dancers include Lily Auster, Dani Eder, Abby Eickelbeck, Kourtney Gann, Jillian Gendal, Ella Horowitz, Zoe Horowitz, Grace Kretzmer, Phoebe Miles, Jordyn Ogilvie, Brooklyn Ogilvie, Olivia Peters, Finnley Silverstein, Skylar Silverstein, Ainsley Sorenson, Kendall Sorenson, Charlotte Thielmann, Alexa Tusiani, Abbie Varco, and Emma Zhu will appear alongside an international cast of professional dancers in MCD’s Nutcracker! The dancers range in age from six- to 18-years old.

This holiday classic features dolls coming to life and soldiers and mice battling. Watch Clara journey through the land of Snowflakes to a land of Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy. This show is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tickets are available by calling 212-870-6784 or by logging onto trtnyc.org/upcoming-shows.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD CONDE PHOTOGRAPHY

 

My Dad’s Most Impactful Contributions to New Castle As Town Supervisor

by

Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein and Jessie

Last month right before Election Day, I was asked to interview and write about our Town’s Supervisor (aka my dad) Rob Greenstein, and hear what he thinks were his ten most impactful contributions to the New Castle community. Luckily, I have direct access to him so scheduling time with him wasn’t an issue. Here is what my dad believes are his ten most significant accomplishments, besides surviving Chappaqua Moms!

1. He helped to start the eNewsletter.  He tells me that the eNewsletter and his Supervisor reports inform residents on town updates and events. Does anyone really read them?

2. He planned and completed the infamous infrastructure & streetscape project. He tells me the project includes new sewers, drainage to stop downtown from flooding, and hopes to improve the appearance of downtown Chappaqua. It will also make it safer to walk around. Are you kidding Dad? The construction hazards were also treacherous. And what about all those cones?!?!

He worked on updating the zoning in downtown Chappaqua to encourage more housing. He even helped to plan our first all-inclusive playground. The new basketball court in the back corner of town hall parking lot will bring people to play and exercise, and maybe after a game they’ll stop at one of the many nail salons- only kidding :). To highlight all of this, DiscoverChappaqua.com was created. I can’t wait to see it…

3. My dad played a pivotal role in Chappaqua Crossing. Everyone loves Whole Foods & Life Time. And I can’t wait for the Starbucks! I mean a drive thru Starbucks right next to the high school, that’s a coffee addict’s dream come true. He tells me that some new restaurants are coming. We’ve been hearing that for a long time. When?

My dad told me that Chappaqua Crossing will once again become an economic engine that drives our commercial tax base. Huh? I do think it’s cool that the old Readers Digest headquarters is now housing. My dad is also very proud of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. It is nice, and the price was right ($1) but it needs some work. It’s no Radio City Music Hall but it will only get better.      

4. My Dad also helped bring DeCiccos & Sons to Millwood. I mean their guacamole and chips is exceptional! But, rest in peace A&P.

5. He helped create the Distracted Driving initiative in town. His team started the “Hands Off the Phone and On the Wheel” project. He loves his magnets. Just look around. We have lots of SUVS in town–many with magnets.

6. Like my older brother, my dad is really into the environment. He tells me New Castle was the first municipality in New York State to choose green electricity.  That apparently means that our energy comes from renewable sources. He also helped ban plastic bags in town. The funny part is that he still forgets to bring his reusable bags to stores. It’s fun watching him juggle the groceries when he leaves a store. I guess I could help.

7. He helped institute the 2017 Comprehensive Plan. What the heck is that?  He tells me that we received an American Planning Association Award for it. Get a life, dad.   

8. He is proud of a few committees they started such as Every Person is Connected (EPIC), Community Inclusion & Diversity Committee and the New Castle Holocaust & Human Rights Committee.

9. He also helped pave a lot of streets. But, I think they forgot to pave our street.

10. Finally, my dad helped to create the New Castle Holocaust Memorial. With help from members of the community, 750 daffodils were planted. The Daffodil Project hopes to plant 1.5 million Daffodils in memory of the children who perished in the Holocaust. I can’t wait to see the flowers in the spring.

Dad, I know myself, the rest of the family, and the community have given you a tough time over the years. But retirement has come! Let’s buy a walking cane and anti-grey hair spray (oh wait, you don’t have hair)!  Thank you for all you have done for the town. Your efforts have most certainly not gone unnoticed. It was evident how much you cared and contributed to the town and I know you will forever leave a mark on the community.

Adding a Personal Touch to Turkey Day

by

There’s something almost primal about Thanksgiving in our country. Who among us doesn’t have at least some early memories of the day be it related to travel, cousins, football, parades and, stating the obvious, food! Sure, there’s a lot to be said about the meaning of this wonderful non-denominational holiday. The importance of family/friends gathering and showing gratitude for the bountiful meal and what it represents is a powerful and meaningful tradition. The holiday even has a nice story about pilgrims and native Americans initially appreciating the beautiful land and its kind abundance together. But I digress, for the purpose of this story, dear reader, you can undo the top button on your trousers, dip a cinnamon stick into your apple cider and care not about the burnt marshmallow at the bottom of the oven.

The day begins really early in our house. My wife Laurie handles the turkey expertly and in a stress-free manner. When it emerges many hours later it will be juicy, golden brown and so excessively large that I had wondered if it would actually fit in the oven. My childhood memories of Thanksgiving in no way involve how the table may have looked but as a modern host the “table-scape” has become an important element. I’m not involved in this in any manner other than posterity related photography (see below) and (sincerely) praising my bride’s fine eye as the table looks clean yet absolutely autumnal with orange/red/brown details. There might even be a few pinecones involved.


As Laurie crafts her turkey magic, I am tasked with preparing the stuffing and having it done before the bird goes in the oven. I make a lot of it. Enough to fill the bird and lots more as a supplement. Is there any more subjectively controversial food item than stuffing? It’s quite personal and it’s connected to the version one’s been most exposed to. When we first hosted the holiday years ago we’d have several different types of stuffing represented from both sides of the family. Inevitably (barely) civil debates would arise about which was superior. Every year my simple recipe (cornbread, onions, seasoning and an absurd amount of chicken stock) is exactly the same and our regular annual guests are now addicted. The other stuffing’s are now but a culinary memory. Another Pavlovian success story!

Speaking of subjectivity, I love the unique dishes of different family’s versions of the feast. Somewhere along the way I started making chopped liver (!) on Thanksgiving. Initially, it was just an appetizer that I enjoy and wanted to try making. People seemed to like it and Aunt Sally, a respected elder of our clan, would request it so now it is firmly entrenched in our delicious ritual. I did think that, perhaps, this ethnically defined dish might be contrary to the spirit of the day. However, when I learned that our friend Shira makes stuffed cabbage (really good!) for Thanksgiving, I concluded that slightly off-message dishes add depth to the experience.


Dessert on the big day can be complicated. Too many times after overeating, I had been rendered into submission by the time dessert was served. (*Note to young over-eaters from a seasoned veteran: Go easy on the appetizers, mashed potatoes, stuffing and biscuits ). I’m a traditional dessert guy. Love the pumpkin pie. Our one departure is an ice cream turkey which is an ice cream cake shaped like a turkey with caramel skin, waffle-cone drumsticks and two flavors of ice cream representing white & dark meat (mint chocolate chip & rocky road respectively). Some consider it kitschy, I embrace it as a fully legitimate annual dessert item.

A happy element of the day is working with Laurie hosting. One of my duties is preparing two gravies. One is a light au jus that comes directly from the pan and the other a more formal gravy which is silky and luxuriant. One Thanksgiving, I looked in our fridge and saw a container of store prepared gravy! Was I insulted? Yes. Was I going to confront my wife while she was preparing a meal for 25 people? No. I may be sensitive but I’m not crazy. The “back-up” gravy controversy has faded, this year’s feast is fast approaching and I cannot wait!

Our beloved caramel coated ice cream turkey cake PHOTOS BY DAN LEVITZ