The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

From the Editor

Post Election

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Andrew Vitelli
Andrew Vitelli

For our last edition of 2016, Inside Armonk spotlights some of what makes the community great, while also looking back at the past and towards the future.

At the Byram Hills School District, technology is changing the way children learn and interact with the world. We take a look at some of the upgrades taking place in the district. In our last issue, we spotlighted the North Castle Historical Society and explored the town’s history and the people who preserve it. We return to that theme this issue, with a profile of 93-year-old George Pouder and his fight on behalf of two Civil War veterans buried in Armonk.

History, of course, was made last month with the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States. Our area, as the hometown of Hillary Clinton, played a special role in that historic race, and our photographer, Chad Kraus, was with Clinton on the final days of the election. His photo is on the cover, while others are featured inside the magazine.

When this magazine planned the cover we, like most in the media, expected that the woman pictured would be the president-elect when this magazine went to press. Even after Hillary’s loss, however, we are excited to have these photos in our pages and we hope readers, even those burnt out from election coverage, will appreciate them.

All news is local, and a presidential election is of course no different. The day after Trump’s win, we spoke to a handful of local residents about the results to see how the election impacted our neighbors. Reactions ranged from disappointment and fear to cautious optimism.

This issue will also highlight the local live music scene, with features on Armonk House and Chappaqua Station. We spotlight several local businesses, and feature Armonk resident Marian Hamilton, who launched the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center a decade ago. Finally, the issue ends with a column on dealing with post-election anxiety, though we acknowledge many readers may be feeling very different emotions.

We wish all our readers a happy holiday season and a great 2017.

In Gratitude

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Andrew Vitelli
Andrew Vitelli

By Andrew Vitelli

For our November edition of Inside Armonk, we have stories on history, politics, art, altruism, and some looks back at the last two months.

As Americans, the first thing that comes to many of our minds when we think of November is elections. With this year being a presidential election year (and an unusual one at that), it’s likely a lot of readers will have more than a little election fatigue by the time you’ve picked up this magazine. But even for those who have watched, heard, and read more than they can stand on the presidential election, the races closer to home often get overlooked. For this issue, we’ve spotlighted the race for Armonk’s representative in the New York State Senate, profiling both candidates and allowing readers to compare where they stand.

Election season is also a great time to look back at the country’s history and at the role our town played.

I’ve highlighted the work of the North Castle Historical Society whose members make sure this history isn’t lost for future generations. We have also included a preview of an upcoming tour of one of Armonk’s historic cemeteries, located next to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and the resting place of many Civil War veterans, for those who want to delve deeper into the history.

Our cover story last issue previewed the Armonk Outdoor Art Show. For this edition, we look back at that weekend, along with coverage of other art shows in the area. We also feature pictures from the Donuts and Cider Festival held in September.

For our Q&A, ‘meet’ Stacy Wilder, the director of communications for the Armonk Chamber of Commerce. Stacy tells readers how the hamlet has evolved in the 22 years she has lived in Armonk, and what the chamber has done in order to keep up.

We also highlight a charity event held this September in a spin studio, where cyclists took a “Spin for a Cure” with funds going towards the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.

Finally, our November issue profiles Westchester County Airport, an often overlooked asset for the town and the region. We look at how the airport fits into North Castle and Westchester County, why travelers prefer the airport to some of the larger airports in the area, and how Westchester County Airport became what it is today.

A Local Perspective

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Andrew Vitelli
Andrew Vitelli

As readers of the Inside Press know, summer marks the longest break between issues of both Inside Armonk and Inside Chappaqua, making this our first issue since June.

The theme of the issue is “fun,” and most of our stories go along with this theme. The cover story is on the Armonk Outdoor Art Show, describing how a village of art will arise in the hamlet later this September.

We also feature a preview of the Cider and Donuts Festival, another exciting local event to which we can look forward. For nature lovers, we have a feature on where Armonk residents can go to see the leaves change colors, and we’ll also take a look back at some of the fun Armonk had in the summer that just passed, including the Summer Concert Series.

Along with these event previews and look backs, we give readers a look at the North Castle Public Library, a dynamic institution of which every Armonk resident should take advantage. And we feature Armonk Dance, one of the many local businesses that make the hamlet unique.

Don’t forget to visit this year’s Cider & Donut Festival, sponsored by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce.
Don’t forget to visit this year’s Cider & Donut Festival, sponsored by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, I take a look at how a housing settlement signed between the county and the federal government is impacting North Castle as well as neighboring New Castle. Admittedly, this doesn’t really go along with the whole “fun” theme for the issue.

As both a reporter in and resident of Westchester, I’ve covered and followed the county’s battles over the housing settlement for years. After learning this spring that North Castle faced the threat of litigation under the settlement, I began thinking about how I could tell the story of the settlement from a local perspective.

It’s impossible to tell the full story of the settlement in one magazine article–it would probably be impossible to tell it in a book. My hope for this article is that it will give readers a look beyond some of the slogans coming from those for or against the settlement and a sense of what the settlement has meant for them and their neighbors.

A New View of New Castle

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Ian-best2By Ian Karr

When you live in a town as long as I’ve lived in Chappaqua (17 years), you tend to take certain things for granted. It’s the natural progression of life that one day blends into the next and the things that once seemed special don’t elicit the same reaction anymore. If that sounds familiar to you, I have one suggestion…edit an issue of Inside Chappaqua magazine.

When Grace Bennett first approached me about helming the June issue, I was flattered, excited and a bit daunted. While writing is a big part of my job as a Director at IKA Collective, I hadn’t tackled anything with a table of contents since college. Grace has covered hundreds of topics over the years and I wondered how I could come up with something fresh. Especially after growing somewhat jaded about our town.

Like most things that take you out of your comfort zone, I found the process of editing this issue incredibly eye-opening and rewarding.

I thought of my friends in different ways…as potential authors. Who had an interesting voice? Who could actually write? Who would be able to meet a deadline? They say a good friend will help you move, but a best friend will help you move a body. I can now add that a great friend will allow you to edit their work.

I thought of all the English teachers I had spirited disagreements with, and realized that I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. It’s amazing that, after all these years, I still remember some of what they pounded into me about telling a story in 700 words or less. You’re entitled to think otherwise.

But mostly, I thought of our town in ways I haven’t since I moved here. Joe Giannettino’s piece reminded me that we are practically walking distance from some of New York’s most beautiful and enjoyable outdoor activities. Eric Kratz’s article on coaching reminded me how dedicated we are, as a town, to instilling in our kids a passion for sports, fitness and teamwork. Mark Bomback’s essay on moving here from Hollywood and Stephen Barron’s tips on how to cook the perfect rack of Texas-style ribs reminded me that Chappaqua attracts transplants from all over the country…and that we have incredible talent here. And Dan Levitz’s interesting take on his enviable commute reminded me that a lot can happen in a short trip through our quaint little town.

I also had fun asking my radio partner, Jackie Martling, to offer up tips on joke telling. It really is an art, and he’s the best in the world. In the nearly eight years we’ve been doing Jackie’s Joke Hunt, we’ve told or heard over 10,000 jokes. I remember exactly six.

In the end, I came through the experience with a rejuvenated love for New Castle. Our community spirit may not always be on display, but it’s definitely there, making this one of the best places to raise a family, build great friendships…and edit a local magazine.

Our Intrepid All Dads TeamPhotos by Todd Shapera
Our Intrepid All Dads Team
Photos by Todd Shapera

Feathers in Our Caps

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By Emily Haft Bloom

Emily-Bloom-FINAL-pix
Bill Bramswig Photo

When I met with Grace to discuss my gig as guest editor, I told her I wanted to focus the issue on all the amazing things New Castle women do, for their families, their employers, and our community. I realized that while many of us have traditional responsibilities of homemaking and raising kids, we also wear so many other hats. Some of us regularly perform the most selfless work, and receive no financial remuneration. We are information providers, health care workers, legal eagles, and educational supporters. We provide emotional and therapeutic services and a hundred other things. There is one common thread, though; we all seem to wear these hats with aplomb, confidence and a willingness to work as hard as we can to do the best job possible.

I thought about all the hats I have worn since I left college. Seven years were spent at an investment bank, as an IB analyst, then as a bond trader, then I found an amazing partner in my husband Don, had a kid, moved to the ‘burbs, had another kid, was Society Editor for the now-defunct Patent Trader, and served on a bunch of non-profit boards. Next, I had a parenting column in a widely read magazine, wrote three books, went back to school, and finally arrived at what I am absolutely sure is my final destination–independent college advisor. Oh, and when I hit the big 5-0, I joined the Chappaqua Fire Department to assure I always made time to serve my community. My friends and family declared me nuts (again!), but it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.

One of the greatest aspects of living here in Chappy, for me, has been meeting and getting to know so many women who also wear and have worn many different hats. One good friend is Editor in Chief of a major magazine, another is a chef, another a partner in a big law firm, another a docent at a museum, and yet another is a relentless fundraiser and volunteer, deeply committed to many causes. Did we all think we would arrive at our current occupations when we were handed that sheepskin so many years ago? Probably not, but to me, that is the essence of feminism–choosing to do what each of us finds meaningful, rewarding and fulfilling, beyond our more traditional roles, or just embracing those traditional roles and being at peace with our decisions. Many of us raised or are raising kids, run houses, manage active social lives and still find time to volunteer our skills and talents to worthy organizations from the PTA to the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps. And, we can’t discount the value of the example we set for all the girls in our community–women can do anything if they are determined, and supported and encouraged by their families and friends.

In this issue, find stories by and about just a tiny fraction of the amazing women who live here. The cover story, written by the eminently capable Ronni Diamondstein, focuses on the women volunteers of the CVAC and CFD, and explores what drives these women to become first responders. A lawyer/not-for-profit consultant finds her poetic voice, a tireless volunteer reflects on Mother’s Days past, present and future, and another tells us about one of the most courageous women you will ever read about. Another essay shares a son’s experiences as part of a two-mom household, and others address aging parents, career reinvention, information resources for every woman and recognizing when we might need a hand keeping ourselves mentally fit as a fiddle.

My dear friend Maud Bailey, who keeps a local non-profit nearby running smoothly, is volunteering on the Master Plan update committee and raised two amazing young men, put it best: “All the women I have met who wear so many different hats bring a different perspective to every conversation. That is what makes New Castle a great place to live.” I couldn’t agree more!