Just Between Us

“If I Only Had the Nerve”

November 3, 2015 by The Inside Press

By Grace Bennett & Karly Weiner

Who hasn’t felt the Cowardly Lion’s trepidation from time to time? Finding courage, whatever comes our way, is a part of the human experience. To highlight courage, our cover story, I believe, speaks for itself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Eileen Gallagher for these wonderful profiles of courage, persons to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Not that it’s remotely comparable, but it does take some courage running local pubs, especially during an election season, so we are proud to offer even basic platforms from our candidates. Plus the League of Women Voters reminds us who is on the ballot (page 22)…and to vote on Nov. 3!

Please note: The Inside Press is sponsoring a Community Conversation the very next day, Nov. 4, at the Rosenthal JCC, from 7-9 p.m., on behalf of the Mental Health Association of Westchester. It’s about how to raise emotionally resilient kids. I anticipate great insights and a robust discussion, so hope you can make it. To register,visit www.mhawestchester.org.

Greeley Junior Amanda Cronin, a regular contributor, mustered up enough courage to speak with Chelsea Clinton before her book signing at the Chappaqua Library. Chappaqua’s Helen Jonsen penned a chapter of a book about her experiences as a Clinton neighbor, excerpted in this edition too. A grateful nod here as well to Rabbi Jaffe of Temple Beth El for his exemplary courage and grace in a march for justice this past summer.

For the rest of this column, I’m “giving the floor” to a hard working Greeley junior, Karly Weiner. New interns need plenty of courage when they start writing for The Inside Press. This fall, I asked Karly to visit our popular fall events. Here, to me, were some of Karly’s best observations plus some cute photos:

Grace, helping Clifford show support, at a Community Day table with volunteers supporting Hillary Clinton

People of all ages gathered on Community Day to support Chappaqua’s local organizations and merchants who make such a difference to the town. A sense of joy permeated the air as kids ran around and neighbors were able to mingle amongst themselves. Rob Greenstein, Town Supervisor of Chappaqua said, “Any time you can have an event that brings out the community, it’s a great thing. This is what community is about.” The New Castle Beautification team shared their eagerly awaited plans for our downtown. Director Sabrina Hull displayed “strategies to create a new future for the town.” As fall begins, new families, as well as long-time residents are reminded of the importance of all the organizations that serve to make a difference in our town. Jerry Curran of the New Castle Democratic Committee deems Community Day a “historic tradition in New Castle.”

Northern Westchester Hospi- tal Volunteers

The Chappaqua’s Children’s Book Festival, founded by Dawn Greenberg, made our town shine and beam with pride. Robert E. Bell Middle School’s gym was transformed into a book lover’s paradise. Authors lined the walls, with books ranging from children’s stories to teen adventures, eagerly showing off their work to all those interested in a good read. Kids waited patiently on lines to meet their favorite authors, and parents were all too happy to purchase books for even their littlest ones. Pat Schories, illustrator of the famous Biscuit books, was between book signings when she paused to remark, “I’m truly touched that kids are learning to read from Biscuit.” I also grew up reading Biscuit books which is evidence of the author’s remarkable longevity. Meanwhile, on North Greeley Ave., a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event was in full progress at Houlihan Lawrence, the street adorned with pink and white balloons. People bought raffle tickets for various high end goods such as a flat screen TV and jewelry. Although traffic is heavier than normal during these events in our usually peaceful town, I think everyone can agree, it is always well worth it.

It’s me again. My final words this month are to express my gratitude and bid adieu to Executive Editor Beth Besen, who has shared her fine talents for well over a year but who is transitioning to a more freelance role. Enjoy your holiday gatherings everyone; those take courage too!

-Grace

The Inside Press Endorses Supervisor Robert Greenstein of Team New Castle 2.0

October 28, 2015 by Inside Press

By Grace Bennett

In nearly 13 years of running a magazine for New Castle, I have steered mostly clear of covering local elections save to feature on my cover and as cover stories various individuals appointed. I ran a cover story of former Town Supervisor, Democrat Jan Wells in 2005, following her election. Two years ago, I featured Robert Greenstein, Adam Brodsky and Lisa Katz on my cover, as the winners of their first and successful “Team New Castle” run here. Yet, I have a strong interest in general politics too; my first job out of Journalism School was as a politics reporter covering races in the northwest portion of Connecticut. So a years long interest has a tendency to take hold at different junctures…I ran a cover story featuring County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz following an interview with him about Indian Point, and another cover story interview (conducted together with Evan Glassman)of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

In Sept. 2006, I featured then Senator Hillary Clinton for a cover story interview. Finally in 2012, I featured a 10-page cover story of travels with a then Secretary of State to Africa and Turkey. All this in a general interest “lifestyle” magazine.

I outline my coverage to illustrate that I do care very much about government and have sought opportunities to include politics related stories.

Still…I have never offered a political endorsement as a local publisher/editor. This, my friends, is a first. My focus today is on who will be our Town Supervisor after Nov. 3. I am refraining from commenting on any of the other board candidates due to a conflict of interest. Eileen Gallagher, on Team New Castle, has contributed many articles to Inside Chappaqua, indeed, covering town hall before deciding to run herself, and I have a recent completely unrelated article of hers in our current edition. More fair disclosure: I had the opportunity to collaborate with Rob on a guide for the town of New Castle during the spring, a job that was completed in early July. I am no longer in his employ in any capacity but I did gain a great sense of him from the experience.

On behalf of Rob, I am finally deciding to stick my neck out, given the recent, especially nasty spike in attack style campaigning. Early on, this included a mailing that started with “Republican Rob Greenstein–Another Politician You Can’t Trust.” First, Rob is a Democrat. It was too nasty for a local election, any election for that matter, and the candidate names were not even on it. It was just signed One New Castle, with the address of the “New Castle Democratic Committee.”

Early in the summer, the attacks commenced. All the while, the team made no attempt to offer a platform or any kind of vision. It was just attack, attack, and by mid- to late September, I could only conclude that would be the extent of their campaign. It took ‘till approximately a month before the election for their own platform to be clarified. Let me say this: One New Castle’s platform is basically fine; their candidates do have seemingly fine skills and backgrounds, and if they were not waging a battle against Rob Greenstein, a particularly stellar supervisor, I may have, as a lifelong Democrat, supported them.

Some critique of their platform:The “Saturday Night Under the Stars” sounds perfectly fun. Regarding a “Destination Playground:” Everyone agrees that residents want more recreational activities in downtown Chappaqua but the hard part is figuring out exactly what and where to put it; downtown, as a whole, needs to be studied. Rob has devoted his time in engaging the community as much as possible to doing just that. I also wonder about tax dollars being allocated for another playground when nearly half the town is empty nest, too, a topic Rob recently addressed during one of his series of Roundtable discussions. But I digress; mostly my focus is on One New Castle’s negativity. It has puzzled me and struck me as somewhat desperate.

Maybe that’s because over the last two years, I personally have been singularly impressed with an astounding list of accomplishments that Supervisor Greenstein can indeed take credit for—first launching the Chappaqua/Millwood Chamber of Commerce and introducing a fun and festive first time fall festival to our downtown, creating Millwood Movie Nights, introducing children activities and food to the summer concerts, and more. I literally watched our sleepy hamlet “wake up” the year he formed the Chamber.

Another major highlight: Rob has saved our town $3,500,000 over seven years on our new garbage contract. Plus, he has made paving our roads a major priority and it is a work in progress.

Under his leadership, we’ve witnessed an aggressive and successful, regionally lauded, campaign waged against texting and driving with his Hands off the Phone and on the Wheel campaign.

Following the Metro North tragedy, Rob showed sensitivity as a leader as our community mourned our losses and then he worked gangbusters to address the dangerous Readers Digest railroad crossing, bringing Rep. Nita Lowey and other regional leaders into town, and followed up on the improved safety measures there. He has been wonderfully communicative with his E-newsletter regularly sharing virtually everything Town Hall has going on and, as if that weren’t enough, diligently gathering stories from other New Castle news sources, including my own.

Bottom line: Rob is not someone you can accuse of wasting taxpayers money. He has devoted blood, sweat and tears to his job. Indeed I have often viewed him as our local Ed Koch, prone to seeking approval too in that “how am I doing?” kind of way. I have viewed him as our ‘can do mayor’ with a clear vision that he actually executes–efficiently and well. He has firm opinions, gets the job done and yes, perhaps gets easily frustrated by those who simply would like to see him stumble. I, for one, appreciate his long, long list of accomplishments as highlighted by writer, Marianne Campolongo. I asked her to sit down with both teams and her interviews are on this very home page and in your print editions.

Marianne did a great job outlining what each party brings or hopes to bring to the table. Both teams were pleased at her fair and objective reports. I’m now stepping into the fray with an unequivocal political endorsement to re-elect Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein because I would hate to see a most deserving (but, in some circles, sadly unappreciated) town supervisor step down. — Grace

Plus a Statement from Dawn Dankner Rosen, Chairperson, Chappaqua/Millwood Chamber of Commerce*

* This statement reflects the endorsement of Dawn Dankner Rosen only and not necessarily other individuals associated with the Chamber.

“I have had the privilege of getting to know Rob Greenstein extremely well over the past eight years on both a personal and professional level. I first met him eight years ago following the death of my father, when my mother was looking to rent an apartment that would be close to my home. Coincidentally, the realtor showed her an apartment in Mount Kisco that Rob (who I had never even met before!) had recently purchased for his own parents and they then decided not to move there.

Two years later, my mother was tragically diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died 17 months after that. In that time, I got to know Rob very well–as a kind, compassionate big-hearted man–and I will always be grateful for the generosity, respect and patience that he showed to both my mother and to me. He truly went above and beyond for us and proved himself to be a person of real character, integrity and kindness–the best person there is…

Professionally and through the work of my own public relations firm and my clients, I have thoroughly enjoyed a great business relationship with Rob as well. I believe that he is an exceptional leader–strong, decisive and proactive. I have a great amount of respect for his tenacity and determination–his zeal to move things along and get it all done. He’s not one to just talk, meet and discuss…he’s a mover and a driver.

And, in fact, there is no one that I would trust more and want to sit in that Supervisor’s chair than Rob if we were to have another Hurricane Sandy crisis or the like. I am certain that he would be in full control and communicate constantly and consistently with the community at large, and anyone and everyone in a top position to help the community recover.

In addition, Rob did a wonderful thing for the New Castle business community by creating the Chamber of Commerce and thus, a business environment here in New Castle that is now dynamic, active and interesting. As a business person himself and an attorney, Rob fully understands how businesses operate, function and thrive.

Finally, last but not least, as a communicator myself–I consider Rob to be a top-notch communications pro… He’s transparent, forthcoming, and always accessible for sure! Top all of this off with his unending enthusiasm and energy–and without any hesitation, I’d say that here’s the best candidate for the job as our Town Supervisor.”

From the Chapter: “Six Degrees of Hillary Clinton: My Chappaqua Neighbor”

October 16, 2015 by The Inside Press

Publication date: November 3, 2015 Ingram Publisher Services

An excerpt from Helen Jonsen, a contributing author to a new book, Love Her, Love Her Not: The Hillary Paradox, edited by Joanne Bamberger.

“Election Day 2014 was the midterm election for the lame-duck years of President Barack Obama. Being self-employed, I avoided the crowds and waited until mid-morning to cast my ballot at our school polling place in Chappaqua, New York, often described as a leafy suburb an hour north of Grand Central Terminal. As I spoke to the volunteer to register, I heard the familiar voices of another voter or two who arrived next to me at the table. To my right were my neighbors, Hillary Rodham Clinton and President Bill Clinton. They, too, had come to meet their civic duty–to vote for our federal and state representatives, local judges, and governor.

We exchanged pleasantries and headed to the little kiosks to fill out our ballots. Secret Service men dressed as casually as the Clintons stood near them in the room. Little by little, others noticed them, but there was no press, no cameras. A number of people asked about their new granddaughter.

Outside, two black SUVs stood at the curb in the bus lane of the closed suburban school that serves as our polling place. When the Clintons came out alone, not in a hurry, I said hello again. They don’t know me well but for 15 years our paths have crossed both here in this berg and elsewhere. So we spoke for a while, not about politics but about mutual friends and acquaintances and local interests. Part of the conversation centered on how much they enjoy living in a town where their privacy has been reasonably protected and where they are comfortable dining, walking, shopping–even voting–without interruption (when reporters don’t have a reason to stalk them, that is).

I have been a television and digital journalist for many years, so I always walk a fine line when it comes to running into the Clintons. I don’t look for scoops but have sometimes been assigned to “cover” them. I am not paparazza. When not working, I’ve settled into the role of observer and neighbor, in their company when our paths cross. This has given me a glimpse into their lives and a perspective about them as people, rather than mere politicians, that others rarely get.

Fifteen years ago, when Hillary Clinton decided she would run for the U.S. Senate in New York, she went house hunting. Ironically, for me, it was the same summer my husband and I were looking for a new community for our family, complete with four children.

It became something of a running gag that Hillary seemed to be following us. I would spend a day with a real estate agent in a Westchester town, and the next day the newspaper would report Hillary had been house hunting in the same community. Our price range was more than a million dollars apart from the former first couple, but we seemed to be looking in similar areas. Finally, I thought I had outrun them by moving to Chappaqua, a town a little further afield.”

“To our surprise, that August weekend in 1999, as we unpacked a mountain of boxes in our new house, trying to find kitchen supplies, bedding, and kids’ shoes, helicopters hovered above our heads. Unbeknownst to us, the day before, the Clintons came to meet the owners of the white Dutch colonial on nearby Old House Lane and closed their own deal on a new home. They walked across lawns and introduced themselves to a few of the neighbors–ironically they were the only ones we knew before moving in. It was clear that sleepy Chappaqua would soon be on the GPS of every news desk in the nation and that Hillary and I were destined to share an adopted hometown. Not long after, the local Gannett newspaper headline read: “First Family of Chappaqua,” along with five articles about the house, the deal, the hamlet, and how life might change for the citizenry because of the new neighbors.

Bill Clinton would be in the White House for more than a year after the purchase, but he and Hillary took possession of the charming colonial in November. In those first couple of months, fences were thrown up, security updated, and Secret Service moved into a rented Cape Cod up the hill from us with access to the Clintons’ home via the driveway and backyard of other friends. Black cars and men in dark suits with curly cords tucked behind their ears became common sights.

Sleepy Chappaqua would never be the same.

There were plenty of things to complain about having the Clintons as our neighbors. Folks who owned homes more expensive than the Clintons or who lived in town for many years were concerned with the anticipated disruption. Some criticized Hillary’s perceived New York carpet-bagging and the intrusion of the press in their quiet town. The state posted “No Parking” signs along the town’s winding roads to keep gawkers at bay.

But when spring of 2000 came and her U.S. Senate campaign was well underway, First Lady Hillary surprised us with her desire to actually be a part of our community. We were delighted when she asked the Girl Scouts if she could march with them in our town Memorial Day parade. Just when we thought things might calm down as President Clinton came to the end of his presidency, on his last day in office, he became embroiled in a pardon controversy. The press swooped in as never before. Live TV trucks parked in front of our supermarket and train station…”

Helen Jonsen is the creative founder and chief storyteller of HJ Media, a consultancy & roll-up-your-sleeves firm focused on media-training, video production, digital, text and social media preferably for “social good.” She is hoping to see a woman in the White House her three voting-age daughters can be proud of (and so can her son).
Visit www.hjmediaconsulting.com.

Compelling Reasons Trader Joe’s Should Choose Millwood as its Next Location

October 6, 2015 by Inside Press

By Grace Bennett

10) A Fitter Customer Profile. Trader Joe’s Management could one day boast the greatest influx of fit citizens in its corporate history. Each day, hundreds of trim and toned men and women will pour into the market after cycling along our popular North County Trail, walking their dogs at gorgeous Gedney Park (check out the beautiful fall scene here), or pumping iron at nearby Club Fit for an energy boost—and for generous replenishments of your discounted nuts and produce.

Gedney Park Pond
Photo by Marianne Campolongo

9) A Spike in Healthy Item Sales. Following a flu shot at Drug Mart, it will be a natural response to stock up on Vitamin C packed juices, not to mention pounds upon pounds of organic chicken and root veggies for homemade soup.
8) The “Chappaqua Moms” Facebook Factor Busy commuter Chappaqua Moms are addicted to many of your frozen entrees and desserts already and have been loyally commuting to White Plains for them. BUT (and especially after a successful petition spearheaded by Chappaqua Moms), bring Trader Joe’s to Millwood and Chappaqua Moms will soon be comparing notes about their favorite buys of the week ALL THE TIME in must read threads on Westchester County’s most populated and chattiest “Moms” page, now 5,500 people strong.
7) Cover Story Possibility The publisher of Inside Chappaqua is always open to cover story ideas. Joe, if he’s handsome and generous, could be a contender.
6) Specialty Food Shoppers Galore. After stocking up on wine for Passover at Dodd’s next door, for example, a stop at Trader Joe’s for quality gefilte fish and gluten-free matzah will be a matz.
5) Noshers Galore. Of course we already love the treats at Tazza’s when we stop in for our morning java, but who can resist the free noshes at Trader Joe’s? Those yummy mini samples of chili this and quiche that! I know it would take care of those lunch hunger pangs that begin at 10 a.m. for me! Plus: After burning so many calories on the trail, our inclination to nosh–and then shop, of course–is limitless.
4) Cool Celebrity Customers Vanessa Williams, Helen Williams, Ben Stiller, Etc. Just keep cool when Millwood and Trader Joe’s are tapped to be a set for a future movie.
3) Free Enhanced Security. Trader Joe’s will have free additional security when any of our Secret Service residents stop in to shop.
2) Hillary. She was recently spotted shopping at a local supermarket and quipped to someone eyeing her oddly that she needs to eat too. My hunch is she will be a regular.
1) Bill. I apologize in advance for any slowdown at the checkout counter when he engages your staff on national and world policy matters.

Come on, guys! — Grace

More reasons via Facebook from savvy New Castle readers:

11. “It would be fabulous for the many vegetarians in the area as well as those who keep Kosher.” Andrea Dresner Weinreb

12. “It’s easy to get to from Route 100 and the Taconic. I shopped at the Eastchester store yesterday and their parking lot is much smaller than Millwood’s and they have only one way in and one way out. The Millwood shopping center already has two entryways and could easily add more.” Michelle Hecht

13. “The traffic on the northbound Taconic from 5-7pm is significant. Lots of potential shoppers passing by!” Michelle Hecht

14. “I was just in the Hartsdale store, second time this week and again they’re sold out of the Chocolate Croissants! The very nice customer service person told me they would have more this afternoon.. well that would have been great news if they were in Millwood. So instead of shopping there once a month, it would be once a day for this Chappaqua Mom!!! Ann Styles Brachstein

Too Cool

September 1, 2015 by The Inside Press

If you have been living in Chappaqua for any length of time, you have likely already heard of Dawn Greenberg! Dawn wears multiple hats around town, spearheads all kinds of charitable undertakings (often via her “Chappaqua Cares, Chappaqua Shares”), directs our Chamber, and to my delight, agreed to guest edit this “Back to Cool” themed issue. I wanted to bring the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival “to life,” and Dawn, its founder, rose to the occasion–together with her talented team.

As for me, it has been a fabulous summer. I may be “empty nest,” but have discovered multiple reasons to continue to love New Castle. The Town wants others to feel similarly; I covered a “Roundtable Discussion” on this topic, so a story here, too, on that. Also, after months of collaborating with the Town of New Castle, we released “Inside my New Castle: Welcome to our Neighborhood.” Do save your copy (like, forever!), or download the PDF. The tremendous support the guide received is really too cool and reflective of the high caliber of area merchant support.

I’m also feeling very honored by the “MHA Media” award being presented in October to The Inside Press by the Mental Health Association of Westchester; along with past coverage of mental health topics and MHA events, I know the “Time to Talk” theme in both Winter editions touched both Castle communities and I’m grateful to the openness and insights of local writers Janine Crowley Haynes and Rich Klein, and to Executive Editor Beth Besen.

There’s also a lot of love and compassion in this issue; stories about the 2015 Sunrise Camp Walk and the upcoming Empty Bowls Westchester fundraiser are just some examples. For that reason, I’d like to dedicate this edition to my dear friend, Chappaqua’s Lori Sachare, who passed after a courageous battle against a Stage 4 cancer. Lori, a long time contributor to IC too, always seemed to have an endless reservoir of love and compassion. Like so many, I will miss her a great deal.