The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Just Between Us

This Single Mom’s Hat

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pines-fireIf you haven’t already heard the buzz, here it is: The Inside Press, Inc., parent company to the publication you are holding, has been busy, busy launching a sister publication. Just two days post the mail date of Inside Chappaqua, all of Armonk will be receiving a debut edition of Inside Armonk: The Magazine for North Castle and beyond. If you check our Table of Contents, you can help support two hometown magazines, if not with a voluntary subscription for your own home, then with a gift for someone else’s outside our closed circulation. Thank you in advance!

I’ve had covering North Castle on my mind for some time, and did give a publication there a go once, but for personal reasons, largely pertaining to the single mom hat I wear, I pulled out. Which brings me to the present edition of Inside Chappaqua…

As soon as Guest Editor Emily Bloom suggested a “Different Hats Moms/Women Wear” theme, an inner voice screamed, “YES!”   With Emily being a volunteer firefighter and with Suzanne Chazin’s Girl Scout troop working hard on a project to thank our first responders, I also knew that was the hat we had to highlight for the cover. I only wish I could wish away the recent fire on Bedford Road that left seven New Castle residents homeless (thankfully no injuries were reported!) and devastated Whispering Pines, a beloved floral shop; the heroic efforts through the night reinforces our gratitude further.

Innumerable hats are covered in this edition! I’d like to note that as a single mom, my own hat wardrobe has ranged from a floppy style to one as hard as a helmet. At my wardrobe’s best, it’s been a snug baseball cap with a steadfast theme of “I’m going to win this.” That’s the hat I think I have on now! By win this, I don’t mean there’s a war going on or anything. What I do mean, quite simply, is that I intend to embrace love and happiness–from deep within. That’s a gender neutral-challenge, actually, no matter what your “relationship status.”

But forget me for any deep thinking for a moment… I have been so buoyed by my wonderful friend (to many!) Lori Sachare’s optimism and determination in her battle against cancer. I asked her if she would share her story with the community. I think her ten life lessons make this issue a keeper too. Love to you, Lori, Alex and Debbie. And a Happy Mother’s Day to all.

Grace’s hair and makeup courtesy of the Richard Scott Salon and Day Spa in Mt. Kisco

Briarcliff Scout Thanks his Own First Responders!

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(L-R): Dr. Robert Goldstein (Scoutmaster of Troop 18 and Professor and Director of the Rule of Law at the U.S. Military Academy of West Point), Briarcliff Scout Michael Feist and James Kaishian (Superintendent of Briarcliff Manor Schools)
(L-R): Dr. Robert Goldstein (Scoutmaster of
Troop 18 and Professor and Director of the
Rule of Law at the U.S. Military Academy of
West Point), Briarcliff Scout Michael Feist
and James Kaishian (Superintendent of
Briarcliff Manor Schools)

Mike Feist hosted a brunch in Briarcliff Manor honoring the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department as part of his work towards his Eagle Scout badge. The event, attended by approximately 60 fire and EMS personnel and guests (including Assemblywoman Sandra Galef, Superintendent of Briarcliff Schools James Kaishian, and Scoutmaster Dr. Robert Goldstein), was widely supported by Briarcliff community merchants and regional businesses, with more than 50 donations received for the event.

Mike, a senior at Briarcliff High School, will be attending the Napa Valley campus of The Culinary Institute of America this fall. As a culinary student and occasional Inside Chappaqua food stylist/photographer, Mike chose the project because it combined his interests while also honoring the service of those who selflessly act to keep our community safe. The event provided a wonderful meal for all–and a terrific way to say thank you to the BMFD volunteers.

One For The Books

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Gathering for coffee and conversation at Chappaqua’s Le Jardin du Roi: Team New Castle with IC intern Zarah Kavarana and myself.
Gathering for coffee and conversation at Chappaqua’s Le Jardin du Roi: Team New Castle with IC intern Zarah Kavarana and myself.

Just between us, indeed. This column was on a whole ‘nother topic while Inside Chappaqua patiently waited for “the word” from Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein for a date for Team New Castle’s swearing in ceremony. He and the team were busy coordinating with Secretary Clinton and Congresswoman Nita Lowey so they could preside.

So in the ‘nth hour before IC was off to press–with Team New Castle election victory coverage already slated as the cover story–I was thrilled to work in some images from Town Hall’s Jan. 22 swearing in, and managed to post some video right away.  Pictures by the fabulous Carolyn Simpson, www.doublevisionphotographers.com, followed to inform and entertain a social media audience, primarily. I also very much appreciated a wonderful “reunion” moment I shared with Secretary Clinton–making this whole event another one for the IC books.

You can find our story as it ran that night by clicking on the “New Castle News” link or look under “Cover Stories” on our home page here for expanded coverage. One highlight was the portion of Rob Greenstein’s statement that elicited a hearty laugh: He turned to Clinton after being sworn in, stating: “Since I know that fairness is so important to Secretary Clinton, I’m confident that if the occasion should arise when Secretary Clinton is sworn into office in the next few years–she should know that we would happily 
return the favor by attending her inauguration. Fair is fair.”

A moment with Secretary Clinton following a Swearing In Ceremony for Town Officials
A moment with Secretary Clinton following the Swearing In Ceremony

Our Town Hall coverage in this edition also includes bios of  Councilman Jason Chapin and Councilwoman Elise Mottel (both of whom Sec. Clinton graciously acknowledged for their continuing service) and those of County Legislator chairman Michael Kaplowitz and State Assemblyman David Buchwald. Ronni Diamondstein checked in with “New Castle Democrats” for their plans moving forward. And Sarah Ellen Rindsberg highlights the outstanding generosity of Town Justice Doug Kraus.

Our sponsors are, of course, well represented in this 6th annual “Merchant Profiles” edition, and we hope you will read through the many profiles that accompany their spots. We invite you to show IC some love back by acknowledging their support here and hopefully visiting shops or trying out services.

Given that it’s Valentine’s Day, we remembered LOVE. Maggie Mae knows many owners like to take their pets shopping for V-Day, and has some great advice.  Don’t miss Anna Bennett’s reminders that not all kids enjoy the intense peer pressure V-Day can invoke.

At the ceremony, Secretary Clinton commended first responders as “the backbone” of our community.
At the ceremony, Secretary Clinton commended first responders as “the backbone” of our community.

Finally, we highlight loving efforts by the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way, and offer good news from inside the pediatric oncology department at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.  Love on.

Walgreens Gets it Right

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A Grand Opening ceremonial ribbon cutting today at Walgreens today.
A Grand Opening ceremonial ribbon cutting today at the new Walgreens on King Street. Eric Buff does the honors together with New Castle Deputy Supervisor Lisa Katz.  Katz and Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Shenker welcomed visitors and commended Walgreens on the store’s responsiveness to the community.
Greeley Quaker Notes performing at the Grand Opening.
Greeley Quaker Notes performing at Walgreens.

Like so many Chappaqua Moms, I too was disappointed about “another drugstore” taking over the space left vacant by D’agostino’s.   While Walgreens is not the Whole Foods we all seem to crave, it’s a pretty darned impressive  drugstore chain.  Sensitive to the wishes for a supermarket in Chappaqua, Store Manager Eric Buff has focused heavily on stocking rows and rows of shelves with grocery/ food items, from the refrigerated staple Milk and Eggs selections to fresh cut fruit salads and even, sushi.

Plus I have found, their pricing on all these items, and on their items storewide too, in fact, are perfectly competitive with local markets. No price gouging here ‘cause “it’s Chappaqua.” It’s a spacious, welcoming newcomer, with friendly staff, a pharmacy and full service photo printing service too.

At the Grand Opening today, store manager Eric Buff stated that he was aware of the community yearnings, and said he would continue to bring items to Walgreens that customers express interest about. “Organic milk is a recent one,” he seemed to note proudly.  It’s a great attitude.

A Sense of Hope

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grace-speaking-roomPursuing a story depicting clergy leaders on an Inside Chappaqua cover was a spiritual endeavor.  I have attended several of the town’s interfaith Thanksgiving services–sponsored by the Chappaqua Interfaith Council–and have been in awe witnessing New Castle residents from multiple faiths “joining hands to give thanks” (the title of Ronni Diamondstein’s fine article). The sermons are inspiring and the music can be quite beautiful.  A great feast follows and area food pantries also greatly benefit. A sense of hope for the entire world takes hold! I’m also thrilled to help promote the upcoming “Northern Westchester Food Festival: Feeding the Hungry” at Temple Beth El, as it’s shaping up to be a major event here.

Speaking of major events, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, spearheaded by the amazing Dawn Evans Greenberg, was brought to its magnificent fruition October 5 by a particularly determined group of grassroots volunteers. I, for one, was delighted to see Chappaqua bursting with pride over a turnout of thousands to an event that essentially celebrates books and reading by and to kids.  So many local, regional and even national media took note! This particular media was proud to give the festival major early boosts in a complimentary cover spot in June and a cover story in September.  See pages 12 and 14 for additional coverage. I sensed something “big” brewing, and proud that we rose to the occasion in a hometown pub. Dawn and the group are abuzz now with talk of an adult books festival for the spring–and involving the downtown merchants in a big way too. They have my support!

This issue also compiles several new, New Castle “Voices,” Michall Jeffers’ take on the always delightful and yummy Feed Me Fresh event for the Mount Kisco Child Care Center, and a short profile of Gary Portnoy, co-author of the world famous Cheers jingle. So enjoy.

Looking ahead, we’re planning a holiday edition that will have many articles addressing health and wellness. I’m particularly excited about it ‘cause I have a Guest Editor, Beth Besen, leading the way.  She seemed like a great fit for the Holiday issue; she’s an experienced copywriter with a diverse background, a full time Chappaqua mom (which, as she says, often means wearing the Dr. Mom hat) and, now, a grateful cancer survivor.

To wrap up this letter too, I want to extend a special thanks to David Streich, a talented designer based in Mount Kisco, who took so much time to enhance the images from my “Travelling with Hillary Clinton” presentation.  After its debut at the Chappaqua Library early in the summer, I was invited for an encore by the Women’s Club of Larchmont; its members packed the Larchmont Avenue Church in September (see above!) for an animated discussion and fun reception after. Grateful as well to photographer Bill Bramswig for trekking to Larchmont to shoot! Bill also shot the clergy cover–his 12th shoot for us!

Finally, I’m delighted to include a revived Travel “department” in this issue and highlight the beauty of the exquisite U.S. Virgin Island of Saint Croix–and all its opportunities too.  Retirement doesn’t seem that far away anymore, so who knows?

Photo styling credits: White Badgley Mischka dress from the new M Boutique in Chappaqua; and hair and makeup courtesy of Cathys’ Hair Room in Chappaqua. 
Thank you!