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Expressions of Support

December 1, 2016 by Inside Press

Remembering Memorial Day 2006 PHOTO BY MARIANNE CAMPOLONGO — Remembering Memorial Day 2006
PHOTO BY MARIANNE CAMPOLONGO

By Grace Bennett

At this juncture, my heart and mind (as is true for the vast majority of her neighbors and friends) are squarely with Hillary Clinton in appreciation of her exemplary spirit and hard fought campaign and its unwavering message of ‘love trumps hate,’ and her conviction that we all indeed are ‘stronger together.’

For years now, as a small, hometown publisher, I have enthusiastically supported the voice and vision of our two-time Senator, Secretary of State, and neighbor. Over the last year, as time and resources permitted, I was so excited to follow her historical campaign to become the nation’s first woman president. Together with fine contributors, we proudly attended primary and post primary rallies on the East and West Coast, along with the Democratic National Convention, with the goal of being actively engaged in covering an extraordinarily qualified and experienced hometown candidate from a local vantage point — while still offering a variety of community features both in print and online.

Before a Katy Perry GOTV rally and concert in Philly: Photo op with Dawn Evans Greenberg (to my right), Robby Mook, Hillary for America campaign manager, and Dawn Dankner Rosen.

By casting well over 2.5 million more votes for Hillary Clinton than for Donald Trump, a far greater number of American citizens registered their collective voice as to the preferred candidate, so the outcome may remain a source of sadness and longing to many for some time to come, particularly as recount efforts are underway. But we also harbor hope for a better future. A very long chain of connected hearts unequivocally know that Hillary Clinton embodies all that a president is meant to be. She set the bar high for the next president, man or woman.

And here, for now, I will simply echo the voices from many corners–warm

and loving expressions–conveying an immense gratitude to Hillary Clinton for her role as advocate and friend. I commend those in her corner, in our community and beyond who worked so hard on her behalf and who are continuing their work, whether through wise words or newly launched grassroots efforts.

Our election coverage stories and photos (special kudos to Chad Kraus’ enormous generosity) followed by many heartfelt messages from the merchant community and amazing local supporters.

I’m especially proud as well to include a couple millennial expressions of gratitude by Greeley grads and past Inside Press contributors: an essay by Cornell University Junior Lindsay Hand, and the “thank you” photo and artwork by my son, Ari Bennett, a third year art major at Union College.

Please also enjoy the entire issue with many articles that showcase our wonderful community, its residents and various sponsors. Wishing the greater New Castle community, and beyond, a happy and healthy holiday season. Here’s to Peace in the New Year too.

Graceful Gratitude

October 21, 2016 by Inside Press

By Grace Bennett

I recently started a “Mindfulness Boot Camp” with Jodi Baretz, whose etcetera column in this edition is an excellent reflection on gratitude. I’m not sure I can add more value on the subject than Jodi, but interesting to note: Jodi explained to our group that feeling grateful may not come naturally at all.

In fact, she said that us humans harbor a “negativity bias,” meaning we’re more likely to focus on the one negative aspect of say, a vacation, than on the many positive aspects of the experience. Similarly, in relationships, one negative experience can cast a shadow on an overall positive pairing, or one annoying personality trait might be your obsessive focus on an otherwise wonderful person.

As my mom might have put it, people like to kvetch…a lot. Seems we have to practice being more mindful about feeling grateful! So I’m going to share just a few things I’m feeling grateful for today:

To fresh starts, professionally speaking. Like the redesign of this magazine. Chappaqua’s Lisa Samkoff came on board to give our Inside pubs a more contemporary look. We hope you agree that it has been a successful effort. Grateful for other key support from Caroline Rosengarden and Andrew Vitelli, and for all our contributors and of course, sponsors, to each edition.
The exciting new theatre productions underway at the Horace Greeley Theater Company. Rehearsals are underway for ‘Into the Woods,” directed by Jonathan Gellert. Tickets are on sale for the Nov. 17-19 performances. For more information, visit
Cast members of “Into the Woods”

http://www.greeleytheater.tix.com
To the power of the written word. I’m thrilled that seven courageous girls took time out this summer to express to the community at large their smart and passionate thoughts about the election while pondering their neighbor’s incredible journey. I’m grateful to Dr. Keri Walsh, who brought her writing program at the Greeley House this past summer to my attention.
My ‘get fit’ journey at the Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco. I announced on Facebook recently that I’d gained too much weight over the last year. I’m grateful for the opportunity to train twice a week with a wonderfully engaging personal trainer, Sarah Eichorn. She’s making a huge difference in how I feel both physically and mentally in these empty nest years. The changes in how I look and feel are showing in little increments, and I’m embracing Sarah’s belief that a positive journey is as important to my well-being and long term success as any weight loss I experience. I’ll be writing more about this special experience in the next edition, too!

So, tell me. What are you grateful for? Maybe it too could be a story in a future edition of Inside Chappaqua. Write to editor@insidechappaqua.com.

Choosing on November 8: The Only Logical and GREAT Choice is Hillary Clinton

October 13, 2016 by Inside Press

By Grace Bennett

There has never been more at stake over who we grant power to over our futures, and whose words we allow to wield power over us, too.

Do we want to hand the world’s most critical mantel of power to as volatile an individual as Donald Trump? In our hearts most of us know the honest answer at this point.

Trump has spewed so many hateful, demeaning words at minorities, at people with disabilities; they will have their own special place in the history books. And of course, the now infamous ‘sex tapes’ and practically daily reports (no need to rehash in this particular forum) have proved the final straw into a mindset that demeans women and offers a brutish high five, and wink, wink that it’s ok to sexually assault women. That’s what “real men” do, right? It’s just too bad that at no point in his life, did anyone think to Grab him by his Gilded Collar and tell him–on behalf of his daughters, at least–to please, grow up.

Eventually, a candidate’s words will segue into an expectation that he or she take action that impact lives. If you haven’t yet, please do ponder the potential consequences of Donald Trump’s angry, impulsive finger resting anywhere near the nuclear code–as so many four star generals who emphatically support Hillary Clinton have done, along with the ever growing list of Republicans (of still sound mind) who are jumping off the runaway Trump Train.

Hillary Clinton–the historical and indomitable first woman candidate nominated by her party for POTUS–consistently projects a positive, inclusive outlook.

She offers intelligent, well researched ideas on how to address a multitude of issues affecting us, nationally and internationally. There isn’t a topic that she and her staff have shared with the Inside Press that hasn’t gone through considerable research with relevant experts. At a hyperlocal level, it has been overwhelming to manage the flow of information, and even at the national level, the press can barely keep up with her thoughts, ideas, vision, etc.

She is the only logical choice this November. And, in truth, a great choice. I have faith along with so many millions more that she will serve our nation well and persevere through the myriad of challenges we face here and abroad. Hey, even Trump admits that she is a fighter who doesn’t quit, and I thank him for that, anyhow.

I endorsed her in the primary agreeing with Bill Clinton that she is the ultimate ‘changemaker,’ * and it will come as no surprise to anyone at this point to state that with unbridled enthusiasm, I endorse our fully deserving Chappaqua neighbor now, too.

— Grace

*http://theinsidepress.com/why-im-with-the-change-maker/

Keeping it Fun

August 25, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Grace Bennett

I’m so dizzy, my head is spinning–with all the fun stuff we’ve packed into this edition. First and foremost, I’m super proud of having covered the Democratic National Convention together with reporter Susan Youngwood. A four-page glimpse of our experience begins on page 28. We are also delighted to deliver a “back to fun” theme–to chase away any end of summer, back to school doldrums. Matt Smith’s cover feature is a celebration of the Rotary Club members who faithfully meet every Monday at Kittle House to discuss plans–including New Castle’s much anticipated Community Day–host guest speakers and otherwise focus on “Service above Self.”

We also set out to spotlight exciting plans and esteemed authors for another amazing day of celebrating books and reading and children at the 4th annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF); there’s Save the Date info and a fun memory from New Castle’s much beloved Ragamuffin Parade, the Shop for a Cause Boutique, the 2016 Dewey Election Edition at the Chappaqua Library, and this year, please save the date for and learn about “The Concert for America to End Gun Violence.”

New York Senator Chuck Schumer being most gracious at the Democratic National Convention

For your absolute reading pleasure, enjoy a variety of thoughtful essays–one, in the nick of time, “Mindfulness in a Crazy World,” by Jodi Baretz; a painful recollection of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing by Dana Y. Wu (who wrote the CCBF story too!); the magic of playing field hockey by Greeley student Lauren Neff; and finally, a personal journey buoyed by the power of unconditional love by the Reverend Dr. Martha R. Jacobs.

Yet more articles: the shift soon to reusable bags in New Castle, the DeCicco’s supermarket coming to Millwood, the town’s Exceptional People Committee, Northern Westchester Hospital’s Junior Leadership Council and a profile of ‘Ms. Carol’ and ‘Ms. Dina’ at the much loved Dance Emotions.

Finally, we have two special reports: a story about Evan’s Law, written by our wonderful summer intern Justin Ellick; and an in-depth look at affordable housing efforts as they have played out (very, very differently) in both Chappaqua and Armonk–true community journalism prepared by Andrew Vitelli, our editor for Inside Armonk.

Due to this embarrassment of riches, we had to save other wonderful submissions, so as not to ‘break up’ an amazing compilation of essays produced by a group of local teens exclusive to Inside Chappaqua. So, stay tuned for more great reading in your next, November 2016 edition too!

No Shortage of Adventures in New Castle

June 3, 2016 by The Inside Press

A single weekend in May might be enough to convince any visitor that “the adventurous spirit” (our issue’s theme) is alive and well in New Castle. The weekend of May 14th and 15th, as we headed into our print close, had no fewer than five major events rocking our town! First, the weekend kicked off on the 13th to offer three days of great old fashioned fun (featuring games, bouncy castles and karaoke too!) via a Spring Festival and Craft Fair at the Church of St. John and St. Mary Church on Poillon Avenue. Saturday morning, the vendors of the Chappaqua Farmer’s Market were outside of Chappaqua Station with all their glorious, healthful offerings.

At the Market too: an educational presentation about the causes of pollution provided by Greeley’s S.T.O.P committee. Visit theinsidepress.com/s-t-o-p-polluting-your-air to find Greeley Sophomore Emily Westle’s essay that we ran before the 14th to inspire visitors.

Kimber Sanseverino (right) and Georgia Frasch at the Chappaqua Farmer’s Market on May 14. ey were selling MacKenzie-Childs ra es, House Tour tickets and invites to the New Castle Historical Society’s “Clambake in Greeley’s Garden” on June 11. Visit www.newcastlehs.org for more info. — Kimberly Sanseverino (right) and Georgia Frasch at the Chappaqua Farmer’s Market on May 14. They were selling raffles and House Tour tickets and invites to the New Castle Historical Society’s “Clambake in Greeley’s Garden” on June 11. Visit www.newcastlehs.org for more info.

At the Bell School, the district’s annual STEM Fest had started too; more about the PTA’s amazing undertaking on page 6. And while that was underway, the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce members held “It’s a Beautiful Day” to entice families into town, and meet with First Responders from the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps., Fire Departments, Police Department, or to tour Town Hall, the historic Greeley House or the Chappaqua Library, all participating organizations. “Chamber members who sponsored the events offered coupons and gifts too,” noted Dawn Dankner Rosen, president of the Chamber. The Chappaqua Garden Club was also on hand to introduce residents to their beautification efforts for the town.

And finally, on Sunday, the 15th, the annual beloved New Castle 10k race took off, with a new 5k option added, widely opening participation!

And there’s the rest of the spring/summer–a Chappaqua Orchestra concert, a fundraiser for the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (featuring Rosemary Wells!), Greeley’s truly inspiring Relay for Life, Art Around Town and the always spectacular Memorial Day parade. It is enough to make any diligent hyperlocal editor’s head spin, but there’s no denying the high energy individuals here who encourage us to partake in all New Castle has to offer!

The Greeley S.T.O.P exhibit: 200 pinwheels, each representing 1000 people in the U.S. that die each year prematurely due to air pollution, as well as a table for kids to decorate their pots and plant seeds.

It’s June now as you read this; dads rule, so please do enjoy our focus on fathers in this edition. I’m proud of so much in it including Andrew Vitelli’s cover story on Assemblyman David Buchwald who so courageously fights political corruption. Don’t miss Matt Smith’s profile of Todd Shapera, a globetrotting photo journalist and award winning events photographer, who we asked to photograph Buchwald, in fact. I hope all our adventurous and spirited dad stories inspire you this Father’s Day! Happy Graduation too, to all our departing seniors. You will be missed. — Grace