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“Totally Awesome” Ronald Reagans Big 80s Show Brings Down the House at Summer Concert Series

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concert.Big 80s Summer Concert

Article and Photos by Matt Smith

As Jimmy McFly shreds a chord on the guitar, lead vocalist Beckie Gibson flips back her bangin’ teased-and-dyed-pink hair and throws up a peace sign. “Hello, Chappaqua!” she screams into the mic. “Are you ready to go back in time to the days where big hair ruled, stonewashed denim made you look so cool, and ‘milk did a body good?’” She steps back and takes a breath, while the crowd cheers in response. “We’re about to take you back in time, ‘Back to the Future,’ back to the baddest, most totally awesome decade… the 1980s!!”

And thus began the showcase of The Ronald Reagans Big ‘80s Show, the last of four weekly concerts held on Rec Field during the month of July, as part of Chappaqua’s 2015 Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Breezemont Day Camp and the New Castle Recreation and Parks Department.

concert.skyThroughout the night, the “bodaciously awesome” band, whose show came complete with 80s wigs, glow necklaces, and a smoke machine, offered up such favorites as “Material Girl,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” and more of the decade’s best.

“[The concert] was a blast!” said Gibson, of performing. “Hundreds of people came out and the Chappaqua crowd was lively as they cheered and danced all night.”

And “hundreds” would probably be an understatement. Returning fans came out in droves to take in the nostalgic throwback event, and it’s clear they weren’t disappointed. “It’s great entertainment,” said one concertgoer. “We come out every year. We love it.” Added another: “It’s nice to get together with friends, sit under the stars, and enjoy the music.” Yet another commented she used the annual occasion’s laid-back environment to “unwind after work.”

The evening also brought out a fair share of newcomers. “It’s the first one we’ve gone to, ever,” shared one patron. “It’s pretty great. We’ll have to come again.” Regarding the attendance as a whole, “the turnout was better than we thought,” commented Dawn Greenberg, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, who spearheaded the evening.

It was an especially great night for the younger attendees, who had an extra reason to be giddy; in addition to the music offerings, Wednesday’s event served as “Kid’s Night,” and sponsors galore led several ancillary activities. Of note, Making Headway Foundation, the Chappaqua-based organization that raises money and awareness for children with brain and spinal cord tumors, gave guests the opportunity to dunk its employees, for a $5 donation to their cause.

concert.Dunk Tank“We’re especially touched to learn that [the] event supported a wonderful charity,” said Gibson, on the subject. “We think the students who spoke in front of the crowd are the true rock stars.”

All the same, the band put on a truly fantastic show, and fans agreed, as they have all month long; past concerts this year — featuring The Don DuPont Big Band, The Chappaqua Orchestra, and Concert Series regular, the Bruce Springsteen tribute band Tramps Like Us — have attracted similarly high numbers of residents and town members. And why do so many people come out for this event? The answer is quite simple, according to one guest: “It’s just fabulous. One of the highlights of the summer in town.”

After witnessing Wednesday night’s ‘80s extravaganza, we couldn’t agree more. And it’s all thanks to the house band of the evening, the Ronald Reagans. You put on a bangin’, rockin’, totally awesome show, guys. We won’t “stop believin’” you’ll be back next summer.

The Ronald Reagans Big ‘80s Show is based in New York City. In addition to Gibson (lead vocals) and McFly (vocals, bass), the band consists of members Vinnie James Dio (guitar, vocals), Dr. Paul “Cougar” Mellencamp (keyboards, keytar, harmonica), and Diamond David Lee Wilson (drums). Follow the Ronald Reagans on social media, or at www.theronaldreagans.com.

Matt Smith, a graduate of Skidmore College, is a regular contributor to The Inside Press, Inc.

New Castle Seeks to Offer Empty Nesters More Good Reasons to Stay

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By Grace Bennett

And then one day, my kids both flew the coop, and I joined the ranks of the “Empty Nest.”

But here I am, going on 19 years of residency in my hometown of Chappaqua—just like a full 55 percent of the community who reside here without children in the School District. One long-time friend returned to the excitement and convenience of the city; saying goodbye was painful for me! Another conversely wishes to slow down, perhaps, and is exploring a warmer climate in a community where taxes are more manageable. Others have opted to stay; still others are on the fence.

Like many of my peers who continue to pay New Castle taxes, we are often asked and sometimes even ask ourselves: Why do we stay? Why should we stay? What incentive and resources does New Castle offer its empty nest and more senior resident community?

So it was with great personal interest that I thought I’d explore any available answers to these questions by attending and covering one of a recent series of “Roundtable Discussions,” hosted by Town Hall at The Chappaqua Library. This one was called: “How to Keep Empty Nesters in the Community.”
panel shot best

Over the course of an animated 90-minute discussion and exchange of ideas, the nine member panel, led by Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, addressed questions ranging from whether a tax reduction for residency here beyond the school years is possible to the cultural and educational resources that provide the incentive to stay in the first place. rob with group best

“Our goal is to help make people whose kids are not in school here still feel like an important part of our community,” noted Greenstein, early in the forum. And later: “We want people to stay here past the 12 to 13 year plan.”

“We are more than just great schools and we have lots to offer residents at every stage of their lives. We must have services and activities for residents of all ages: multi-generational living enriches our community.”

“We are competing with 55 and over communities that offer many activities. We need to offer those same activities. Let’s face it: We pay a lot in taxes. That’s the price of world class schools. But, we also need to offer world class community activities. Our empty nesters should have calendars full of arts and cultural events and recreational activities right here in our community.”

To that end, Greenstein told panel attendees that the Wallace Auditorium at Chappaqua Crossing could be the venue for more Chappaqua Orchestra, theater and dance programs. A new Culture and Arts committee is forming to address the best use of that new town resource.

“55% of residents don’t have school age children,” stated panelist Jeffrey Mester, board member of the Chappaqua Central School District; Mester is recently divorced and a soon to be empty nester himself. “I have 18, 19 and 20 year olds,” he noted. The big draw to being here for Mester? “They (the kids) come back!” he noted wryly. And then, more seriously: “It’s truly my ties to the community. It’s not about the higher or lower taxes.”

Still, Greenstein offered: “I feel strongly that if you are going to stay here and continue to pay the taxes, then we need to provide activities that make it worth it.

A member of the audience asked Mester that the School District retain their email addresses for correspondence after the kids leave too and not automatically end correspondence. “The school depends on everyone’s taxes to support it,” noted resident Judith McGrath. “The schools need to take responsibility to be more proactive.”
best audience roundatalbe
Mester agreed that is a good idea and also encouraged those attending to contact the District Clerk for information on how to stay involved with the schools. “Participation with seniors is great,” he said, “such as through a pen pal program with fourth graders or simply coming in to discuss your experiences.” One audience member also noted that continuing educational offerings had become predictable and inquired why a language studies teacher at the high school, for example, couldn’t offer a course. Mester noted that it may require allocating funds to pay teachers (who are in contract) to also offer more vibrant continuing education.

One common theme that emerged: it’s impossible to pigeon hole empty nesters…their means and their expectations for the town can vary, considerably.

For example, not all empty nesters wish to downsize; some will even upsize, as long time Chappaqua residents Bonnie and Gerry Golub did to make their home an inviting place for their children and grandchildren to come visit and stay over. Panelist Bonnie Golub, a real estate agent with William Raveis, is a proponent of a gradual lowering of the tax base to make staying for many residents across the board more attractive too.

The question of taxation is for Albany, maintained Greenstein. “They give us a chance to provide certain exemptions as a local option: senior star exemptions, veterans, volunteer fire fighters, ambulance, etc. We take advantage of every tax exemption they offer to us,” he said. “As far as town charges for things like refuse, we can give discounts to seniors and we do. But, we cannot just give a tax reduction: this is Albany’s decision.”

A tax break notwithstanding, Golub also suggested that the school district actively encourage its students to provide voluntary community service to area seniors. Twenty hours of community service by young people to our seniors before graduation would be a wonderful way to give back, she noted.

Panelist and town Social Worker Carolyn Merkin reminded the audience of multiple efforts in New Castle to ease the burden for seniors including home delivered meals programs and volunteers who drive seniors every day whether to and from shopping and doctor appointment or offer help at home for tasks ranging from help paying bills to arranging home care services.

One panelist, Steve Biren, who downsized to a home in Riverwoods, said the amenities of the sought after complex and his own active involvement there keeps him happy. He said that despite the attraction of a place for example, like Naples, Florida, for seniors, he stays here, because “it’s a cohesive community. That is a plus.”

Pamela Thornton, director of the Chappaqua Library, and Cassie Ward, director of the New Castle Historical Society (NCHS), were on hand too to summarize the plethora of activities and packed calendars each of these local institutions have available for everyone from toddlers to empty nesters and seniors. (Many in attendance agreed that integrated activities, i.e. those involving many age groups, were highly desirable.) Hundreds of volunteer opportunities are available not only at the Library and the NCHS but at churches and synagogues and not for profits around town; Ward also said that a central data base of all events and programming around town would be extremely helpful.

Ronni Diamondstein, a resident of the Chestnut Oak Ridge condominiums in Chappaqua, joined the panel to represent New Castle residents who have never had children in the schools here (nor necessarily plan to). She said she lives here because Chappaqua “is a beautiful town” and that her location at the end of North Greeley Avenue makes walking to the train, going shopping locally and getting involved in a variety of community organizations easy to do. She also mentioned a group (and programming) for empty nesters at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester.

As for me, I’m totally psyched to hear if the new culture/arts committee might bring more adult programming to Chappaqua. I have found condo living (at Old Farm Lake, New Castle’s largest condo community) an absolutely reasonable option for single me with grown kids, and know how fortunate I am given the limits in downsize options. In general, I find the area teeming with work and creative opportunities and possibilities that with just a little more free time, I look forward to exploring more thoroughly. So, for now, and into the foreseeable future, New Castle remains my beloved home.

Greenstein acknowledges the shortage of homes to downsize to. “Many residents love their homes and their routines. They enjoy their lifestyle, cherish their friends and ties to the community. They have no desire to leave the community. However, it would be nice if we were able to offer them options to downsize in the community. This is an area where we can do a better job.”

Grace Bennett is Publisher and Editor of The Inside Press: Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines, and most recently produced a guide for the Town called Inside my New Castle: Welcome to our Neighborhood.


Community Offerings to Seniors

The following activities are examples of what the Town of New Castle offers our seniors, according to panelist Brittany Nieder, recreation supervisor. Many of the activities take place at the Community House on Senter Street.

Brittany Neider, Town of New Castle Recreation Supervisor
Brittany Neider, Town of New Castle Recreation Supervisor

Monday Movies
Poker groups (no money)
Knitting group
Ping Pong
Mah Jongg
Bridge
AARP Defensive Driving twice a year
Local Trip (Tea houses, malls, Arthur ave, etc)
North of Broadway Players (acting group)
Book Lover’s Club (through the library)
Basic Conversations in Spanish
Hawthorne Cedar Knowles Grandparenting Program
Watercolor & Drawing
Out and About Club
Bi-annual trip with the Historical Society
Trip (Depending on weather and season) Examples: Yankee games, museums, festivals, etc
Exercise classes
Themed Luncheons/Socials

Empty Nester Needs

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“How to Keep Empty Nesters in the Community” is a second subject area to be addressed on Thursday, July 30, 7:30-8:30 p.m., during a Second Roundtable Discussion at the Chappaqua Library. Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein states that “these discussions provide an opportunity for participants to share their views about important issues facing New Castle.”

The following questions will be included:

1) Why stay in town & pay taxes after your kids have left the house?

2) Would you want to downsize–to save money and time on maintenance–and still stay in town?

3) If you downsized, what type of housing would you prefer (condos, townhome, one-story house, active upscale living communities)?

4) Would housing near the train station interest you?

5) What are the services available for seniors (transportation, meals on wheels, volunteer opportunities)?

roundtable discussions

(Side)Walk this Way

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Article and Photos By Beth Besen

House of 29’s Lily Moss helps out owner and sister, Sarah, while Hip-Kid’s owner Trish Kallman shares, “It’s my very first day – this is it!”
House of 29’s Lily Moss helps out owner and sister, Sarah

What glorious days these are for Chappaqua to kick off its annual Sidewalk Sale event. Town is hopping with shoppers, and merchants have lots of great buys to tempt one and all.

The Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber and Inside Chappaqua breakfast kick-off was a tasty way to start the morning–the mouthwatering menu at Le Jardin du Roi is always spot-on, and the conversation flowed along with the cappuccino. Says Chamber Executive Director Dawn Greenberg, “We always love Chappaqua Sales Days; it’s a tradition, calendars are marked and people know to show up bright and early on the first Thursday. And, because it stretches through Saturday, with more added all the time, it’s a true long weekend event.”

Early shoppers were enthusiastic. Jill Sokol, a Katonah resident marks her calendar every year, and comes to visit a Chappaqua friend and to shop. As she shares, “it’s not that far.”

Squires’ Joe Galgano offer helpful fit details for a mom and son.
Squires’ Joe Galgano offer helpful fit details for a mom and son.

Squires owner Michael Kushner points out. “This is probably the first sidewalk sale in many many years where we’ve had nice weather.” And, he adds, “It seems there’s more merchant participation this year as well.” Out on the sidewalk, Joe Galgano was busy helping customers.

The sidewalk tables outside ICD Contemporary Jewelry are bustling. Viriginia Shasha, taking a break from helping a customer, exclaims, “Great community event – we love seeing everyone come!”

ICD’s tables have so many beautiful jewelry options, it’s hard to choose!
ICD’s tables have so many beautiful jewelry options, it’s hard to choose!
HipKids owner Trish Kallman shares, “It’s my very first day – this is it!”
Hip-Kid owner Trish Kallman shares, “It’s my very first day – this is it!”
Family Britches is the first stop for many – there’s always something for him, something for her.
Family Britches is the first stop for many – there’s always something for him, something for her.
Chappaqua Millwood Chamber Executive Director Dawn Greenberg and Le Jardin du Roi owner Joe Quartararo.
Chappaqua Millwood Chamber Executive Director Dawn Greenberg and Le Jardin du Roi owner Joe Quartararo.

Newcomers to town, House of 29 and Hip-Kid, are not-to-missed. House of 29 owner Sarah Mass, with her gift for style and design, has her finger on the pulse of cutting edge jewelry and fashion. Similarly, Hip-Kid owner Trish Kallman, with a background in art direction, is the essence of creative cool, and her children’s fashions reflect both that and a decision to source only socially and environmentally conscious brands. Kallman’s new shop will be both a retail and event space and, while still under construction, she is participating in the Sidewalk Sale because, as she enthuses, “I wanted to be part of it!”

This, and the accompanying photos are but a brief snapshot of the goodies (from wine to lingerie) and good times in town. Even goldendoodle Casey and havanese Harley enjoy walking shopping with Mom, Ellen Fiorella. So, bring yourself, your family, your friends and, yes, your dogs. And come shop local.

Everyone loves Chappaqua’s Sidewalk Sale Event, even havanese Harley (L) and goldendoodle Casey, here out for a shopping stroll with Mom, Ellen Fiorella.
Everyone loves Chappaqua’s Sidewalk Sale Event, even havanese Harley (L) and goldendoodle Casey, here out for a shopping stroll with Mom, Ellen Fiorella.

Beth Besen is Executive Editor of Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk magazines.

A Book Signing Honoring Chappaqua’s Richard Laster

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“He represents all that is good and enduring within our community.” Rabbi Jaffe

By Zarah Kavarana

Richard Laster with a copy of “... And it Went So Fast”. Photo by Zarah Kavarana.
Richard Laster with a copy of “… And it Went So Fast” Photo by Zarah Kavarana

For years, Chappaqua resident Richard Laster was urged by his granddaughter to share his most memorable life stories and experiences. Finally at the age of 92, he did – not only with her, but also with the world in a 200-page memoir, “…And It Went So Fast!” Laster celebrated the launch of his book with a house full of friends, family and supporters on Wednesday, June 24, at the Chappaqua Library.

With no prior experience writing a book, Laster relied on the help of his editor Elinor Griffith and wife, Lee. The two helped him narrow down story ideas, pick a telling title, and get everything on paper–all in just three months.

“Richard is the most phenomenal person. I’m certain that I got more out of the experience than he ever did,” said Griffith about working with Richard. “At first I wasn’t sure what to expect, but he is a born storyteller. His life story has so many twists and turns that it was all so fascinating to me.”

The story begins about 75 years ago in the midst of the Holocaust. Laster was 14, living in Vienna with his mother, father, and older brother. When news came that the Nazis had invaded Austria, the Laster family knew that it was only a matter of time until the Nazis would invade their city. Laster’s father was quick to suggest that the family leave, saying that they could always return if no harm had been done. They fled three days before the Nazis entered.

Laster credits his father for teaching him his greatest life lesson by being flexible in a tough situation. “It’s important to have goals,” Laster said. “But it’s also important to be willing to update your plan for getting there. You also have to be flexible with your goal so that if things change, you recognize it and choose a new path.” Although Laster’s father was a very successful businessman living a comfortable life, he was smart enough to make a quick decision that changed the family’s fate when their lives neared turmoil.

Upon leaving Vienna, the Laster’s first took a train to Italy, then France and later the UK, which Laster grew quite an affinity for. They took off for the United States after receiving their visas, through Canada and into Grand Central Station in New York City. They didn’t stop there, however. From New York, they moved to Seattle…another 7,000 miles. Laster stayed in Seattle for two years to finish up high school before returning to New York for college, attending Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute.

Out of college, Laster received a job at the General Foods Corporation as a junior engineer. His shoveled Maxwell House coffee grounds into a crate, earning only $34 a week. He worked his way up, eventually becoming Executive Vice President of the corporation before he retired 38 years later. His job often forced him to move around from city to city and travel frequently, but he was extremely happy at the company.

Among those gathering to honor Richard Laster (left to right): Millie Jasper, Executive Director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (HHREC); Lee Laster, Julie Scallero, Lee Katz, Gary Joseph, Valerie O’Keeffe (Chairperson of the HHREC Board), Clinton Smith , Joan Kuhn (Program Coordinator for the Chappaqua Library), Emily Grant, and Eugene Grant. Richard Laster is seated with his editor, Elinor Griffith. Photo by Grace Bennett.
Among those gathering to honor Richard Laster (left to right): Millie Jasper, Executive Director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (HHREC); Lee Laster, Julie Scallero, Lee Katz, Gary Joseph, Valerie O’Keeffe (Chairperson of the HHREC Board), Clinton Smith (President of the New Castle Historical Society), Joan Kuhn (Program Coordinator for the Chappaqua Library), Emily Grant, and Eugene Grant. Richard Laster is seated with his editor, Elinor Griffith. Photo by Grace Bennett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laster said that by far his greatest accomplishment was marrying his wife of 67 years, Lee, whom he dedicated his memoir to. The two met during Laster’s early years at General Food on a subway ride home from work. They began dating and she would call him during the day regularly. One day at the end of their daily call, the telephone operator suddenly chimed in. After listening to the entire conversation, she said, “Richard, why the heck don’t you marry that woman?” Laster took her advice and the two married. They raised two children, and now have four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

At the event, Laster lovingly thanked his wife Lee for being a major part of his story. He said, “I am forever grateful for her, to her.”

In response she said, “As proud as I am of him, my love is not based on his accomplishments. I would love him just as much if he’d missed the goals.”

They moved to Chappaqua over 50 years ago. Laster wanted to give back to the community after leaving General Foods, so he decided to run for the school board and eventually served as a member. He shared a comical story of that experience, having been given the task of shaking hands and distributing diplomas to graduates at his daughter’s high school graduation. He remembers being extremely nervous, and was terrified that he had done something wrong when he heard a giant roar through the crowd. To his surprise, a group of streakers ran through the gymnasium – a moment Laster said he will never forget.

At the end of his term on the Chappaqua school board, Laster was encouraged to run for the town board. It was his first entry into the political arena, but he fully embraced the opportunity, focusing his time on increasing recognition and funding at Purchase College. The board was quick to start up a development team, knocked on doors, and get people to see what an asset the college was to the Westchester community. Laster was also a key figure in getting substantial contributions made to the Chappaqua Orchestra, preserving open space, and working with the Chappaqua historical society.

Former Chappaqua Town Supervisor, Clinton B. Smith spoke of his days working on the board with Laster and the lessons that he taught him from his chemical engineering background. “Chemicals have their own personalities, just like people” he said. “What Richard was always able to do is to find those characteristics of people and put them together, so that like in chemistry, the compound is greater than the elements. He’s put things together and made us all the better for it.”

Now no longer on the board, Laster is still very much a part of the Chappaqua community and says that he is happy to call it home. Many of his children and grandchildren live nearby, including Dan Rubenstein, who came out to support his grandfather on Wednesday.

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester offered high praise introducing Richard Laster. Photo by Grace Bennett
Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester. Photo by Grace Bennett

Laster additionally served as chairman of the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) for over 15 years. The center works toward teaching the lessons of the Holocaust through educational programs in Westchester, Putnam and Fairfield counties, which Laster broadened during his time there. Their ultimate goal is to safeguard human rights today and in the future.

A generous donation permitted everyone at the event to go home with a free copy of Laster’s memoir, encouraging attendees to make a small contribution to the HHREC.

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua spoke highly of Laster at the event, a congregant of the temple who has previously held leadership positions there. Jaffe said, “Dick Laster possesses a unique perspective and ability to speak to the American dream, knowing the true value of hard work. He represents all that is good and enduring within our community.”