The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

New Castle News

The Hillary Touch at Town Hall Swearing In Ceremony

by

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton swearing in Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein. Photo by Carolyn Simpson, www.doublevisionphotographers.com
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton swearing in Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein. Photo by Carolyn Simpson, www.doublevisionphotographers.com

By Grace Bennett

Take a former Secretary of State and two time Senator who happens to be a long time, community minded resident of this town. Add three new inductees to town government and a town justice, who has already served six years. Pack in persons, Democrats and Republicans alike, from in and around town. And what do you get?  A swearing in ceremony for the history books!

Tonight, about 5:30 p.m.:  Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton Town Hall swore in Robert Greenstein as Town Supervisor, Lisa Katz as Deputy Supervisor, Adam Brodsky as Town Councilman and Noah Sorkin as Town Justice. The ceremony was also presided over by Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Susan Spear, a representative for Senator Kristin Gillebrand.

Town Justice Doug Kraus opened the ceremony introducing Congresswoman Nita Lowey as one of the “hardest working and nicest people in U.S. Congress.” Nita Lowey offered, in turn, “I don’t live in Chappaqua but I love Chappaqua…and “coordinate with local officials so resources are utilized and opportunities seized to improve the quality of life of New Castle residents.”  Lowey went on to note Clinton’s worldwide popularity. She noted in particular a trip in which she “tagged along” to Kenya: “All anyone wanted to do was see the rock star. She is beloved and respected every place in the world.”

Pre Swearing In: A photo op for the entire town board: Secretary Clinton with Team New Castle , Councilwoman Elise Mottel and Councilman Jason Chapin. Photo: Carolyn Simpson, doublevisionphotographers.com
Pre Swearing In: A photo op for the entire town board: Secretary Clinton with Team New Castle , Councilwoman Elise Mottel and Councilman Jason Chapin. Photo: Carolyn Simpson, doublevisionphotographers.com

And then it was Clinton’s turn. She commended Nita Lowey for her ability “to get along with anyone” and she thanked Town Council members Elise Mottel and Jason Chapin for their continuity and service.  She noted how proud she “and Bill are to be your neighbors and support the excellent schools here” …and paid tribute to the police, fire and ambulance services here too. “They are the real backbone of the community…and very grateful to them.”

Clinton related that a common question she was asked in one of her first missions as Secretary of State—to countries in the Pacific coast–was “how could you work with Obama after losing to him?”  “I realized that for much of the world, you can get exiled, killed after losing…not be asked to serve in the same cabinet!”  Their wonderment, she said, made her appreciate “how we govern ourselves” and the “rule of law” here.

First to be sworn in was Town Justice Noah Sorkin, who has already served six years in New Castle as a prosecutor or judge. He said he would continue his service toward “lawful, fair resolution” of cases and that he emulates former town justice David Zuckerman and long time fellow town justice Kraus.

Town councilman Adam Brodsky came next. “I am humbled by the faith the community has placed in me,” he said, “and I will use it to help New Castle grow and prosper.”

Deputy supervisor Lisa Katz, after being sworn in, expressed her “humility, pride and excitement…we came together through a shared vision.”

And last to be sworn in, Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein  lightened the occasion, turning to Clinton, and 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.”

He also thanked Nita Lowey, Susan Spear and Alex Rothmayer (who was representing Assemblyman David Buchwald’s office).”

He noted County Legislator Michael B. Kaplowitz could not attend. “He happens to be in Little Rock, Arkansas–which is very fitting.  Mike texted me today. He asked me to send your regards, and mention that he went to the Little Rock High School, the Clinton Museum and Doe’s Eats.”

Finally, Greenstein said: “It is so appropriate that Secretary Clinton joins us today.  At the Democratic Convention in 1996, she spoke about how we are part of one family–each of us has a value.

He concluded his remarks as follows:

“Secretary Clinton often speaks about community. Our town’s last election demonstrated that our community is united – not so much in politics – but in ideas.

Lisa, Adam and I ran as a slate expressing a new perspective, one that encompasses the wishes of all residents, regardless of their political affiliation. Our perspective is to hear all of the voices. Every voice has a value in improving our town. Every resident, every neighbor counts. Community, not partisanship, is our motto.

And that is what this swearing-in is about. It’s about community. And as a community, we are so fortunate to have the Clintons as our neighbors.

I am honored and humbled to serve as Supervisor of New Castle. And I will do my best to live up to the expectations of our great community.”

 

Camp on your Mind? Visit the Westchester County Camp Fair

by

The 32nd annual Westchester County Camp Fair will be held at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains on January 26 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m..  Every year between 40-50 day camps, specialty camps, sleep away camps, and summer activity programs come together to meet parents and children.  Directors are there to personally introduce their programs to interested parents and share what is new and exciting for 2014.  Representatives of the American Camp Association will be present to answer questions about choosing a camp and offer advice to parents.  There will be activities for kids and WFAS will be giving out prizes and broadcasting live from the Fair.

Mary from Larchmont who attended last year said, “This was an efficient afternoon, I was able to speak directly with several camp directors and my kids had a blast.  Not only did I save time, I found a program for my children.”

The Camp Fair is free and children are encouraged.  Sign up in advance and save time at the registration desk, visit www.westchestercampfair.com

The Westchester Camp Fair is hosted by Westchester Parent, a Davler Media Group company.  Webster Bank is the official sponsor.

“No Anonymous Chat Requests,” Greenstein States at First Live Streamed Meeting

by

(L-R) prior to meeting commencing: Town Counsels Nicholas Ward-Willis and Edward Phillips and Town Administrator Jill Shapiro.
(L-R) prior to meeting commencing: Town Counsels Nicholas Ward-Willis and Edward Phillips and Town Administrator Jill Shapiro.

By Eileen Gallagher

A town board meeting on Tuesday was far less attended than “opening night” a week ago: three or four residents were present at this week’s meeting, along with a group of local reporters, including myself.  Rob Greenstein, Town Supervisor, announced that he welcomed and encouraged more participation.

The message from Town Hall is clear: Whether in person or through the internet, either by e-mail or real-time chat, the community is urged to take part in town meetings. In fact, as a motion was being made to approve the tying of ribbons on trees throughout town to raise awareness of mental health, the first “chat” popped up on the computer screen situated on the dais.

This was part of the new addition to live streaming, the ability to interact with the board members by submitting questions as the meeting is taking place. Note that the website for live streaming is www.new.livestream.com/nccmc.

One caveat regarding this participation is that the writer of any questions or comments must identify themselves and be aware that their name will be read aloud. In other words: no anonymous chatting. This input will be as much a part of the meeting as in-person comments. Just as anyone wishing to comment at the meeting must approach the microphone and state their name and address, so must virtual meeting attendees wishing to be heard, Greenstein explained.

Christine Yeres of New Castle Now, after publicly stating her name and affiliation, questioned whether it was legally required for people to identify themselves, and if this was written anywhere in the town code.  After some discussion, the new town counsel, Nicholas Ward- Willis of the law firm Keane and Bean, stated that it is sufficient as an established procedure of the town meetings to require this information.*

In other news, a revision of a previous appointment was proposed by Greenstein, who explained that Bob Kirkwood would still be the fifth member of the planning board as announced last week, but would not become the chair of this board until July 1st, after the completion of the transition period. Dick Brownell would remain in his post as chair through June 30th.  Town board members Elise Mottel and Jason Chapin both abstained from voting on this matter, stating that it was for the same reasons explained during the previous meeting. Greenstein and Brodsky voted to approve, but the two votes were not enough to enact the change. (Board member Lisa Katz was not in attendance.) Thus, the proposal was not accepted, and Bob Kirkwood remains the Planning Board chair for the time being.

Activities by the Millwood Task Force were addressed including recalibration of lights at the Rt. 100/Taconic intersection and the removal of additional snow piles at the A&P Shopping Center. The Task Force, Greenstein noted,  is seeking two new applicants; they meet monthly on Thursdays at the Firehouse on Rt. 134.

According to Jill Shapiro, town administrator, preliminary investigative work pertaining to the expansion of the town’s Saw Mill Sanitary Sewer District* * has begun, and will go on until February 12. Code Red alerts were sent to the households in the vicinity of the affected areas. Between the hours of 7a.m. and 4 p.m., large trucks will be present in the areas surrounding Random Farms,  Riverwoods, and the Yeshiva, where contractors will be performing soil borings, surveying, etc. on town property or within the town’s right of way. Additionally, video inspections of underground sanitary lines will be performed; again, on public roads and right of ways. Any questions will be answered by the New Castle Development Department at 238-4723, or the Department of Public Works at 238-3968.

Development of a restaurant (under the same ownership as Via Vanti of the Mount Kisco train station) at the Chappaqua train station is still in discussion, but not yet complete.

Town-wide property tax reevaluation and whether this is worthwhile was mentioned. “There is a consortium out there”, stated Greenstein, “but the cost is coming in a little higher than people had expected.”  The town assessor, Phill Platt, is working with the consortium in putting together a cost benefit analysis. “There would be a benefit if the county or state paid for [property tax re-evalation],” Greenstein went on to explain. In the meantime, “there are between six and eight towns looking to be part of this consortium, but everyone seems to be waiting to see what the others are doing.”

As for the Master Plan, apparently there is no funding available in the 2014 budget to pursue a paid, professional quality process, but the hope is that community residents in the public research field will come forward to offer their expertise.***  As Elise Mottel reminds us, “our [town board’s] hands are tied by the property tax cap,”  which has been a challenge in budgeting over the past few years.

* As a side note, anonymity in commenting at New Castle Now has been a highly debated topic in town, particularly during the highly contentious election period.  The debate centers on whether there is enough value to the community in this practice to justify the frequently offensive, needlessly hurtful and potentially disingenuous commentary anonymous posting permits.  After careful consideration, the policy here at Inside Chappaqua: all commenters must identify themselves.

**The project runs from the existing Fox Hollow Wastewater Treatment Plant and travels south through Random Farms and continues south to Route 100 (Saw Mill River Road).  The pipeline connects to a Westchester County sanitary sewer manhole in the Town of Ossining.  The project involves 38,074 linear feet of pipeline (20,843’ 6” forcemain and 17,231’ 10” gravity); creation of four pump stations (including conversion of Fox Hollow and Random Farms Waste Water Treatment Plants to pump stations); and 26 manholes.

*** The Town of New Castle is seeking a qualified consultant to assist the town with obtaining public opinion regarding several topics/issues/ideas related to housing, commercial development, the environment, public services and recreation and public infrastructure.  The consultant will be required to synthesize a multi-faceted public outreach program consisting of one or two charetttes, public meetings, social media and surveys. We [town board] are hoping that we can find a local firm to provide such services on a pro-bono basis. For more information, contact Rob Greenstein at 914-238-7281, or e-mail rgreenstein@town.new-castle.ny.us

 

“Love Your Hair, Show You Care” Blow-Dry Fundraising Event to benefit Sunrise Day Camp

by

Sunrise girls 2013On Monday, January 27th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a “blow-dry” fundraising event with all the proceeds to benefit Sunrise Day Camp at Pearl River will take place at Salon O, a high end salon in Greenwich, CT.

Sunrise Day Camp, located in Pearl River, NY, is a full summer day camp dedicated to children with cancer and their siblings and attendance at the camp is free of charge.   Located on 95 beautiful wooded acres in the Henry Kaufman Campgrounds in Pearl River, NY, Sunrise Day Camp at Pearl River and its partner camp, Sunrise Day Camp Long Island, located in Wheatley Heights, are the only full summer camps in the country dedicated to children with cancer.

“Love your hair, Show you care” captures the sentiments of the staff and owners of Salon O; ten of Salon O’s top hair stylists have dedicated their day off in order to ensure the success of this event.  And to make you feel truly pampered, Crush Wine Bar will be providing delicious hor d’oeuvres and beverages.

For more information about this event and to make an appointment contact Salon O at (203) 531-3000 or www.salono.net.   Space is limited so book your appointment as soon as possible and bring a friend!  Blow-dry appointments are $100 and only cash or checks will be accepted.

Sunrise Day Camp at Pearl River is a program of the Rosenthal JCC in collaboration with the Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC.   For more information about or to make a donation to Sunrise Day Camp at Pearl River please visit www.rosenthaljcc.org/sunrise or www.sunrisedaycamp.org.  Contact Alison Rubin at arubin@rosenthaljcc.org, 914-741-0333 x23 or Bonnie Gould at bgould@friedbergjcc.org or 516-634-4143.

ABOUT SUNRISE DAY CAMP AT PEARL RIVER

Sunrise Day Camp is the only full summer dedicated day camp in the nation for children with cancer and their siblings and is offered free of charge.   As a day camp, Sunrise safely meets our children’s needs for fun, friendship and adventure, while allowing them to enjoy the comforts and security of their own homes at night. It is open on a non-sectarian basis to all children ages 3 1/2 to 16 years who are coping with any type of cancer at any stage, provided their doctors clear them to participate. Siblings are also welcome to attend. Sunrise Day Camp at Pearl River serves children from Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester County, Southern Connecticut, and Northern New Jersey.

 

ABOUT THE ROSENTHAL JCC

The Rosenthal JCC is a place of belonging, caring and sharing – inspiring vibrant Jewish and community spirit, nurturing individual potential, respecting diversity and celebrating life. Across Northern Westchester, our exceptional social, recreational, educational and cultural programs and services promote experiential learning, teamwork, artistic and intellectual exploration, the love of Jewish tradition and Israel, and pure fun – while building enduring friendships and support networks. Programs include early childhood, summer camps, after-school programs, sport leagues, cultural events, Jewish learning opportunities, and services for special needs. The Rosenthal JCC is a proud beneficiary agency of the UJA-Federation of New York.

 

 

 

 

 

No Group Hug Yet, but Business Commences Smoothly with new Team Members

by

town hall meetingBy Eileen Gallagher

A palpable excitement permeated Town Hall last evening, as the new board gathered for its first meeting of 2014. Supervisor Rob Greenstein and new board members Lisa Katz–appointed Deputy Supervisor by Greenstein–and Adam Brodsky joined returning members Elise Mottel and Jason Chapin in socializing with several dozen members of the New Castle community. Coffee, cookies and treats–either donated or homemade–were available for all to enjoy. New Year greetings were exchanged, and town officials and visitors were abuzz in conversation.

The evening had just begun.

Rules were loosened a bit as the new board felt its way around a meeting that was anything but typical. Supervisor Greenstein set the tone as he good-naturedly confessed that with three new persons serving on a town board for the first time, getting the hang of the meetings and learning the ropes are to be expected. When asked by one resident in the audience about the protocol for asking questions, he invited her to come right up and ask. Community participation, brainstorming, feeling welcomed, and being heard were key phrases heard and spoken during the evening.

Board member Mottel read a statement at the outset, stressing both her and Chapin’s intent to continue to be active participants on the board, striving to improve the town and serve the residents of New Castle. However, Chapin also expressed disappointment with the new team for making decisions regarding various town hall appointments without consulting the remaining two…a statement which was later rebutted by the new Supervisor as “a difference in communication methods.” Greenstein explained that he used email to announce the appointments; Mottel pointedly reminded that some communications remained more desirable in more traditional, in person forums. That being said, both she and Chapin also strongly emphasized that they would work very hard with the new members of the board to meet the needs of the town.

Agenda items were dealt with in a bullet point fashion, with Mottel and Chapin abstaining from voting on the six month appointments of Jill Shapiro as town administrator and Mary Deems as town clerk, among others. Items such as water fees, mileage rates, and bank accounts were brought to a vote one by one.

Just as the audience was lulled into a sense of the ordinary, however, a hot button issue arose. Bob Kirkwood was announced as the newest and fifth planning board member. In a move just as bold, he was announced as the Planning Board’s Chair. “Just as the town board is excited to start, so are other people,” said Greenstein, adding that the seat has been vacant for too long.

Greenstein also raised the appointment of a third town prosecutor, Stuart Miller, who will round out the team of two who were formerly in place. Having three prosecutors will help the town collect fines more effectively, and will not cost more than having two due to their agreement to split the current pay three ways, explained Greenstein. “When you have people willing to help the town, you want to put them to work” he went on to say.

Update on Code Red Alerts

Tweaks are being made to the town’s alert system, as Code Red capabilities are expecting upgrades. In addition to the police department’s Nixle alerts, Code Red alerts are the town’s vehicle for keeping residents informed in case of emergency. (Just last week during winter storm Hercules, Code Red was utilized twice regarding the hazardous road conditions.)

Beginning in the next couple of weeks, subscribers to the system can specify which alerts are sent and to which devices they are received (ie smart phone, e-mail, etc). Also, town officials can now tailor alerts to certain locations;  just recently, in fact, they notified only a few homeowners near whose homes there were water main breaks from the extreme cold.

Town Hall Communications Update

For those who have been reluctant to navigate the town’s website, residents might be curious about plans to make it more user friendly, with the option to have notifications sent to users as information is posted.

In a nod to those not on Facebook, the board spoke of using the website to access meeting minutes, contact appropriate officials to resolve issues, print forms, get road repair updates, etc.

As Greenstein stated, “Facebook and Chappaqua Moms [a group on Facebook] are tremendous resources, but you shouldn’t have to make a complaint on there, you should be able to get in touch with the appropriate department to get resolution of an issue.”

The meeting’s mildly contentious opening was bookended with a joking suggestion by Adam Brodsky for a group hug at its close–and the promise of better things to come. Stay tuned.

Eileen Gallagher, a Chappaqua resident for more than ten years, and whose involvement as Westorchard PTA chair led to an avid interest in town and local matters, will be reporting for Inside Chappaqua Magazine on town government.