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New Castle News

Interning in Congresswoman Nita Lowey’s Office

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Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Intern Michael Brandon

An internship in Washington is a position coveted by many college students.  Michael Brandon, a Chappaqua resident with a keen interest in politics, decided to seek this opportunity.  After completing the application and interviewing in Lowey’s office, he was selected for the job.  Brandon, a political science major at the University of Michigan of Ann Arbor, spent his spring semester in DC.

Brandon’s responsibilities ran the gamut from administrative to actual participation in the legislative process.  He was quick to point out that even “sorting mail is still pretty cool when it’s from Nancy Pelosi.”  He attended briefings and researched cases.   As an intern, Brandon was not only a witness to the politic process but an effective participant.   “My research into campaign finance resulted in a legislative recommendation,” he noted.  Other research topics included the mortgage services industry and nuclear proliferation in Iran.

Working with Lowey was one of the highlights of the internship.  Brandon described her personality as “crazy friendly.”  He attended several hearings led by Lowey including one which included testimony by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, a fellow Chappaqua resident.

During his academic career at Greeley, Brandon was the editor in chief of “The Greeley Tribune.”  Under his leadership, the scope of the paper expanded beyond the usual issues of cafeteria food and parking to those of national significance.

Brandon explained the genesis of his interest in politics:  “It sort of comes originally from a progressive sensibility I have about the world.  Until we live in a perfect world there will always be room for change.”

 

 

Chappaqua School Foundation’s Spring Madness

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In Chappaqua, March madness is followed directly by spring madness; an altruistic shopping experience created by the Chappaqua School Foundation.  The purchase of a ticket to CSF’s annual benefit on April 27 entitles patrons to discounts and promotions at a wide variety of local businesses.  Donations from merchants are given directly to CSF and are used to finance enhancements in the school district.

The idea for the program was first presented to CSF by Barry Mishkin of Family Britches.  Participation by merchants has increased substantially over the past few years and the duration of spring madness has been extended to six weeks this year.  From April 1 to May 15, ticket holders reap savings when shopping locally.   “The bottom line is CSF does very well and it benefits the merchants,” Mishkin noted.

Tara Mikolay of Desires by Mikolay, is a huge proponent of spring madness.  “It’s really important for the residents to know that our stores are supporting local charities,” she said.  In addition to offering a 10% discount to all ticket holders during spring madness, Desires will be hosting a cocktail event – open to everyone – on May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m.   During this event, the 10% discount will be offered to all attendees; just in time for mother’s day.

More than 60 businesses have signed up for spring madness.  The following is a brief list of some of the participants and their respective promotions:  Auntie Penny; 25% off one purchase, Quaker Hill Tavern; one brownie sundae per table, Rhododendron; 20% off one item, March Boutique; 10% off one purchase, and Richard Scott Salon; 10% off any one service on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.  Click on chappaquaschoolfoundation.org/index.php/site/springmadness2012 to see the complete list.

 

AMVETS Bridge Closure

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When residents received a postcard from the Department of Transportation warning about upcoming traffic delays due to a huge project on the AMVETS bridge, a collective groan echoed throughout the hamlets.

When queried about efforts to allay the fear of massive traffic delays for those who recently endured three years of disruptions caused by the bridge construction in town, NYSDOT Region 8 Public Information Officer, Sue Stepp was extremely sympathetic.  She had worked on that project also and is prepared to help travelers during the renovation of the AMVETS bridge on the Taconic State Parkway.

“We know that this project is going to cause delays and be very frustrating,” Stepp acknowledged.  The aim of the postcards was to encourage commuters, shoppers and travelers to investigate and utilize alternative routes after construction began on March 26.  On April 1 the northbound lanes of the Taconic State Park which go over the AMVETS bridge will be completely closed.  The bridge is scheduled to reopen on November 9.

The announcement of the renovation prompted some to question the safety of the bridge which is situated on a heavily traveled part of the Taconic.  “It is safe but if it continues to get used as is it will continue to deteriorate,” Stepp related.

Alternate byways include Underhill Avenue and routes 100, 118, 129 and 134.  The northbound entrance to the Taconic at route 134 will be inaccessible.  Information regarding current travel conditions are available at www.511NY.org and via phone 511.

 

 

Getting to Know Town Supervisor: Susan Carpenter

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By Sarah Ellen Berman • Photo by Isabel Greenberg

On January 5, Susan Carpenter began her tenure as town supervisor. The path that led her to this office, full of extensive civic involvement, insured a swift and efficient integration into the town government.

Carpenter traces the origin of her community activism back to the time when her son was a student at Grafflin. While serving on the Grafflin PTA’s environmental committee, she effectively lobbied the district to cease using harmful pesticides inside the schools.

Subsequently, Carpenter served in a multitude of organizations including the town’s open space advisory committee, conservation board and as chair of the planning board. As Congresswoman Nita Lowey noted in her introduction of Carpenter at the inauguration ceremony, “She’s keenly aware of the environmental issues facing the town of New Castle.” In addition to her new municipal duties, Carpenter continues to serve as legal counsel and director of land preservation for the Westchester Land Trust.
Carpenter’s concern for the environment stems from her childhood in the Finger Lakes region. Reminiscing about summers spent outdoors with her three siblings in the varied environment of the area, she said, “I have a real love for all those ecosystems.”

In the field of academia, Carpenter has pursued studies in related subjects. At CUNY law school, she taught environmental law and at Yale she obtained a masters in environmental science. She has also studied political philosophy and has a masters from Antioch Law School.

While Carpenter was serving on the open space committee, the property that is now Burden Park came up for sale and was acquired by the town. She enjoys hiking there with her two rescue dogs, Taco and Saia. After Hurricane Irene, she pitched in to help maintain the trails. “We had to move a couple of trails because there were erosion problems,” Carpenter said. Another one of her favorite places for hiking is Glazier Arboretum.

In Carpenter’s view, the town’s commercial and residential green building laws constitute a critical component in protecting the environment. Although these laws do not require builders to secure LEED certification, they do lay the groundwork for following LEED standards.

Carpenter has brought new vigor to the project of revitalizing the town’s business districts in the hamlets of Millwood and Chappaqua. She emphasizes the need to “get people in the community involved to focus on what services and businesses would work in our community.” Carpenter feels that “constructive ideas” put forth by residents should be a key element in any redesign or improvement effort. When D’Agostino’s closed, she listened attentively as residents expressed the desire to have a new supermarket in town. “We’re thinking of rezoning Chappaqua Crossing for retail to allow for a grocery store,” Carpenter said. The public was invited to attend the town board meeting at the end of March to discuss the proposed change.

Carpenter has met the owner of Step in Style NY, the new shoe boutique in town and welcomes this addition to the existing mix of speciality shops. “A lot of people are looking forward to it. It’s a great idea,” she noted.

As an avid reader, Carpenter sees a void in the current retail landscape. “It would be great to have a bookstore,” she said.

Carpenter is deeply committed to My Second Home, the adult day care facility for seniors. This is the place where she dropped off her mother in the morning for many years. As a single mom, this entity enabled her to work and care for her son, secure in the knowledge that her mother was receiving the best of care. It provides “a safe, supportive and stimulating environment,” Carpenter observed. She is a very active member of the advisory group for My Second Home.

On Saturday mornings, Carpenter heads downtown to the Chappaqua farmer’s market. “I love being able to buy fresh, local and homemade foods. It’s also an opportunity to meet people and talk,” she mentioned.

Sarah Ellen Berman is a regular contributor to Inside Chappaqua. Many additional stories by Sarah can also be found through the “New Castle News” link

Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund Honors Lyndall Boal

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Lyndall Boal

Each year the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund bestows the Ed Habermann award on an outstanding individual in the community.   This year’s recipient, Lyndall Boal, was chosen for her dedication to improving the lives of young people, following the principles of the consummate volunteer, Ed Habermann.  Boal is the social worker for both Bell and Seven Bridges middle schools.

The room at the Kittle House was full of good cheer on the evening of March 15 as Boal was feted during the HGSF’s annual fundraiser.   Accolades from colleagues and students flowed continuously throughout the night.

Assemblyman Bob Castelli came to honor Boal and presented her with a citation in recognition of her many contributions.  A proclamation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators, designating March 16 Lyndall Boal Day, was read by HGSF President David Perlmutter.  The cry, “Everyday is Lyndall Boal day,” rose from the crowd.

Michael Abemayor, a graduate of the class of 2009 at Greeley highlighted Boal’s attitude toward her position.  “It wasn’t just a job to you, it was family,” he observed.  He then went on to relate a humorous anecdote.  “Remember the time I put the phone in the ceiling?”  Abemayor appreciated the fact that even when questions were posed at the time as to the nature and perpetrator of the prank, Boal remained mum.  This sentiment expressed precisely the strength of the alliance forged by Boal with young adults in the community.

Perlmutter discussed the role the HGSF plays in Chappaqua.   “We’re not a homogenous wealthy community.  Many can’t afford tuition,”  he said.  The fund provided scholarships for 29 students last year.  Perlmutter extolled Boal’s praises and expressed the hope that the award would inspire “other teachers to reach out to the kids in a way that’s meaningful.”

A full feature length article on Lyndall Boal will appear in the Mother’s Day print edition of the magazine.