Past Happenings

At holiday time, many of our residents are involved with donation drives and work overtime to bring a special season to those most in need.

The idea to consolidate Chappaqua collections was the idea of residents Dawn Greenberg and Jessica Reinmann. Houlihan Lawrence came on board as a central collection point. At press time, collections of goods and funds are on tap for April’s Child (formerly Child Abuse Prevention Center), Making Headway, Make-a-Wish of Hudson Valley, The Cottage School, the Ossining Children’s Center, The Guidance Center and the Food Bank of Westchester.

Soon delivering: Truckloads of new housewares to April’s Child, college prep books to The Guidance Center (operating in high need high schools in lower Westchester) and gift cards to help patient families working with Making Headway. States Greenberg: “Giving is always the right thing to do, whatever the season.”

At a packed Greeley House in November, Yulia Omelich–projecting Chanel-like elegance and intelligence–entertained attendees with tales of Coco’s astounding successes and her later life challenges in a fashion world dominated by men. She spoke of male journalists who jumped at the chance to undermine a woman light years ahead of her time.

There was even insight into Chanel’s more amorous adventures! That Chanel created a compartment in her classic pocketbook “for a woman’s secret love notes,” for example, elicited more than a few giggles. So did recalling her friendship with Winston Churchhill (who had intervened on her behalf when she was arrested in France) during one of history’s darkest periods. Chanel creations were passed around, from a black and white Tweed with her signature crystal buttons (Chanel buttons alone command $150 or more among Chanel enthusiasts, said Omelich) to a stunning black silk scarf with dangling “gold coins”…and expert advice about Chanel authenticity. We learned about Chanel lipstick, her first bathing suit, the “little black dress,” and finally, my personal favorite, Chanel’s contribution to womankind: Chanel #5!

Omelich, a former international diplomat, is the owner of CoutureDossier in Chappaqua, where Chanel objets d’art and items from multiple designers can be found for purchase or trade. I do believe her shop’s motto: “Manage your Fashion Portfolio” and her presentation would have made a certain kindred spirit, proud.

–Grace Bennett

 

Tzahal Shalom of Northern Westchester welcomed seven IDF Officers to the community beginning October 19th for 10 days. They met with adults, children, teens and seniors at venues ranging from Parlor Meetings at people’s homes, public and private High School visits, Hebrew schools, Synagogue Shabbat services, study sessions, and more.

There was a High School Teen Event at Grand Prix, a Middle School Challenge, Café Joe at Temple Beth El where all seven spoke about their experiences in front of 250 people, and their annual Comedy Night where 200 people attended to raise funds to bring the program back again 
next year.

The Officers speak about their lives and their experiences to approximately 2,000 people while they are here.* This year, all seven participated in Protective Edge, the situation in Israel this past summer. Each officer has a host family and a buddy family in the community. These relationships are forever.

This is the eighth year that Tzahal Shalom has brought the program to our community. The Co-Chairs of the program are Anita Greenwald, Michele Kraushaar, Randi Kreisler, and Alisa Emanuel.

*Over ten synagogues in Westchester participated in hosting the IDF officers; the program is not exclusive to any one synagogue community but rather a gift to the community at large.

This wonderful concept was started in Wisconsin in 2009. Today there are over 15,000 in all corners of the world.   Chappaqua proudly welcomes four of our own in November. The locations are: Gedney Park, the Duck Pond lawn, the Senter Street Rec Center and one on a private yard off route 120 near Grafflin. The libraries were paid for by small contributions from many Chappaqua families and built by scout troops and groups of friends. “The idea is to provide new venues for trading quality books as well as building a greater sense of community,” said Dawn Greenberg who brought the idea to town. “We are absolutely thrilled that the Town Board supported the idea and we look forward to seeing many happy swaps.”