2016 DNC

Nine Ways Chappaqua Might Change as a Two-President Town

October 21, 2016 by Stacey Pfeffer

After casting their vote at Grafflin during New York’s primary day in April. Grace Bennett Photo

The excitement in Chappaqua has been building for months ever since one of our most famous residents, Hillary Rodham Clinton, announced her candidacy for President. No matter how you cast your vote this November, it is undeniable that our small town’s larger than life profile throughout the U.S. and beyond will simply continue to expand. Although it is impossible to predict the election’s exact impact on our town, here are an array of predictions of what may be in store should Chappaqua become a two-president town:

1. An even higher profile for our town–as if that were even possible. “The Clintons helped put Chappaqua on the national map when they moved here in 1999,“ said State Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Mount Kisco), and a member of Hillary for New York Leadership Council. Echoing Assemblyman Buchwald’s sentiments, Grace Bennett, publisher/editor of Inside Chappaqua noted that “in truth, Chappaqua has been on the world stage for many years now; I’ve tried to convey a sense of their influence here since launching Inside Chappaqua in 2003, shortly after the Clintons arrived. The powerful presence of this world famous couple has become part and parcel of our town’s identity, and I think that phenomenon will only be enhanced and solidified if Hillary Clinton becomes the nation’s first woman president.”

2. Cultivating a culture of concerned citizens in Chappaqua across all generations. Hometown advocacy groups for Hillary were established even prior to her official announcement to run for President. These Hillary supporters from groups such as Chappaqua Friends of Hill (and Tim) have local members that span across all age groups and are involved in activities such as canvassing and voter registration near and far. Many of these supporters have never been involved before in political advocacy but felt inspired by her. Chappaqua 4 Clinton/Kaine NOW offers a steady stream of campaign news on Facebook and Twitter.

3. Increased media presence. Last month, when Hillary Clinton abruptly left a September 11th ceremony, it was later announced that she had pneumonia. For several days, several TV crews were camped outside Walgreen’s on King Street and her Old House Lane residence hoping to catch a glimpse of her. There’s no doubt the media will be back in town on Election Day to secure footage of her and former President Bill Clinton voting at their polling place, Grafflin Elementary School. The good news is that most likely the media presence will be short-lived and will only be palpable when she is in town.

4. Enhanced notice of our downtown merchants. There’s a definite “up side” to all the media exposure. “Seeing Chappaqua’s store fronts on a national TV newscast or in a top daily newspaper is not only thrilling for all of us who live and work here, but it serves as a very effective means for promoting our town and its businesses,” noted Dawn Dankner Rosen, president of the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce.

“I can say that this continuous media interest and focus on the Clintons in our town’s shops and restaurants couldn’t be better for our branding and for creating awareness of Chappaqua as a destination town for shopping and dining. These opportunities for national (and global!) exposure can only increase exponentially once we become–historically and uniquely–home to two U.S. Presidents! That’s an extremely special identification for any town/community to have!”

5. Warm welcomes from the community when they are back at home. “When Hillary becomes president, I’m sure the duties of her office will keep her in Washington and abroad even more than before. And when the Clintons find themselves back in Chappaqua, they will be warmly welcomed, as they are now,” said Robert Greenstein, Town Supervisor.

Gray Williams the town historian agreed, noting that “the Presidency is an ephemeral thing” lasting eight years at most and that the couple’s White House duties will keep them traveling a lot.

But there’s little doubt that the Clintons will continue to visit and keep annual traditions such as marching in the town’s Memorial Day parade or shopping in town. “Since moving here both Bill and Hillary Clinton have been wonderful, loyal supporters of our business community and frequent shoppers and diners in town,” added Dankner Rosen. “No matter how many sightings or selfies we’ve all taken, their unexpected shopping trips are always met with unprecedented enthusiasm and excitement throughout the community.”

With Varda Singer, owner, ICD Contemporary Jewelry, during an impromptu party at Crabtree’s Kittle House to celebrate Hillary Clinton’s historic nomination.

6. Occasional traffic issues/road closures. When Bill Clinton was President, he occasionally used the Westchester Airport. As a security measure, the roads were closed so that his motorcade could pass through. Chief Ferry of the New Castle Police noted hat the department would help with “traffic flow” and residents can expect that from time to time Hillary may also use the airport.

The police department has put additional funding in the budget for additional officers for next year to help assist with this and Ferry noted that when Bill was President much of this funding was actually reimbursed by the Federal Government. Additionally the police department recently changed Old House Lane and neighboring Green Lane to “local traffic only” streets as a security precaution.

7. A huge impression on our younger residents. The cover story essays in this very edition offer a sense of how Hillary’s “first woman nominee” status has impacted the imagination of younger residents, especially girls,” noted Bennett. “Her influences on all our childrens’ futures is absolutely phenomenal to consider, too. You can never underestimate the ripple effects of a broken glass ceiling!

The Clintons have helped build awareness about national and international issues right in our backyard, among young and old alike. Hillary, in her campaign, is inspiring activism both on her behalf and on a multitude of issues. We might otherwise just be a sleepy suburb in northern Westchester!”

8. A sense of permanence. The recent purchase of the house next door to the Clinton’s current property is ample evidence of a commitment to Chappaqua from the Clintons for the foreseeable future.

News outlets have already speculated that the property will be used as a weekend retreat by Chelsea Clinton and her family.

Memorial Day Parade 2015, Grace Bennett Photo — Memorial Day Parade 2015
Grace Bennett Photo

9. Creating a legacy in our town for years to come. Williams noted that Chappaqua may well be the only town in the US that boasts two Presidents and a third Presidential candidate (Greeley). Although it is impossible to tell if the Clinton’s home will one day be a museum or if a statue of Hillary will be erected in downtown, “the bottom line for me is that, every bit as much as Horace Greeley became the signature historical hero of our town, I believe the Clintons are forever part of our past, present and future folklore, too. And in the best possible way, summed up Bennett.

Commenting on the possibility of a statue of Hillary, Director of the Chappaqua Library Pamela Thornton said, “I don’t think they [The Clintons] are the kind who want a statue. I think they’d rather see a community center or teen center named after them as their legacy.”

Williams agreed stating with a chuckle, “I don’t expect a ten-foot statue of Hillary. I’m not sure exactly where we’d put it.”

Stacey Pfeffer lives with her husband and three young children in Chappaqua. She has written for New York Family Magazine, Kveller.com, Westchester Parents and Inside Armonk.

DNC: A Magic Kingdom in the Heart of Philadelphia

August 25, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Susan Youngwood

Attending the Democratic National Convention reminded me of my trips to Disney World.

The choices were dizzying. Instead of deciding among different amusement rides, I had to choose which events to attend. The Women’s Caucus or the New York state delegation breakfast? LGBT karaoke, the Working Families Party or the Climate Hawks party (or sleep). It seemed that every hour there were multiple choices.

Both locations had long lines and shuttle busses. Instead of crying babies and toddlers having tantrums, the DNC had protestors decrying fracking and proclaiming “Bernie or Bust!”

Goofy shirts and Mickey Mouse ears are popular all over Disney world; the DNC featured a panoply of Hillary buttons, flag costumes and patriotic headgear (although these parallel universes merged when I saw a striking blonde lady dressed in a pale blue ball gown who looked remarkably like Elsa from Frozen).

Both the DNC and Disney are sheltered bubbles. The outside world fades away; at the DNC, everyone around you is a Democrat with similar beliefs.

Patriotism was palpable in Philadelphia. Speakers told us again and again that America is great, that the Democratic Party holds the key to the nation’s future success.

For years, Democrats have been the party of negativity, cataloguing the countries’ woes from income inequality to racism to global warming. All these issues were mentioned, but sotto voce. The main message conveyed optimism in what Americans can achieve–just like Disney is the happiest place on earth. The crowds loved it. Their enthusiasm was electric.

And then, there are the leading ladies. Disney has Belle and Ariel and Cinderella and Snow White. The DNC had Elizabeth Warren and Michelle Obama, Katy Perry and Meryl Streep, and the headliner: the presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton. Of course, Clinton defies the stereotype of a Disney princess. She doesn’t wear a sparkly dress or a tiara. She’s certainly not waiting around for a prince to save her.

After all the balloons and confetti falls, reality awaits. After a Disney vacation, dirty streets and unpleasant service providers are jolting. After the thrill of a convention, the crassness of everyday politics is just as shocking. Not everyone is a Democrat anymore.

As much as the convention was stagecraft, at its heart it is carrying out the promise of our Constitution, written 229 years ago. The peaceful change of power in a democracy. Our nation’s first black president passing the mantle of power to what could be our first woman president. That was historic.

I shared that history with some Chappaqua residents who traveled to the convention–their stories are on these pages.

Susan Youngwood is a writer, editor and graphic designer who has been watching political conventions on television since 1972.

DNC: The Capacity to Love

August 24, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Grace Bennett

As the publisher of a hometown magazine for Hillary Clinton, and a life-long Democrat, I was proud to attend the Democratic National Convention as press. I was as excited as any friend, family or delegate visitor to Philly’s Wells Fargo Arena to witness first the all-star line-up of our nation’s Democrat Superstars throw their full weight squarely, and often, ever so eloquently into our hometown candidate’s corner. And then, of course, etched in my mind forever…witnessing Hillary Clinton make her way to the mic, waving to the crowds in every which direction, and fully embracing her historical nomination.

Midway through her speech, it was no surprise to me that Hillary extended her accomplishment from family to, well, everyone else: “Standing here as my mother’s daughter, and my daughter’s mother, I’m so happy this day has come. I’m happy for grandmothers and little girls and everyone in between. I’m happy for boys and men–because when any barrier falls in America, it clears the way for everyone. After all, when there are no ceilings, the sky’s the limit.”

I remember too: the abundance of heartfelt hugs–Hillary hugs. To me, they symbolize Hillary’s ubiquitous “Love Trumps Hate” campaign slogan…hugs for Bill, for Chelsea, for her running mate Tim Kaine, and on the night before, for and from President Obama. And countless other ones for those closest to her and seemingly always plenty to spare for her fans too. When hate gets thrown at her, Hillary Clinton doubles down on her capacity to tap into a bottomless reservoir of love–and hugs!

And daily, inside the Philadelphia Convention Center: dozens of public service organizations promoted their missions via buttons, literature and animated conversation; at a daily breakfast briefing, caucuses and roundtables, open primarily to press and delegates, speakers delved into issues near and dear to their hearts. The general public attended rallies or packed “PoliticalFest,” a fun, interactive festival related to American history and politics.

Hillary Clinton’s official nomination represents a huge historical milestone for Chappaqua too. I learned at one point that Hillary Clinton really appreciates the nights on the campaign trail when she can sleep in her own bed. So learning of a surprise celebration for her at the Kittle House on the very night following Roll Call in the arena was very touching; Chappaqua really is home, sweet home to Hillary.

I was also glad to head to Philly with my long-time friend and former classmate at Columbia’s ‘J-school,’ Susan Youngwood, a self-described ‘political junkie.’ We were both first time press covering a political convention for either party. We independently mapped our days, posting in social media, writing, taking pictures and editing. We stayed in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, about 15 miles away in the lovely home of Joan and Barry Swirsky, old friends of Susan’s, gracious, helpful and excited-for-us hosts.

I was happy for the chance to ask Governor Martin O’Malley for his reaction immediately following Michelle Obama’s much lauded endorsement of Hillary Clinton. He said the First Lady’s words “summed up in a beautiful way why our country is already great.”

Next, Susan reflects on her experience. From the outset, we agreed that we would focus much less on national-style coverage of the major speeches which our readers would turn to national media for. Instead, we set out to capture an eclectic array of stories that you might not see in other press, particularly anything that could qualify as having a local angle.

With that goal in mind, Susan captured such stories, and in particular the activities of two groups founded by long time Chappaqua residents who are collaborating more and more, too: Chappaqua Friends of Hill and Tim (CFOH) and Executive Women for Hillary, and those are the stories I chose to reprint from the net in part in our print edition to call your attention to them. The CFOH’s Hillapalooza barbeque party that took place shortly after the convention was a wonderful way to bring together many more residents to celebrate too. — Grace

The Art of Winning Hearts and Minds for Hillary

July 31, 2016 by Inside Press

Executive Women for Hillary Emphasizes “Curious, Creative and Collaborative” Listening

By Susan Youngwood

About 40 women crammed into the living room of a townhouse in Philadelphia last week, taking up every imaginable seating and floor space. All were eager to learn an effective method for persuading undecided voters to support Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

“Our job is not to turn people who will happily vote for Donald Trump,” said Carol Evans, recent Chappaqua resident and a national co-chair of Executive Women for Hillary, who led this training. “Our job is to talk to independents, unenthusiastic Democrats and disaffected Republicans. Save your energy for the real fence sitters.”

Evans, who was founder and president of Working Mother Media, helped launch Executive Women for Hillary four months before Clinton declared her candidacy. “We started really early,” Evans explained. “We were just guessing and praying that she would run.”

Executive Women for Hillary is a national coalition of executive, entrepreneur and professional women who stand behind, support and advocate for Clinton to become the first woman president of the United States. It has about 1,450 members, all volunteer.

“We think that using our skills, networks and influence on getting Hillary elected is a winning formula,” Evans said. They call their approach Winning Hearts and Minds.

At the DNC: Co-founders of Executive Women for Hillary: Carol Evans (left) and Jennifer Allyn

“We found our voice very early on” by focusing on training methodology that they rewrote for the Clinton campaign,, said Evans. “Like all executive women, we created a powerpoint.”

The group calls its training sessions salons, and they are usually held in someone’s private home. The one in Philadelphia during the Democratic National Convention was a typical gathering — it started with a social hour, as women chatted over cheese, crackers and cookies. After the group moved from the kitchen to the living room, the training began.

“The best thing is to start with an open-ended question,” Evans began. Ask, ‘How are you feeling about Hillary?’ You’ll get a lot of different responses.”

The most likely response is either ambivalence or negativity. The next step is to ask the person to talk about his or her concerns — and the key is to listen.

“Listening is not active,” instructed co-founder and national co-chair Jennifer Allyn, head of diversity for Price Waterhouse. “It’s curious, creative, collaborative.” Don’t interrupt, don’t disagree, don’t discuss their concerns one-by-one — just listen and be curious.

Then, engage them in a conversation by asking a lot of questions — questions that begin with either who, what, when, where, why or how. If the person is worried that Clinton isn’t trustworthy, ask, ‘Who do you trust? Why do you trust them. What qualities make someone trustworthy? How has trust been a factor in the past in your voting decisions? What is the one thing you do trust about Hillary?’”

“By asking those questions you are building a relationship – even if only for five minutes,” Evans said.

Then, pivot–explain why you are supporting Hillary. And finally, ask them their concerns about Donald Trump.

The goal is not to convince someone to love Hillary, but to get them to support her in November. “It’s a one-on-one game to get people to vote for Clinton,” said Evans.

This method works, said women who used it effectively in the primaries.

“I did this on my mother — who never voted Democrat in her life,” said Allyn. Allyn listened to her mother’s concerns, explained why she liked Hillary and was concerned about Trump, and convinced her mother to commit to vote for Clinton. “She even gave money!” Allyn added.

Mosemarie Boyd, an attorney from Arkansas, attended the Philadelphia session. “I met these women in Iowa in January,” she said, and signed up, becoming the co-chair for Ohio. “It brings in talented women who are top in their careers and teaches them to engage in the political process.”

The training is concise, which is attractive to women busy holding down jobs and raising families. Women busy. It also works to women’s strengths. “The most important part is to listen,” she explained.

Lisa Levey, the New Hampshire co-chair, is an organizational development consultant who has never been politically active before. The historic nature of Clinton’s campaign is a big motivating factor for her. “This is a huge deal; I can’t tell you how much that inspires me.”

She plans to organize movie screenings and debate parties for Executive Women in New Hampshire, and organize phone banks and canvassing. The key to this strategy, she said, “is understanding what the other person cares about.”

Engaging and training new members: Mosemarie Boyd (left), an attorney from Arkansas and Ohio co-chair. — Engaging members: Mosemarie Boyd (left), an attorney from Arkansas and Ohio co-chair

Twenty-eight members traveled to Philadelphia to attend the DNC, coming from around the country — Oklahoma, New Jersey, California, Washington, Virginia, to name a few places. The group plans to hold training salons in all 50 states (“We have a 50-state strategy,” Evans said), offer voter protection advice from its lawyer members, work on voter access and voter registration, and getting out the vote.

For more information on Executive Women for Hillary, go to www.executivewomenforhillary.com and follow them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ExecutiveWomenforHillary/

“Results Oriented” Chappaqua Friends of Hill and Tim

July 29, 2016 by Inside Press

Joy-Filled Members Celebrate Hillary Clinton’s Historic Nomination

By Susan Youngwood

It started with a single Facebook post, on April 12, 2015, the day Hillary Clinton announced her candidacy for president of the United States.

Dawn Evans Greenberg invited her friends in Chappaqua to join her for a drink to celebrate. A small group gathered, and decided they wanted to help the campaign. The group mushroomed, and now has 750 members ages 16 to 69. A satellite group in Rivertown has 200 participants.

Fifteen months later, after hours of making phone calls, knocking on doors and registering voters, ten members of Chappaqua Friends of Hill and Tim (the name officially changed last week) attended the Democratic National Convention to watch Clinton accept the nomination.

“Our enthusiasm carries us along,” said Greenberg.

Chappaqua Friend of HIll and Tim in the arena on Wednesday. — Chappaqua Friends of Hill and Tim arrive for their first night in the arena on Wednesday. (L–R): Beth Sauerhaft (in orange), Julie Gaughran, Jason Lichtenthal, Dawn Evans Greenberg, Iris Weintraub Lachaud and (front, center) Randee Kessler Glazer

At the crack of dawn on Wednesday, the group set off to Philadelphia. Their first stop was a Women for Hillary Meet and Greet in the Philadelphia convention center, where they gathered buttons and encouragement. After getting their credentials (posing for a photo in front of the enormous Hillary button in the lobby) and checking into their accommodations, they headed to the Wells Fargo Center.

Settled into their seats by 3:30, they were in for a long night.

They were all pumped. This was their first political convention. “I’m still pinching myself,” said Kristen Lore, “I can’t believe I’m here.

The members discussed their efforts and motivations while waiting for the program to begin. Iris Lauchaud listed all the states they called during the primaries: Indiana, California, Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey, West Virginia.

Randee Glazer, who worked on Wall Street but is now retired, found time to do it all — phone banking, canvassing, visibility, voter registration. “I like canvassing — I like speaking to people, telling them what I admire about Hillary. I think it really makes a difference,” she said.

Jolted by 911, Glazer was motivated to volunteer after John Kerry’s loss in 2004. “After ‘04, I realized that I can not only vote — I have to do something.” She worked on the Obama campaign in 2008 and 2012. But this campaign has a more personal touch for her.

“I met Hillary for the first time in 2005, at someone’s home for a fundraiser,” she said. “She was amazing.” Glazer’s daughter was applying to colleges, and Clinton gave her advice from her own experience with Chelsea. It was clear from that conversation, Glazer said, “how Hillary listens and how she cares. … She’s brilliant, capable and qualified.”

Thursday, July 28: Arriving early to the Wells Fargo Arena, CFOH members get ready to witness their neighbor and hometown candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton accept her party's nomination for POTUS. — Thursday, July 28: Arriving early to the Wells Fargo Arena, CFOH members get ready to witness their neighbor and hometown candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton accept her party’s nomination for POTUS. (L-R): Kristin Lore, Randee Kessler Glazer, Jason Lichtenthal, Francesca Hagadus, Holly McCall, Julie Gaughran, Dawn Evans Greenberg (behind Julie). With (far right) Grace Bennett, Inside Chappaqua Magazine

Julie Gaughran fondly remembers her phone calls to southern states. “They had such lovely accents,” she said. Her first volunteer gig for a political campaign was in 1980, for Teddy Kennedy. “I’ve always been politically active,” she said.

“I fell in love with Hillary when she was First Lady,” said Lore, a psychotherapist who specializes in eating disorders. Clinton is both “gutsy” and “really caring” — but most important, Lore said, “she fights for the kinds of values that are important to me.”

One thing that motivated them was the impressive skill set of the participants. They are “results-oriented” said one; this is not a group of ladies who lunch.

Beth Sauerhaft, who works in environmental and social sustainability, said Hillary’s strengths — her “amazing breadth and depth and … experience” inspired similarly situated people to volunteer. “We’re all a group of people with expert credentials,” she said.

“If we go to lunch,” she laughed, “we discuss this.”

“This is the greatest group,” said Gaughran. “They are warm-hearted, extremely smart, unpretentious, and funny as hell. We are doing something great and having fun as well.”

While all the members put in hours of hard work, they acknowledge their founder’s contribution. “Dawn is a force of nature,” said Gaughran.

Eventually the convention began. There was a procession of speakers, both politicians and celebrities, some well known (New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Star Jones), some not as well known. Audience members flicked through their Facebook feeds, took photos, explored the convention center.

The mood shifted at 8 p.m., when gun violence took center stage. The audience quieted down. Phones turned dark. All eyes turned to the stage as Christine Leinonen, the mother of a victim of the June 12 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, took the microphone.

Leinonen said that when she went into labor with her son, she was a Michigan state trooper and the hospital stored her gun in a safe.

“I’m glad common-sense gun policy was in place the day Christopher was born, but where was that common sense the day he died?” Leinonen asked. “I never want you to ask that question about your child. That’s why I support Hillary Clinton.”

Glazer rested her cheek on her hand, transfixed. All around, eyes twinkled with tears.

Next up was Erika Smegielski, whose mother was killed in the Newtown, Conn., shooting. As she proclaimed, “What we need is another mother, who will make this right,” Greenberg whispered, “These women are awesome.” She shook her head. “I can’t even imagine.”

Emotions flitted up and down. Joy when Broadway performers sang “What the World Needs Now.” Enthusiasm as favorite politicians took the microphone (chanting “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry” for California Gov. Jerry Brown; “Joe, Joe, Joe” for Vice President Joe Biden). Laughter when former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg eviscerated Republican nominee Donald Trump (“I’m a New Yorker, I know a con when I see one.”)

The Chappaqua ten waved signs, booed when Trump’s name was mentioned, chanted “Love trumps hate.”

But no words could really capture their feelings when Obama took the stage.

“One of the single greatest moments of my life,” wrote Greenberg on Facebook. “The place seems almost levitating with love and hope for the future.”

Witnessing this live was indescribably different from seeing it on television.

“You just feel the hum in the air,” said Sauerhaft.

“You could feel the hope in the air,” said Greenberg.

“This is an historic event,” said Glazer. “We’re not just living it. We’ve been part of it.”