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Hillary's Run

Get On Your Feet! Pantsuit Flash Mob Takes Chappaqua — And The “Movement” Continues

December 1, 2016 by Debra Hand

PHOTO BY JEANNE MUNCHNIK
PHOTO BY JEANNE MUNCHNIK

When Katonah resident Maria Colaco saw Dawn Greenberg’s Chappaqua Friends of Hill & Tim Facebook post suggesting an Election Day flash mob honoring the hometown nominee by wearing her attire of choice, she jumped at the chance to organize and choreograph.

A former professional dancer turned social media/digital content creator, Colaco quickly created a Facebook group for anyone interested in participating, secured rehearsal space at Scattered Books in downtown Chappaqua, and chose a song (Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling”) from the official Hillary Clinton campaign playlist and a hashtag: #HRCPantsuitDance.  The whole thing–from idea to execution–came together in only 10 days. Colaco said it was “short, intense and passionate.”

Approximately 115 women came to two hour-long rehearsals, having to split into three groups to have enough room to learn the relatively easy steps that Colaco had choreographed. She recalled that even at rehearsals some participants were openly crying “because it was such a moment.”

At 1:30 p.m. on Election Day, the 115 pantsuit-clad dancers were joined by newcomers and children in front of Chappaqua Station for a joyful and electrifying performance that rapidly “went viral;” within hours, the video appeared on people.com, all of the major U.S. networks, and many domestic and international websites.

“We really tapped into something,” said Colaco, noting that flash mobs are usually associated with the young. “This is an amazing demographic, a fantastic group of women who joined to sing and dance as a medium for social empowerment, social change and social awareness.”

Even though the Facebook group was created as a centralized organization tool, it has turned into a community for its members in the aftermath of the disappointing election, now looking ahead as to how the Election Day energy can be harnessed and utilized effectively. Colaco is hoping to take the Pantsuit Flash Mob to the “next level” by teaching it via video to any group interested and repeating the event nationally on January 20 (Inauguration Day), which she has also proposed be a national day of Acts of Kindness–everything from public art, crafting with children and adults at local hospitals, painting rocks and leaving messages of hope around neighborhoods for people to casually find, playing music in nursing homes, to helping friends and neighbors or at a food pantry.
“We did something and made a difference,” Colaco said, inspired to continue this forward motion.” Everyone was “so incredibly passionate. It’s nothing you can teach or expect.  It just happens.”

Chappaqua resident Debra Hand is a longtime writer and editor for The Inside Press.

Filed Under: Hillary's Run Tagged With: #HRCPantsuitDance, Chappaqua Flash Mob, Chappaqua Friends of Hill, Chappaqua Station, Flashmob

Teach Your Children Well

December 1, 2016 by Beth Besen

No doubt about it, the tough job of responsible parenting was made all the more daunting recently as many here in Hillary Clinton’s hometown grappled with the shock of an unexpected election outcome. Our nation voted in a way that surprised most political analysts, advance polls and, certainly, the numerous loyal local supporters who gathered early on Election Day to perform an exuberant flash-mob pant-suit dance at the train station. As schools were closed, many of these celebrants had their children with them as well. The weather was brilliant, the mood was buoyant and all seemed lined up for voters to elect a first female president.

Then the numbers started coming in. People shook their heads and refreshed their browsers; what??? how??? And so it went. After a long night–following what felt like an over-long election year–many were stunned and deeply saddened, but they also knew they would need to gather themselves and move on. In fact, for many in our community and across the nation, the need to process and regroup was driven most by that which is primal to all parents–how to talk to our children.

According to Chappaqua Child Psychologist, Dr. Sheri Baron, the first thing parents need to do is check in with themselves because, regardless of what the issue is, “a child will pick up anxiety from the parent.” With parents emotionally invested in the election outcome, children may well end up feeling worried and fearful. Some may be able to verbally express their concerns, which will help parents begin a reassuring conversation.

However, others may not express their feelings directly; young children may exhibit stress physically, perhaps with a stomach ache or wetting the bed, while older children may become defiant. The critical thing is to ask questions, and try to figure out what’s upsetting your child. It could be election-related, but, then again, it may be something else. Baron cautions not to assume and remember that “if parents feel fairly centered, kids feel safe.”

Dr. Stephanie O’Leary, clinical psychologist and recent parenting lecturer at Seven Bridges Middle School, concurs that it’s of paramount importance to ask children what they think before offering an opinion, explaining “this will help you stick to the facts and issues that are on your child’s mind without introducing items that may not be relevant.”

love; beautiful hands of children holding green heart shape
love; beautiful hands of children holding green heart shape

She reminds us that younger children (eight and under) take things more literally than do adults and older children, so, for example, “moving to Canada” may loom larger and more realistic than its intended metaphor; speak carefully, explain fully.

Speaking of explanations, O’Leary suggests we make sure children understand our country’s system of checks and balances and that no one person, even the President, is all-powerful.
Last but not least, she reminds us to send a clear message that we are here for our children whatever their fears and concerns –about this or any other matter.

Founding director of Sinai and Synapses, rabbi and parent Geoffrey Mitelman remembers that when he kissed his children good night on the eve of the election, he also shared his wish that they would all wake up to a Clinton presidency. As adults, we know that wishes don’t always come true. Mitelman ended up processing the evening’s events with deep sadness but also an attempt to understand the alternate perspective, “And then I watched, in slow-motion, the unraveling and potential undoing of everything that I hold dear.

But I also have to believe that Trump supporters were voting from a place of their own pain and fear, and how they believed everything they held dear had already unraveled. Even as I deeply, deeply disagree with them on nearly everything, I need to at least try to understand the source of their pain. All I can think of is how the opening chapter of Genesis matches with what science teaches: the universe’s natural state is towards chaos. It’s on us to create order. And even more importantly, it’s on us to create goodness.”

How do we “create” order and goodness? For many, it’s not just talking the values and respect talk, it’s walking the walk; in other words, modeling behavior for our children.

One out-of-state, African American friend-of-friend (who spoke on condition of anonymity) explained that she sat and watched the election results coming in and felt heartbroken and distraught.

She started thinking about what she’d do after waking up and telling her kids who’d won, and reassuring them that things would continue to be ok. She wondered how to spread love and acceptance, and decided to find ways to make a difference by embracing marginalized groups that are feeling even more hopeless. She planned that she and her children would reach out to a nonprofit emergency shelter in her area for LGBTQ teens to see what supplies were needed that they could help collect. The next day, they’d find another group to help. As she put it, “we can stop hate from winning one small act at a time. Love can still trump hate.”

Action is also of paramount importance to Los Angeles mom and Pomona College Gender Studies Professor Kyla Wazana Tompkins. Tompkins, a Canadian citizen, has the unique perspective of one who watched the election closely while not being able to cast a vote. She allowed that she’d been ambivalent about becoming a citizen but now feels more strongly than ever that she must.

In fact, when asked if she’d consider moving (with her husband and 8-year-old-son) to Canada, her response was the essence of quiet conviction, “Now is not the moment to abandon your agency.” She then recounted a story from years past when, hearing that Bush won his second election and joking about moving home to Canada, she was brought up short by a student who pointed out that running away is not ok. So, in the aftermath of our 2016 election, Tompkins plans to “double down” on America and put herself on the line because “you don’t get to leave because it’s bad; you’ve got to fix it. My job is to fight for my kid.”

Moving from LA to right around the corner, local mom and Chappaqua Moms Facebook facilitator Georgia Frasch echoed the same fighting spirit when she spoke to her 12-year-old twins and nine year old daughter, “This is our home, our country. We don’t abandon it when the going gets tough. Instead, we work even harder We are really lucky that we have a vote. It doesn’t always go our way, but it’s our obligation to support our government and even more important to uphold our family’s values: kindness, compassion, respect. It has to start with us. Acts of kindness start with us and get paid forward.”

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe’s immediate thought for his Temple Beth El congregation was to create a healing Shabbat service, one co-led by the 7th grade B’nei Mitzvah class, offering a “safe place for individuals of all political persuasions to gather, connect and be present for one another.”  On a more personal note, as a father, he too had to give careful consideration to the narrative he’d use to reassure his two young daughters. He carefully explained to them that though Donald Trump’s win would not immediately impact their lives, it might very well mean others’ lives would be made harder, and that they should consider themselves both fortunate and obligated to fight for the rights of vulnerable citizens.
Asked whether he’d considered the prospect of moving to Israel, Jaffe responded, “We’re American Jews, committed to our country. I don’t glorify leaving when times get tough. If people do choose to make Aliyah, it should be for the love of Israel and not the fear of America.” If his girls want to become dual American Israeli citizens, there is time for that later. For now, life moves on here in Chappaqua.

Chappaqua’s Beth Besen is a writer and editor, a parent and a concerned citizen who hopes that together with our children, we can create a better world.

Filed Under: Hillary's Run Tagged With: Hillary Clinton, parenting, Parenting Post Election 2016

A Thank-you to Hillary Clinton for Fighting for Our Future & Giving Us Hope

December 1, 2016 by Lindsay Hand

Viewpoint from our Author Reflects on Many a Millennial’s Hope for America

The past year has been long, exhausting, dispiriting, and difficult. Women and minorities have repeatedly felt victimized and attacked in ways that most of us thought–at least hoped were disappearing from our society. But in the midst of endless insults and hatred, there was hope, togetherness, and an intense desire for continued progress as a nation. Those lights in the darkness were thanks to a campaign run on the platform of being “Stronger Together.” Thanks to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, there was and is hope in a seemingly hopeless time.

A window at Greeley High School
I have been “with her” for a long time, and that will not change now. But it is not just because she is a woman; I am still with her because she fights for the good in our country and believes in the potential of each and every one of us–even those who do not trust her or voted against her–to be positive agents of change and progress and contribute productively to society. I know Hillary is not perfect; no politician or person is, no matter their actions, beliefs, party loyalties, or rhetoric. It is impossible to satisfy everyone, and it is also impossible to never make mistakes. But it cannot be denied that Hillary Clinton has spent decades of her life dedicated to bettering society and in constant devotion to public service.

Indeed, Hillary has always fought for young people and for the future. She has focused on social issues, something so many millennials are distinctly passionate about. As seen from a map circulating the internet following Election Day, young people aged 18-25 overwhelmingly voted “blue” because they believe in the same things Hillary and the Democratic Party do.
From being an instrumental part of the Children’s Defense Fund to protecting 9/11 First Responders to her groundbreaking statement “human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights,” Hillary has played an important part in bringing crucial, necessary, and timely issues into the national spotlight.

Hillary has advocated for early education, sensible gun control, affordable healthcare and college, fair and equal wages, combating climate change, justice, unity, and progress, amongst countless other things. She believes in the rights of women and minorities and in equality. In hope. In the inherent goodness of all of us. Despite how the election unfolded, I still believe in these things, as does much of my generation.

Hillary believes in us. She always has. Now is the time to take the intelligence, class, and dignity she has shown and use it to drive our fight for what’s right and for the good that does exist in our country. As my 17-year-old sister, Gillian, posted on Facebook: “We must look to the future and come together, strong and united. We must fight for what we believe in. We must embrace one another with acceptance, camaraderie, and love.” We must follow the example Hillary has set and continue to push for what we believe in. She has fought tirelessly for us and for the things we care about, and now it is our turn to take action.

Hillary with Lindsay (right) and Gillan Hand
Hillary with Lindsay (right) and Gillan Hand
It is now up to us, the generation of the future, to continue the fights Secretary Clinton has fought for so long. Thank you, Hillary, for continuing the fight and inspiring so many, myself included. Thank you for constantly working for the future and for pushing our nation towards progress and equality. Thank you for being a role model for millions of young girls and women who, because of you, believe they can do great things, even run for President. Thank you for starting us on a path to fighting for what we believe in. Thank you for your wisdom, grace, sincerity and strength in the face of endless adversity. Thank you for making history. Truly, thank you for everything.

“I still believe as deeply as I ever have that if we stand together and work together with respect for our differences, strength in our convictions and love for this nation, our best days are still ahead of us.” – Hillary Clinton

Two-time Inside Chappaqua Guest Editor Lindsay Hand is a junior Communication major at Cornell University.

Filed Under: Hillary's Run Tagged With: Children's Defense Fund, Gratitude, Hillary Clinton, Human Rights are Women's Rights, Millenials, Thank yous to Hillary Clinton

Election Watch Party at Kittle House

December 1, 2016 by Inside Press

With hopes high for the best possible outcome: About 300 Hillary supporters attended an Election Watch party at Crabtree’s Kittle House organized by Chappaqua Friends of Hillary. The Kittle House is frequently the setting for Hillary Clinton’s TV interviews and where she appeared at the Democratic Convention via satellite to accept the party’s historic presidential nomination. “The Kittle House has been like a second home to Bill and Hillary Clinton–and many of their important and momentous occasions have been celebrated here since they first moved to Chappaqua,” said John Crabtree, owner.

(ABOVE): Melissa Cotto (left) with Virginia Shasha
(ABOVE): Melissa Cotto (left) with Virginia Shasha
(L-R) Angelo Grasso, Hilary Steuer Grasso, Kelly Leonard, Dylan O’Keefe
(L-R) Angelo Grasso, Hilary Steuer Grasso, Kelly Leonard, Dylan O’Keefe

State Assemblyman David Buchwald (left), Town Board Member Hala Makowska, and Michael Weinberg

PHOTOS BY GRACE BENNETT

Filed Under: Hillary's Run Tagged With: Election Watch Party, Hillary Clinton, Kittle House

‘We Will Go Forward Together’

December 1, 2016 by The Inside Press

Concert goers came from near and far the night before Election Day; the all-star lineup in Philadelphia at a GOTV Rally for Hillary Clinton may have been impossible to resist. Rock star icons Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi entertained the crowd with their hit songs, and President Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama all joined Hillary Clinton in a most memorable, show of solidarity.

PHOTOS BY CHAD KRAUS

hillphilly-1

hillphilly-3

hill-choirphilly

HOME STRETCH

At Westchester County Airport: the Clintons scheduled 3:30 a.m. arrival time on Election Day from a final campaign stop in Raleigh did not deter the enthusiastic supporters who had gathered patiently for hours as temperatures dipped below 40 degrees. With Katy Perry’s The Fight Song booming, a hometown crowd cheered as Hillary and Bill Clinton stepped off the Boeing 737; and per usual, the Clintons took time to greet and thank many who came before heading home to Chappaqua.

PHOTOS BY CHAD KRAUS

hill-hillairplane

chad_
Chappaqua Friends of Hill and Tim
chad_voting-12
Voting Day at Grafflin

 

Filed Under: Hillary's Run Tagged With: Barack Obama, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, election, Forward Together, Hillary Clinton, Homestretch, Michelle Obama, Philadelphia, Westchester County Airport

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