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

December 1, 2016 by Debra Hand

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.

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.

Will She Have Chappaqua’s Support?

October 17, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Lucy Kaminsky

Chappaqua residents see her shopping on King Street, taking a walk with her husband by the First Congregational Church, and eating at Le Jardin Du Roi. She’s marched in the Memorial Day parade for years, and she’s a neighbor to dozens of Chappaqua families. On top of all that, she is the Democratic Nominee for president of the United States. Hillary Clinton has been a resident of Chappaqua for almost two decades, and, this month, Chappaqua can choose to support her in her biggest political endeavor yet.

She has an unwavering group of supporters, lovingly named “Chappaqua Friends of Hillary,” and an even larger group of supporters with Hillary for America shirts, bumper stickers, lawn signs and of course, votes in the New York primary.

Despite her pronounced following, she also faces a small but vocal opposition.That her popularity is questionable is especially when driving by a, for lack of a better word, monstrous, Trump sign on the way into downtown Chappaqua.

Kathy Thorsberg, a local mother, discussed that she sees a group of Republican women who, no matter the candidate, won’t go blue on election day, and she “thought more women would be on the [Hillary] bandwagon.”

When asked about the Trump sign, Thorsberg stated that she “wishes it were gone” and she “can’t believe” the local support for Trump.Thorsberg is a longtime Clinton supporter who once had the former secretary of state hold her then-infant, now nearly seventeen-year-old daughter, Katie, at her church.

What Thorsberg feels most Chappaqua residents who are voting for Trump criticize Clinton for her is her infamous email scandal, though she thinks it was “not that issue” that swayed them to vote Republican. Thorsberg estimates that around 60 percent of Chappaqua will vote for Clinton, and further says she doesn’t feel that is unique to Chappaqua, but that surrounding towns like Armonk and Briarcliff will have a similar turnout.

Rob Shepardson, local father and businessman, who was also named by Barack Obama to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, spoke about how he feels Clinton is perceived in Chappaqua. Shepardson explained that he thinks “that people really, really like Hillary, and really, really like Bill.” He also thinks that people in Chappaqua see Hillary as their neighbor, and even with the Trump Golf Course a few miles away, feel little allegiance to Trump.

An enthusiastic supporter of Hillary, Shepardson says there’s an “enormous pride”, towards Hillary in Chappaqua residents and particularly women residents. He estimates that eighty-five percent of Chappaqua will vote for her.

Shepardson and Thorsberg are not alone- Hillary may have a few loud opposers, but she seems to have the majority of her neighbors’ votes.

Lucy is a senior at Briarcliff High School, where she is co-editor of the Briarcliff Bulletin. She is passionate about various issues, including environmentalism, feminism, and political awareness in teens.

Editor’s Note: One of Seven Girls’ Essays featured in the November “If Our Neighbor Becomes President” Cover Story. The girls were directed by Keri Walsh, Ph.D., who heads the Chappaqua Summer Writing Program for Girls at the Greeley House.

Hillapalooza Weekend to Highlight Hometown Support for Hillary Clinton

July 19, 2016 by Stacey Pfeffer

Chappaqua, NY – A first time and upcoming “Hillapalooza Weekend,” created by Chappaqua Friends of Hill (CFOH) and scheduled for August 6 and 7, is intended to be a “town-wide celebration of Hillary,” states CFOH founder and president Dawn Evans Greenberg.

“We decided to create Hillapalooza as a way to involve the community, especially families with children, in celebrating a historic and monumental day in our town’s history. Hillary is our second presidential nominee from Chappaqua–Horace Greeley was the first–and the first women ever, of course, so we think a town-wide celebration is in order to share the excitement, “ noted Dawn Evans Greenberg, the President of CFOH.

Members of Chappaqua Friends of Hill during a meeting at Chappaqua Station

In just days, a group of ten CFOH supporters will in fact be representing the more than 540 CFOH members by attending the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia. Recognizing that not everyone can go to the DNC, Hillapalooza weekend was formed as a way to involve all CFOH members and also help any Hillary Clinton supporter in town find ways to get involved or simply come out and show hometown support for Hillary Clinton in a friendly, welcoming environment. The event kicks off on August 6^th with a barbeque hosted by CFOH at a private residence in Chappaqua. To RSVP for this event, contact Hillapalooza16@gmail.com

The event will feature lawn games, music and food for the whole family organized by local party planner Monique Banks.

“We are a team of Chappaqua moms and dads who are truly honored to celebrate this history making accomplishment of one of our own,” said Banks. “That being said, we know how to throw a party…and it will be a celebration to remember.”

“One hundred years from now, historians will be talking about this election and we want our town to have a place in that conversation,” Greenberg added. “While the day is 99% celebration, we do hope we can get more folks involved locally as well as let the world know just how proud Chappaqua is to be home to our first female presidential candidate.“

The Hillapalooza weekend continues with a special event on August 7^th geared to local college students. Several college students home on summer break have been active CFOH volunteers. They wanted to increase their support for Hillary when they return to their college campuses this fall, noted Greenberg.

“WHAM” Training for College Students

The free event on Sunday will also offer training for college students, provided by Carol Evans, who co-founded Executive Women for Hillary and is a Hillary campaign professional. Evans created a dynamic training model called WHAM (Winning Hearts and Minds for Hillary). The training session will feature skill-building to empower students to develop their Hillary commitment story–why they believe Hillary is the most qualified, intelligent and moral choice for President.

“This training session will look at what a Trump presidency might do to America,” commented Tracy Stein, a local Clinton supporter and campaign fundraiser who is helping to organize the training session.

“Our hope is that, armed with new confidence to speak about Hillary, students will make calls, canvas, and most importantly, go back to colleges throughout the country to act as Hillary ambassadors,” continued Stein. “These student ambassadors can have enormous power in the GOTV effort. As the demographics play out, reaching college students could make a huge difference in this election.”

Students interested in attending the training session can RSVP to Tracy Stein at tastein1@gmail.com.

#WithHer For Hillary Clinton: Passionate Hometown Support

June 17, 2016 by Inside Press

Key Chappaqua supporters explain why they’re #WithHer and working hard to help elect Hillary Clinton first woman POTUS.

By Stacey Pfeffer

It’s been a momentous few weeks here in the hamlet of New Castle. At the annual Chappaqua Memorial Day Parade, Hillary Rodham Clinton marched and waved to residents–many of whom were hoping to see her become the official Democratic presidential nominee in early June. Then just over a week later, a bus full of residents were thrilled to travel to the Booklyn Navy Yard to lend their support and bask in the history of her officially clinching the Democratic nomination; a group of New Castle supporters celebrated at Mario’s Restaurant on lower King Street.

Now that Clinton is the official Democratic candidate, the Inside Press had the opportunity to interview key supporters who have been staying near and dear to her campaign and/or working constructively on “Get Out the Vote,” referred to commonly as GOTV. We heard firsthand their reflections on what it means to have one of our most famous neighbors as the potential next President.

Dawn Evans Greenberg, a 17-year resident of Chappaqua, and founder of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival and Chappaqua Cares, moved into the neighborhood the same year as the Clintons. She is now the President of Chappaqua Friends of Hill (CFOH), a group that includes more than 400 members with 50 actively working on getting out the vote. “I always knew she would be the nominee. I am even more devoted to her than I was in the past. Her positions mirror my positions and I’ve gotten to know her a little better and see the heart behind her policies. I’m thrilled.”

“Chappaqua is always a magical place and honestly the fact that the former President is here and Hillary–I have to pinch myself everyday. The fact that we live a mile away and that we see her downtown and she knows who we are just amazes me,” exclaimed Greenberg who has spearheaded events around town celebrating milestones in the campaign. There have been regular meetings at Le Jadin du roi and at Chappaqua Station to plan and “primary watch” parties at Mario’s on lower King Street. “On August 6th, one week after the Democratic Convention, the CFOH will host a town wide event to celebrate the nomination of Secretary Clinton. It will be a family celebration with games, music and bbq, celebrating the first woman nominee of a major party and our hometown girl.”

Hillary Clinton stepped off the parade route this year to take a few moments to say hello and express her appreciation to the Chappaqua Friends of Hill grassroots group.

Chappaqua Friends of Hill Founder Dawn Evans Greenberg says "the future of her boys--and all children — Chappaqua Friends of Hill Founder Dawn Evans Greenberg says “the future of her boys–and all children” is her biggest motivator for supporting Secretary Clinton.” Jackson is a 7th grader at Bell and Ben is a 4th grader at Roaring Brook.

Beth Sauerhaft moved back to town nine years ago after growing up here. She has never been part of a political campaign before but is now a member of the Chappaqua Friends of Hill. ”When someone comes from your community, you feel like they understand you and it’s a touchpoint. This isn’t just Joe or Jane from somewhere else in the country. It is someone who has put down some roots here and that is one of the reasons that has really compelled me to get involved.”

Another resident who has been actively supporting Hillary is Ann Styles Brochstein who along with New Castle resident Cynthia Metcalf founded what they called until recently Hillary NOW, a social media group active on Facebook with members from all over the country. After Hillary Clinton clinched the nomination, they changed the name to: Chappaqua & the U.S. 4 Hillary NOW. The group scours news stories about Hillary but also offers a distinctly Chappaqua perspective on her. “We see something that the rest of the country unfortunately doesn’t get to see. We see a member of our community and somebody who is warm and engages with us. We really want to convey the warmth and the human personal side of her.” Brochstein, who holds an MBA and worked in the world of finance for many years, truly believes that “she is hands down the most qualified person we’ve had running for office in a long time. The culmination and accumulation of her personal and life experiences has made her a natural candidate.” To that end, the group expresses pride that it posts press releases daily from the campaign and have steadily grown their Twitter presence to 2800 followers. “Cynthia Metcalf and I make an effort to post original tweets/opinions in addition to re-tweeting posts we find interesting.”

Ann Styles Brochstein who together with Cynthia Metcalf started the Facebook/Twitter accounts for the new Chappaqua & the U.S. for Hillary NOW. Here with Hillary Clinton on the morning of the NY Democratic primary.

These key supporters around town have non gratis extended their considerable professional skills and connections to support her candidacy. The passionate support is, in fact, a labor of love and commitment to her campaign–and includes those who work full time at their own jobs or businesses.

That is true for Dawn Dankner Rosen, owner of a marketing and public relations firm in town and president of the local Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce. She told the Inside Press she has “conducted media blitzes” to gain coverage of her at events here; “I’m not sure there’s ever been a candidate more qualified…her positions on LGBT rights, gun control, women, abortion, health care and her overall approach to dealing with foreign and domestic issues align with my own and have sealed the deal for me,” Rosen stated. Also a member of Chappaqua Friends of Hill, Rosen stated she is “exhilarated, motivated, inspired and excited to be a part of this historic “Hillary movement”–for women, children, our country and the entire world as we now know it to be, and hope that it will become!”

Fundraising for Hillary in her backyard is also a critical activity for supporters around town. Tracy Stein held a major fundraiser in April under a tent inside her home where Hillary had a chance to speak directly with many hometown supporters and mingle with some before and after. “My husband Marco Masotti and I have been involved because we view it as our civic duty and want our children to know that you must be part of the political process to make a better world,” Stein told the Inside Press. “But we’re especially excited about the promise of Hillary Clinton. In addition to being part of this incredible moment in history with the first woman candidate, Secretary Clinton is an excellent candidate, especially compared to her very dangerous competition.”

Tracy Stein (to the right of Hillary Clinton) and her family during an April fundraiser inside her home.

And it’s not all local moms (or dads) rallying behind her. Justin Thaler, who was born and bred in New Castle will be entering his sophomore year at Roger Williams University; he is a member of Chappaqua Friends of Hill and weighs in regularly at the Chappaqua & US 4 Hillary NOW page too. As a millennial, Thaler acknowledges that it can be hard to be a Hillary supporter “with so many people in school that are [Bernie] Sanders supporters. Having to get into conversations with others whether defending her on key issues [whether it be women’s rights or LGBT rights], I know her record and I know what she means to me. Being her neighbor has really made me understand more of her as a candidate and really admire her as a person.”

Historical Perspective
Gray Williams, the town historian and a trustee of the New Castle Historical Society noted that we have had two residents that have run for President. “Horace Greeley ran in 1872 for President and was decidedly beaten by Grant and I hope that doesn’t set a precedent [for Clinton].“ Although Greeley had a summertime residence here, Mr. Williams notes that “the Clintons have definitely made this their community. This is where they vote. This is where they are on the Census. Hillary has been marching for many years in the annual Memorial Day parade and is very faithful about that. When she was in her official capacity as a Senator she would come in and swear in our local representatives such as the Town Judge and did it for several years. She went out of her way to do that. She and Bill definitely create good vibes in the community.”

While most interviewees supported Clinton, there are of course dissenting opinions around town. Michael Levine, a registered Republican and Millwood resident questioned her veracity and said “I actually voted for Bill Clinton once because I think he is a more genuine person. I can’t believe anything Hillary says. Anything she does is for her best and not for the benefit of the country.” When prodded about what advice Greeley known as “Old Honesty” would have given Clinton, Mr. Williams suggested “Be honest and straightforward as possible.”

Those who support Hillary don’t try to ‘change the minds’ of those clearly not in her camp but will convey their passion and best talking points of the campaign to persuade the undecideds or, as is the case with CFOH, work hard to make sure voters who do say they support Hillary arrive at the polls–and vote. Indeed, the CFOH group has reached out well past Chappaqua borders to help with GOTV, Greenberg explains. The CFOH did extensive phoning into Connecticut, Kentucky, West Virginia, Wisconsin, New Jersey and California. Members also traveled to Connecticut to canvass, said Greenberg, plus sent four teams to Essex County, NJ over the last weekend before the vote. “Our biggest task was running the Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and Peekskill campaign offices leading up to the NY Primary,” she said. “Two dozen of us put in 12-hour days and had a fantastic time doing it. We’ll be doing Westchester GOTV efforts in the fall for the general election, as well as traveling to swing states. Also, 14 of us are headed to the Philadelphia Convention in late July!”

While the GOTV efforts are critically important to the campaign, no matter how a particular Chappaquan goes about helping Hillary Clinton, there’s universal agreement that the former first Lady, two time Senator and Secretary of State, and now presumptive Democratic nominee for the President of the United States, continues to trail blaze.

Brochstein who has lived here since 1992 recalls that a lot of residents didn’t know what to expect initially of the Clintons when they first moved here. “They [the Clintons] weren’t native New Yorkers and over time they have really become part of the fabric of the community and very beloved. Here not only will we have a sitting President but we will have the first woman President and for so many reasons and in so many ways, it’s historic and really exciting.”

Stacey Pfeffer lives in Chappaqua with her three young children and husband. As a second generation American and daughter of a Vietnam veteran, she has never missed an opportunity to vote and can usually be seen voting with at least one of her children in tow. (Additional reporting by Grace Bennett, Publisher and Editor, Inside Press)