The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Chappaqua

Taking the Stress out of Money Management

by

Scott M. Kahan, CFP®, hard at work. Photo by Matt Smith
Scott M. Kahan, CFP®, hard at work.
Photo by Matt Smith

As the average layperson might attest, financial planning can be quite the daunting task. You may feel so overwhelmed with all the other business associated with your child going to college, or facing that impending retirement, that perhaps you may simply forget the financial aspect until it’s too late. Maybe you fall into that group of people who are so confused by the jargon that they put it off altogether in fear of it being too complicated to handle. Or, you may be one of a few who think they’ve got it all covered with their basic number crunching and investment portfolios, but who doesn’t yet realize there’s so much more to do. Whatever your reason, financial management expert Scott M. Kahan, CFP®, wants you to rest assured that he and his staff at Financial Asset Management Corporation know exactly how to help!

Since 1986, Kahan, founder and President of FAM, has been serving the good people of Chappaqua (and some in Manhattan, where also has an office) with the time-tested belief of putting his clients’ needs first.

“Being a small firm, we get very involved with our clients’ lives [and] we take things very seriously,” he says, of FAM’s approach. “It’s a personalized service that allows us to fully understand our client’s goals and objectives. We’re here to work for the client…With us, what you see is what you get.”

And to that end, “what you see” is quite extensive. The firm offers comprehensive wealth management, including both financial planning (cash flow, saving for college, tax planning, retirement planning, and insurance review) and investment management, all with that same emphasis of valuing clients’ needs above all else. “We’re a fee-only firm [meaning we don’t generate commission; our compensation comes solely from our clients], and we act solely as fiduciaries.” Acknowledging “money can cause a lot of stress,” he adds that “our goal and role is to alleviate that stress through conversation.”

The first introductory meeting at FAM is completely free, allowing potential clients and advisors alike to gauge how they can help each other. “We describe financial planning as a road map,” Kahan explains. “If you want to [drive] from New York to California, you have to plan out your trip.” Similarly, that initial meeting with a financial advisor “will address where [a client] wants to go, what the obstacles are, and how they can successfully [evade them].”

Indeed, it’s quite the lengthy process, but that’d be the case anywhere…and there’s no question clients appreciate the one-on-one, ethical approach. “[Clients] know that if they come and work with us, they’re going to get honest answers,” Kahan continues. “We will give [them] the education they need, and provide as many resources as they need until they feel comfortable.”

For Kahan, a belief in “doing what’s in the client’s best interest” isn’t limited to his work professionally; it also holds great significance in his personal relationships with people throughout the community. “For me, it’s about also giving back,” Kahan continues. “As a Chappaqua resident for the last 22 years, [with] two kids that went through the school system and graduated from Greeley, I take a lot of pride in this community…I think it’s important to get involved and give back.”

And give back he has. In addition to his professional offerings at FAM, he previously served as Treasurer on the Board for the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund for two terms, spanned over 11 years. (“It’s a great organization that helps make up the difference for Greeley graduates to pay for college.”) With the help of a local college financial director, Kahan also presents an annual seminar at Horace Greeley High School as part of their Financial Aid Night to help parents prepare and plan to pay for college, noting, “Besides retirement, [paying for college] is probably the biggest financial concern parents have.”

In addition to his local work, Kahan is also currently a Trustee for the Foundation for Financial Planning, a national organization which provides funding for the military and other underserved groups to receive pro bono financial planning.

Whomever he is advising, Kahan maintains that when done properly and correctly, financial planning can really work. Judging by his approach, it’s easy to see why his clients agree: “They just feel relieved, getting up and walking out knowing that a) they have someone to talk to about their financial issues and b) they know someone is going to provide objective advice and help them reach their goals.” And knowing he’s played a part in making it happen, Kahan simply couldn’t be happier.

Financial Asset Management Corporation is located at 26 S. Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua. For more information, call 914-238-8900 or visit www.famcorporation.com.

Matt Smith is a writer and regular contributor to The Inside Press. For further information or inquiry, please visit www.mattsmiththeatre.com.

Daniel Lauter Quartet at Chappaqua

by

10_22-chappaqua-promo-full

DANIEL LAUTER QUARTET live at Chappaqua Station  

Cool original music, super catchy melodies, awesome beats!  At Chappaqua’s best venue for foodies and live music. Housed in the original Train Station building, it retains it’s old world charm with the warmth of a classic all wood interior, stone exterior coupled with a relaxed vibe and modern menu.

Daniel Lauter –Saxophones

Charles Blenzig – Piano

Seth Moutal – Drums and Tabla

Lee Marvin – Upright Bass

—

THE QUARTET:

Daniel Lauter – Chappaqua resident, dynamic world music saxophonist, composer of catchy and melodic original jazz, tribal swing, funk, and groove based music styles.

Charles Blenzig –  hugely talented jazz piano and synth player, and teacher at Purchase Conservatory, whose music encompasses bebop and modern-day fusion.

Seth Moutal – ‘electric’ performer, drummer and percussionist, easily moves between funk, jazz, middle Eastern, African styles.

Lee Marvin – creative, solid and versatile bassist, contemporary composer, performer, plays with the Lehman College faculty jazz ensemble, rocks both funk, and jazz styles.

Sat Oct 22nd, 8-11 PM

—

TICKETS:

$10 per person for a table reservation.   Bar seating available on first come, first served basis.

—

EVENTBRITE:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dan-lauter-quartet-tickets-27278204845

CFRAH to Town of New Castle: Halt Conifer Project Until MTA Addresses Safety Concerns

by

Chappaqua for Responsible Affordable Housing (CFRAH) has written to the New Castle Town Board asking that it halt further approvals for the Conifer 28 unit affordable housing project until a full safety evaluation is performed by MTA. Earlier an MTA safety inspection team informally took a first look at the Conifer site at the request of our supervisor, Rob Greenstein. The safety team expressed grave concerns in the event of a derailment to such extent that they would recommend against granting Conifer the easement and “no build agreement” necessary for the Conifer project in view of its closeness to the MTA/Metro North tracks.54huntsplace

The safety team saw the potential for building collapse, loss of life and injury to occupants.  The Conifer apartment building would be fifteen feet from the tracks and supported by columns from the ground floor open parking area, supporting the three residential floors above. These factors, the MTA safety team logically concluded, would make the proposed residential building vulnerable to collapse in the event of a derailment.

CFRAH was shocked to learn that MTA upper management directed the safety inspection team not to do an on-site analysis and evaluation of risk in the event of derailment or other accident.  Historically there have been derailments in Chappaqua. CFRAH reminded the Town of the unpredictability of railroad accidents and the example of the horrible grade crossing collision in Hawthorne that took the lives of six commuters, two of whom were from Chappaqua.south_and_east_elevations

No explanation has been given for the MTA’s refusal to allow its safety experts to conduct the complete analysis. CFRAH has urged the Town to insist that the MTA safety experts be authorized and directed by MTA to  evaluate the risks to the occupants of the proposed Conifer apartments in the event of collision or derailment or other unforeseen events involving the railroad and its proximity to the project.

To read the letter sent to the board, in its entirety, please see our Facebook group “Chappaqua for Responsible Affordable Housing”.

Will She Have Chappaqua’s Support?

by

chappaqua-summer-writing-program-for-girls-photo-three

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.

Studio Taps into the Fun & Joy that Dance Brings

by

A Visit with ‘Ms. Carol’ and ‘Ms. Dina’ inside Chappaqua’s Dance Emotions Studio

dance emo 1
Ms. Dina (left) & Ms. Carol

By Matt Smith

“Not everybody takes dance to become a dancer–and you don’t have to. [Dancing] is fun and healthy for anyone’s body and mind. If you have the desire within you, you shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Such is the reigning philosophy at Dance Emotions, the Chappaqua-based multi-arts studio nestled on the second floor of a professional building in the center of town. With its wide variety of dance and fitness classes–from Zumba, yoga, barre and core workouts, to tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, etc.–the studio prides itself on its inclusivity, opening its classes up to people of all ages, regardless of ability. “[We feel] that everyone is important, and we’re here to give everybody the equal opportunity to develop their skills,” emphasizes Carol Mamara, known affectionately as ‘Ms. Carol’ to students and alumni, and who founded the studio over 30 years ago. “[We’re] a very loving, caring, and accepting place.”

A dancer herself, Mamara trained under ballerina Nina Tinova and famed tap dancer Charles Lowe, to name a few, before heading onto the June Taylor School of Dance and continuing with jazz great Frank Hatchett, among others. She also performed on TV and at such esteemed venues as Carnegie Hall and the Broadway Dance Center.

After moving to the suburbs to raise her family (and while on the Board of the Westchester Dance Council), Mamara sought to create her own company as a way to “bring the professionalism of New York City to Westchester.” She began at a studio in lower Westchester, but felt compelled to move to Chappaqua as “I felt at home here.” Lucky for her, her students felt the same way, and followed her uptown. (“I even had a couple of families who ended up moving into the area,” she laughs.)

Warren Rosenberg Photo
Warren Rosenberg Photo

“We’re a family place,” Mamara reiterates–and she means that in the fullest sense of the phrase. She caught the bug from her mother, and has successfully passed it on to daughter Dina Michelle, who heads the studio’s Community Outreach division. Hoping Dina will eventually bring in the next generation, Mamara’s happy to report that several alumni have followed suit with their kids: “We have moms that we taught when they were kids [who] are now bringing their daughters and sons to us,” she explains.

And why shouldn’t they? They’ve already experienced everything Dance Emotions has to offer! In addition to the aforementioned programming, dancers perform at a variety of county-wide events and several off-site community centers throughout the year, including BOCES, school enrichment programs, the JCC, and Cerebral Palsy of Westchester. Regional and national competitions round out the season at large, which culminates in an collaborative end-of-year show held in June. And don’t forget The Nutcracker, presented in part by Impact Dance Company, their non-profit organization, and performed with live accompaniment from The Chappaqua Orchestra.

There’s also the fact that several alumni have gone on to prestigious careers in the dance and performing arts fields, appearing in worldwide dance companies, music videos, tours, TV commercials, and even on Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance–which, of course, make Ms. Carol and Ms. Dina very proud.

They also take pride in knowing they helped get the students there, and are equally affected when the students recognize them for that. “All our alumni–and even our current students–say to us, ‘If it wasn’t for you and Dance Emotions, [I wouldn’t have] the confidence in myself to do these things,’” shares Mamara.

These “things” in question are, of course, social skills and self-esteem. “You can walk into a room and just feel good about yourself,” states Mamara. It’s exactly this strong and healthy sense of self Mamara aimed to tap into when she first opened the company.

“The studio is called ‘Dance Emotions’ for a reason,” she explains. “There are many emotions in dance.” Mamara’s very happy to know that students walk away having experienced each of them.

And what does Mamara consider the most rewarding news to receive from an alum? “That they [now] use dance as a stress reliever! It’s not a job; it’s just fun.”

Of course, whether the students and their families know it or not, that rewarding feeling is reciprocated: “I feel honored for them to be trusting us,” notes Dina.

Likewise, Mamara wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s my calling in life,” she says, with a smile. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity of having the world of dance opened to me. If I can be instrumental in bringing this joy, fun, and happiness to others,” she concludes, “I’ll consider myself a lucky girl.” There’s no doubt she has.

Dance Emotions is located on the second floor of 75 South Greeley Avenue. For information on programs and performances, please visit www.danceemotions.net

Matt Smith is a writer and regular contributor to the Inside Press. For further information or inquiry, please visit www.mattsmiththeatre.com.

Deborah Lea Cohen Photos
Deborah Lea Cohen Photos
Deborah Lea Cohen Photos
Deborah Lea Cohen Photos