The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Chappaqua

Town Board Hashes Out the Proposed Opening Hours at Chappaqua Crossing

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By Eileen Gallagher

Chappaqua Crossing was on the agenda at the town board work session on Tuesday, specifically Whole Foods, and the conversation with the developer, Felix Charney, got heated. Much of the discord centered on proposed opening hours and a non-temperature controlled compactor/loading area, which could pose a problem in the warmer months.

What is not disputed is the necessity for some deliveries to occur an hour prior to opening. The hour for opening, however, is the issue.
Supervisor Rob Greenstein suggested having the store open at 8 a.m., and restricting delivery hours for tractor trailers until after 7 a.m. Charney supports a 7 a.m. opening, contending that morning users of the “mandated gym” are looking for something to eat when they are finished.

A resident in attendance, John Ehrlich, advised the town board after a quick internet search that all of the Westchester Whole Foods locations keep the same hours: 8 a.m-10 p.m..

Dr. John Collins, the traffic expert hired by Summit Greenfield, felt it would be sufficient to limit tractor trailers (there would be two a day) to 8 a.m. and allow the smaller trucks to “self-regulate.”

As for the compactor, town board member Adam Brodsky brought up the fact that if this “epicenter of one of the largest nuisances the property is generating” is not “refrigerated”, the refuse will “cook in the heat.”

Architect Andy Tung described the loading dock as an area enclosed on three sides with a cover on top. “The box itself is sealed, at the rear of the store, and 400 feet from any residential building.”

“The loading dock is the closest thing to existing homes,” said councilwoman Lisa Katz, expressing concern about residents hearing the beeping of trucks in reverse and being subjected to malodorous refuse.

Charney reiterated that Summit Greenfield is “not looking to be any more intrusive to our neighbors than this whole process has already been,” and reminded the board that the deadline for site plan approval for Whole Foods is June 30. “This has taken longer than we all expected.” Tung promised that a final site plan application would be ready in June.

Paving the way…

Gerry Moerschell, Commissioner of Public Works, requested an increase in the 2015 budgeted amount for paving town roads of at least $400k.

Citing the condition of the roads after years of economic woes, Moerschell explained in detail the need for rebuilding certain roads rather than just applying an overlay of asphalt.
“We pay a lot in taxes. If we have the money, we owe it to our residents to give them as smooth a road as possible,” Greenstein stated, going on to say that residents he has heard from are frustrated with the poor condition of many of the roads in town.

Comptroller Rob Deary eased the decision for the board as he described the town’s “good financial year” in 2014. “I am comfortable with [an increase of] $400k.”

Town Administrator Jill Shapiro summarized the paving budget amounts as $255k CHIPS ( Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program ) funding (a reimbursable amount), the original 2015 budgeted amount of $400k, and the additional request of $400k.

“We have to do it when we can do it, or else it’s never going to get done,” Greenstein stressed. “We need it, we have the money, and the comptroller is comfortable with it.”

Members of the board were willing to approve up to $600k, but councilwoman Elise Mottel was concerned about the depletion of the town’s salt supply. As Moerschell estimated that the purchase of more salt for the next winter season would cost an additional $200k due to the state’s increase of the price of road salt of 25%, the board unanimously agreed to the original paving request for $400k.

Coming soon…

George Barbarossa of Rev Design presented the new, easy to use, easy to update town website, expected to be unveiled around May 8th, after tax collection.

Barbarossa spoke of reaching out to department heads to get an idea of the most widely used features of the website in order to come up with a “rearchitected” site.

Board member Jason Chapin asked about a continuous improvement process. “How much is collapsed so it’s not three to five clicks?” he asked regarding the navigation of the site.

“The most heavily trafficked areas are one to two clicks.”

The site’s front page will feature drop down menus, and a running blog of latest news, along with press releases, e-news, and the Supervisor’s report.

In other news…

Town board members discussed the need for a “mailbox replacement policy” to address the incidental winter plowing of mailboxes (estimated between five and ten this winter) and the resulting reimbursement to the homeowners. Neighboring towns differ in their policies, with Bedford issuing $125, others $50, and New Castle $250, according to Shapiro.

Brodsky and Town Planner Sabrina Charney Hull will be members of a Streetscape Design Committee, along with Environmental Coordinator Steve Coleman, a merchant, and a member of the Master Plan Steering Committee.

Art Under the Bridge banners will be installed in Millwood and at the train station along with Farmers’ Market, Shop Local, and Distracted Driving banners.

Chapin expressed concern about increasing legal fees. “We’ve spent $14k on Conifer… so these numbers are going up and it’s making me uncomfortable.”

Greenstein responded, “Well, that site makes a lot of people uncomfortable.”

Finally, a reminder: The Rotary Club of Chappaqua will be holding a pancake breakfast and blood drive on Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 191 South Greeley Avenue, walk-ins welcome.

What Music Means to Us: Music in Chappaqua

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Ava Anduze, Jeremy Goldstein, Brian Siegel, Ethan Quirke and Dhruv Franklin
Ava Anduze, Jeremy Goldstein, Brian Siegel, Ethan Quirke and Dhruv Franklin

By Kaila Allison

When you come into our studio, you’ll hear many sounds. In one room, a piano student will be blazing through scales; in another, a rock band will be plugging in and tuning up. Each day at Music in Chappaqua, students come to relax to an environment where they can express themselves freely.

I first arrived at Music in Chappaqua as an anxious ten-year-old and started piano lessons with Justin Jacobs, a faculty member since 2001. Shortly after, playing the piano became a necessary calming force for me. Justin summed up perfectly what music means to him, saying simply, “It’s life.”

That’s exactly what music is for the students here. However, the goal of the school is not to create perfect performers, but to foster musicianship and encourage students to use music in the way it will most benefit them.

Another long-time member of the faculty, Danny Golub, explained to me how music kept him out of a lot of trouble as a kid. “If it wasn’t for music, I wouldn’t be good at much else,” he said. Danny is adored by his students, who feel his unique attention pushes them to do better. His caring nature goes beyond just the students’ musical accomplishments, but extends to all aspects of their lives. Our faculty has also been responsible for motivating students to practice effectively and 
feel confident about their skills in development.

Live Pirrotti, Jake Gordon, Matty Templeton and Matthew Turk
Live Pirrotti, Jake Gordon, Matty Templeton
and Matthew Turk

Part of what solidifies the students’ musicianship is their participation in a variety of performance opportunities at different venues throughout the year. One such performance was our most recent concert on March 21st at MTK Tavern in Mt. Kisco (the pictures you see here!), featuring our rock workshop bands. Live Pirrotti, who performed, told us that music means more than just performing for fun, but also for a bandmate’s cause: “At our recent show we were able to bring awareness about the rare genetic disease, GSD, to people through music. Jake’s Dad wrote up information about GSD, and I made a speech before the last song (“My Hero” by the Foo Fighters) telling people about GSD and the need for donations to help fund the research for a cure. The Foo Fighters inspired Jake, and so our Band wanted to inspire others to help the cause… I’m very thankful to be able to be in 
an amazing band and to play shows. I’m truly my happiest when I’m singing on stage.”

The students here are impressive to say the least. They balance a full schedule of after school activities including plays, sports and academic clubs, while simultaneously maintaining their love and devotion to musical improvement.

Taylor Chiola, a high school senior and student at Music in Chappaqua, says, “All of the teachers have guided me in different ways and taught me valuable skills I need for my career as a musician.” Taylor says that her experience at the school has inspired her to want to become a music teacher herself. She is looking forward to interning at the school in May.

Tori Robinson, who plays piano, bass and sings in rock workshop bands at the school, says, “Music has given me a way to express myself in a way not a lot of people can.” Expression is a hard thing for many children, who are faced with difficulties going through school and adolescence in general. However, music can ease this journey.

As private lessons and rock workshops continue, Music in Chappaqua is getting ready for our popular summer day camp, The New York Rock Academy.

Zach Munowitz, 16, says,“Music allows me to express emotions in a way that isn’t possible through words.” He started rock workshops at Music in Chappaqua in 2009 and attended the New York Rock Academy for five summers, even working as an intern and teaching lessons of his own. His time at Music in Chappaqua has given him the skills required to form his own band and ignite his interest in music production and audio engineering. He was then able to design an electronic music course at his school. It’s this kind of success that drives Music in Chappaqua to continue its growth.

All of this and more is what music means to us. What does music mean to you?

For more information, visit 
www.musicinchappaqua.com

Getting to Know Georgia Hobaica Frasch

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georgia-f
Georgia, multi-tasking per usual. Melani Lust Photo

A Chappaqua Mom Extraordinaire!

By Grace Bennett

When Georgia Hobaica Frasch (friends call her Georgie) arrived in Chappaqua eight years ago, she could not have predicted that, fast forward three years, she would be so heavily involved with a powerfully influential social media platform (now over 5,000 members strong) that has been all the rage in New Castle: Chappaqua Moms on Facebook!

Georgia, and her husband Ron Frasch, a former President of Saks Fifth Avenue and CEO of Bergdorf Goodman’s, arrived here for the same reasons so many of us do: they viewed Chappaqua as a wonderful place to raise a new family, and they prepared to take advantage of our highly ranked schools and all the natural beauty this town has to offer.

And it is here that the couple has been happily raising twins: Honor, a 5th grader at Bell, Christian, a 5th grader at the Windward School in White Plains; and Gracie Bea., a second grader at Roaring Brook. The most recent adorable addition, Buster, a mini goldendoodle puppy greeted me too, wagging his tail happily from inside his crate.

While their house hunting began in Greenwich, the couple shifted their sights to Chappaqua, after falling in love with a 1902 Center Hall Colonial on Hardscrabble Road, a home they have lovingly and completely refurbished, including restoring an original, stone chapel in the backyard–and in 2013, adding a jewel of a pool. Their quaint and welcoming but meticulously restored home has since been featured in a New Castle House Tour by the New Castle Historical Society, and Georgia has added membership on the board of the NCHS to an impressive list of volunteer activities. “I have a million ideas for ways to promote local music, art and history,” she excitedly shared.

Georgia and Ron at a St. Luke’s Orchestra gala
Georgia and Ron at a St. Luke’s Orchestra gala

Indeed, what emerged most from meeting Georgia is that while many of you may know her best as the lady who so diplomatically manages so much of the chatter on Chappaqua Moms–the page originally founded by professional photographer and Chappaqua Mom Julie Scott–there is way more to Georgia than her role with Chappaqua Moms. The same combination of TLC and professionalism she displays on a Facebook page is in full swing elsewhere too.

But first, there are humble beginnings to note…underpinnings of the seemingly storybook life Georgia leads today. Her early life experiences shaped her deeply ingrained work ethic and also a profound sense of appreciation for everything she enjoys today.  That is as true for her as it is for her husband Ron too, she related. “I pinch myself every day. I never lose sight of the fact that I’ve been blessed to have everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m so content,” she said. “Ron and I both come from similar backgrounds and feel honored to be able to give back to the community”

For Georgia, giving back has been an exercise of offering her time toward what she is most passionate about. Music, and specifically a love for Bach, ranks as #1. 
“I studied piano as a child and classical music really spoke to me, especially Bach,” said Georgia, who, after ten years on the board, is now Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the prestigious Orchestra of St. Luke’s–the orchestra that is in residency at Carnegie Hall and the Morgan Library from fall to spring, and every summer at Caramoor.

She is also on the advisory board of the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee and on the Board of Directors for The Bach Vespers in New York City.

Georgia and her family in Paris
Georgia and her family in Paris

Georgia was born in Utica, New York, in 1962.  Her parents were both first generation Lebanese. The family struggled for a time while her father went to dental school (thanks to the provisions of a GI Bill) and her mother raised Georgia, the eldest of three children. She describes jobs cleaning homes in Utica at age 12 to start saving money for college. “I had three or four houses I cleaned. I did what I had to do. I raked leaves too and sold Christmas cards door to door.” 
Georgia was also a bright, diligent student. And in high school, she studied Italian for all four years.

With a proficiency in Italian, she was off to enjoy a three-month exchange program “all over” Italy immediately post high school. Soon, Georgia (while working full time at Barney’s) attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and graduated in 1982. Her next plan was to attend Boston University to study art history. She never made it to B.U., she explained, after being approached by Zanella, the Italian men’s clothing company, to help them develop a fledgling women’s wear line. (They were impressed by her Italian language skills!) The only caveat was “that I’d have to be available to travel every six weeks to Italy.”

“I was having doubts about art history, and wondering how I would parlay that into making more money to support myself,” she said.  Accepting the job offer, Georgia began to lay the groundwork for a highly successful career in the merchandising and production of Italian luxury goods.

Early on, at Zanella, Georgia met her first husband from Stockholm, a marriage that lasted three years. Between that time and when she met Ron, Georgia described a “Sex in the City” single-woman lifestyle, living in several Italian cities:
“I dated but I also had a knack for staying friends with most of the men I went out with- some are still my closest friends!”

At the same time, Georgia’s career catapulted her to roles at different Italian wear companies, and she continued to grow professionally–first at Malo (an eight year position running their women’s cashmere division in Florence) and finally at the famed Rebecca Moses, north of Milan.

While at Rebecca Moses, Georgia met Ron Frasch (but not for the first time), at the Principe Hotel in Milan; they were both there for the Italian fashion shows. He was with his people and Georgia was with hers. The encounter was professional: “In fact, I had been keeping a clipping folder on Ron since my days back at Zanella,” she recalls. Following one meeting in which Ron was clearly harboring a secret crush, a date followed at Calle Ocho in NYC. “We had such a great time, and discovered we were both from upstate. We laughed our heads off; I thought he was a wonderful man but that maybe I could set him up with an older and beautiful woman I knew.”

Chappaqua Mom’s founder, photographer Julie Scott with Georgia
Chappaqua Mom’s founder, photographer Julie Scott with Georgia

She continued, “I didn’t think of him as a candidate. I was 38 and he was 53. I still wanted kids; he already had grown children!” (Ron’s kids from his first marriage are Nicholas, who lives in New Mexico, and Laura, outside of Atlanta.) A cat and mouse game ensued for weeks as Georgia did possess a clear “sense that he liked me.”

“Ron was everything I was looking for but we seemed to be in different places in our lives.” Ron wasn’t letting this one go without a fight, however.  On Bleeker Street, over another date at Da Silvano–a hot spot of “who’s who in the fashion world”–the two kept comically being interrupted by fashion celebrity figures.

“Just as Ron was getting confessional, Calvin Klein came over to our table, and then the fashion director of Bloomingdales. Finally, Ron found a quiet, intimate moment in which to say to Georgia that he thought we made a “great couple” and would make “even better parents!” Basically, Ron Frasch made crystal clear to Georgia that he was open to having more children. “We quickly fell head over heels, crazy in love, and went off for a magical year of travel, south of France, Capri, Portofino…

That these love birds eventually found their way to raising three children in Chappaqua in recent years has proved to be a boon to the community at large.

In 2008, Chappaqua-based photographer Julie Scott, then a parent of preschoolers, decided that a “Chappaqua Moms” page on Facebook would foster a much-needed sense of community. And not only as a place to exchange tips for travel or find a referral to a good plumber.

“In dire circumstances, especially, such as Hurricane Sandy and the recent Metro North tragedy, it has been an incredible tool.” Over time, Julie tapped Georgia for help with the page. “She was very encouraging and supportive of me and has become a great friend too,” Julie explained.

“Georgia puts so much of her time into it, and I applaud her efforts. Three years ago, after Sandy hit, Georgia said they thought it would be good to “open the group to other towns to share information and resources,” and membership then quickly exploded.

So, of course, I had to ask: “With all you do, Georgia, why are you taking the time to manage Chappaqua Moms?” She was very prepared to share her reasons:

“I view it as a civic obligation to the community.”

“I enjoy it.”

“I enjoy seeing people come together for the greater good.”

“I feel satisfied and fulfilled to be part of that process.”

“I am proud of the many philanthropic and kind people in this community. When a call to arms is raised, we come together: whether it is helping a family forced out of a home on account of a fire, or helping to find transport for a mom going through chemo, or creating meal trains for people who are ill or otherwise challenged. We have collected eyeglasses for third world countries and bundles and bundles of clothing.”

What have you learned, I asked. Georgia is unequivocal when she states that she believes in the goodness of everyone. “If people are given a chance to do good, they will. Chappaqua Moms offers that platform. I am very proud to be part of a virtual Main Street USA that connects people in the community.

It is not without its issues.

The exchanges can create a guise of intimacy that can be somewhat false, Georgia offered gently. “People write things they might say to a friend but forget it is being broadcast to 5,000 people.”

“Sometimes, comments exceed the boundaries of graciousness and good manners,” she adds too, with a wink.

“I give everyone the benefit of the doubt, however; I’m not Judge Judy; I don’t want to act as the arbiter of what is polite and what’s not. But I draw the line if there is character assassination, name calling and business bashing. I’ll private message the offender first with a heads up.”

By and large, the greater good far outweighs the occasional conflict. “It’s a wonderful group of people. We support our local moms and help get the word out about who we are and what we can do for each other and the community.”

Grace Bennett, publisher and editor of Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines, has gotten great story tips “listening to Chappaqua Moms talk” and appreciates the opportunity to share Inside Press posts with this virtual community. 

 

Hillary Clinton’s Hometown and State Public Officials Weigh in on her Second Historical Bid

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Hillary Clinton Photo by Ari Bennett

NitaLoweyhillary by ari

“I am very pleased to hear that Hillary Clinton is running for President of the United States. It would be a tremendous honor to have a sitting President, a past President and a sitting Governor, all living in New Castle. I was humbled when Hillary swore me in as Town Supervisor of New Castle, and at the time I said that I would happily return the favor by attending her inauguration as President of the United States. I applaud her distinguished career in public service and wish her the best during the upcoming campaign.”
Robert Greenstein, Town Supervisor, Town of New Castle

“I am thrilled to hear about Hillary Clinton’s decision to run for President of the United States and to therefore become…the very first woman president!! Starting with the first time I met the Clintons after they had just moved to Chappaqua, and I was standing outside of my firm’s office (which was then located on South Greeley Avenue), and then throughout the years and the many by-chance meetings while shopping or dining out in town and of course, at all the Memorial Day Parades–I have always felt it a real honor to call Hillary Clinton my “neighbor.” And, a true neighbor she is! Hillary is a warm and friendly presence here, a wonderful role model for our daughters (and sons) and she goes above and beyond–always “shopping local” as an enthusiastic supporter of our business community and our community overall. I couldn’t be more excited!! Go Hillary… all the way to Pennsylvania Avenue!
Dawn Dankner-Rosen, President, Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce

“I am very pleased that Hillary Clinton will be running for President of the United States, both as a long-time supporter and her State Assemblyman. Secretary Clinton brings the skills we need in a President to tackle the challenges that face the United States and the world. In addition, the Clintons have played an important role in raising the profile of our region, attracting national attention. To have a sitting President of the United States as our friend and neighbor in Chappaqua would highlight the hamlet’s historic and unique charms. I believe her presidency would be a great step ahead for Chappaqua and the entire country.”
New York State Assemblyman David Buchwald, D-Mt. Kisco

“Hillary has devoted her life’s work to public service. Among her many accomplishments, Hillary was a great partner in delivering relief to New York after September 11th and health coverage for more than 6 million American children. She has advanced women’s and gay rights domestically and internationally, and effectively represented the United States on the world stage. It has been my great honor to call Hillary Clinton my friend and constituent, Senator, and Secretary of State. I will work hard to ensure that in two years, we call her “Madam President.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey, D-New York

“Hillary Clinton has been a lifelong champion for middle-class families, an advocate for the underserved, and a fighter for civil rights. Her record reflects the steadfast belief that every American, no matter their race, gender or ethnicity, should have the right to achieve economic security and opportunity. She is a tested leader with the resilience and experience to be a great President. I was honored to work closely with her in the Clinton Administration, during a time of historic peace, prosperity and progress for our nation. Having known and worked with her for over 20 years, I wholeheartedly endorse Hillary Clinton’s campaign for President.”
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

“I was there the night Hillary won her first, tough bid for Senate after months of hard work. And now I hope to be there when she declares victory in November of 2016, as the first woman president-elect in the United States. Make no mistake–she’ll win. And when Hillary wins, we’ll all win. The country will have a president that values the middle class and fights for families the way Hillary has her entire career.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, D-New York

“I am thrilled Hillary Clinton is running and will do everything I can to help make sure she makes history as our first woman president. I will never forget when I heard then-First Lady Clinton speak about the need to improve the lives of women and children around the globe. Her clarion call that women’s rights are human rights was heard around the world and inspired me to choose public service. I cannot wait to help her in the Senate make her vision for a better world a reality. We’re entering a new era of our history with challenges distinct from those we faced even just eight years ago. Our next president must have the intellect, passion and experience to confront what’s ahead and secure the promise of equal opportunity for every American. Hillary shares that vision for a better future, one that we believe in for families and for ourselves. It’s time for us to do what we can together to make that vision a reality for middle class families. It’s time to get to work.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York

Secretary Hillary Clinton’s statement announcing her long awaited for candidacy…

“I was raised with the belief that living in this country was one of the greatest blessings anyone could have.

Today, for so many families, the path to lasting prosperity is unclear.

Families have fought their way back from tough economic times. But it’s not enough — not when the average CEO makes about 300 times what the average worker makes.

Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion.

I’ve spent my entire life standing up for women, children, families, and anyone who needed a little help along the way. That’s what this campaign will be about, and that’s what I’ll do every single day as your president.

It’s time for us to fight for people like my dad, who ran a small business and committed himself to building a better life for his family. People like my mom, who relied on the kindness of others to get through a tough childhood — and like my baby granddaughter, who deserves to grow up in a country where every single kid has the opportunity to live up to her or his potential.

This won’t be easy. And I won’t take anything for granted. I’m going to work my heart out to earn every single vote, because I know it’s your time.”

Hillary’s Run: The Interview

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By Evan and Jackie Glassman

© Ronni Diamondstein 2008, all rights reserved.
© Ronni Diamondstein 2008, all rights reserved.
On Sunday, September 28, 2008, the two of us had the opportunity to speak with our neighbor Senator Clinton and touched on several topics: her historic race, the current presidential campaign, her relationship with our community, and her advice for kids (like ours!) who are interested in public service.

Q (Evan): I actually met you and your husband in 1992 in New Hampshire while campaigning for President Clinton’s first race. I’ve been following your careers ever since, and have enjoyed writing the “Hillary’s Run” column for Inside Chappaqua over the past year. Thank you for taking some time to speak with us today.

A: I’m really happy to do it Evan, and I’m glad to know of the connection going back to 1992. We have two things in common — that campaign and living in Chappaqua. I appreciate the way that you have chronicled the campaign, and I’m very excited to talk with you today.

Q: We’ve all been watching from Chappaqua, and it’s been very exciting. Going back now, and I know its only been a few months since you stepped back from the campaign, what lessons can be drawn from your historic race?

A: I think first of all — what an amazing country this is despite all of our problems and challenges. The fact that the Democratic party fielded such a great group of candidates and it came down to Senator Obama and me says volumes about our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people willing to work for them. I also think that it’s a real reflection on the American people. I met so many young people whose dreams for going to college were cut short because they couldn’t afford to start or complete. I’m reminded time and again of the resilience and extraordinary commitment to the future that most Americans believe in. And what they’re looking for is a government that will be a partner with them and not make life even more difficult than it is.

Q: As you stand here today, what are you most proud of from your race?

A: I am really proud of the way we mobilized millions of people who participated in the front lines of a political campaign and made the phone calls and walked the streets, to those who showed up and voted for a better future. I was proud to be a woman working hard to shatter that glass ceiling and the connection that I felt with so many girls and young women and even older women in their 90s who had come to my events. Really, it was touching and meaningful to me because I felt that it was not only me running for the nomination to be our President, but it was a lot of people feeling empowered and excited about their own potential.

Q: Were you happy with the support you received from your hometown, Chappaqua?

A: Absolutely. I had so many people who came out and worked for me, who cheered me on, who were there every step of the way with me. I remember so well a woman who came up to me at the French Restaurant as we like to call it …

Q: That’s what we call it too …

A: And said, “I’m so proud to tell people I live in Chappaqua because of what your campaign means to me and to so many people.”

Q: What are your feelings about the way the current campaign is unfolding? It’s been a pretty dramatic week.

A: The country has faced a pretty dramatic challenge with the situation in the financial and credit markets. Democrats proved that we could turn the economy around when my husband went into office in 1993, and I think that people remember that, and they’re looking for steady and sensible leadership to guide us out of our current predicament, which is why on November 4th, we are going to win this election.

Q: I also wonder — and neighbors have been asking me this all week — when they heard I was going to have a moment with you — what you’re thinking about Senator McCain’s choice of Governor Palin as a running mate?

A: Well, it’s obviously one that excited the Republican base and excited people beyond the Republican Party to see a woman on the ticket. The Democrats did it in 1984 with Geraldine Ferraro, and the Republicans did it this year. I think it’s not going to sway the voters who need to be convinced. People are going to be asking — who is better for my family? Who is better for the economy? Who is more likely to move us toward quality affordable health care for everybody? The McCain-Palin ticket does not offer any of that. So, it’s an exciting choice, and I think people can be interested and moved by her story and her position on the ticket and conclude rightly that it’s not enough to convince them to support the same old Republican policies.

Q: How do you think they’re going to be preparing Governor Palin this week for her debate on October 2 in light of the reaction to her interview with Katie Couric a couple of days ago?

A: I don’t know Evan because it’s hard to be prepared for these debates. Joe Biden went through a lot of debates in the Presidential primary season as well as what he’s done his entire career. She apparently did debate when she ran for governor, but the quantum leap to standing on that stage in front of tens of millions of Americans is daunting. I don’t know what their strategy will be, but I think again, people can say well “good for her, she’s come a long way, she’s got a lot of achievements on the state level,” whether you agree with her or not, but Joe Biden is ready to be President. He has experience both in dealing with economic difficulties and certainly with strategic challenges we face around the world and I expect that will be the take away from the debate.

Q (Jackie): I’m going to switch gears now. How would you like to be remembered around town — far in the future?

A: As a good neighbor because I feel so much at home in Chappaqua. Both Bill and I had no idea what to expect when we bought our house in 1999. It’s almost 10 years. We have loved being part of the community. I know you have been active in the Chappaqua School Foundation, and I well remember when we were participating in the event that helped raise money and spread the word about the good work the Foundation has done. Bill has been involved in supporting the New Castle Historical Society.

Q: I have two questions from our children. The first from our ten-year-old son, Jacob, who is a fifth grader at Seven Bridges Middle School. He is planning to run for Class Representative and wanted to know if you had any tips?

A: I think first of all when you run for any office — school or in society — you have to start by making clear to your classmates that you want to represent them and do a good job to serve them. So you need to be a good listener. You want to ask people — “well what do you think we can make better at school?” We love our school, but what could be done differently that might make it even better than it is? You want to be sure that you talk to everybody. Don’t leave anybody out. You never know what somebody will do when they vote. Sometimes you assume this person would never vote for me, but you’ve got to ask everybody for his or her vote. You want to tell people that you’ll really really work hard. Now, if it works, then you’ve got to go to work and try to do everything you said. If it doesn’t work, don’t get discouraged. I ran for office in junior high school. I was a little older than Jacob. I didn’t win, but I didn’t give up because I think if you really want to serve people and help them, you may have to try a couple of times. When my husband first ran for Congress in 1974, he lost, but he didn’t give up. He kept going and eventually ended up being our President.

Q: My other question is from our six year-old daughter, Abby. It’s a similar question, but being that she’s a girl born into a world where girls can do anything — she would like to be president one day. She’s a first-grader. Any quick tips for her?

A: Well I hope that Abby feels like she can do anything. I hope that my running for President and being from Chappaqua has convinced her even more that there shouldn’t be any limits to what girls and boys can do. But just because we’re breaking down barriers and shattering the glass ceiling doesn’t mean that anybody is entitled to anything in our society. You really have to be prepared and you have to work hard and the best way to do that for Abby is to really love school, learn as much as she can, just get excited about participating in activities that she likes. If she’s an athlete, if she’s a musician, an artist, a dancer, a gymnast — whatever she likes — really throw herself into it. You may want to be President today when you’re six, but you may decide when you’re older that you want to do something else, but what’s most important is to do what you really feel passionate about, where you can best serve and what would give the most meaning to your life.

Evan and Jackie: Thank you. Thank you, Senator Clinton. It’s been an honor to talk to you today.

Senator Clinton: Nice talking to you, too.

Evan: Good luck with the bailout!

Senator Clinton: I think we have a deal, Evan. At least I hope we have a deal. And it’s a heck of a lot better than what we saw when it first arrived from the Treasury Department. It’s not everything that I or probably anybody else would want if we were starting from scratch, but I think it’s an improved plan that I hope can get to work pretty soon, so that we can avoid further economic dislocation, so that’s what I’m working on now.

Evan and Jackie: Thank you for your time.

Senator Clinton: Thank you. Take care everybody.

EVAN GLASSMAN is a litigation partner in the New York City office of Steptoe & Johnson LLP. JACKIE GLASSMAN writes children’s books and develops educational materials. She also serves on the Board of the Chappaqua School Foundation. They moved to Chappaqua in 2000 (shortly after the Clintons), where they live with their children Jacob and Abby.