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“Totally Awesome” Ronald Reagans Big 80s Show Brings Down the House at Summer Concert Series

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concert.Big 80s Summer Concert

Article and Photos by Matt Smith

As Jimmy McFly shreds a chord on the guitar, lead vocalist Beckie Gibson flips back her bangin’ teased-and-dyed-pink hair and throws up a peace sign. “Hello, Chappaqua!” she screams into the mic. “Are you ready to go back in time to the days where big hair ruled, stonewashed denim made you look so cool, and ‘milk did a body good?’” She steps back and takes a breath, while the crowd cheers in response. “We’re about to take you back in time, ‘Back to the Future,’ back to the baddest, most totally awesome decade… the 1980s!!”

And thus began the showcase of The Ronald Reagans Big ‘80s Show, the last of four weekly concerts held on Rec Field during the month of July, as part of Chappaqua’s 2015 Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Breezemont Day Camp and the New Castle Recreation and Parks Department.

concert.skyThroughout the night, the “bodaciously awesome” band, whose show came complete with 80s wigs, glow necklaces, and a smoke machine, offered up such favorites as “Material Girl,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” and more of the decade’s best.

“[The concert] was a blast!” said Gibson, of performing. “Hundreds of people came out and the Chappaqua crowd was lively as they cheered and danced all night.”

And “hundreds” would probably be an understatement. Returning fans came out in droves to take in the nostalgic throwback event, and it’s clear they weren’t disappointed. “It’s great entertainment,” said one concertgoer. “We come out every year. We love it.” Added another: “It’s nice to get together with friends, sit under the stars, and enjoy the music.” Yet another commented she used the annual occasion’s laid-back environment to “unwind after work.”

The evening also brought out a fair share of newcomers. “It’s the first one we’ve gone to, ever,” shared one patron. “It’s pretty great. We’ll have to come again.” Regarding the attendance as a whole, “the turnout was better than we thought,” commented Dawn Greenberg, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, who spearheaded the evening.

It was an especially great night for the younger attendees, who had an extra reason to be giddy; in addition to the music offerings, Wednesday’s event served as “Kid’s Night,” and sponsors galore led several ancillary activities. Of note, Making Headway Foundation, the Chappaqua-based organization that raises money and awareness for children with brain and spinal cord tumors, gave guests the opportunity to dunk its employees, for a $5 donation to their cause.

concert.Dunk Tank“We’re especially touched to learn that [the] event supported a wonderful charity,” said Gibson, on the subject. “We think the students who spoke in front of the crowd are the true rock stars.”

All the same, the band put on a truly fantastic show, and fans agreed, as they have all month long; past concerts this year — featuring The Don DuPont Big Band, The Chappaqua Orchestra, and Concert Series regular, the Bruce Springsteen tribute band Tramps Like Us — have attracted similarly high numbers of residents and town members. And why do so many people come out for this event? The answer is quite simple, according to one guest: “It’s just fabulous. One of the highlights of the summer in town.”

After witnessing Wednesday night’s ‘80s extravaganza, we couldn’t agree more. And it’s all thanks to the house band of the evening, the Ronald Reagans. You put on a bangin’, rockin’, totally awesome show, guys. We won’t “stop believin’” you’ll be back next summer.

The Ronald Reagans Big ‘80s Show is based in New York City. In addition to Gibson (lead vocals) and McFly (vocals, bass), the band consists of members Vinnie James Dio (guitar, vocals), Dr. Paul “Cougar” Mellencamp (keyboards, keytar, harmonica), and Diamond David Lee Wilson (drums). Follow the Ronald Reagans on social media, or at www.theronaldreagans.com.

Matt Smith, a graduate of Skidmore College, is a regular contributor to The Inside Press, Inc.

New Castle Seeks to Offer Empty Nesters More Good Reasons to Stay

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By Grace Bennett

And then one day, my kids both flew the coop, and I joined the ranks of the “Empty Nest.”

But here I am, going on 19 years of residency in my hometown of Chappaqua—just like a full 55 percent of the community who reside here without children in the School District. One long-time friend returned to the excitement and convenience of the city; saying goodbye was painful for me! Another conversely wishes to slow down, perhaps, and is exploring a warmer climate in a community where taxes are more manageable. Others have opted to stay; still others are on the fence.

Like many of my peers who continue to pay New Castle taxes, we are often asked and sometimes even ask ourselves: Why do we stay? Why should we stay? What incentive and resources does New Castle offer its empty nest and more senior resident community?

So it was with great personal interest that I thought I’d explore any available answers to these questions by attending and covering one of a recent series of “Roundtable Discussions,” hosted by Town Hall at The Chappaqua Library. This one was called: “How to Keep Empty Nesters in the Community.”
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Over the course of an animated 90-minute discussion and exchange of ideas, the nine member panel, led by Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, addressed questions ranging from whether a tax reduction for residency here beyond the school years is possible to the cultural and educational resources that provide the incentive to stay in the first place. rob with group best

“Our goal is to help make people whose kids are not in school here still feel like an important part of our community,” noted Greenstein, early in the forum. And later: “We want people to stay here past the 12 to 13 year plan.”

“We are more than just great schools and we have lots to offer residents at every stage of their lives. We must have services and activities for residents of all ages: multi-generational living enriches our community.”

“We are competing with 55 and over communities that offer many activities. We need to offer those same activities. Let’s face it: We pay a lot in taxes. That’s the price of world class schools. But, we also need to offer world class community activities. Our empty nesters should have calendars full of arts and cultural events and recreational activities right here in our community.”

To that end, Greenstein told panel attendees that the Wallace Auditorium at Chappaqua Crossing could be the venue for more Chappaqua Orchestra, theater and dance programs. A new Culture and Arts committee is forming to address the best use of that new town resource.

“55% of residents don’t have school age children,” stated panelist Jeffrey Mester, board member of the Chappaqua Central School District; Mester is recently divorced and a soon to be empty nester himself. “I have 18, 19 and 20 year olds,” he noted. The big draw to being here for Mester? “They (the kids) come back!” he noted wryly. And then, more seriously: “It’s truly my ties to the community. It’s not about the higher or lower taxes.”

Still, Greenstein offered: “I feel strongly that if you are going to stay here and continue to pay the taxes, then we need to provide activities that make it worth it.

A member of the audience asked Mester that the School District retain their email addresses for correspondence after the kids leave too and not automatically end correspondence. “The school depends on everyone’s taxes to support it,” noted resident Judith McGrath. “The schools need to take responsibility to be more proactive.”
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Mester agreed that is a good idea and also encouraged those attending to contact the District Clerk for information on how to stay involved with the schools. “Participation with seniors is great,” he said, “such as through a pen pal program with fourth graders or simply coming in to discuss your experiences.” One audience member also noted that continuing educational offerings had become predictable and inquired why a language studies teacher at the high school, for example, couldn’t offer a course. Mester noted that it may require allocating funds to pay teachers (who are in contract) to also offer more vibrant continuing education.

One common theme that emerged: it’s impossible to pigeon hole empty nesters…their means and their expectations for the town can vary, considerably.

For example, not all empty nesters wish to downsize; some will even upsize, as long time Chappaqua residents Bonnie and Gerry Golub did to make their home an inviting place for their children and grandchildren to come visit and stay over. Panelist Bonnie Golub, a real estate agent with William Raveis, is a proponent of a gradual lowering of the tax base to make staying for many residents across the board more attractive too.

The question of taxation is for Albany, maintained Greenstein. “They give us a chance to provide certain exemptions as a local option: senior star exemptions, veterans, volunteer fire fighters, ambulance, etc. We take advantage of every tax exemption they offer to us,” he said. “As far as town charges for things like refuse, we can give discounts to seniors and we do. But, we cannot just give a tax reduction: this is Albany’s decision.”

A tax break notwithstanding, Golub also suggested that the school district actively encourage its students to provide voluntary community service to area seniors. Twenty hours of community service by young people to our seniors before graduation would be a wonderful way to give back, she noted.

Panelist and town Social Worker Carolyn Merkin reminded the audience of multiple efforts in New Castle to ease the burden for seniors including home delivered meals programs and volunteers who drive seniors every day whether to and from shopping and doctor appointment or offer help at home for tasks ranging from help paying bills to arranging home care services.

One panelist, Steve Biren, who downsized to a home in Riverwoods, said the amenities of the sought after complex and his own active involvement there keeps him happy. He said that despite the attraction of a place for example, like Naples, Florida, for seniors, he stays here, because “it’s a cohesive community. That is a plus.”

Pamela Thornton, director of the Chappaqua Library, and Cassie Ward, director of the New Castle Historical Society (NCHS), were on hand too to summarize the plethora of activities and packed calendars each of these local institutions have available for everyone from toddlers to empty nesters and seniors. (Many in attendance agreed that integrated activities, i.e. those involving many age groups, were highly desirable.) Hundreds of volunteer opportunities are available not only at the Library and the NCHS but at churches and synagogues and not for profits around town; Ward also said that a central data base of all events and programming around town would be extremely helpful.

Ronni Diamondstein, a resident of the Chestnut Oak Ridge condominiums in Chappaqua, joined the panel to represent New Castle residents who have never had children in the schools here (nor necessarily plan to). She said she lives here because Chappaqua “is a beautiful town” and that her location at the end of North Greeley Avenue makes walking to the train, going shopping locally and getting involved in a variety of community organizations easy to do. She also mentioned a group (and programming) for empty nesters at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester.

As for me, I’m totally psyched to hear if the new culture/arts committee might bring more adult programming to Chappaqua. I have found condo living (at Old Farm Lake, New Castle’s largest condo community) an absolutely reasonable option for single me with grown kids, and know how fortunate I am given the limits in downsize options. In general, I find the area teeming with work and creative opportunities and possibilities that with just a little more free time, I look forward to exploring more thoroughly. So, for now, and into the foreseeable future, New Castle remains my beloved home.

Greenstein acknowledges the shortage of homes to downsize to. “Many residents love their homes and their routines. They enjoy their lifestyle, cherish their friends and ties to the community. They have no desire to leave the community. However, it would be nice if we were able to offer them options to downsize in the community. This is an area where we can do a better job.”

Grace Bennett is Publisher and Editor of The Inside Press: Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines, and most recently produced a guide for the Town called Inside my New Castle: Welcome to our Neighborhood.


Community Offerings to Seniors

The following activities are examples of what the Town of New Castle offers our seniors, according to panelist Brittany Nieder, recreation supervisor. Many of the activities take place at the Community House on Senter Street.

Brittany Neider, Town of New Castle Recreation Supervisor
Brittany Neider, Town of New Castle Recreation Supervisor

Monday Movies
Poker groups (no money)
Knitting group
Ping Pong
Mah Jongg
Bridge
AARP Defensive Driving twice a year
Local Trip (Tea houses, malls, Arthur ave, etc)
North of Broadway Players (acting group)
Book Lover’s Club (through the library)
Basic Conversations in Spanish
Hawthorne Cedar Knowles Grandparenting Program
Watercolor & Drawing
Out and About Club
Bi-annual trip with the Historical Society
Trip (Depending on weather and season) Examples: Yankee games, museums, festivals, etc
Exercise classes
Themed Luncheons/Socials

315 Supporters Laced Up to Run Miles for Miles

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Team Daniel Runs for Recovery from Mental Illness
By Janine Crowley Haynes

The Laitman family with marathon great, Bill Rodgers & Shari Applebaum, Miles Applebaum's mother (From left) Abbey Laitman, Hannah Laitman, Rachel Laitman, Rob Laitman, Bill Rodgers, Shari Applebaum, Daniel Laitman, Ann Laitman
The Laitman family with marathon great, Bill Rodgers & Shari Applebaum, Miles Applebaum’s mother (From left) Abbey Laitman, Hannah Laitman, Rachel Laitman, Rob Laitman, Bill Rodgers, Shari Applebaum, Daniel Laitman, Ann Laitman

Last Sunday in Armonk, nonprofit organization, Team Daniel, held a 5K fundraising event, Miles for Miles, at Byram Hills High School in memory of Miles Applebaum, 21, who was lost to suicide last October. The high school was a fitting venue. “There’s no better place to hold an event in memory of my son,” says Shari Applebaum. Miles Applebaum attended Byram Hills High School and was a cross-country runner who ran the course behind the high school many times over. When approached with the idea of holding the event at the high school, Principal Chris Borsari quickly mobilized support from the Student Wellness Advisory Committee (SWAC), teachers, students, community volunteers, friends, and family. “Everyone came out to make a difference,” says Shari Applebaum who is truly grateful for the overwhelming love and support from the Armonk and surrounding communities.

Bill Rodgers signs copies of his book, Marathon Man
Bill Rodgers signs copies of his book, Marathon Man

Dr. Rob Laitman, Bedford resident and co-founder of Team Daniel, opened with introductions. Tables were set up for mental health representatives from NAMI of Westchester, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.* Singers Bianca and Jacqueline Muniz sang an emotional rendition of Hallelujah. Bianca Muniz and Miles Applebaum met at Lagond Music School and quickly became close friends. Lagond’s band, County All Stars, played for the close to 400 supporters in attendance, with 315 of them lacing up to hit the cross-country trail as well as the track. Running alongside them was four-time winner of the Boston and New York City marathons, Bill Rodgers, who later signed copies of his book, Marathon Man, for his enthusiastic fans. In his 40 years of running, Rodgers participated in approximately 1,500 races–all for different causes. Rodgers noted, however, Miles for Miles was his first run for mental health.

Daniel Laitman of Team Daniel (on left) runs regularly as part of his mental health regimen after being diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Daniel Laitman of Team Daniel (on left) runs regularly
as part of his mental health regimen after being
diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Given that Dr. Laitman is a runner as well and has run in 68 marathons, it’s no surprise his fundraising events focus on running. He likens the cross-country terrain at Byram Hills High School with its sometimes rocky twists and turns to the long, rough road back to recovery from mental illness. “It’s hard, but you can’t give up. You have to run the course. You have to do the work,” says Dr. Laitman. Raising awareness to help dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health issues is an important undertaking for the Laitman family. Their son, Daniel Laitman, was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 15. Over the years, the family has raised between $150,000 to $200,000 for various mental health organizations. In 2014, Rob and Ann Laitman officially formed their nonprofit organization, Team Daniel Running for Recovery from Mental Illness, and have held four 5Ks, including Miles for Miles where they raised $17,000. “We have a long way to go to reach our goals, but slow and steady wins the race,” says Ann Laitman.

After the long battle to stabilize their son on the right medication, it became abundantly clear to the Laitmans that their main goals were for “Daniel to have a robust recovery and lead a full life.” No doubt, the Laitmans have realized their goals. Daniel Laitman, now 24, recently graduated from SUNY Purchase with a 3.41 GPA. He majored in screenwriting and playwriting and is currently pursuing his passion for stand-up comedy. “Robust recovery should be the norm, not the exception, for those struggling with mental health challenges,” states Rob Laitman.

It’s interesting to note that Ann Laitman is a general internist and Rob Laitman is a general internist, nephrologist, and gerontologist, but after their son developed schizophrenia, Rob Laitman read voraciously and has expanded his medical practice to include psychiatric internal medicine. Over the past six years, Rob Laitman has become expert in the medical management of clozapine. On their website, Rob Laitman writes passionately about seeing the person/patient as a whole, even when it comes to mental health challenges. The Laitmans found that along with internal medicine, integrating behavioral health (regular exercise, healthy diet, etc.) was an important component that factored into their son’s mental health equation. To read more about the Laitmans and Team Daniel, please visit their website, teamdanielrunningforrecovery.org.

Janine Crowley Haynes of Chappaqua is a freelance writer & author of My Kind of Crazy: Living in a Bipolar World.

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DanielLaitmanRunning
LaitmanAwards
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RodgersWestlakeDad
AMFSP
BBRF
NAMI

* Mental health organizations present at Miles for Miles:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention www.afsp.org, AFSP funds research, creates educational programs, advocates for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK (8255)) suicidepreventionlifeline.org provides free, confidential support to individuals and/or family members in crisis or emotional distress. Lifeline provides a list of warning signs for someone at risk for suicide. However, if somone is in immediate danger of attempting suicide, call 911.

NAMI of Westchester namiwestchester.org, whose latest mental health initiative involves setting up programs in middle schools and high schools throughout Westchester County.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation bbrfoundation.org raises funds for research and awards grants to leading scientists around the world. 100 percent of funds raised for research are invested in grants leading to advances and breakthoughs in brain and behavior research.

Judge Kraus Endorsed as Candidate for New Castle Town Justice

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Town of New Castle Release

Residing Town Justice Douglas Kraus introducing Congresswoman Nita Lowey at last January’s Town Hall Swearing in ceremony. Photo by Carolyn Simpson / Doublevision Photographers
Residing Town Justice Douglas Kraus introducing Congresswoman Nita Lowey at last January’s Town Hall Swearing in ceremony. Photo by Carolyn Simpson/ Doublevision Photographers.

The New Castle Democratic Committee today announced that it had voted unanimously to nominate Judge Douglas M. Kraus for a sixth term as New Castle Town Justice. Judge Kraus will join Victoria Alzapiedi, candidate for Town Supervisor, and Hala Makowska and Jeremy Saland, candidates for Town Board Member, on the Democratic slate in the Town election to be held on November 3, 2015.

Judge Kraus is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (magna cum laude) and the University of Chicago Law School, where he was Associate Editor of the Law Review. Following law school, he joined the firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New York City, where he became a partner in the litigation department. In a career spanning nearly four decades, he handled a wide range of matters in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country, including the United States Supreme Court. He has served as New Castle Town Justice since 1994.

A life-long resident of the Town, Judge Kraus attended local schools and graduated from Horace Greeley High School, as did both of his children. He has previously served on the New Castle Town Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals, and is a former director of the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund, the New York Legal Aid Society and New York Lawyers for the Public Interest. He also chaired his law firm’s Pro Bono Committee for many years.

Judge Kraus currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Northern Westchester Hospital and the Board of Directors of the Westchester Land Trust. He and his wife Alice have been married for 45 years and live in Chappaqua.

Judge Kraus stated, “I have enjoyed serving as Town Justice for the past 21 years, and would like to continue to serve our community in this capacity. I am honored to have been nominated by the Town Democratic Committee for another term.

The Little Hamlet that Could

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Beth Besen
Beth Besen

What’s in a Name?

ChappaQUAlity. Seemingly, the overarching reason we all move here is built right into our town’s very name. Ask anyone what they cherish about Chappaqua and you’ll likely hear some version of the American dream. Outstanding schools, pastoral beauty, small town vibe and values within commuting distance of big city lights.

Certainly, that was my husband’s and my thinking when we moved here nearly 20 years ago. Having grown up in Westchester, he already knew it as a great place to be a kid. And so, the thinking followed, why not follow suit with our own? We looked at a handful of communities, but chose Chappaqua for its pretty woodsy vistas and CHArmingly QUAint village appeal. Little did we know then the many ways it would come to spell home.

Noteworthy Education

There are a great many ways to define and determine “quality.” At this time of year, it’s natural to think about it in terms of our esteemed schools and children’s education. June graduation means mortar boards tossed high and pomp-and-circumstance celebrations. But it stands for so much more. Students work extraordinarily hard in this town. Parents and teachers do too. And, while college may be the ultimate goal for most (HGHS graduates regularly gain entry to many of this nation’s finest universities), the years upon years of committed focus are also about the learning process, and the students’ ability to synthesize knowledge while moving it and themselves forward in the world.

Without doubt, there are many distinguished scholars among us, but a handful of local men and women take that distinction to the very highest level. Remarkably, given our town’s size and relatively small population, Chappaqua is home to no less than five Rhodes Scholars. We profile each, and invite you to feel proud by association as you read about them and their many fine accomplishments in Chappaqua’s Rhodes Scholars.

A Caring Community

Our cover story is another testament to quality; quality of character. The photo captures former President Bill Clinton at the Tina’s Wish Global Women’s Award evening. Guest-of-honor Clinton, recognized for his outstanding contributions to global healthcare through the Clinton Foundation, gave a passionate acceptance speech in which he praised founder Andy Brozman and all involved in Tina’s Wish for their tremendous efforts in the funding of, and research leading to, early detection of ovarian cancer. As a woman, as a cancer survivor myself and as the mother of a daughter, I am both moved by and appreciative of the vital importance of 
this work and the incredible people who are involved.

Also tremendously inspiring, the American Cancer Society’s emotional Relay for Life, held annually at Horace Greeley High School. The goal of the event is to raise funds for, and awareness of, the many ways this devastating disease invades lives regardless of gender, culture, age or other qualifiers. But it is the event itself, and the many ways the community comes together for it, that takes this particular fundraiser from ordinary to extraordinary. A celebration of survival and salute to hope, Relay is, as well, a memorial to beloved family members, friends and neighbors taken too soon. Ready, Set, Relay gives us an Inside look at the quality thinking, effort and goodwill that goes into the making this impactful event for a worthwhile cause.

YouthQUAkingly Awesome

When it comes to health, our physical well-being is but part of the equation. Mental and social health, too, are critically important to living a full and balanced life. Helping to make this possible for the ever-increasing number of children (and, by extension, their families) diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are five of the most engaging eighth-grade boys I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Collectively, they’re known as the Robobenders. And, together with their parent-mentors, they’ve developed an internationally recognized iPhone App that helps those on the spectrum to decode facial expressions and related underlying emotions. What’s My Face might very well help make the neuro-typical world become an easier place for ASD others.

Want more? How about a group of local teens who, instead of dreaming about making it big someday are already entrepreneurial forces to be reckoned with? Chappaqua Teens Start It Up shows us all how quality work and a can-do attitude translate to market-place success in today’s competitive work environment.

Good Things, Small Packages

When John Cougar Mellencamp sings Small Town, I always smile to myself and picture ours. I see the gazebo, where, speaking of music, we gather mid-week in summer to enjoy the al fresco Concert Series. I recall one of my first images of Chappaqua, the train station; an iconic part of downtown and soon the site of the much-anticipated new restaurant, Chappaqua Station Farm to Town. And I note our town merchants’ welcoming shop windows, like those of long-standing Family Britches, which add distinction to our downtown area and provide a pretty backdrop while we meet up with friends to grab a bite, share a moment and shop local.

We’ve all heard that ‘good things come in small packages.’ ChappaQUAlity over quantity. That’s us.