The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

education

The Little Hamlet that Could

by

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.

Good Things Come in Small Towns

by

Beth Besen
Beth Besen

Ask anyone in town what attracted them to Armonk 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. Young families move here with every hope that they and, especially their children, will put down roots, grow and thrive.

I too grew up in a relatively small town; one in Connecticut. When I mention this locally, is widely assumed that I’m likely referring to Greenwich or, more generally, Fairfield County. Not the case, not by a long-shot. But I have come to understand the assumption as not so much a reflection of me personally, but of a collective expectation–the fact is, many who live here now grew up here too; if not right in Armonk, then in one of the beautiful Westchester or Connecticut towns nearby. People return because what worked then, works now.

Take, for example, the many options available to families through the North Castle Recreation Department. There’s something special about a community pool; this year, run by town recreation, the Anita Louise Ehrman Pool promises to be that place. Day camp and sports programs for kids and adults alike mean town is the ticket to Ready…Set…Summer!

Of course, a community is about more than its public face. While most would agree that Armonk is, as the New York Times once called it, “an area of rugged beauty”, it is the caring community that makes it equally, if not more, attractive.

As Jason Rosensweig puts it in our profile piece Armonk’s Answer to UBER, people move here to be able to walk into any store and see a friendly and familiar face. His business is built on just that philosophy of neighborly goodwill and trust.

The same can be said for a business like Raymond James. Sure, one can get advice from the internet or an anonymous large city financial planner, but how much nicer, friendlier and, frankly, easier it is to know there’s a local business with a vested interest in town families’ lives and livelihoods. Whether your children are close to college age or still part of sandbox-set, College Planning 101 is a great reminder that we can all use a little help from our (savvy business) friends.

Speaking of college, let’s talk about Armonk’s schools. Widely recognized among the finer public high schools in the country, Byram Hills regularly sends graduates to many of our nation’s outstanding universities. However, while June graduation means pomp-and-circumstance celebrations, a BHHS diploma 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, the 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.

Armonk resident Betty Knoop would agree that education is paramount. A Holocaust survivor, Knoop’s own childhood was cut short by the horrors of war and the atrocities of concentration camp existence. All too aware that “that racism is evil…and it debases men,” she speaks about her experiences in order that others may bear witness, and think about how the past affects our collective present and future. Through her efforts, hundreds have heard first-hand about a chapter in history in which the world went dark. And yet, her message is one of Hope Not Hate.

When it comes to hope, another attention-worthy story comes courtesy of 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 with Autistic Spectrum Disorders 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.

And then there’s our cover story: Former President Bill Clinton was Guest of Honor at the Tina’s Wish Global Women’s Award evening. Clinton, recognized for his outstanding contribution to global healthcare through the Clinton Foundation, gave a passionate acceptance speech in which he praised local 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 moved by and appreciative of the vital importance of this work and the incredible people involved.

When John Cougar Mellencamp sings Small Town, I always smile to myself and picture towns like ours. Like him, “I can breathe in small town.” How about you? Please send your thoughts my way: Beth@InsideArmonk.com or post a comment to our facebook page.

Have a great summer!

College Planning 101

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Bradley E. Silverman, a junior partner and financial advisor with Raymond James of Armonk
Bradley E. Silverman, a junior partner and financial advisor with Raymond James of Armonk

by Dan Levitz

When I received the assignment for this article it certainly seemed like a perfect fit. Suburban Dad with a high school senior seeks and finds expert advice regarding the daunting reality of paying for college. I’m pretty sure my Editor was confident I was the right guy for the story because, presumably, my family was already knee-deep in the college process and must have planned ahead for this wonderful rite of passage that comes with an inevitable, and sometimes tremendous, financial burden. I eagerly accepted the assignment, self-assured that I was the Man for the job. Notably, after doing my research, I realized that I was not quite as well-informed as I believed and wish I had known then what I know now. Story of my life!

In 11th grade, as my son began thinking seriously about where he might like to continue his education, my wife and I felt strongly that our priority should be helping him make an informed decision about college. Years ago things were certainly different; I didn’t visit a single school when I was applying and, in retrospect, I couldn’t have been less informed. It’s quite possible that I may have decided where to attend college based on a sweatshirt worn by a cute girl in my class. So, this last year was absolutely fruitful in that we visited over 10 varied schools in different parts of the country, and my boy was able to find the right situation for him. Now, small deposit made, the sobering reality of paying for the privilege of his higher education has abruptly arrived.

When I walked into the offices of Raymond James in Armonk to gather some expert advice on how parents should start financial planning for college, I journalistically took the position of pure ignorance on the subject which was not much of a stretch. I met with Bradley E. Silverman, a junior partner and financial advisor with the firm, and within minutes he informed me that he not only had already enacted a college savings plan for his three year old son but also had one in place for his daughter who is not expected to join the family until she’s born several months from now! Clearly I was in 
the right place and also talking to the 
right person.

I complimented Mr. Silverman on his vision in planning so early for his children’s future and he modestly pointed out that college planning is part of his job and that he would be remiss if he didn’t do so himself. I told him about my family and that, while my wife and I certainly saved money over the years, we did not use any specific method or instrument for college savings. Sensitively, Mr. Silverman didn’t comment on our lack of financial vision but did proceed to inform me of a variety of financial plans that parents can benefit from in planning for their children’s education.

Mr. Silverman described several methods of financial planning for college but the one he and his family are utilizing, and that he recommends, certainly sounds like a responsible and educated approach. The 529 Savings Plan is state-sponsored and offers tax-deferred savings as well as a certain amount of flexibility that can be beneficial to the family and student. A 529 Plan offers a number of investment portfolios allocated among stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs and money market instruments. Significantly, in addition to parents contributing to a 529, grandparents can do so as well and, at the same time, potentially affect their estate planning in an advantageous manner. An important aspect of the 529 is that qualified higher education expenses like tuition, books and supplies can be paid for via the plan while maintaining a tax advantage. And, of course, the big picture is that if a 529 Plan is enacted when a child is small the gains from the investment will hopefully be substantial and go a long way towards paying for a higher education with very favorable tax consequences.

As we chatted, I expressed genuine amazement at the cost of college in 2015, especially private colleges. We discussed the financial advantages of state universities like the fine SUNY system in New York, of which Mr. Silverman and I are both proud graduates. I asked him about the ideal value-wise scenario for college and Mr. Silverman replied, “Financially that would be an Associate’s Degree at a good Community College and then on to a great University.” I think this pragmatic approach might be a hard sell to an ambitious college senior, but Mr. Silverman will find this out for himself as his kids mature. In any case, I was impressed with his knowledge and ability to communicate the many advantages of thinking ahead and saving early in a child’s life.

After our conversation, I felt very positive about learning more about this type of financial planning because college is a tremendously important experience and it shouldn’t have to be a crippling financial burden. I’ve given some very broad strokes but the folks at Raymond James can answer any and all questions on the subject and certainly get young parents started on intelligently saving for their children’s higher education. Not a bad idea.

Dan Levitz, an art dealer and writer, has been a Chappaqua resident for the past 11 years and has a blog on 
The Huffington Post.

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

Cassie Ward: Encouraging Us to Celebrate New Castle’s Vibrant History

by

Millie Ignelzi Photo
Millie Ignelzi Photo

By Deborah Raider Notis

As we gear up for the monumental 50th anniversary of the New Castle Historical Society in 2016, the Historical Society is ushering in a new era of growth and revitalization. Starting with a new leader. This February, public historian Cassie Ward became the new Executive Director of the Historical Society.

Ward, who has a Masters in Public History from American University, is determined to ensure that the New Castle Historical Society remains socially relevant and inviting to the community. A native New Yorker, Ward returned north after working for the Heritage Educational Services Department of the National Park Services in Washington D.C. and Virginia’s 400-acre Longbranch Plantation. With years of experience planning special events, working on historical exhibits, and revamping the Longbranch Plantation’s historical museum, Ward is particularly excited about the opportunity to embrace New Castle’s rich and colorful history.

“More than anywhere I’ve ever lived or worked before, the spirit of volunteerism is strongest in New Castle. Everyone seems so involved in the community, and the community has been overwhelmingly welcoming,” raves Ward. As Executive Director, her key role is to manage the historical society and assist committees and volunteers as they plan events.

Almost 99 percent of the New Castle Historical Society is volunteer run, and Ward enthusiastically notes that the volunteers “do a tremendous job of making the Historical Society relevant. They invest their blood, sweat, and tears into the Society.” Many of the volunteers worked with the Historical Society for decades, and they are passionately committed to the future of this program. Ward is excited to leverage their knowledge as she enhances the programs.

ghost gownAs Executive Director, Ward wants the New Castle Historical Society to be a historical and cultural center. 
One challenge will be to keep the Historical Society active outside of the Horace Greeley House. Ward plans to build on the existing educational programs and outreach activities. She wants to revamp all of the amazing programs that already exist, including the annual house tours, the Victorian Valentine’s Tea for 2nd through 4th graders, and the Chappaqua Antique Show. Next October, the Antique Show will move from the Horace Greeley House to Bell Middle School.

Currently, the Horace Greeley House is housing three exhibits. A remarkable Wedding Gown exhibit details the history of the tradition of the wedding gown with gowns from the 20th and 21st century on display.

The Curiosities of Yesteryear exhibit is a hands-on display of everyday objects–from typewriters and oil lamps to candlestick telephones–that were used throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Finally, the Notable Neighbors in New Castle exhibit describes the history of the many famous residents of New Castle. 
Going forward, plans for an antique toys exhibit are being considered. Plus, the new executive director believes that the upcoming 2016 presidential election warrants a timely exhibit and potential discussion regarding the differences between the election process in 1872 and today.

cassie roomEncouraging children to become more involved in the history of New Castle is extremely important to Ward, who states, “For me as a historian, it is extremely important to create a new generation of historians so that we can continue the narrative.” Right now, second graders from Grafflin, Roaring Brook, and Westorchard visit the Horace Greeley House every year. She hopes to implement a story time program for young children at the Horace Greeley House. Ward wants to get children engaged at an early age so that they become invested in the vibrant history of New Castle.

And, Ward has several new ideas to energize the New Castle Historical Society. She hopes that 
the Historical Society will sponsor more walking tours throughout the town and park trails to highlight the rich history of New Castle. She would like to bring more speakers to the 
Horace Greeley House and the New Castle community.

Ward would like to team with local businesses to develop a Historical Happy Hour, during which participants attend a 20-minute presentation followed by socializing, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Ward also suggested a pet-focused community day, an event that was well attended when she worked at the Longbranch Plantation. Ultimately, the goal is to constantly engage the community on different levels and effectively relate to all New Castle residents.

“The New Castle Historical Society should provide services to the community that will get everyone excited about the history of New Castle,” says Ward. She hopes that the New Castle Historical Society can unite generations of community members.

And, finally, she wants to hear from the residents of New Castle. So stop in, introduce yourself, see everything that the Historical Society has to offer, and share your ideas with Cassie Ward, the new Executive Director of the New Castile Historical Society.

Deborah Raider Notis is a writer and co-owner of gamechanger, LLC. She lives near New Castle with her husband and their four boys.