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election

‘A New Beginning’

March 8, 2018 by Jessie Greenstein

(L-R): Town Justice Noah Sorkin, Town Councilwoman Ivy Pool, Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein and Town Councilwoman Lisa Katz
PHOTO BY HANNAH ROSENBERG

Members of the New Castle community gathered for a very special and monumental night for all, including myself. The event was the swearing in ceremony of Rob Greenstein (who I want to state up front is my dad but I will call him Rob for this article!) as Town Supervisor, Lisa Katz as Deputy Supervisor, Ivy Pool as Town Councilwoman and Noah Sorkin as Town Justice.

The venue was the beautiful Chappaqua Performing Arts Center which supported a tremendous crowd and turned out to be an ideal location to hold the swearing-in ceremony. President William Jefferson Clinton was the honored guest and many New Castle residents were excited for a chance to see him either both before and/or during the ceremony. Some of the other honored guests were Pat Keegan and Mike Alter on behalf of Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Peter Harckham on behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Michael Jefferson on behalf of Senator Terrence Murphy’s office, Assemblyman David Buchwald and Westchester County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz.

Town Justice Doug Kraus opened the ceremony asking the packed crowd to rise for the presentation of the Color Guard. A group of local boy scouts then led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Greeley student, Elena Cantor, singing a beautiful moving rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.”

The Oath of Office requires elected officials to perform to the best of their ability, noted President Bill Clinton, who also reminded us that they are human beings and often make mistakes.

Town Justice Doug Kraus thanked our neighbor and keynote speaker President Clinton for joining us. Judge Kraus also commended Adam Brodsky for his dedicated service and work for the town the last four years. In addition, Judge Kraus noted three responsibilities as residents of New Castle, stating that “we are all responsible for the success of our Government.” He mentioned that responsible citizens of a Democracy should have: …the duty to be informed, the duty to be involved and the duty to be reasonable.” He emphasized that “the last thing we should want to do is go after our elected officials when they work with the other side.”

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On Taking Greater Personal Responsibility

All of the members of the crowd waited patiently for President Clinton to rise to the podium. Adam Brodsky had the honor of introducing him and noted that in each of President Clinton’s inaugural addresses, he emphasized the need to take greater personal responsibility for our neighbors and our community. He mentioned that the Clintons attend many New Castle events and are often spotted in local stores in the town of Chappaqua. Brodsky then proceeded to introduce the 42nd President of the United States.

President Bill Clinton on stage at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center addressing hundreds of attendees and the panel of town hall officials soon to be sworn in, and guest dignitaries.
PHOTO BY HANNAH ROSENBERG

It was then President Clinton’s turn! President Clinton jokingly pointed out that he has lived in Chappaqua longer than any person being sworn in and stated that Chappaqua has been the longest place he has ever lived. He mentioned that he enjoys swearing-in ceremonies since they happen early in the year, which means it is a new beginning for the community. He relayed that the Oath of Office requires elected officials to perform to the best of their ability but also reminded us that they are human beings and often make mistakes.

Clinton continued: “When trying to do your best every day we wake up and inside our heart is like a scale–on one side of the scale there are ways that make us darker–on the other side there are ways to make us lighter. The balance is slighter different every day. If given the privilege of public service, put another rock on the lighter side every day.” He added that he is grateful when people take the risk to run in local elections. These people have chosen as Teddy Roosevelt once famously said, “to get into the arena.” He said we should thank them for being willing to run, and thank their opponents for being willing to run as well. He then lastly said, “Let’s get this show on the road.”

First to be sworn in was Town Justice Noah Sorkin. Judge Sorkin and his wife, Stephanie, have lived in New Castle for 27 years, sending their two children, Dana and Matthew through the local public schools. Judge Sorkin is beginning his sixth year as one of our local judges. Judge Sorkin said it was a “privilege and honor to serve as one of the Town Justices.” He thanked residents for their confidence and support noting that being a Judge “has been an amazing journey of public service.”

He thanked the Court personnel and staff, as well as the Town Prosecutors. He also acknowledged his mentors and role models County Judges Zuckerman and Kraus.

Newest member of the Town Board Ivy Pool together with Brownie Troop 1024. PHOTO BY LORI GOWEN MORTON

Newly elected Town councilwoman Ivy Pool came next. Ivy and her husband, Christian Edstrom, have lived in New Castle since 2010. They have two children, Mattias, 9, and Alexandra, 7, who attend Grafflin Elementary School. Ivy thanked everyone “for coming out to celebrate our Democracy, our community and our future.”

She thanked the New Castle Democratic Committee and Up2Us. In the aftermath of 2016 elections, Ivy felt called to run for public office. Ivy noted that “through consensus and collaboration that we can have a more effective Town Government.” By working together, “we will do great things for this town.”

Ivy promised to work hard every day. She acknowledged all of the young people in the audience, including the Girl Scouts from Group Troop 1024. She hopes that her election inspires those young people to run for public office.

Deputy supervisor Lisa Katz was then sworn in. Lisa has called Chappaqua home for the past 12 years with her husband, Steven, and their two children, Arden and Spencer. Lisa was elected and began to serve as New Castle Town Council Member in 2014. With this re-election, she begins her fifth year in office. Lisa vowed to continue to develop the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center into a regional arts and cultural destination. She thanked the New Castle Republican Party for “standing behind us and eschewing party politics.” Lisa stated “we are all in this together bound by our collective dreams to make New Castle a stronger, more vibrant and united community.”   

And last to be sworn in was Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein. Rob noted that “this really is the largest inauguration crowd in New Castle history” and thanked President Clinton for his role in bringing residents out. Rob has lived in Chappaqua for 14 years with my mom, Cindy, and my brothers Daniel and Mason.

Rob became the Town Supervisor in 2014. This is his third term. Rob congratulated Ivy for joining the town’s “collaborative government and working to make the community a better place to live and raise a family.” He also congratulated Lisa for leading the efforts to create the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. Rob reminded us that our greatest resource is our residents. He thanked town attorneys, Keane and Beane, the police department, town employees and department heads. He thanked Adam Brodsky “whose vision and leadership will indeed result in an incredibly improved Chappaqua hamlet.”

He thanked Town Administrator Jill Shapiro for helping him over the last four years. Rob also thanked the New Castle Republican leaders for supporting a Democrat–three times–without regard to his political affiliation. Rob noted that we are a small town “but that doesn’t stop us from having big ambitions. He added: “We will continue to speak out about fairness, respect and tolerance.”

It was a truly special night for the community (and for my family), and I will always remember it.

Additional photos by Hannah Rosenberg, a junior at Horace Greeley High School, are within a social media album on our Facebook page, Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, election, inauguration, Ivy Pool, Lisa Katz, New Castle, Noah Sorkin, President Bill Clinton, Public Officials, Robert Greenstein, Swearing In Ceremony, town, Town of New Castle

‘What Happened’ Book Signing by Hillary Clinton: A SOLD OUT Event at the Chappaqua Library

September 15, 2017 by The Inside Press

On Saturday, September 23, 3-5 p.m., the Chappaqua Library will host a now SOLD OUT book signing event for Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and her already much discussed new title What Happened.

This will be Clinton’s third book signing at the Library following packed and also sold out events over the years at the Chappaqua Library too for signings of It Takes a Village and Hard Choices.

“Hillary Clinton is a really strong supporter of the local library,” noted Pamela Thornton, executive director of the Chappaqua Library. “We are always glad to host her when asked. Of course as you can imagine, the logistics take a great deal of preparation for safety and security reasons but it’s always an exciting event. It’s a special event for everyone.

“It’s a unique opportunity for local residents to meet  Secretary Clinton and have a book personally signed by her,” Thornton added. “But she’s also a resident of Chappaqua and a local author who chooses to support her community and library by being here.”     — Grace Bennett

The Library’s release noted the following for attendees:

This is a book signing only. Each $32 ticket (including tax) includes a wristband to access the signing line, as well as ONE hardcover copy of What Happened; books are distributed at the signing table. YOU MUST BRING YOUR TICKET TO THE EVENT.

Wristbands for entry will be distributed to ticketholders beginning at 9:00 AM on the day of the event. Please arrive no earlier than 9:00 AM and no later than 4:30 PM. All ticketholders will have their book(s) signed.   Additional copies of What Happened, as well as Clinton’s new children’s picture book It Takes a Village, will be available for sale on site through Scattered Books and the Village Bookstore.  Clinton will sign up to two (2) books total per customer (signature only, no personalization).

No other books or memorabilia, personalizing, or posing for photos.

Due to increased security, customers will not be allowed to bring any large items (bags, chairs, etc.) into the event space. A bag check will be provided.

The Chappaqua Library also offered thanks to Scattered Books and the Village Bookstore “for making this event possible.”

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: book, election, Election 2017, Hillary Clinton, Hillat Clinton, What Happened

Trump Wins, Locals React

December 1, 2016 by Andrew Vitelli

If there was one common theme among Armonk residents and locals Wednesday, after Donald Trump’s election night win over Chappaqua’s Hillary Clinton, it was shock. Speaking to Inside Press the day after the election at Tazza Café in the hamlet, here is what a few of our neighbors had to say.

election-reaction-liza“I had more confidence in our country to look at the bigger picture, instead of thinking about our nation as just a nation. I wish that people had thought about humanity and voted for someone who believed in climate change and would work to give us a better shot to improve our current situation,” Liza Scher, a 17-year-old senior at Byram Hills High School (though too young to vote, she preferred Clinton).

election-monica“I just feel like this country is going back. We’re taking back a lot of the progress we just made. I was just very stunned because I really thought she was going to win,” Monica Aguirre, a 20-year-old Bedford resident who supported Clinton. Aguirre said she was afraid of the impact Trump’s election would have on executive orders issued by President Obama to stop deportations of immigrants who entered the country illegally.

election-joe“I didn’t like either one of them. I voted for Gary Johnson. Out of the two of them, I was glad it was Trump,” Joe Souerzoef, a Mamaroneck resident. Souerzoef said he doesn’t trust Clinton and doesn’t believe Trump is a true conservative. He would have preferred Florida Senator Marco Rubio or Texas Senator Ted Cruz win the Republican nomination.

“I think the morning after people need to recognize that we have a new president. Enough mourning, for those who mourn, and it’s time to come to grips with the reality and maybe find and see what positives there are about it,” Gideon, an Armonk resident. A Republican, Gideon crossed party lines to vote for Clinton. However, he hopes that Trump’s election and Republican control of the Senate will break the gridlock that Washington has seen since 2010, when Republicans took control of the House of Representatives.

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Armonk, election, Opinions, Trump

‘We Will Go Forward Together’

December 1, 2016 by The Inside Press

Concert goers came from near and far the night before Election Day; the all-star lineup in Philadelphia at a GOTV Rally for Hillary Clinton may have been impossible to resist. Rock star icons Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi entertained the crowd with their hit songs, and President Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama all joined Hillary Clinton in a most memorable, show of solidarity.

PHOTOS BY CHAD KRAUS

hillphilly-1

hillphilly-3

hill-choirphilly

HOME STRETCH

At Westchester County Airport: the Clintons scheduled 3:30 a.m. arrival time on Election Day from a final campaign stop in Raleigh did not deter the enthusiastic supporters who had gathered patiently for hours as temperatures dipped below 40 degrees. With Katy Perry’s The Fight Song booming, a hometown crowd cheered as Hillary and Bill Clinton stepped off the Boeing 737; and per usual, the Clintons took time to greet and thank many who came before heading home to Chappaqua.

PHOTOS BY CHAD KRAUS

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Chappaqua Friends of Hill and Tim
chad_voting-12
Voting Day at Grafflin

 

Filed Under: Hillary's Run Tagged With: Barack Obama, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, election, Forward Together, Hillary Clinton, Homestretch, Michelle Obama, Philadelphia, Westchester County Airport

“Post-Election Anxiety” Strategies for Hillary supporters

November 29, 2016 by Jodi Baretz, LCSW, CHHC

jodib-myfaveAfter the shock, denial, anger, etc., we have to acknowledge that this is happening, allow ourselves to feel our feelings, but then do whatever is in our control to fight for what we believe.

I am writing this the day after the election and I can’t seem to shake this gnawing in the pit of my stomach; this sense of impending doom. I’m sad and afraid for so many reasons. I’m sad that our deserving neighbor didn’t break the glass ceiling and become our next President, and I’m fearful of a President with no experience, who ran a campaign based on anger and hate.

I’m terrified by the racists and bigots he energized and the actions they might take. I have followed this election campaign holding my breath, wanting it to be over to breathe a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, now that it is presumably over, all I want to do is turn back time.

This election was a big shock and disappointment to many, but approximately half of those who voted chose him. We need to honor and respect the democratic process and face the reality of who is our next President, but how?

Mindfulness has taught me how to face many stressful situations with grace and ease. Life is difficult; it is filled with adversity and struggle. There are many things we cannot control, but how we respond to life’s challenges is within our power and can make all the difference.

In my mindfulness boot camp group today, everyone was shocked, distraught and disappointed, so we explored how mindfulness can help us cope with post-election blues.

  • Acceptance: Not arguing with reality, even if we don’t like it.
  • Non-judgment: Not judging yourself for experiencing feelings that are real. Also, trying not to judge others who disagree with you. You may have experienced some heated discourse at the Thanksgiving table, but listening to others with an open mind can help us understand, instead of dismissing others viewpoints.
  • Present moment: Be here now. Notice when your thoughts veer off into the future fearing the worst scenario. Bring yourself back to the present. Our minds are often stuck in a negative fantasy which leads to anxiety. Let’s take this day by day. As the late Leonard Cohen said, “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
  • Beginner’s Mind: Look at situations without preconceived notions. As difficult as that may be, we do not really know how things will turn out. We can leave room for the possibility of our party becoming stronger than ever and more people becoming activists for change.

Consider a Taoist story of an old farmer who worked his crops for many years …

One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit.
“Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.
“We’ll see,” the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses.
“How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.
“We’ll see,” replied the old man.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.
“We’ll see,” answered the farmer.
The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.
“We’ll see” said the farmer.

If Hillary represents anything, it is that a life of public service and doing good is the cornerstone to contributing in society. Let’s take our lead from her and channel our energies into action. We cannot be complacent, but must lead with dignity and grace, just like Hillary. We need to go high when they go low, like Michelle Obama. We need to be stronger together and not divided. We need to model for our children by our actions as well as our words. We need to look for opportunities to make a difference and practice “compassion in action.” We may have lost this battle, but not the war.

As I share my feelings and meditate on what actions I will take moving forward, I am reminded of a comment made today during the group session. One of the moms shared with us the experience of telling her child, who is four, that Donald Trump was the winner. She thought he’d cry or be upset but he looked up at her with a smile and said, “maybe now he won’t be so angry.” What a way to look at the world, through the optimistic eyes of a child.

Jodi Baretz, LCSW is a psychotherapist, mindfulness and health coach at The Center for Health and Healing in Mt. Kisco. She runs a mindfulness bootcamp called “Mindful is the New Skinny,” and specializes in stress reduction for busy moms. Jodi lives in Millwood with her husband and two sons. Visit her website jodibaretz.com

Filed Under: Armonk EtCetera Tagged With: election, Hillary Clinton, jodi, Post Election Anxiety, Trump

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