By Grace Bennett & Karly Weiner
Who hasn’t felt the Cowardly Lion’s trepidation from time to time? Finding courage, whatever comes our way, is a part of the human experience. To highlight courage, our cover story, I believe, speaks for itself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Eileen Gallagher for these wonderful profiles of courage, persons to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Not that it’s remotely comparable, but it does take some courage running local pubs, especially during an election season, so we are proud to offer even basic platforms from our candidates. Plus the League of Women Voters reminds us who is on the ballot (page 22)…and to vote on Nov. 3!
Please note: The Inside Press is sponsoring a Community Conversation the very next day, Nov. 4, at the Rosenthal JCC, from 7-9 p.m., on behalf of the Mental Health Association of Westchester. It’s about how to raise emotionally resilient kids. I anticipate great insights and a robust discussion, so hope you can make it. To register,visit www.mhawestchester.org.
Greeley Junior Amanda Cronin, a regular contributor, mustered up enough courage to speak with Chelsea Clinton before her book signing at the Chappaqua Library. Chappaqua’s Helen Jonsen penned a chapter of a book about her experiences as a Clinton neighbor, excerpted in this edition too. A grateful nod here as well to Rabbi Jaffe of Temple Beth El for his exemplary courage and grace in a march for justice this past summer.
For the rest of this column, I’m “giving the floor” to a hard working Greeley junior, Karly Weiner. New interns need plenty of courage when they start writing for The Inside Press. This fall, I asked Karly to visit our popular fall events. Here, to me, were some of Karly’s best observations plus some cute photos:
People of all ages gathered on Community Day to support Chappaqua’s local organizations and merchants who make such a difference to the town. A sense of joy permeated the air as kids ran around and neighbors were able to mingle amongst themselves. Rob Greenstein, Town Supervisor of Chappaqua said, “Any time you can have an event that brings out the community, it’s a great thing. This is what community is about.” The New Castle Beautification team shared their eagerly awaited plans for our downtown. Director Sabrina Hull displayed “strategies to create a new future for the town.” As fall begins, new families, as well as long-time residents are reminded of the importance of all the organizations that serve to make a difference in our town. Jerry Curran of the New Castle Democratic Committee deems Community Day a “historic tradition in New Castle.”
The Chappaqua’s Children’s Book Festival, founded by Dawn Greenberg, made our town shine and beam with pride. Robert E. Bell Middle School’s gym was transformed into a book lover’s paradise. Authors lined the walls, with books ranging from children’s stories to teen adventures, eagerly showing off their work to all those interested in a good read. Kids waited patiently on lines to meet their favorite authors, and parents were all too happy to purchase books for even their littlest ones. Pat Schories, illustrator of the famous Biscuit books, was between book signings when she paused to remark, “I’m truly touched that kids are learning to read from Biscuit.” I also grew up reading Biscuit books which is evidence of the author’s remarkable longevity. Meanwhile, on North Greeley Ave., a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event was in full progress at Houlihan Lawrence, the street adorned with pink and white balloons. People bought raffle tickets for various high end goods such as a 
flat screen TV and jewelry. Although traffic is heavier than normal during these events in our usually peaceful town, I think everyone can agree, it is always well worth it.
It’s me again. My final words this month are to express my gratitude and bid adieu to Executive Editor Beth Besen, who has shared her fine talents for well over a year but who is transitioning to a more freelance role. Enjoy your holiday gatherings everyone; those take courage too!
-Grace
And as if you needed yet another reason to attend this classical extravaganza, Shapiro is also quick to emphasize that the travel time simply can’t be beat! “If you want to go to a concert in Lincoln Center, you have to factor in the drive–up to two hours round trip–and then, of course, the added considerable expense,” he explained. “[TCO] is of the same professional quality [as those musicians]…and we’re right here in Chappaqua! No need to travel [far].”
The Chappaqua Orchestra’s fantastic musical offerings aside, the concert itself is only one of the reasons this event is so special and meaningful to the orchestra. An equally important cause for celebration: the performance will be the first for the musicians’ group in their newly christened home at Wallace Auditorium in the Chappaqua Crossing plaza.