The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Lisa Katz

Town Board Inauguration Welcomes Incumbents & Newcomers

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L to R: Town Supervisor Ivy Pool, NY State Attorney General Letitia James and County Executive George Latimer

PHOTOS By Carolyn Simpson

On January 27th and before a packed Town Hall, New Castle inaugurated a new Supervisor and three Council Members, two of whom are newcomers to the Town Board. The ceremonies opened with the presentation of colors by various town first responders including the New Castle Police Department, fire departments from Chappaqua and Millwood and the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance. In an audience that included New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, and Westchester County Executive, George Latimer, the elected officials were administered their oaths of office.

The inauguration was the culmination of the hotly contested November 5th election between candidates from two slates–New Castle Democrats and the Republican-sponsored Team New Castle. In addition to the Town Supervisor, there were three Town Board positions that were up for election.

L to R: County Legislator Vedat Gashi, Town Justice Douglas Kraus, Town Board member Lauren Levin, Town Council member Jason Lichtenthal, Deputy Town Supervisor Jeremy Saland and Town Supervisor Ivy Pool

Ivy Pool was elected from the New Castle Democrats and succeeds Robert Greenstein as Town Supervisor and will serve a two-year term. Pool was first elected as a Council Member in 2017. Jeremy Saland, having assumed his position on the Town Board in 2015, was re-elected and will also serve as Deputy Town Supervisor. Jason Lichtenthal, who ran with Pool and Saland as part of the New Castle Democrats ticket, was also elected as a Council Member. Lichtenthal has served as a Commissioner in the Millwood Fire District. Lauren Levin joins Lichtenthal as the other first-time Town Board member. Levin ran on the Team New Castle slate and has served on the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce board and Streetscape Committee. Saland, Lichtenthal, and Levin will join the existing member, Lisa Katz, on the four-person Town Board.

Town resident and member of the Chappaqua Ambulance Volunteer Corps, Reese Highbloom commented on what he expects the new Town Board will accomplish. “I hope that the new board members can be a great face for the New Castle community, get to know each and every one of us and really hear what we want and what we have to say.”

Pool stated that the Town Board has an ambitious agenda and has prioritized certain initiatives including creating thriving hamlets, modernizing infrastructure, thoughtful capital planning and improving recreation and community spirit. “There are a lot of different goals and objectives that the Town Board has put together for what we hope to accomplish,” Pool affirmed. “The most immediate thing that we are working on right now is a rezoning initiative for downtown Chappaqua. We have done a great deal of work replacing infrastructure, but now we are ready to take that to the next step.”

Deputy Supervisor Saland emphasized Pool’s determination for the rezoning of the hamlet. “We are working on the form-based code to revitalize the hamlet. It is what the community wants and is consistent with the comprehensive plan.” Saland stated that the Town Board is eager to get to work for the people of New Castle. “I am excited to work with everybody on the Town Board; everybody is very eager, very hungry, very smart and very dedicated.”

Lichtenthal holds the belief that the town needs to come together in order to initiate progress and change. “We are in a time where we need to work together a little bit more than the past and we must come together with new ideas to move our town forward,” Lichtenthal passionately explained. He encourages the community to bring forth and share their ideas with the new Town Board. “Unless people come out and tell us how things are going and how they see New Castle, we are not going to be able to move forward as a community.”

Also sworn in during the evening’s events was Douglas Kraus for Town Justice. The incumbent Kraus was re-elected to his 7th term having served in the position since 1994. Vedat Gashi was also administered the oath of office for County Legislator representing District 4. Gashi, a Democrat, will represent New Castle and portions of Somers and Yorktown on the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

At the end of the ceremony, Pool concluded with how she anticipates the new Town Board will serve the people of New Castle. “Here in New Castle, we can and will do better. The only way that we are going to get things done is to forge partnerships and engage all voices.”

‘A New Beginning’

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(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.

Team New Castle: Greenstein, Brodsky & Katz

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(L-R): Team New Castle’s Adam Brodsky, Robert Greenstein, and Lisa Katz

Getting Things Done!

We are a nonpartisan ticket. Supervisor Rob Greenstein and Councilwoman Lisa Katz are registered Democrats. Deputy Supervisor Adam Brodsky is unaffiliated. The New Castle Republican Party is endorsing us because they believe we are the best candidates for the town regardless of party. They are putting the interests of the residents and our community above all. We do the same! We are also endorsed by the Independence Party.

Four years ago, we ran for office because we wanted to change the status quo in Town government. We were frustrated by what we saw: ever-increasing property taxes, unresponsive leadership, lack of vision and little community involvement. There was absolutely no communication from our elected officials. Nothing actually got done and the Town Board made some colossal blunders with the Chappaqua Crossing and Conifer projects.

We all share a core value–we think that local government is about delivering results that residents can feel and appreciate. We are not motivated by political ambitions or ideologies, and believe in nonpartisan leadership.

Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein started the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce. He started the New Castle eNewsletter and the Town’s Distracted Driving campaign. No one works harder than Rob.

Deputy Town Supervisor Adam Brodsky is leading our Chappaqua Infrastructure and Streetscape Project. This is the biggest public works projects in recent Town history.

Councilwoman Lisa Katz led the effort to save the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center from demolition. Lisa has been working tirelessly to make the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center a fabulous amenity for our community.

We promised a new approach, and we delivered! We think the results speak for themselves …

  • Resolved Chappaqua Crossing, the most controversial land use application in our Town’s history
  • Planned and launched a massive infrastructure and streetscape project in downtown Chappaqua–all critical steps towards revitalization
  • Helped recruit DeCicco’s to Millwood
  • Saved over $3,000,000 over the course of the seven-year contract with new garbage contract
  • Saved close to $1,000,000 over the past four years with Workers Compensation premiums
  • Tripled our paving budget without raising taxes.
  • Saved the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center from demolition and turned it into an exciting new venue for music and arts performances
  • Started eNewsletter–a new communication staple in the community
  • Started the Distracted Driving initiative–currently being duplicated in other communities throughout country
  • Adopted a new Ethics Code (last amended in 1989)
  • Implemented numerous sustainability initiatives, including:
    • Reusable Bag Initiative
    • Single Stream Recycling
    • Energize NY Finance
    • Solarize Westchester
    • Westchester Power
    • Adopted new Comprehensive Plan (last revised in 1989)

Created numerous new citizen advisory committees to boost community involvement, including…

  • Mandate Relief Committee
  • Streetscape Committee
  • New Castle Arts & Culture Committee
  • Exceptional People of New Castle
  • Task Force on Health and Wellness
  • Community Inclusion and Diversity Committee
  • Community Preparedness Committee
  • The New Castle Youth Civics Action Committee
  • Downtown Business Development Committee
  • Coyote Management Task Force
  • Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee
  • Adopted new administrative policies for land use escrows, non-union employee payouts, vehicle use, anti-harassment and discrimination, and equal employment opportunity
  • Revamped Town’s website.

We continue to believe that local government should be nonpartisan. Our public service as local officials should focus squarely on the best interests of New Castle residents, and not politics and political labels. The local issues facing our Town are neither Republican nor Democrat issues.

We will continue to deliver results for our community by …

  • Restoring our infrastructure and revitalizing our business hamlets
  • Saving money and keeping taxes flat
  • Improving services and amenities for residents
  • Continuing to communicate with residents and engage the community
  • Exploring new ways to be a Green Community, such as with solar power and electric vehicles
  • Making our Town a destination for arts & cultural events
  • Paving and repairing our roads
  • Improving safety throughout our community
  • Being tireless, responsive, accessible and proactive

Once again, our nonpartisan, results-driven vision and philosophy is unique. We continue to believe that local elections should not be about politics and voting along party lines. Experience, sound judgment, work ethic and the ability to produce results matter most. The last thing we need here is more divisive partisan politics. We will continue to focus on the local issues that were ignored for so long. New Castle residents deserve nothing less. We are proud of our record of having done more in four years than in the past 25. We have dealt with the challenges we inherited and deliver results. We have the experience and drive to continue our work.

Please support Greenstein, Brodsky & Katz on Tues, Nov. 7th. Read more about our record: teamnewcastle.org

A Community Delights in Frank Shiner & in the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

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By Grace Bennett

Frank Shiner tells his audiences that “Love,” in all its permutations (the agony and the ecstasy), serves as the theme for his musical selections. By every indication last night: love and a palpable excitement permeated the air as the audience rose for a standing ovation for Shiner–cheering for the exuberant and talented singer but also for the future of the all new Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. 

Frank Shiner   PHOTO BY Carolyn Simpson, Doublevision Photographers

It was just emotion taking him over at first when Shiner took the stage, looking out into the packed room, and a little choked up, he said, “Thank you, Chappaqua.”

And then he proceeded to engage a hometown audience with a thoughtful selection of blues/soul songs including stirring titles from Amy Winehouse (“Love is a Losing Game”): and The Young Rascals (“How Can I be Sure?”), backed up by a group of mega talented musicians who have worked with celebrity performers. They were:

 

Jon Cobert, keyboard – Lennon, Springstein

 

Sherrod Barnes, guitar- Whitney, Roberta Flack, Earth Wind Fire

 

Jay Rodriguez sax,flute- Prince, Patty Labelle, Elvis Cost Miles Davis                    

 

Chris Anderson Bass, toured with A Great Big Wold and Rachel Platten and has a band with his wife. 

 

Dan Weiner drummer – Amer. Got talent house, Woo Tang Clan

 

(L-R) Joining Frank Shiner on stage with stellar performances of their own too: (L-R) Jon Cobert, Sherrod Barnes, Dan Weiner, Chris Anderson and Jay Rodriguez PHOTO BY Carolyn Simpson, Doublevision Photographers
Frank Shiner with cast members from Greeley’s production of Grease. PHOTO BY Grace Bennett, Inside Press

 

Shiner and his daughter Lindsay  PHOTO BY Carolyn Simpson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                    Frank also announced the debut of his daughter Lindsay Shiner, a Greeley senior who was just accepted to the BFA Program at Baldwin Wallace University, singing as backup and in a duet with her father (“When Something is Wrong with my Baby” with the lyrics changed slightly to reflect a father/daughter relationship!).  Toward the end of the show,  members of Greeley’s cast of Grease, the senior musical, joined Frank on stage as well to perform “We Go Together.”

David Restivo, executive director of the Chappaqua Orchestra and on the Town’s Arts and Culture committee, volunteered with sound, together with John Flanagan, who ran the lights too. Area restaurants including Le Jardin du roi and Quaker Hill Tavern in Chappaqua offered donations before and after the show with tie ins on their menus. Shiner himself donated $5K in proceeds from the show to the newly formed Friends of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. Shiner’s upcoming album, Lonely Town, Lonely Street will be available May 19th on RED/SONY with his single On a Rainy Night in Georgia.

Most of all, it was a warm and enthusiastic community gathering signifying the continuing aspirations for the evolving venue. Prior to Frank taking the stage, the audience heard Town Councilwoman Lisa Katz, who conceived the Center working with the town’s Arts and Culture committee, describe an array of plans by the Town of New Castle–including a town theater camp for kids this summer and a special art show in September–to ultimately position the site of the old Readers Digest Wallace Auditorium as a key cultural destination in Northern Westchester, and for the county, as well.

John Fanelli, director of the Lighthouse Youth Theater in Armonk, with a years-long track record of directing shows in the county, has been brought in as theater manager to help produce an array of musicals and shows to the venue.  He expressed his enthusiasm about the venue and told the audience that he is open to receiving ideas for productions from the community, too.

Chappaqua’s Michele Gregson and Tracy Stein are heading the new Friends of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center and have plans to raise an initial $50,000 for program development at the Center.

A website is under construction and a calendar of events is being created soon too. 

Next up: an all new Storybook Family Concert by the Chappaqua Orchestra on April 29th directed by Maestro Michael Shapiro. Shiner graciously encouraged everyone attending to purchase tickets for the show which he described as a high caliber event and “not just for kids.” Visit www.chappaquaorchestra.org for tickets and more information.

No doubt about it… Chappaqua’s Got Arts.

Grace Bennett, Publisher and Editor of the Inside Press, is excited about the future of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center.

The Hillary Touch at Town Hall Swearing In Ceremony

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Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton swearing in Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein. Photo by Carolyn Simpson, www.doublevisionphotographers.com
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton swearing in Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein. Photo by Carolyn Simpson, www.doublevisionphotographers.com

By Grace Bennett

Take a former Secretary of State and two time Senator who happens to be a long time, community minded resident of this town. Add three new inductees to town government and a town justice, who has already served six years. Pack in persons, Democrats and Republicans alike, from in and around town. And what do you get?  A swearing in ceremony for the history books!

Tonight, about 5:30 p.m.:  Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton Town Hall swore in Robert Greenstein as Town Supervisor, Lisa Katz as Deputy Supervisor, Adam Brodsky as Town Councilman and Noah Sorkin as Town Justice. The ceremony was also presided over by Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Susan Spear, a representative for Senator Kristin Gillebrand.

Town Justice Doug Kraus opened the ceremony introducing Congresswoman Nita Lowey as one of the “hardest working and nicest people in U.S. Congress.” Nita Lowey offered, in turn, “I don’t live in Chappaqua but I love Chappaqua…and “coordinate with local officials so resources are utilized and opportunities seized to improve the quality of life of New Castle residents.”  Lowey went on to note Clinton’s worldwide popularity. She noted in particular a trip in which she “tagged along” to Kenya: “All anyone wanted to do was see the rock star. She is beloved and respected every place in the world.”

Pre Swearing In: A photo op for the entire town board: Secretary Clinton with Team New Castle , Councilwoman Elise Mottel and Councilman Jason Chapin. Photo: Carolyn Simpson, doublevisionphotographers.com
Pre Swearing In: A photo op for the entire town board: Secretary Clinton with Team New Castle , Councilwoman Elise Mottel and Councilman Jason Chapin. Photo: Carolyn Simpson, doublevisionphotographers.com

And then it was Clinton’s turn. She commended Nita Lowey for her ability “to get along with anyone” and she thanked Town Council members Elise Mottel and Jason Chapin for their continuity and service.  She noted how proud she “and Bill are to be your neighbors and support the excellent schools here” …and paid tribute to the police, fire and ambulance services here too. “They are the real backbone of the community…and very grateful to them.”

Clinton related that a common question she was asked in one of her first missions as Secretary of State—to countries in the Pacific coast–was “how could you work with Obama after losing to him?”  “I realized that for much of the world, you can get exiled, killed after losing…not be asked to serve in the same cabinet!”  Their wonderment, she said, made her appreciate “how we govern ourselves” and the “rule of law” here.

First to be sworn in was Town Justice Noah Sorkin, who has already served six years in New Castle as a prosecutor or judge. He said he would continue his service toward “lawful, fair resolution” of cases and that he emulates former town justice David Zuckerman and long time fellow town justice Kraus.

Town councilman Adam Brodsky came next. “I am humbled by the faith the community has placed in me,” he said, “and I will use it to help New Castle grow and prosper.”

Deputy supervisor Lisa Katz, after being sworn in, expressed her “humility, pride and excitement…we came together through a shared vision.”

And last to be sworn in, Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein  lightened the occasion, turning to Clinton, and stating: “Since I know that fairness is so important to Secretary Clinton, I’m confident that if the occasion should arise when Secretary Clinton is sworn into office in the next few years–she should know that we would happily return the favor by attending her inauguration.  Fair is fair.”

He also thanked Nita Lowey, Susan Spear and Alex Rothmayer (who was representing Assemblyman David Buchwald’s office).”

He noted County Legislator Michael B. Kaplowitz could not attend. “He happens to be in Little Rock, Arkansas–which is very fitting.  Mike texted me today. He asked me to send your regards, and mention that he went to the Little Rock High School, the Clinton Museum and Doe’s Eats.”

Finally, Greenstein said: “It is so appropriate that Secretary Clinton joins us today.  At the Democratic Convention in 1996, she spoke about how we are part of one family–each of us has a value.

He concluded his remarks as follows:

“Secretary Clinton often speaks about community. Our town’s last election demonstrated that our community is united – not so much in politics – but in ideas.

Lisa, Adam and I ran as a slate expressing a new perspective, one that encompasses the wishes of all residents, regardless of their political affiliation. Our perspective is to hear all of the voices. Every voice has a value in improving our town. Every resident, every neighbor counts. Community, not partisanship, is our motto.

And that is what this swearing-in is about. It’s about community. And as a community, we are so fortunate to have the Clintons as our neighbors.

I am honored and humbled to serve as Supervisor of New Castle. And I will do my best to live up to the expectations of our great community.”