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What Local Businesses are Planning as the Curve Flattens and Restrictions Ease

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As the coronavirus continues to spread all around the world, many local businesses have reported a massive drop in revenue as consumers remain at their homes. The virus has dealt a devastating blow for hundreds of restaurants and other small businesses as they are forced to close in response to public health guidelines. According to the U.S. Labor Department, as of May 14th, 36.5 million people have filed for unemployment in the past eight weeks bringing the unemployment rate to 14.7 percent in April – the highest since the Great Depression.

I had the pleasure of speaking with many local businesses from the surrounding area about their experiences with the coronavirus and how they have been adapting in these unprecedented times. As a resident of Chappaqua, I have patronized many local businesses and understand their value to the members of the community. While I spoke to the businesses (all generous/recent sponsors of the Inside Press which has also been working hard to stay the course), many expressed feelings of caution and worry even as they inch closer to “Phase 1” and “Phase 2” reentry dates. https://www.westchestergov.com/home/all-press-releases/8388-april-15-county-executive-george-latimer-gives-westchester-county-coronavirus-update-westchester-forward-phase-i

To date, many businesses have been applying for loans, first federal ones, and more recently a state option loan called New York Forward has been very specific to small businesses, and was announced by Governor Cuomo. https://forward.ny.gov/  Meanwhile, the owners of small businesses describe Herculean efforts between finding time to explore and pursue loan options while also keeping focused on creating new and unique solutions to handle the hurdles they face in a safe and secure manner, and just basically keep up with the day to day tasks involved in running a business.  From transitioning to virtual platforms to implementing curbside pickup, the local businesses are following emerging guidelines and figuring out how to continue to serve the community in whatever way they can, and prepare for any ‘new normal’ the future may bring. Here are eight businesses whose owners offered a glimpse into both current day challenges AND relaunch/reentry plans!

Armonk Tennis Club

Tim Shea, the owner of Armonk Tennis Club expressed the intense precautions that people have to take while at the club. “As soon as people arrive on the property, they are assigned a court to go play on. It is only singles at this point. When they get to their court, it is recommended that they have labeled their own tennis balls. We don’t have benches or water on the courts and we are sanitizing the nets everytime after people play – this is no longer the ideal club.”

Much like any other store or club, Armonk Tennis Club is ready to resume their day to day operations. “Physically we are ready to go back to last year within a day.” However, there is one caveat – “we don’t know what the new normal is.” Shea furthered this by expressing that “hopefully at some point doubles and group teachings are allowed and that social distancing can be maintained.” Armonk Tennis Club was the first recreational facility to close down in March. Despite that, Shea passionately explains that the club is “truly following the guidelines handed down by the county, which is taking their orders from the state.”

Aura Salon and Style Bar

“As a hair salon, it is very hard to know when we are going to reopen because it’s not listed anywhere,” explains Leticia Villagran, owner of Aura Salon and Style Bar. “It is really hard to prepare for the reopening – nobody was prepared for this.” However, Villagran seems more than ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Like many businesses, she is practicing curbside pickup for hair coloring agents and other supplies. Looking forwards, she has “ordered masks, sanitizers, and a very heavy duty UV lamp. Everytime I will use a comb or scissors, I will put them under the lamp for 10 minutes before using it on the next client – it is all about being safe.”

She has also ordered a disposable plastic shield for the chairs, but most important to securing the safety of her clients and workers is the structure of her salon. “The building I have the salon in is three floors, and this is going to be great because I plan on having a few stylists on each floor. This way I can have more clients while still being safe.” Villagran feels like she is confident to accommodate people in a cautious manner when her store reopens. “From the chairs to the tools that we are using we are going to be making sure that everybody is safe.”

Breathe Pilates and Yoga
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Breathe Pilates and Yoga

Adina Ellick, the owner of Breathe Pilates and Yoga in downtown Chappaqua described how her business has been dramatically altered due to the virus outbreak. “My business is completely virtual now. My hope is to lean into private sessions as soon as I am able with limited people in the studio at each time” she states. The state of her business also impacts how her clients approach their traditional yoga experiences. “I have some clients that don’t want any part of it, and they are waiting until the doors open again. However, I have other clients who have taken more classes than they have ever taken – they love the availability and accessibility. Finally, I have clients that I would have never been able to get.”

Ellick also has some special ideas available for the public when her store reopens. “I will be offering re-entry packages when I open, virtual classes will still be available and I will be implementing a virtual package for those people who want more than just the studio.” At the end of the interview, she passionately asserted that she “wants people’s opinions. I want people to reach out to me – tell me their fears, tell me their desires. Tell me what I can do to help them move to the next phase of re-entering back into some sense of normalcy – we need to start to meld back together into a community.”

Chappaqua Paint and Hardware

“I think the face of retail is completely changed,” exclaims Peter James, the manager of Chappaqua Paint and Hardware. “We are sanitizing every 20 minutes. Masks are worn throughout the store. Gloves are worn throughout the store.” Chappaqua Paint and Hardware was deemed an “essential” business during this time, but regardless, “it is always safety first in everything that we do. Even before everything started, it was a matter of not only keeping our customers safe, but our staff healthy as well.” Chappaqua Paint and Hardware has also been adopting a phrase that is becoming part of the norm – curbside pickup. “You have to remodel your business because now you are taking a lot more phone calls – it’s definitely a change in the way that we are operating.”

James seemed to be optimistic about the future. “Once we do start opening up, it’s going to be a great thing.” He continued, referencing his fellow businesses in downtown Chappaqua, stating “There have been a lot of businesses that haven’t been able to open their doors and adding them back into the mix will invigorate people to start coming outside. It’s going to be nice to have a downtown that is rejuvenated and open for business.”

Eye Designs
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Eye Designs

Many businesses are adapting the best that they can to the ambiguous “new normal.” Jaime Herman, the manager of Eye Designs in Armonk states that “I haven’t really been open – it’s just been on an emergency basis – a few times a week. We have a lot of things in place for cleaning and disinfecting frames if someone touches them. We have masks, face-shields and everything necessary.”

Herman further explained that business has been almost “non-existent.” However, they are finding creative solutions to the problems presented. “I have been able to order contact lenses for people and have them be shipped directly to the patient so they don’t have to come in.” Eye Designs is in a precarious position as to buy eyeglasses “you really need to come in. That personal aspect is missing.”

Herman included that the store will be “offering $120 off for a complete pair of prescription eyeglasses.” Herman concluded on a positive note, exclaiming that “We look forward to serving the community, like we have for the last 20 years, and we hope to be there for the community throughout this process.”

Family Britches
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Family Britches

“This has been a big negative for any retail business, particularly one that relies on relationships,” Barry Mishkin, co-founder of Family Britches in Chappaqua explains. “Customers make appointments and come in, but everybody is staying home and following orders.” Most of their business at the moment has come from mail, phone and online orders. Despite this, Family Britches is committed to ensuring the well-being of their customers. “We are staying in touch with our clients and are reassuring them that everything is going to be okay. We have called over 1,000 people over the past nine weeks.” When the store reopens, they have “masks available, a UV light and hand sanitizer.”

Family Britches is devoted to providing the same personalized service that they have done in the past for their customers. “We are here to help and assist our customers. We are not like a department store where you ‘promote, promote, promote.’ We are here to fill their needs and we want them to feel comfortable going into a place where they can see and speak to the same people they have spoken to for years.”

Hickory and Tweed Ski and Cycle

Other business owners have detailed how the virus has been affecting them. Skip Beitzel, owner of the well-known Hickory and Tweed Ski and Cycle in Armonk was at loss for words when asked about how the bike shop is faring. “I can’t describe it. I just can’t describe it. The bike business is exploding – none of the vendors has any more bikes. Tuning bikes is all we are going to be doing from now into the summer – we don’t have anything else to sell.”

Beitzel went on to describe the retail aspect of his store. “I think we are going to be having appointment based shopping, but we are going to be doing more with online shopping and curb-side pickup – I’m hoping for the best, but I am strategically planning for the worst.” In the future, Hickory and Tweed will be offering half off for everything in retail for ski wear during the summer

Much like any business, Hickory and Tweed is dedicated to maintaining the safety of their customers by “listening very carefully to what the county executive, George Latimer has been saying. Everyday is unique and presents a different challenge.” Beitzel also hopes to learn from other businesses, stating that this process requires a lot of “learning by doing.”

LaGravinese Jewelers

“It’s pretty easy to control how many people are in the store at a time,” describes Debra LaGravinese, owner of LaGravinese Jewelers in Armonk. “We post on Instagram and social media that one or two people are allowed in the store at a time and we have curbside pickup. We have changed to manage within this.” Similarly to other local businesses, LaGravinese Jewelers is implementing curbside pickup into their adaptations to the restrictions of the coronavirus. In order to cope with the loss of business, LaGravinese has people “text me directly. I have repairs people left here so I would meet them or deliver them.” Debra is hopeful for the future of her business as “people still want to celebrate the good birthdays and graduations.” She continued stating that “June is usually one of our busiest months.” However, there are still some hindrances before things get completely back to normal. “Things have changed because my employees have kids who don’t have daycare that is open right now, so my hours are completely different.” She concluded stating “the best thing I can do is to make people feel safe and comfortable when they come.”

Byram Hills Senior Raises Awareness of Autism

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Elena, Morgan, Reese and Danny PHOTO by Cathy Pinsky

While many high school seniors were swamped with college applications this past fall, Byram Hills Senior Reese Tateo was no exception but she was also busy organizing the first-ever Armonk for Autism 5K race in downtown Armonk.  Tateo organized the event along with her parents, Elena and Danny Tateo. Spurred by their love for Reese’s younger brother, Morgan, who has autism, the Tateos hoped to raise autism awareness in the community and raise money for the Byram Hills Special Education Department.

Support from Family and Friends

Despite it being a rainy day, about 130 people came to show their support on October 27, 2019 and the Tateos raised over $11,000. Although some registrants stayed home due to the weather, it was still a healthy turnout for their inaugural event.

“In the end, I think the rain added to it because everyone who came was there because they really wanted to support us and not because they were going out for a nice run in great weather,” reflects mom Elena Tateo.

The entire event was full of touching moments. Friends and family pitched in wherever they could, whether unloading bananas or giving out t-shirts. The Tateos met other families with autistic children and people outside of Armonk who have children with autism thanked them via email or donated five dollars to show support. They were delighted to see so many members of the community including Morgan’s classmates, his teacher, his Occupational Therapist, the Byram Hills Director of Special Services Jill Boynton, the Byram Hills Athletic Director Rob Castagna, and the high school football team.

Local businesses such as Hickory & Tweed, Mt. Kisco Seafood, Tazza, and Breezemont Day Camp also offered their support by sponsoring the race. Additional sponsors were featured on their website at armonkforautism.org. Also, a multitude of volunteers donors, plus the town made the race possible.

One of the most memorable moments came at the very end. It was raining hard, water was dripping through the tent, people were clearing out, and Elena was announcing the winners, trying to read their names off a wet paper. Suddenly, they heard there was still a runner out on the road. It was a teenage girl with autism running with her father and brother. The Tateos corralled everyone back to the finish line and everyone enthusiastically obliged. “Everyone was cheering for her in the pouring rain,” recalls Reese. “It was amazing. I just viewed that as a symbol of what we were there for. We got everyone to come back and cheer and she was so happy.”

Miguel, Diego, Miguel Heredia (their dad) and Danny Tateo

An Idea Blossoms into Tangible Results

Reese’s idea to organize a run came to her after watching her father, an avid runner, participate in many races over the years.

“I noticed how many people would run for a cause so I thought it would be great to do it for autism,” Reese says. Danny Tateo has run to support other causes in the past in addition to wearing a shirt at some races with a picture of Morgan that says “I run for my son.”

To tackle the logistics of planning a race, the Tateos sought advice from the organizers of the annual Stayin’ Alive 5K which supports the First Responders of Northern Westchester, and the organizers of Jamie’s 5k Run for Love, in memory of Jamie Love and benefitting the Friends of the North Castle Library.

Reese and her dad chose the course. “We drove with a GPS watch and went on so many different courses planning 3.1 miles,” says Reese.

After consulting with Superintendent Jen Lamia, HC Crittenden Principal Kim Lapple, and Director of Special Services Jill Boynton, the Tateos donated the money towards a kitchenette for the special needs students at the middle school and a greenhouse at the high school. The Tateos were excited to provide something tangible that can help foster independence for Morgan and others like him. The kitchenette is useful in teaching daily life skills and the greenhouse allows the students to learn agricultural skills, job skills, and marketing by growing plants and selling them.

Jefff, Adin and Nathan Bernstein

Living with Autism

April is World Autism Month and several communities are having wear blue campaigns or are lighting up town monuments blue to raise awareness of autism. The CDC defines autism as a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. The CDC found in 2018 that approximately 1 in 59 children in the US is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Living with a brother with autism has given Reese a special perspective. Morgan was diagnosed at a very young age so Reese never really knew a brother without autism. “I just grew up with autism. People ask me if it’s weird but I know no differently,” explains Reese. “I would watch him a lot while my parents were at work and couldn’t go to many after-school activities because I had to come home and look after him. That was different than a lot of people’s lives but he’s my brother and I love him.”

“She’s the best big sister you can ask for,” says Elena. “Morgan is smart and has a funny sense of humor. His biggest challenges are language and communication. We were excited about doing the race in our community because Morgan has become more integrated in the middle school than he was in the lower schools and we’ve noticed his peers be so accepting of him, which is amazing. He does track at school and even participated in the 1.5 mile loop at the race.”

Reese passionately reminds us, “if you see a kid that’s not socially outgoing or looks uncomfortable, reach out and be nice to them and don’t look down on them for not knowing how to act or speak.”

“It’s important for parents to always strongly advocate for their children and it’s an ongoing life-long process,” says Elena. “Parents need to network, educate themselves about what their children need, and think about planning for the future early on. We also have to remember to be inclusive, be kind, and recognize that everyone counts. I love Temple Grandin’s quote about being “different, not less.” I think that is how our society should consider all people, with or without a disability.”

Reese and her dad have already started planning for next year’s race. “We have to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves,” says Danny.

For more information, visit www.armonkforautism.org or for race-specific questions email reesetateto@armonkforautism.org.

Photos courtesy of Elena Tateo
Ali, a classmate and Morgan

Re-Discovering the Splendor of Downtown Chappaqua

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By Marianne Campolongo

With chic boutiques, salons for pampering, toys and ice cream cones to keep kids happy, and restaurants to suit every palate, it is fun to shop and dine in downtown Chappaqua. Whether your tastes run to antiques or modern design, practical clothing or the latest fashions, you are sure to find what you need in one of the shops along the village’s tree-lined streets.

Photo by Grace Bennett

With the Chappaqua Downtown Revitalization Project nearing completion, visiting town will soon be even more enjoyable. After tearing up portions of the road and sidewalk to replace crumbling infrastructure, including underground water mains, sewer lines, and stormwater drains, some over 80 years old, the town will look better than ever with new wider sidewalks, improved roadways, pedestrian plazas, beautiful plantings, seating walls, and other amenities to make the village even more inviting and pedestrian-friendly.

The downtown area runs from the top of Bedford Road (Route 117) down King Street and then branches out along North and South Greeley Avenues. On a beautiful spring day, take a moment to enjoy the lush star magnolias in bloom at the small park on the top of King Street before you head toward town. Within a few feet you can purchase clothes, get marketing or spiritual advice, pick up convenience store necessities, wines and spirits, do your banking, get your nails and hair done (and get your furry friends groomed as well), get your clothes dry cleaned, grab a sandwich, pizza, or cup of coffee, and you’ve just started out.

As you travel down the hill, older homes with lush green lawns sit side-by-side with houses repurposed by local businesses such as dentists and doctors, architects and antique shops, making for a pleasant walk. You’ll notice a myriad of professionals you can call on without straying beyond the boundaries of downtown Chappaqua.

Photo by Grace Bennett

For over 65 years now, spring is time for the First Congregational Church’s Barn Sale, so put aside items to donate while you do your spring cleaning, or head to the sale to buy new and gently used items at bargain prices. St. John and Mary Roman Catholic Church’s Spring Festival features games, crafts and wonderful food, and is also fast becoming a new Chappaqua tradition.

Although it is technically spring, the annual Memorial Day Parade marks the official start of the summer season. As a tradition for over 80 years, June brings St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church’s Strawberry Festival with all its crafts, music, games, and great food including scrumptious strawberry shortcake baked by the church’s parishioners. An end of school SummerFest, a newcomer on the scene has activity floats, gymnastic instruction, raffles and live music at the gazebo; it was already a big hit its first year. On Wednesday nights in July, the gazebo is in full swing with the Summer Concert Series. Bring a picnic dinner or buy from pop-ups hosted by local restaurants. And be sure to check out the weekly Chappaqua Farmer’s Market. Also, there’s festivity and deals galore at the annual and much anticipated summer July Sidewalk Sale!

The Northern Westchester Artists Guild (NWAG) is particularly busy in the summer, with outdoor art sales. Throughout the year they also sponsor Art Around Town where local businesses host an artist. Spend the evening going from store to store viewing art and enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvre. The NWAG just opened a new studio space in town, too.

When the weather gets warmer, many restaurants place tables outside, so it is a great time to meet a friend or take the family out for a meal. The new wider sidewalks are sure to make dining al fresco on any beautiful day or eve even better.

As autumn approaches and the nesting urge takes hold, interior designers, antique dealers, picture framers, and home goods stores can help you find ways to redecorate, or you can simply pop into town for a bouquet of flowers to brighten up your home. Make room for new purchases by donating older items to local consignment shops, pick up a charming find at bargain prices, or get DIY advice at the local hardware store. The fall is also a great time to learn more about your community and Community Day, hosted by the Rotary Club (see below), is a great place to start. Food, fun activities for the kids, and booths sponsored by all manner of town groups and businesses will give you insight. The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival and the Ragamuffin Parade at Halloween round out the fall fun.

Winter is a great time to find a good book at the Chappaqua Library or the wonderful independent bookstore to curl up with by the fire, or buy a sled or shovel for outdoor activity. Warm coats, snow boots and other outdoor gear are easy to find right in town. Beautiful cocktail dresses and finely tailored suits are also on the agenda, with sparkling jewels to round out your outfit. You might even spy one of the Clintons completing their holiday shopping and strike up a conversation. Wander into the charming Horace Greeley House, which houses the New Castle Historical Society, to learn about the town’s beginnings, or simply enjoy the beautiful fir tree outside, lit up for the holiday season. It is also the season for Wine Around Town, sponsored by the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce. Merchants throughout downtown Chappaqua host special sales along with free wine tastings and hors d’oeuvre.

It is only about a mile long, but you can find nearly everything you need from shopping to dining to services in Chappaqua’s downtown district. So, before you trek off to the crowded mall, try shopping local. You will be glad you did!

Editor’s Note: There has been much excitement and patronag e of the supermarkets that have opened. (See our stories on Millwood/West End and about Chappaqua Crossing.) Many ‘Chappaquans’ continue to appreciate the small thriving food markets downtown too and, of course, all the vibrant dining in/take out options. Bon appétit!

An Attitude of Gratitude

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jodib-myfave

By Jodi Baretz

“If we are not grateful for what we have, what makes us think we’d be happy with more?” Being charged with writing an article on gratitude I was forced to think about what I am truly grateful for, and what I could possibly write about on this topic. Of course, I’m grateful for the obvious things, the ‘big things.’ I’m grateful for my loving family, my supportive friends and my growing private practice. However, I think it’s just as important to recognize the ordinary moments in daily life, the little things.

I can recall a moment when my kids were small and I was bringing them for haircuts, which was not an easy task. Once I finally got them into the car, my two precious children proceeded to fight as per usual. As I was driving and listening to this free for all in the back seat, I would occasionally interrupt with a “stop it” or “enough already!”

When that didn’t seem to be effective, I started getting annoyed, and then for some reason, amidst all the noise and frustration, I just gave up. As I drove and the boys continued to yell, I just listened to them exchanging insults. I became amused by the banter instead of being annoyed with it. It struck me that these two little boys were not going to be young forever, and I realized how lucky I was to spend these precious moments with them.  Suddenly, I made this major shift, a total reframe of the mind that filled me with gratitude.

Once you get the hang of the gratitude attitude, you can apply it to almost anything. Take a look at something small in your daily life. I just sat down to write this article after visiting Millwood Plaza, where I realized how lucky I am to live in this wonderful, supportive community–from the people I ran into who smiled and were helpful to the new businesses that are coming to town to make my life a little easier. Here are just a few examples:

  • I am so grateful that DeCicco’s is coming to Millwood. We have been without a supermarket for long enough, and I’m sure many of you feel my pain.
  • I am grateful that local businesses can still make it in this small hamlet, such as Drug Mart, Paradise Nails, the local dry cleaner and, of course, Dodd’s.
  • Last but not least, I am especially grateful for Tazza Cafe. There are many wonderful places in town that I frequent, but the Tazza in Millwood, is a truly special place to me. (I hear the one in Armonk is also a popular hotspot). I go there daily for my tea, but the best part is those who work there know my order, my name and always greet me with a hearty “Hi Jodi!” It’s like Cheers without the alcohol. In addition, I usually know at least three people there who are also getting their caffeine fix. Being a part of a small community makes me feel connected and supported.

Once you keep noticing these small things to be grateful for, your own shift will start to occur. It will become habit. You will feel happier, and that feeling is contagious. Practicing gratitude is one of the top indicators of happiness, in addition to having many other benefits. Besides improving emotional health, it can have a positive impact on you physically. People who are grateful experience less aches and pains, according to a 2012 study published in “Personality and Individual Differences.” Gratitude also improves your relationships, self-esteem, fosters empathy and decreases aggression. It helps you sleep better!

So, how do we cultivate this all-important skill? Gratitude does not have to only be after something huge, like getting a promotion, or having awesome kids, it can be as small as your morning coffee at your favorite cafe. Noticing the small moments and truly appreciating them will help change your mind. A gratitude journal is proven to be a great way to hone your skills, but if you’re like me, you won’t be taking the time to do that so often, so being mindful of what you are thankful for throughout the day definitely helps.

I love the idea of a gratitude jar, especially with kids. It involves writing what you are grateful for on a piece a paper and putting it into a jar and reading them when you are sad or at the end of the year to inspire you! Now if we can extend that attitude of gratitude all year, we will be happier, healthier individuals and as a community.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jodi Baretz, LCSW, CHHC, is a psychotherapist, mindfulness and holistic health coach at The Center for Health and Healing in Mount Kisco. She lives in Millwood with her husband and two sons. She is also the founder of the program and upcoming book, Mindful is the New Skinny.

Election 2016: If Our Neighbor Becomes President: Shouldn’t Local Businesses Contribute Too?

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chappaqua-summer-writing-program-for-girls-photo-three

By Letitia

With Hillary Clinton in the upcoming presidential election, Chappaqua has gained a lot of attention. Local residents are excited to have a political icon in their town, and many have been eager to share their support for Hillary.

On the other hand, local businesses were less than willing to speak about this subject. I called a few stores to find out their opinion of Hillary Clinton as well as the influence she has on the daily activities of the village. After I stated my agenda, many employees refused to say anything else besides telling me I needed to speak to the owner or manager of the store. As luck would have had it, the person in charge was unavailable for the next few days at each of these stores.  

As a 15-year-old new to journalism, receiving this type of reaction was disheartening. But the common reaction from each business sparked a question: Why were workers so hesitant to share their opinion on Hillary Clinton? When they picked up the phone, they were cheerful and welcoming. As soon as I stated my business, their demeanor completely changed and they became extremely guarded.

This type of response, of course, isn’t unusual. It’s basic etiquette: When making small talk, you shouldn’t discuss income, religion, and politics. Evidently, it becomes even more complicated within a company, as the opinions of employees may not accurately represent the business. It would be more fitting for the employer, manager, or owner to define the views of the company.

But the fact that Hillary Clinton is a resident of Chappaqua should change some of these policies. The majority of Chappaqua residents support Hillary, so why can’t local businesses? Having local businesses openly support Hillary would show pride for their village as well as honor the presence of a well-known political figure. Besides running in the upcoming election, Hillary has been the First Lady, a senator, and the Secretary of State. Since her husband’s presidency ended, she has been living in Chappaqua and has been accomplishing great things. Hillary has become a source of pride for Chappaqua, so local businesses should be displaying their pride for her.

There are also selfish motives for why local Chappaqua businesses should support Hillary. Considering how many residents are Democrats, supporting Hillary would attract her followers. If a business’s support for Hillary is strong, they may be able to secure a dedicated following of regular customers for themselves. Furthermore, Hillary’s fame can be extrapolated and used to advertise to the rest of America as well. Theoretically, local restaurants could claim that Hillary ate there and complimented them. With today’s age of social media, the publicity would spread quickly and attract curious tourists or fervent Hillary supporters. And then there’s the possibility that she wins the presidency. Supporting Hillary would also mean allying with a potential record-breaker; if she’s elected, she’ll be the first woman president of America.

It’s a rare opportunity to have a resident of Chappaqua run for president, and local businesses have no reason to hide their pride for Hillary. Chappaqua’s businesses and residents can be united in their support for their neighbor.

Letitia is not an American citizen so she can’t contribute to the presidential election in any way other than by writing articles. She has never done anything journalistic or political before, but she thinks that fifteen isn’t too late to start.