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nside T HE M AGAZINEFOR N EW C ASTLEAND B EYOND ICHAPPAQUA www.insidechappaqua.com June/Summer 2010 FEATURES 15 Pomp and Circumstance Yes, June means graduation. Debra Hand looks at what’s in store at Chappaqua’s six schools as they each finalize plans to celebrate their fourth, eighth and twelfth grade seniors “moving up” to the next stages of their aca- demic careers. 20 A Walk in the Park What’s new and interesting at our beloved Gedney Park for this spring and summer. Jean Sheff goes on an early spring stroll and finds out. 22 Mothers and Sons 20 An excerpt from Kate Stone Lombardi’s new book refutes myths about boys while also highlighting the important role mothers play in the lives of their sons. AND ONLINE at www.insidechappaqua.com DEPARTMENTS Gotta Have Arts Mosaic Images 4 Just Between Us Worth a Thousand Words Sweet Memories 23 Town Fathers Plus: A Historic Groundbreaking By Marianne Campolongo at Temple Beth El. 26 Chappaqua Fire Dept’s. In and Around Town History-Making Parade 6 How Stephanie’s Bears By Daniel Baitch Bring Comfort to Kids 24 Social Media World 8 Stetson Hundgen’s 4,800- Branding Tips for Post Mile Bike Riding Mission Graduation by Sarah Ellen Berman By Kristen Ruby 10 Where Memories are Made: Boys and Girls Club 30 Maggie Mae Pup Reporter by Michall Jeffers Consider Adopting a Pet at Sarah Ellen Berman reports on a the SPCA 12 Special summer long WestchesterArts In this issue, Maggie Mae visits exhibit and other activities of this Events/Happenings with her eager-to-be-part-of-your- countywide arts organization. Dr. Solomon Moshe honored for family friends and their caretakers Epilepsy Research at the SPCA in Briarcliff Manor. On the Cover Open to All: A June Wellness 31 We Asked Our Graduating Seniors and Celebration with Mount Kisco Based Nutritionist Dina Khader Advertisers now IC Cover Models What Dad Really Wants Anna Bennett and Inside Thoughts Dylan O’Keefe 18 “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” 32 Rick’s Last Licks (Thanks; you two were so great!) Eighth grader Lindsay Hand A Peacible Kingdom Special thanks as well to the Chappaqua reflects back and concludes with School District for loaning the caps and gowns to IC. senior-like wisdom that every ending is just a new beginning. 10 Photo by Bill Bramswig 28 Prama bramswigphotography.com Greeley Senior Anna Bennett Advertisers at a Glance reveals what life’s really like Page 31 leading up to the prom. Oh, the pressure. June/Summer 2010 Inside Chappaqua 1 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:48 PM Page 2

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JUSTBETWEENUS Sweet Memories

ith so much happening With such lofty thoughts on my mind, I asked a writer Waround town that’s the stuff to round up district plans for graduation and moving up of sweet memories, it’s hard to ceremonies, and that’s what Debra Hand did. As if one know where to begin. So how Hand were not enough of a boon to this magazine, about with my two wonderful kids, another Hand was offered (metaphors should always be Anna and Ari? They both just hap- this easy!)—that of Seven Bridges 8th grader Lindsay pen to be achieving educational Hand, who gracefully reflects back on her school years milestones this month…my daugh- in Inside Thoughts. ter finishing Greeley, and my son, Some of the greatest memories are ones that evoke Bell, with each eagerly anticipating laughter in their recall. In a second essay, my Anna graduation and moving up cere- shows off her fine sense of humor as she relays the not- monies on June 20th and June 23rd, so-sweet stresses of prom night. And, of course, you can respectively. I’m packing extra tissues on both days as always rely on Rick Reynolds for a laugh out loud read, I’m intensely proud of them both. As parents, we act as this time about our “peacible kingdom.” star witnesses (along with being participants and facili- tators) of our children’s journeys; milestones like these, Speaking of kings, check out lovely photos of “Town Ev thank goodness, make all the ups and downs any parent Dads;” photographer Marianne Campolongo asked each sf stone & shingle Federal-style Colonial – the epit- ome of style & elegance. Grand entry; 18 rooms; experiences raising kids “worth it!” about their Father’s Day plans too. Daniel Baitch cap- C tured the celebration of 100 years of volunteer fire fight- ing in a great parade on May 15th where many watched Breaking Ground at Temple Beth El the talented Marching Bands, proud firefighters and red Engines roll down Greeley Ave. Temple Beth El of Northern Finally, a groundbreaking at Temple Beth El (depicted on Westchester this page) is one for the memory books too. Here’s embarked on a wishing you all sweet memories now new and exciting and forever. chapter in its his- tory with a Ex Totally renovated & updated w/gourmet kit & new groundbreaking on baths. Private/usuable cul-de-sac property w/ May 16th for a deck & patio. Near to town & schools. $1,250,000 major expansion THE MAGAZINE FOR NEW CASTLE AND BEYOND From Left, Breaking Ground were: New York of its synagogue in State Assemblyman Robert Castelli, New Chappaqua. Castle Town Supervisor Barbara Gerrard, New Federal, state and York State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, Temple local officials www.insidechappaqua.com Beth El President William Pollak, Temple Beth joined with June/Summer 2010 El Past President Stephen Adler, Temple Beth Volume 7, Number 7 El Past President David Ruzow, Temple Beth El Temple Beth El’s Senior Rabbi Joshua Davidson and Temple Senior Rabbi Editor and Publisher Beth El Executive Vice President Harry Cohen. Joshua M. Grace Bennett Davidson and Tremendous curb appeal! Stunning 4BR, 3.1bth members of the congregation for the milestone event. Post mdrn Contemp. D Assistant to the Publisher Design to bi-level deck; FR/fpl drs to patio, porch, sun-filled The groundbreaking event is a culmination of a nearly Carine Feist Lisa Salerno kit. Absolute mint, move-in condition! $899,000 two-year long capital campaign that raised approximate- Contributors ly $10 million from members of the congregation. The Daniel Baitch, Anna Bennett, Sarah Ellen Berman, expansion project calls for the construction of a new Pamela Brown, Marianne Campolongo, addition of approximately 18,000 square feet to comple- Ronni Diamondstein, Debra Hand, Lindsay Hand, ment the existing 18,435-square-foot building. Rick Reynolds, Kris Ruby, Jean Sheff Construction is expected to be completed next August. Web & Photo Consultant General Counsel The new addition, which is designed to blend with the Bill Bramswig Brian M. Hand natural setting of the seven-acre wooded property, will Inside Chappaqua™ is owned and operated by The Inside Press, Inc. feature classrooms, a social hall and kitchen, a Mailing address: PO Box 643, Millwood, NY 10546. Phone Number: chapel/library/music room, administrative offices and 914-238-2600. Copyright © 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Reproduction of any portion is prohibited without permission restrooms. The current sanctuary will remain the same from the publisher. *Source1 size but will be restored to its original splendor. There Inside Chappaqua may not necessarily agree with any one editorial view- *Source2 will be additional parking and a realignment of traffic point or necessarily endorse a particular product or service advertised. Business profiles that accompany ads are by definition advertorial and flow through the property as well as improvements to don’t necessarily reflect editorial viewpoints. Ca the entrance to the temple property from Route 117. Pu 4 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:48 PM Page 5

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IN& AROUND TOWN “Stephanie’s Caring Bears” Project

Disasters and crises tend Heights while attending Somers High to unite communities in School, she decided to major in early aid, and that is certainly childhood education at Lynn University the case after the untime- in Boca Raton, FL. She volunteered to ly and tragic loss of help in soup kitchens, build homes, and Stephanie Crispinelli, the aid children with special needs while on former Rosenthal JCC vol- missions in Jamaica, South Africa and unteer and camp coun- Haiti with Food for the Poor, a world-wide selor whose life was cut charitable organization based in Coconut short during the earth- Creek, Florida. quake in Haiti. In April, Inspired by the children she met in the Rosenthal JCC of Jamaica who played soccer barefoot, Northern Westchester Stephanie organized the collection of launched the “Stephanie’s used soccer equipment and gear that Caring Bears” project, and included the Rosenthal JCC, AYSO, the community has rallied Somers High School and others. She col- around the cause. lected more than 600 pounds of cleats, Through the Rosenthal shin guards, pinnies and the like to ship JCC of Northern to Jamaica. Westchester, families are In fact, sponsoring cuddly little Stephanie, 19, teddy bears given to first Stephanie Crispinelli at camp with had been work- responders in Northern two children, Luca Sancimino and Katey Imperato. ing three sum- Westchester and beyond mer jobs to to comfort young children save the $1,800 in emergency situations. The stuffed animals help chil- it would cost to dren stay calm and occupied, freeing responders to go build a home about their life-saving work. for a homeless So far, more than 1,000 bears have been sponsored, family in and the Rosenthal JCC has delivered more than 600 Jamaica. bears to local fire and ambulance corps and hospitals. “Stephanie “Children are very frightened and stressed when they was determined must be transported by ambulance,” said Captain Lin and Michael Crispinelli handing baskets of bears to to change the Captain Richard J. Cariello of the Yorktown Volunteer Richard J. Cariello of the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps. world, one child Ambulance Corps, which received two baskets of at a time,” said Stephanie’s Caring Bears. “A critical component of our Lin Crispinelli care is to provide comfort which often can help stabilize of Somers, Stephanie’s mother. “She always seemed to vital signs.” gravitate to the one child who was the most in need. Maybe because Stephanie struggled in the classroom, Stephanie’s Caring Bears have also been delivered to the she had a certain talent for comforting others; a tal- Briarcliff Manor Fire and Ambulance Corps, the Hudson ent that just can’t be taught.” Valley Fire Department in Montrose, the Somers Fire District, the Elmsford Fire Department, Empress Stephanie’s family has created the Stephanie Crispinelli Ambulance Service in Yonkers and others. Humanitarian Fund in partnership with the Westchester Community Foundation to carry on Stephanie’s dream This mitzvah (good deed) project is a tribute to Stephanie of helping the needy. The first project, scheduled to start Crispinelli, the former JCC volunteer and camp counselor in June, will provide funds to build an elementary school whose life was tragically cut short by the January earth- in Jamaica for first through third graders and will quake in Haiti while on a humanitarian mission. include flushing toilets, a nurse’s station and a kitchen Families are sponsoring the cuddly and colorful chenille for cooking hot meals. To help raise money, Stephanie’s bears for $1.50 each, or $18 for a basket of 12. two brothers, Michael and Nicholas, designed a t-shirt in Stephanie had dedicated her life to helping others less Stephanie’s memory. In the first week, they sold over 200 fortunate, especially children. After working at the t-shirts through Stephanie’s website Rosenthal JCC’s Pre-School and Camp Katan in Yorktown www.stephaniesmission.org.

6 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:49 PM Page 7

June/Summer 2010 Inside Chappaqua 7 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:49 PM Page 8

IN& AROUND TOWN Biking For a Cause

BY SARAH ELLEN BERMAN

It’s not everyday that someone decides “We set up an electrical line from the to embark on a 4800 mile bike ride. village to the school and gave them Often, this type of decision would be phone and computer access.” After made by a diehard cyclist with a mis- bringing the village into the 21st cen- sion. In Stetson Hundgen’s case, he tury, Hundgen and Moran held a “kegs began with a lofty goal in mind and for kids” party at the local hostel and has become an avid cyclist en route. raised enough money for the inhabi- tants to purchase a computer. This Hundgen, 22, is riding from California was only the beginning of their fund to New York in an effort to raise raising efforts. They have since created awareness and funds for a cause that a website: cruisin4acause.net, to gar- is very dear to his heart: the Self Help ner donations for the school. Community Center in Cambodia. This entity, which provides free education While in Southeast Asia, Hundgen cap- for local children, came into his tured the sights with his camera. His purview last year while backpacking passion for photography began long through Southeast Asia with his ago. “I was always a kid who had a dis- friend, Chris Moran. Hundgen recalled posable camera. I got my first true being very impressed by the activities camera six years ago for Christmas. Stetson Hundgen on a very short break of the Center and decided to stay there Ever since then, I haven’t put it down.” for a couple of weeks to volunteer at the school. One day, on the way to Whispering Pines (his mother’s “Everything there is extremely primitive,” Hundgen said. flower shop) in Chappaqua, Hundgen noticed a sign for the Martin Stankiewicz Gallery on King Street. He decid- ed to stop in to see what the gallery had to offer, and happened upon a kindred spirit. In addition to showing the works of various artists, Stankiewicz is himself a professional photographer who had recently visited some of the same places as Hundgen. Thanks to these common interests and experiences, they became friends and have started taking photos together from time to time. In March, a joint exhibit of their photos from Southeast Asia was shown at the gallery. A portion of the proceeds from the show will be sent to the school. One of the most striking photos in the show was Hundgen’s “Katmandu Shuffle.” It depicts a street scene that he happened upon while visiting the Burning Temple in Katmandu. The music of a drummer inspired a young boy (who happened to be his brother) to descend from the stilts he was walk- ing on and begin dancing. His routine included folding himself into a position that only a contortionist could achieve. Hundgen worked his way through the crowd of onlookers to capture this incredible sight. Hundgen credits Stankiewicz with adding a new dimen- sion to his photographic endeavors. Prior to meeting Stankiewicz, he usually focused on people. Now, “I find myself concentrating a lot on nature instead of on the human form.” He has “Turned me on to nature” [and shown me the] “basic composition of a nature shot.” Photos from the bike trip will be shown at the gallery in the fall.

SARAH ELLEN BERMAN is an intrepid reporter on the arts beat.

8 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:49 PM Page 9

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June/Summer 2010 Inside Chappaqua 9 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:49 PM Page 10

IN& AROUND TOWN Boys And Girls Club Of Northern Westchester Memories Are Made Of This

BY MICHALL JEFFERS

went to benefit the Club; the high point of the evening for many was when Mishel gave a speech express- ing her gratitude. “I’ve been member of the Club for eight years. While growing up, my father wasn’t around much, due to certain cir- cumstances. But here, I found peo- ple to look up to and admire. Some staff members recognized my gen- uine acts of helping, and my ability to handle situations with maturity. They asked me if I’d like to join the famous Liberty Keystone Club. For the first time ever, someone saw in me what I didn’t see in myself; lead- John Warner ership. I’m now Vice President, and it’s been a life changing experience. L to R: Maria Trujillo, Ayana Golding, Akilah Figueroa, Mishel Alarcon, Anisia Figureroa, Jazmine Dessaure. “We love the Boys And Girls Club Of Northern Westchester!” The Boys And Girls Club believes in me; I am a role model, and I make a The Boys And Girls Club Of about what I’m able to achieve.” Her difference to so many kids’ lives.” Northern Westchester is thriving. dark eyes sparkle as she talks, and Not only does it provide wonderful Mishel seems wise beyond her 17 Talking with Mishel is a pleasure. growth opportunities for young peo- years. “ I’m volunteering with the She has tremendous poise, and is ple; it also seems to attract the kids, which I really enjoy. I never extremely articulate. She’s a serious most caring and giving benefactors. knew I could do this, never knew I young woman, with a beautiful There’s no doubt it makes a tremen- could make a difference. I know smile when she proclaims, “The dous difference in the lives of the now that this is what I want to do Boys And Girls Club has helped me youngsters who are helped there. with my life. I’d like to go to third to believe that I can do anything. world countries, and help solve the I’m so proud to be here!” There’s no better example than problems they face. We’ve “adopted” Mishel Alarcon, who was chosen And Mishel isn’t the only one who’s a little girl in Africa. We send her 2010 Youth Of The Year. Mishel and been helped on the road to personal money, to make her life easier.” her family come originally from success. Maria Trujillo enthusiasti- Quito, Ecuador. They are undocu- Mishel’s lovely face expresses her cally notes, “I’ve been coming here mented, and have been in the optimism. She doesn’t like being for 12 years. I’m on the swim team. process of trying to obtain their considered “an illegal alien,” and I just love coming here!” papers to become legal for eight yearns for her undocumented sta- Adds her friend, Jazmine Dessaure, years. Because of her status, Mishel tus to change. “I’ve been here since I “The Club has really encouraged isn’t able to get a license to drive, was five. I’m now a junior at Fox me, and taught me patience, which was informed that she couldn’t par- Lane High School. I really like every- I never really had before. I want to ticipate in certain school programs, one there. It’s been hard sometimes, be a Nurse Practitioner, so that’s a and has found her choice of colleges but I have faith. I have to; I want to really necessary thing for me to severe limited, because she won’t be go to college so much, and I can’t learn. It’s interesting to see how able to receive financial aid. But at afford it without financial aid.” everyone here has grown up and the Club, none of this matters. Mary and Robert Kennedy hosted a changed. It’s exciting!” Mishel doesn’t just fit in, she shines. dinner in their home, catered by These sentiments are voiced by “I love it here. I feel so welcome. I’ve Crabtree’s Kittle House, to help the other young women with whom I learned so much about myself, organization. The money raised spoke. Ayana Golding, Akilah

10 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:49 PM Page 11

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Advertisement SPECIALEVENTS/HAPPENINGS “Who Gets the House? Sheila Siderow’s Unique Brand of Caring Today We Treat…Tomorrow We Cure Solomon L. Moshé, M.D, a Chappaqua resident, is being honored at a Wine Tasting event. The event will also raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Epilepsy Research Fund at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. The event, which will take place in June at the Lexington Square Cafe in Mount Kisco, has been organized by Chappaqua parents whose children suffer from epilepsy. Dr. Moshé is a pioneer for his work in understanding how epilepsy occurs and its influence on the development of hen it comes to divorce in Westchester the child individually, within the family, the community, County, “Who gets the house?” “Do I Dr. Solomon Moshé the US and worldwide. “Our main goals are to develop WHave to Move?” Are often one of the first questions asked after you call your Mother. 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A Rite of Passage Chappaqua Schools Gear Up for Moving Up Festivities

BY DEBRA HAND PHOTO BY BILL BRAMSWIG

t’s that time of year; flowers have The Elementary Throughout the spring, the district’s Ibloomed, flip flops have replaced Schools: Roaring fourth graders receive presentations sheepskin boots (finally!), spring Brook, Westorchard from both Bell and Seven Bridges sports are in full swing, and stu- students and staff regarding foreign dents are looking forward to their and Grafflin language and music opportunities summer plans. Before they head off Roaring Brook, Westorchard in fifth grade; fourth grade band to camp or jobs, however, our and Grafflin spend many months and orchestra concerts are held to fourth, eighth and twelfth grade preparing their fourth graders to prepare the budding musicians for “seniors” get to participate in that take the next step up to middle similar events in middle school. rite of passage to the next stage of school. Rather than focusing exclu- Question and answer forums and their academic careers. sively on a culminating year-end middle school tours led by middle school students who themselves In a community focused on aca- “event,” the elementary schools con- have managed the transition help to demic excellence, graduation, or tinue to nurture their “seniors” and alleviate any anxieties that fourth “moving up” from our elementary prepare them for the different graders may have. and middle schools, is bittersweet to structure and challenges of fifth students and parents alike. grade. Each school has its own traditions as well. Roaring Brook fourth While these ceremonies afford a “To prepare our students for their graders participate in June Jamboree time to reflect on wonderful experi- next learning adventure we spend festivities including a team-building ences in the past, they also generate our year fostering independence, kickball tournament and pizza the excitement of taking the next self-reliance, and critical thinking lunch. During the final week of step towards the future. across all areas of the curriculum,” said Roaring Brook Principal Eric school, the “seniors” sign each oth- The Chappaqua schools have many Byrne of elementary school, “so that ers’ yearbooks and t-shirts listing all exciting traditions, even for our by the end of the school year, stu- their names, and Byrne reads a youngest “graduates:” dents will feel confident and well meaningful book to the fourth prepared for the rigors of middle graders during a special in-house school.”

June/Summer 2010 Inside Chappaqua 15 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:50 PM Page 16

cake celebration for the students brates the fourth graders’ “moving Wednesday, June 23. It’s an exciting and teachers. up” to Bell. time for the eighth graders of Chappaqua, reflecting and celebrat- Last year, an RBS parent committee “Rather than hold a one-time event, ing their four years in middle school put together a moving-up ceremony there are celebratory occasions yet looking forward to all being for parents, showcasing a DVD of throughout the fourth grade year,” together, for the very first time, at the fourth graders’ RBS experience said Principal Michael Kirsch. Greeley. and awarding certificates of com- A mid-June walk to Gedney Park for pletion. Finally, a Roaring Brook “last Seven Bridges Principal Martha a fourth-grade picnic with fun, food day” tradition has the rest of the Zornow is certainly one who is look- and games is a Westorchard tradi- school and staff applaud and cheer ing forward to her first Chappaqua tion, as is a Moving Up Ceremony the fourth graders as they parade Moving Up ceremony: “It is great fun the last week of school during through the entire building on their to work with 8th graders, teachers, which the fourth graders wear class way to their final departure from parents, and counselors to help T-shirts, sing songs and recap the their elementary experience. design a moving up experience that school year. A Westorchard custom suits the very special style of this Grafflin’s preparation of their fourth for at least 30 years, first for sixth class, my first eighth grade at Seven graders is very similar, and includes graders, then fifth and now fourth, Bridges.” a yearlong rotating science program the ceremony invites families to to acclimate the fourth graders to share the celebration, breakfast and The Seven Bridges Moving Up cere- moving to different rooms and dif- even dancing in the courtyard. As mony for students and parents will ferent teachers. A Peer Mediation at Roaring Brook and Grafflin, stu- take place in the Performing Arts program teaches fourth grade vol- dents receive and sign each others’ Center and will reflect the 8th unteers the vital skills of conflict photo memory books, which graders’ achievements over the last management. The Grafflin fourth become treasured keepsakes of four years. Principal Zornow, anoth- graders also sign commemorative their years in elementary school. er staff member and students will memory books and t-shirts and speak, and a special multimedia receive a retrospective DVD. A June Seven Bridges and presentation will include footage teambuilding/orienteering program Bell Middle Schools of school events, photographs and at Gedney Park, and a last-day original content created by the 8th assembly for students, fourth grade Both of Chappaqua’s mid- graders. Music will be a highlight of teachers and administrators cele- dle schools have Moving the ceremony, with a combined Up ceremonies planned for

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Chorus, Orchestra and Band per- Horace Greeley ent, Selesnick, the Class Principal formance. The students’ names will High School and the President of the Board of be called as they cross the stage, and Education) are followed by numer- each will receive a commemorative The biggest Chappaqua ous student speeches: the valedicto- item. The ceremony is followed by a graduation event is, of rians, salutatorians, class presi- reception in the Dining Commons course, at Greeley. After a jam- dents, student council presidents for students and their parents. packed month of June, during which and others. An outdoor reception, the seniors take part in a barbeque, traditionally hosted by junior class The Bell Moving Up ceremony will breakfast, beach day, prom, and aca- parents, follows the ceremony, “celebrate a rite of passage,” accord- demic and sports awards cere- allowing graduates, parents, grand- ing to Principal Martin Fitzgerald. In monies, the district pulls out all the parents and teachers to linger and accordance with the noncompetitive stops for the big culminating event chat. The celebration continues middle school philosophy, the cere- (this year to be held on Sunday, June graduation night at a student party mony will simply celebrate the 20). Two thousand chairs are placed traditionally held at Seven Bridges experience, rather than individuals, under a giant tent over the field, Middle School, allowing he added. with more overflowing. Chappaqua’s oldest school seniors a The Bell event, which takes place in “The wonderful thing about that final send-off before they head off the school gym to accommodate the tent, and the incredible number of to college and the world beyond. students and their parents, features seats, is that unlike most high “Graduation has always been a speeches by Fitzgerald, students schools, we don’t have to place any beautiful event at Greeley,” accord- from each “team” and possibly other limit on the number of guests peo- ing to Selesnick. The same can be staff or district representatives. The ple can bring,” said Greeley Principal said of all of the moving up cere- 7th/8th grade chorus will perform, Andrew Selesnick. The tent also monies, as we reflect on the past and the technology department will allows Greeley to hold an outdoor and send our children off to the present a retrospective slide show event, rain (such as last year’s tor- next stages of their lives. including the students’ yearbook rential downpour) or shine; either photographs and candid shots taken way, it is a wonderful, memorable DEBRA HAND, a writer and editor for throughout their four years at Bell. afternoon. Inside Chappaqua with a 5th and an Following the ceremony, a reception 8th grader at Seven Bridges, simply can- allows families to come together to After a procession by district faculty not believe that she’ll be a Greeley par- celebrate yet another milestone in and the graduating seniors, “adult” ent next year. their childrens’ lives. speeches (the district superintend- La Mer Gourmet Seafood

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INSIDETHOUGHTS

“Oh, the places you’ll go….” Graduation Reflections

BY LINDSAY HAND

A night’s homework in 2006, fourth Yet I recall my graduation from grade: read for half and hour and do Roaring Brook Elementary School a page in the math book. only four years ago as one of the most significant moments of my A night’s homework in 2010, eighth childhood. We gathered in grade: social studies textbook work, the cafeteria, where the two math worksheets, write five principal read Dr. Seuss’s pages in English journal, a science Oh, The Places You’ll Go! I worksheet, change the Spanish remember feeling story to past tense, and study for strengthened by the words, two tests and a couple of quizzes. that I had such a great life What a change. ahead of me even though I was leaving my comfort- As I approach my “graduation” from able, beloved school and Seven Bridges Middle School, I find going to somewhere my memories of my final moments unknown and seemingly at Roaring Brook Elementary School monstrous. I remember boarding so clear in my mind, as if they hap- the school bus at the end of the day, pened yesterday. But even farther knowing that this was my last back, I can remember bits and Roaring Brook bus ride, my last day pieces of pre-school graduation . . . of elementary school, my last time Picture 25 four-year-old graduates of sitting on top of the bus seats and Bet Torah Nursery School sitting on riding around the RBS driveway. I Though Dr. Seuss is “for children,” two low stairs at the front of the wasn’t thinking towards the future, his words will stick with me forever: synagogue, while relatives watch towards Seven Bridges and the from their seats. We all wear little opportunities I would now have. I “Out there things can happen graduation hats that we had made was only thinking about all these and frequently do ourselves; I wear a little dress, and “lasts.” I held in my tears until I got to people as brainy my curls are springing like crazy home. I wasn’t ready to grow up just and footsy as you. from my head. Our feeling of excite- yet—I had to hold on to my child- And when things start to happen, ment is contagious. It’s the real hood a little bit longer. don’t worry. Don’t stew. world for us now: kindergarten. The I remember thinking about how so adults talk about how we’re growing Just go right along. many of my classmates were going You’ll start happening too.” up, and what a momentous occa- to Bell. It would be another four sion this is. Parents are weeping. years until we were together in I remember thinking that I hadn’t But the kids aren’t really paying school again. I couldn’t believe I really understood these words much attention. Occasionally look- wouldn’t get to see some of my when I first heard them four years ing at the speaker, some girls twirl closest friends, who had always ago. But when I heard them again their hair around a small finger, been there for me, every day. Yet, this year, my comprehension sur- while boys play-wrestle inconspicu- somehow, it has worked out and we prised me. I realized how much I ously (they hope). None understand have become even closer. With had grown up and matured, and the importance of this day, not yet, some effort we make the time to how different this coming gradua- thinking only about the ice cream hang out together, and our friend- tion, and the challenges to come, and party following the “boring” cer- ships are stronger than ever. And I would be. would be meeting new people from emony. We sing songs, receive Graduations, though sometimes Westorchard; the sadness of leaving “diplomas,” but it isn’t until a few sad, are some of the greatest things RBS turned into the excitement years later that I would actually you experience in life. understand what that day meant. I about making new friends. Because every ending is just a new wasn’t sure why, but that day I felt The powerful message of Dr. Seuss beginning. so important, like I was finally join- resonated for me again this year in ing society because I would be in 8th grade, as Oh, The Places You’ll Go! LINDSAY HAND is an eighth grade stu- elementary school. was read to us again on the thresh- dent at Seven Bridges Middle School. old of our moving on to high school.

18 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:51 PM Page 19

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June/Summer 2010 Inside Chappaqua 19 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:52 PM Page 20

Go Gedney! The Park with Something for Everyone

BY JEAN SHEFF PHOTO BY DANIEL BAITCH

Rain or shine, Gedney Park is a regular destination for Elise Mottel and Champ. f it’s 7:15 a.m. you’re sure to find Jodi Midani of Millwood agrees. She Playground Fun IElise Kessler Mottel and her dog, shows up at the park for regular Champ, a black labrador retriever at doggy playdates. Midani says the Assistant Superintendent of New Gedney Park on Route 120/133 in walks provide not only exercise for Castle Recreation and Parks Millwood. She might be out early the dogs, but good exercise for the Department, Wayne Bass says that but she’s not alone. Mottel meets a owners as well. Sometimes there’s with two playgrounds, one in the group of other dog walkers at the even an unexpected surprise like front and another in the back near park who have been her dog-walker the single dog-walking gentleman the ball fields, Gedney is a popular friends for more than 10 years now. she recently befriended. location for children and their par- “Wonderful friendships have devel- ents. “There are also restrooms and This isn’t to say that sometimes oped from our daily contact,” says a sheltered picnic area on-site, dogs and park collide. Many dog Mottel. which help make the park family- owners enjoy allowing their charge friendly,” says Bass. Daily Doggie Constitutional off leash for a bit of real doggy exer- cise and play. That made it hard to The front playground, easily visible Though Mottel, who works as an keep the dogs off the parks ball from the road, is colorful and attorney in New York and serves as fields, to the chagrin of sports engaging. There are six pieces of New Castle Deputy Town enthusiasts. Mottel says equipment offering everything from Supervisor, has busy days her morn- Superintendent of the New Castle swings to slides and climbing sur- ing walk is non-negotiable. Also a Recreation and Parks Department faces to playhouses. Pleasantville wife and mother, Mottel gets break- Bob Snyder found some good solu- resident Scott Elliot comes to the fast on the table before heading out tions. “Fencing was constructed park at least once a weekend with the door for her daily dose of fresh around the ball fields to keep dogs his daughter Ceila, who is 3 1/2. She air. “The group walks for 45 minutes off that area,” says Mottel. Dogs are calls Gedney “the red park” in refer- each morning all year long,” says also not allowed in the children’s ence to the red tunnel slides on the Mottel. The diversity of the group is playgrounds, but in all other areas playground structure. Elliot espe- something she enjoys. “These are of the park leashed dogs are always cially appreciates the canopy of people I might not have met if it welcome. “To allow for off-leash shade that settles on the play- wasn’t for the dog-walking.” Her freedom, trails have been developed ground in the warmer months. Gedney community consists of peo- for the dog-walkers,” says Mottel. Leafy branches of full-grown trees ple of all ages living in different Dogs may be off leash on the trails provide shade allowing children to areas of town and some from other at any time and in the other areas play and parents to supervise in rel- areas too. It’s easy to meet other from dawn to 8:00 a.m. on Saturday ative comfort. people in the park. “Anytime you and dawn to 10:30 a.m. Sunday It’s not just parents and children come to the park you’ll find it well- through Friday. who love the playground area— populated,” says Mottel. grandparents do too. Martin Katz of

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Lynnfield, Massachusetts comes to Chappaqua to see family every five or six weeks. We found him at the park with his son and granddaughter. “It’s a beautiful park, Ifj\ek_Xc A:: I’ve been coming here for years,” he says. Sitting on one 0(+ .+($'*** › nnn%ifj\ek_XcaZZ%fi^ of the park benches near the playground Katz enjoys watching his granddaughter play as he takes in nature. Jldd\i Dfddp  D\ What’s More 4HE FUN OF SUMMER WITH YOUR Bass says sports enthusiasts are also regular users of BABY OR TODDLER the park. “There are three baseball fields, a lacrosse and s )NDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND PLAY a soccer field that all get good use,” he says. Besides s -EET NEW FAMILIES LEARN PARENTING SKILLS team sports the park is also packed with walkers and runners of all ages. “There are five clearly marked trails for people to enjoy,” he says. Maps of the trails can be A:: :Xdg ;`jZfm\ip ]fi B $ 0k_ found on or at the Recreation and Parks Department %VEN MORE FUN AND ADVENTURE office in New Castle Town Hall. THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED
The 126 acres that make up Gedney Park also offer a s &2%% DOOR TO DOOR TRANSPORTATION pond, a winter sledding hill and a paved parking lot. It’s s 3WIMMING 47)#% DAILY also the home of the 9/11 Memorial. Once a source of con- s 3PORTS ARTS ARCHERY DRAMA MUSIC siderable town friction, the placement of the Memorial COMPUTERS  DANCE has come happily to rest in Gedney Park. Dedicated on s /FF SITE EXCURSIONS FOR OLDER CAMPERS September 11, 2008 the Memorial is a place for a time of reflection in honor of those who died on September 11th. s "EFORE CAMP AND !FTER CAMP CARE With so much to offer it’s no surprise that Gedney is the Gi\$JZ_ffc  :Xdg 9\Xi I`[^\ most popular and most frequently used park in New Castle. From dawn to dusk the park provides a daily ! FEW SPOTS ARE LEFT haven of nature and recreation. If you haven’t been by IN S CAMP GROUPS lately, stop in and see what your missing. AND FALL CLASSES JEAN SHEFF is a Chappaqua resident and regular Gedney Park n #ALL TODAY
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BOOKEXCERPT

Baby” have stayed in print for more ship has remained curiously stag- than 40 years? There are dozens of nant. It is seen through a prism that books and multiple websites that somehow ignores the tidal wave of Mothers advertise ways to improve your change that has otherwise trans- chances of having a son or a daugh- formed our society. ter. One ad proclaims: “Good News! But here’s what I’ve discovered after and Sons Now You Can Choose! Our proven interviewing hundreds of women STONE baby gender selection program will Y KATE from all over the country. That “con- B successfully add some pink or blue ventional wisdom” still may be the LOMBARDI to your unbalanced family so that view from the outside. But inside you can finally hold this longed for the real world of mothers and sons, little prince or princess in your there is an underground movement arms!” going on. Despite being Just how do we expect our bombarded with con- little “princes” to differ stant warnings from all from our little “princess- sides to back off from y first child was a girl, and as es”? The funny thing is their sons (and those cri- Msoon as they placed her in my that while few of us still tiques come from arms, I began dreaming about embrace the “sugar and sources ranging from everything we would share. I imag- spice and all things nice” Sigmund Freud to reality ined she would become my little definition of girls or the shows like NBC’s companion and grow to love many “snips and snails and “Mamma’s Boys”), this of the same things I did. I wasn’t puppy dog tails” descrip- generation of Moms is thinking about shopping trips or tion of boys, when it quietly but systematical- matching pink outfits or other “girly comes to mothers antici- ly ignoring the message. girl” things. But I did assume that pating how they might Mothers are nurturing my daughter and I would share cer- relate to their boys—and close relationships with the messages we receive their sons. They believe tain sensibilities, enjoy the same Chappaqua resident Kate books and movies, whisper confi- about how we should Stone Lombardi, a regular they have a great deal to dences to each other, and that this raise those boys—our contributor to the New York offer them. ideas remain startlingly Times, is writing a book on sympathetic relationship would all Mothers of toddlers retro. mothers and sons, to be pub- come about naturally. lished by Avery, a division of don’t believe their three the Penguin Group. Now fast forward a few years, to You know the drill. A year olds have to “man when I gave birth to my son. I fell mother and daughter are up.” They don’t worry immediately in love and was awash expected to share a close bond for that their sons’ masculinity has in maternal tenderness over the life. But at best, a mother who stays been compromised if he wanders arrival of this little boy. But there emotionally close to her son after say, into a play kitchen or picks up a were no accompanying fantasies the tender age of five years old, is baby doll. Moms of school-aged about the relationship I supposed I seen as acting inappropriately. She’s boys don’t buy the notion that their would one day have with my son. that smothering mom who prevents sons should bottle up their emo- What would we have in common? her boy from growing up to be a tions and tough it out. And as their What would we do together? I did- strong, independent man. This moth- sons become teenagers, Moms dis- n’t have a clue about how our rela- er is needy, controlling and won’t cut regard the message that their jobs tionship would unfold, or what we the apron strings. She creates the are over and they need to back off. would be to each other. How it archetypal “Mama’s Boy,” an unap- These moms continue to nurture evolved would turn out to be one of pealing wimp who will never be able close relationships, even through the biggest surprises of my life. And to form adult relationships with the tricky shoals of adolescence. other women. The widely accepted it would have little to do with any- Most significantly,these mothers firmly view of a well-adjusted, loving moth- thing I had read or been told about reject the idea that any of this will harm er is one who gradually but surely mothers and sons. or emasculate their sons. On the con- pushes her son away, emotionally trary,they believe they are raising good Nearly all of us come to the delivery and physically, in order to allow him men who will go on to be loving partners room with preconceptions about to grow up to be healthy man. our baby’s gender. Most mothers who really understand women. My own will tell you they are grateful for a This has been conventional wisdom son is now 21 years old. He’sover 6 feet healthy child of either sex. But the for well over a century in American tall, independent, stubborn and passion- truth is that we have strong feelings culture. Despite 40 years of femi- ate about ice hockey—a conventional about how the experience of raising nism, and a social revolution in guy’sguy.He is also sensitive, empathet- a boy will differ from that of raising families that has largely redefined ic and tender hearted. I like to think I a girl. How do you think books like the roles of men and women, and had something to do with that side of “How to Choose the Sex of Your even how gender itself is defined, him.And if that’sa “Mama’sBoy,”I’m a our view of the mother-son relation- proud Mama.

22 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:52 PM Page 23

WORTHATHOUSANDWORDS

Town Fathers PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIANNE A. CAMPOLONGO

Three Generations of Chappaqua Men: Bill Holmes, a Greeley graduate, grew up in Chappaqua, founded his company, now Prudential Holmes & Kennedy Real Estate, here in 1969 and raised three chil- dren in town. Son Ted, com- pany Chief Operations Officer, is raising sons, Jayden, 3 and new baby Dylan here too. Father and son even had the same fifth grade teacher. Ted plans to hit the links with his dad on Father’s Day and then head home for a barbeque.

Sean Fitzgerald enjoys coaching soccer and baseball for Jack, 8, a Roaring Brook John Priscantelli, a C.P.A. and consultant, at the second-grader and annual Rotary Pancake Breakfast in April with T-Ball for daughter Kristi, age 11, a Bell sixth grader. He first–grader looks forward to a “low key” Father’s Day: “After Alexandra (“Alex”), church we will probably take a long family walk 6. He is hoping for with the dog, cook some steaks, read, relax.” good weather so he can play a little golf, then spend the day at Birchwood or Candlewood Lake. Dinner will be at home with their extended family.

New Castle Police Officer Richard Tolliver is “thrilled” to be spending Father’s Day watching his daughter Ricquel graduate from Horace Greeley High School— and as a bonus, “I won’t have to direct traffic,” he said. “Ricquel will probably head off with her friends after gradua- tion, but with family coming in from Harold Campbell and son Michael (Greeley Virginia and ‘78)—another father and son team raised in Massachusetts, the Chappaqua. Michael has taken over the reigns rest of us will most at Campbell Engineering, founded by his grand- likely head to father in 1931, but at 80 Harold is still active in Spaccarelli’s.” the business, when he isn’t off traveling the world. Harold graduated from Robert E. Bell in MARIANNE CAMPOLONGO, www.campyphotos.com, is a local freelance writer and 1947 when it housed the third through twelfth photographer. Her work was recently featured in the ArtsWestchester group show grade. Father’s Day plans include going out to a family dinner. Harold has three adult children, Person to Person. A Greeley grad herself (’76), she and husband Rob, like Rick seven grandchildren (including Michael’s 13- Tolliver, will be among the crowd at the Greeley football field this Father’s Day, year-old son), and one great-grandchild. proudly watching their daughter Liz graduate. June/Summer 2010 Inside Chappaqua 23 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:52 PM Page 24

SOCIAL A WORLD MEDIA Branding Tips for Graduating Seniors

BY KRISTEN RUBY

hile it may seem tempting to size of a movie theater and 60 people are scrolling Wpost FlickR and Facebook through your pictures essentially “rating” your personal albums of prom night and graduation brand. From an employer perspective, your headshot is parties, remember that everything also critical and if you have an inappropriate headshot you post can come back to haunt you it sends signals that you are not serious about your pro- later on in your job search. fessional appearance. To create a cohesive online iden- Maintaining a clean online personal tity post graduation: brand identity may not be the first 1. Have an appropriate headshot on Facebook. thing on your mind after graduating—but did you know Employers and professors do not want to see pictures that 80 million people are Googled a day? of illegal substances, you making out with your This means that your incoming professors, roommates boyfriend/girlfriend or scantily dressed. Slightly con- and potential dating partners at col- servative and classy is always the best option. lege will be researching you online 2. Google yourself. See what others before you ever step foot on cam- are saying about you. pus. Social Media “background “We see our checks” have now become a pre- interns as brand 3. Set up Google alerts for your name. requisite for students choosing ambassadors. roommates, throughout Greek 4. Utilize a reputation management recruitment and for the hiring Once, a potential platform such as Brand Yourself to process. intern had a ridiculous assist with the personal branding discovery process. According to the 2010 Execunet Facebook photo, and I Statistics, in the United States alone, thought ‘I don’t know if I 5. Re-configure your privacy settings; 89% of recruiters and HR professionals if there are some old party pictures surveyed find it appropriate to consid- want this person you want to keep posted make sure er professional online data when representing my brand.” you separate your “friends” into dif- assessing a candidate and 84% of ferent columns so that these photos them think it is proper to consider per- Brand Yourself CEO are kept private. Pete Kistler sonal data posted online. Think two 6. Be careful what you tweet; it stays years down the line to the amazing up there forever! internship at an advertising agency you want to score before posting anything that could be 7 Create a LinkedIN profile. A perfect time to create a mis-perceived. LinkedIN profile is post graduation because you have already created a stellar resume for college applica- Many incoming freshman seek out internships their first tions! Utilize this content and show off all of the great year of college and often fail to take the proper steps to clubs you were a member of and begin building your clean up their digital footprint. Brand Yourself CEO Pete contact base Kistler said, “The interns and students should take the proper steps to brand themselves accordingly in the 8. Network. Your high school friends may be some of social web. We see our interns as brand ambassadors. your greatest networking contacts post graduation, Once, a potential intern had a ridiculous Facebook photo utilize social networking sites such as Plaxo to begin and I thought ‘I don’t know if I want this person repre- building your professional database. It’s never too senting my brand.” early to start! Personal Branding in a social media world begins long KRISTEN RUBY is the President and Founder of Ruby Media before you start your first day of classes as a freshman. Group LLC. Kristen is a Social Media Specialist, Journalist and Before you post anything online, think about how it may Public Relations Consultant. Speaking engagements have be perceived by a potential teacher, school administra- included Columbia Business Alumni Club of NY, Microsoft and tor, employer, date, or sorority/fraternity recruiter. As The Northern Westchester Bar Association. Kristen is the previous alumni of a national sorority, I can speak from youngest to win the Business Council of Westchester “40 personal experience that it is no fun when your Under 40” Rising Stars award. Follow Kris’s blog at ruby- Facebook photos are brought up on a large screen the mediagroup.com or on Twitter @sparklingruby.

24 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 7:26 PM Page 25

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June/Summer 2010 Inside Chappaqua 25 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 8:35 PM Page 26

WORTHATHOUSANDWORDS 100 Years of Fire Fighting

PHOTOS BY DANIEL BAITCH

n a beautiful Spring Oevening, Chappaqua residents came out in force to applaud the Chappaqua Fire Department's (CFD) 100 years of service. Grand Marshall Doug Hunter, an active member for 61 years, led a procession of motorcy- cles representing police forces throughout the coun- ty, escorting more than 100 fire and EMS vehicles. In all, about 1,500 firefighters and multiple bands participated, representing 27 area fire departments. For the CFD, whose motto is "Neighbors helping neighbors," the cen- tury mark is "a huge mile- stone, and it speaks for the Grand Marshall Doug Hunter vitality of the department," according to Fire Chief Charlie Bergstrom. The CFD is currently composed of 80 local volunteers.

Ian, Lachlan and Deanna Maclean Christopher Longhitano enjoying the parade. marches with the CFD.

26 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:53 PM Page 27

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June/Summer 2010 Inside Chappaqua 27 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:53 PM Page 28

INSIDETHOUGHTS Prama BY ANNA BENNETT

t’s the night you’ve been dreaming date left in the universe. Oh, and navy chiffon dress that I was head Iabout since you were a little girl— while all this is happening, your “safe- over heels in love with. At the time, one of the only occasions in life you ty” date, the one you thought would neither of my parents was in the can wear a flowing evening gown be your very last resort, gets a date, store, so I couldn’t buy the dress or and your hair in an elegant updo, or too. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all make the deposit. I returned a week down in cascading curls. It’s the just pick names out of a hat? later with my mother, and guess night for which you must book your what? The dress was sold, and I was hair appointment at least two The Dress not allowed to purchase it, not even months in advance, and find a date in a different color. I begged the Finding the perfect prom dress is like at least four months in advance, if salesman for this dress-stealer’s undergoing high risk surgery: what- all goes as planned. name so I could “negotiate” with ever choice you make will impact the her, namely, beg, but he refused to Prom is one of the most important rest of your life. Well, maybe not budge. milestones in one’s high school quite as much as the impact of sur- career. It signifies a celebration of gery, but you will be stuck forever Luckily, I found another dress that four years of high school and is one with memories of the choice you sufficed, but I’ll always remain a lit- of the last childhood rituals, as made. So, if you choose a dress you tle bitter. (Girl with La Femme dress, grown up as it may seem. While we later regret, not only will you have to style #15064, I’ll be looking for you!) all imagine a smooth, perfect show your children and grandchil- So girls, whether you have a date or evening, prom is hardly that, and dren your pictures, but it’s most like- not, get your dress EARLY. the months leading up to it can be incredibly stressful. If you’re not in The Pre-prom/After-prom high school, you may not be famil- Most of us have a close circle of iar with this term, but what us sen- friends who prefer to stay together iors like to call these tense months Girl with La through the events of prom. is “prama”—a combination of the However, although it would be con- words “prom” and “drama.” Femme dress, venient, it’s likely that your dates Wondering why this term has will not be from the same group of become so commonly used? Here friends. Consequently, you and your are some reasons why “prama” is style #15064, date must decide together which true to its name: pre-prom(s) to attend, and then I’ll be looking decide which location will be your The Date ending place (the one you take the Usually resulting in [insert severe for you! limo to prom from). emotion here], finding a date is per- Just when I thought the senior class haps the most profound piece of was coming together, here we all “prama.” Beginning with the first are, forced into “clique mode” person who thinks of the bright idea ly that a good portion of the senior despite our best intentions. There’s to ask someone super early on in a class will have photos of you in it as all kind of weird rules for some huge, public way (you know who well. Those photos will of course be after-proms, too. For example, if you are!), the madness begins. shared permanently in cyberspace in your date is a Junior, you may not Swiftly, the entire senior grade is in countless albums on Facebook. be able to join the after-prom, a chaotic scramble to find the “best” ‘cause it’s a “Seniors Only” house. date possible, and ask in the most Here you are, already freaking out, Well, excuuuse me. creative way possible, as quickly as and then you realize that you can- possible. Oh, the pressure! not have the same dress as some But that’s not all. There are also other girl or the world will come to some “by invitation only” prom Then, the boy/girl you hoped would an end. To prevent this horrifying houses that are confined to one be your date gets whisked away by possibility, local dress stores keep a group of friends, and to them only. some other person whose name you list of dresses sold to girls from So some of us are left feeling bad don’t even know, and you are left, each school to ensure that two of about the after-prom house in the horrors!—dateless. One by one, all of the same dress will not be sold for Hamptons or the Catskills because your friends are finding dates, and the same prom. For instance, some we were not invited. there is seemingly not one potential time in March, I found a beautiful

28 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:53 PM Page 29

The Expense You know how we’re always hittin’ up our parents for extra money for this or that? Well, magnify that ten-fold when prom time comes around and brace yourself for your mom’s heart palpitations over the price tag of the dress you are dreaming about. Get ready to create a Power Point presentation to justify all the hardships you are about to inflict on your poor strapped parents. Aside from the obvious dress expense, there’s the prom ticket, tailoring (which can cost up to 50% of the actual dress! no kidding!), dress shoes, the party bus/limo, the cor- sage, hair and makeup and nails, the after-prom house, and more. During these hard financial times, not all families can easily afford to pay for so much, and some of us kids have been working really hard at jobs to ease our parents’ burden. (I hold three of ‘em!) I write this weeks before prom night and please know, despite the inherent stresses, I’m still super excited for prom! The entire senior class comes together one last time in a more than century old tradition (the first prom Hotte Spot  Wstche r, took place in 1890!) and everyone looks so pretty or Ptna O’Connor’s 93-95 Mamaroneck Ave handsome. It’s exciting to see what dresses different & Dnry ! 8IJUF 1MBJOT t  girls choose and how the guys decide to stand out, too.  3U  5PXOF $FOUFS Prom is definitely meant to be enjoyed and an event Public #SFXTUFS t  " &BTU .BJO 4USFFU that will produce fond memories for a lifetime. So I plan .U ,JTDP t  to put on my dancing shoes and have a night I’ll always  'FEFSBM 3PBE House %BOCVSZt  remember. Have fun, Class of 2010! Super Sta & A Lively Crowd! OconnorsPublicHouse.com ANNA BENNETT will be graduating in June from Horace Greeley High School. In September, she’ll be attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and filing a story now and then about life after Greeley to Inside Chappaqua magazine.

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June/Summer 2010 Inside Chappaqua 29 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:53 PM Page 30

MAGGIEMAEPUPREPORTER Ways to Help the Kind and Caring SPCA of Westchester

BY MAGGIE MAE…WITH RONNI DIAMONDSTEIN

n my travels around Chappaqua also use towels, sheets and dog II meet a lot of dogs. Most of food. There is a long list on their them come from breeders or pet website www.spca914.org where stores like I did, but some come anyone can learn more about the from shelters. I was curious about activities for pets and people of all animal shelters so I decided to ages. visit a local one to find out how My visit to the SPCA of dogs find a new home. Westchester was fun, and I It was too far to walk, so I got a learned a lot. When I returned ride in my car crate to Briarcliff home, I felt lucky and happy to be Manor to get the scoop on the with my best friend and wish that SPCA of Westchester from Lisa © Ronni Diamondstein Ronnie and his SPCA friends Bonnano, the Development Maggie Mae( bottom right) gets the inside story on the would be just as lucky very soon. Associate at the shelter. When I SPCA of Westchester from Lisa Bonnano, Development MAGGIE MAE lives in Chappaqua with arrived I was greeted by a big sign Associate (top left), Sofia Rocha, Veterinary Assistant her adoring owner RONNI that read, “Bring home your new (top right) and shelter resident Ronnie, a Feist mix puppy (bottom left) who is available for adoption. DIAMONDSTEIN, who, when she isn’t best friend today.” I knew I was in a walking Maggie is a freelance writer, kind and caring place! SPCA of Westchester, 590 North State PR consultant, award-winning photog- Ms. Bonnano said that most of the Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510 rapher and a School Library Media animals had been lost and never (914) 941-2896 www.spca914.org Specialist and teacher who has worked claimed by their owners. For the in the US and abroad. dog’s eye view, she introduced me to Ronnie, a black-and-white Feist mix eight-month-old pup, one of the 130 dogs and cats now living there. Ronnie was healthy and was checked by a veterinarian when he arrived at the shelter. I asked him what he did all day. He told me that he spends lots of time in his pen, but he has his own run and a volunteer walks him every day. He likes his food and the tasty treats. He enjoys the company of other dogs so sometimes he gets to run with them. I was impressed that in the three months he had been at the shelter, he had learned how to sit on command. I hope that Ronnie finds a good home. Ms. Bonnano told me that they are very careful to check references and that, before Ronnie goes to a new home, he will have to meet the whole family. There is even a peaceful trail on the grounds where dogs can walk with the folks who might adopt them. This shelter is a great place so I asked if there was any- thing that people could do for them. “There are so many ways to help the shelter,” Ms. Bonnano said. “You can volunteer as a dog walker.” I looked up at my owner for that one hoping we could come back and walk Ronnie soon. She added, “Someone who likes cats could help with cat socialization (I’m not so sure that that is some- thing I will volunteer my owner for) or people can help at fundraising events or with administrative tasks in the Clinic.” People can donate money or things. I know the puppy- sized dog bed I outgrew went to a shelter, and I brought along some dog biscuits when I visited. The shelter can

30 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:53 PM Page 31

WEASKEDOURADVERTISERS What Dad REALLY Wants

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June/Summer 2010 Inside Chappaqua 31 June 10 combined:June 08 5/18/10 6:53 PM Page 32

RICK’S Last Licks A Peacible Kingdom

BY RICK REYNOLDS

s my only child heads off for Chappaqua had scale. Okay, it was pregnant, and the resultant Acollege, suddenly my head is wasn’t the vast plains of the fingerlings had migrated under our filled with dreamscapes of her frontier, as Horace Greeley aptly house shingles, coming out to growing up in Chappaqua. pointed out, but with a little sunbath on our patio from time-to- Chappaqua was, in essence, my gift squinting, one could imagine being time—but I digress. at Walden—not in the 12X15 foot to her. And unlike me, she’d get to By the time she was entering cabin sense—but in the modest, begin life there. kindergarten, my daughter was 5,000 square foot Eldorado ranch collecting a menagerie of dogs, vein, surrounded by old growth The Hamlet was a haven for me parrots, rabbits, squirrels, turtles, trees and lawns greener than when I arrived as a skinny 8th toads, and crickets, when not riding Kermit. grader from Long Island to rebuild horses at the various stables ringing my young life. North of White It was into this gauzy image I North Castle. The country life Plains, the landscape seemed to wanted my child born. Having Chappaqua afforded her was the open up. For me the congestion, moved up from Greenwich Village in Petri dish in which she evolved. Now cement, smog , and well, badness of NYC, where I had met my wife, it’s part of her DNA. Chappaqua beckoned as the perfect megalopolis released its grip, giving Of course, for my daughter, these incubator for our little hatchling. way to an oasis of frog-filled romanticized images would give way swamps, fishable ponds, pristine And she took it like a true to romantic interests and the angst reservoirs, and yes—the mighty Saw amphibian. She was catching frogs of onset, childhood puberty, when Mill River. Like my pitch-perfect and dressing them up as ballerinas the pool club was no longer a warm, hero, Clemens (Samuel, not Roger), I at age 2. And wrestling snakes by round, splash pool to pee in—but a dreamed of sidewheel steamships the age of 3. parade ground of lean, tan, shirtless plying the tricky currents of the boys in Speedos serving up “Look who’s living with us now, Da hamburgers and Airheads. bifurcating Saw Mill River— Da,” she’d say, holding up a admittedly a stretch, but soothing confused-looking (later indignant) She cruised right through the year I as I acclimated to my new home. water snake. Turned out the snake first set eyes on Chappaqua, never knowing there were belching factoryscapes and towns criss- crossed with ribbons of interstate interchanges. Where your house address was a highway exit. She was spared this. Sitting up here in sunny New Hampshire, it’s all a blur to me now. What is it that Chappaqua does to us? Lord knows, when you wipe the Vaseline from your lenses, the town wasn’t Shangra La, but it was, and is, damn nice. The affluence that allows the town to remain bucolic does not prepare one for the realities of the rest of the country, let alone the world. But as my little girl leaves the nest, I know she’ll be drawn back someday to that Peacible Kingdom—Chappaqua—as I was, 24 years ago today. Chappaqua alumnus and 35-year resident, humorist RICK REYNOLDS resides in southern New Hampshire Illustration by Rick Reynolds with his wife, daughter and dog. 32 Inside Chappaqua June/Summer 2010 June 10 Cover:June 07 cover 5/18/10 7:11 PM Page 3

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