Drowning Flood Sisters

Transcription

Drowning Flood Sisters
February 2011
T HE M AGAZINE F OR N EW C A STLE AND B EYOND
WWW.INSIDECHAPPAQUA .COM
Maggie Mae
Explains
Doggie Love
Why Rick Reynolds
isn’t on Facebook
Karaoke DJ
Justine Faith
Comes to Town!
THIRD
Annual
Merchant
Profiles
Drowning
e
v
o
L
in
with the
Flood
Sisters
Some 50 Area
Businesses
Spotlighted!
$3.95
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
1
insidechappaqua.com
February 2011
T HE M AGAZINE F OR N EW C A STLE
AND
B EYOND
“Love to Shop Local” Sponsors and Profiles
ON THE COVER
(L-R): Jennifer, Cynthia and
Heather Flood in front of the Audi 2011 A8L
Special thanks to Audi of
Eastchester. Audi was a
proud sponsor of a
Flood Sisters Fundraiser
this past December.
Inside Chappaqua also thanks
the following merchants for
their kind loans:
Desires by Mikolay: on Jennifer: Smokey Topaz and 18 karat yellow
gold vermeil feather drop Kendra Scott earrings and wood and
crystal cuff with 18 karat yellow
gold vermeil designed by Rodrigo
Otazu; on Cynthia: Ruby teardrop
Coralia Leets earrings in a 24 karat
vermeil on Heather: green onyx
and Swarovski crystal hand woven
chandelier Miguel Ases earrings
March Boutique: On Heather:
Bailey 44 Black ponte knit
jacket with belt and Caribbean
Queen Tank On Cynthia: Eva
Franco Dress Vintage inspired
Astrid dress
Family Britches: On Heather: a
Magaschoni tissue weight
cashmere scarf in leaf green.
On Jennifer: M.Missoni 3/4
cape w/cowl neck in brown with
orange beige multi stripes on
upper portion of cape and matching 3/4 length wool knit gloves in
orange beige and cream wool
Special Thanks to
Cathy’s Hair and
Day Spa of Chappaqua
for the Flood Sisters’
Hair and Makeup
Cover Stylist: Sandy Hapoienu,
stylingsession.com
Photo by Alex Federov,
federovfoto.com
2 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
Academic Tutoring..................... 43
Andante Music........................... 47
A&S Fine Foods of
Millwood…................................. 33
Daniel Baitch
Photography.............................. 49
Beecher Funeral Home, Inc........ 45
Breathe Pilates and Yoga........... 31
Breezemont Day Camp............... 40
Maria Briones, M.D.................... 34
Camp Connection....................... 49
Chappaqua Friends
Nursery School........................... 44
Crabtree’s Kittle House.............. 41
Club Fit....................................... 49
COUTUREDossier....................... 24
Desires by Mikolay................16-17
Elegance II.................................. 28
Douglas Elliman....................14-15
Emmary Day Spa........................ 32
Empire Audio
Video Concepts......................18-19
Eye Designs of Armonk.............. 39
Eye Gallery............................12-13
Family Britches............................ 5
Alex Fedorov.............................. 40
Future Stars Summer Camps..... 26
Gail Patrick’s Café...................... 40
Granite Real Estate
Tax Consultants.........................22
Healthy Choice Pharmacy..........48
Hilltop Wines and Spirits...........44
Houlihan Lawrence...............10-11
Jodi’s Gym…................................ 3
Le Jardin du roi..........................38
March Boutique..........................27
Isa Marrs, MA, CCC-SLP.............21
Millwood Market........................23
New Castle Physical Therapy.....25
Nicolaysen Agency, Inc...............38
Oasis Day Spa…..........................29
The Perennial Chef.....................35
Play Care Nursery
& Preschool................................47
Pleasantville
Community Synagogue..............20
353 Restaurant and Lounge.......26
Jo Rosenfeld Major Occasions...28
Rosenthal JCC............................32
Squires Family
Clothing and Footwear..............34
Westchester Tree Life.................45
Whispering Pines.......................30
World Cup Gymnastics...............48
World Cup Nursery School
and Kindergarten......................24
36 A Flood of Love
After helping their own father avoid
dialysis or worse by finding an unrelated
“altruistic” kidney donor, sisters
Jennifer, Cynthia and Heather are
raising awareness and helping others
find living donors, before it’s too late,
through their The Flood Sisters Kidney
Foundation of America. By Jeff Cohen
Also in this Issue:
8 Just Between Us
Plus: “Sandy’s Touch”…a few questions for one savvy and stunning stylist.
20 Happenings
The Reitz’s at a JDRC Gala; Robert Redford’s visit at the Burns; an upcoming
fundraiser for the Pleasantville Community Synagogue; and a warm refuge at
the New York Botanical Garden.
42 Maggie Mae Pup Reporter
Maggie Mae investigates love, Doggie
Love, that is... By Maggie Mae
with Ronni Diamondstein
46 Gotta Have Arts
For an evening of karaoke fun, you
can count on DJ Justine Faith.
By Michael Kohn
50 Rick’s Last Lick’s
When Mom, OMG, “Friends” You
By Rick Reynolds
Cover Sponsors:
Samalin
Investment Counsel ............3-4
William Raveis.....................6-7
Lydia Evans, M.D. ..................9
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
3
Wall Street Meets King Street
By Sarah Ellen Berman
Have you ever glanced at your investment account
statements, scratched your head, and wondered: “Is
this what I should be doing?” Chances are pretty good
that you have done just that—particularly during
these three long challenging years for the market. But
perhaps you also can’t shake a nagging feeling that
your current advisor may not be prepared to help you
define your goals and work diligently towards them.
Fortunately, there are professionals who can inspire
greater confidence and even propel your wealth management to a new level. One such professional is
Andrew Samalin of Samalin Investment Counsel, now
available in Chappaqua. A veteran Certified Financial
Planner with over 18 years of experience, Samalin
might well be that private and local wealth management solution you are looking for.
Samalin, 42, has been in the business of wealth management for his entire career, holding SVP-Investment
positions for Morgan Stanley, Prudential and Wachovia in White Plains. Sensing a change in the investment landscape, in April 2007, he left Wachovia to
found an SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm,
Samalin Investment Counsel (SICounsel). The move
has been a wonderful success, though the market has
offered quite a headwind…
A “Can Do” Approach
“We have a choice: let the markets manage us, or
manage through the markets and seek a positive
outcome,” states Samalin. “We choose the latter, both
for ourselves and our clients.” Such take charge thinking appears to be working. Since SICounsel’s founding,
the firm has won multiple local and national awards.
Financial Advisor Magazine awarded Samalin the “Top
500 RIAs for 2009,” and Wealth Manager Web awarded “2010 Top Wealth Managers.” He was named one
of Westchester’s “Forty under Forty” by the Westchester County Business Council in 2007, and won “Best
in Customer Service” from Westchester Magazine in
2009 and 2010.
Sharing that expertise to the community at large is
important. Samalin’s pro-bono work includes serving
on the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors
and as Treasurer of Bethel Nursing Homes. He is also
on the Board of Directors of the Association of Divorce
Financial Planners.
The Local Advantage
Dealing with a local investment advisor is fundamentally advantageous to investors. Clients have the
opportunity to develop a rapport with Samalin as
opposed to being viewed as another number within a
4 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
Samalin Investment Counsel team. Not pictured: Louise Albert, CFP
large, impersonal institution. This is particularly important when structuring real estate investments with
a limited number of accredited investors, who are also
SICounsel clients. “Since these investments are local
in nature, we have the opportunity to kick the tires
before moving ahead. This due diligence is a critical
piece for success.
“Wealth management involves an ongoing dialogue
and rapport between advisor and client,” Samalin
notes. “We’re told it’s actually a very unique combination; the scale, breadth and safety of Fidelity Investments (with over $3.3 trillion under administration
as of 10.31.10), fused with the commitment and
intimacy that a local investment advisor can provide.
When you consider what’s at stake, is the generic “Big
Box Investment Retailer” a fait accomplit? Besides, our
clients have earned it.”
SICounsel manages over $100 million dollars in assets custodied at Fidelity Investments. For additional
safety, accounts are held in each individual account
holder’s name, available for viewing 24/7 at Fidelity.
com. These measures ensure complete transparency.
“We live in a very risk-laden world,” Samalin said, “It’s
our job to try to provide a positive investment experience for our clients. Fidelity helps towards that end a
great deal. Since so many of our clients already have
their workplace retirement plans with Fidelity, they
love the fact that we can assist with their retirement
plans without having to move the asset itself.”
An Open Door
Clearly the Chappaqua community and others like it
have been affected by this extraordinary downturn.
While the tide has clearly turned for the better, approachability and accessibility remain critical at-
tributes of a great financial
advisor. “Thinking back to
the post-Lehman collapse,
I remember sending breakof-dawn emails and calls to
clients, noting that the premarket indications were to
open down 700 points. Emails
sent that morning was simple:
“Here’s my home number.
Here’s my staff’s home numbers. Let’s make sure we’re
talking, and acting. This is going to be a difficult day.”
to know what’s happening,
without the industry jargon.”
SICounsel may be found at its
recently acquired headquarters
at 297 King Street. Their offices are located in the Crown
House, the former home
of Crown House Antiques.
Originally built in 1865, the
Crown House has been faithfully restored, retaining the
look and feel of its predecessor. The columns stand proudly
in front and the facade has
been spruced up with a historiThat kind of openness, while a
cally accurate color scheme.
rarity in the industry, is someSamalin’s commitment to the
thing investors should insist
Chappaqua community is demupon. “If you didn’t hear from Samalin Investment Counsel client reception, NYSE trading onstrated, in part, by the pride
your advisor then, you should floor, May 30, 2007
he takes in the professional,
question the relationship. If
welcoming ambience he has
you did, my hat’s off to you
created in his building.
and your advisor,“ says Samalin. He also points out
that investors value advisors who educate their clients Most importantly, however, he is planning on sponin a layperson’s language. Attending NYU for both his
soring ice cream and face painting for the munchkins
undergraduate and graduate degrees, with teaching
of Chappaqua just prior to the Memorial Day Parade.
experience in both investment management and real
This is a mandate from his children Matthew (4 ¾) and
estate analytics, Samalin is used to explaining complex Talia (2 ½). “Dow 6700 will look like a walk in the
financial issues in English--not Wall Street-speak. “My park if there isn’t enough ice cream for the kids on
clients are extremely bright and educated. They want
Memorial Day,” says his wife Gina, with a smile.
Fine Men’s & Women’s Wear
Services: Visit Family
Family Britches Britches for the finest in
PROPRIETORS:
men's, women's and boys Barry Mishkin & Rick Buggee
clothing. "We don't just
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1970
sell clothing-we create
www.familybritches.com
coordinated outfits so you
look your best," notes co-owner Barry Mishkin. Men can
find suits and sport coats by Corneliani, Hickey Freeman,
Samuelsohn, Canali and Zegna. Women's collections include Magaschoni, Max Mara, Rene Lezard, and others.
Greatest Strengths: Personal as-
sistance. Staff can arrange appointments at their stores, in your home
or office. Expert tailors ensure
every garment fits you properly. Alterations are at no extra charge. For
over 40 years, Family Britches has
been proud to be part of the fabric
of the Chappaqua community.
Special Plans: This month, save on
custom suits, sport coats and shirts. In March, visit trunk
shows for men's collections, including Corneliani, Hickey
Freeman and Samuelsohn. Other spring plans include a
diverse collection of women's sportswear and a trunk
show for Magaschoni.
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
5
Home Sweet Home
By Sarah Ellen Berman
(L-R): Company owners: Ryan Raveis, Bill Raveis and Chris Raveis
The proposition of parting with
or acquiring a new home can be
one of the most important or
exciting times. For residents and
prospective buyers in the town
of Chappaqua, this task is greatly
facilitated thanks to the arrival of
the venerable firm, William Raveis
Real Estate, Mortgage and Insurance. The building, located at 75
North Greeley Avenue, is currently
under construction and will be the
location for Raveis’ new Chappaqua
headquarters.
While Raveis (pronounced Ravis) is
a relative newcomer to Chappaqua,
the company is firmly entrenched
in the surrounding area and northeast. Yet, this powerhouse rose
from humble beginnings. In 1974,
6 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
CEO and Chairman, Bill Raveis,
founded the company in a room
atop a grocery store in Fairfield,
CT. Since then, he has built a
strong reputation for the firm,
particularly in the high-end marketplace, including the renowned
Fairfield County.
As the company grew, Bill’s sons
joined the business. In 2003, Chris
Raveis, now Managing Partner of
William Raveis NY and MA, led the
company’s rapid expansion outside
of Connecticut, opening over 30
offices throughout the northeast in
just seven years. Within the past
18 months, Chris and his team
opened five new Raveis locations in
Westchester County–Rye, Harrison, Katonah, Chappaqua and most
recently, a new affiliate in Sleepy
Hollow. Due to the hard work of
management, agents and staff,
the firm has achieved the honor of
being the largest family-owned real
estate company in the northeast
and was named the eleventh largest
real estate company in the country
in 2010.
True to its reputation of catering
to all home buyer and seller needs,
William Raveis also touts awardwinning Mortgage and Insurance
Divisions. Ryan Raveis, Senior Vice
President of Sales and Marketing
for William Raveis Mortgage has
helped the division achieve a top
1% ranking amongst all FHA lenders in the country. The insurance
division offers separate coverage
for homes, possessions, automobiles, life, and health as well as
umbrella policies.
price range because of its excellent
condition and level property with
views.” The second listing is a Colonial, priced at $759,000, located at
84 Oak Hill. “To get a Colonial in
the mid $700,000s is a great value,”
Myers observed.
A cornerstone of the company’s
success in all its divisions has been
to hire the best people. The Chappaqua office Sales Manager, Susan
Myers, fits this description well.
Myers is quick to tout the strengths
A veteran broker who has most
of the firm when asked how she
recently worked for Prudential Hol- will approach marketing of these
mes and Kennedy, Myers is ebuland other homes. “The technology
lient about Raveis’ prospects
in Chappaqua. “We now
have many of the top produc"We now have many of the
ers in our Chappaqua office,”
she said. Raveis recruits only
top producers in our
the best and the brightest,
Chappaqua office.
ensuring them success wherever they go. Sena Baron,
Raveis recruits only the
Barbara Karlen Blitstein,
Cindy Glynn, Bonnie Golub,
best and the brightest,
Ellen Grollman, Suzette B.
ensuring them success
Kraus, Lucille Liang, Helene
Miller, Danae Richards,
wherever they go.” Susan Shopkorn, Harmony
Susan Myers
Stern, and Alli Tugendhaft
are just a few of the area top
producers that have become
a part of the Raveis team.
The new office will cover the follow- William Raveis provides is unbeing territory: Chappaqua, Armonk, lievable. The website [raveis.com]
Briarcliff Manor, Bedford, Mount
receives over ten million worldwide
Kisco, and Pleasantville.
visits annually and is a wonderful tool for any agent marketing a
When asked how she will encourhome.” In addition to providing
age her agents in a housing market simple access to information on
that is stabilizing, Myers stressed a over 200,000 listings throughout
collaborative approach. “It will be
the Northeast, raveis.com is a desimportant to look at what clients’
tination for buyers, sellers and real
value as far as finances, comfort,
estate aficionados alike looking to
and home amenities.” In her expe- keep a pulse on regional and local
rience, the top five areas of a home markets. In addition, the company
that clients value are: the kitchen,
embraces social media, engaging
bathrooms, a family room adjacent Facebook, Twitter and You Tube
to the kitchen, a finished basefollowers with weekly contests such
ment and landscaping. “We will
as “Name that Celebrity Home,”
also stress effective communication providing useful tips for buyers and
upon the part of the agent, so he
sellers and posting video created
or she is presenting properties that by agents and management. The
best suit the client’s needs.”
firm’s blog, raveis.com, is a hub
for the latest in real estate, from
According to Myers, Chappaqua
trends in home building to the imis brimming with premier listings
pact of state and federal regulation
at great values. She highlighted
in local markets.
two properties. The first is located
at 9 Crystal Spring Road. Priced
Through use of technology as well
at $1,050,000, Myers sees this
as more traditional means of comvintage charmer as “an immedimunication, Myers looks to mainate attraction for buyers in this
tain a close relationship not only
with clients, but with local communities the Chappaqua office will
serve. “The Chappaqua team looks
forward to being actively involved
in community events and causes,”
said Myers. This is a philosophy
she shares with Bill Raveis, William
Raveis agents and staff, as they
have felt strongly about giving back
to communities that have helped
them prosper over the years.
A cause close to the company’s
heart has been to aid those fighting breast cancer. Over the past
six years, William Raveis agents,
management and staff have raised
$1.5 million in support of the
American Cancer Society Patient
Navigator Program, an initiative
that helps newly diagnosed breast
cancer patients “navigate” through
the physical, emotional and financial stresses of the disease. Myers
looks forward to actively participating in this cause, as well as in
agents’ continued involvement in
local groups and associations, such
as the PTA, the United Jewish
Appeal, the Junior League, Neighbors Link, churches, and synagogues.
“The website,
raveis.com,
receives over ten
million world wide
visits annually and is
a wonderful tool
for any agent
marketing a home.”
When contemplating the outlook
for real estate, Myers is optimistic.
“It’ll be stronger than 2010 as long
as homes are priced realistically,”
she said. One thing she need not
contemplate is the prowess of her
team, which has a lifetime sales
volume of $2.9 billion. “Their talent further fuels my optimism.
I’m excited for the year ahead.”
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
7
Just Between Us
Greatest Strengths: IC continues to be blessed with
an immensely talented and loyal stable of contributors. This
last year, we welcomed in another key contributor, designer
Dina Spalvieri. “I have enjoyed
my regular jaunts to Dina’s
Inside Chappaqua lovely Kent, Connecticut home,
to help close each issue.”
PROPRIETOR:
Grace Bennett
IN BUSINESS SINCE:
April 2003
www.insidechappaqua.com
Special Plans: A “Top Ten Any-
thing” edition for March/April,
from Top Ten Ways to Go Green
to Top Ten Places to Bike Ride.
Dr. Lydia Evans:
February 2011
Volume 8, Number 3
Publisher and Editor
Grace Bennett
Associate to the Publisher
Design
Carine Feist
Dina Spalvieri
Contributors
Daniel Baitch, Lisa Ballou, Sarah Ellen Berman, Ronni Diamondstein
Alex Federov, Michelle Hecht, Michael Kohn, Mike Lauterborn,
Cathy Pinsky, Rick Reynolds
Web Consultant
Palmer Louise
General Counsel
Brian Hand
Inside Chappaqua™ is published six times a year, and is
owned and operated by The Inside Press, Inc.
Mailing address: PO Box 643, Millwood, NY 10546.
Phone Number: 914-238-2600. Copyright © 2011.
All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Reproduction of any
portion is ­prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Inside Chappaqua may not necessarily agree with any one editorial viewpoint or necessarily
endorse a particular product or service advertised. Editorial submissions should be mailed to
the above address (please enclose an SASE) or sent to [email protected].
For more information, rates and advertising calendar, go to www.insidechappaqua.com.
Become a fan of
Inside Chappaqua on
Editor’s Note: When I decided
on the Flood Sisters cover story, I
turned to Westchester’s most ubiquitous fashion stylist, writer and
instructor Sandy Hapoienu to help
out. A permanent fixture at Fashion
Week, her latest venture,
stylingsession.com, embodies all her
sought after expertise. Inside Chappaqua asked Sandy a few questions
following the shoot: 1. What motivated you
to choose a career as a stylist?
I started as a shopping editor then
photo stylist, styling celebrities,
corporate, television, closet edits,
wardrobe building and fashion
shows. This also led me to teach
as an adjunct Professor at SUNY
Westchester.
2.Is styling a natural
gift or something learned?
I believe that there is an art and
a science to styling. The art is the
creative side that can be tapped into
Photo by Cathy Pinsky, pinskystudio.com
Sandy’s Touch
8 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
by reading fashion magazines and
watching fashion shows. The science
can be learned by knowing the type
of clothing that is the best fit for
your body type.
3. What inspires
you most about styling? Most people are married to a look
and are afraid to take chances on
their own. The confidence level rises
significantly.
4.What is rewarding
to you about it?
The thanks I get from my clients and
the look on their faces. The befores
and afters are amazing.
5. Can you describe your experience with the Flood Sisters?
The Flood sisters are three young
women working hard to bring attention to their foundation in the hopes
of kidney donors. I took the whole
picture into account: where are they
now and where they are going in the
future. First I started with their body
types and what would be the most
flattering styles. Then I made suggestions for hair and make-up. I aimed
for a more polished business look.
Dermatologist Extraordinaire
By Sarah Ellen Berman
www.insidechappaqua.com
Daniel Baitch
Product & Services: Now in
its eighth year, Inside Chappaqua: The Magazine for New Castle and
Beyond continues to be mailed free six
times a year between September and
June to over 6,000 households. “We
take pride in having “weathered tough
times” by continuing to produce a
relevant and entertaining periodical that readers seem to
really like and look forward to,” says Grace. “By letting the
advertisers here know you value the magazine, and have seen
their ads, and even act on them on occasion, you help us keep
these issues coming!”
Passion. This is what sets Dr. Lydia
Evans apart from the rest. She is
a dedicated individual who prides
herself on delivering high quality,
individualized care.
Dr. Evans’ practice is designed to
cater to her clients. Her visits are
conducted at a leisurely pace to insure that everyone feels comfortable
and understands that their concerns
are paramount.
Talking to her is like talking to a
dear friend. Any anxiety associated
with a visit to the doctor fades away.
When beginning a consultation, Dr.
Evans listens intently to the patient’s
concern about their appearance. “It’s
essential to respect that,” she related.
Once Dr. Evans understands what
the client is seeking to achieve, she
recommends the appropriate procedure or product.
Dr. Evans prides herself on developing enduring relationships with
her patients. She inquires about
their families and lives with genuine interest. In some cases, she is
even acquainted with other members of the family since they are
also patients. Her practice includes
a number of children and great
grandparents from fourth generation families.
State-of-the-Art
“Ulthera Therapy” Offered
There are several technological innovations in the field of cosmetic
services which are particularly
exciting to Dr. Evans. She has recently acquired the tools to administer ulthera therapy. This is the
non-surgical facelift which many
have been waiting for. Ulthera
utilizes an ultrasound machine to
deliver amazing results. Before and
after photos were featured on recent episodes of Dr. Oz and Rachel
Ray. For those looking to erase fine
lines, wrinkles, and brown spots,
Dr. Evans recommends a laser
treatment called Fraxel. It’s “like a
present from God,” she said.
Creating a skincare regime is one of
Dr. Evans’s specialities. Whether
it’s a medicinal or moisturizing
cream, she will find the perfect
match. In her role as a consulting
dermatologist for L’Oreal, she has
acquired extensive knowledge of
skincare products.
What does Dr. Evans relish about
her profession? The gratification
expressed by her clients. “They’ll
look in the mirror and say, ‘Wow!’
It’s very rewarding to make someone feel better about the way they
look,” she observed.
Dr. Evans has also seen how a
change in appearance is reflected
in her patient’s lives. Sometimes,
desired weight loss is achieved. Occasionally, a more fulfilling career is
embarked upon.
“I’m also the first guinea pig,” she
stated. “I’ve had Botox and Dermasweep (a skin resurfacing system)...I
always communicate what it felt
like.” Her completely natural looking
complexion belies the fact that it has
been enhanced in any way.
Proponent of Follow Up Care
Dr. Evans places a strong emphasis
on vigilance. If a mole has changed
or a pimple has not disappeared
in four to six weeks, she strongly
recommends that it be seen by a
professional. While she noted that
melanoma is on the rise, she acknowledges that, “Early detection
changes the picture dramatically.”
The recent news on the benefits of
vitamin D give her pause. She is
concerned that people may overindulge in sunbathing sans sunscreen
to reap the benefits of vitamin D.
Her advice is to limit unprotected
areas to ten minutes of exposure
and to always use sunscreen on the
face. Additionally, she feels that
vitamin D supplements are equally
if not more beneficial.
Look around when you cross the
threshold to the space where this
highly skilled dermatologist plies
her trade. Clues to her expertise
abound. This connoisseur has chosen exquisite works of art including
a Bonnard like tableau and a playful figurine, perched atop a chair.
“My passion about art history
informs the aesthetics part
of the practice. There really is
an art to it.”
Dr. Evans’ Vital Data
Along with practicing dermatology in
Chappaqua since 1993, here are some
highlights from her background:
• Graduated Wesleyan University
and Penn State Medical School.
• Chief Medical resident at the
University of Vermont.
• Fellowship in Oncology at
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center.
• Associate Clinical Attending in
Dermatology at Columbia
Presbyterian Medical Center. • Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology.
• Leadership Society, Dermatology Research Foundation.
• NY State Chairperson, Psoriasis Research Foundation.
• Consulting Dermatologist, L'Oreal, since 2000
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
9
10 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
11
Great Vision Pays Off
Michelle Hecht
By Lisa Ballou
Chris Gentile and Celine Pittet at Eye Gallery are always ready to help you find your perfect paid of shades.
WWW.OLIVERPEOPLES.COM
ERPEOPLES.COM
REBECCA SCHWARTZ WEARS WACKS
REBECCA SCHWARTZ WEARS WACKS
OLIVER PEOPLES
OLIVER PEOPLES
TRUNK SHOW
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4TH • 11AM-4PM
Chappaqua
TRUNK SHOW
Scarsdale
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4TH • 11AM-4PM
22 S. Greeley
Avenue
8 Spencer Place
Chappaqua
Chappaqua,
NY
10514
Scarsdale,
NY 10583
22 S. Greeley Avenue
914-238-5600
Chappaqua, NY 10514 914-472-2020
914-238-5600
12 Inside Chappaqua
February 2011
Stylish. Sexy. Cool. Mysterious.
Let’s face it; a fashionable pair of
glasses may be the greatest accessory a person can own. I know many
people, myself included, who have a
thing for sunglasses. In fact, there
are even people who blog about
their obsession with sunglasses.
And while fashion trends come and
go, sunglasses, and glasses for that
matter, always remain in style.
Eye Gallery, a modern boutique in
downtown Chappaqua, is a store
that stays on the cutting edge of
eyewear trends. From sporty to
flashy to simply functional, Eye
Gallery is home to a large selection
of eyewear. The well-lit space has
plenty of windows and mirrors to
make the decision process an easy
and enjoyable one.
Owner/Optometrist Dr. Michael
Rosen and his Partner Dr. Chris
Gentile are on hand along with
Office Manager Celine Lewitt. They
are committed to helping customers take care of their eyes and make
the right decisions about fit and
function. As a result, Eye Gallery
has quickly become the place for
fabulous eyewear in Northern
Westchester. When Dr. Rosen was
ready to expand the Eye Gallery
name, he found himself drawn to
Chappaqua for its small-town feel.
“I have a lot of ties to Chappaqua
and know a lot of people in the
town, “ explained Dr. Rosen.
“When I decided to expand the
brand to a second location and the
space became available, it just felt
like the right fit.” It is a vision that
has certainly paid off.
Eye Gallery offers full eye exams
six days a week and have an Optometrist on staff every day except
Sunday. The focus of the business is
twofold. There is a large emphasis
on the medical function of eyewear,
and at the same time, the doctors
equally understand the importance
of glasses as a fashion accessory.
When it comes to finding the perfect pair of glasses it’s important to
give yourself plenty of time for the
selection process.
“Remember, the first thing people
see when they look at you is your
eyewear, so even if glasses seem expensive, good quality and good style
are worth it,” said Dr. Rosen. “Also,
just because the sun isn’t blazing hot
doesn’t mean you don’t need to wear
sunglasses. The sun’s rays are just as
harmful on your eyes in the winter as
in the summer.”
Dr. Rosen and his staff are committed to providing the best customer
service. “People trust us. They
know we have their best interest
in mind and that we care how they
look. They can come in to pick out
a new pair of glasses with our help
and without bringing 10 friends
with them.”
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
13
14 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
15
Scott and Tara Mikolay Fulfill Your Desires
...for Beautiful Jewelry
Desires by Mikolay is a full service
jewelry store that carries a wide
array of fine & fashion jewelry at
all price points. Recently launched
designer line “Scott Mikolay” truly
represents luxury and quality.
carry is current, in demand, and
priced right.”
A leader in jewelry repair and custom design, Desires never sacrifices
quality craftsmanship. All repairs
are done on premises by its master
jewelers. Estimates are complimentary, and there is no job too big or
too small.
Customer Service Stories:
Background: When Scott decided
to open a store he quickly realized
the enormity of the task. His wife
Tara, a social worker, left her career
temporarily to help out but unexpectedly fell in love with jewelry,
marketing and general daily tasks
of doing business. Six years later,
they have together designed and
launched Scott Mikolay Jewelry
Design, and show no signs of slowing down. Committed to philanthropy, they host at least four charity events at the store each year
and financially support many local
and international organizations.
Greatest Strengths: “I think we
have a real understanding about
the current world and marketplace
that we live in,” says Tara. Aware
that their customers can easily
shop online or in big stores, they
value their patrons and “go the
extra distance.” With that in mind,
Desires offers all price points, recognizing that even a luxury store
needs to offer a good selection in
the $25-$35 range.
16 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
Alex Mele
Store Services include:
•Jewelry, Fine & Fashion
•Custom Made Jewelry
•Jewelry Repair & Redesign
•Loose Diamond Sales & Appraisals
•Diamond Setting
•On Site Master Jeweler
•Gift Range Jewelry
•Personal Shoppers
•Online Store
Of added pride is the Scott Mikolay
line being picked up by the ultimate
in luxury, Neiman Marcus!
The shop also offers complimentary
jewelry cleanings, and checks over
customers’ items for loose stones
and overall safety in the process.
Customers enjoy complimentary
freshly baked organic cookies and
hot espresso while they wait or
browse. And Desires by Mikolay
customer service is second to none;
male customers are amazed with
how well the staff knows their
wives’ tastes, ensuring that they
choose the perfect gift!
Desires also has the strongest repair shop and custom design center
in the area, transforming customers’ outdated jewelry into something new and special. Patrons love
working with Scott, Simon, Diana
and Sarah as they really take the
time to listen to their wants and
get the job done right.
Proudest Moment: Every day,
Scott and Tara are proud when a
customer comes tells them that
they really value having the store in
town and hope it remains for many
years to come. “We hear often that
this is a place a husband can come
in and pick out anything in the
store and his wife would be happy,”
says Tara. “That makes us proud as
it speaks to the work we put into
the store, making sure what we
Jewelry and working on jewelry is
all about trust. Desires proudly offers to work on clients rings or precious jewels while they wait, ensuring that they always know where
their piece is. Want further reassurance? Customers can even sit
in the back to watch as one of the
store’s master jewelers works on
their piece so they can see the high
level of quality and skill used. Many
new customers love this service, as
it can be daunting trusting someone you just met with your most
precious family heirlooms.
A male customer came in to purchase a gift for his wife for Valentine’s Day, which was also their
anniversary. He was pressed for
time, so the Desires staff offered to
handle the gift based on his specifications. The staff ran around town
gathering candles, a card and other
items and assembled the perfect
gift basket. Floored by the Desires
by Mikolay customer service and
that they took the time to do this
for him, he has remained a loyal
customer to us for the last
five years…
Hopes and Dreams:
Growth, continuing to fine-tune
and improve their business, and
to make a positive impact in this
world. And of course making Scott
Mikolay a household name.
Desires by Mikolay
PROPRIETORS:
Scott & Tara Mikolay
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2004
www.desiresbymikolay.com
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
17
A Westchester Based Company
State-of-the-Art Entertainment Systems
Empire Audio/Video Concepts, Inc.
PRESIDENT:
Charles Schunk
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2004
www.empireaudiovideo.com
Products & Services: E.A.V.C. is
a custom electronics design/integration & installation company.
CEDIA Certified and Authorized
Dealers of all major brands we specialize in; Media Rooms, Dedicated
Home Theaters, Surround Sound
Systems, Indoor/ Outdoor Speakers, Whole House Audio/ Video
And Home Automation Systems,
Listening Rooms, Home Recording
Studios, Lighting Control, CCTV
Cameras, Corporate Board Rooms,
Phone Systems, Computer Net-
Special Offer to Inside Chappaqua Readers!
Please Call For Details
18 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
A Westchester native
and professional musician, Charlie has been
around Audio/ Video
ever since he can remember. “From setting
up the stereo system at
high school parties, to
owning “The Band P.A.
System” and then onto
performing on stages
around the world
equipped with state of
the art Audio/ Video Systems,” he
says, “I just figured starting an A/V
company was the most logical path
for me to take.”
Greatest Strengths: “Creativity,
honesty, and integrity.”
Special Plans: After February 1
and through the spring, Empire
Audio will be running specials for
Inside Chappaqua readers. Please
give us a call or go to my website
for more information,” says Charlie. “And, oh yeah, don’t forget to
mention the magazine.”
Proudest Moment: Signing a
Hopes for the Future:
major record label deal and getting
to work with some of the biggest
names in the music industry!
When he is not installing entertainment
systems, you may see Charlie on a stage near
you working as a professional musician.
Call 914-980-0386 Today
Background:
working, Sound Isolation, DJ Systems, Live Sound Reinforcement
and more. We service Residential
Homes, Businesses, Retail Stores/
Outlets, Sports Bars, Restaurants,
Night Clubs, Houses Of Worship,
Schools, Towns /Villages, and
more. From a simple Plasma/ LCD/
LED installation to a fully automated “Smart Home” controllable from
your I-phone/ I-Pad anywhere in
the world, Empire can design and
install a system to fit your budget.
Customer Service Stories: “I was
once called into fix an issue created
by another company for a senior
partner of Home Theater
Magazine. She is still my client today! -:) Another time I
was called in to troubleshoot
an issue involving a large TV
wall at an area gym. I was
told that they had three or
four companies try to solve
the issue before giving me
the ball. After a few phone
calls to industry experts and
bit of research on my own, I
found a solution that worked
resulting in another Happy
Customer!”
“To keep up with the ever changing
electronic technology industry
and eventually automate
EVERYTHING! Perhaps a micro
chip implanted at birth?”
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
19
HAPPENINGS
JDRF Honors
Chappaqua Family
JBFC’s 10th
Anniversary Celebration Jacob Burns Film Center Executive Director Steve
Apkon, legendary actor/filmmaker and Sundance
Film Festival founder Robert Redford, and Academy
Award-winning director Jonathan Demme.
One of the founding families and honorees of the 25th Anniversary Gala to benefit Juvenille Diabetes Research Foudation, Robert & Bobbi Reitzes of Chappaqua, pictured here
with one of their children with type 1 diabetes, Robin Kern of Katonah, NY. This year’s
gala will take place at the Trump National Golf Course on April 9. To purchase tickets or
to donate an auction item, contact Stephen Gnojewski, 914-686-7700 or send an email
to [email protected].
Save the Date!
OPEN HOUSE
WEEKEND
at
Pleasantville
Community Synagogue
March 11-13, 2011
For more information call
914-769-2672
visit our Web site at
wwwshalompcs.com or
e-mail
[email protected].
Come Discover what
Joyful Judaism is all about!
20 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) is a
nonprofit cultural arts organization with
a dual mission in film and education, located on a 47,500 sq. foot, three-building
campus in the center of Pleasantville.
Since the opening in 2001, over a million
people have seen over 4,500 films from
more than 40 countries. The campus
includes the 27,000 sq. feet Media Arts
Lab, the JBFC’s state-of-the-art education center. To learn more about the
JBFC, visit www.burnsfilmcenter.org.
A Trip to the Tropics
Without Leaving NY
Through February 27: Admission is Half Price
Visitors to The New York
Botanical Garden this winter can find a refuge from
the frigid weather outside
with a retreat to the warmth
of Caribbean Garden, a look
at the tropical trees, flowers, and foliage in the Enid
A. Haupt Conservatory’s
permanent collection, including orange-yellow crotons,
fuschia bromeliads, and rosy red hibiscus. Through
self-guided strolls, use of free audio tours, or participation in docent-led tours of the Conservatory, visitors
can encounter many surprises in the largest Victorianstyle glasshouse in the country, open once again to the
public after last summer’s horticultural and structural
refurbishments. Check nybg.org for exact times and
locations.
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
21
Granite Real Estate Tax Consultants
Posts Record Lows in 2010
Just GRAND!
Spacious and Stocked Shop for After you Fill Up
Homeowners Lower Their Assessments/Real Estate Taxes by 9%-25%
David Ruzow,
Managing
Director of
Granite Real
Estate Tax
Consultants,
is delighted
with his company’s yearend results
David Ruzow
– down, the
way he and his clients like it. That’s
because Granite’s business is helping
homeowners lower their assessments
and save on property taxes. Ruzow
is uniquely qualified to represent clients because of his dual expertise as
both a certified real estate appraiser
and a licensed real estate broker. His
knowledge and judgment, gained in
over 30 years of valuing real estate,
...
E NOW
GRIEV
erpay Your
Or Ov
r Year!
Taxes Anothe
TOWN
MOUNT PLEASANT
NEW CASTLE
le
xamp
e
n
a
s
This i successful
u
of o r stle and
a
New C leasant
tP
Moun ance Cases
riev
2010 G
make all the difference in mounting
a successful property assessment
challenge.
“The fact is, we offer our property
tax reduction services only to homeowners who we believe are overassessed,” commented Mr. Ruzow.
Granite will prepare an appeal and
follow all of the steps necessary to
get the reduction the client deserves.
The fee, 50% of the first year’s tax
savings, is owed only if and when the
assessment gets reduced.
Trust the experts
the assessors respect
The burden of proof is on your consultant to present a credible case of
over-assessment. Having an expert
represent you – who knows values in
the area, understands what comparables to use as proof of value, and
who speaks the same language as the
assessors, is critical. David Ruzow
can handily counter an argument put
forth by an assessor because he is an
expert at the valuation, and negotiation of real estate.
Granite Real Estate
Tax Consultants serves
Westchester, Putnam and
Rockland counties. For a complete
list of services, visit
www.granitetaxreduction.com.
Granite Real Estate
Tax Consultants, LLC
351 Manville Road,
Pleasantville, NY 10570
914-747-8999
as he continues to diligently ask cusJohn and Tracy DeMeo have
tomers what they’d most appreciate
finally realized a long held dream.
from a convenience and quality point
Back in 2001, John DeMeo was
of view.
sure that the gas station site he
owned in this bucolic hamlet could
In the meantime, you can fill up at
be transformed into something
the sparkling new pumps, and then
grander, serving the entire New
dash in for a great cup of Mountain
Castle community and all those
Blend coffee, fresh brewed iced tea,
folks coming and going from the
or Ghirardelli’s hot chocolate (John is
Taconic. “John saw the potential
ultra conscious of offering up tasty,
for a vibrant location to meet the
quality products that are a notch
needs of everyone on the go,”
above). Or try a cup of delicious Ketsays Tracy. tle Cuisine Soup or Chili, or maybe
John and Tracy DeMeo
grab a cold meat sandwich, breakfast
And it turns out, he was right. egg sandwich on a bagel or roll, or enjoy a Nathan’s
Since its grand opening last month, the new Millwood
Market and Shell Station has had everyone oohing and hot dog!
ahhing! The 4,000
Then roam the spacious aisles to stock up on items
foot convenMillwood Market square
for your fridge or cupboards…whether its milk , eggs,
ience shop, housed in
PROPRIETORS:
a handsome, sparkling cheeses, the Arthur Avenue breads or school and cleanJohn & Tracy DeMeo
ing supplies and vital winter items such as squeegees,
new Colonial buildsalt and firewood. And if nature calls, the Millwood
ing,
offers
a
full
array
IN BUSINESS SINCE:
Market could be a godsend. The DeMeos graciously
of
grocery
items
that
January 2011
note the two clean, rest rooms open to the public. John
explains
is
“an
www.millwoodmarket.com
evolving inventory”
Municipalities accept grievance applications only once a year. In the towns
of New Castle and Mount Pleasant, the deadline is June 21st, but in the
villages of Westchester, it is as early as February 15th.
Call Granite for a chance to save money, like your neighbors below:
STREET
Deborah Lane
Hardscrabble Hill
Hardscrabble Lake Drive
Hardscrabble Road
Heritage Drive
Heritage Drive
Bessel Lane
Cross Ridge
Danny Lane
Hilltop Drive
Joan Drive
Lawrence Farms Crossway
Mc Kesson Hill
Mountain Peak
Old Road Lane
Quaker Road
Turner Drive
Valley View
REDUCTION OF
ASSESSED VALUE
25%
16%
10%
16%
9%
14%
9%
15%
14%
22%
16%
11%
23%
22%
25%
11%
25%
14%
APPROXIMATE
TAX SAVINGS
At your Service: The DeMeos, Herman, John Jr. and Frank
$6,050
$3,110
$4,622
$3,742
$3,080
$3,924
$6,122
$3,560
$3,827
$10,513
$4,817
$6,137
$11,133
$6,548
$9,318
$7,248
$11,290
$3,293
Millwood
Market
201 Saw Mill River Rd • Millwood, NY 10546 • 944-4599
GRANITE REAL ESTATE TAX CONSULTANTS, LLC
351 Manville Rd., Suite 105 • Pleasantville, NY 10570 • 914-747-8999
www.granitetaxreduction.com
22 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
On Your Way, Everyday
Open 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
If at first you did not succeed
Try again – but with professional help!
If your tax reduction application was denied, or you were dissatisfied with the size of the reduction, all is not lost. Our
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
23
Bringing Care and Healing into Your Workout
A World Class Nursery School
and Kindergarten
SERVICES: New Castle Physical
Therapy and Personal Training
provides orthopedic and sports
rehabilitation, pre or post-orthopedic surgical care, manual therapy
and neck/back pain therapy. In
addition, look to them for comprehensive fitness assessments, sport specific training and
osteoporosis and injury prevention programs. Therapy
and training sessions are all one-on-one and they last
a full hour.
World Cup Nursery School
and Kindergarten
PROPRIETOR:
John Sabalja
director:
Roxanne Kaplan
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1993
www.worldcupnurseryschool.com
SERVICES: World Cup Nursery School and Kindergarten
offers early-childhood education classes for children ages
two through four plus a full-day Kindergarten. Wonderful
summer camp programs are also offered.
BACKGROUND: Licensed Physical Therapists Adam Pliskow
and Matthew Marucci founded New Castle Physical
Therapy and Personal Training in 2007 with the mission
to deliver the highest quality rehabilitation and fitness
conditioning to their clients.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: Highly-qualified teachers and a
developmental program with a “hands-on” academic approach. “We individualize the program, always putting an
emphasis on the children’s interests and strengths in an
age-appropriate environment. A theme-based curriculum
is designed for all the different ages which allows children
to explore, discover and problem solve. Our bright, spacious and well-equipped facilities provide the room and
tools for children to explore and grow.”
GREATEST STRENGTHS: “We are network providers for the
Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network since
2008. As a physical therapist owned facility, our personal
approach allows us to cater to our clients’ needs,” says
Adam Pliskow. “To ensure superior service and optimal
results we only schedule one client per hour.” The spacious clinic has a warm and therapeutic atmosphere that
accommodates all levels of injury. It includes a full gym
with strength training and cardiovascular equipment
NCPT Ad 2.10 rd1_Layout 1 2/25/10 5:51 AM Page 1
where
both experienced athletes and those new to fitness
and rehabilitation will feel comfortable. They also offer
SPECIAL PLANS: World Cup offers programs to benefit
the entire community. Watch for announcements or
special classes or shows on their website.
Sell it. Spot it. Swap it.
COUTUREDossier PROPRIETORS:
Yulia and Andrey Omelich
IN BUSINESS SINCE: Sept 2010
private treatment rooms
and are fully handicapped
accessible.
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
New Castle
Physical Therapy and
Personal Training
PROPRIETOR:
Adam Pliskow PT, MSPT and
As one recent client said,
Mathew Marucci, PT, MSPT,
“I have never come across
OCS, CSCS
a place as professional and
IN
BUSINESS
SINCE: compassionate as New CasJuly
2007
tle Physical Therapy and
www.newcastlept.net
Personal Training. From
the moment you walk in
the door, you know you are in a place of caring and
healing.”
SPECIAL PLANS: New Castle Physical Therapy & Personal
Training will once again sponsor the New Castle 10K Road
Race, a non-profit event that benefits the community. In addition, New Castle Physical Therapy and Personal Training will partner with the Town of New Castle Parks and
Recreation Department and host two 6 week boot camps.
The boot camps will be held in May and June 2011 at
Gedney Park. Participants will focus on strength training,
core stabilization, agility and aerobic endurance with the option to receive pre and post-assessments on lean body mass,
body weight and flexibility. Through March 15th,
New Castle Physical Therapy and Personal Training is offering a free 30 minute orthopedic consultation. When you
call for an appointment, please mention this promotion.
COUTUREDossier
The Ultimate Trading Platform of Luxury
www.COUTUREDossier.com
Services: Yulia has brought the Wall
Street model of buying and selling to
fashion! Customers “manage” their fashion portfolio.
Bring in an item and Spot it–sell it same day for cash.
Or Swap it–exchange it for anything else in the store. Or
Sell it–leave it and receive 60% of the proceeds. Here you
can find bags and clothes by Chanel. Prada or Hermes,
or try one of Yulia's creations including cashmere coats
with genuine mink, a signature “Cashmere Tuxedo,”
cashmere gloves and business blouses.
New Castle Physical Therapy
and Personal Training is dedicated
Background:. As a former diplomat and Wall Street pro-
fessional with experience working at Barclays Capital,
UNFCU, Morgan Stanley and an expert of investing capital in companies and real estate assets, Yulia is confident
that an investment approach can be applied in fashion.
Greatest strengths: Chanel specialty boutique.
Innovation. Economy and community friendly. Yulia is
at the store every day helping her clients understand the
“fashion investment” concept. She has already generated
buzz, with celebrities stopping in and customers coming
up from Manhattan to Stop and Swap.
24 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
“Business of the Week” twice in October, 2010
67 N. Bedford Road, Chappaqua NY • 914 777-2838
www.COUTUREDossier.com or
follow us on twitter @ couturedossier
to providing quality healthcare in a
professional and compassionate
manner. We schedule one client
per hour to ensure superior service
and optimal results. The clinic has
a welcoming atmosphere with state
of the art equipment. Our experienced
and knowledgeable staff is committed
to helping you achieve your
rehabilitation and fitness goals.
www.newcastlept.net
Adam Pliskow, MSPT
Matthew Marucci
MSPT, OCS, CSCS
M. Carmela de Luna
DPT, ATC
16 Schuman Road
Millwood, NY 10546
914.488.5440
Member of the
Hospital for Special Surgery
Rehabilitation Network
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
25
Maximize Skills & Have Fun!
“A Bit of SoHo” Indeed
SERVICES: Operating since 1980,
16 Weekly Day Camps, ages 4-16, JuneAugust. Specialty Camps for single
week(s) or entire summer: Tennis, Soccer,
Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Football,
Jordan Snider
Multi-Sports, Field Hockey, Cheerleading,
Volleyball, Circus Arts, Magic, Softball,
Diving, Academic, Little Stars: ages 3½–5, two-week sessions, partial day/extended hrs. Supervised swimming.
Lunch option, local central point transportation from
Westchester, door-to-door transportation
from Manhattan.
Future Stars GREATEST STRENGTHS: A highly
Summer Camps, trained team of professionals.
SUNY Purchase Limited enrollment ensures knowing each camper’s needs. For over
PROPRIETORS:
Bill Griffin
30 years Future Stars have provided
& Charlie VanDercook
families in Westchester/Manhattan/
www.fscamps.com
Fairfield/Long Island with the most
outstanding specialty camp programs in the NY Metro Area.
The camps, indoor tennis and sport facilities provide thousands of children every year with a fun, safe, and productive
environment. Kids benefit from concentrated drilling and
personalized instruction designed to inspire individuals to
pursue excellence while having fun.
Italian/American Comfort Food! 353 Restaurant
& Lounge
PROPRIETORS:
Paul & Mario Sandolo
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1972
www.353restaurant.com
Services: 353 specializes
in Italian/American comfort food. A lovely garden
patio with plantings and festive décor serves as a wonderful addition to any event. This restaurant close to home
can accommodate large or smaller parties, weddings, bar/
bat mitzvahs, birthday parties and corporate functions.
A smaller private party room is available too. A romantic
50-seat lounge, with plush velvet couches and chairs is also
the perfect “just arriving” gathering place to relax or listen
to music before or after dining. 353 also offers reasonably
priced take out dinners, perfect for busy families, and is
open days for lunch and dinner.
Greatest Strengths: “We have excellent food and great
service!” say the Sandolos.
Special Plans: “Each year, we are very excited about the
opening of our very popular garden patio. We spruce it up
with fresh plantings and visitors love its inviting, intimate
atmosphere,” state the Sandolos. “The patio alone is often
in demand for dining and private functions.”
26 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
Services: MARCH
Boutique offers a
well-edited collection of clothing and
accessories generally
not found outside of
major cities like NY
and LA. Lynn brings
together the most
interesting pieces
from over 60 designers including indusLynn Purow
try leaders Milly,
Trina Turk, Tory Burch as well as a myriad of trendsetting emerging designers. The store’s tag-line is aptly
titled: “a bit of SOHO in Westchester.”
Background: The MARCH concept is the result of years
of fashion exploration, constant trend analysis and daily
experiences both in-store and online. Lynn’s advertising
background at a major cosmetics company successfully
enticed “downtown” designers into Westchester and their
continual desire to be featured make MARCH the go-to
destination in Westchester. MARCH has received several
Best of Westchester awards including two “Best Boutique” awards from the editors of Westchester Magazine.
Greatest Strengths: MARCH is known for incredible
fashion taste, friendly staff, and the unique ability to
make everyone who walks in the shop look absolutely
stunning. The personalized shopping experience is an
education on style. “While our racks are fully stocked
with new and exciting merchandise,” states Puro,“ we
purposely limit the number of each item from each designer’s collection so our customers can be confident
of their distinctive look.”
Customer Service Story: “More than once, we have
been visited by frantic women minutes before an event
or party looking for something to wear. This is truly our
specialty, dressing a customer from head to toe, so they
look fabulous for their special night out!” Special Plans: The website, which receives savvy visitors
with an eye for great fashion from around the world, features individual designer looks and coordinated outfits
that mix and match designers and price points. “We showcase new colMarch Boutique
lections each week and
PROPRIETOR:
provide styling ideas to
Lynn Puro
pull together complete
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2006
looks on the site and in
our email blasts and blog.” www.marchboutique.com
Come and Taste
The Difference
Come in for Lunch,
Dinner, Drinks, Music or
a Special Occasion, and
enjoy the spectacular food
from award-winning chef
Messina. From our private
room and garden patio,
to our spacious bar,
Restaurant 353 is perfect
for any private party,
romantic dinner, or
wine-pairing dinner.
Open 7 Days For Lunch,
Dinner and Take-Out
Call for Reservations
or to Book a Party
914-241-2447
353 RESTAURANT • 353 N. BEDFORD RD.
MT. KISCO, NY 10549 • www.353restaurant.com
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
27
Celebrate in Peace
Services: Joro is a full
The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Present
Jo Rosenfeld
service referral resource
Major Occasions for anything and everyPROPRIETOR:
thing celebratory. Events
Jo Rosenfeld ( Joro)
of all sizes, both private
and corporate. A client is IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2006 www.jorosenfeld.com
offered an introduction
to Tri-state specialists in:
venues, catering, decor, florals, photography, video,
entertainment, invitations, custom print, hotel/spa
accommodations, beauty and more. Top tier talents are
shared , turning events into lifetime memories. Greatest Strengths: Joro's only
allegiance is to her client. She represents industry professionals who
keep her own reputation in good
standing. She is the "voice behind
the email" in order to fulfill a client's
wish list. Referrals are made to eliminate a learning curve and undue
stress. Her client becomes a "guest"
over a "host." Life can be so serious
so it is so important to celebrate! Jo Rosenfeld
Special Plans: Perhaps a destination vacation? Leave it
to Joro. She loves to bring back how the "rest of the
world" celebrates and share!
on
An Invitati
ing
for Break s:
Rule
All of the
6 Hayrake Lane
Chappaqua, NY 10514
(914) 419-2368
[email protected]
www.jorosenfeld.com
• Color
outside of
the lines!
• Think outside
of the box!
• Celebrate
life and
leave your
fingerprints
all over the
party!
R.S.V.P. YES!!
Products & Services: The very best in massage
therapy, advanced skin care including peels, waxing,
seaweed and clay wraps, salt scrubs, and superior nail
care. Skin care lines include GM Collin, Dermalogica,
Cosmedix and Dr. Renaud.
Background: Marti and Bruce Schoenberg opened the
first Oasis Day Spa in Union Square NYC in 1998 and
it become an overnight sensation. Marti, a massage
therapist, and Bruce, a trade show producer, recognized the need for a more customer service oriented,
reasonably priced NYC spa experience for Westchester
when they moved here in 2004.
Greatest Strengths:
Customer service in a luxurious and reasonably priced
environment. Oasis requires
staff to go through the most
rigorous training in the industry and requires continuing education--something
no other spa does. No spa in
New York State requires the
level of training and licensure as Oasis Day Spa.
Side-by-Side Massage
Elegance II
Treat your Valentine to an ultra-relaxing massage in a
candle-lit room for two
PROPRIETOR:
Babette Faotto
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1999
www.elegance2.com
Cupid’s Touch Organic Facial
She’ll love the gift of radiant skin with our organic
seaweed facial!
Babette Faotto
“Babette,” as all her customers
know this bubbly, gracious French shopkeeper, beams
with pride when she describes her high end quality
consignment shop with its completely friendly atmosphere. Elegance II features couture, designer clothing,
largest selection of Chanel Handbags, shoes and accessories, including the Deborah Pangle Collection, stunning, artistic 18K gold jewelry pieces.
STRENGTHS: The sheer variety. At any given time, a
customer can find designer pieces by Chanel, Hermes,
Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Bottega Venetta, Go Yord,
Gucci, YSL, Fendi, Dolce Gobana, Jimmy Choo, Chloe
and more! Her shop, says Babette, is also teeming “with
an exquisite selection of designer handbags, featured in
the New York Times.”
SPECIAL PLANS: Babette offers personalized closet con-
sultations by appointment. “We always welcome new
consigners!” she says. So come check out Elegance, oui?
28 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
Oasis Day Spa
was named ‘Favorite
Day Spa in the CounPROPRIETORS:
try’ by the reader’s
Marti & Bruce Schoenberg
poll of Spa Magazine,
IN BUSINESS SINCE:
as well as ‘Spa of the
1998
Decade’ by WestchesIN
WESTCHESTER
SINCE:
ter Magazine. “Our
2008
staff continually goes
above and beyond for www.oasiswestchester.com
our guests, coming in
early or staying late to
accommodate their busy schedules, “ says Bruce, who
sits on the board of the ‘Swedish Institute’ and is also
a contributor to the industry on educational issues at trade shows.
Special Plans: Oasis will be having
several specials for Valentine’s Day,
including a spa/dining package with
Red Hat on the River. Oasis will also
be having a skin care event, author
reading and rooftop social event in the
spring as they get ready to re-open the
roof top garden.
Magnifique!
PRODUCTS/SERVICES:
Customer Service
Story: Oasis in 2010
Rivertowns Romance Package
including Side-by-Side Massage and a Gift Card for
dinner at Red Hat on the River in Irvington-On-Hudson
For more Valentine’s Day gift ideas, visit our website
or give us a call at 914.409.1900
Bringing the Manhattan Spa Experience to Westchester
BEST OF THE
DECADE
- Westchester
Magazine
Professional’s
Choice: Favorite
Day Spa 2010
- American Spa Magazine
Saw Mill River Parkway Exit 16 above NYSC & Starbucks
Chauncey Square 4th Floor. 50 Livingstone Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY
914.409.1900
oasiswestchester.com
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
29
SERVICES: For almost 30 years,
Jodi’s Gym has provided hundreds
of thousands of children with an
early foundation in movement
education through nurturing and
fun classes, parties, and camps for
children 9 months to 12 years of
age. Through age appropriate and
a developmentally sound curriculum, children develop strength,
balance, coordination, flexibility,
focus, and discipline.
Jodi’s Gym
State of the Art Pilates
and Yoga; a variety of private
sessions and classes are offered
at a conveniently located downtown studio.
Services:
Jodi Levine & a
Happy Jodi’s Gym Kid
GREATEST STRENGTHS:
Jodi’s Gym hires and trains
“the absolute best people,
far surpassing industry
standards,”states Jodi, who
holds a Masters degree in psychology. She began her gymnastics training in the sixth grade
and went on to compete at the
collegiate and national level. “We deliver the love, the patience, the enthusiasm, the passion, the knowledge and expertise needed to maintain and
deliver the ultimate in children’s programming.”
SPECIAL PLANS: Coming soon is Motion Evolution, a
comprehensive health and fitness program for kids in the
first grade and up."Jodi's to Go" also brings fitness and
gymnastics into day cares, schools, camps, and to
underserved populations. OWNER/DIRECTOR
Jodi Rosenwasser Levine
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1982
www.jodisgym.com
and
Breathe Pilates and Yoga Pilates
Yoga. Busy
PROPRIETOR:
Adina Olan
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2010
Photo by Randy Matusow Seligman
Empowered by Pilates
Kid Fitness, Jodi Style
parents or
working
professionwww.breathepilatesandyoga.com als can save
time workBackground: An interest in
health and fitness goes way back for Adina, who start- ing out in town rather
than setting aside the
ed out as a former gymnast throughout her school
couple hours it takes to
years. While she didn’t initially embark on a fitness
go to a full service fitcareer, the idea took hold over time as she rapidly beness center.
came an advanced Pilates student. One look at Adina
Adina Olan
and her lean muscular physique and the word “fit” really does come to mind! For a long time, Adina owned Customer Service: “It has
her own packaging company on Long Island. After re- been extremely gratifying
locating with her husband and kids to Chappaqua, she watching my clients evolve from beginner to advanced
embarked on a career transition intended to embrace
Pilates students,” says Adina. She extols Pilates as a
what she loves–Pilates–and help her work closer to
way to build a solid core, alleviating back pain, increashome as well. The previous owner of the North Greeley ing overall strength and improving a sense of overall
studio had relocated which presented Adina with this
body awareness. “There are only positive benefits to
great business opportunity.
be had. You look better, feel better and are also able to
maintain a healthy weight.”
Greatest Strengths: “My staff,” states Adina, unequivocally. She notes that each staff member has
Special Plans: A grand opening party this winter, new
been carefully hired. “Their credentials are strong and workshops and the introduction of hot yoga classes
their references are stellar.” The proximity to home
are all in the works at Breathe Pilates and Yoga.
is another attractive aspect of working out at Breathe
Fab Florist and So Much More
Services: “Our shop is a compact
mixture between a florist, boutique
and an outdoor garden center,”
states Beth. “Fresh flowers and
plants are the largest sectors of our
business but it’s a great place to
come for unusual gifts too.” Florally,
Whispering Pines can accommodate
any type of corporate or private
Beth Hundgen
event as well as offer holiday designs
and everyday decorations for home and garden enhancement.
Greatest Strengths: “Creativity would probably be the
first answer for any florist, and there are a lot of really
creative designers out there. But using that creativity
effectively to meet the needs of every customer is a little
harder to come by; and that’s what we strive for.”
Special Plans: When spring
Whispering
comes around, the store will be
Pines of
very busy with outdoor plantChappaqua
ing for businesses and private
PROPRIETOR:
homes. Beth also plans to utilize
Beth Hundgen
the shop’s ample outdoor space
in business since:
to display a beautiful array of
2003
annuals and perennials. 30 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
31
Fresh and Fine Fare
and a Thumbs Up from the Donald!
Experience a “Best of” Hydrafacial
Emmary Day Spa
PROPRIETORS:
Susan Beirne and
Nancy Kilrane
IN BUSINESS SINCE: April 2008
emmarydayspa.com
Products & Services: “We offer fresh
meats, produce, Southern Italian and
international prepared foods, fresh
breads, pastas, store-made cold cuts,
cured salami, great cheeses--fresh
mozzarella is made by me every day!”
states Michael Competiello proudly.
Stop in for tasty sandwiches, hot or
cold, or to pick up dry goods from
Italy. A&S’s chefs also cater private
and corporate parties from corporate
luncheons to weddings and bar
mitzvahs.
Susan and Nancy
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES: The spa’s Hydrafacial was voted
"Best Facial" in Westchester Magazine’s 2009 Best Of
Westchester issue. In addition to customized facials,
massages and body treatment, Emmary offers full body
waxing, using an all natural soy hair remover. The spa
also offers the extremely effective and gentle Dermalogica line and their newest line Naturopathica, which
is all natural and organic.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: “Our friendly and relaxing
atmosphere, and highly experienced technicians and
therapists. We are the only spa in Westchester to offer
the Hydrafacial.”
SPECIAL PLANS: Get ready for spring and summer with a
deep pore cleansing Hydrafacial or our skin firming
Microcurrent at 15% off for your first visit. Call to
schedule an appointment.
Inspiring Community Spirit
Rosenthal JCC of
Northern Westchester 914 741 0333
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Ellie Aronowitz
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1978
www.rosenthaljcc.org
SERVICES: The Rosenthal JCC provides pre-school and
Sunday and Monday 9am to 5pm • Tuesday thru Saturday 9am to 8pm
Come in and try our newest treatment
“The Non-Surgical Facelift”
Microcurrent and LED light therapy.
Firm and tone the muscles of your face and neck,
while reducing fine lines and wrinkles
Gift Certificates Available
Greatest Strengths: “Cleanliness, proper
preparation and handling of food, and a
sincere appreciation for our customers.”
A regular customer’s
political fundraiser that had Donald
Trump as the guest speaker and other VIP
attendees is a night Michael won’t soon
forget. “They used their in-house staff
and friends to handle serving, I brought
the food, helped set it up and was preparMichael Competiello
ing to leave when they asked me to stay
to make sure things would go smoothly.”
Not long into the function, Mr. Trump walks up to the
Michael began food station, and asks Michael, “Chef, what do you
A&S Fine Foods BacKground:
working in his family’s A&S recommend?” I replied, “Mr. Trump, I made the Swedish Meatball dish. I think you’ll find them savory.” He
of Millwood
store in Yonkers in 1983
replied, “Swedish Meatballs, it is.” Later in the eve, durat age 14. After graduating
PROPRIETOR:
ing his speech, after praising important contributors,
Michael Competiello from Manhattan College in
Mr. Trump also “out of the blue” told attendees not to
www.asmillwood.com ’91, with a degree in Finance leave before trying the “best damn Swedish Meatballs
and Marketing, Michael
he ever tasted.” “It’s a great feeling when people enjoy a
stayed in the family busimeal you have made–even better when they are overness. He worked in the Thornwood A&S until 1999. In
whelmed, busy and distracted, but can’t get Swedish
October of ’99, he opened the A&S doors in Millwood.
Meatballs off their mind!”
Customer Service:
The Ultimate Catering Experience
For all your special occasions, including weddings, birthdays,
holiays, anniversaries, office parties, luncheons, graduations
and other family gatherings.
early childhood programs; after-school programs and
classes; summer camps; Jewish learning and cultural
programs; sport leagues; adult learning; and family
support with special needs.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: Flexible and diverse programs in
response to community needs. A place of belonging that
inspires vibrant Jewish and community spirit, nurtures
individual potential, respects diversity and celebrates life.
SPECIAL PLANS: Great fun and adventure at the JCC Camp
Discovery (for K – 9th grades – FREE door-to-door
transportation); Summer fun for pre-schoolers at JCC
Camp Bear Ridge (includes outdoor sports, nature and
waterslides, as well as music, art and indoor games);
Purim Percussion Palooza on Mar. 16; Topsy Turvy Bus
Tour--Passover Pitstop on April 10; Teen participation in
the JCC Maccabi Games® and JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® in
August; TweenLINK Saturday Movie Nights on the first
Saturdays of the month; Youth Philanthropy 101 on Feb.
10; Pesach “How To” Workshop for parents on Apr. 6; and
a Spring Carnival on May 15.
32 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
of Millwood
238 Saw Mill River Road • Millwood NY 10546
914-923-8485 • Fax: 914-923-8487
Tues-Fri 9-6:30 • Sat 9-6 • Sun 9-2 • Sorry, We Are Closed on Mondays
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
33
Delicious Decadence
with your Health in Mind
A Multidisciplinary
Approach to Promote
Weight Loss
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:
Commercial weight loss programs
don’t provide the level of attention,
Maria Briones
flexibility and treatment options available through a medical
weight loss facility.
Maria Briones M.D. PC.
Dr.Maria
Briones
PROPRIETOR:
offers a multidisciMaria Briones
plinary approach to
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2007
weight loss incorporating a Medical
www.brionesweightloss.com
Doctor and a Nutritionist into the weight
loss regimen. In addition to the weight loss program,
Dr. Briones offers a meal replacement formula along
with delicious snacks.
GREATEST STRENGTH: “Our greatest strength,” says
Dr.Briones, “is our high percentage of patient satisfaction
and success with weight management.”
SPECIAL PLANS: Dr. Briones has enhanced services by
providing support to adolescents for weight loss with a
program which includes medical, nutritional evaluation,
behavioral modification and family group sessions. Addition of anti aging products to the practice, and firming
cream for all the ones who lost a lot of weight.
From Skiwear to Cruisewear
for the Whole Family
Squires Family
Clothing and Footwear
PROPRIETORS:
Michael and Lloyd Kushner
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1987
www.squiresny.com
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES: Squires
Michael Kushner
Family Clothing and Footwear
is a friendly, neighborhood business offering brandname sportswear, outerwear, footwear and accessories
for the whole family. Top brands from Northface,
UGG,Merrell and Quicksilver to Tommy Bahama and
Vineyard Vines line the racks. And that’s just to name
a few.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: “Our ability to carry a diverse
range of interesting, quality merchandise that is
available all year round is what makes us special,” says
Michael Kushner. “We also provide the experienced,
qualified sales staff to help our customers make the
right choice and find what they need.”
SPECIAL PLANS: Squires is stocked up for ski season
and vacation time with a complete selection of ski
wear from Spyder, Northface and Arcteryx. They also
have a wide selection of cruise-wear to accommodate
any vacation.
34 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
Maria Briones
M.D.P.C.
Internal Medicine & Weight Loss
Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Diplomate in Bariatric Medicine
344 Main St. Suite #103
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
Telephone: (914) 241-6249
Fax: (914) 241-6253
www.brionesweightloss.com
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours by Appointment
The Perennial Chef offers a wide range of fine prepared
foods as well as full service catering. At the cozy Café and
Patisserie in Bedford Hills, NY and Ridgefield, CT, you’ll find
organic and Fair Trade coffees and teas, French pastries,
fantastic lunch and dinner selections and decadent desserts; all house made.
Indulge in their original
organic hibiscus iced
tea, browse the imported French cheese
or choose from unique
gift items like Provence
ceramics and scents
and elegant French
glassware and cutlery.
Sample from the gourmet take-out menu or
take advantage of full service catering and unbelievable food
and exceptional staff. Call for their comprehensive holiday
menus.
BACKGROUND: Chef Michael Williams, a graduate of Kenyon
College and the French Culinary Institute in New York
City, trained for many years in some of Manhattan’s finest
restaurants. Using his experience Michael branched out on
his own to better express his creativity and found there was
a need and opportunity to
The Perennial Chef provide fine, prepared food
PROPRIETORS:
in Westchester and now
Leslie Williams, Michael
Fairfield counties. The Peren- Williams, Françoise Jarry
nial Chef,Michael Williams, IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2006 has received the Westchester www.theperennialchef.com
Magazine award for Best
Prepared Foods as well as designation as one of the Top
Caterers in the county.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: The Perennial Chef is dedicated to pro-
viding the best quality food for customers. Following a strong
belief that natural foods are beneficial to the health of customers and provide for the best tasting results, they use antibiotic
and hormone-free beef and chicken and insist upon in-house
prepared stocks and sauces made without the use of artificial
enhancers and bases.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: The Perennial Chef takes pride in their
outstanding catering staff which provides seamless and
professional service for their clients.
SPECIAL PLANS: The Perennial Chef
location in Ridgefield, CT
is now open! This lovely café is located at 449 Main Street,
and has both indoor and outdoor seating for when the
warm weather arrives! Also, expanding on their philosophy
of providing the best quality food for their customers, The
Perennial Chef will be offering local homegrown
vegetables for sale at its stores on a seasonal basis. Please
call or visit their website for further details.
FULLY STOCKED
FOR WINTER
Squires
Family Clothing
& Footwear
Mens-Boys
Girls-Women
Vineyard Vines • Northface
Quiksilver • Timberland
Adidas •Nike •Merrell
Jansport • Volcom • Saucony
Rainbow • K-Swiss •Teva
Birkenstock • Reef • Puma
New Balance •
Tommy Bahama • Arcteryx
Largest
UGG AND
HUNTER
Dealer
in the area!
Ugg
Classic
Tall
Vibram
“five fingers”
Spyder • Crocs • 660 North
Minnetonka •Frye
Ugg Boots • Keen • Arc’Teryx
Prana• Hunter
Ugg •XCVI •Jambu
Nat Nast • Dansko •Asics
Vibram “five fingers”
Fit Flop •Havianas • Smartwool
Christopher Blue Stretch Jeans for WOMEN!
2 Locations
New Shipment of Ugg Boots/Shoes/Slippers Just Arrived
Check out our Website www.squiresny.com
Monday-Sunday
193 Katonah Ave,
Katonah, NY
914-232-0212 (near Blue Dolphin)
Monday-Saturday
41 S. Greeley Ave,
Chappaqua, NY
914-238-4511
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
35
Drowning in Love with
the Flood Sisters
By Jeff Cohen
Alex Fedorov, fedorovfoto.com
“We didn’t want to see
our father wait on a
death list or have to
be on dialysis the rest
of his life.” Jennifer
Flood and her sisters,
Cynthia and Heather,
craved a happier outcome for their father,
Daniel, of Pleasantville, New York.
The Flood sisters’
journey began with a
simple Craigslist ad
that read “Please help
me find a kidney for
my dad.” As Jennifer
recalls, “the three
of us were Craigslist
regulars for everything from finding
child care to selling
jewelry, so why not
get creative and go
for a kidney?”
Inspirational
words from someone whose altruistic ways extend
beyond kidney
donation. Dawn
is also the President and Founder
of Dare to Dream
(www.daretodreamfund.org),
an organization
with the vision of
providing every
young person with
the opportunity
to discover his or
her potential in
school, at work,
and in life through
goal achievement
and life preparedness programs.
A Foundation
is Born
The Flood Sisters, raised in Pleasantville, (L-R): Cynthia, Heather and Jennifer Flood
Thanks to Dawn,
Media attention for
Daniel Flood has
the ad ensued and
memorial service for someone very a new lease on life. You could
soon over 100 people had offered
close to me who had made such a
argue that saving dad is a noble
to be tested. While approximately
difference in the lives of others.” At enough cause, but it was just the
50% of responders were genuine,
the outset, Dawn didn’t know her
the bigger hurdle was finding a
beginning for the Flood sisters.
volunteerism desires would lead
En route to finding a living donor
blood type match for Daniel. His
to kidney donation. “After seven
O-negative blood type meant the
for Daniel, the sisters founded The
months of conversations, research
Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation of
chosen donor would need to be Oand testing, the answer to donate
America, www.floodsisters.org. The
negative or O-positive. Ultimately
was obvious,” says Dawn.
six responders were tested and in
Foundation’s mission is to educate
people on alternative ways to find
December 2008 Daniel was the
To this day, the primary question
lucky recipient of a living kidney
a donor for kidney transplantation.
asked of Dawn is why she would
Their focus is centered on the idea
donation from Dawn Verdick of
want to help a complete stranger.
of the “altruistic donor,” or unreMonterey, California.
She is also frequently asked “What lated living donor.
The Altruistic Donor Dawn was
not the Flood sisters’ aunt, distant if something happens to your good
kidney” or “What if the kidney
relative, or even close friend. She
According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Netwas a complete stranger compelled recipient dies?” Dawn fervently
believes that “helping others and
work (OPTN) more than 93,000
to help.
being outward focused is truly the
Americans are currently on the
only remedy we need to create a
As Dawn recalls, “when I saw the
national kidney transplant waitbetter world.”
Craigslist ad I had just been to a
ing list. While up to 16,000 or so
36 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
kidney transplants are performed
annually, the average wait time
can surpass seven years. Sadly,
many waiting list candidates will
pass away before a kidney donation
match is made.
“If we can raise awareness for living donation, word will spread,
and waiting lists will shorten,”
says Jennifer. With a wait list
generally within a year, the Flood
Sisters have facilitated four more
transplants since their dad’s. Currently, 53 additional patients are
registered, with 25 donors on hand
getting tested for compatibility.
“Ultimately, we’d like to complete
one transplant per month and provide hope for renal failure patients
besides the traditional deceased
donor transplant.”
Spreading the Word
Raising awareness is a primary
mission for the Flood Sisters
Foundation. Their annual fashion
show does just that. On December
2, 2010, The Flood Sisters Kidney
Foundation of America presented
the 2nd Annual “Love. Give. Life.”
Park Avenue Fashion Show at the
Audi Forum of New York City,
sponsored by the National Association of Profession Women
(NAPW). Top fashion designers
joined together to highlight the
importance of altruistic/unrelated
living donors.
As designer Elene Cassis noted,
“I was extremely touched by the
Flood sisters’ amazing story of how
they saved their father’s life.” Elene
is no stranger to tragedy herself,
as her own father drowned. “The
fear they had knowing they could
lose their father is something I can
certainly relate to and understand.
It’s wonderful how they found
someone to save their father’s life
and continue helping others who
are in a difficult situation in finding
the right donor.”
Fellow Chappaqua resident Pam
Zonsius, founder of “The Brelli”
biodegradable umbrellas, supplied
Brellis for some of the models to
hold in their hands down the run-
way. According to Zonsius, “in the
name of their father, The Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation fundraising event was very personal. They
have been successful in creating a
model to match people in need of a
kidney with a donor and Brelli
is happy to be part of this passionate mission.”
where I can go without having to
feel hopeless and go on that waiting list. It really makes a very scary
situation have some hope.”
For Lisa, she did some soul searching in arriving at the decision to
give her kidney to a dear friend.
The star-studded affair was co-hosted by CNN producer Phil Rosenbaum and medical producer Maria
Dorfner. Household name companies participated in a silent auction, including Calvin Klein, David
Yurman Jewelry, Build-a-Bear, the
Tony Hawk Foundation and Ivanka
Trump Jewelry. A February fundraiser is in the planning stages.
Touching Lives, Inspiring Hope
Live speakers touched by donation
inspired the crowd, including Jamie
Howard and Lisa Williams.
Jamie’s daughter Caitlyn was
born with reflux and needed a
kidney transplant.
“I was very worried Caity would be
on the waiting list for years, so I
contacted the Flood Sisters.” Just
before joining she got the call a
deceased donor had been found.
Caitlyn quickly went from a very,
very sick child with dark circles
and yellow skin to a very healthy
13-year old.
Still, Jamie feels the Flood Sisters’
impact to this day. “I am comforted knowing that should Caity ever
need another kidney I have some-
The Terrific Trio...
Jennifer: spent six years in
psychiatric nursing before working in finance, where she began
building the Flood Sisters Kidney
Foundation from her cubicle.
Cynthia: Jennifer’s twin, Fashion
Institute of Technology graduate
with a masters degree in art business from Sothebys, now working
in compliance on Wall Street.
Heather: a Westchester social
worker currently in training to
become a therapist.
“I knew he needed it and felt as
though I was extremely blessed to
be able to give him an opportunity
to lead a more normal life.” Lisa
consulted with her Rabbi, who said,
“to save a life is to save the world.”
Today Lisa feels complete when she
sees how well her friend is doing
and thriving. She also stares in awe
at the Flood Sisters. “They have
such a passion and their journey
was not completed when their
father received his new kidney.”
Lisa is a Flood Sister advocate for
life and will continue to let people
know that donating their organs
to save a life is the most gratifying
and honorable thing one can do.
The Journey Has Just Begun
Altruistic donation really is all
about love. As the Flood Sisters’
website explains, “In the field of organ donation, it is love that carries
the day, whether its for an individual recipient or simply for humanity. Organ donors are truly heroes.
Everyday, they give of themselves
to help others, gaining nothing of
material value in return.”
In the end, The Flood Sisters’
philosophy sums it all up. “We
changed our father’s life for the
better. Now, we want to help others
fight Kidney Disease. The power of
one can save so many lives-imagine
what can be done with all of us.” To learn more about The Flood Sisters Foundation of America, visit
www.floodsisters.org or call 646287-2900. Donations can be made
online or by check payable to The
Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation
of America, 100 Park Avenue, 16th
Floor, New York, NY 10017.
Jeff Cohen recently lost his mentor
and father-in-law to kidney disease
but lives his dream as a writer and
consultant at Boldroad.com
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
37
Where Quality and
Fashion See Eye to Eye
Knowledge & Experience
are Trademarks at
Chappaqua Insurance Agency
PRODUCTS/SERVICES:
Nicolaysen Agency, Inc.
PROPRIETORS:
Erik Nicolasen & Randy Coon
IN BUSINESS SINCE:
1929
www.nicolaysenagency.com
SERVICES: Nicolaysen addresses a
full range of personal insurance
needs including homeowners,
automobile, umbrella liability
and valuable items as well as life insurance and disability.
Business coverage includes general liability, property,
workers' compensation, business, auto & excess liability.
Erik Nicolaysen
ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Insurance for in-home businesses,
employee benefits, coverage for domestic employees, and
increased limits for umbrella liability.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: As a full service agency,
Nicolaysen's knowledgeable and experienced staff
provides an anlaysis of insurance needs and will design
a responsible coverage plan to complement a client's
portfolio.
Bon Appetit!
Le Jardin du Roi PROPRIETORS:
Joe Quartararo and
Cristiaan Lorson
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2001
www.lejardinchappaqua.com
Joe Quartararo
PRODUCTS/SERVICES: This popular bistro offers classic French regional fare in a comfortable and quaint in town setting. Le Jardin du Roi is
open from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, for
an always delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether
you are dining solo, with a friend, or with a group, it is
always a memorable experience.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: “We work hard to make sure our
customers feel like they are at home in a warm, friendly
environment,” says Joe Quartararo. “We offer delicious menu items and you can count on consistent high
quality to both your menu choices and the courteous
service. We are also always happy to accommodate
special requests.”
SPECIAL PLANS: “Right now, we are simply looking
forward to the warm weather so we can open up our
outdoor garden seating–which everybody loves!”
38 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
Eye Designs of
“Eye Designs is the most
Armonk
trusted place for eye
STORE
exams, contact lenses,
MANAGERS/OPTICIANS
top quality prescription
Jaime Herman & Jill Magro
lenses, and an extensive
OPTICIAN:
By Appointment
selection of eyeglasses
IN
BUSINESS
SINCE:
and sunglass frames,”
August
1999
says Optician Jill Magro.
“Our sophisticated styles www.eyedesignsarmonk.com
attract customers from
all over.” Eye Designs
takes special pride in fitting children and easing them
into wearing glasses. The special 'kids room' has a great
selection of durable, yet fashionable frames. Eye Designs
use the latest digital lens technology and top-of-the-line
products, including Varilux, Hoya and Shamir. Customers appreciate the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Says
Magro, “If you want to see more clearly, and be seen in
frames that will suit you perfectly, we invite you to come
see us.”
personalized and always low key approach. We have an
optometrist on staff available by appointment. Our optometrist especially enjoys fitting first-time contact lens
wearers or anyone who hasn’t tried them in years as new
technology allows almost anyone a chance for success.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: Eye Designs offers cutting-edge
styles, exceptional service and personalized care. The focus at Eye Designs is making sure the patient's prescription is filled accurately, the glasses fit and you are happy
with your experience.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Customer service is what Eye Designs
holds dear. Product quality and selection, as well as product knowledge are also of the utmost importance. As an
example of the kind of service Eye Designs likes to offer,
one patient who couldn’t leave her home due to illness
was thrilled to receive a personal house call.
BACKGROUND: Eye Designs has been in the optical busi-
ness for over 20 years and saw a great opportunity in
Armonk nearly eleven years ago. Optician Jaime Herman
& Jill Magro are dedicated professionals with a highly
SPECIAL PLANS: With the econ-
omy being the way it is, Eye
Designs understands and is
working hard to maintain the
core philosophy of a personalized relationship with its clientele and a sensitivity towards
economic conditions reflected
in current promotions. Eye
Designs will be holding its
Annual Oliver Peoples Trunk
Show in the Spring.
Le Jardin du Roi
French Bistro
NEWM!enu 4-6 p.m.
3 Course ay $19.95
e
ix
F
x
ri
P
rsd
Mon-ThuBQ to go!
and B
ers
ome Dinn
H
r
Great fo Parties!
or
New Winter Menu!
Featuring Hearty
Cassoulet and
Coq au Vin
95 King Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Tel: 914-238-1368
Fax: 914-238-4864
Hours: 8am to Midnight
575 Main Street
Armonk, NY 10504
273-7337
eye designs
OF ARMONK
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
39
Breezemont Day Camp
For Children 3-13
PROPRIETOR:
John R. Tesone, better known as JR
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1936
www.breezemont.com
Breezemont rests on 18 acres in Armonk, NY,
complete with a natural spring-fed lake and Adirondackstyle camp buildings and cabins, sports fields, pools,
tennis, platform and basketball courts. Swim instruction, sports, arts and crafts, archery, science and nature,
to boating, canoeing, fishing, and more are offered. The
Junior Camp, for ages 3 to Pre-kindergarten, offers an
Abreezeiated program for 3 and 4 year olds. A “Club” in
the Upper Camp affords Kindergarteners and older kids
the opportunity to select activities of their choice.
SERVICES:
GREATEST STRENGTHS: Each individual group is supervised
by a mature, responsible Group Leader who is with the
group throughout the day’s activities, as are the other
group counselors. Rapport and trust are established from
the beginning.
SPECIAL PLANS: “Continue doing what we do best–offer
each camper ‘the experience that lasts a lifetime’ in a safe,
comfortable environment,” says JR.
Celebrating 30 Years as a Favorite Choice for Dining
Products & Services: Whether you are opting for fine or
casual fare, the Kittle House is a gracious
Crabtree’s Kittle House
and welcoming choice for dining out. The
entire staff takes pride in serving primaPROPRIETOR:
rily locally grown and organically raised
John Crabtree
foods. In addition, over 5,000 wines are
in BUSINESS SINCE: 1981
offered from Crabtree’s world renowned
www.kittlehouse.com
wine cellar, along with hand crafted beers
and specialty liquors. Settle into the main dining room
and enjoy a choice of pre fixe and a la carte menu items;
casual dining can also be enjoyed any time in the warm,
inviting Tap Room and bar. Additionally the Kittle House
offers overnight accommodations in 13 guest rooms,
which includes a continental breakfast. Private event
rooms are available for two to 200 guests, specializing in
wedding ceremonies and receptions, bar/ bat mitzvahs,
patrons and friends who return to the Kittle House
business meetings and intimate social occasions. Party
with special memories and stories. Customers who have
planning and off premise catering are available for parties had their baby naming parties, sweet sixteen or bar/bat
of all sizes.
mitzvahs, and their weddings have subsequently brought
their own children to dine at the Kittle House. “Our 30Greatest Strengths: “I would consider that our talyear history at the Kittle House is like a quilt of wonderented, dedicated personnel and staff with their inherent
ful memories and heart-warming stories shared with our
culture, hospitality, and community involvement are one friends and guests over the years.”
of our greatest strengths,” states John Crabtree.
Special Plans: “Yes, we are celebrating our 30th anniverCustomer Service Story: Over the past 30 years, there
sary this entire year and each month we will have special
have been countless stories of Crabtree’s great customer
events and celebrations. Please visit our website for more
service and expertise. This is reflected by the many loyal
information.”
Loretta Reilly
An Experienced and Professional Staff
Dine In / Carry Out / Gourmet Catering
Gail Patrick’s Cafe
31 S. Greeley Ave, Chappaqua • 238-0690
25 years catering experience
full salad bar / 8 hot soups daily
gluten free vegetarian and low fat available daily
frozen yogurt and ice cream all year round
www.GailPatricksCafe.com
40 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
41
Personalized Learning
MAGGIE MAE PUP REPORTER
Doggie Love
Allan Schneider Tutoring
PROPRIETOR:
Allan Schneider
in BUSINESS SINCE: 2003
www.allanschneidertutoring.com
By Maggie Mae...with Ronni Diamondstein
“Nobody will ever love
you as much as your
dog does,” writes Jean
Craighead George in her
book, How to Talk to
Your Dog. I have been
thinking about that line
since I interviewed her
last year. What better
month than February
and the love issue of
Inside Chappaqua to
explore the way my
canine friends and I
express our love.
Grooming is not my favorite
activity, but it’s a special
time for Alfie, an Old English Sheepdog. He loves to
be brushed by his owner Bill.
“I just melt,” says Alfie. It’s a
bonding experience for both.
I never know who I will see
when I take walks. When
I see Natalia and Melanie,
two six year olds who live in
my neighborhood, I always
wiggle and wag my tail with
happiness. I give them my
kind of hug, nuzzling on their
feet. One day I saw Riley, a
I’m always happy when Loyal companions, Jennifer Carpenito and her Chocolate Labrador
year old American Staffordmy owner comes home. Retriever Belle get cozy and comfortable together.
shire Terrier. We were sniffI wag my tail, run to her photo © Ronni Diamondstein
ing each other “hello,” when
and then scurry to see
all of a sudden the girls came
what she has brought
running
towards
me.
I
was
excited to see them, but
into the house. My friend Bear, a big Akita/Shepherd
Riley, who did not know them, barked. I had never
blend, howls to welcome his owners Dan and Sheila
when they walk through front door. Coco and Jules, heard him bark before so I knew he was protecting
me–giving puppy love a new meaning!
two mixed breed rescue dogs, jump on their owners
Dave and Celine giving them lots of licks. “We follow
When I’m feeling affectionate, I push my head under
them around the house because we want to be near
my owner’s hand, begging to be petted. She calls me
them,” says Coco who also loves to cuddle with the
a love bug and says, “Maggie, you’re my girl.” I love
family cats.
her no matter what she does, even if she annoys
me–which she does from time to time. I protect
Another way I show my love to my owner is to curl
her, I defend her and I will be a loyal friend, always.
up on her bed. I roll over so she can rub my belly.
This talk of love makes me want to jump up on my
Coco and Jules love to nestle in bed with their owners too. “My favorite morning moment is to jump in owner’s lap, lean my head on her hands, and finish
the bed and snuggle,” says Coco. “And Jules loves to writing this story together.
kiss his daddy's shiny bald head when he does his
Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter at
sit ups!”
[email protected]
The sofa is another place to show affection. I climb
Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with
up with my owner, resting on her chest while she
her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein,
watches television or reads a book. I can feel her
who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a
heart beating and I am sure she can feel mine. My
freelance writer, PR consultant, awardfriend Belle, a Chocolate Lab, nudges her owner Jen
winning photographer and a School Liwhen she wants to lie down next to her. And on a
brary Media Specialist and teacher who
cold winter night, Bruno, a Boxer, puts his paws up
has worked in the US and abroad. Photo
on his owner Carmine, hugging him till Bruno falls
of Maggie and her owner by Liza Margulies
asleep in his arms.
42 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
SERVICES: Academic Tutoring and Test Preparation for
grades 6 to 12. Subjects: Math, Chemistry, Physics
and English. Test prep SAT, SAT II, PSAT and ACT. A
six person team of professional tutors and educators
with very different backgrounds–education, technical
management, science and engineering.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: Maturity, experience and a oneon-one approach–individually focused on your child’s
needs across a variety of subjects. The team’s Motto:
“Teaching Students to Teach Themselves” States Allan
Schneider: “Many students that begin in 8th or 9th
grade with single subject tutoring are then provided
multi subject support and test preparation right
up to (and occasionally) college. We can also share a
litany of glowing references that are related to your
specific needs.” Weddings, Showers, Bar/Bat Mitzvah,
Confirmations, 1st Communion,
And all your Special Occasions
Sweeter Than Honey
Beascakes Bakery
PROPRIETOR:
Julie Dickens
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2004
www.beascakes.com
Beascakes Bakery
575 Main Street
Armonk, NY 10504
914-273-3612
www.beascakes.com
Visit our New Location!!
Fresh donuts every morning.
Come Taste the Difference!
Products & Services: Four years ago, Julie came from
Ohio to New York to attend The French Culinary
School. After graduating, she worked for the famous
chocolatier Jacques Torres. “Next, I browsed ads for my
own bakery, found Beascakes, and realized I would not
be returning to Ohio anytime soon!” Last year, Beascakes moved to a bigger location that allows Julie to
take on larger projects and offer new products.
The bakery prepares custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies for any occasion; morning pastries, coffee cakes,
fresh doughnuts every morning, daily soups, bagels,
cookies, espresso, smoothies and frozen yogurt.
Greatest Strengths: Fearlessness in the face of challenge! “We make many custom one-of-a-kind cakes and
cookies. Nothing pleases us more than to see your ideas
come to life.”
Special Plans: After the move, the same Frozen Yogurt
as Bloomies in plain and non-fat Chocolate were added.
“We also want to add a freezer to be able to offer more
flavors this summer.”
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
43
Specialty Wines
and Expert Friendly Help
Products & Services: Unique wines
from around the world. Specializing
in wines from France, Italy, Spain and
the US. “We deliver your wines as
needed,” says Peter, who has owned
Peter Costello
Hilltop since 1989, “and will help
with last minute entertaining ideas and requests.”
Greatest Strengths: Staff gladly assists with choosing
wines for special occasions, from an intimate dinner for
two to a in-home wine tasting for hundreds! Hilltop’s
Certified Sommelier, Anne Lun, trained making wine
in the Alsace region of France and in New York’s Finger
Lakes Region. Marianne Taylor of Chappaqua has been
Hilltop’s manager for over 12 years.
Special Plans: Weekly wine tastings on Saturdays,
2-6 p.m. Hilltop will sponsor and provide wines for
the 6th Annual Chappaqua Rotary Club's Wine Tasting
Event, Thursday April
Hilltop Wines
7th at Crabtree’s Kittle
& Spirits
House. Over 80 wines will
PROPRIETOR:
be opened for this special
Peter Costello
tasting. Benefits will be
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1963 given to a local charity. Arts,
Friendship,
Nature
Chappaqua Friends
Nursery School director:
Janet Himel
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1962
www.chappaquafriendsnurseryschool.com
SERVICES: At Chappaqua Friends Nursery School for
2 ½ - 5 year olds, each child’s growth–social, emotional,
physical, and intellectual–is recognized as unique. In its
developmental, child-centered program, children discover the joy of learning and the intersecting worlds of
friendship, nature, self-expression and listening.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: Daily routines of indoor and
outdoor free-play, art, and group times for stories,
conversations,and music provide a framework within
which children can feel safe and secure as they
explore new relationships, new materials, new feelings,
and new ideas. “Quaker values of friendship, simplicity,
peaceful resolution of conflict, and community
infuse our program for children and families.”
44 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
Keeping Plants and Trees Healthy
Protects your Investment
SERVICES: Westchester Tree Life is
a tree care company providing tree
maintenance, pruning and tree removals to help ensure the beauty, health
and wellbeing of your valuable trees
and shrubs. They’ll even provide plant
healthcare by diagnosing and treating
plant infestations and disease.
GREATEST STRENGTHS:
Westchester Tree
Westchester Tree Life
Life, Inc.
keeps crews in the know
PROPRIETORs:
by providing ongoing
Bill Davies and Rem Arnold
training of tree mainin BUSINESS SINCE: 1988
tenance including the
www.westchestertreelife.com
proper care, health and
pruning of trees. A fullyinsured company, they also maintain a focus on safety
at work sites and give personal attention to each job.
SPECIAL PLANS: It’s important to plan ahead and
Westchester Tree Life will be sending out Plant Healthcare proposals in February for inspection and treatments throughout the growing season. It’s also time to
begin thinking about tick spray programs and spring
pruning.
Compassion and Comfort
Beecher Funeral
Home, Inc.
PROPRIETOR:
Bill Flooks
in BUSINESS SINCE: 1928
www.beecherfh.com
Services: Funeral and
cremation services and
preplanning of funerals.
Bill Flooks
Background: Bill Flooks, a New York State Licensed
Funeral Director for over 30 Years, is also a second
generation funeral director following in his father’s
footsteps. He attended the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service where he received a
degree in Mortuary Science, and purchased the Beecher
Funeral Home in February of 2004.
Greatest Strengths: “My ability to comfort and guide
people through the funeral process during one of the
most difficult times of their lives,” says Mr. Flooks.
“Compassion and a true feeling for the people is essential during these times,” he states. “We have helped
so many people through a very difficult time, and for
that, they are very grateful.”
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
45
Music Lessons
in Your Home
GOTTA HAVE ARTS
Gotta Have Faith
Services: In-home music lessons
by Michael Kohn
British superstar
George Michael
sings “I gotta have
faith.” If the crowds
who gather at her
gigs are any indication, so do the fans
of Justine Faith,
owner of NightStar
DJ and Karaoke.
What she started
on a whim has
blossomed into a
successful entertainment company
for this resident of
Pleasantville.
surgery, and invited me to
see her “live.”
I arrived to find Justine
ordering a soda amidst a
sea of her loyal fans. On
a Sunday night, no less!
Justine began the show
and I was delighted I
made the trip. The atmosphere and the singers
were fantastic and everyone was showing karaoke
love. I even met a few of
the karaoke hosts who
work for her. It was clear
Nightstar DJ and Karaoke Owner Justine Faith at the beginning of a show
that they all had Justine’s
at Chappaqua’s Quaker Hill on January 8th. An ever loyal fan base and many love for karaoke and her
residents soon packed the popular local pub where the show, and all the
Justine didn’t set out area
professional philosophy
enthusiastic singers, were still going strong at 2:30 a.m.
on becoming a queen
of giving the very best to
of karaoke. After
the patrons. She wants
ers [there] will blow your mind,”
studying Animal Science at Cornell, she says.
to “make it [the show] memorable
she hoped to become a veterinarso they will come back.” I ended up
ian. William Congreve said: “music When I interviewed Justine over
staying over two hours.
hath charms to soothe the savage
the phone, I could hear in her voice
beast…,” but taking care of animals the pride she took in her work,
Karaoke’s not all fun and games. In
was not to be. A love of singing, in- including the fact that she was the
addition to managing all the shows,
cluding a three-year stint with the
Justine works hard at booking,
first African-American woman to
All-City Chorus in Manhattan dur- own a karaoke company. She talked preparing contracts, and publicity.
ing high school, eventually brought about how important the singers
“It’s a tough business and I have to
her to a different career path.
work hard to hold onto shows,” she
are to her and criticized DJs who
adds. After seeing one, it’s obvious
steal time from patrons by singFifteen years ago, when just a regu- ing too often themselves, in spite
that the effort is worthwhile.
lar karaoke singer, a DJ asked her if of the fact that she is blessed with
she wanted to learn the ropes. So,
The central theme which emerged
an amazing voice of her own. (Her
she learned how to dj, what to say
during the interview was how
mother played piano at Carnegie
to the crowd and began a business
important the people are. Justine
Hall and taught music and piano,
of her own, starting with one show and Justine was an accomplished
wants to give them the very best
a week. When another bar asked
and has been rewarded over the
piano player by age six.)
her to do a karaoke show on the
years by meeting many wondersame night, she trained her own
She stressed the value of encourag- ful people. Since she began, at
DJ, and thus, a karaoke empire was ing her DJs to talk to everyone at
least eight couples married after
born. Today, between Justine and
the bar, even non-singers, who just meeting at karaoke. Justine dj’ed
her stable of DJ’s, NightStar DJ
at their weddings too, expressing
come to enjoy a good show. “Anyand Karaoke now hosts 21 shows
how honored she felt that she was
one can press buttons; it’s about
each week, not including weddings personalities,” she says. As a karachosen to entertain.
and parties.
oke DJ myself up in Albany, I was
Locally, you can find Justine and
curious to see Justine in action,
Along with regular gigs in Westchher other hosts at Quaker Hill in
and fortunately found a chance to
ester, Connecticut and the Bronx
Chappaqua, Lucy’s in Pleasantville,
after visiting my daughter in New
(her one night “off” is Monday),
York City. She was returning to her Opus in Armonk. For a complete
Justine also hosts a regular Thurslisting of her shows, visit her
long-running show at Thataway’s
day night show at the world-fawebsite at www.nightstardj.com
Café in Greenwich after a three
mous Sylvia’s in Harlem. “The sing- month hiatus recovering from
46 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
for all ages, levels and instruments.
Instructors are all degreed professionals working in the music industry.
While not the traditional school,
Andante ensures the school
Andante Music
experience by holding anPROPRIETOR:
nual contests, recitals, and
Alicia Mott
master classes. This year, the
IN
BUSINESS
SINCE: 2009
practice contest winners enwww.andantemusicny.com
joyed a show at Westchester
Broadway Dinner Theatre.
Greatests Strengths: Andante Music caters to the
needs of a busy lifestyle. Instead of having to drive to a
location, then sit in a waiting room (or try to run errands
in 30 minutes while your child takes a lesson--impossible!), you and your child are both in the comfort of your
own home, notes Alicia. “We have parents who get dinner started or help brother or sister with homework all
while the lesson is taking place.”
Special Plans: The Spring Recital is just around the
corner, March 27th. Andante Music always appears at
several street fairs throughout the summer, including
Tarrytown Street Fair, Pleasantville Day, and Shadfest!
Flexible and
Trained Staff at Play Care
Play Care
DIRECTOR:
Carol Cleary
IN BUSINESS SINCE:
1971
www.playcarepreschool.com
SERVICES: Preschool, Baby Care,
Lunch Care, Extended
Day, Enrichment Programs
GREATEST STRENGTHS: Only Preschool in Chappaqua with
Swing by and see our super playground
equipment - on Chappaqua’s largest
outdoor nursery school playground!
a truly flexible schedule. Choose any combination of days:
morning or afternoon. Music, Science, and Creative Movement classes offered in addition to general academics.
Large shaded outdoor playground with new equipment.
Convenient location and easy parking. Licensed by the New
York State Office of Children and Family Services. All staff
are CPR trained and an RN is on Staff.
SPECIAL PLANS: Early morning drop-off, additional after
hours enrichment classes such as art, science and cooking.
Visits by a petting zoo, Ranger Rick, Maritime Aquarium,
Fire Department, etc. Call with any questions. Registration
is now in progress.
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
47
Customized Prescriptions for You
Services and Strengths:
The Healthy Choice Compounding Pharmacy is a
traditional pharmacy also
specializing in customizing
Bio Identical Hormone
Replacement (BHRT) and
pain management therapies. Prescriptions can be
prepared to fit a patient’s specific needs, be it capsule, cream
or gel form. “We specialize in womens’ health needs–everything from PMS and yeast infections to helping women
transition through different life phases,” says Phil Altman,
R.Ph. “We customize solutions to fit the patient; we won’t fit
a square peg in a round hole.” Special Plans: To become
The Healthy Choice Westchester's leading Women’s
Compounding Pharmacy Health Care Compounding
PROPRIETOR:
Phil Altman, R.Ph.
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1996
www.thehealthychoice.net
www.SimplyBHRT.com
Authority! Phil Altman has
lectured locally on women’s
health care concerns, has appeared on Channel 12 News,
Long Island, and has hosted a
BHRT seminar at Brynwood
Country Club, featuring Dr. Eldred Taylor, author of Are your
Hormones Making you Sick? Healthy Choice is also a supporter
of The Westchester Medical Center’s "Girls Night Out.”
The Healthy Choice
Compounding Pharmacy
Visit our website at
www.thehealthychoice.net
to take your Free
Hormone
Assessment Analysis
And our blog at
www.SimplyBHRT.com
for answers to all of your
Menopause questions.
Club Fit
PROPRIETORS:
David Swope, Beth Beck,
Bill Beck, Ellen Koelsch
IN BUSINESS SINCE:
1970s
www.clubfit.com
Westchester’s Most
Complete
Fitness Complex
Club Fit is a fun place for the whole family to live a
healthy lifestyle. We offer group exercise classes, fitness center, aquatics center, tennis, racquetball, an
indoor track, spinning, yoga, child care and sport
classes,summer camp, massage, and a full size gymnasium. Our wide variety of exercise facilities and programs
combined with our years in the community makes us
uniquely qualified to offer a comfortable environment
that keeps up with fitness trends.
Dynamic Classes for Kids
Designed with Community in Mind.
SERVICES: World Cup Gymnastics
offers an array of programs from
“mommy and me” classes to recreation and competitive gymnastics.
World Cup also offers special community programs like “Kids Night
Out” and “Special Days” on school
holidays. We also offer wonderful
summer camp programs.
GREATEST STRENGTHS: The
award-winning instructors who understand the
PROPRIETOR:
importance of children’s
John Sabalja
physical development and
director:
design fun programs to help
Jason Hebert
promote healthy bodies
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1991
www.worldcupgymnastics.com and build self-esteem. Also,
the state-of –the-art gymnastics complex provides
the room and equipment needed to help children develop
basic to complex gymnastics skills or train for more serious
gymnastics competitions. At World Cup Gymnastics, all
children are champions!
Subscribe Today
Consider a voluntary subscription or
a gift for a family member or friend
March/April 2011
through June 2012
World Cup
Gymnastics
SPECIAL PLANS: Come join us for home gymnastics
meets. Check out our website for upcoming dates.
48 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
Next 9 Issues: $27
(includes shipping and handling)
Send this form with your payment to:
Inside Press, Inc. P.O. Box 643, Millwood, NY 10546
Recipient Name & Address
From:
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
49
ULTHERAPY:
Stand firm in the face of gravity.
The new, non-invasive way to combat the effects of time.
When Mom, OMG, “Friends” You
By Rick Reynolds
Look. We all know that, regardless of
your age, your mother always knew
more about you than was good for her
health. But when my mother friended
me six years after her death, I’m
thinking, “Thanks a lot, Facebook!”
Upon awaking from that nightmare,
I decided to stay off the social networking site. It appears that Osama
bin Laden, Bernie Madoff, and Rick
Reynolds are the only holdouts left–in
this world or beyond–who prefer
their privacy.
If only there were a "mother" button on Facebook, we would place
her there. If you’re like most people, your shameful life dictates that
you, instead, place Mom in a special
alternate, clandestine area where one
neither accepts nor declines; a kind
of Facebook purgatory where she can
believe you or her prying eyes. Of
course, you can always decline the
request –in polite company we call it,
“ignore.” It's not that your mom isn't
your friend. Indeed, she's so special a
friend, she comes with her own special name: “MOTHER.”
propriate. Look into a mirror and
ask yourself if you have more than
six pictures of yourself that would
prevent you from landing a future job
at FedEx. If you’re holding a glass in
the picture, Photoshop milk into it.
If you’re standing next to undesirable
characters holding up birds without
feathers, consider deleting them or
rethink accepting your mother as a
friend. However, you must always
remember who’s footing the bill for
your lavish lifestyle. And where your
inheritance is coming from.
I’ve thought of starting a Facebook
page, but with my paranoia, there
wouldn’t be anything on it. I’d use an
alias, post a picture taken 30 years
ago, and retouch my beard. I’d have
plenty of friends, but they’d soon get
bored staring at a vacant page, much
like they do when they read my magazine columns. I read recently about a
software developer, Dana Hanna, who
walked down the matrimonial aisle
with cell phone in hand. After vows
were exchanged, but before kissing
the bride, Hanna took his cell
phone and updated his relationship
status. Just when I was feeling terrible for the bride, I read she grabbed
the phone from him so she could
update hers.
It was then I knew a new mother was
born; one who will eventually know
more than is optimal for her health.
The minister waited patiently for each
to confirm the other’s new status, before declaring them husband and wife.
Mark Twain once wrote, “I was dead
for millions of years before I was
born, and it didn’t inconvenience
me in the slightest.” Well, Twain did
ease my unease with mortality, but it
will take more than Facebook’s Mark
Zuckerberg (Time magazine’s “Person
of the Year’) to share my millions of
sorry moments—despite knowing it
would not inconvenience (or surprise)
my mother in the slightest.
Chappaqua alumnus and 35-year
resident of Chappaqua, humorist Rick
Reynolds resides in southern New
Hampshire with his wife, daughter,
and two dogs.
But if your mother made it to the 21st
century a decade after you did, you’ll
need a protocol. After all, it’s not just
mothers. Many fathers, uncles and
grandfathers are married to moms,
aunts and grandmothers–if not
yours. And virtually all have received
that gift that keeps on giving–social
networking.
While composing your Facebook
status, decide if your profile is ap50 Inside Chappaqua February 2011
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Ilustration by Rick Reynolds
The main thing to remember, when
Mom decides to friend you, is not to
panic. Take a deep breath. Draw the
air deep into your powerhouse. As I
said, your mother already knows how
weird you are—if not the details—
even without Facebook. Now, all she
wants to know about are your secret
experiences. (BTW, your father
hasn’t got a clue, unless your mother
told him.)
AFTER
BEFORE
• Botox
• Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane
• Sculptra
• Chemical Peels
• Facials
• Fraxel dual laser treatment
– fine lines, uneven skin tone
• Dermasweep (microdermabrasion + chemical peel)
• V beam laser for blood vessel treatments
• Sclerotherapy for leg vein treatments
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
• Extensive line of cosmeceuticals & specialized sunscreens
**Energy-based aesthetic procedure
**Insurance does not cover aesthetic procedures and products.
February 2011 Inside Chappaqua
51
Andrew Samalin, CFP
Principal
Clare Casey
Senior Service
Representative
Thomas Kowalchuk
Registered
Associate
Louise Albert, CFP
Senior Financial
Planning Analyst
Mark Bierman, EA
Director of Pension
Actuarial Services
You. Your CPA. Your lawyer.
Your doctor.
The Leaders of Your Community.
You are our Clients.
Samalin Investment Counsel is an award-winning, nationally recognized
SEC Registered Investment Advisor for well-resourced clients. We work with people
who are bright, busy and successful. If you are like our other clients, you might be
fatigued by 'Big Box Investment Retailers' with multiple business lines and agendas.
By contrast, we are fiduciaries for your financial planning program; we answer only to
you. Our advice is conflict-free, professional and appropriate for your circumstances.
Clients hire us because of that unmistaken and unmitigated clarity.
We are located in the Crown House, and would be glad to meet with you.
410 Park Avenue,
15th Floor, New York, NY 10022
(212) 750-6200 Direct
(212) 750-6208 Fax
297 King Street,
Chappaqua, NY 10514
(914) 666-6616 Direct
(914) 666-6602 Fax
www.SICounsel.com
Clearing, custody or other brokerage services may be provided by Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC or National Financial Services, LLC,
a Fidelity Investments company. Members NYSE, SIPC.
52 Inside Chappaqua February 2011