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Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Inside Press

Dance and Be Fit!

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by Rich Monetti

No doubt, many of you will once again resolve this January 1st to become more active and get into shape.

As a fun alternative, consider taking some classes with Carol Mamara of Dance Emotions in Chappaqua. Not only will you elevate your heart rate, but according to Mamara, a dance class is an entertaining option which can hold your interest and keep you focused on a fitness regimen “whether you think you can dance or not.”

Offering adult dance classes at 75 South Greeley Avenue, Dance Emotions transforms the quest for physical fitness into an enjoyable activity which will bring you back for more. With “Jazz up the Bar”, “Fun with Tap” or Ballroom Dancing, Mamara maintains that you will develop an interest in making progress because you are doing something that is beautiful.

Letting loose on the dance floor with Zumba not only burns the fun into your feet but burns calories as well. That sensation definitely doesn’t have to stop at Mamara’s front door. Now, when you go out to dance, your improved moves and greater self-confidence will make you into a better dance partner, she says. You will show off a new found poise when you enter a room. It may even translate into increased popularity!

Even if you think you were born with two left feet, “you can learn,” Mamara says. Although you may not become a dance superstar, making progress and acquiring poise is great for you–body and soul. If you are a self-conscious beginner and even have anxiety about learning in a studio setting, find a strategy which makes you feel the most relaxed. Come in individually, with a partner or a small group of friends, she says, make yourself comfortable and let your feet loose.

Whether you choose to come in by yourself or with others, seasoned professionals will focus on each pair of feet and help you dismiss your remaining inhibitions. “You’ll just feel comfortable,” Mamara says. Now, there’s no longer an excuse to only sit and “dance with the stars.”

Whatever your motive, the Dance Emotions Studio provides classes for the recreational dancer and even those interested in pursuing dance professionally.

Everyone receives individual attention to make them feel like part of the family. The goal is always to make the experience happy and rewarding.

Rich Monetti lives in Somers and is known to dance if the circumstances call for it. You can find more of his work at www.richmonetti.com

Tour de Pink: Riding to fight Breast Cancer

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by Michael Kohn

When I was first approached to write a story about the Young Survival Coalition’s (YSC) Tour de Pink, a bike ride organized to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness, I wondered why the publisher would ask a man to cover a women’s issue. Soon after receiving the assignment, I learned that a former colleague and dear friend, who had moved away, lost her own battle with breast cancer. The news brought home the harsh
reality that breast cancer is not just a women’s issue, but one which affects everyone.

YSC was founded in 1998 by three young breast cancer survivors who made it their mission to raise awareness and provide support, education and advocacy services for women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40. All three were discouraged by the lack of information and resources available to young women for a disease which was traditionally thought to strike older women.

YSC, now an international organization and based in New York City with 27 affiliates throughout the United States, has filled that gap. The unique issues for young women include the side effects of chemo such as hair loss, fertility loss, body image after mastectomy, early menopause, career issues and dating issues.

Corinne Menn, M.D., of Chappaqua, was in the second year of her obstetrics and gynecology residency when she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 29. Devastated, newly married and hoping to start a family, Corinne felt fortunate to quickly find YSC, which was dedicated to addressing the needs of the younger breast cancer patient. According to Corinne, “YSC provided the lifeline I needed,” by providing her with support from other young women who were in treatment or had survived breast cancer and were able to move on with their lives.

After multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, she is now a nine year survivor and has a family and an OB/GYN practice. This year, she felt it was time to give back to YSC. Along with her friend and fellow Chappaqua mom, Catherine Good, she decided to participate in the YSC Tour de Pink, a four day, 230 mile bike ride to raise money for YSC.

The ride, with nearly 200 riders, started in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and ended on October 4th with a celebratory ride in Manhattan ending at Fox News “Fox and Friends,” which featured them on their broadcast. As part of her Pink Panther Team, Corinne and Catherine raised close to $10,000.00. Corinne dedicated her ride to her friend, Nicole Lemieux, whom she met at YSC but who lost her own battle with breast cancer just shy of her 36th birthday.

As for the Tour de Pink, Corinne said, “We loved every minute of the ride and will definitely be back next year. It was a life affirming experience for me.” For more information about YSC, visit: www.youngsurvival.org. ;

By the way, my friend’s name was Lynn. She was 45. She left behind a husband and two children.

Michael Kohn is a contributing editor and writer to Inside Chappaqua.

Yes, Food Impacts Your Mood!

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by Deborah Nelson

So often we succumb to our cravings. We have a bad day, feel lonely, sad or mad, or a combination of all. One common solution is to “treat” ourselves to “comfort” food, such as cookies, ice cream or fast food. Most of the time, however, that comfort is short-lived, but we have succeeded in putting junk into our bodies. Then, we feel even worse, beating ourselves up with guilt for not sticking to a more healthy diet. It is an awful cycle– does it sound familiar?

Food can be a real tool to help manage how we feel. Proper nutrients are absolutely needed to fuel our bodies, but healthy foods can actually pick you up and make you feel better. Once you recognize this additional benefit, it becomes easier to not allow an upsetting event ruin your entire day and/or night. Knowing that the highs and lows of junk food can make you feel worse is the first step in limiting their role in your diet.

Being single is definitely one factor which tests us nutritionally. Often, it feels like it is hardly worth “cooking for one.” However, it is extremely important to fuel your body properly, especially as a single person who wants to feel and look their best!

Remember, what you eat goes into your body and then is carried around your system to feed every single cell in you. And food feeds your emotions too. Did you know that? It also impacts your sex drive!

Sugar and fast food cause havoc inside us and can make you miserable as your blood sugar rises and falls. Worse, your bodies are trained over time to expect more “easy to metabolize” junk calories, and when you do not get them, the cravings for them can be maddening.

I could go on and on about this topic, but for today, let’s start you on a healthy path with an easy and wonderful soup recipe that can be made as spicy or mild as you like and which adds a powerful nutritional punch. Enjoy!

Spicy Mexican Tortilla Soup (serves 4-6)
Ingredients:
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, sliced
32 oz veggie broth
1 can chopped tomatoes or salsa
(I use medium heat salsa)
1 can black beans
8 oz frozen corn
juice of 3 limes
1/2 avocado
1/2 small bunch of cilantro
1 tablespoon of chipotle sauce (not required if you use salsa)
1/4 cup of shredded
Mexican cheese
handful of tortilla chips

Directions:
Sauté onion and garlic until
lightly brown.
Add broth, tomatoes, black beans and cook until warmed through about 8 minutes.
Add frozen corn, lime juice and chipotle and cook for a few
more minutes.
Add cilantro and avocado and cook until the avocado is warm.
Spoon into bowls and add a few tortilla chips into the bowl
before serving.

Deborah Nelson, who lived in Chappaqua for several years, is the author of the “From Rainy Days to Sexy Nights Cookbook.” A certified Holistic Health Counselor, Deborah has counseled thousands of women and men on how to make significant changes in their lives. Visit
www.saucywellness.com and get your free report, “From Sugar to Sex–10 simple, saucy secrets that will transform your life now!”

Refeathering the Empty Nest

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by Susan Piperato

I’ve been a full-time single parent for 13 years, so I’ve never take time away from my two beloved sons for granted. When I dropped off my younger son, 17, at Newark Airport to visit his older brother in Chicago last summer, I drove home happy to have two weeks alone. But when I got back, something seemed amiss. Maybe it was the lone sneaker standing in the entryway, or the Frisbee on the antique chest in the living room. Whatever the reason, I suddenly felt as empty as my house.

Instead of watching a movie as planned, I spent the evening sitting on the couch, pondering how my life will change next year when my younger son leaves for college. I’d been secretly dreading this since his older brother, now 20, left two years ago; now I realized there was only one year left until my nest fully emptied–and when it did, unless I made changes, my life could remain as stagnant as it suddenly looked from the couch. So I did what I do in any crisis: lots of research.

The empty nest is “part of the natural progression of growth and development in children and families,” says Healthy Workplaces, LLC founder Mallary Tytel, but can be especially trying for single parents. This was certainly borne out by two single moms I know, whose nests emptied the year my older son left home. Beth, a lawyer and widow, went on such a shopping spree when her son moved down South that she has put their house up for sale to cover her debts. And Pamela, a dance instructor who divorced while her daughter was in her teens, visited her daughter’s college in Manhattan so often, offering lunch, pedicures, or gallery trips, that finally her daughter tearfully refused her. “The poor kid,” Pamela told me, “I thought if we just got together for an hour or so, I wouldn’t get in her way. What was I thinking?”

Kids leaving home can be as mind-blowing as their arrival, says Tina B. Tessina, Southern California psychotherapist and blogger “Dr. Romance”–“the reverse of ‘baby shock’–the reaction that happens when a baby changes your life overnight.”

Recognizing that when your kids are gone, you’re on your own is sound thinking, says Ed Moran, licensed clinical social worker at Family Centers in Fairfield County, Connecticut. “I don’t think single parents are more susceptible to experiencing it, but I think perhaps the way it can be experienced is different for single parents,” he says. “Although fathers can go through it, it’s traditionally the mother we associate with the empty nest–and a woman who’s been a mother and a wife has somebody right there to lean on and help them through it. But for single parents, it can be extremely devastating. “

Mt. Kisco family therapist Sharon Giles O’Neill believes single parents “fall at two ends of a normal bell curve/continuum.” Some have developed such close relationships with their kids that they consider them best friends and confidantes, she says, while others, “due to job/career needs, did not spend a lot of one-on-one time with their child–in these kinds of cases, the parent may feel more relief from guilt, but less attachment emotions.”

So, what’s a single parent to do? Start preparing a year ahead, says Tytel. Teach your child to live independently–including how to do laundry, cook, and balance a checkbook. Senior year is a time of “tug of war between independence and interdependence,” she warns, and for “looking forward and being open to the unknown” and “open communication.” Talking about everything from “fears, feelings of being alone,” to “what the parent will do with the extra time and space” will help the transition.

While some experts advise embarking on extreme makeovers immediately upon a child’s departure–including redecorating, meeting new people, dating, volunteering, and changing careers–Giles O’Neill cautions against taking on too much too fast. “Give thought to what hobbies, etc., you might suddenly have time for and possibly enter into, maybe one, in a small way to have a little experience before you’re alone,” she says. After all, when the nest empties, parents need to practice spreading wings before they fly–just like their children.

Susan Piperato is a freelance writer and editor based in the Mid-Hudson Valley. She is currently working on a children’s book.

Gifts We Treasure

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by Sarah Ellen Berman

Editor’s Note: Sarah tells IC she “thoroughly enjoyed” meeting so many members of the diverse group of advertisers featured in this Winter edition. Her mission was clear cut: to find out what gifts might fall into “the kind you can really treasure” category, whether it’s something that brings joy and meaning to your own life or to that of any loved one. We hope there are any number of ideas in these next few pages that will encourage you to shop local and engage with our great area merchants! And from this publisher: Thank you time and again for support for the pages of Inside Chappaqua, a publication delivered each time free and chock full of articles for the reading pleasure of over 6,000 area households. –Grace

At Bet Torah Nursery School in Mount Kisco, Mindy Citera suggests gift certificates to “give the gift of fun.” Grandparents may wish to give a mommy and me or mom’s day out class. Contributing toward tuition is another gratifying option.

For the quintessential New Year’s resolution. Maria Briones, M.D., has the answer. Her patients can attest to the efficacy of her weight loss program. Briones offers the support and guidance which are vital to success. Through a carefully planned diet and exercise program, she insures that the weight loss is permanent.

Ellen Koelsch of Club Fit recommends a gift card. She noted that the card contains, “The nice message that you care about their health.” Cards may be used toward anything at the club including massage, clothing, personal training, or a meal at the cafe.

A gift card or customized basket from Emmary Day Spa affords your friend the gift of indulgence. Hydrafacials are their most popular treatment. Emmary is the only spa in Westchester to offer this type of facial which is designed for sensitive skin.
Massage, soy candles, teas,
cleansers, and moisturizers are also available.

At Eye Designs, optician Jamie Herman noted that prescription sunglasses by Oliver Peoples and Tom Ford are popular gifts for the holidays. He also recommends digital progressive lenses. The advantage of these multifocal lenses is that they are easy to adapt to. Eye Designs also features optical fashion accessories. They carry eye-bobs (ready made readers) in funky shapes and patterns and la loop; eye catching eye glass holders seen on Heidi Klum.

At the dermatological practice of Lydia Evans, M.D., treats for a friend or loved one are copious. Dr. Evans suggests a gift certificate for a microdermabrasion or glycolic acid peel, facial, personalized skin care routine or the surprise of a pre-arranged procedure that one has longed for. Dr. Evans loves what she does and it shows. For those who are interested in cosmetic services, she eschews doling out recommendations, verbatim. When a client comes in to inquire, she listens intently to discern, “What it is they’re looking for,” and plans “what’s best for them.”

This year, put a gift certificate from Eye Gallery on your list. They showcase, “The most important accessory you can own,” according to co-owner Michael Rosen. When greeting someone, “Sunglasses are the first thing people see,” he noted. A fashionable look is not complete until the latest in eyewear is added. Eye Gallery carries Robert Marc worn by Nicole Kidman and Barton Perreira sported by Brad Pitt. Styles by Chanel and Oliver Peoples are also on hand. While looking good, your loved one will be protecting the health of their eyes year
round from omnipresent ultra violet rays.

At Family Britches, altruism reigns supreme. Co-owners Barry Mishkin and Rick Buggee are soliciting donations of suits and sport coats. These garments will be donated to Twigs Thriftree Thrift Shop which benefits Northern Westchester Hospital. “What shouldn’t get lost in the holidays is the spirit of giving,” Mishkin noted. This idea may provide the impetus for a husband or partner to give away clothing that is no longer cherished. In return, customers will receive a discount of $50 off toward the purchase of a new suit or sport coat.

Gail Patrick’s Cafe has gift baskets, “full of epicurean delights,” according to co-owner Gail Filacchione. Gift certificates are great for teachers and middle schoolers (who just can’t get enough of those dumplings.) Highlights from their extensive Chanukah menu are: latkes, matzoh ball soup, brisket, and rugelach. The Christmas and New Year’s menu includes: Italian Wedding soup, roast rib eye of beef, whipped sweet potatoes with brown sugar, and cookies galore.

At Grappolo Locando we love the holiday season! We can help you plan an exciting and festive intimate at-home wine tasting dinner with family and friends. Chef/Owner Thomas Cuomo will personally go to your home with his sommelier. (Think Prosecco with a wild mushroom bruschetta, luscious braised short ribs and creamy mascarpone polenta with a hearty Moltepulciano and biscotti with Vin Santo!) Another idea might be to book an at-home cooking class for you and your friends – a great way to enjoy a sumptuous and scrumptious meal while learning how it’s done!

At Hilltop Wines and Spirits, describe the type of wine you’re looking for and owner Peter Costello will find the ideal match or assemble a customized gift basket. Additionally, Costello recommends offering a membership in his Wine Club. Members receive a case of wines selected by certified sommelier Costello, delivered to their home each month. On Saturdays from 2-6, he hosts wine tastings from different regions and producers. All featured wines are on special during the tastings. Costello’s top picks for this holiday season are the: 2009 Bordeaux, vintage ports, single malt scotch, champagne, and prosecco.

For timeless gifts, visit ICD Jewelry. The staff is truly passionate about jewelry and provides invaluable assistance in the selection of the perfect piece. Designs by Varda feature 22K gold medallions with 2nd to 4th century ancient coins, geodes, and many other gemstones. Matching earrings are also available. Marco Bicego’s semiprecious 18K gold creations are adorned with amethyst, peridot, and blue topaz. Penny Preville’s line sparkles with diamonds. Israeli designer Marika’s artisanal works include a delicately crafted cuff. For children looking to shower their friends and relatives with jewelry, there is a full array of moderately priced items. Gift certificates are also available.

At Ivana Denniston Aesthetics, gift certificates and gift boxes contain the keys to beauty. Ivana is renowned for her skill in brow shaping. She focuses on the natural shape and insures a “perfect, glamourous look.” Ivana also offers makeovers, the Decleor skin care line, and makeup.

Holiday camp will be offered at Jodi’s Gym during the December vacation. Here kids will learn the basics of gymnastics on balance beams, bars, rings, vault, tumble track, and the space bouncer. The fun never ends during camp. Music, art, story time, games and lunch are on the menu!

Consider a gift card for a Nutritional Consultation with one of Westchester’s best nutritionists, Dina Khader in Mount Kisco. Her individualized plans help individuals with various weight loss and medical conditions–whether it’s eliminating pain or getting cholesterol under control or losing 75 pounds via state of the art testing to streamline nutritional requirements. During a visit, you can also create an individualized gift basket of skin care or food items, all organic, including Dina’s signature box of 16 dark chocolate truffles, extra virgin olive oil, healthy jams and snacks.
Gift certificates at Le Jardin du Roi are welcomed by teachers, friends, and family. The cozy ambiance at this bistro is particularly appreciated during the wintry, holiday season. The menu at Le Jardin du Roi is replete with favorites and new additions. Send those on your list here for hearty soups, cassoulet, coq au vin, mixed berry crumble, and tarte tatin.

Rosemary Devlin at the serene
O2 Living Holistic Wellness Center in Cross River suggests a gift certificate “for a holistic well-being and healthier 2011.” Along with tantalizing spa treatments and award winning yoga classes, O2 carries the Dr. Haushka line of skin care products, juices and delicious smoothies.

Visit Loungerie for intimate wear apparel and for special picks perfect for the season, such as the b.tempt’d by Wacoal fashion line made popular by the beautiful up and coming recording star Esmee Denters. Also check out the store’s special holiday time promotion: Purchase any two items of the same style, different designers, and buy a third item for half
the price.

At New Castle Physical Therapy, co-owner Adam Pliskow recommends the gift of health. He is offering an orthopedic or fitness assessment for $50 from now until the end of March. He sees many people who relate that their spouses suffer from back or neck pain but are not inclined to seek treatment. A gift of an assessment will facilitate the road to recovery. Assessments “can lead to either physical therapy or personal training,” Pliskow observed. His location offers a pristine, relaxing environment. Everyone receives individual attention and only one person is booked per hour.

Oasis Day Spa is an award winning spa recently named favored day spa in the country by American Spa Magazine.Their array of services includes facials, massage, manicures, yoga, yoga wear by Lululemon, and personal training. Co-owner Bruce Schoenberg related that anyone who
comes in for a service will walk out “six inches taller.” “What you’re giving is not just the gift of wellness, we’re bringing out the inner you,” he added. This oasis of tranquility has special offers on the first 25 days of December. Each day a different product or service is discounted.

When it’s time to celebrate, call the party planner par excellence. Monique Ross Banks is now the event planner and coordinator of Party! By Monique. She recommends giving the gift of a celebration this holiday season. “I’ve always loved gifts that you wouldn’t necessarily go out and get yourself,” she said. When there’s a reason to fete a friend or relative, Monique is the go to gal. Ever since Monique planned bar and bat mitzvahs for her three children, she has been receiving compliments and requests for advice from friends and family. Today she plans a myriad of events including bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, and corporate events. From cocktail and dinner parties to lavish affairs, Monique does it all, with inimitable flair. When planning a bar or bat mitzvah she related that her goal is, “to make this event the most memorable event of a family’s life.”

The Rosenthal JCC is promoting their Chanukah Gift Factory & Shalom Sesame Launch Party on December 5th. This is a family friendly event where children create gifts such as keychains, picture frames and menorahs to give to family and friends. The program “Can Grover find the missing menorah” will be screened. Children can also make and eat dreidels made out of marshmallows, Hershey kisses, and pretzels. Latkes will be sizzling for hungry artists and their families. The Rosenthal JCC also offers gift certificates for programs such as mommy and me classes, drop-in childcare, or nursery school.

At Squires, one will find a trove of Hunter boots in a wide array of colors as well as coordinating, “welly” socks, for added warmth. Owner Michael Kushner is restricting sales of this hot item to local residents who come into the store. No orders are being shipped. Other attractive gifts include the ever popular, cashmere sweaters in v-neck and shawl collar cardigan models. He also has trendy, Volcom sweatshirts which are sure to please even the most discerning teenager.

At Steffi Nossen School of Dance, Judy Ross recommends a gift certificate for “grandparents, aunts, and uncles to support their dancing child.” Additionally, she advocates coming in for free dance week from January 10-15. Dancers may try as many classes as they would like, sans obligation.
At The Perennial Chef in Bedford Hills, presents abound. The gift of having food appear on the table effortlessly is sure to please during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Turkey, ham, filet mignon, brisket, salmon, latkes, chestnut stuffing, and cheese platters are on the holiday menu. The real creme de la creme are the desserts created by chef Michael. French macarons –not to be confused with coconut macaroons–are his delectable pastries which begin with a crunch and end with cream. Cookies are fashioned in the shape of Santas and dreidels. Proprietor Francoise Jarry has selected herb mills, (for grinding herbs) hors d’oeuvres sets, truffles, plates, and stemware. Her gift certificates and baskets will bring holiday cheer to the foodie in your life.

Wags and Whiskers has presents for the family dog as well as their owners. They are touting truly durable toys including balls; made of recycled seat belts in the shape of a spider and bear and rabbit shaped toys (sans stuffing). “We have pet beds with the most gorgeous fabrics,” owner Christine Meyer noted. Marble topped pet dishes are designed to compliment the kitchen. And of course, Fido may be treated to a luxurious shampoo and cut.

At World Cup Gymnastics and Nursery School, gift certificates are available for giving holiday cheer. The kids’ night out program provides fun for kids and fun for parents. Kids are entertained for four hours while parents are free to catch a movie and have dinner. Grandparents may also be interested in purchasing a session of nursery school, enrichment, gymnastics, or a junior scientist class for the light of their life. Jeannine Johansen of World Cup is a huge proponent of gymnastics. “When you leave gymnastics, you always feel like you’ve accomplished something,” she said.