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Aidan Lane

About Aidan Lane

Aidan Lane is a Senior at Horace Greeley High School. She is captain of the Girl’s Varsity Field Hockey Team, President of The Mock Trial Club, and will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. She is passionate about writing, traveling, and spending time with friends.

LifeWorx Celebrates 20 Years of Delivering Peace of Mind

April 25, 2025 by Aidan Lane

20 years ago, Bal Agrawal faced a problem familiar to many Americans: finding a caregiver he could trust for his family member. What he discovered instead was a fragmented, impersonal industry filled with undertrained workers and overwhelmed families. Rather than settle, Agrawal decided to build something better. From his Chappaqua basement, he founded LifeWorx – a home care company committed to professionalism, dignity, and personalized service.

Decades later, LifeWorx has grown into a leading provider of home-based care, with offices across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida. But Agrawal’s vision has remained steadfast: deliver exceptional care that allows clients to remain safely and happily in their homes while relieving the pressure placed on families navigating the challenges of aging.

“We’re not just providing services,” Agrawal says. “We’re providing peace of mind.” The goal of creating a peace of mind for his clients, one nurtured for two decades, emanates from a place of authentic caring, and also, Agrawal’s passion – features which are at the core of every service LifeWorx delivers. “I am a believer of human potential, and love what I do.”

At its core, LifeWorx operates differently from many of its competitors. It doesn’t follow a templated approach to care. Instead, the process begins with understanding the nuanced needs of each client – from their health status and mobility to their personality, living environment, and family dynamics.

Emphasis on Empathy & Communication

Caregivers are matched thoughtfully using a combination of proprietary software and hands-on coordination. All are thoroughly vetted, personality checked, interviewed and supported after placement.
But beyond credentials, Agrawal prioritizes empathy and communication. “You can teach someone how to assist with daily living,” he explains. “Teaching someone how to listen, connect, and care deeply is much harder.”

LifeWorx offers a wide range of services, from live-in elder care and companionship to support for chronic conditions and specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care. It continues to provide household assistance, nannies and housekeepers – services that support multigenerational families and busy professionals alike.

Though Agrawal is not a physician, his years of experience place him at the intersection of caregiving, aging and preventive health. He has seen firsthand how common, preventable issues can drastically alter the lives of older adults.

“One of the most overlooked causes of hospitalization among seniors is dehydration,” he notes. “As we age, our sense of thirst decreases. Many people simply forget to drink enough water, and the result is often weakness, confusion or even a fall.”

Falls, he adds, are among the most devastating and costly incidents older adults face. “One in three Americans over 65 experiences a fall each year,” Agrawal says. “And often, that single fall leads to a cascade of life changes – surgery, rehab, even permanent loss of independence.” The U.S. spends roughly $80 billion annually on fall-related injuries.

Creating Meaningful Interactions

LifeWorx’ experienced caregivers mitigate these risks by observing clients closely and adjusting the home environment – removing hazards, recommending footwear and encouraging daily movement. The goal, Agrawal says, is not just to react to health issues but to anticipate and prevent them.

Beyond the physical, Agrawal focuses on the emotional and mental toll of aging. Loneliness, he explains, is one of the most insidious health risks older adults faces, especially for those living alone. It’s linked to depression, cognitive decline and even shorter lifespans.

“A caregiver isn’t just someone who prepares meals or reminds you to take medicine,” he says. “They’re often the only regular human contact someone has. And that companionship can be life changing.” LifeWorx caregivers provide functional support and meaningful interaction. Whether it’s a conversation over breakfast or a shared walk through the neighborhood, those small daily moments matter.

Now in its 20th year, LifeWorx remains privately held and mission driven. Its longevity in a highly competitive space is a testament to its reputation, client satisfaction and employee retention. Many of its caregivers have been with the company for years – a rarity in the home care field.

Agrawal is optimistic about the company’s future but clear-eyed about the industry’s challenges. “As a society, we’re living longer, but the question is: are we living better?” he says. “Aging is not just a medical issue – it’s emotional, social, and deeply personal. That’s where we come in.” He plans to continue growing LifeWorx in a thoughtful way, investing in caregiver and employees, family education and technological innovation that doesn’t replace the human touch – but enhances it.

“At the end of the day,” Agrawal says, “the work we do is about helping people feel safe, seen and supported. That’s what home should feel like, no matter your age.”

www.LifeWorx.com

 

 

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Alzheimers & dementia care, Home-based caregiving, live-in elder care, peace of mind, support for chronic conditions

Fashionable, Functional, and Fabulous Frames: Eye Designs Celebrates 40!

November 2, 2024 by Aidan Lane

Eye Designs
co-owners Sharon
Decker and Harris
Decker

In 1984, Eye Designs quietly opened its doors in Westchester with a simple yet ambitious mission: to provide more than just eyewear but a sense of community. Over the years, what began as a small boutique in Scarsdale has grown into three trusted destinations where patients and customers are treated like family. With a focus on personalized service and high-quality frames, Eye Designs has become a local institution, seamlessly blending fashion with function. Founders and co-owners Sharon and Harris Decker’s dedication to transforming eyewear shopping into a meaningful experience has kept generations of Westchester residents returning, forging connections beyond the lenses.

Sharon’s love for glasses was more than a personal passion – it became the foundation of Eye Designs, a boutique optical store she opened in 1984. Working in Manhattan, she was inspired by the city’s cutting-edge fashion scene. At the time, most locals traveled into the city for a top-tier eyewear experience, with Westchester dominated by chain stores and only a few high-end optical shops. Sharon’s vision was clear: “Manhattan styles, Westchester convenience.” Despite early skepticism, Sharon was determined to prove otherwise. She created a space where fashion, function, and community seamlessly came together. 40 years later, Eye Designs stands as a testament to her belief that you don’t need to travel far for luxury eyewear.

Key Armonk staff: Jaime Herman (right), manager and licensed optician, and Alexis Taal, optician

As Eye Designs celebrates its 40th anniversary, Sharon reflects on its incredible journey. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years,” she says with pride. From the crash of the 2000’s to the challenges of the pandemic, Eye Designs has weathered every storm while staying on top of the latest eyewear trends and advancements in lens technology. “Thinking back from when I started to now, it’s the fashion and making customers happy that excites me most,” Sharon shares. For Sharon and Harris, the real joy comes from helping people feel good and confident–the right pair of glasses, they believe, can completely transform someone. Their team regularly attends optical shows to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that Eye Designs always offers the latest eyewear trends. For Sharon and Harris, that commitment to style and innovation has made the past 40 years so special.

As part of their 40th anniversary celebration, Eye Designs launched the “Acts of Kindness Campaign,” a heartfelt initiative to give back to their communities. “We wanted to make sure the 40th anniversary coincided with the acknowledgment that Eye Designs would not be here without the community’s support,” says Harris. Through this campaign, they’re partnering with organizations close to their hearts, including donations to the Armonk Art Show and pet rescue organizations, among other charitable contributions. The campaign reflects Eye Designs’ commitment to making a positive impact and will continue throughout the rest of the year.

The Armonk store of Eye Designs, celebrating 25 years, has flourished under the leadership of manager Jaime Herman, who has played a key role in building the store from the ground up, creating a space that reflects the unique personality of the Armonk community. Each Eye Designs location carries its own distinct collection, and at the Armonk store, customers can explore the exclusive “Armonk Collection,” featuring frames and styles such as Cuttler and Gross, which is not found at other locations. With two to three exclusive lines that are only available in Armonk, each visit promises a personalized experience tailored to the local style and trends.

With the holiday season approaching, Sharon, Harris, and the Eye Designs team are recommending green frames as the standout choice for the festivities. From striking emerald greens to vibrant lime hues, there are so many unique options to choose from this year. Little oval frames, a style on the verge of a major comeback, are also trending. As always, each frame at Eye Designs is carefully curated for its quality and distinctiveness, ensuring you’ll find something truly special for the season.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: 25 years in Armonk, Acts of Kindness Campaign, Armonk store, Eye Designs, Eyeglass Frames

Mount Kisco Child Care Center Celebrates 20 Years of Feed Me Fresh

August 16, 2024 by Aidan Lane

Finding affordable childcare and early education has long been a complex math problem: Parents must navigate limited availability, high costs, and varying standards of care. And this is only one side of the equation. Working parents often are forced to choose between maintaining financial stability and staying home. However, a possible solution to this problem was established in 1971 at Mount Kisco Child Care Center.

“Because we understand the transformative power of equitable access to quality care and early education for children and families, MKCCC works hard to build awareness regarding the needs of the childcare industry and advocates on behalf of working families to increase access for all,” says Paula Backer, Director of Development. This non-profit childcare organization cares for over 145 children, ages three months to eleven years of age, in a 20,000-square-foot community-built facility. Beyond just a care center, MKCCC helps working families thrive by providing high-quality childcare and education through innovative, appropriate programming and a holistic approach to supporting family needs.

At the core of this exceptional organization are the teachers. Backer notes, “Their care and passion for what they do is evident the moment you step into a classroom.” These qualified and experienced educators foster a distinctive mutual support and caring environment, benefiting the students and the entire team.

Yet, solving this complex equation is far from straightforward. Childcare is in crisis, with costs exceeding what most families can afford, while centers struggle to pay competitive wages. The pandemic worsened the situation, causing a significant labor shortage. New York State lost 42% of its early childcare workforce, and many centers closed or reduced classroom sizes, leading to a severe shortage–MKCCC’s waitlist has reached 500 children.

During the COVID crisis, government funding helped keep centers afloat, but this support has ended while inflation and labor market competition persist. Without renewed financial support, there is grave concern for the future of centers and the families that rely on them. This math problem remains unsolved, and without adequate resources, the equation may become increasingly difficult to balance.

Mount Kisco Child Care Center is renowned for hosting impactful, community-oriented events, including the annual gala to raise scholarship funds for the MKCCC Scholarship Fund, Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening. The 20th Feed Me Fresh event is the hallmark of Mount Kisco Child Care Center’s innovative seed-to-table nutrition curriculum, developed with the expertise of nutritionists, early education teachers, chefs, and farmers. This program integrates hands-on farming activities in the center’s playground gardens with cooking classes that utilize the seasonal produce grown and harvested by the children. The initiative is further supported by an in-house Feed Me Fresh food service team, which provides fresh, healthy, homemade meals and snacks through sustainable methods, supporting local agriculture whenever possible.

Inspired by this program, local restaurants and chefs joined forces 20 years ago to create a fundraising event that celebrates the principles of Feed Me Fresh: nutritious, sustainable, and delicious food. Over the years, this event has transformed into a night of culinary excellence, featuring delectable samples from beloved local restaurants. These establishments not only donate their food but also create immersive experiences at their tasting stations. Keira Treanor, President of the Board for MKCCC, further notes, “We raise a huge portion of our scholarship budget at this one event, and you can always feel the love and support from every guest. Although the gala is very large, at over 300 guests, it feels like a small family gathering, making it my favorite and most special occasion of the year!” The event has grown beyond expectations, offering all attendees a unique and memorable experience.

In addition to the culinary delights, we are thrilled to celebrate twenty years of this event and its significant impact on our organization. Treanor adds that she is particularly excited as we honor two extraordinary members of the MKCCC family, Ruth Goodman, and Peter Schwarz. Their unwavering dedication and commitment to the MKCCC mission epitomize the best of what this childcare center stands for.

Over the years, Feed Me Fresh has evolved into the largest funding source for the Mount Kisco Child Care Center Scholarship Fund, enabling us to continue our vital work in the community. As MKCCC reflects on this milestone, they remain committed to solving the complex financial equation of childcare access and affordability, ensuring every child can thrive in a nurturing environment. For more information, please visit mkccc.org

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Affordable Child Care, childcare, farm-to-table, Feed Me Fresh An Edible Evening, Mount Kisco Child Care Center, Working Families

When Peggy Got Found!

April 17, 2024 by Aidan Lane

Plus Advice on Protecting your Pet from Getting Lost

Peggy, a Cane Corso, reunited with her owner after having gone missing for 6 months.

In the hustle of everyday life, our furry companions can sometimes slip away unnoticed.

Whether that is a curious cat darting out an open door or an adventurous dog exploring beyond the confines of the backyard, missing pets are all too common.

Peggy, a Cane Corso, managed to slip out of her owner’s yard on June 24th, 2023, leaving her family distraught.

Briarcliff Manor neighbors sprang into action, and posters were plastered around town to help find Peggy. Meanwhile, Teddy Henn, a professional dog trapper from Long Island, came fully prepared; he spent a tireless six months and 10,000 miles to retrieve the mastiff.

Mr. Henn advised Peggy’s owner Jon Scott to leave his front door propped open in hopes of Peggy entering the home.

Peggy, much to the relief of the family and to the larger community expressing its appreciation on a FB page called Briarcliff Community, was recovered on January 3rd, moments before midnight.

It’s too easy for our otherwise vigilant guard to slip, leaving room for the unexpected to happen. Yet, there are proactive steps every pet owner can take to minimize the risk of losing your treasured furry companions.

How to Not Lose Your Pet

Microchip

Julie Potter of Paws Crossed Animal Rescue suggests microchipping all cats and dogs – this can be done at a local veterinary clinic. Many pets will receive a microchip – a permanent identification inserted under a pet’s skin. The American Veterinary Medical Association highly advises that all pets be microchipped and registered in the event of an unexpected runaway. A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters in 23 states reported that microchipping pets are far more likely to be returned to their owners.

Securing Yards

Animal control centers suggest securing yards to prevent potential pet escapes. The American Kennel Club advises, “You don’t necessarily have to make it higher, but adding a section to the top that tilts inward will deter your dog.”

Additionally, pet owners should walk around the yard and remove anything that could be utilized as a climbing aid, such as wood piles, playground equipment, benches, chairs, or boulders. For diggers, the American Kennel Club suggests pouring a concrete footer at the base of the fence to stop even the most determined diggers. For homes with unsecured backyards, pet owners should avoid leaving their pets outside for extended periods to prevent unwanted escapes. “Pet owners who utilize an invisible fence should always ensure the batteries are charged,” says Lisa Bonanno-Spence of the SPCA Westchester.

Collar and ID

In pet ownership, collars are vital in safeguarding our canine companions and providing peace of mind for pet owners. The Animal Humane Society recommends that pets wear collars both inside the home and outside. Inside, the collar will protect a pet in case of an accidental open door. For shy and nervous pets, Bonanno-Spence suggests investing in a GPS collar. In addition to the standard collar, ID, and GPS collar, e-collars are utilized to prevent destructive behaviors outdoors, specifically warding off pets from venturing out too far.

Keep Them Indoors

Potter suggests pet-owning families always keep cats indoors, and dogs should be kept on a leash. Potter further recommends: “Ensure your pets are in safe spots during holidays or events. Lots of company coming over increases the chance of your pet getting out of the house. Ensure they are in a secure location – holidays like the 4th of July are the biggest nights of the year when pets get out. Give them a safe, calm location so the fireworks are not as scary.” Bonanno-Spence also advises keeping pets in safe, quiet spots during thunderstorms, especially if your pet is more timid.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: losing your pet, Missing Dog, Missing Pets, Pet protection, Your Pet

Lunar New Year in New Castle: Cultural Extravaganza Celebrating ‘The Season of Hope and Change’

February 8, 2024 by Aidan Lane

 

Chappaqua, NY–-The Lunar New Year, also known as The Spring Festival, marks the thawing embrace of Spring–the ice breaks up and the hardships ease. Ushering in a season of renewed fluidity and hope, the Chappaqua community gathered at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on Sunday, February 4th to celebrate the arrival of Spring and the beginning of a new year. The scene, hosted by The Chappaqua Public Library, overflowed with hundreds of families eager to commemorate The Year of the Dragon–a year of power, auspiciousness, and prosperity. This cultural extravaganza displayed traditions, unique to a wide range of communities. Despite the noticeable differences in cultural customs, unity truly shined through with generous volunteers across the state working to make this event as spectacular as it was. 

Luck and good fortune captivated the audience with the event kickoff–the Lion Dance. The traditional Chinese and Asian performance imitated the movements of a dragon, in a lively eye-catching costume. Accompanied by the backdrop of a vigorous drum beat, the performance consisted of fundamental movements that are famous in Chinese martial arts. The dragon’s vibrant neons and striking patterns excited the room. Children did not hesitate to express their joy, thrilled to witness a flamboyant dragon cascading through the venue. 

Although the audience was regretful to learn that the Lion Dance was over, this celebration of culture did not stop there. The Lion Dance marked the beginning of an afternoon spewing with enticement. 

As we transitioned into the season of hope and change, lead event coordinator Cristina Shih enlightened the audience with the rich history of the lunar calendar. After day 15, ancient Chinese civilizations began to clean up their homes to make space for the welcoming of spring.

The audience was quick to shift in their seats, prepared to welcome the Native tribe’s fashion show to the stage. Adorned in the embellished silk skirts of the Dai People, children displayed the pastel blues and blossom pinks whilst taking center stage. The audience was swept across Asia to the Tibetan People where children displayed the traditional Tibetan Robe–a big garment characterized by its long sleeve, loose waist, and silk rims. The performance was nothing short of exceptional.

A fan favorite of the evening was the sensational karate performance, organized by 8th-degree black belt and member of the Jundokan Dojo in Naha Okinawa, Sensei Mark Dwyer. Exhilarated faces filled the audience seats as students of the Okinawa Goju-Ryu School of Karate performed traditional Okinawa styles of Karate, a combination of hard and soft techniques. We witnessed a variety of astonishing linear attacks, as well as fearless kicks and punches. Between every punch, echoes of applause and the sounds of amazement bounced off the venue’s walls. Driven by strength and self-discipline, the students successfully brought a piece of Japanese culture to Chappaqua. 

A series of enchanting dances and written pieces such as the Treading Poem were performed, leaving community members in awe and enriched with culture. Hosts Jayden Cao and Phoebe Hawthorne exquisitely led the audience through the event, guiding us as we embarked on a rich path through Chinese history, culture, and tradition.

A sense of community was established on this Sunday afternoon with the noble support of the Chappaqua Public Library and the town who were committed to the success of the event. At the event’s start, New Castle Town Supervisor Victoria Bayard Tipp greeted the crowd with the touching Chinese four-character idiom ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ (wishing you happiness and prosperity). Following the program, craft activities and traditional snacks were enjoyed.

Over the centuries, The Lunar New Year has catalyzed the connection between past and present, serving as a tool for unification. 

Photos by Aidan Lane and Grace Bennett for the Inside Press

Filed Under: Cover Stories, New Castle News Tagged With: Asian, celebration, Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Chappaqua Public Library, Chinese New Year, culture, Good Fortune, Lion Dance, Lunar New Year, Prosperity

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