The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

A Positive Exhale

by

Grace Bennett

June’s my favorite month as publisher of only six editions a year of IC, the last of which closes in mid May. We don’t “start up” again until mid to late June. So between now and then I use the time to look back at these editions and contemplate what we’ve done well but also how we might improve things moving forward.

It’s basically one welcome exhale–a solid downtime for introspection and collecting myself a little and catching up on delivering on promises made to people and also those I make to myself. Mostly simple ones. Clearing my desk. Replenishing office supplies. Taking an exercise class. Enjoying a leisurely, stress free coffee date. Kicking back, basically. I’m soon picking up plants for my plot at the Chappaqua Community Garden. I’ve never gardened before so I’m very excited about it, especially because I have this sacred space to maybe even do it right. Strawberries, cukes, basil and more: I summon you!

And so, I love June. In fact, of late, I’ve been loving it all… my family and friends and biz acquaintences, of course… I’m even enjoying, I admit, an unexpected development, and psyched for a quick getaway to beautiful Lake George! Well, enough said about that!

Maybe it was deciding last month to call June a “Think Positive” issue. If I was going to ask all my advertisers to offer up what’s positive, it seemed only fair that I get on board too, right? Must say, positive begets positive; works like a charm! I’m a believer!

I’m feeling really great too about the cover story by Andrew Vitelli. Bert Sugar, a local legend who passed away this past March, appeared to personify positivity and good cheer from all accounts, and I’m only sorry I never had the chance to meet the guy with the signature fedora personally. His daughter Jennifer Frawley, who lives in Pleasantville and works in Chappaqua, graciously entrusted me with two precious family albums overflowing with pictures of Bert and his life adventures. I transported them to my designer, Dina Spalvieri, who created the cover collage from some favorite selections, so a special thank you to Dina for that.

Another “big deal” for me with this issue was the opportunity to spotlight Guiding Eyes, a Yorktown Heights organization which enriches the lives of visually impaired individuals and also children with autism by providing them with highly trained dogs. Ronni Diamondstein, owner of Maggie Mae Pup Reporter did a wonderful job highlighting the upcoming fundraiser at Mount Kisco Country Club (hosted, in part, by none other than football great Eli Manning) and explaining the Guiding Eyes mission in detail. Ronni also interviewed various local residents who have benefitted from Guiding Eyes.

A couple teen stories in these pages exude positivity… one about two Greeley teens who’ve launched a clever site to help local teens find jobs plus a short but sweet tale of one young lady’s positive intervention on a Metro North train ride. I think you will all also enjoy, just in time for Father’s Day, Jo Rosenfeld’s “Fifty Shades of Lipstick,” a title (given all the hoopla of the more racier title) she uses to highlight the secrets of her positively happy marriage. Also, find out how Andrew Samalin helps his clients chart a positive financial course while also giving back to the community–with annual Memorial Day festivities at the Crown House along the route of the parade. Finally, I’m also proud to include many beautifully rendered positive thoughts from various sponsors. Here’s wishing you all joyful celebrations this June and a safe and healthful summer.

I Energized My Home, Now Let’s Energize New Castle

by

By Beth Sauerhaft

As someone who has devoted much of my professional and personal time to sustainability work, I am excited to share my experience with Energize New Castle and the home energy assessment process.

The need to reduce residential energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in a wholesale fashion first grabbed my attention when I became a member of New Castle’s Sustainability Advisory Board and learned that 52% of our town’s greenhouse gas emissions came from our homes!

At first, this amazed me, but then as I thought about it, it made perfect senswe tend to overheat our homes in winter and overcool them in summer. How much were we losing through insufficient insulation or leaks to the outside? What a waste…and how will we ever become independent from global petroleum supplies if we waste a large percentage of what we use? Now, as Chair of our town’s Sustainability Advisory Board and someone who does sustainability professionally, I felt it was my duty to look into solutions for residents whose homes are losing precious dollars in wasted energy and contributing to global climate change. So I reached out to Energize New York, a program that launched last year in Bedford and is now rolling out in towns across Northern Westchester, to see what I could do for my own home.

I learned that the Energize program has the potential to save Northern Westchester residents $52 million annually if one in three homeowners pursues efficiency upgrades that eliminate energy waste. It didn’t take long for me to agree to participate in the program’s free home energy assessment, becoming one of the one in three that reaps the rewards of a high returning investment. If it saves me money, increases the comfort in my cold and drafty home and improves my community, then I felt, it’s a no-brainer! The home energy assessment was a fun and interesting experience. I worked closely with the Energize New York team and an energy efficiency professional who came into my home to measure where and how much energy my house was leaking. After he conducted the energy assessment of my home, I received a detailed report on my home’s true use of energy. I immediately approached the Energize New York team about next steps. They walked me through the process and remained a trusted source on everything from choosing a contractor, to filling out the paperwork, to even bringing in an energy coach who independently gave me insights on my home and opportunities for energy improvements. With the help of the Energize team and my home energy professional, I was able to make the best possible choices for my home and family.

I decided to complete the recommended energy efficiency upgrades, since it was clear that I was losing money and comfort as a result of the leaks in my home. In the winter my home was so drafty, my family teased me that they didn’t enjoy visiting or had to wear their jackets the entire time! In the summer, my home was very warm on the second floor, making it impossible to evenly and efficiently cool the entire house. The contractors helped me understand these problems could be fixed with relatively few upgrades. Once the upgrades were completed, the contractors calculated a 42 percent reduction in airflow across my home! What was even “cooler” was that I could feel the difference. I walked into my bedroom for the first time since the upgrades and immediately sensed that it was warmer than it had ever been in my recollection.

I am so much happier with my home now that I’m using less energy and know that I’m living more sustainably. I test-drove the process so that I could speak honestly with fellow New Castle residents about the program. Now that I know the difference it can make for my home and for the environment, I’d like to challenge others to follow my lead and look seriously at their own home’s energy use. With programs
rolling out in 13 towns across Northern Westchester, I challenge New Castle to take the lead and show others that we care about our community, the globe, and our future together. Go to energizenewcastle.org and sign up for your home energy assessment now!

Miracle(s) on Ice

by

By David Streich

More Photos and Story here….
Sled Hockey Clinic Photos by Jim D’Angelo/Ruby Media Group

When I chose to have my leg amputated this past December due to bone cancer, I had no idea that my road to recovery would be smoothed out by a Zamboni. But it was, thanks to the adaptive sport called Sled Hockey. Like you, I had no idea such a sport ever existed. In late December, Mike Hudson, who lost his leg when he was hit by a car in a work-related incident at a construction site, called me to let me know that just because I lost my leg, I didn’t lose my life. He suggested I try sled hockey, and I just laughed. Here I was three weeks after losing my leg, and I could barely even imagine walking again. “Yeah, right,” I said, “maybe next year!”

It hadn’t occurred to me that the next year actually started just a few days later.

Soon afterwards, another stranger named Ron Rogell, the only able bodied member of the team, read my Inside Chappaqua article “One Step Back, Two Steps Forward” (February, 2012), and saw that I enjoyed bowling, biking and hiking. He stalked me out on Facebook, and told me that there would be a sled hockey practice on the New York Rangers training ice in Elmsford. Who in their right mind would pass up an opportunity to get on the ice where the amazing Rangers play? As the father of two young Rangers fans, this would certainly impress my boys. I owed it to them to try it, at least this one time. I asked their mother to put their blue shirts on and I would take them with me.

Sled Hockey Team (L-R) Ron Rogell, Rocco Greco, Dexter Benjamin, David Streich, Mario Mason and Captain Mike Hudson

Mike told me that I would need a helmet, chest protector and elbow pads. I went on a spree at Modell’s but left the tags on so I could return the gear the next day. As long as I didn’t get hit in the head with the puck, the helmet would still be in great shape.

When we got to arena, I met Mike and Ron, and they fit me in a sled, telling me to sit in the bucket and strap myself in. The sled features two parallel ice skate blades under the seat, and a pin that balanced the foot end. Mike handed me two shortened hockey sticks, a lefty and a righty, which had metal picks on the bottoms so I can row, row, row, to propel myself. Once I was strapped in, Mike sent me sailing onto the ice, adrift over the huge Rangers logo on center ice.

The first thing a new player needs to learn is how to fall down and get back up again. It is something that happens often in the beginning. But once I found my balance, and I was able to push myself along with the sticks, it was both unbelievable and amazing! For two months, I had been laying in bed, first with my right leg in a brace, and then with no right leg.

Me and Clever in the MSG dressing room. Photo by Jeffrey Streich

On solid ground, I could move at maybe one mile an hour with crutches or a walker. But here, on the ice, I was flying! How freeing it felt, how special it was to feel the air rush through my helmet and onto my face as I was the one to make it happen with my own energy… Continued Below…

I met several other athletes that night, and I commented to one of them that I only had one leg, but he had two, and he said, “Yeah, but your one leg works, and my two don’t. I have spina bifida.” It just went to show me that this sport is for so many different people for so many reasons, and no matter what your situation is, you’re not the only one who’s got challenges.

At the end of the practice, we played a scrimmage pick-up game, and I got my first attempt at puck handling, checking and slamming. The other players couldn’t believe that I was only two months amputated. I let a lot of pent-up feelings out on the ice that night.

So when I got off the ice at the end of the session, there must have been a huge smile on my face. “So what did you think?” Mike asked, his smile as wide as mine.

“Well, I bought this helmet thinking that I was going to return it,” I confessed as I took it off, “but instead, I’m going home and writing my name in this sucker!” I was never more surprised at myself, and I was so happy that my two sons were there to watch me as I found my new therapeutic, physical, emotional and spiritual salvation.

A few weeks later, I followed the team up to Saugerties, NY for the final two games of the regular season. Lucky for me, they had an extra team jersey, so I got to participate in real official games. I may have played for only five minutes, but I was out there, playing my heart out, trying to hit that puck, pass it to a team mate, and most importantly, not fall down. It was thrilling. But even more thrilling was when I left the ice, and my four-year-old boy, Rocket, ran up to greet me in my Rangers uniform. “Daddy, you look like a superhero!” he shouted. That is a sentence I will never forget for the rest of my life.

Flash forward a few weeks, and I’m chasing the team down to Philadelphia for a weekend-long tournament. We played four games in one day, and another one on Sunday morning. By this time, I have gotten a little bit better, and a lot more dedicated. In between games, we were interviewed by a busload of foreign exchange high school students about our disabilities and the sport. We felt like celebrities.

But the real celebrity status happened the next Thursday, when our team was invited by the real NHL New York Rangers to showcase our skills in Madison Square Garden between first and second periods of a game against the Penguins. We walked and wheeled through the bowels of MSG and excitedly prepped ourselves in our own locker room. As the first period ended and the pro players left the ice, we were escorted through the wide Zamboni entrance. One by one, we pushed ourselves to the center ice of the world’s most famous arena, in front of fifteen thousand hockey fans, including my ten-year-old son, Clever, and my brother, Jeffrey, who served as our official photographer. I’m sure that his job was as thrilling for him as mine was for me.

We were warned that time would go by so quickly, and to remember to look up at the ceiling and the crowd. They announced each of our names as we got a chance to rush the net and take a shot on goal. We were even projected onto every facet of the scoreboard video screens. Nearly everyone made their goal, but when it was my turn, my heart was pounding, and I kept telling myself not to fall. I was able to control my puck right up until my shot on goal, when the puck was deflected by the foot point on my own sled. On one hand, it was a minor let-down, but on the other hand, I figured, that’s why they invented “Next Year!”

While I enjoyed the sport of sled hockey, one thing was clear to me. Just like how learning to walk again would take time and practice, sled hockey was no different. That’s where the genius of the Sled Hockey Clinic comes into play. Every Monday for ten weeks, a group of us get together at the Westchester Skating Academy to hone our skills, practice drills, take aggression out on the ice, and most importantly, bond as brothers.

In the team photo, above, from left to right, there are my favorite teammates Ron Rogell, 43, the only able-bodied player on our team. A life-long hockey fan, he jumped at the chance to be a part of this sport, and he is very helpful when it comes to loading and unloading the bulky sleds and gear bags. When asked what his favorite memory on or off the ice, he responded, “Seeing the smile on David’s face the first time he got on the ice.”

Rocco Greco, 48, had the same kind of cancer I had—chondrosarcoma—in his left ankle. In May 2011, he lost his leg below the knee, but then the cancer returned, and he had to have a second amputation on his left leg, above the knee. Rocco found out about sled hockey from his doctor in charge of his physical therapy. His next big goal is to walk with his prosthesis without the aid of crutches, and after that, he wants to be able to run.

Dexter Benjamin was hit by a truck 27 years ago in Trinidad, and lost his leg when it took too long before his operation. He says sled hockey changed his life, giving him a sense of freedom. His advice for all is to stay strong, don’t let anything keep you back, and treat everyone with respect.

Then there’s me, David Streich, 43.

Since Mario Mason, 46, lost his leg to an infection in his bone two years ago, he tries to take advantage of everything that is available to him, including running, biking, exercising and skiing… none of which he did with two legs. It was a blessing in disguise. “Sled Hockey gives me a sense of normalcy, if there’s such a thing. I love that it’s a full-contact sport. But my favorite moments are when we get off the ice, take off our helmets and we’re all sitting in the locker room, laughing. That’s when we feel like a family.”

Finally, last but not least, our Captain, Mike Hudson, 38, who lost his leg when he was hit by a car in a work-related incident at a construction site. He was also hooked at first ice, and while he’s very proud of his hat trick in the final game of the regular season, his big goal is to keep spreading the word of sports therapy and getting as many physically limited people involved. “It can really change your life.”

We have plans over the next year to continue to build an adaptive sports network in New York, and expand our education to the general public, but we will need your help.

To find out more about the Westchester Sled Hockey Clinic, watch insane point-of-view videos, visit us at the rink, get on our mailing list and discover how you can donate your time and money to our non-profit organization, please “like” us at facebook.com/sledhockeyclinic.

More Photos and Story here….

A Giant Heart: Eli Manning Shines a Light on Guiding Eyes for the Blind

by

By Ronni Diamondstein Photos by Grace Bennett for Inside Chappaqua Magazine

Two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning returns to Westchester this month to serve as Most Valuable Player and host of the 35th Annual Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Tournament. For the sixth year in a row, Manning, the New York Giants quarterback, will use his celebrity status to spotlight a remarkable organization that brightens what could be a dark world for the visually challenged and blind.

Eli Manning visited Mulino’s in White Plains early in May, at which time a $3M grant from Pepsico, Inc., toward the development of a Guiding Eyes Canine Development Center, was announced.

This June, Manning will tee off with fellow golfers at the Mount Kisco Country Club. The Louisiana-born football star found his way to this Westchester event thanks to a family friend, Pat Browne, who is a champion blind golfer, winning this tournament 23 times. “Five years ago, Pat Browne called my dad and asked if I would host the Guiding Eyes golf event. Since then, I’ve gotten to witness what Guiding Eyes does and how people’s lives are changed. It’s been very rewarding,” Manning told golfers and supporters at the event dinner last June.

In this economy, not-for-profits have trouble raising funds to meet their needs. “Eli Manning is a big magnet,” says Bill Badger, Guiding Eyes President and CEO, “and we’re privileged to have him.” Last year, the event raised over $650,000 for this organization that provides guide dogs and services for the visually impaired and blind. Badger adds, “Anytime you have a person of Eli’s stature involved, it attracts awareness. He believes in what we are doing and is a genuine and sincere advocate for our mission.”

Lisa Cantwell, a special ed teacher in Yonkers, was able to return to work despite multiple disabilities–thanks to Ogden here.
Eli Manning with 11-week old Steffi

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is dedicated to enriching the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women by providing them with the freedom to travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity and new horizons of opportunity. The organization runs an internationally accredited, not-for-profit, guide-dog school with a more than 50-year legacy of providing the blind and visually impaired with superior Guiding Eyes dogs, training, and lifetime support services at no cost to the individual.

For the past few years, the Guiding Eyes has cast a wider net to help people. In 2008, they launched a new program “Heeling Autism,” which offers service dogs to autistic children. These children have poor impulse control and “Heeling Autism” dogs are trained to prevent a child from bolting into traffic or some other kind of danger. They help keep the child safe and provide many other benefits to the family. To date, 32 dogs have been placed locally.

The two day tournament begins on Sunday June 10th at the Mount Kisco Country Club where the country’s top blind golfers compete in the Corcoran Cup, the Masters’ Invitational of the United States Blind Golf Association. “The whole weekend is wonderful,” says Dick Pomo, a blind golfer from Green Valley, Arizona, who makes the trip east along with his Guiding Eyes the Guiding Eyes are shared, and the organization’s accomplishments of the year are celebrated.

Wendy David, a clinical psychologist on the board of directors of Guiding Eyes, with Wafer, who she calls “my Vanilla Wafer.” Wafer is David’s fourth Guiding Eyes dog. Her last one was Star, whom she called Star of David

“It’s a feel good day,” says Pomo. “When you sit in the room at the dinner you can feel the warmth. The whole evening is about people giving.” People who can’t attend can help by participating in an online auction and the raffle of a 2013 BMW and a pair of Rolex watches.

Not all dogs trained by Guiding Eyes have a successful career helping the blind. Some dogs start the program, but for one reason or another cannot serve as guide dogs. These dogs are released for adoption. Chappaqua native Bob Malmgren,Vice President of Sports Sales for CBS, got involved in the tournament when his wife Gina adopted one of these dogs. After Gina adopted her dog, Pierre, she changed her career by becoming an Administrative Assistant to Dr. Jody Sandler, Director of Veterinary Services. The Malmgrens now have two of these dogs.

A member of the Mount Kisco Country Club and an avid golfer, Malmgren says it was a natural fit for him to join the classic and help find sponsors. “A lot of our CBS guys are well connected and we jumped right in to help find sponsors and donations.” Malmgren played a big role in securing transportation to the classic for the blind golfers. “I reached out to a friend who runs Southwest Airlines and the blind golfers were flown in free.”

While Malmgren modestly says he’s a small part of the event, he is part of a big group of volunteers and his contribution in getting other donors and support is huge. “The event has continued to grow for 35 years and yet we’ve managed to keep it fun and dynamic without losing the original charm,” says Michelle Brier, director of Marketing and Communication for Guiding Eyes. “This is a testament to Guiding Eyes and believing in what we do.”

There are people who’ve been involved since the beginning. “I go to lots of events and Guiding Eyes is a first class golf event. We never have a problem filling two courses,” says Malmgren who is also a member of the Guiding Eyes Golf Classic Committee. Volunteers make the event happen. Malmgren says that like Eli, every single person involved with Guiding Eyes for the Blind has the same qualities as the Super Bowl hero but they just play on different fields or stages. “We all share the same passion and understand our mission. Everyone involved is an MVP and champion.”

For Pomo, the event is like coming home. “At Guiding Eyes, I feel like part of a family. Eli Manning represents the school and brings in so many people.” Manning continues to be a proud participant and supporter: “It’s amazing what someone with vision impairment can accomplish with a guide dog, and how a child with autism can live his life and allow his parents to breathe a little with a “Heeling Autism” dog. It’s an honor to be a part of this,” says Manning. For more information about the 35th Annual Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Classic go to www.guidingeyes.org/ news-events/events/golf/ or call 914.243.2208

Ronni Diamondstein, owner of Maggie Mae Pup Reporter is a Chappaqua based freelance writer, PR consultant, award-winning photographer and a School Library Media Specialist and teacher who has worked in the US and abroad. 

Eyes that Guide and So Much More

Doug Frost, a longtime employee of the Chappaqua Village Market, knows first hand the value of a Guiding Eyes dog. His mother, Lucretia Frost, of Verplanck, New York, now has her second guide dog, Cindy, a black Lab. She got her first dog, Venice, 17 years ago and clearly values the experience. Not only does Guiding Eyes train dogs, but it trains their future owners as well, at a school in Yorktown Heights. “My first stay at Guiding Eyes was in February 1995,” says Lucretia. “You could not meet a nicer group of people. They were all so helpful and concerned about your needs. My second visit was in April 2008, and again, it was great. The complex was beautiful and all the accommodations and amenities made it a comfortable place to stay.”

There are many benefits in having a Guiding Eyes companion, and Lucretia is keenly aware of them. “One of the most important feelings for me is that your dog gives you the freedom to do things on your own.”

Once you have a guide dog, you are not left on your own. “Guiding Eyes keeps in contact and is a great help if any problems arise. The vet’s office continues to take care of Cindy wonderfully.” There is mutual trust between Lucretia and Cindy. “These dogs are so well trained you can go anywhere and feel safe,” says Lucretia. And once Cindy is off duty, free of her harness, she is a loving pet and member of the family.
– Ronni Diamondstein

Getting to Know: Artist and Tech Guru Marc Jaffe and The Taming Cafe

by

Marc Jaffe– an accomplished photographer and a technology expert who has created his own vibrant brand in dual realms—was first inspired by his father, Ed Jaffe. The elder Jaffe began his career as a commercial photographer and is now a sculptor and painter. “I grew up around art my whole life,” said Marc; his foray into the art world began as the subject for one of his father’s sculptures, at the age of six months.

Kinetic energy flows through Jaffe’s photos; the sense of movement visualized in his prints is generated by the unique method he has developed. While traveling by car, Jaffe aims his camera and shoots.The resulting images are arresting and dazzling. His work has appeared in three books and has been shown at the juried Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Greenwich Art to the Avenue, SoNo Arts Festival and Reflected Light: Robert Kennedy Jr’s, Riverkeeper benefit.

Find technology daunting? No worries. Jaffe elucidates the most murky aspects of technology in a manner both joyful and productive. Recently, Jaffe taught a woman residing in a nursing home how to embrace technology. In a lesson on using a Google search, his instructions were: “Type the question the way you would ask me or a doctor.” The client was thrilled to learn how easy it was to harness the energy of her computer. “I teach people how to use their tools. It’s empowering,” Jaffe noted. In addition to teaching, he also serves as the web master for several illustrious sites including the one for this magazine!

The next phase of The Taming Cafe, Jaffe’s technological enterprise, will be the opening of an actual site destined to become the go to location for anyone interested in technology, learning and social networking. This hub will house many components including: Taming Central, a software and hardware training center, Taming Beans; featuring in-house roasted blends and technologically compatible food, the Taming Cage; a repair center for “unruly computers,” Taming Gadgets; a shop selling computers, phones and technology as well as Taming Social for “live social networking and learning.” Jaffe is currently soliciting investors to finance this venture.

Visit marcjaffe.com  Facebook Page to view his work and for further information

– Sarah Ellen Berman