The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

Cheryl Ehrlich’s “The Cupcake Conspiracy”

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Cupcakes are ubiquitous. After a renaissance sparked by Magnolia Bakery in the city, these delectable confections have become one of the most coveted desserts. At times, it seems like cupcakes are poised to conquer the world. When viewed through the lens of C.J. Ehrlich and Philip J. Kaplan’s new play, “The Cupcake Conspiracy,” this observation does not seem like an exaggeration. One March eve, chuckling could be heard emanating from the theater at the Chappaqua Library. Guests at a benefit for the Friends of the Chappaqua Library were treated to a staged reading of “The Cupcake Conspiracy.” During the introduction, playwright and Chappaqua resident Cheryl Ehrlich described the piece as a work in progress.

At the opening of the first scene, evidence of mixed signals is center stage. Max, one half of a potential couple, thinks he is participating in a dating ritual as a result of an internet conversation. The other half, Natasha, leads him on in a manner none too subtle, while dropping hints that romance may not be her ultimate motive. While dining at a hotdog stand emblazoned with the slogan: “Death to America, hotdogs and knish,” the two begin a discussion about gifts. In a totally authentic Russian accent, Natasha proclaims: “The most unselfish gift is your own life.” This reference to suicide bombers, combined with comments like “…splicing information like you’re waterboarding me,” make it clear that terrorism is Natasha’s aim.

Notes of humor balance the serious nature of terrorism throughout the play. Suzie, expertly played by Denise Bessette, laments the sorry state of her relationship. Her line, “and even if you do fly coach in the bedroom, I could have tried to upgrade you to first class,” elicited much laughter. Although she had urged her lover to take more risks in order to renew the spark in their romance, when she perceived that he was partaking in terrorist activities, she changed her tune and told him that she had recommended that he “join a book club, not a sleeper cell.”

The audience gave the performance rave reviews. “It’s a delightful production, whimsical. Engaging characters and entertaining,” was Catharine Trongone’s take on the evening. Doc Davis, an actor himself, appreciated the high quality of the players. “They’re not amateurs. They have the expertise,” he noted. Toward the end, a glimmer of hope surfaces between Suzie and Max, a couple who had been seeing a separation counselor.

After being entrapped in a terrorist plot, they acquire a new perspective. “Being held hostage does wonders for a relationship.” Suzie relates. “Terrorism is easy but marriage is complicated,” she concludes. –Sarah Ellen Berman

The 11th Commandment: Thou Shalt Eat Coffee Yogurt

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By Audrey Mann Cronin

Go figure. That is what I said to my sister Bev when she laughingly imparted a story about her recent trip to the local Snider’s Supermarket in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

There she was in the dairy aisle rummaging through the rows and rows of Dannon yogurt in search of her favorite flavor, when a clerk came up to her and said, “What flavor are you looking for?”

“Coffee,” she said. “Are you Jewish?” “Am I Jewish?” she reiterated. “Yes, well…Jewish people love coffee yogurt.” “Really?” said Bev. “Yes, especially New York Jews. Are you originally from New York?”

We did grow up in a New York suburb, our refrigerator packed with Dannon coffee yogurt. But, we never put the two together. Jews and pastrami on rye, Jews and pickled herring, Jews and seltzer – yes. But, Jews and Dannon coffee yogurt? Who knew?

The refrigerator of my Jewish, depression-raised parents is always stacked with coffee yogurt. While my mom is the resident daily consumer, my dad is the bulk shopper, reputed to buy a dozen at a time – more if they are on sale. And, my mom’s friends, Sarah, Naomi and Gladys, etc. all eat Dannon coffee yogurt, mostly for lunch, and with a bissel almonds or granola. I know – I am a witness.

My own Chappaqua fridge, too, is rarely without. I always buy a bunch because it seems to be in short order. A typical shopping day at the A&P finds the coffee row empty – in its place a plethora of Light and Fit Lemon Chiffons, Fruit-on-the-Bottom Boysenberries and the probiotic good-for-your-tummy Activa flavors.

Audrey, mother, Doris and daughter Amanda with a dozen Dannon coffee yogurts that just happened to be in the fridge 🙂

My husband agrees. He is also known to stock up.

When my daughter Amanda was eight, she was given her first sneak-taste by my mother – much to the dismay of my otherwise caffeine-fanatical husband. Sure enough, it was love at first bite. Could there be a coffee yogurt gene?

I decided to do some research outside of my immediate family. First, I asked my Jewish friends if they shared my passion for this luscious, caramel-colored fermented milk.

My friend Bonnie is a self-proclaimed addict. Apparently, she is a two-cup a-day-er. One 6 oz. cup doesn’t cut it, even for her 100 lb. frame. And, the way she eats it matches my own.

“It should be eaten ice cold,” said Bonnie. “I stick it in the way back of my refrigerator where it is the coldest. And, if I pull one out to eat, and the phone starts ringing, I put it back in until I am done talking.”

I nod. “Yes. It has to be ice cold, with the top almost a solid cream.”

I also hit up many of my gentile friends….Trisha complained of the after-taste and the other dozen or so had either never tried it, or had no visceral passion.

Searching the blogosphere I immediately found this entry on Amazon’s “Al Dente’s Blog: Always on my Shopping List.” A female Brooklynite wrote, “I have loved Dannon’s coffee all my life. I understand they don’t sell it everywhere, but they’ve had it here in New York for forty years at least. I used to get it in 16-oz containers, but now I can only get it in those tiny 6-oz ones. Boo!”

So, what is up with those tiny, un-filling 6 oz. containers? And, how about the addiction factor? Could a 6 oz. cup of coffee yogurt, a mere forschpiece, contain enough caffeine to cause an addiction? Turns out a six-ounce container of Dannon Lowfat Coffee Yogurt only contains a mere 36 mg of caffeine. So, if my cat ate a whole container, he would only sleep 15 hours a day.

I contacted Dannon’s PR department…While they weren’t able to confirm that coffee yogurt was more popular in the New York-area (I was too chicken to ask about the Jewish factor), they did offer up that they don’t market by flavor. To show their appreciation for my interest, they sent me coupons and a Dannon t-shirt.

So, I know there is probably nothing really scientific going on here –just some oddly compelling Seinfeld-ian evidence. My sample size is too small, too local, too female, too Jewish. But, for the record, I may be on to something, and I am here to say…

Move over matzah balls and Shalom to kasha varnishkas! Say hello to Dannon coffee yogurt, the new Jewish food.

Freelance writer Audrey Mann Cronin is president of Mann Cronin PR, a marketing, communications and social media consultancy. A Chappaqua resident, she is the proud mother of two and wife of one. Her passions include music, books, travel, swimming, yoga, theatre and, in a former life, fronting a rock band.

Every Day is Mother’s Day

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By Miriam Longobardi

Mother’s Day is a holiday that honors and celebrates the joy of motherhood and yet most mothers I know experience all the triumphs and celebrations of our children, the large and the small, every day. As a single mom I get to horde all that to myself, but I am also the sole recipient of all the adolescent emotional tirades, teenage eye-rolls and heavy sighs at my inability to understand or my refusal to rescind a consequence that impacts their social lives. But when we become mothers we can’t just sign on for the hugs and kisses and Hallmark moments and I suppose this is why a day is set aside to honor all of the effort energy that goes into being a mother.

Like my own mother, I still have every hand-painted card and clumsily wrapped homemade gift my children have ever bestowed upon me. I became a single parent when they were fairly young, yet they still found ways to make me the requisite breakfast in bed (even without being allowed to use the oven or stove unsupervised). They would bring me yogurt with fruit and granola or banana and peanut butter and climb into bed to earnestly present their heartfelt little gifts. I felt more blessed by these simple gestures than watching commercials of Hollywood’s version of the all-American traditional two parent family. Our little family is perfect for us the way I hope that others feel their families suit them.

L-R: Amanda, Mom and Julia.

I couldn’t possibly write about Mother’s Day without giving a nod to my own mother. Don’t we all have a greater appreciation for what they experienced once we become mothers ourselves? I see the reflection of me in my daughters and recall what I put my poor mother through growing up and I feel like everything comes full circle. Both my parents are a major part in the raising of my kids with me and continue to shape the kind of mother I am. They are there when I need them, ready to pick up my kids if I’m stuck and will happily take them at the drop of a hat if I need some time to myself or the all-important getaway to save my sanity. Unconditional love and support is what they have always shown me and is a legacy of security I try valiantly to pass on to my own children singlehandedly.

As my children get older, one now in high school and the other in middle school, I’ve become keenly aware that my daily Mother’s Day moments with them–the joyful and the trying– are numbered. Before long–much sooner than I will ever be ready– they will be out on their own and the laughter at our family dinner table as well as the drama of angry door slams will be as much an echo of our former lives as their childhood cookie-crumb kisses and scraped knees. So when I sigh at another mountain of laundry or feel my blood pressure rise as I pass a bedroom strewn with clothes and electronics I try to remind myself that all these things are as much the treasures of motherhood as a great report card or cheering on the sidelines of a winning game.

So whether like me, you are fortunate to have your own mother still with you or are left with her memory, whether your children are needy toddlers that exhaust you as you entertain and chase after them endlessly, or are brooding teenagers that can drive you mad with monosyllabic indifference while refusing to look up from their phones, or are grown and leading their own lives, celebrate this wonderfully chaotic circle of life in the way that best honors your family–and do so a little each day.

Miriam Longobardi is a freelance writer, first grade teacher and single mother of two daughters living in Westchester. 
A breast cancer survivor, she also volunteers for the American Cancer Society and has completed four marathons. Also, check out her weekly New York Modern Love column at Examiner.com.

Giving Back: Important Causes to Consider (Part Two)

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By Jennifer Leventhal

As reported in our last issue, supporting local charitable organizations is a way of life among residents of New Castle. In this edition, we celebrate the volunteers who lend their time, energy and fundraising skills to local organizations that support individuals and families facing life threatening illnesses. Their reasons for volunteering are as moving as they are diverse. Again, it would be impossible to highlight all of the important local charities that are worthy of supporting, so please watch our website for additional reports.

Friends of Karen

Friends of Karen’s mission is to provide emotional, financial and advocacy support for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, in order to help keep them stable, functioning and able to cope. These services are offered regardless of race, religion, gender, handicap or national origin.
In the past 33 years, Friends of Karen has served more than 4,000 children and their families. When siblings are counted, the organization has touched the lives of more than 10,000 children.

Friends of Karen operates in accordance with its core values of Compassion, Dedication, Respect, Integrity and Impact. www.friendsofkaren.org

“Friends of Karen is a great organization that supports critically ill children and their families,” explains Steve Swirsky, a member of the Friends of Karen board of directors. “FOK is really unique in the way that it works to support and assist the entire family, not only the child with a critical illness but his or her family, including parents and siblings in dealing with the stresses and pressures of having a child with a critical illness.

This includes not only financial but emotional needs and the difficulties of dealing with the challenge of keeping a family and home together.”

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation – Westchester

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. CCFA is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization, founded in 1967 by Irwin M. and Suzanne Rosenthal, William D. and Shelby Modell, and Henry D. Janowitz, M.D.

Four decades ago, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation created the field of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis research. Today, the Foundation funds cutting-edge studies at major medical institutions, nurtures investigators at the early stages of their careers, and finances underdeveloped areas of research. www.ccfa.org/chapters/westfield

“I became involved with the CCFA after my daughter, then 2 ½ years old, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis,” says Lauren Baker. “Four years have passed, and she is thriving due to scientific advances that wouldn’t have been possible without the money raised by the CCFA.

We just held our annual Casino Night and we are gearing up for our Take Steps Walk in May. The money raised truly affects patients and their families and we look forward to a day when these diseases are a thing of the past.”

Lauren Baker's team "Baker's Dozen" at last year’s Westchester Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis Walk in FDR Park, an event which raised $200,000.

A Cure In Our Lifetime

The mission of A Cure In Our Lifetime is to fund innovative breast cancer research, provide resources for women who have breast cancer, and promote breast health through education and outreach. A Cure In Our Lifetime was formed in 1997 as a grassroots effort in response to the loss of a community member. The goal of the original seven committee members was to raise money to fight breast cancer. Since then, the committee has grown almost threefold and the organization has raised more than three million dollars in the fight against breast cancer. www.acureinourlifetime.org

“I recently celebrated my 12th anniversary as a breast cancer survivor,” says Laura Friedman. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32 when my first born son Josh was six months old. It was a rough year which we would not have been able to endure without the support of our friends, family and community. Around my five-year anniversary, I attended my first Chappaqua’s Cure In Our Lifetime event. It was such a wonderful and well-attended event that I reached out to the organization’s founder Karen Taub and asked how I could help in the future. I have now been on this committee for nearly seven years and so grateful to be working with remarkable women all committed to expanding our reach and allocating our funds to leading and innovative breast cancer research and support programs. Our event last year was attended by 260 women and we raised close to $180,000.”

Making Headway Foundation

Making Headway is a Chappaqua-based foundation dedicated to the care, comfort and cure of children with brain and spinal cord tumors.

Making Headway Foundation was established in 1996 by a small group of parents–Maya and Edward Manley and Clint Greenbaum–whose own children had undergone treatment for brain tumors.

tumors. They found that traditional hospital-based medical programs failed to provide essential humanistic services that enabled a child to reintegrate physically and emotionally with his or her family, school and peer groups. The founders of Making Headway wanted to provide other families with what they had found wanting–even with the finest medical care. In 2004, Dr. Jeffrey Allen and his Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program team found a new home at the NYU Langone Medical Center. Making Headway Foundation now works closely with this hospital and its Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders As from the start, Making Headway continues to focus on three main components: Support at the Hospital; Ongoing Care; and Research and Cure www.makingheadway.org

“When I first walked into Maya and Edward’s home more than a decade ago to learn about Making Headway, they were strangers,” says volunteer Steffi Green. “but I quickly realized they were the warmest, most giving people in the world. For the first Greeley Football Walkathon five years ago, we challenged each player to raise $100 and walk on behalf of the kids. We’ve raised more than $10,000 every year since, and the players have extended their volunteering on a more personal level. They visit the children in the hospital and really get to know them. The kids look forward to these visits, which are a special break from their challenging treatments. This year, we’ve extended the fundraising and volunteer program to include the girls’ Field Hockey team, and they are just as motivated to make a difference.”

Heartworks Westchester

The Heartworks Westchester event was founded by Barbara and Jonathan Lerman, in honor of their beautiful daughter Sydney, who was diagnosed at birth with a very severe form of Marfan syndrome, a rare and potentially life threatening connective tissue disorder. Over the past four years, their community of family, friends and supporters has made a real and measurable difference for the children and teens who are served by the National Marfan Foundation. Contributions to this year’s event on June 15th will help fund specific programs for children and teens, including the NMF’s Annual Conference, which provides an environment for children affected by Marfan syndrome and related disorders to help build self-esteem, while offering educational workshops and fun activities that help build friendships that last long after the Conference is over. www.marfan.org/marfan/2839/Heartworks-Westchester

“I had never heard of Marfans until Sydney Lerman was born,” says Volunteer Stacy Carr of Katonah. “It has been so personally rewarding to be involved with a charity that is so close to my heart. As personal friends of the Lerman family, we witness first hand their incredible strength and ability to face the challenges that Marfans presents. What is particularly satisfying is the knowledge that the profits we raise at Heartworks are directly earmarked to benefit children who suffer from Sydney’s form of the disease, pediatric spontaneous mutations, the most severe form.”

Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life began in the mid-1980s in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon, wanted to raise funds for his local American Cancer Society’s office and to show support for all of his patients battling cancer. He decided to personally raise money by running marathons. In May, 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a remarkable 24 hours circling the track at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. He ran more than 83 miles, cheered on by 300 friends, family and patients. Throughout the night, onlookers donated $25 each to run or walk along with Dr. Klatt. That first event raised $27,000. to fight cancer.

Relay for Life now takes place on tracks across the country. Chappaqua’s Relay for Life will be held on May 19th at Horace Greeley High School. Important moments of the overnight, relay-style event will include the Survivor’s Lap, a Luminaria Ceremony to honor those who have been touched by cancer and to remember lost loved ones, and a Fight Back Ceremony. www.relayforlife.org.

Event chair Matt Re says, “I’m fully invested in Relay for Life for two obvious reasons. The first is that I lost my mom to a long fight with cancer in February of 2011. The second is that I want to do anything in my power to make sure nobody else has to go through it either. By bringing it to Greeley, we raise money and awareness by realizing how many people in our own community are affected by cancer. This is most evident in our Luminaria Ceremony where we have people break and light glow-sticks when prompted with their personal relationship to cancer: a friend, a relative, or themselves.”

A Children’s Brain Tumor Cure 
Foundation

Brain tumors know no boundaries and are not at all discriminatory. A Children’s Brain Tumor Cure Foundation, an affiliate charity of the PLGA (Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytoma) Foundation, is dedicated to finding more effective, less toxic and less punishing treatments for eradicating brain cancer in children.

When children are affected, an entire community is moved to action. That is the reality of the Think Fit for Kids event, which recently celebrated its second successful year. On Sunday, March 18th, nearly 400 participants and volunteers and over 20 local merchant donors joined forces at Club Fit in Briarcliff for a common goal of raising awareness and funds for children’s brain tumor research. www.achildrensbraintumorcure.org and www.thinkfitforkids.org

“The reason I became involved with A Children’s Brain Tumor Cure Foundation was to honor my own son’s courage and strength, while considering the many other children who were not as fortunate in their outcome,” says Think Fit for Kids founder Kim Gilman. “Brain tumors are the leading cause of tumor death in children under 20 and the current treatments are toxic and often ineffective. I knew that if this community could see just how many local families have been affected by pediatric brain tumors, together, we could make a difference for the kids battling this disease.”

Since it’s inaugural event last year, Think Fit For Kids has raised over $300,000, ($160,000 this year and still counting!) enabling A Children’s Brain Tumor Cure Foundation to fund cutting edge clinical research which we hope will lead to new, genetically based diagnostic and therapeutic tools and, ultimately, a cure for pediatric brain tumors.

Jennifer Leventhal is a Millwood based freelance writer and editor. www.jenniferleventhal.com

Giving Back: Save the Dates

May 19th: Chappaqua Relay for Life, 6 p.m., Horace
Greeley High School. www.relayforlife.org

May 20th: Westchester Take Steps for Crohn’s &
Colitis, 4:00 p.m., FDR State Park, Yorktown. 
www.cctakesteps.org/westchester

June 1st: A Cure In Our Lifetime event, 9:30 a.m., Trump National Golf Club. Featuring Breakfast,
Silent Auction, Raffle, and Golf Outing.
 www.acureinourlifetime.org

June 1st: Spin To Win to Benefit Friends of Karen, 6:30 p.m., Saw Mill Club, Mt. Kisco. 
www.friendsofkaren.org

June 15th: 5th Anniversary Heartworks Westchester, 7:30 p.m., Crabtree’s Kittle House. Featuring the Journey tribute band Don’t Stop Believin’. www.marfan.org/marfan/2839/Heartworks-Westchester

June 26th: Holly’s Angels Gala to Benefit Making Headway Foundation, Cipriani, 42nd St., NYC. With Special Guest President William J. Clinton. For more information, please contact:
Catherine@makingheadway.org

What’s in a Name?

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By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein
My owner’s friend Stephanie told us recently that when she gets her new puppy she is going to name her Mia. My owner was curious about that, because she thinks it’s important to meet a new pet before deciding on a name. It’s just like naming a baby, she thinks; you look at it and say, “Yes, that’s the name.”

My owner learned that bit of wisdom when I came into her life. When she decided to get a poodle, she thought she would give the dog a French name after someone she admired like Coco Chanel. But when she met me, she realized that name didn’t suit me. I was so tiny, I weighed only 2 ½ pounds at 3 months old, yet so out-going and friendly she thought I needed a name with more spunk.

Then, because she is a librarian and knows lots of children’s books she thought about the character Maggie in her friend and Chappaqua resident Jean Van Leeuwen’s book, “Wait for Me,” Said Maggie McGee. Maggie in the book was the youngest and smallest in the family and was always chasing after the big kids for their attention.

So I became Maggie with Mae for a middle name because my owner liked that Rod Stewart song. And when she told the students at her elementary school how she named me, one very wise fourth grader, Lucas said, “Of course Ms. Diamondstein would name her dog after a character in a book.”

I wondered how other dogs got their names, so I decided to ask some of my canine friends how they were named and was surprised by the variety of the answers. My Boston Terrier neighbor MJ, has a mind of her own and told me she didn’t like her given name Princess, so she never answered to it when she was called. One day at the veterinarian’s office she heard the Tech called “MJ.”

She decided that was a good name, so she started responding every time it was called. Now that’s what everyone calls her. And my good friend Riley, the Staffordshire Terrier, was supposed to be Logan for the Boston airport connection of his owner Brian, but it just didn’t suit his personality. The Vizla next door to us was named Scotch for his butterscotch colored coat. Wilson, a black and white Shi Tzu, got his sporting name because he looked like a soccer ball when he was a little puppy. Harry Houdini, the Wire Fox Terrier, has an owner who is a magician. And my new Yorkie puppy friend Virginia Woof told me she got her literary name because there are so many English majors in her family. Gypsy, a rescue dog, has owners who are big fans of the singer Stevie Nicks and are especially fond of that song. Gypsy also says she likes to run around and lives up to her name. Ranger, the chocolate Lab, was named by his hockey-loving family for their favorite team.

Every time I hear someone say, “Maggie Mae,” I wag my tail with joy because I love hearing my name. So whether you choose your dog’s name based on its breed, its looks or something you like to do, be sure you say it with a smile in your voice!

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter at maggiemae10514@gmail.com

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant, award-winning photographer and a School Library Media Specialist and teacher who has worked in the US and abroad.