The Inside Press

Paula Barbag: A Whirlwind of Energy and Tireless Dedication

April 21, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Pamela Brown

Paula Barbag is a whirlwind of energy and tireless dedication to reaching her full potential while helping others. “I believe you’ll achieve the most success, personally and professionally, if you follow your passion, remain true to yourself, and be all that you can be,” said Paula, a Chappaqua resident who uses that motto to help nonprofit organizations discover their strengths and establish their vision. As Founder and President of Consulting For A Cause, Paula works collaboratively with nonprofits to encourage them to embrace growth and also to obtain their goals.

“I have a passion for the mission of nonprofits and the intrinsic reward and benefits of working with dedicated, hardworking employees,” she said. Paula has recently taken on a new role as Director of Major Gifts at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, which is now part of the Montefiore Health System. She will be cultivating and soliciting major and planned gifts from individuals. When her schedule allows, Paula will assume a new role with Consulting For A Cause. In addition to teaching, she will continue to providing consulting services on a limited basis, and collaborate with her network of accomplished fundraising and organizational development professionals, to deliver quality services.

After 10 years in the corporate world, Paula enjoyed a thriving 23-year career at Richmond Community Services, where she served in various roles, including Human Resources Director, Special Projects Director, which focused on organizational development, and Director of Marketing & Development. After that time, she knew the time was right to pursue a new challenge. “It was a long, difficult decision,” said Paula who went back to school to pursue her master’s in fundraising management, volunteered at local organizations, and researched the growing needs of the nonprofit industry, finding that the unmet need of nonprofits was a business approach to fund development.

(L-R): Brian Skanes, Boys and Girls Club of America; Naomi Koller Fishman, Westchester Jewish Community Services and Pace University; Robert Nadel, The Nadel Consulting Group; Paula Barbag; Gregory Muth, Columbia University; Marian Gyzlo, Think to Lead; and Robert Cooper, R.L. Cooper and Associates.

In 2008, Paula became a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), and in 2012, founded Consulting For A Cause, a results-oriented, boutique firm specializing in fundraising and organizational development for start-ups to fully-accomplished nonprofits and businesses. Its services include: fundraising counsel, major gift and capital campaigns, business development; strategic planning and analysis; education and training; board development and executive search. Some of the clients she has worked with include the Garrison Institute, Food Bank for Westchester, Rye Arts Center, Community Center of Northern Westchester, Stop Stigma Now, Latino U College Access, and the New Westchester Symphony Orchestra. Recently, Paula has begun working with a for-profit, providing outplacement counseling services.

Knowledgeable and experienced, Paula and her staff take pride in their professionalism and outstanding business practices. “Consulting For A Cause is guided by high ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to excellence. I can be trusted to deliver what’s promised,” said Paula who earned a Masters of Fundraising Management degree from Columbia University, an MBA in Personnel and Industrial Relations degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Professional Certificate in Philanthropy and Fundraising from New York University.

In 2013, the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce recognized the firm’s contributions to the industry with the New Business of the Year award, and in March of 2015, Paula received the Peter J. Gallagher Award for Leadership and Service from the Association of Development Officers (ADO). “Paula is a sincere, giving, and compassionate person, exemplifying outstanding community spirit and service. She has a passion for the nonprofit industry, their causes and their missions, and decades of experience and knowledge of the nonprofit and fundraising industry, plus she’s provided long-time personal community service to many nonprofits,” said Lydia Howie, former director of ADO. Paula is a former president of ADO and served as a member of its board of directors.

“I devoted 15 years of time and effort as a board member to a professional association that helped me grow professionally and eased my transition from human resources to fundraising,” she said. Paula is also a member of the Business Council of Westchester, Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Grant Writers Association of the Hudson Valley.

Paula has been married to her husband, David, for 30 years. They have three children: Erica, 20; Alexis, 23; and Scott, 25. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, entertaining, traveling, taking walks with her husband and dog in local parks, exercising, and pampering herself and her daughters. “Keeping priorities in order are essential. I must take care of my mind, body and soul first, because if I don’t take care of myself I can’t be a good wife, mother, business woman, sister, or friend,” she said.

Since becoming a CFRE, Paula has obtained a wealth of information as she’s taken on demanding projects for a wide spectrum of clients. The firm’s most exciting project has been CHOICE of New Rochelle. “Consulting For A Cause raised over 25,000 for the agency’s art program through partnering with Charles Fazzino, world-renowned artist that has its headquarters in New Rochelle. Charles championed the art program and held annual art fundraisers,” Paula explained. She’s found immense satisfaction seeing the positive results of working collaboratively with nonprofits to advance their mission. “I’m most proud of making it through three years of growth, personally and professionally, and having the courage to pause in 2015 to scale down my business to obtain a clearer vision of what success will look like for me and Consulting For A Cause.

To add to her already-busy schedule, currently, Paula is a teaching assistant at Columbia University and serves on the board of directors of a women’s empowerment organization, POWHERNY, an exclusive statewide network committed to securing economic equality for all New York women, and is a member of the Nonprofit Leadership Summit committee. Her summer will focus on her new job at Burke, writing her own strategic growth plan and developing educational programs for nonprofits (or businesses) to develop their own plans while guided by her goal of striving to lead a full, meaningful, and balanced life.

Paula will be presenting at the Nonprofit Leadership Summit sponsored by United Way of Westchester and Putnam, on Monday, May 2nd, on the topic of Benefit Corporations.

For more information on Consulting for a Cause, visit consultingforacause.com

The Truth about Crunches Plus Safer Alternatives

April 21, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Matt Marucci

A crunch might be the most common abdominal exercise, but it fails to accomplish the two most common goals of abdominal work: protecting the lower back from injury and toning your mid-section. If you can perform one single crunch, you have a six pack. Whether you can see it, is a matter of body fat. Decreasing body fat is a function of cardiovascular exercise and sound nutrition, neither of which is addressed by crunches. Crunches may enhance the appearance of your rectus abdominus, but this comes with some risk.

To understand the risk, let’s talk about your core–which is designed to stabilize the spine. Comprised of the transversus abdominus and deep extensors, these muscles act to minimize movement of your spine. Crunches and pelvic tilts require flexion of the spine (think of slouching in front of the computer): the antithesis of stability! Repeated flexion of your spine places stress on your vertebral discs and ligaments. Over time, such cumulative stress can increase your risk for lower back injuries.

Exercises like planks and side planks properly emphasize stability of the spine. You can even work your core by keeping your stomach firm while performing other exercises, such as pushups or rows. The difference is that your ability to keep your stomach tight should be the rate limiting factor for these exercises. For example, if you can perform 15 pushups with good form, you are doing a great job of strengthening your pecs and triceps. However, if you want to focus more on your core, you would perform only as many pushups as you can with your stomach tight. If you feel your stomach fatigue at seven reps, the exercise is done because you have fatigued your core. Bottom line: There are worse things you can do to your spine than crunches, but if your goal is to work your core or decrease your risk of lower back problems, you can do far better than a crunch.

Matthew Marucci, PT, MSPT, OCS, CSCS, is Chair, Hudson Valley District NYPTA, and owner of New Castle
Physical Therapy & Personal Training. www.newcastlept.net

Chappaqua’s Newest Novelist Lynda Cohen Loigman Debuts “The Two-Family House”

April 21, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Debra Hand

On March 8, 2016, surrounded by friends, family and admirers at the Chappaqua Library Theater, New Castle resident Lynda Cohen Loigman officially launched The Two-Family House, an engrossing family saga about two brothers and their families living in postwar Brooklyn that has drawn rave reviews for its compassion, thoughtfulness and complex, vivid character development from the likes of the Associated Press, Publisher’s Weekly, Bookreporter, Booklist Reviews, RT Book Reviews and the Jerusalem Post.

“I am so grateful for the tremendous community support I have received, both from the Chappaqua Library and our town residents,” Loigman said, after reading several passages from the book and answering attendees questions about its background. “It was a thrilling night!”

From Idea to Manuscript

Loigman, who lives in Chappaqua with her husband Bob (“my biggest advocate and Googler”) and children Ellie, 17, and Charlie, 13, did not set out to be a novelist. A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, Loigman practiced trusts and estates law at a large Manhattan law firm for eight years, and was then a legal recruiter. She had written poetry throughout high school and college –and considered writing children’s songs because of her facility with rhyme–but had never even taken a creative writing class. She had a story in her head, though, that would not release its grip for 16 years.

Loigman’s mother grew up with her sisters in a two-family house in Brooklyn shared with their three cousins, also girls. The mothers got along well, the six cousins practically siblings. But Loigman’s grandmother always spoke of how she would have liked a boy. Loigman wondered: what if one family only had girls, and the other only boys? Would each crave what the other had?

After losing her mother, Loigman decided to finally write the story that had been evolving in her mind and which she had been bouncing off friends. She registered for “The Writer’s Essential Selves” course at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, a weekly, unstructured class in which the students wrote and discussed whatever they chose. Six and a half years later, Loigman remains a student in the class.

That first class “was a magical, unbelievably talented group of people,” said Loigman, crediting it with truly teaching her how to write. When she began, she had only written the “hook” of her story, yet was encouraged by her teacher and classmates to continue until the story was told.

The Path to Publication

Loigman acknowledges her luck in getting her book noticed and eventually published. Nearing completion of The Two-Family House, she registered for Sarah Lawrence’s June 2014 Publish and Promote Your Book Conference, which included interactive panel discussions with literary agents, editors and publicists and three “pitch sessions” for each registrant. Coincidentally, she was assigned to meet Marly Rusoff, the agent for an old acquaintance. Rusoff liked that Loigman’s story had that “hook” as well as a clear beginning, middle and end, and asked to see the manuscript upon its completion.

Loigman sent the manuscript in late July 2014; two days later, Rusoff called after reading the book in a day and offered to represent her. At Rusoff’s suggestion, Loigman wrote an essay about the inspiration behind the book, which with the manuscript was sent to editors that August.

The Two-Family House was bought that November by editor Jennifer Weis of St. Martin’s Press. The book would be released at the end of winter 2016 (one of three publication periods); cover art was chosen, and advance copies were sent out for feedback and cover “blurbs.”

Promotional Tour and Future Plans

After a launch-week book signing at Scattered Books in downtown Chappaqua, scheduled spring promotional events included (at press time) author readings at Sarah Lawrence, UJA-Federation of New York, the Museum at Eldridge Street, Temple Israel in Westport, and Brookline Booksmith in Massachusetts. Loigman has also received a great deal of support–interviews or “guest blogging” appearances –from writing and book club blogs and websites. The Jewish Book Council has even created a discussion guide for The Two-Family House, which was listed under “Best Books of the Month” in the Goodreads March Newsletter.

Loigman has already started work on her second novel. But in the interim, she hopes to meet someone with a connection to Natalie Portman, who she envisions as the perfect “Rose” in a film adaptation of her debut!

You can “Like” Lynda Cohen Loigman, Author, on Facebook. Also, please visit: lyndacohenloigman.com

Debra Hand is a longtime writer and editor for Inside Chappaqua, thrilled for her friend’s successful debut and inspired to follow in her footsteps!

CSA: A Great Way to Eat Fresh, and Healthy, Meals

April 21, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Liz Susman Karp

With the current spotlight on farm-to-table eating and eating local, spring presents an opportune time to sign up for a share in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).

A CSA is a weekly allotment of farm-grown vegetables, usually enough to feed two to four people. Fruit, eggs, meat and poultry additions are often optional. Splitting shares is common. Some farms are certified organic, others follow organic practices (high certification cost) or have taken the NOFA (National Organic Farmers Association) pledge to farming, marketing and farm management in accordance with sound ecological and economic principles.

Participating in a CSA enables shareholders to obtain fresh, natural food; it’s a statement of commitment to the land, and lends support and security to farmers. That’s got to make food taste better!

There’s something grounding (no pun intended) about eating seasonally, when food reaches its natural peak. It’s reminiscent of a simpler time, yet is thoroughly modern. A plant-heavy diet with few or no processed foods has proven more nourishing. Fertile soil fights the effects of global warming. Improved access to better food offers choice in a food system which promotes unhealthy foods.

Each week’s share is different. “The quantity of types of produce varies week-to-week depending on what is available–we include all produce we grow here on our farm,” says Christine Tartaglia of Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard. “But, for example, the cucumber crop might be fruiting like crazy one week and, say, peppers are not, so you might get more cukes in that box and no peppers. But that being said, we know that no one wants an overload of one type of veggie, so we do our best to offer a broad range of staples and new/different items each week.” Visit harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com

CSAs provide a weekly newsletter with information and recipes. Jenn Hentel, a member of Roxbury Farm’s CSA, says, “Most veggies you have heard of, but the rarer ones make it fun. My theory is: If you don’t know what to do with it, then roast it!”

A sampling of local options:

Members of Roxbury Farm’s CSA bring their own bags to pick-up sites, which include B’nai Yisrael, Armonk, and Pace University, Pleasantville. Known for innovative practices, the Kinderhook, NY farm’s CSA is in its 26th year. It runs for 23 weeks beginning June 8, with seven to 12 varieties weekly. Options include meat and chicken shares and an 18-week fruit share. Shareholders are asked to contribute time neatening their site or delivering extras to a food pantry. www.roxburyfarm.com

The CSA of Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard in North Salem is in its fifth year. Half or full bushel shares are offered for 13 or 18 weeks beginning July 7. Prices start at $325. A milk share from Ronnybrook Farm is available. Members may receive grass fed beef, apple cider or eggs as occasional bonus items. Visit www.harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com.

The Stone Barns Center CSA, available to members of Stone Barns, “is so much about sharing not just in the crops from our farm, but in the work of the Center to change the way America eats and farms,” says SBC Content Manager Adriana Stimola. Beginning June 1 for 22 weeks, it includes seasonal vegetable varieties not found anywhere else, often trial varieties from collaborative seed-breeding partnerships. Some will be grown exclusively for CSA members. Cost is $800; pick up at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills. Options are chicken, eggs and flower bouquets. Visit stonebarnscenter.org

Simpaug Farms in Suffield, Conn., will distribute its CSA in Ridgefield at Bailey’s Backyard and the Ridgefield Farmers Market from June 6 to Sept. 19. Each weekly or bi-weekly share includes five to 12 vegetable varieties with herbs, berries and occasional preserved items from the farm kitchen. Meat, eggs and other products may be purchased through the farm website. Members are encouraged to share their experiences, photos, and recipes on Simpaug’s social media pages. 300 shares are available; cost is $35/week. Visit www.simpaugfarms.com.

Pound Ridge Organics, a local organic food hub, offers a CSA featuring all clean, locally-grown products year-round without upfront cost. Members receive a weekly order form for organic/biodynamic produce, certified organic, animal welfare-approved meat and poultry, dairy, artisanal breads and other natural products, including kosher, vegan and gluten free options. New this spring is a heritage egg and poultry option. No limit to spots or minimum/maximum order, but organizer Donna Simons, who founded PRO five years ago after doing a research project on factory farming, prefers people order on a regular basis. Pick up at hr carriage house in Pound Ridge. For more info, write to: poundridgeorganics@icloud.com.

CSAs provide appealing alternatives for food choice. Dara Mirsky joined Roxbury Farms so her young sons could see her and her husband enjoying vegetables. “I like getting vegetables that are still a little dirty…just pulled from the earth,” she says. “And on the whole everything tastes a lot better than the supermarket.”

Liz Susman Karp is a freelance writer and public relations practitioner. She, her husband and two teenage sons live in Briarcliff Manor near the site of Briarcliff Lodge where they used to explore the ruins when the boys were young.

Centered on Good Health: Dina Khader’s Innovative Guidance

April 21, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Deborah Raider Notis

In 2010, Dina Khader opened the Khader Center in Mount Kisco for health and wellness. Khader, a practicing dietitian and nutrition consultant for more than 26 years, is dedicated to developing personalized regimens to help her clients become increasingly stronger and healthier.

Khader, originally from Jordan, lived all over the world throughout her childhood and she eventually settled in New York. She experienced and learned from many different cultures–witnessing malnutrition first hand in many poor countries. With an incentive to study nutrition to help fight hunger, she pursued becoming a registered dietitian and integrative nutrition consultant.

“I had a serious reaction to the polio vaccine when I was 15 months old,” says Khader, who faced a variety of health issues at an early age. “Originally, no one thought that I would be able to walk, and when I did walk, I walked with a limp.”

When she was 13 years old and living in Abu Dhabi, Khader attended a yoga class during which the instructor told her that eating red meat could be harmful to her joints. Khader did her research and decided to change her diet and exercise routine to strengthen her body and immune system. Realizing the incredible impact that a regulated diet and lifestyle routine could provide, Khader dedicated her life to studying nutrition.

Khader leverages her strong clinical background as a dietitian and nutritionist, her unique knowledge of the effects that specific medicines have on the body, and her healing techniques to help her clients. A graduate of New York Medical College with an MS in Nutrition, she worked in several hospitals and started the nutrition program for the Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco before opening the Khader Center.

“I do practice what I preach,” says Khader, who is committed to “eating really, really well,” and exercising a lot. After developing her own, personalized health and nutrition plan, Khader started building targeted nutrition strategies for her clients. She works with clients with a variety of objectives, from those focused on weight loss to clients looking for anti-aging techniques to people suffering from cancer or those struggling with hormonal issues. “I incorporate a number of cutting-edge, integrative strategies, individually tailored to the needs of each client.”

Khader’s cutting-edge techniques include a computer software program that helps to determine which organs in a client’s body are most stressed. She also employs epigenetics, a method of genetic testing designed to identify and alter a client’s overall health. Additionally, Khader’s mud-packing technique helps people to heal after injuries or surgical scars. “We address the trauma through a targeted application of specially mixed volcanic clay that is designed to restore the body’s natural electrical circuit. The results have been life-changing as the clay is very effective at addressing toxicity,” notes Khader.

“I can help clients achieve dramatic health improvements without relying on extreme diets or potentially dangerous drugs,” states Khader. Ultimately, her goal is to change lives for the better. And, in the end, isn’t that what we all want?

Deborah Raider Notis is a writer and co-owner of gamechanger, LLC (gamechangernow.com), a free referral service connecting Westchester families to highly qualified, competitively priced academic, athletic, music, and art instructors. In addition to contributing to the Inside Press, Deborah’s writing can be found on suburbanmisfitmom.com.

The Inside Press

Paula Barbag: A Whirlwind of Energy and Tireless Dedication