Robin Chwatko

FOCUSING ON A CURE: Following a Local Family’s Journey with Crohn’s & Colitis

September 30, 2021 by Robin Chwatko

***Focus on a Cure* *Gala:*** November 13^th, 2021 one.bidpal.net/fw2021gala

In March of 2007, everything changed for the Silverman family of Chappaqua when a pediatric gastroenterologist somberly said, “Your son, Josh, has Crohn’s disease.” For the five months leading up to that day, Ira and Wendi Silverman had helplessly watched their ten-year-old son grapple with unexplained weight loss and flu-like symptoms. After receiving this diagnosis, the three of them drove home in silence; scared, stunned, and confused.

(L-R): Ira, Matt, Wendi, Amanda, and Josh Silverman

That fateful day in March was the beginning of an uncertain and turbulent time for Josh and their family. Josh’s path with Crohn’s was difficult, because the disease’s onset occurred at such a young age and IBD is organically a difficult illness to manage. Now 24, Josh has dealt with an endless cocktail of medications, countless missed days of school, doctor’s appointments, two major surgeries, multiple hospital stays, and early on, nightly feeding tube nourishment to help him thrive.

Looking for a way to channel their fear into action, the Silvermans reached out to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation at the urging of a total stranger- and neighbor.

“On the very afternoon of Josh’s diagnosis, I walked through the front door of our town’s Dunkin’ Donuts and ran into a dear friend,” said Wendi. Overwhelmed, I shared Josh’s diagnosis with her. Just as this friend was telling me about another mom in town whose son had Crohn’s, that very mom was pushing open Dunkin Donut’s back door. Then, for the second time that day, she altered my life with a few words- ‘Join me tomorrow night for a parent support group’. And just like that our relationship with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation was born.”

The mission of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is to find cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the lives of children and adults affected by these diseases. Founded in 1967, the organization has played a role in every major breakthrough in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research, investing more than $384 million into finding causes, treatments, and cures. The Foundation supports healthcare practitioners from all specialty areas that serve patients with Crohn’s and colitis, including gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, colorectal surgeons, nutritionists, infusion specialists, mental health professionals and more, and offers a wide variety of resources including education and advocacy.

“The Foundation provides resources and guidance to patients from the very moment of diagnosis. We are often the first call patients and caregivers make in order to get information about these diseases, understand medication and treatment options and find local doctors as well as emotional support.” said Lisa Harding, Senior Executive Director of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Connecticut/Westchester Chapter. “One of the largest roles we play is helping to educate the general public about these autoimmune diseases. Because the symptoms can be embarrassing, patients are often left feeling alone. We work to remove the stigma that often comes with diagnosis so that patients can feel accepted and confident as they live their everyday lives.”

Since that first phone call to the local chapter, the Foundation has supported the Silverman family emotionally and through patient education programming. And the Silvermans have thrown themselves into supporting the foundation as well. Ira’s began with the Golf committee where he’s volunteered for 14 years, serving as Chairman, a Board Member, and President, and raising over $4 million. Wendi began as a volunteer for the Take Steps walk and then Walk Manager in three counties, and growing the chapter walk program by 121%. Josh and his siblings, Matthew and Amanda, are also involved. They were members of the Take Steps “Team ICure” each year where they fundraised and invited friends to attend the event. Josh attended Camp Oasis, the one week “IBD” camp when he was 15 years old. Matthew ran a half marathon with Team Challenge in 2016 in honor of his brother and Amanda participated in Spin4 in 2020.

It is for this reason that the entire Silverman family, will be honored at this year’s “Focus on a Cure” Gala, the Foundation’s largest annual, fundraiser, and presented with the 2021 Modell Award.

Wendi and Ira Silverman with the 2021 Modell Volunteer Award

“We are so thrilled to be able to honor the Silverman family,” said Harding, “Their involvement, contributions and impressive achievements underscore the family’s hard work, commitment to the mission and ability to inspire others. We joke that you can always count one or more of the Silverman family to be present at Foundation events to help set up, clean up, share their story, build awareness and make other families feel welcome.”

Take Steps Walk: 2015 Silverman Family Josh, Amanda, Ira, Matt, and Wendi

Today, Josh is a thriving adult and continues to exhibit the same strength, resilience, and determination that he learned as a young child dealing with chronic illness. “With Crohn’s disease it’s hard to know when someone is suffering because the symptoms aren’t ones that can be seen, says Josh. “My parents have supported me so much and once they saw how much help was needed in the community, they stretched their efforts to helping kids, teens and adults who are struggling. Because of their commitment, and the work of the Foundation, great advances have been made- and I hope there’s a cure in my lifetime.”

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ASK THE DR: Q&A with specialist Dr. Tom Ullman, M.D.

What are symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic immune disorders of the gastrointestinal track that most commonly give rise to a number of different symptoms including diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, blood in the stool, weight loss, or loss of appetite. Additionally, there are some characteristic symptoms that can occur outside the intestine including eye redness and pain, joint pain or swelling, some unusual skin issues, mouth sores, and a few other others. Sometimes only some or even just one of these symptoms are present, or they can appear in different combinations. In kids, in whom it often first shows up, growth issues may be the only presenting symptoms.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are usually excellent, but sometimes finding the right medicine to achieve that remission can be a challenge, requiring surgical therapy, whose results are excellent, but, in the case of Crohn’s disease, isn’t a curative solution as there is a high rate of post-operative recurrence. Because they are chronic and lifelong immune diseases, patients and family members have a number of concerns about living life with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, but in reality, I’ve had the privilege of caring of a number of patients who despite surgery or difficult treatments have gone on to a number of great professional, physical, and personal achievements.

What are current treatments?

Treatments in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are directed at reducing the disease-related inflammation. We now have a number of targeted immune based therapies and other widely used medications that can be useful in treating debilitating activity.

What should you ask your GI physician?

If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it’s always good to stay on top of disease activity and disease-related inflammation. Your gastroenterologist should be able to tell you how that part of disease is ongoing. You should always ask your gastroenterologist what’s the exit strategy for any time you need corticosteroids, and what vaccines and other health maintenance measures need to be taken.

RESOURCES:

https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/

IBD Help Center (1-888-MY-GUT-PAIN)

Focus on a Cure Gala: November 13^th, 2021 one.bidpal.net/fw2021gala

The RETURN of the CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

August 17, 2021 by Robin Chwatko

Community, Inclusivity & History to Come Alive again this Fall on October 2

In the past year and half, COVID has caused many events and milestones to be cancelled–from birthdays to Bar Mitzvahs, vacations to family reunions. In Chappaqua, the town missed one of its most beloved events, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF), which is set to make a much-anticipated return this Fall.

Now in its 8th year, the Chappaqua Children’s book Festival will take place on October 2, 2021 with many familiar faces and traditions, as well as some changes.

“We are beyond thrilled to be back,” said Dawn Greenberg, Executive Director of, who originally championed bringing the festival to town almost a decade ago. “This feels like a true celebration, a reawakening in this town. This event truly brings our community together–from our planning committee to volunteers, local business, and even local authors–and we cannot wait to bring something familiar and joyful to town after such a rough time.”

A Community Tradition

Each year, thousands of visitors descend on Chappaqua for the CCBF, to enjoy a beautiful Fall day meeting their favorite authors and enjoying all the town has to offer. This year, due to COVID, the day might look slightly different, with a scaled back author list (about 60) and a new location (the Chappaqua Train Station), but many of the familiar faces and activities will remain, including author signings, panels, sponsor activities, and costumed characters. The festival will follow up-to-date COVID guidelines and protocols, regarding social distances, crowd numbers and masking policies.

All guests over the age of two will be required to wear masks.

“The CCBF is an “all hands on deck” volunteer event spearheaded by the indefatigable Dawn Greenberg and others who tirelessly promote literacy, reading, and countless beloved authors while reminding us that even in the era of screens, there are few things more valuable than a good ole’ fashioned paper book,” said Jeremy Saland, Acting Town Supervisor. “The Chappaqua Hamlet and greater New Castle are fortunate to host this festival and showcase the people and spirit that makes our community so welcoming to visitors and a place we are fortunate to call home.”

Despite the reduced number of authors, organizers are working to get as wide a mix as possible, from genre to subject matter and age group. Local authors and illustrators including Matt and Mara Van Fleet, Sujean Rim and Bob Bianchini will be on hand, as well as fan favorites like Dan Gutman and Alyssa Capucilli and Pat Schories of Biscuit fame. The full roster of authors and community sponsors can be found on the CCBF site.

Focus on Inclusivity

In addition to a wide mix of genres and ages, the festival will also focus on content, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Celebrated author Torrey Maldanado (What Lane), Mike Curato (Flamer) and Brendan Kiely (All American Boys) will participate, with special panels and presentations in the works.

“It is our mission to represent ALL voices,” said Greenberg. “We are so fortunate to be able to draw these esteemed authors, whose works can start so many important and often difficult conversations.”

History Celebrated & Jean Craighead George, Remembered and Honored

An exciting celebration will take place at this year’s fest, of famed Chappaqua resident Jean Craighead George’s 100th birthday and the inclusion of many of her books, some unpublished. This Fall marks the debut of her never-before-seen book, Crowbar, revised by her children Luke and Twig George, and illustrated by longtime collaborator, Wendell Minor, a veteran CCBF author who will attend again this year and feature many of George’s classics in his booth.

This celebration coincides with a new town initiative, where a local park will be named after the author, a fitting tribute to the author who wrote about nature for children.

“All is decidedly not right with the world. but when young readers, authors, illustrators, and educators converge to celebrate literacy at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, all will be right with the world,” said Alan Katz, author. “The Festival is always one of my favorite days of the year, and I am thrilled and grateful that the organizers have found a safe and healthful way to bring it back. The plans to honor the wonderful Jean Craighead George make it all that more special.”

8th ANNUAL CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chappaqua Train Station

ccbfestival.org or facebook.com/chappaquabookfestival

Discover the draw for paws ‘tales & tails’ initiative at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

August 17, 2021 by Robin Chwatko

draw for paws, the Chappaqua-based organization with a mission to support the welfare and rescue of animals in need, will launch its latest initiative, tales & tails, at this year’s Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) on October 2. Aligned with the spirit of the festival, the goal of tails & tales is to foster and inspire a love of reading and writing through animals.

Chappaqua’s Scarlett Chwatko founded draw for paws at just 8-years-old, a remarkable feat as she was battling brain cancer at the time. Combining her love for art and animals, the idea was simple: for every $20 donated to an animal rescue, Scarlett would draw a pet portrait. When Scarlet lost her cancer battle in 2019 her friends were determined to see her dream become a reality and took over her mission. Now the organization boasts over 200 kid (and adult!) artists worldwide, has partnered with shelters and rescues all over the nation, and raised over $75,000.

Scarlett’s love of art was rivaled by her love of reading–and the CCBF was one of her most cherished days, starting as a volunteer at just 3 years old! She could often be found reading to her own pets–and always had a book with her–which is why it is so fitting to launch the new initiative at the festival.

draw for paws will collaborate with librarians, educators and authors to create a program including leveled books, writing prompts to encourage storytelling, and book bundles, featuring CCBF authors, that can be bought to read at home to pets or donated to shelters.

As a festival sponsor, the draw for paws booth will feature a reading space where attendees can read to (and adopt!) shelter dogs. For more info, please visit drawforpaws.org

ALL IN THE FAMILY… Armonk Tennis Club Serves Up Fun & Fitness Year Round

April 2, 2021 by Robin Chwatko

Since it opened its doors in 1958, Armonk Tennis Club has been a staple to the community, providing a spot for tennis lovers–and learners–to hone their skills. A family business that was taken over 20 years ago, by Tim Shea, the facility is now run by Shea and his daughter Kelsey, 28, sporting indoor and outdoor courts, a swimming pool/lounge, and two turf playing fields field for other sports like soccer, lacrosse, and flag football.The club also has a pro shop that sells tennis clothing and accessories and does racket restringing.

Tennis has been a part of Tim’s life since childhood- from playing to coaching to eventually managing and owning the clubs.The love for the sport seems to be in the blood, as Kelsey played tennis at Colgate while taking business courses to prepare for running the club, which she’s wanted to do since she was young. At just six years old, she was part of the club’s first ever summer camp class.

For Tim, working with family means knowing you can trust your business partner. “I know Kelsey always has the club’s best interests in mind, that she has the ability to run it, and that she won’t hesitate to ask questions because she is comfortable.”

In addition to being run by family, the clubs have proven to be a respite for families looking to escape the quarantine blues.The clubs closed briefly last season to COVID, but were able to open last spring and summer, taking every measure possible to keep members and campers safe, implementing temperature checks, mask guidelines, and new traffic patterns.

“Tennis is the perfect sport for for social distancing because you’re separated by the net,” said Beau Shea, Tim’s nephew who does marketing for the clubs. “Even playing doubles, one player’s generally at the baseline and the other’s at the net, so there’s a natural spacing that a lot of other sports don’t have.”

Tennis is also a fantastic family sport: Beau comments that their players and members range from 3-90 years old, so you see multiple generations on the courts together. He notes that it’s truly never too early–or too late–to pick up a racket. “Regardless of age, there’s always that physical and emotional benefit to playing and especially playing together.”

With indoor courts, Armonk Tennis os open year round offering seasonal programs and teams, private and group lessons, after-school programs, and the Armonk International Tennis Academy, a higher intensity program. In the spring and summer, memberships are available for tennis, pool, or both as well as camps for kids.

“Our members are like family,” says Beau. We have people here who started at age four taking lessons and are now playing in tournaments with their kids. It truly is a family affair.”

Pro Tips

Image copyright Jane Haslam Photography 2015

It’s important to focus on movement skills and footwork as much as stroke technique; if you can’t get to the ball on time and under control, you won’t be able to properly execute the shot.

Recognize the mental aspect of tennis. All sports have a mental component, but it’s especially important in tennis, where you don’t have a group of teammates you can rely on; if you can control your nerves and your temper, you’ll be off to a good start before even stepping onto the court.

For more information visit www.armonktennis.com

A STAR ON THE RISE: Interview with Chappaqua’s Emma Freeman

April 2, 2021 by Robin Chwatko

Emma Freeman’s First Single, ‘Verona’, Debuts, and another Single, ‘Do You’, is being Released this Month.

Emma Freeman PHOTO By Face By Dee Photography

First, the stats! Tell me a little about yourself.

I’m 24, a Greeley grad Class of 2014, and I went to the University of Miami where I got a BFA in musical theatre.

When did you know you were interested in music?

Since I was tiny! I’d wake up in the morning and start singing from my bed to announce that I was awake! If music was ever playing around the house, apparently I would immediately stop whatever I was doing to listen and just focus on the music. My parents even had to stop playing music around me to get me to do other things! This eventually turned into an interest in musical theater and acting. But my love for pop music remained and stayed strong through all the years, and even within the theater I always loved the more contemporary and pop-driven musicals.

Where did you hone your musical skills?

Fortunately, I had a very artistic life at Greeley. I took advantage of every performing and musical opportunity – and there were many- chorus, acting, Theatre Rep, and music theory. I performed in every show possible, and was a member of the Enchords a cappella group. I am so lucky to have grown up in a town and with parents that presented me with so many opportunities. These experiences made me grow as an artist and performer and motivated me to continue with the arts through college and beyond. I took voice lessons, and even trained classically at an NYU Steinhardt program when I was in high school. I continued with vocal training and performing at the University of Miami, and that’s where I began songwriting as well.

How would you describe your sound? Who are your musical influences?

My all-time favorite is Joni Mitchell. I also love Regina Spektor, Ingrid Michaelson, Phoebe Bridgers and dodie. My songwriting professor from the University of Miami taught me so much and inspired me to keep writing.

Generally, my music is usually indie-pop or indie-folk style, but varies song to song. I try not to limit myself and just write where the story and feel of the song takes me. But my songs still feel like “me” even with different genres–they are usually very melodic with a wide vocal range, and often change up typical song structure. I like to include a lot of harmonies in my music, with multiple vocal lines of me singing harmonies and backup vocals with myself.

In addition to vocals, do you play instruments?

Yes! I learned piano as a kid, and I also play ukulele and recently started guitar.

What do you generally write about?

I write a lot about love and heartbreak, self-discovery and self-struggle. I try to keep my music relatable but with an air of mystery, in hopes that anyone can hear my music and find it specific to them. I love it when people reach out to me and tell me how they related to my music, or how they interpreted something in my song, because sometimes it’s something that I hadn’t even thought of yet, but completely makes sense. It’s just an amazing feeling to know you connected with someone.

Still shot from video taken at 54 Below by Famous in NY Video

Tell me about your new (and first!) single, Verona.

Verona is an indie-pop song about longing for love and seeing it everywhere. I had just finished playing Juliet in a production of Romeo and Juliet when I wrote it, and was inspired by the story and the language–I even included some of the text in the song. I wanted to capture the feeling that someone might have of reading the story and wishing for their own Romeo (or Juliet)–seeing other people in love and watching them and wishing they could have it too.

How did you get it made?

I had been recording vocals for a very talented musician’s own project. I showed him some of my original music and he became interested in producing it for me! It was a very rewarding process working on it during the pandemic when everything was being done virtually. We worked back and forth until we got it just right, but I knew from the very beginning that I was working with excellent people who understood the song and that it was in good hands. This was the first song of mine that anyone worked on and I cried when I heard it all put together for the first time–it was everything I wanted.