Shauna Levy

Meet a Local Alopecia Awareness Advocate

April 18, 2019 by Shauna Levy

Ali Lambert Voron on How to Celebrate the Beauty of What Differentiates Us

Ali Lambert Voron of Briarcliff Manor is many things. She is a voiceover actress, motivational speaker, blogger, entrepreneur, philanthropist and a mother. She also happens to be bald. Yet, instead of allowing that single attribute to define her, Voron flipped the narrative and is redefining society’s views of “normal.” Through optimism, humor and a steadfast decision to be happy, she harnesses every challenge life presents, transforming them into opportunities.

Lean and long, with bright eyes and a warm smile, Voron’s captivating presence radiates both inner and outer beauty. From a young age, she found joy in spreading happiness and light, saying, “My mom always strived to make others smile, especially if she sensed they were in a bad mood. I inherited that. I had an amazing childhood. Then, I lost my hair.”

Redefining Normal

At the age of 16, Voron began noticing bald patches in her head. Those discoveries prompted a confusing journey of misdiagnoses including hair-pulling disorders, depression and the potential of lupus. Voron recalls, “I felt happy and didn’t think I was stressed, but then I began second guessing myself. When a dermatologist finally diagnosed me with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that results in hair loss everywhere on the body, it was almost a relief.”

With the support of her family, Voron met the diagnosis with what would become her trademark optimism. A variety of treatments including serums and topical injections were used that produced hair regrowth, but only temporarily. “The most insecure part for me,” she says, “was that I never actually imagined being bald. I thought I’d have patches, but that it would come back. I never foresaw what actually happened and over a period of a year, my hair got thinner and thinner until it eventually all fell out.”

Initially, Voron bought a wig, but that didn’t last long and she emerged from the experience stronger than she thought possible. She explains, “Wearing a wig just wasn’t me and it didn’t take long before I whipped it off for good. I realized that I wanted to be myself regardless of whether that broke social norms. Strangely, I almost viewed myself as lucky for having learned this valuable lesson early on.”

A Sense of Humor Helps

Losing her hair at such a formative time was not without challenges. The headmaster of the private school Voron attended encouraged her to run for president of the school, a recommendation Voron credits as a “true gift.” With guidance from her “very funny” parents, she launched into campaign mode and put together a slideshow of bald leaders who she hoped to emulate including Mahatma Gandhi, President Eisenhower and Mr. Clean since he is the “leader of household cleaning products.” She won the election and gained a valuable platform to prove that although she was different, she remained the same, explaining, “As president, you make speeches in front of existing and prospective students, alumni and parents regularly. I got to show my community and myself that I was okay–different, but normal and even a leader–and, I got that opportunity over and over again.”

A Cycle of Kindness

Her story gained traction and Jennifer Saltiel, a family friend and aspiring writer (coincidentally, also a current Chappaqua resident) reached out. The resulting article, No-Hair Day, was published in “Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul” as well as “Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul.” Voron began receiving letters in droves from people undergoing cancer treatment who were inspired to forgo their wigs to teenagers who were encouraged to look past their own insecurities. Voron says, “Those letters inspired me to realize how much we can help one another. I helped them and their outreach helped me. It was an amazing cycle.”

Years later, a chance meeting at the New Orleans’ Jazz Fest, introduced Voron to her husband. A fellow Philadelphia native, they had been orbiting one another for years, as his mother was even Voron’s second grade Hebrew school teacher. The first years of marriage would also show that they shared a strong sense of resilience. Voron explains, “I got very sick with ulcerative colitis in the beginning of our marriage. Autoimmune diseases like alopecia and colitis are closely genetically linked. I ultimately had my colon removed. Though I have no recollection, my parents reported that when I left the operating room, I raised my fist in the air and said, ‘the monster is out!’ At that same time, my husband’s mom died of brain cancer. Like my alopecia, these traumatic experiences made us stronger and taught us that we will emerge from the bad days to see the good ones.”

The Vorons have extended that philosophy to how they parent their children, ages three and six. Voron explains, “I love that my kids have a mom who looks different because it sends the message that it’s not just okay to be different–it’s cool. If you’re not different, you’re the same and that’s not exciting or special.” So, when Voron learned that a bald Bratz Doll hit the market, she naturally seized the opportunity.

The couple launched a grassroots effort, “Bald Dolls 4 Bald Kids.”

“I understand firsthand how having this doll would be so impactful, so it became my mission to get enough dolls to the National Alopecia Conference, a place where going wigless is the norm,” explained Voron. With only three weeks until the conference, armed with sheer will and energy, the Vorons raised $14K, enough money to provide dolls for every child in attendance at the event. The family maintains a small inventory of the dolls, which they distribute at intervals to children with cancer and alopecia.

A Path of Inspiration

Voron’s experiences have laid the foundation for living a life with a focus on kindness and empathy. “Initially, it bothered me that at least one person would approach me to ask about my hair daily, until my husband pointed that each of these people had their own story to tell. It literally changed my whole perspective. By simply giving them ten minutes, I was giving them an important gift. Now, I go through my day wondering how I can help that random stranger. You can let something destroy you and crumble into a ball or you can make the decision to not allow that. That’s an empowering concept and it’s my privilege to share it.” And, Voron spreads that message, proudly embracing her differences as what makes her special as she inspires everyone in her path to do the same.

A Fresh Take on Spring Fashion with Stile

April 18, 2019 by Shauna Levy

With candor, impeccable taste and a ready smile, Julie Root is adept at helping customers put the “I” in style. Nestled in the heart of Armonk’s Main Street, her shop, Stile, is a lifestyle boutique that offers “fun, delicious” items for everyone. Having opened only three years ago, the shop quickly found its niche in the Armonk fashion scene and cultivated a strong following. Describing Stile as a shop that has something for everyone, Root says, “My customers don’t just come to us for one thing. They come for the fabulous bags, chunky knits, beautiful candles and diffusers, wardrobe staples and trendy pieces. Everything we offer has a special twist and our inventory is ever-changing.”

Stile offers a dazzling array of swoon-worthy products including accessories, home goods, women’s apparel and J. Hillburn menswear. From the stunning Baobab diffuser to the one-of-a-kind Rolling Stones sweatshirt to the custom costume jewelry adorned with vintage Chanel buttons, the selection challenges clients to narrow down to just a few purchases. It’s no surprise that the boutique was the winner of the “Best of Westchester 2017” in the category of “Place to Find a Hostess Gift.” Stile specializes in exclusive, one-of-a-kind items and under the radar designers. Root says, “I have cultivated strong relationships in the industry over the past decades that provide me with access to items that no one else has–our lines are hard to get. You simply won’t find many of them on Amazon or in the major department stores.”

The fashion veteran is excited about spring as the new season’s inventory begins arriving. Here’s the forecast as Root sees it:

Pinks & Patterns

Root predicts that a specific color scheme will take over spring wardrobes, saying, “There will be a lot of color. I expect hues of pink like blush, coral and rose to be huge. We are also seeing patterns like camo, animal print and florals injected into designs. Take part of the trends by adding it in pops with a soft sweater, yummy wrap or a fun handbag.”

Luxurious Materials

“Luxury is back,” Root proclaims, adding, “Materials like cashmere, lace, fur, silk, velvet and leather are so in. Layer a little shearling vest or a lace cami into your outfit to infuse this trend.”

The Feminine Persuasion

Femininity will influence the spring looks. Dresses will be big, but the good news is that every length is acceptable. She says, “It’s high/low with maxis, midis and minis–anything goes this season! We’re also seeing designers do fun things with sleeves–big sleeves, off-the-shoulder, one shoulder, cut-outs, etc. And, don’t forget those cute rompers, which are still having their moment!”

Bag Lady

As Root talks about handbags, she becomes animated, saying, “I am bag-obsessed. There are so many fun bags coming to Stile this spring! I do a lot of smaller brands made in NY and California. We’re doing metallic, fringes, bouclé that’s reminiscent of Chanel, fur accents, sumptuous Italian leather and more. And, there are so many options from knapsacks to cross-body to clutches. The cross-body iPhone cases are so functional and popular right now!”

Denim

Denim continues to have its moment in the sunshine. Stile features an assortment of all styles at all price points including pull-on bell bottoms, striping up the sides and uneven rough-hewn hemlines.

Custom Creations

Stile truly thrives in the one-of-a-kind arena. As Root says, “Everyone wants what no one else has. I offer denim jackets with custom messaging and embellishments, the cutest, fun rock-n-roll t-shirts and unique vintage and custom jewelry. Shirts with messages of female empowerment are huge–I have them specially made for the store.” Sweatpants, sweatshirts and tees can also be customized according to personal tastes, featuring specific colleges, sports teams and favorite branded logos like Louis Vuitton or Chanel.

Regardless of trends and evolving fashions, there is one constant at Stile. High-end customer service is paramount as Root says, “I know what my customers are looking for and I always provide approachable, honest feedback with a smile. I will tell you if that dress looks awful and the pants don’t fit. I’d rather have the customer return because they love what they bought than buy something they regret and not return to us. And, I have the most wonderful style team who each share the same sensibilities and have their own loyal base of clients. It’s that personal touch that makes shopping local such a joyful experience. It’s something that internet shopping can never replicate.”

A Bucolic Westchester Jewel that’s Fit for a Rockefeller

March 8, 2019 by Shauna Levy

Tucked away in Sleepy Hollow, only 30 miles north of New York City, the beloved jewel known as the Rockefeller State Park Preserve is resplendent in the natural beauty for which Westchester is renowned. It is, however, distinguished by a storied history and the meticulous support of the Rockefeller family.

The property, formerly the Pocantico Hills and Rockwood Hall country estates of the John D. Rockefeller family and William Rockefeller, dates back to 1886. In 1983, the Rockefeller Family generously donated over 1425 acres to the State of New York to safeguard these lands for future generations.

Today, the Preserve is home to forests, fields, streams, and wetlands that support a high diversity of native species of resident and migratory birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish and aquatic species. Managed by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Preserve is open to the public year-round, sunrise to sunset.

Friends Who Are Family

In 1996, to provide additional support to protect the Preserve, George Gumina, established the Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Serving as president and founder, Gumina is also a Rockefeller family member as his wife is the granddaughter of Nelson Rockefeller.

Preserving the land is personal for him as he explains, “Since Uncle John donated the land to the state, Aunt Peggy acted as a steward of the land. It was her primary residence and she loved the land. When she passed, with the family’s support, I began the ‘Friends’ group in her honor.” The organization actively supports educational programs, major exhibits and maintaining the preserve’s unique system of its lovely carriage roads.

Those funds are instrumental in the upkeep of the extensive network of carriage roads that characterize the park. The well-engineered 16-foot-wide, crushed-stone, network of 65-mile carriage roads were designed by John D. Rockefeller Sr. and his son, John D. Jr., over a 40-plus year period from 1910 into the 1950s. The winding roads overlook stunning vistas and serve as the signature feature of the preserve.

Gumina adds, “The carriage roads are what bring everyone here. From Day One, these roads were built for the public to enjoy–they were never just for the family. They are ideal for runners, pedestrians, horseback and carriage riding. You could walk on wide, manicured roads for miles and bring your dogs without worrying about ticks.” Over 400,000 visitors concur and visit the roads from all around the world each year.

Noble Endeavors

The Friends group hosts several fundraising events throughout the year, but the Peony Celebration, an annual cocktail event held in May, is one of the largest fundraisers. The peony garden was donated by a town in Shimane Prefecture, Japan following the tragedy of September 11th to express a gesture of healing and solidarity towards the United States. They sent a gift of 500 peonies, considered to be Japan’s “most noble of flowers.”

Planting this garden was a culmination of true partnership. The Friends initiated a major landscaping project around the park’s gateway to provide a worthy site for this generous gift, while gardeners from Japan came to plant the flowers and teach the preserve staff how to care for them. Each year, it serves as the stunning backdrop to raise funds for the Friends’ ongoing initiatives.

Gumina explains the importance of such events saying, “The state has an $8M endowment donated by the family that many parks do not enjoy that supplements budgetary needs, but maintaining the intricate details of this special property is costly. That’s why the family remains present to provide as much support as we can with four family members actively on the board. This year, we hope to raise enough funds to refurbish Brother’s Path, named for Uncle David and Uncle Laurance, which circles Swan Lake.”

Preserving Beauty for Generations

Rockefeller State Park Preserve recently celebrated a major milestone! The New York State Historic Review Board unanimously designated it as a State National Registry of Historic Places listed in Washington D.C., in recognition of the unique beauty and character of the carriage roads.

According to Gumina, the accolade is well-earned, “I call it the Central Park of Westchester, although I think it’s much nicer than Central Park–I’ve been there. From the carriage roads to Swan Lake to the wonder of its natural setting, it’s just absolutely stunning. It’s a beautiful backdrop for being active as well as those who simply wish to sit and meditate. It’s quite magnificent.”

Revitalizing the Glamour of Old Cinema: The Bedford Playhouse Reopens its Doors

March 8, 2019 by Shauna Levy

Passing under the iconic arches flanking the entrance of the Bedford Playhouse, Home of the Clive Davis Arts Center, one is instantly transported to the era of old Hollywood glamour. From the old fashioned box office that greets guests to Paul Shaffer’s grand piano from the set of “The Late Show” with David Letterman gracing the foyer, it’s evident that the Playhouse boasts a rich history. The meticulous detail, however, beguiles the fact that it’s been mere months since the grand reopening of this cultural hub that’s now emerging as a bright star after a questionable future.

A Grassroots Movement

The Bedford Playhouse first opened its doors in April 1947 to much fanfare. In 1983, the theater was acquired by Bow Tie Cinemas and divided into two smaller theaters, losing much of its historic nature. In early 2015, when Bow Tie opted not to renew its lease, the beloved theater closed. That’s when the community unified to take action. Lindsay Hearon, director of marketing of the Playhouse recounts, “The community banded together in a ‘Save the Playhouse’ grassroots movement of sorts and reached out to local resident, John Farr, who was instrumental in resurrecting the Avon Theater in Stamford. The landlord gave us 120 days to raise $2M to prove there was significant interest in the project. That goal was accomplished in six weeks. That’s when they began taking us seriously.”

If the first phase of revitalizing the Playhouse was about generating support, then the second phase can be characterized by reimagining, rebuilding and redesigning the structure. According to Hearon, “Since a movie theater didn’t work, we needed to redefine the Playhouse’s role in this phase of its evolution. The local communities were craving a cultural hub. To tap into that void, we conceived of a space anchored by films, but with the capability to function as so much more. The introduction of a wine tasting room and café, where people grab a smoothie or meet friends for a drink was instrumental in the transformation.” Armonk resident and founding donor, Robert Greenfield concurs, saying, “My wife and I absolutely fell in love with the renovation and the overall experience. It’s this intimate, luxurious cultural destination that’s right in our backyard. It’s different from a movie theater or a concert hall. It’s about bringing the community together to have a dialogue, listen to directors speak about films, attend family programming or just have a drink with friends. You simply can’t beat this.”

To make this vision a reality, the team began working fervently, assembling a group of advisors. “We consulted with the absolute best,” according to Hearon, “from designers to architects to state-of-the-art technology teams to ensure that no detail was overlooked.” Amongst this exclusive team of advisors is local resident and music industry legend, Clive Davis. Hearon explains the icon’s role, “When Mr. Davis learned about what we were doing, he wanted to get involved both personally and philanthropically. He identified with the need to bring arts and culture back to the community. His decades of incredible experience and connections have been instrumental.” Davis’ contributions were so impactful that the Playhouse thanked him by designating the Clive Davis Art Center as its partner entity, an honor prominently reflected on the building’s façade.

“It’s different from a movie theater or a concert hall. It’s about bringing the community together to have a dialogue, listen to directors speak about films, attend family programming or just have a drink with friends. You simply can’t beat this.” – Robert Greenfield

A Marriage of Old and New

The grand opening of the Bedford Playhouse revealed an opulent interior depicting the perfect marriage of old and new. The theaters feature sumptuous, buttery-soft leather seating with trays for food and drink, vintage film posters and waterfall curtains, complemented by state-of-the art Dolby Atmos surround sound technology. “Our doors opened on September 30th, featured three days of fun-filled programming and culminated in a party with guests including Clive Davis and Paul Shaffer. We’ve been chugging along ever since,” Hearon proudly announces.

“Our programming incorporates a hybrid strategy of arts and film that touch topics that are captivating the community’s interest like the “Me Too” movement or politics–we’re not going to shy away from controversial issues,” says Hearon, further explaining, “We have a really exciting footprint where we take a movie and add a unique component to it.” One space in particular has been designed with flexible furniture to accommodate everything from a themed cocktail event to author reading event discussion to a children’s birthday party.

A series of unique events have already taken place. The Playhouse screened Always at the Carlyle, accompanied by a Q&A with the film’s directors complete with a cocktail event that recreated the hotel’s legendary Bemelmans Bar. Mary Poppins Returns featured a “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” Spelling Bee and costumed Mary Poppins offering spoons full of sugar up and down the aisles. Martha Stewart hosted a private event in the wine tasting room, while Glenn Close headlined a sneak preview screening of the Oscar-nominated film, The Wife, complete with a Q&A event and cocktail party; former head writer of SNL Alan Zwibel held a Q&A and a screening of Love Gilda. And, there’s no sign of the momentum slowing. In the coming months, the Playhouse is set to offer a special screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey, a Q&A with the David Boies, the subject of the documentary, The Case Against 8, and a comedy show starring comedian Robert Klein.

All of the excitement is evidence that the Bedford Playhouse has tapped into the community’s collective yearning for culture. “We’ve even seen the naysayers come out,” Hearon says, continuing, “People really want to join together in a cultural experience. The community has been hungry for this.”

Helping Children in their Hour of Need

December 2, 2018 by Shauna Levy

An oftentimes overlooked portion of the population exists mere miles away from the borders of Armonk. The Bedford Hills Correctional Facility is a maximum security prison that houses approximately 1,000 adult females. Armonk resident Joscelyn Read is working alongside organizations such as Hour Children to enhance the quality of life for the mothers within these walls and the children they’ve left beyond the bars.

Building Bridges Through Bars

Hour Children works to nurture relationships between incarcerated mothers and their children with the belief that a strong family connection maximizes a child’s stability and a woman’s chances of success upon reentry. The organization’s mission immediately resonated with Read, who acknowledges that it doesn’t always elicit that reaction, saying, “It’s a population that people don’t want to think about. They assume the prisoners did something bad and should be there. But, in truth, having met these women, many are lovely. They are human beings who often feel terrible about their actions. With a twist of fate, anyone could be in their position. I believe in second chances.”

Describing herself as someone who “likes to get in the thick of things,” Read makes good on those words by regularly opening the doors of her home to the children of women within the confines of Bedford Correctional. “I can’t imagine anything more difficult than having a parent in prison. For the past year and a half, I host two sisters four times a year for three to four nights while they visit their mom in prison from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” she explains. “It’s the only way for them to keep the connection with their mother alive. Beyond that, I get the opportunity to be a positive influence in their lives and it gives their guardian, in this case the maternal grandmother, a break during which they know the children are in a safe place.”

The Innocence of Children

Of her role, Read says, “The biggest question I get is whether I feel nervous about having these kids in my house. People would be surprised that despite the stark socioeconomic differences, these girls are just like every other kid. They love playing with Legos, watching Nickelodeon and going to the movies. They’re innocents. What sets them apart is their strength. To travel by van six hours or more to see your mom while staying at a stranger’s home is the definition of bravery.”

The sisters aren’t the only children benefitting from the experience. “My children, ages seven and eight, see the girls as friends and love when they visit,” Read says. “They’ve also learned that there are children who don’t have the material possessions and support system that they have. This past summer, we even picked the girls up for their visit early so that they could join us at Hershey Park. We are teaching that kindness is not the exception –it’s the expectation.”

“The biggest question I get is whether I feel nervous about having these kids in my house. People would be surprised that despite the stark socioeconomic differences, these girls are just like every other kid. They love playing with Legos, watching Nickelodeon and going to the movies. They’re innocents. What sets them apart is their strength. To travel by van six hours or more to see your mom while staying at a stranger’s home is the definition of bravery.” – Joscelyn Read

Though the Read family strives to fill these visits with fun and laughter, the true purpose is never far from the peripheral. “There’s excitement to see their mother, but also a sadness as reality hits that they haven’t seen her in three to four months. They cry thinking about continuing this pattern for another four years as she serves her sentence. The last day is always the most emotional. They want to keep seeing their mom and they like staying at my house where they not only have their own beds, but their own rooms as well–luxuries they don’t have at home,” Read states.

Paying It Forward

The statistics for the children of Hour Children are grim. Read reports that children whose mothers are in prison have a much lower college rate versus those whose fathers are in prison. She hopes to crack a dent in that rate, saying, “These girls have to go to college. I love to mentor because I know firsthand how strong an impact it can have on a child’s future. Growing up, I was a little sister in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. My mom wasn’t stable and my “big sister” was so important. We would do little activities like make dinner or go bowling. Just having someone show interest in my life was huge and formative. I will absolutely stay in touch with these girls beyond their time in the program. I will be there to make sure they keep their lives on track. I’m paying it forward.”