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Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

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THE GYM of Armonk Celebrates National Yoga Month

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jogaladyThis September, THE GYM of Armonk has been busy celebrating National Yoga Month, a national observance designated by the Department of Health & Human Services designed to educate about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle. THE GYM of Armonk is one of 2,200 yoga studios that will be participating in 2013.

In honor of this National holiday, and in addition to other exciting classes and workshops, a very special two-hour lesson with 95-year-old yoga master, Tao Porchon-Lynch, will be held on September 24th.  Tao is truly living proof of the effectiveness of a life-long yoga practice.  A yoga teacher for over 45 years, she includes in her current life’s incarnations:  French resistance fighter, model, actress, screenwriter, producer, championship ballroom dancer, wine connoisseur —the list goes on.

Tao’s workshops are interlaced with inspiring life stories from her childhood in India, and her years of study with many of India’s Yoga masters.  Her presence and words inspire deep compassion and inner peace.  Tao encourages questions and welcomes students who are interested in experiencing her wisdom and joy for all that life has to offer.

“We are really looking forward to participating in National Yoga Month!” said Lisa Gagliardi, Group Fitness Director at THE GYM. “Yoga classes are already so popular at our facility, and we know that these new classes and workshops will help inspire more members of our community to get involved, get fit and learn more about this fun and energizing sport. And what an honor to be working alongside Tao Porchon-Lynch!”

Classes and workshops added to the schedule throughout September in celebration of National Yoga Month include:

  • East West Warrior Yoga
    • Monday, September 2nd at 9:45am
    • This class incorporates weights as a way to increase muscle mass and bone density while still retaining the mental and relaxation benefits of traditional yoga.
    • Instructor: Dorothy Gulla
    • Members: Free
    • Non-Members: $30
  • Sun Salutation Class
    • Sunday, September 22nd at noon
    • Sun Salutation is as rich in symbolic and mythic overtones as it is in physical benefits.
    • Instructors: Laurie Luongo & Renee Diamond
    • $30 suggested donation for Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser
  • Yoga For Athletes
    • Friday, September 27th at 5:30pm
    • This class integrates movement, strength and breath work to help athletes excel, no matter their sport or ability level
    • Instructor: Renee Diamond
    • Members: Free
    • Non-Members: $30
  • Explore The Body As Energy: Learn from a Master: Tao Porchon-Lynch
    • Tuesday, September 24th at 11:00am
    • Learn how to tap your own energy in a way that creates unity between breath, body, mind and spirit, while experiencing breathing, twists, stretches, vinyasas and meditation.
    • Instructor: Tao Porchon-Lynch
    • Members: $40
    • Non-Members: $50
  • Yoga Alliance Certified 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
    • Weekends beginning September 27-29, 2013 through April 2014
      • Fridays from 6:00-9:00pm, Saturdays & Sundays from 9:00am-5:00pm
    • This course provides training with all the body and health benefits, sequencing techniques and ailment awareness to help provide a radically transformative experience.
    • Instructors: Colleen Breeckner, Osi Mizrahi and Christopher Tompkins
    • Contact THE GYM of Armonk for pricing
  • Pre-Natal Yoga Classes
    • Starting on Thursday, September 19th
  • New Mommy and Me Yoga Classes
    • Starting on Friday, September 20th

For questions or additional information about these and other classes offered at THE GYM of Armonk, please contact Lisa G. at (914) 219.1601 or LGagliardi@GetToTheGym.com.

About THE GYM of Armonk

THE GYM is a complete lifestyle and fitness center, designed to promote healthy living in a first class atmosphere. Its unique approach integrates specialized training programs with nutrition and weight management counseling for total body conditioning and optimal fitness. THE GYM is known for its superior quality equipment, expert staff and special amenities, including a clothing boutique, juice bar, spa, child play area and unique health & wellness partnership conveniences. The staff’s attentive service and the facility’s array of programs and accommodations provide guests with a state-of-the-art experience.

Partnership services located @ THE GYM include:

Please visit www.GetToTheGym.com/Armonk or call (914) 219-1601 for additional information.

gymTHE GYM

99 Business Park Drive
Armonk, NY 10504
(914) 219-1601
www.GetToTheGym.com/Armonk

ECAD Charity Luncheon at Greenwich Polo Club, Sunday Sept. 1, 2013

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crabtreeWe wanted to let you know about an event that we think will be fun and is for a great cause. Crabtree’s Kittle House is proud to be a continuing supporter of ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities). ECAD provides expertly trained Service Dogs to seriously wounded Veterans and to civilians with various disabilities.  These Service Dogs help their owners lead safer, more comfortable and independent lives.

This year, ECAD has been selected as the charity for the Greenwich Polo Club Match on September 1, 2013. They will be having a sit-down lunch for 200 people with beverages and entertainment, and you can watch an exciting polo match. Proceeds from the event will help raise money to provide these Service Dogs free of charge to all veterans who qualify and for a small fee for civilians.  A Service Dog requires two years of training at a cost in excess of $25,000.

rivermarketThere will be many Service Dogs at the event, and we can tell you that the work they do for their owners is priceless. Their beauty belies their importance to the life of their owners. If you wish to attend or send a donation you can do so online at  http://www.ecad1.org/polo.

New Startup Spectre & Co. Introduces Luxury Shirting At Affordable Prices

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Spectre-FINALSpectre & Co., a new Westchester-based e-commerce startup, was founded in early 2013 with one goal in mind: to make luxury-quality, slim fit dress shirts available to the fashion-conscious man at extremely affordable prices. “Men are learning to dress better and better everyday, and menswear has never been as big as it is right now,” says Jeffrey Zhang, founder of Spectre & Co. “But, the one thing that hasn’t really improved much, at least when it comes to high-quality shirting, is price. Our demographic is the man that loves quality menswear, but isn’t always willing to spend $150, $100, or even $75 on that perfect dress shirt.”

That’s where Spectre & Co. comes in. The majority of the retailer’s offerings are under $50, with free shipping in the United States and free returns for first-time customers. “I love the menswear revolution, and it’s fantastic that men are taking the time to improve their appearances, but at times, it’s not the most price-accessible of movements. We want to make it so that even the most budget-conscious guy can afford quality shirting that fits.”

Spectre & Co.’s 100% cotton, high thread count shirts come in a standard slim fit measured by neck and sleeve, and are constructed with less fabric in the torso and waist to prevent billowing for a look that is both stylish and comfortable. The company’s ownership of production and distribution without third parties or middlemen keeps the lines of communication clear and creates value that the end consumer can see. The company also believes in responsible sourcing. Using skilled local artisans instead of laborers, Spectre & Co. has over 100 years of combined experience in the garment industry, with pedigrees in the design and production team from renowned shirtmakers such as Ascot Chang.

You can browse Spectre & Co.’s Spring/Summer Collection at shopspectre.com. For more information about the company, product, or sample merchandise, send an email to: info@shopspectre.com or call 914-589-0982.

Fit at Last

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By Anna Bennett

Amber Jo of Prescriptions for Fitness trained Greeley grad (Class of 2010) Anna Bennett this summer.
Amber Jo of Prescriptions for Fitness trained Greeley grad (Class of 2010) Anna Bennett this summer.

I’m going to be embarrassingly candid here. Prior to this summer, the last time I got myself to the gym was first semester of my sophomore year of college–aka, a year and a half ago–when a friend forced me. I stayed for about 25 minutes, got a smoothie, and left. And the last time I got a “real” work out…never?

Aesthetically, I’ve always been somewhat satisfied with my body image. My weight has fluctuated some through the years, but I have never been considered, though I really hate the term, “fat.” At 5’3” and my weight hovering around 110 pounds, I am not really a candidate for a weight loss camp–still, that’s the kind of push I needed. It was only this past spring that I found my body changing in ways that troubled me. With the combination of Amherst’s (at UMass) candied bacon donuts and my (truly) sedentary lifestyle, I felt bloated on the outside and morbid on the inside. My mom, one of the few who understand how unhealthy my habits actually were, offered to set me up with a trainer at Prescriptions for Fitness in Chappaqua and I agreed to try.

Soon after, I met my trainer, Amber Jo, a friendly young woman (with a rockin’ bod) just three years my senior. After filling out some forms and testing my abilities, Amber customized a routine for me. She designed a “circuit,” which is a series of different exercises performed one after the other, and then repeated a number of times, which challenged my strength and endurance alike. And by “challenged,” I mean I was sweating bullets and flopping all over the place rather than working out. Fortunately, at Prescriptions for Fitness, I was given a private space, where I didn’t have to worry about looking funny or struggling in front of others. There, I was able to learn different kinds of exercises (and flop around all I wanted) in an intimate, judge-free zone.

Between sessions, Amber texted me copies of what we did together. This way, I could exercise on my own and keep what I had learned fresh in my mind. Although I couldn’t push myself quite as far as Amber would, I went from doing nothing to doing something, which was a huge accomplishment for me. Many of the exercises we did involved floor work and weights, so I could work out easily on my own at home too.

Week by week, I still struggled, but felt a gradual improvement. The initial workouts that made me feel absolutely miserable became tolerable, and then, even (gasp!) enjoyable. Feeling myself perform in ways that I was once incapable (as in doing a real pushup!) and Amber proudly acknowledging the ways in which I had improved was a great boost to my self esteem. At the conclusion of my 12 sessions (thanks Mom!), I can say that I now “know how” to work out and am motivated to continue on. For me, having Amber as my trainer was crucial to my personal growth, and probably crucial to my future health.

Editor’s Note: You’re welcome, Anna.

Pierce House – An Important Stop on the Road to Freedom

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peircehouseIn the early 1720s, Quakers migrated from Long Island to settle in and around Pleasantville. The Pierce Family made their way to the area in 1740. Quakers owned five of the seven main farms in Pleasantville during this time period.

In 1805, Joseph Pierce inherited 125 acres of property from his father, James. The home, known as Pierce House, is believed to have been built around 1813. The original house consisted of just the front two rooms of the current structure. An ardent Quaker, Joseph Pierce became a key figure in providing a safe path for slaves escaping through Westchester. Pierce House played an important role in the Underground Railroad, offering nighttime shelter for those seeking freedom.

This finely crafted, Federalist style Colonial home has undergone a number of changes over the years. The library and interior arches were added in the late 1880’s, when the house served as the Protestant Shelter for Children. During their ownership of the house, the Payne family of Reader’s Digest fame added mahogany paneling in the living room and the library. They also expanded the living space with a brick addition designed by James Renwick Thomson.

Today, this historic house has been meticulously renovated and restored while maintaining the integrity of the original period details. The residence is now a stunning home that is perfect for modern lifestyles.

For more information, contact: Amy Singer, 914-238-0505

amy.singer@raveis.com