Cover Stories

Meet the Limitless & Lovely Ali Stroker

February 27, 2025 by Beth Besen

Mornings, I believe, are best when one can slowly ease away the cobwebs of sleep, slowly make the necessary ablutions and slowly brew a cup of steamy hot strong coffee to slowly sip while watching the daybreak slowly on the horizon. Sense a theme here? Slow and steady works! Or so I always thought. Until a recent early morning chat with Tony-award winning actress Ali Stroker, gave me pause to reconsider.

Ali, up early and enroute from her Briarcliff Manor home to a college workshop in southern Jersey, was a veritable force of nature from the moment we said our first hellos. Upbeat and energetic, engaged and thoughtful, warm and friendly…instead of slow and steady, this was ready, set, go on a cold December morning at the crack of dawn!

And what makes Ali go? The easier question might be what doesn’t. As she modestly puts it, “I love to work, and am happiest when my life is diversified, so I keep lots of pots on my stove”.

What’s stirring in Ali’s pots? Acting comes first and foremost to mind of course, as most of us know Ali from her 2019 Tony-award winning performance as “Ado Annie” in the Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!. The award created immediate buzz in the theatre community and beyond as Ali became the first actor in a wheelchair to win a Broadway Tony. That said and while the Tony may have been an industry first, it wasn’t Ali’s first time on Broadway – she had cleared that particular hurdle in 2015 performing in Deaf West Theatre’s revival of Spring Awakening. Additionally, many fans already knew her from TV’s 2011 reality series The Glee Project which, after Ali made it through all 12 episodes, led to a guest role on Fox’s Glee and then to additional hit shows like Ozark and Only Murders in the Building.

While acting is front-burner much of the time, when the theatre world quiets down – as Ali says is often the case in December – she’ll stir up her workshop pot and focus on spreading her motivational message and self-proclaimed motto: “Turning your limitations into your opportunities.” This could mean everything from speaking engagements to, like her workshop this morning, facilitating a theatre-student college workshop. Audiences and students are abled, disabled, universal in their desire to open themselves to hear and to learn. Ali shares her personal story and the positive ways we can all be successful regardless of, or in some cases even due to, the cards we’ve been handed.

Ali’s hand of cards was dealt early. Born across the river in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Ali says she and her two siblings along with their Physical Education teacher dad and hands-on stay-at-home mom, were the quintessential “sports family”. When a car accident left Ali paralyzed from the chest down at the age of two, the home team effort became next level; Ali’s mom became her fiercest advocate, and her dad instilled in her the “never give up” attitude. From both, she learned “that our challenges make us stronger.”

And strength is both physical and spiritual for Ali. She shares that she “was always a happy child” but being paralyzed “felt stuck on all fronts.” Then she discovered her voice and singing, and her whole world opened up. Musical theatre became her passion, and, being cast as “Annie” in a backyard family musical at seven years old was “the moment my life changed.”

Love of theatre took Ali to NYU where she met her husband, David Perlow. Students in the same musical theatre program, they developed a deep friendship and trust. They are each other’s biggest fans and, though raised with different religions, share a common spirituality, one that focuses on being kind to others. That core relationship value is foundational to their own family as they’ve embraced their role as parents to their now two-year-old son Jesse.

Ali, David and Jesse love living in Briarcliff Manor. For David, who grew up in town, it is a return to his roots. And Ali finds it reminds her of her own suburban childhood, with the added bonus of the easy commute to Manhattan. Ali has found personal trainers, chiropractors and doctors to help her stay physically strong but shares that “health and wellness is also about people, and finding community adds so much to that”. The couple work hard to make sure they find time in their busy professional schedule for community and for each other. Even at warp speed, work/life balance is important, so they make time to enjoy date nights at local restaurants, sharing morning coffee at local beaneries while Jesse is in pre-school, and exploring their limitless future together.

P.S. There are many full-circle moments in Ali’s life. From backyard musical Annie to Broadway Ado Annie. From paralysis to the unbound freedom of performance, and from a life changed at the age of two to watching her own two-year-old explore the world. Our interview ends when Ali arrives at her speaking gig and leaves me with this final thought: “Maybe I was born for this, for this challenge and for this purpose to help people.” And then, like the force of nature she is, she is off!

Social Activities Fight Isolation & Enhance Wellness for Armonk Seniors

February 27, 2025 by Stacey Pfeffer

My husband and I have felt thickly entrenched in the “sandwich generation” these past few years. We each have parents that became widows recently and we have spent a lot of time worrying not only about our parents’ physical health but also about their mental health. Myriad news articles illustrated that loneliness and social isolation in the elderly, which was so prevalent during the pandemic is associated with a higher risk for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.

While both of us have very different scenarios for our parents – my father-in-law had to move to an assisted living facility and my mother is moving to an apartment building with many seniors her age, we both felt that the opportunity for strong social networks that they can forge in their new homes would help them successfully age.

Although our parents don’t live locally there’s good news for seniors who are looking to create social connections right here in Armonk – whether they partake in activities at the Hergenhan Community Center on Maple Avenue or are residents at The Bristal on Business Park Drive which offers assisted living or memory care options. Both focus on helping seniors stay connected with one another through a range of activities.

For the past 13 years, Liz Duffy has worked as the Senior Rec Leader at the Hergenhan Community Center. She has watched it grow from an underused facility for seniors to a thriving community with robust programming. “I like to think of this place as an oasis for seniors,” says Duffy. Senior residents of North Castle can partake in many activities ranging from Mah Jong to mandala workshops to the ever-popular exercises classes such as strength training and chair yoga all complimentary. Accessibility to and from the Hergenhan Community Center is available via a free van.

Duffy is always thinking of new ways to engage seniors. For example, during the COVID pandemic she had an abundance of yarn and a craft room that was disorganized and unwelcoming. Serendipitously, a senior had just relocated to the area who had previously owned a knitting store and was willing to spearhead a new knitting group. Together, Duffy with the help of some of the other seniors created a warm, welcoming place for seniors of all levels to knit. “Liz worked so hard to make that room a comfortable and enjoyable place to knit,” said Rae Spinelli, 94, a senior who participates regularly in the knitting group as well as other activities at the center. “The sharing part in our group is the best. We share in each other’s grief and happiness,” adds Spinelli who started going to the senior center when her husband passed away from Alzheimer’s 10 year ago. A friend of Spinelli’s told her that she needed to join the senior center instead of isolating herself at home and remaining grief stricken.

“The knitting group laughs a lot and has a large age range from people in their 60s into their 90s with different abilities,” says Duffy who adds that they have made many blankets for veterans. “It is beautiful to watch these friendships form,” she comments.

Spinelli also frequently participates in the exercise programs at the center. A long-time yoga enthusiast, Spinelli enjoys the chair yoga and believes that the balance gained through the classes is a key factor in preventing falls. The center also offers strength training classes and chair yoga on Tuesdays via Zoom, which had started during the pandemic.

Home delivered meals are also an option at the center. “We have a group of volunteers that deliver meals to seniors and the nice thing about that is these volunteers form a relationship with the seniors. They alert us if a senior needs help in any way. We are not a social service agency but we are keeping an eye out for them,” explains Duffy.

One of the most popular activities is trips outside of Armonk. Duffy hires a coach bus for roundtrip transportation and for a reasonable fee has had seniors partake in trips such as a Thimble Islands cruise in Connecticut, the Culinary Institute of America, the Cloisters and even the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Duffy is committed to keeping costs nominal for the participants whether it is an off-site trip or a luncheon at a local restaurant. Duffy admits that there may be an initial reluctance to come to the center. But once seniors do, they are pleasantly surprised.

“Seniors sometimes feel like they are the only one who lost a spouse or had to move to be closer to their adult children. Once they start having a conversation, new friendships are formed. This place really does fight social isolation which we know is so detrimental for seniors. Plus, there’s a lot of laughter,” she adds. While the majority of the seniors are independent that go to the Hergenhan Community Center, the residents at The Bristal may need help with activities of daily living or be experiencing memory loss. Mark Paretti, who is Vice President of Resident Experience for all of The Bristal’s 26 communities across the tri-state area, like Duffy, is always looking at ways to offer programs that keep the residents there socially engaged.

“We look at the dimensions of wellness for each resident both physically and cognitively,” says Paretti. From daily walking clubs to yoga and grip strength classes, The Bristal ensures that multiple times throughout the day their residents can be physically active. Paretti and his team also create stimulating programs that enhance lifelong learning. Through partnerships with esteemed universities such as Hofstra University, Pace University, and the Fashion Institute of Technology, residents have access to higher education-level courses right within their community. It is a voluntary lifelong learning program for residents with lectures, discourses, and other educational content covering a wide range of topics such as politics, science, media and entertainment. “Ideally, we want the residents to learn new things that they didn’t know the day before to enhance their brain plasticity and build neural connections. For residents with memory loss, we can’t reverse that, but we can slow its progression,” he adds.

Paretti is also laser-focused on making new residents feel welcome. They pair residents with similar interests and also have resident ambassadors who have lived there a while to acclimate newer residents. “Obviously the onus is on us at The Bristal to make new residents feel part of the community. But sometimes a resident may feel more comfortable speaking to someone who moved there, just like them.” These strong social connections can reduce depression and hopefully improve longevity.

One of the highlights for many of the residents are supervised weekly shopping trips to stores such as CVS or Target. “This shouldn’t be underestimated. Residents are going to the store themselves and buying what they need which helps them maintain a level of independence. It is meaningful for them.” Paretti says there are no limits to what outings residents can go on from beloved restaurants to sporting events. “We don’t just want our residents taking scenic drives to see fall foliage or holiday lights. We want feet on the ground so that are residents are engaged and active in the community at large.”

“Imagine if you moved to a new place and never left the four walls of your apartment. It would be devastating. Our overall goal is that residents find each day to be meaningful and purposeful. And we want that to exist for them, today, tomorrow and thereafter. We will customize the experience for them and support them in this goal. Like everyone else, seniors need a reason to get up in the morning too,” he summarizes.

Why Gross Motor Skills are the First Step to Lifelong Learning

February 27, 2025 by Andrew Vitelli

From infancy on, development of gross motor skills is essential for a child’s physical and mental growth. The directors of World Cup Schools which includes World Cup Gymnastics and World Cup Nursery School & Kindergarten in Chappaqua believe gymnastics is the best way to ensure success, and some experts in children’s development agree.

For parents wondering how long to wait before working on their child’s gross motor skills, the answer, experts say, is the length of the drive home from the hospital.

“Tummy time is the foundation for all future development,” says Hayley Apiscopa, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the co-owner of Developmental Steps. “Parents are encouraged to start tummy time right when they get home from the hospital, and that is to balance out the time these babies spend on their backs sleeping.”

From infancy to adolescence, gross motor skills play a major role in a child’s development, says Apiscopa, who teaches a class on tummy time three times a month. And a parent’s role in making sure their child is developing these skills and hitting the important milestones starts the baby’s first week.

“Every position is setting a child up for the next milestone that is to come,” says Dr. Dana Smith, the owner of Westchester Physical Therapy.

While there are many activities that can be helpful for gross motor skill development, both Apiscopa and Smith point to gymnastics and swimming as two of the best ways to promote this development.

“Both of those sports really help build core strength, balance, and coordination,” says Apiscopa.

Developing children’s gross motor skills is one major focus for Jason Hebert, director of World Cup Gymnastics and Roxanne Kaplan, director of World Cup Nursery School & Kindergarten. In their more than two decades each at World Cup, they have seen every level of athlete come through their doors, from future Olympians to kids struggling to keep up with their peers. But in one way, Hebert says, the focus remains the same.

“Whatever a child is capable of doing, we are here to let them reach their maximum potential,” he explained. “Whether this is just a fun thing for them to help them for later in life, or whether they aspire to be an Olympic gymnast.”

World Cup Schools, which has been at its current location just off the Saw Mill River Parkway for some 32 years, has both a preschool and a recreational afterschool program, as well as a competitive girls and boys team. There is a “Romperee” program for children four to 36 months, a preschool program for children two to five years, and a recreational program for children up to 12 years old. Olympians including artistic gymnast and 2012 US national champion John Orozco, have trained at its facilities.

For babies and toddlers, both the Romperee and preschool program provide ample opportunities for tykes to both test and improve their gross motor skills. The school has a different lesson plan for each age group, allowing children to progress at their own pace. Children as young as four months will start with sensory activities, where they are introduced to different colors, music, bubbles, and balls to hold. They then move on to mini trampolines, mini bars, and runs.

When they turn two, they graduate to the bigger gym, where they start working with custom preschool equipment and then move on to larger equipment. That includes adult-sized trampolines, bars, and rings. Kids are able to progress at a safe and comfortable pace.

“As students develop physically, building strength and enhancing their sensory skills, they are also learning to overcome obstacles and face their fears. Every activity is a building block,” says Hebert, who has worked at the gym for three decades. “Our approach isn’t one-dimensional; everything we do helps children grow in ways they’ll need in all aspects of life.”

While children are often nervous initially, it isn’t long before they are testing their skills, Hebert notes. He recalls introducing children to the foam pits. At first they are afraid of even the six-inch drop, but before long they are jumping from much higher platforms into the pit.

“Because everything is padded and soft, they could take those chances and not have to worry about the fear factor as much,” he says.

When it comes to developmental milestones, Kaplan agrees that parents should be focused on making sure their child is achieving them from Day 1.

“We have the unique advantage of observing child development and milestones on a daily basis, and with so many children to compare, we can identify when a child may be falling behind,” explains Kaplan, who has worked at World Cup for 23 years. “This puts us in a position to give them the extra attention they may need in their development or encourage parents to have their child evaluated, so they can receive the additional support they may need.”

Meeting the Milestones

For many parents, waiting for their child to take their first steps or begin crawling can be a cause of great anxiety. While every child is unique and parents should not panic if theirs takes a bit more time to reach each milestone, parents should consult their pediatrician if their child is skipping steps or falling significantly behind, outside of the range of what is normal.

“If they are a certain age and they are not doing something, then we start to say, ‘Maybe you should get evaluated for physical therapy. Something may be going awry,’” says Smith, whose center is also known as Sensory Jim and Friends. “Every position is setting a child up for the next milestone that is to come.”

For example, a baby who does not learn to crawl may not build up the core strength to walk confidently when he or she gets older.

“Frequent falling, lots of tripping and falling, that is not typical for a pre-school aged kid. That is usually a sign of core and hip weakness,” says Apiscopa. “Kids that are constantly up on their tiptoes, that is also a red flag.”

While parents may be tempted to wait and see whether problems correct themselves, intervening early quickens the road to success. Apiscopa recommends that parents with concerns about their child’s gross motor skills contact a physical therapist for a consultation.

Kids who fall behind physically could become socially distant as well.

“If you’re afraid to go to the playground, you may not want to go to birthday parties,” says Smith. “And unfortunately, if milestones are not met, or are not attended to or addressed, we start to see these kids bullied.”

Developmental Steps has a five-page checklist with an overview of milestones children should be meeting, from birth to seven years old. Westchester Physical Therapy has list of red flags for parents to look out for.

“Not all developmental needs require a physical therapist or gym facilities. It’s important to stay mindful of your child’s physical milestones and intentionally incorporate activities into their daily routine that support gross motor development, such as family walks, hikes, and playground climbing. If you notice areas where your child may need additional support or encouragement, consider enrolling them in activities like infant classes, gymnastics, or swimming to further enhance their motor skills. Should you observe any concerning signs, seek early intervention from professionals to ensure timely assistance. Most importantly, make sure to enjoy fun, active moments with your child,” added Kaplan.

Still Running after all those Years

February 27, 2025 by Benjamin Cheever

Jen Cheever, Ben Cheever, and John Cheever running the Pocantico Half Marathon.

This was 1980 if you can believe that time goes back that far. No email. Manhattan was the center of the world, and this temperate zone still had an annual event called winter. The gusts that came off the Hudson were so nasty that you could buy a coat called the Riverside Drive.

I had just spent a heavenly night not sleeping in bed with the woman who – against terrible odds – would become the love of my life. Snow was whipping outside her casement window. I woke first and by the time she had reached consciousness, I was tying my New Balance shoes.

Propped prettily against the headboard she was holding a quilt across her front in that endearing way some women will do, even though you’ve touched what’s commonly concealed.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” she asked. “Was it okay? Didn’t you like what we did? Come back to bed.”

“I liked it very much,” I said. “Much much better than okay. But here’s the deal; I loved what we did.”

“But I can always run.”

The marriage lasted 40 years. We have two splendid sons older now than I was on that morning. All our parents died. I gave the eulogy for her beloved father.

Strides (Rodale 2007) was my last book. I rewrote the ending so that a history of running was also a love letter.

Ben Cheever and his son, Andrew, at the Bronx Zoo 5K

I guess she had as much trouble remembering 1980 as you do, because we are now divorced.

I may be taller at 76 than I was at 32, although it could just be the Hokas, which are the equivalent of two-inch heels.

I go out with the Rivertown Runners. A Todd Ruppel brainchild, we start at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday from the parking lot at the Sleepy Hollow High School. I once wrote an article about that parking lot for Runner’s World. Maybe I’m having a good day, or maybe my younger companions are slowing up so we can talk, but often one of them will complain about a colleague who refuses to retire. “Even though she’s seventy.”

“Seventy-six,” is what I say. “Seventy-six and passing on the right.”

Running, we all know, is good for mood. It’s good for the heart and for the brain. But yes, I’ve gotten slower. I was delighted to win my age category in this Halloween’s Sleepy Hollow 10k running 9.16-minute miles. But then I’m the same guy who ran 7:10’s in Iraq and came in first over fifty.

I came in 47th out of 760.

It’s crucial here to make one point: Unlike our beloved nation, running is a meritocracy. What you want – what you need – is to leave it all on the road. The word “personal” is more important than the word “best.” If you’re eighty or you ate too much and you run 15-minute miles, then 15-minute miles are still your Personal Best.

Because he was gorgeous and because he died young, the Oregon’s Steve Prefontaine is the Christ figure of American running. Prefontaine said that he wasn’t a fast runner, but a man who could tolerate more pain on the track than any other man alive.

You may not be built for speed, but all of us are built for pain. The trick is in knowing that Pain is a message sent out long in advance. You run through pain. Be careful. Stretch and take that week off. Do remember that your body is a liar.

I don’t want to live forever. Amby Burfoot who won the Boston Marathon in 1968 is still running. If Prefontaine was Christ, then Amby Burfoot is our slender Buddha. He coined a phrase that bitten runners oft repeat. “I don’t run to add years to my life. I run to add life to my years.”

Time to mention running’s ugly sister. Cross training can be fun, but often cross training is running’s ugly sister.

Swimming laps is great for my running. Swimming laps is hell for me.

I gasp and splash. I fight the water until what seems like an hour has passed. Hanging on the edge of the pool I look at my Garmin. Time spent swimming: Three minutes and 16 seconds.

The Elliptical, the ski and rowing machines are easier to take.

Bicycling is another way to cross train. Bicycling doesn’t just seem deadly, though. Bicycling is deadly.

I’ve swum (ugh). I’ve ridden a bicycle (Eek!). I’ve struggled with machines. My friend John Nonna (also 76) has a similar basement. On weekends we go out together for a run.

A dozen doctors told me not to run. I have been diagnosed with a bad back and – much more frightening – a bad heart.

But still I run.

My son, John, and Jen, his precious wife, ran the Pocantico half marathon with me last (this) year.

Forty-five years later and reeling from a broken heart there’s just one truth of which I’m certain. I was right back then. I was right to go out running before climbing back into that lovely bed.

Unleash Wellness with Dog Ownership

February 27, 2025 by Ronni Diamondstein

Dog owners know that life is better with a dog. There is nothing like their love, loyalty, and trust along with their enthusiasm when you return home each day. Another great reason to own a dog is that they are good for you. Dogs have a positive impact on your physical health and mental well-being. The science backs this up from studies reported by the Mayo Clinic, the National Institute of Health and Harvard Health among others.

Dogs are great company

You’re never lonely with a dog. They offer emotional support with their cuddles and unconditional love. Dogs can be there for you when other people can’t.

Dogs help you stress less

The comfort of and caring for your dog can take your mind off things to ease your worries. Therapy dogs relieve stress and anxiety. Petting your dog can lower your heart rate and blood pressure reducing cortisol, a stress hormone.

Dogs are heart healthy

Many studies show that dog owners have a lower risk of death. These studies show dog owners have lower blood pressure levels and the bond between the owner and canine companion reduces stress, one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease.

Dogs get you moving

Rain or shine when a dog has to “go,” you have to go out with them too. And it’s not just taking walks. Other activities like feeding, playing and grooming all increase physical activity. Studies show that dog owners were more active than non-dog owners and that they met daily physical activity guidelines.

Dogs make you more social

Dog owners tend to interact more with people and have an easier time making friends. Dogs are great conversation starters. Walking with a dog makes you more approachable. Dogs can also be a “date magnet.”
They make people appear to more attractive.

Dogs are great for kids

The bond a child has with a dog can foster their emotional well-being. Dogs help enhance their social skills and provide therapeutic effects for children with ADHD and autism.

Dogs are great for seniors

Studies show that pet therapy can improve cognitive functions of residents of long-term care facilities. Research has found that dogs help improve the social interactions of seniors and decrease the agitated behavior of those with dementia.

Dogs make you happier

Just looking at a dog wagging its tail can lift your spirits. They boost your mood and a study in Japan found that staring into your dog’s eyes can raise your level of oxytocin, that is known as the “love hormone.”

Dogs can help you cope

In times of crisis dogs can impact recovery psychologically. Studies have shown that military veterans can do better both psychologically and physically when they have a service dog.

Dogs are hard to resist

Why do we find puppies so irresistible? A dog’s facial features possess what’s known as an “infant schema,” a set of infantile physical features that is perceived as cute and triggers an innate caregiver behavior.

Dogs have been human companions since the beginning of civilization. While people think they are taking care of a dog, the dog is taking care of its person as well. Welcoming a dog into your home is a major decision and huge responsibility both in terms of time and financial commitments that need to be carefully considered. But also consider the marvelous emotional and health benefits that a canine companion can offer. Make no bones about it, there’s that unrivaled and unconditional love like no other!

Cover Stories

Meet the Limitless & Lovely Ali Stroker