Cover Stories

By Jeff Cohen

“We didn’t want to see our father wait on a death list or have to be on dialysis the rest of his life.” Jennifer Flood and her sisters, Cynthia and Heather, craved a happier outcome for their father, Daniel, of Pleasantville, NewYork.
The Flood sisters’ journey began with a simple Craigslist ad that read “Please help me find a kidney for my dad.” As Jennifer recalls, “the three of us were Craigslist regulars for everything from finding child care to selling jewelry, so why not get creative and go
for a kidney?”

Media attention for the ad ensued and soon over 100 people had offered to be tested. While approximately 50% of responders were genuine, the bigger hurdle was finding a blood type match for Daniel. His O-negative blood type meant the chosen donor would need to be O-negative or O-positive. Ultimately six responders were tested and in December 2008 Daniel was the lucky recipient of a living kidney donation from Dawn Verdick of Monterey, California.
The Altruistic Donor Dawn was not the Flood sisters’ aunt, distant relative, or even close friend. She was a complete stranger compelled to help.

As Dawn recalls, “when I saw the Craigslist ad I had just been to a memorial service for someone very close to me who had made such a difference in the lives of others.” At the outset, Dawn didn’t know her volunteerism desires would lead to kidney donation. “After seven months of conversations, research and testing, the answer to donate was obvious,” says Dawn.

To this day, the primary question asked of Dawn is why she would want to help a complete stranger. She is also frequently asked “What if something happens to your good kidney” or “What if the kidney recipient dies?” Dawn fervently believes that “helping others and being outward focused is truly the only remedy we need to create a better world.”

Inspirational words from someone whose altruistic ways extend beyond kidney donation. Dawn is also the President and Founder of Dare to Dream (www.daretodreamfund.org), an organization with the vision of providing every young person with the opportunity to discover his or her potential in school, at work, and in life through goal achievement and life preparedness programs.

A Foundation
is Born
Thanks to Dawn, Daniel Flood has a new lease on life. You could argue that saving dad is a noble enough cause, but it was just the beginning for the Flood sisters. En route to finding a living donor for Daniel, the sisters founded The Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation of America, www.floodsisters.org. The Foundation’s mission is to educate people on alternative ways to find a donor for kidney transplantation. Their focus is centered on the idea of the “altruistic donor,” or unrelated living donor.

According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) more than 93,000 Americans are currently on the national kidney transplant waiting list. While up to 16,000 or so kidney transplants are performed annually, the average wait time can surpass seven years. Sadly, many waiting list candidates will pass away before a kidney donation match is made.

“If we can raise awareness for living donation, word will spread, and waiting lists will shorten,” says Jennifer. With a wait list generally within a year, the Flood Sisters have facilitated four more transplants since their dad’s. Currently, 53 additional patients are registered, with 25 donors on hand getting tested for compatibility.

“Ultimately, we’d like to complete one transplant per month and provide hope for renal failure patients besides the traditional deceased donor transplant.”

Spreading the Word
Raising awareness is a primary mission for the Flood Sisters Foundation. Their annual fashion show does just that. On December 2, 2010, The Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation of America presented the 2nd Annual “Love. Give. Life.” Park Avenue Fashion Show at the Audi Forum of New York City, sponsored by the National Association of Profession Women (NAPW). Top fashion designers joined together to highlight the importance of altruistic/unrelated living donors.

As designer Elene Cassis noted, “I was extremely touched by the Flood sisters’ amazing story of how they saved their father’s life.” Elene is no stranger to tragedy herself, as her own father drowned. “The fear they had knowing they could lose their father is something I can certainly relate to and understand. It’s wonderful how they found someone to save their father’s life and continue helping others who are in a difficult situation in finding the right donor.”

Fellow Chappaqua resident Pam Zonsius, founder of “The Brelli” biodegradable umbrellas, supplied Brellis for some of the models to hold in their hands down the runway. According to Zonsius, “in the name of their father, The Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation fundraising event was very personal. They have been successful in creating a model to match people in need of a kidney with a donor and Brelli
is happy to be part of this passionate mission.”

The star-studded affair was co-hosted by CNN producer Phil Rosenbaum and medical producer Maria Dorfner. Household name companies participated in a silent auction, including Calvin Klein, David Yurman Jewelry, Build-a-Bear, the Tony Hawk Foundation and Ivanka Trump Jewelry. A February fundraiser is in the planning stages.
Touching Lives, Inspiring Hope
Live speakers touched by donation inspired the crowd, including Jamie Howard and Lisa Williams. 
Jamie’s daughter Caitlyn was
born with reflux and needed a
kidney transplant.

“I was very worried Caity would be on the waiting list for years, so I contacted the Flood Sisters.” Just before joining she got the call a deceased donor had been found. Caitlyn quickly went from a very, very sick child with dark circles
and yellow skin to a very healthy 13-year old.

Still, Jamie feels the Flood Sisters’ impact to this day. “I am comforted knowing that should Caity ever need another kidney I have somewhere I can go without having to feel hopeless and go on that waiting list. It really makes a very scary situation have some hope.”
For Lisa, she did some soul searching in arriving at the decision to give her kidney to a dear friend.

“I knew he needed it and felt as though I was extremely blessed to be able to give him an opportunity to lead a more normal life.” Lisa consulted with her Rabbi, who said, “to save a life is to save the world.”

The Terrific Trio…

Jennifer: spent six years in psychiatric nursing before working in finance, where she began building the Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation from her cubicle.

Cynthia: Jennifer’s twin, Fashion Institute of Technology graduate with a masters degree in art business from Sothebys, now working in compliance on Wall Street.

Heather: a Westchester social worker currently in training to become a therapist.

Today Lisa feels complete when she sees how well her friend is doing and thriving. She also stares in awe at the Flood Sisters. “They have such a passion and their journey was not completed when their father received his new kidney.” Lisa is a Flood Sister advocate for life and will continue to let people know that donating their organs to save a life is the most gratifying and honorable thing one can do.

The Journey Has Just Begun
Altruistic donation really is all about love. As the Flood Sisters’ website explains, “In the field of organ donation, it is love that carries the day, whether its for an individual recipient or simply for humanity. Organ donors are truly heroes. Everyday, they give of themselves to help others, gaining nothing of material value in return.”

In the end, The Flood Sisters’ philosophy sums it all up. “We changed our father’s life for the better. Now, we want to help others fight Kidney Disease. The power of one can save so many lives-imagine what can be done with all of us.” 

To learn more about The Flood Sisters Foundation of America, visit www.floodsisters.org or call 646-287-2900. Donations can be made online or by check payable to The Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation of America, 100 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

Jeff Cohen recently lost his mentor and father-in-law to kidney disease but lives his dream as a writer and consultant at Boldroad.com.

by Sarah Ellen Berman

Editor’s Note: Sarah tells IC she “thoroughly enjoyed” meeting so many members of the diverse group of advertisers featured in this Winter edition. Her mission was clear cut: to find out what gifts might fall into “the kind you can really treasure” category, whether it’s something that brings joy and meaning to your own life or to that of any loved one. We hope there are any number of ideas in these next few pages that will encourage you to shop local and engage with our great area merchants! And from this publisher: Thank you time and again for support for the pages of Inside Chappaqua, a publication delivered each time free and chock full of articles for the reading pleasure of over 6,000 area households. –Grace

At Bet Torah Nursery School in Mount Kisco, Mindy Citera suggests gift certificates to “give the gift of fun.” Grandparents may wish to give a mommy and me or mom’s day out class. Contributing toward tuition is another gratifying option.

For the quintessential New Year’s resolution. Maria Briones, M.D., has the answer. Her patients can attest to the efficacy of her weight loss program. Briones offers the support and guidance which are vital to success. Through a carefully planned diet and exercise program, she insures that the weight loss is permanent.

Ellen Koelsch of Club Fit recommends a gift card. She noted that the card contains, “The nice message that you care about their health.” Cards may be used toward anything at the club including massage, clothing, personal training, or a meal at the cafe.

A gift card or customized basket from Emmary Day Spa affords your friend the gift of indulgence. Hydrafacials are their most popular treatment. Emmary is the only spa in Westchester to offer this type of facial which is designed for sensitive skin.
Massage, soy candles, teas,
cleansers, and moisturizers are also available.

At Eye Designs, optician Jamie Herman noted that prescription sunglasses by Oliver Peoples and Tom Ford are popular gifts for the holidays. He also recommends digital progressive lenses. The advantage of these multifocal lenses is that they are easy to adapt to. Eye Designs also features optical fashion accessories. They carry eye-bobs (ready made readers) in funky shapes and patterns and la loop; eye catching eye glass holders seen on Heidi Klum.

At the dermatological practice of Lydia Evans, M.D., treats for a friend or loved one are copious. Dr. Evans suggests a gift certificate for a microdermabrasion or glycolic acid peel, facial, personalized skin care routine or the surprise of a pre-arranged procedure that one has longed for. Dr. Evans loves what she does and it shows. For those who are interested in cosmetic services, she eschews doling out recommendations, verbatim. When a client comes in to inquire, she listens intently to discern, “What it is they’re looking for,” and plans “what’s best for them.”

This year, put a gift certificate from Eye Gallery on your list. They showcase, “The most important accessory you can own,” according to co-owner Michael Rosen. When greeting someone, “Sunglasses are the first thing people see,” he noted. A fashionable look is not complete until the latest in eyewear is added. Eye Gallery carries Robert Marc worn by Nicole Kidman and Barton Perreira sported by Brad Pitt. Styles by Chanel and Oliver Peoples are also on hand. While looking good, your loved one will be protecting the health of their eyes year
round from omnipresent ultra violet rays.

At Family Britches, altruism reigns supreme. Co-owners Barry Mishkin and Rick Buggee are soliciting donations of suits and sport coats. These garments will be donated to Twigs Thriftree Thrift Shop which benefits Northern Westchester Hospital. “What shouldn’t get lost in the holidays is the spirit of giving,” Mishkin noted. This idea may provide the impetus for a husband or partner to give away clothing that is no longer cherished. In return, customers will receive a discount of $50 off toward the purchase of a new suit or sport coat.

Gail Patrick’s Cafe has gift baskets, “full of epicurean delights,” according to co-owner Gail Filacchione. Gift certificates are great for teachers and middle schoolers (who just can’t get enough of those dumplings.) Highlights from their extensive Chanukah menu are: latkes, matzoh ball soup, brisket, and rugelach. The Christmas and New Year’s menu includes: Italian Wedding soup, roast rib eye of beef, whipped sweet potatoes with brown sugar, and cookies galore.

At Grappolo Locando we love the holiday season! We can help you plan an exciting and festive intimate at-home wine tasting dinner with family and friends. Chef/Owner Thomas Cuomo will personally go to your home with his sommelier. (Think Prosecco with a wild mushroom bruschetta, luscious braised short ribs and creamy mascarpone polenta with a hearty Moltepulciano and biscotti with Vin Santo!) Another idea might be to book an at-home cooking class for you and your friends – a great way to enjoy a sumptuous and scrumptious meal while learning how it’s done!

At Hilltop Wines and Spirits, describe the type of wine you’re looking for and owner Peter Costello will find the ideal match or assemble a customized gift basket. Additionally, Costello recommends offering a membership in his Wine Club. Members receive a case of wines selected by certified sommelier Costello, delivered to their home each month. On Saturdays from 2-6, he hosts wine tastings from different regions and producers. All featured wines are on special during the tastings. Costello’s top picks for this holiday season are the: 2009 Bordeaux, vintage ports, single malt scotch, champagne, and prosecco.

For timeless gifts, visit ICD Jewelry. The staff is truly passionate about jewelry and provides invaluable assistance in the selection of the perfect piece. Designs by Varda feature 22K gold medallions with 2nd to 4th century ancient coins, geodes, and many other gemstones. Matching earrings are also available. Marco Bicego’s semiprecious 18K gold creations are adorned with amethyst, peridot, and blue topaz. Penny Preville’s line sparkles with diamonds. Israeli designer Marika’s artisanal works include a delicately crafted cuff. For children looking to shower their friends and relatives with jewelry, there is a full array of moderately priced items. Gift certificates are also available.

At Ivana Denniston Aesthetics, gift certificates and gift boxes contain the keys to beauty. Ivana is renowned for her skill in brow shaping. She focuses on the natural shape and insures a “perfect, glamourous look.” Ivana also offers makeovers, the Decleor skin care line, and makeup.

Holiday camp will be offered at Jodi’s Gym during the December vacation. Here kids will learn the basics of gymnastics on balance beams, bars, rings, vault, tumble track, and the space bouncer. The fun never ends during camp. Music, art, story time, games and lunch are on the menu!

Consider a gift card for a Nutritional Consultation with one of Westchester’s best nutritionists, Dina Khader in Mount Kisco. Her individualized plans help individuals with various weight loss and medical conditions–whether it’s eliminating pain or getting cholesterol under control or losing 75 pounds via state of the art testing to streamline nutritional requirements. During a visit, you can also create an individualized gift basket of skin care or food items, all organic, including Dina’s signature box of 16 dark chocolate truffles, extra virgin olive oil, healthy jams and snacks.
Gift certificates at Le Jardin du Roi are welcomed by teachers, friends, and family. The cozy ambiance at this bistro is particularly appreciated during the wintry, holiday season. The menu at Le Jardin du Roi is replete with favorites and new additions. Send those on your list here for hearty soups, cassoulet, coq au vin, mixed berry crumble, and tarte tatin.

Rosemary Devlin at the serene
O2 Living Holistic Wellness Center in Cross River suggests a gift certificate “for a holistic well-being and healthier 2011.” Along with tantalizing spa treatments and award winning yoga classes, O2 carries the Dr. Haushka line of skin care products, juices and delicious smoothies.

Visit Loungerie for intimate wear apparel and for special picks perfect for the season, such as the b.tempt’d by Wacoal fashion line made popular by the beautiful up and coming recording star Esmee Denters. Also check out the store’s special holiday time promotion: Purchase any two items of the same style, different designers, and buy a third item for half
the price.

At New Castle Physical Therapy, co-owner Adam Pliskow recommends the gift of health. He is offering an orthopedic or fitness assessment for $50 from now until the end of March. He sees many people who relate that their spouses suffer from back or neck pain but are not inclined to seek treatment. A gift of an assessment will facilitate the road to recovery. Assessments “can lead to either physical therapy or personal training,” Pliskow observed. His location offers a pristine, relaxing environment. Everyone receives individual attention and only one person is booked per hour.

Oasis Day Spa is an award winning spa recently named favored day spa in the country by American Spa Magazine.Their array of services includes facials, massage, manicures, yoga, yoga wear by Lululemon, and personal training. Co-owner Bruce Schoenberg related that anyone who
comes in for a service will walk out “six inches taller.” “What you’re giving is not just the gift of wellness, we’re bringing out the inner you,” he added. This oasis of tranquility has special offers on the first 25 days of December. Each day a different product or service is discounted.

When it’s time to celebrate, call the party planner par excellence. Monique Ross Banks is now the event planner and coordinator of Party! By Monique. She recommends giving the gift of a celebration this holiday season. “I’ve always loved gifts that you wouldn’t necessarily go out and get yourself,” she said. When there’s a reason to fete a friend or relative, Monique is the go to gal. Ever since Monique planned bar and bat mitzvahs for her three children, she has been receiving compliments and requests for advice from friends and family. Today she plans a myriad of events including bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, and corporate events. From cocktail and dinner parties to lavish affairs, Monique does it all, with inimitable flair. When planning a bar or bat mitzvah she related that her goal is, “to make this event the most memorable event of a family’s life.”

The Rosenthal JCC is promoting their Chanukah Gift Factory & Shalom Sesame Launch Party on December 5th. This is a family friendly event where children create gifts such as keychains, picture frames and menorahs to give to family and friends. The program “Can Grover find the missing menorah” will be screened. Children can also make and eat dreidels made out of marshmallows, Hershey kisses, and pretzels. Latkes will be sizzling for hungry artists and their families. The Rosenthal JCC also offers gift certificates for programs such as mommy and me classes, drop-in childcare, or nursery school.

At Squires, one will find a trove of Hunter boots in a wide array of colors as well as coordinating, “welly” socks, for added warmth. Owner Michael Kushner is restricting sales of this hot item to local residents who come into the store. No orders are being shipped. Other attractive gifts include the ever popular, cashmere sweaters in v-neck and shawl collar cardigan models. He also has trendy, Volcom sweatshirts which are sure to please even the most discerning teenager.

At Steffi Nossen School of Dance, Judy Ross recommends a gift certificate for “grandparents, aunts, and uncles to support their dancing child.” Additionally, she advocates coming in for free dance week from January 10-15. Dancers may try as many classes as they would like, sans obligation.
At The Perennial Chef in Bedford Hills, presents abound. The gift of having food appear on the table effortlessly is sure to please during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Turkey, ham, filet mignon, brisket, salmon, latkes, chestnut stuffing, and cheese platters are on the holiday menu. The real creme de la creme are the desserts created by chef Michael. French macarons –not to be confused with coconut macaroons–are his delectable pastries which begin with a crunch and end with cream. Cookies are fashioned in the shape of Santas and dreidels. Proprietor Francoise Jarry has selected herb mills, (for grinding herbs) hors d’oeuvres sets, truffles, plates, and stemware. Her gift certificates and baskets will bring holiday cheer to the foodie in your life.

Wags and Whiskers has presents for the family dog as well as their owners. They are touting truly durable toys including balls; made of recycled seat belts in the shape of a spider and bear and rabbit shaped toys (sans stuffing). “We have pet beds with the most gorgeous fabrics,” owner Christine Meyer noted. Marble topped pet dishes are designed to compliment the kitchen. And of course, Fido may be treated to a luxurious shampoo and cut.

At World Cup Gymnastics and Nursery School, gift certificates are available for giving holiday cheer. The kids’ night out program provides fun for kids and fun for parents. Kids are entertained for four hours while parents are free to catch a movie and have dinner. Grandparents may also be interested in purchasing a session of nursery school, enrichment, gymnastics, or a junior scientist class for the light of their life. Jeannine Johansen of World Cup is a huge proponent of gymnastics. “When you leave gymnastics, you always feel like you’ve accomplished something,” she said.

by Jean Sheff

Near the intersection of Routes 117 and 120, just opposite the New Castle Firehouse, sits a stately brick building. Perched above the fray, those inside can watch as daily life whizzes by in Chappaqua.

The building is occupied by LifeWorx, a firm established six years ago by Bal Agrawal, a former Fortune 500 executive who has come to realize the sanctity of “home.” The offices are clean and sleek. Only a half wall separates employees, who appear to enjoy the transparency of the layout. The space is a perfect mix of business meets life. There’s a well-appointed kitchen, a white couch and white side-chairs, life-size white boards for meetings and walls lined with modern portraits by Venture Photography. Touches of black and brown ground the 1,000-square-foot space and healthy granola bars fill a silver serving-dish. The atmosphere is calm and organized.

What Came Before
Bal, 60, who was born in India, has spent more than half his life in the States. Meeting him, one is set immediately at ease. It would be hard to imagine his life as anything but streamlined and orderly. Yet this erudite gentleman, who has a Ph.D. (from M.I.T.) in material science, has seen his share of upheaval.

Bal says he was “somewhat naïve” when he fell in love with a young woman in India, who presented what he calls a “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” situation. Bal was raised in a traditional Hindu family and Candida was a Catholic Portuguese girl. The only way he could see the relationship working was to come to America. So, he applied to an American college and left India when he was accepted. They set up home in Michigan, which wound up to be a poor choice, and crisscrossed the country studying, living or working before finally settling with their young son Neel, in Briarcliff.

Bal was enjoying his work at Praxair, Inc. when his wife took ill. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and after fighting for two years she succumbed to the illness at age 42. Bal remembers coming home from one of their first medical appointments. “It was autumn. There was a beautiful moon out and I could see the leaves falling slowly to the ground just as our tears fell like raindrops down our face,” he says.

Not everyone can express their feelings as poetically and naturally as Bal. Even a cynic would find it difficult to take him to task. After only a few minutes it becomes clear that his expressiveness is a large part of his being. That’s not to say he is always serious. He has a lively smile and a hearty laugh. He enjoys his fun as much as he enjoys his work. “At the end of a stressful week, I look forward to my Saturday workout, a yoga class, maybe a massage, a good lunch, and then I am back to new.”
Although he doesn’t claim to be religious, if pushed, he does admit to being somewhat spiritual. Those who work with him are more forthcoming. Brian Martin, director of client relations for LifeWorx, readily uses the word spiritual to describe his boss.

Other Challenges
Losing a beloved spouse is one thing. Picking up the pieces is quite another, especially when a child is involved. Neel was 11 when his mother was first diagnosed. He lived with her illness through his tweens and entered his teenage years without her. Bal makes it clear that Candida was a caring woman who not only worked as an administrator for Ossining’s Open Door, but also established a home that was a haven to her husband and son.

Bal clearly appreciates the value women bring both to the home and to the workforce. He shared his passionate views on the subject recently when he gave a talk at the Women’s Empowerment Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich.

In many ways, the seeds of LifeWorx were planted as Bal tried to deal with his shattered life after his wife’s death. “My son was in bed depressed, the roof was leaking, my household help had just stolen the silverware and left,” he says. He knew he needed help, but didn’t know where to turn. Eventually he found a wonderful new household assistant but the thought that there wasn’t a centralized organization which could disseminate this information quickly and professionally would stay with him.
Neel, who is now 30, eventually moved west to attend the University of Southern California. While there, he became increasingly ill and required several hospitalizations. “It’s something I wasn’t comfortable talking about before, but now I can say that my son suffers from mental illness,” says Bal. It was at this time that Bal says he hit bottom. “It was like a one-two punch,” he says. Yet, it was also the time when Bal, who doesn’t belabor the point, says he felt “the presence of God and faith.”

Rebuilding
Bal brought Neel home, moved to Chappaqua and began the task of remodeling his new home and rebuilding his life. “It was the first time I had done any work like this,” says Bal, who became a regular Home Depot shopper. It’s clear that the work of creating a home appealed to him.

It was also the time to make a bold move. “I had a wonderful job, but I had always wanted to develop my own business,” he says. He took about six months to develop his thoughts and then committed himself to the challenge of building LifeWorx.

He opened the doors in 2004, and when a positive article in The New York Times ran in January of 2005, the phone started ringing and hasn’t stopped. At first, the firm focused primarily on pet care together with chef and organizing services. In dealing with clients, Bal found that once he got to the core of their issue, there were other services they really needed. Streamlining lifestyles by incorporating the right assistance in the home developed into a focus. Bal says he’s pleased that so many of his clients say, “You get it! You understand my issues and the challenges.”

Bal and his team (he has four employees in the Chappaqua location and two in a new location in Westport) have expanded to provide nannies, childcare, eldercare, personal assistants and housekeeping experts. “We see ourselves as a solution provider rather than a staff provider,” he says. At any given time, they have about 100 “experts” who can be assigned to a client’s need within 24 to 48 hours. Yet, Lifeworx does more than assign – they make matches.

Quality
Martin, who has been in the hospitality and service industry since his teens, says Bal runs a “top notch organization.” There are “reports, accountability and weekly meetings,” he says. LifeWorx takes what’s best from the corporate world, adds high-end customer service and superior experts to solve the daily challenges many households face. Martin says that while the staff is extremely professional, they are also down to earth. “We are not robots; we are people and encourage clients to just talk to us so we can understand their needs and help solve them,” Martin says.

LifeWorx has an extensive interview process. Barbara Bogart of Harrison is a LifeWorx eldercare expert. She’s worked with the company for four years and respects their procedures. “All experts are screened, go through a full background check and a detailed personal interview,” she says. LifeWorx seeks to know everything about an expert’s skills. Can they swim? Do they know CPR? So, should you want a housekeeping expert who can clean limestone, decant wine and tend an herb garden, they can supply you with the right person.

When Chappaqua resident Sherry Blockinger needed childcare for her daughter, she turned to LifeWorx to help her find just the right person. “They made it easy for me by taking a lot of the background work out of the equation, which gave me great peace of mind. They understood my needs, offered support and provided the help when I needed it,” she says.

LifeWorx sets their standards very high. “We never send someone out there with our fingers crossed,” Martin says. Their due diligence is a huge part of their success. “Our success rate is huge,” says Martin.

Serenity
Bal says his home can run on autopilot and that gives him a sense of ease and calm. It also gives him the time and energy to do what he needs and wants to do. He cooks about four hours a week and works to live a balanced lifestyle. “Health is such a gift,” he says. He’s been a devoted yoga student for the past five years. He brings his personal quest for a peaceful home to work with him everyday. “Life can be stressful, helping people create a functioning home that can be their respite is very rewarding,” he says. As for his own respite, Bal hopes to walk across America with his son and his girlfriend within the next five years.

Jean Sheff is a Chappaqua resident who would love to have a peaceful, organized home.

Suburbia Roller Derby does not need a Jimmy Dugan to dissertate on the incompatibility of skating and crying. But when it’s more than hurt feelings at stake, a salty discharge is certainly tolerated in the “league” Yonkers calls its “own.” One need only look to Chappaqua Mom and Suburban Brawl Jammer, Jane “Lesley E. Visserate” McManus, for the answer.

“Cry,” she said of breaking her tailbone in 2008, “I got back up and continued to jam because I didn’t want to be a baby about it.”The bravado is more a function of competitiveness than the theatrics of the past. The WWE component is gone, says the ESPNNY columnist, and bouts now consist of skill, strategy and endurance.

The objective is for each teams’ two jammers to pass the opposition’s four blockers, getting one point per pass. Otherwise, blockers play offense and defense simultaneously. “You’re trying to assist your jammers, and at the same time, block the other jammers,” she says.

Likening it to controlling the football line of scrimmage, it’s about positioning, as legal contact is limited between the shoulders and thighs. An elbow to the head is a major penalty that you want to avoid, she says. Her introduction came doing a story for The Journal News in 2006 on a Connecticut Roller Derby league. As a lifelong athlete, it appealed, but she had reservations about the contact–until considering her past playing pickup basketball with men. “I figured it would be about the same,” she says. Signing on when this skater owned league came to the rink on Tuckahoe Road in 2007, she regained the outlet lost to pregnancy and parenthood.

Roller Derby is an outlet she recommends to any woman who wants to escape the fitness paradigm at the gym. “It’s an awful experience where you listen to loud music and will yourself into losing a pound,” she says.That’s replaced with a competitive determination in which athletes practice two to four times a week for two hours each. Bouts consist of two 30-minute halves, which have skaters on for fifteen, twominute shifts. Either way, the centrifugal forces expended do not put as big a dent in the effort as it might seem.

“It’s exhausting,” she says, and having “puke” buckets handy is a comfort (even though she’s never needed one). Although, she doesn’t want to scare off women with fewer miles on their sports’ resume. There are women who have never played Lesley E. Visserate aka Jane McManus, getting ready to jam against Hammer City at ECE on June 27. Photo by Manish Gosalia September/October 2010 Inside Chappaqua 27 any sport, and after training for a while, they become incredible skaters, she says. Additionally, there’s room to learn on the “B” team with the Backyard Bullies. It’s a way for us to get our younger players competition, she says. Of course, the difference separating the A-team, which will be competing in the Eastern Regional Tournament in September at The County Center, is vast. If you’re an “A” player, you have a keener awareness of pack movement and a better understanding of how the action will unfold, she says.

The same goes for contact. Hitting isn’t as effective if you take yourself out of the play and get passed. “It’s contact but with more purpose,” she says. Regardless, skill level doesn’t mean less competitiveness. “Why would you be doing this, if you don’t want to be as good as you can be,” she asks. So an injured “A” player can create a welcome opening. Someone’s noticed you, she says, “and that’s the moment to shine.” But the dark side of black and blues is lightened by the support found on the rink and a camaraderie that’s not at a loss afterwards at the pub.

“It’s just completely wonderful,” she says. It’s a also a venue in which moms can model themselves in a role exhibiting strength. “Kids love watching their mothers do something powerful,” she says.

Nonetheless, kids know all about the constraints on crying in case mommy is knocked off her bearings. “They know it’s part of the game,” she says. As for her husband, he plays tennis and her belief is that singular pursuits make for stronger relationships when both partners have them.

Otherwise, new fishnets (which are worn so the skin does not get stuck to the surface in falls) can add a little something to the intramurals, she jokes. How’s that sit with fans attracted to the sexy power of Roller Derby? Not sure, she concludes, you have to ask them. The Derby in the Burbs at The County Center is Sept 24-26.

Rich Monetti has been a freelancer since 2003. He is just fine with the contact he gets with slow pitch softball and rarely cries.

By Marianne A. Campolongo

“It used to be, ‘Wow, Johnny’s on TV.’ Now everyone is there with their flips recording everything and putting their kids on YouTube,” said Barbara Kornreich, New Castle Community Television (NCCTV)Board President.

In such an environment, how does community television, whose mission is to provide an outlet for the community to produce and broadcast their own content, stay relevant?

By embracing new media, becoming more visible, and reaching out to community members–whether they want training in sophisticated video equipment and editing techniques, or simple movie software to fine-tune their home videos.

New Media and a New Location
There is “a two-fold transition going on” at NCCTV, explains Kornreich: a growing emphasis on new media/ digital and the launch of a leading-edge public access center, the New Castle Community Media Center (NCCMC) where community members, businesses, and organizations can learn to shoot and produce video for the Internet, mobile devices, video sharing sites, and television, right in town.

Most viewers are already watching NCCTV’s traditional programming on demand on the web rather than on their television, according to Kornreich. The emphasis on new media recognizes the value in alternative programming. “People should not be intimidated. You don’t have to come in and do a half-hour show every week,” says Kornreich. “We’ll help you turn your four-minute video into something we can show on our website, on facebook, and on TV.”

“The website will be like YouTube except super local and relevant to New Castle,” said Executive Director Carrie Krams. Although it won an award from the Alliance for Community Media in 2008, Treasurer Lyle Anderson says he is already redesigning the site to make it more of a “community portal” where in addition to uploading video and photos, “people can comment, add suggestions, and create their own channels to personalize their experience.”

The new studio, which began limited operations in mid- July with a grand opening slated for September, provides everything from a traditional TV studio set-up with greenscreen, teleprompter, lights, and multi-directional robotic cameras that one person can operate from a high-tech console, to iMacs equipped with both simple movie-editing software and the more sophisticated Final Cut Pro.

Community members can learn to edit videos they take with their own cameras or with a variety of cameras available at the studio—from large professional models to easier-to-operate “prosumer” video cameras that fit easily in one hand. The current studio at Horace Greeley High School will remain intact, as will NCCTV’s traditional programming, which can now be shot at either location. The studio at Greeley was off-limits to the New Media Keeps an Old Medium Relevant Article and Photo by Marianne A. Campolongo Barbara Kornreich (standing) and Carrie Krams (seated) at the New Castle Community Media Center. The console controls multiple cameras in the studio. The top monitor shows one of the many virtual backgrounds that can be substitued for the plain green screen and table in the studio. September/October 2010 Inside Chappaqua 25 rest of the community during school hours. The new location at 400 King Street, Suite 2, in the shopping center at the intersection of Route 120 and Route 117, is open 9 am to 6 pm weekdays, and by appointment on Saturday, to make it easier to schedule shooting and editing sessions, workshops, and community meetings throughout the day, increasing accessibility.

“The kid’s stuff is so great. It’s quirky, fun and reflective of the community, which is really what it should be,” said Kornreich.

All ages are welcome but an important goal of the new media center is to make it easier for adults to get involved in filmmaking, so more of them can share their creativity with the community too, tapping into the town’s “vibrant, engaged, talented community,” said Krams. NCCTV has only two full-time staff members and several volunteers. Often, community members request someone to film their event, unaware that the station often does not have the manpower. They do, however, have the expertise to teach more residents how to film their own events, and equipment to lend those who need it. Krams and Kornreich said they hope the new media center will encourage more people to take advantage of what they have to offer.

Tap Into Your Inner Artist
Much is still in the planning stages as they prepare upcoming workshops. NCCTV has been an incubator for the career of many Greeley students who have gone on to top film schools and they plan to offer internship opportunities to further encourage students but you need not have serious aspirations to get involved.

The new media center is aimed at aspiring filmmakers of all ages who want to follow their artistic vision as well as at community members who simply want to learn how to record a town or group event. For more information you can check out the website www.ncctv.org, follow them on Facebook (New Castle Media Center) or contact info@nccmc.com to receive news of upcoming workshops.

Marianne A. Campolongo, a freelance writer and photographer (www.campyphotos.com) based in Chappaqua, has been dreaming about learning video. She cannot wait to take her first NCCMC workshop at a studio within walking distance of her home.