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Physical Therapy for Women at Various Life Stages

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Women go through so many changes throughout their life cycle. From pregnancy for those who choose to conceive to the post-partum phase, hormones can increase a woman’s likelihood of certain injuries. The fluctuating hormones in perimenopause and then a sharp decline of estrogen in menopause can cause a variety of musculoskeletal issues as well. Inside Press spoke with Chappaqua resident Dr. Corrinne Menn, an OBGYN and menopause specialist to gain a better understanding of how hormones and other factors at different stages of a woman’s life can make her more prone to injury. We also spoke with two local physical therapists who have decades of treating women of all ages for these various injuries, Armonk’s Michele Berliner at Focal Physical Therapy in Armonk and Pleasantville’s Caron DuBois at New Castle Physical Therapy in Millwood.

Pregnancy

The pregnancy hormone relaxin surges during pregnancy in order to prepare the body for delivery. This important hormone helps loosen muscles, joints and ligaments to help the body stretch and prepares the pelvis for delivery. Unfortunately, it can also make pregnant women more prone to injury as their ligaments loosen. With added weight gain causing a women’s center of gravity to shift, it is not surprising that many women experience muscle aches and pains during their pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the number of pregnant women who experience back pain is somewhere between 50 to 70 percent.

Dr. Menn says back pain is one of the top reasons she has referred pregnant women to physical therapy (PT). Both Berliner and DuBois agree that back pain is one of the most common ailments they treat in pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester. But other women seek out physical therapy due to pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and even pain in the rib cage. PGP can cause pain in the hips, buttocks, thighs and the sacrum and it is estimated to affect up to 70 percent of pregnant women in the US. PGP can also persist in the post-partum phase with nearly 40 percent of women reporting ongoing PGP and pelvic weakness 12 weeks after delivery.

Besides addressing pain, Berliner works a lot on core strength and helping women recruit their abdominal muscles properly so that they can recover quickly in the post-partum phase. From lifting a heavy car seat to placing a baby in a crib, using core muscles effectively is key to injury prevention.

Just as many expectant moms take classes about newborn care, DuBois wishes that all pregnant women could have at least one physical therapy session prior to delivery. PT could teach them proper lifting mechanics and how to strengthen their pelvic floor to aid in delivery.

Post-Partum

Dr. Menn believes that historically there has been an undereducation in the wider medical community of how physically traumatic the delivery process can be for some women. The tide is slowly turning with medical groups such as the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) highlighting data on episiotomies, vaginal tears, perineum and nerve pain following delivery. Women can even break their coccyx bone or hip during childbirth.

Diastasis recti is the separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy and is more common in women who deliver via caesarean. The condition not only affects body posture but also leads to core dysfunction which can cause low back pain, urinary incontinence and a reduced quality of life. “Before a woman resorts to surgery for it, physical therapy can help narrow the separation and fix many of the problems associated with it,” explains Berliner.

“When you give birth, your life changes dramatically and your body is challenged in different ways,” adds Berliner. Movements such as holding the baby, feeding or nursing it, placing them in a car seat or crib are repeated throughout the day. “PT can help with postural awareness to help address any weaknesses and prevent injury,” adds Berliner. Relaxin, which loosens the ligaments still remains in the body post-partum. Some sources say it can take up to a year for relaxin levels to return to pre-pregnancy levels. The ligaments and joints can still be loose in this phase, so an exercise program needs to be done cautiously. “Women need guidance in the post-partum period to educate them on the best body mechanics for doing these activities, so they don’t hurt themselves,” explains DuBois.

Many times, when a woman visits her ob-gyn for a six-week post-partum check-up, pain is attributed to the weight gain of pregnancy or a difficult delivery. “If you are having pain anywhere in your body that is lasting more than two weeks and affecting your daily life, you have to be the squeaky wheel with your doctor. Find a physician who acknowledges the problem and ask for a referral to a pelvic floor therapist or an orthopedist with expertise in pregnancy-related issues,” urges Dr. Menn.

Perimenopause

In 2024, Dr. Vonda Wright an orthopedist in Florida along with other researchers published a seminal study in the journal Climacteric titled the “Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause”. While many women are familiar with the decline in bone health at this stage, the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause (MSM) also includes joint and muscle pain. “The loss of estrogen affects every system in the body,” notes Dr. Menn. Doctors are becoming more aware of MSM as the study was widely covered in the media.

Perimenopause is a period in woman’s life when her estrogen levels are constantly fluctuating. “From a physiologic standpoint, perimenopause symptoms can start 10 years prior to a woman’s last period. For example, if the normal range of menopause is 46-56, let’s say someone transitions into menopause at 49, that woman can start having symptoms of perimenopause starting at 39 with abrupt fluctuations and unpredictable estrogen levels,” explains Dr. Menn. The most rapid bone loss begins during the late perimenopause, approximately 1-2 years before the final menstrual period (FMP), and continues through the first few years of postmenopause. During this critical window, bone mineral density can decline by 2.5% per year or more.

Dr. Wright’s study found that more than 70% of women will experience musculoskeletal symptoms and 25% of women will be disabled by a musculoskeletal issue through the transition from perimenopause to postmenopause. This often-unrecognized collective of musculoskeletal symptoms, largely influenced by estrogen fluctuations, includes joint pain, loss of muscle mass, loss of bone density and progression of osteoarthritis.

With approximately 40–50% of women at age 50 having osteopenia, which is a precursor to osteoporosis, and approximately 20% of women over 50 years of age having osteoporosis, baseline bone density tests are critical. Bone density scans are usually recommended at age 65 for women. Dr. Menn, a breast cancer survivor, would argue that there are a lot of risk factors that women need to know about that would make them an ideal candidate to have a baseline DEXA bone density scan done earlier, starting at age 50. These include but are not limited to women who had chemotherapy, having a parent who had an osteoporotic fracture, smoking, ongoing steroid or SSRI use, having celiac disease or autoimmune diseases or an eating disorder at some period in their lives. “If insurance denies it, the cash price is about $100 and it is worth it,” she advises.

Berliner sees many patients in perimenopause. A common refrain she hears from them is “I’m now in my 50s. I never had so much pain and used to bounce back quicker.” One of the most difficult conditions both Berliner and DuBois treat in this population is frozen shoulder which is significantly more common in women during perimenopause and menopause (ages 40-60) due to hormonal shifts, particularly the drop in estrogen, which affects joint lubrication, inflammation, and connective tissue elasticity, making the shoulder capsule prone to stiffness and thickening. “It is such a painful and frustrating condition, and it takes a lot of diligence in treating with stretching and home exercises. It can take 6-12 months to heal. If you are having shoulder pain, the sooner you start working on it with PT the better. The same is true for nagging back pain during pregnancy. Don’t delay treatment,” says Berliner.

Menopause

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 30% of women age 65 or older will have osteoporosis. “We have clear data that 1 in 2 women with osteoporosis will have a fracture in their lifetime. If they have a hip fracture, close to 30% of those patients die within a year and a vast majority of them will never return to the independent functioning they had prior to that hip fracture,” says Dr. Menn.

So many women think that if they eat enough vitamin D or take calcium supplements, they think that they won’t have bone loss but that’s simply not true points out Dr. Menn. “You can’t ignore the elephant in the room. Once you stop producing estrogen, you will have bone loss and need to take an all-hands-on deck approach with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for those who are a good candidate for it plus weight bearing exercises and resistance training.

Dr. Menn is a proponent of HRT. “The FDA has approved estrogen for more than two decades for the prevention of bone loss and osteoporosis. One of the primary indications of HRT is for the prevention of bone loss. The FDA sets a very high standard to get a drug approved for the prevention of a disease. Even if a woman isn’t experiencing symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats, I still recommend it.”

“A lot of women assume they aren’t good candidates for hormone therapy but if a doctor says that, ask them, “why am I not a good candidate?” so they don’t lose out on the benefits of HRT for osteoporosis prevention,” she adds. Dr. Menn suggests seeing a specialist if you choose not to take HRT or are not a good candidate for it, as there are non-hormonal options for osteoporosis available.

Physical therapists can develop a supervised and safe strength training program for menopausal women. “Physical therapy used to be viewed as a tool for those suffering from an injury or people in the pre-or post-surgery phase but with people living longer, they are now using it on a semi-regular basis and for injury prevention,” notes Berliner.

DuBois agrees and also noted that she has many elderly female patients who stopped exercising during COVID. They were afraid to go to the gym, and they need to work on strength training with guidance. Those who are frail especially need a supervised tailored approach to an exercise program.

Many studies show that weight bearing exercises such as vigorous walking can improve osteopenia and osteoporosis. “Other exercises such as glute bridges, planks, squats and lunges are extraordinarily beneficial,” says Berliner. In addition to strength training, physical therapists work a lot on balance exercises for fall prevention with many of their elderly clients.

Part of the therapist’s job is to build a home exercise program that is realistic for each individual and addresses the client’s needs. “If a client says she only has 10 minutes to exercise at home, then I will build a short program tailored to her needs within that time frame,” says Berliner. She also suggests “exercise snacks” for time pressed individuals who may have trouble carving out 30 minutes of consecutive exercise, they can break up sessions into 10 or 15 minute chunks a few times a day.

“Although a diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis can be alarming, we do have good solutions to address this,” says Dr. Menn. Acknowledging that other therapies such as acupuncture and functional medicine can help women at this stage or at other periods throughout their life, Berliner wants women to view PT as a way to meet their goals. “Whether you hope to get stronger, more flexible or have less pain, I am here to listen to you and I view myself as a tool to build you a program to help you achieve that. You are not alone –
let me help you to feel better,” sums up Berliner.

Welcome to Spring … Now Get Outside for a Myriad of Health Benefits

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Whippoorwill Park
Photo by Cathy Hildenbrand

The temperatures are getting warmer, the days longer and we are finally beginning to climb out of our winter caves. Spring is upon us! Just as the trees are pushing out green leaves and early spring ephemerals are exhibiting their colorful flowers, we too are offered an opportunity for vibrancy and new beginnings. What an exciting time of year to get outside. The natural world is coming alive and inspiring us to do so too.

Spring presents so many opportunities to feel and be healthy. Getting started is easy. Just open the door, step outside and take a deep breath. Spending time in nature provides a host of benefits- from reducing stress and lowering blood pressure to improving focus and mood. Being outside relaxes the brain, invites in curiosity and makes us happy.

Almost all of us feel better after time spent in nature. It’s our innate instinct. Even though our modern tech-filled world provides many distractions (most indoors), we still carry the genes of our ancestors who evolved in wild settings- relying on nature’s cycles for waking, sleeping, eating, celebrating, and survival. We are hardwired to connect with nature. Our feet want to land on the earth, and our lungs want to breathe in fresh air.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) spending at least two hours per week in nature can have benefits for both your physical and mental health. This can be all at once or in small visits. So, as spring envelopes us, it’s time to highlight the wonderful ways spending time in nature can be good for your mind and body.

Get Reconnected

We, as modern humans, are wired to push through the daily commitments of work, life and family, which often leave us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Our digital devices keep us constantly connected as our brains go on overload just trying to process it all. Spending time outside allows us to unwind and reconnect with ourselves and the natural world. By tapping into the cycles of nature, we reclaim balance. We slow down, we breathe, we shed the busy energy and return to our center.

Glazier Preserve
Photo by Cathy Hildenbrand

The Attention Restoration Theory (ART) notes that spending time in natural settings helps us replenish our focus. Yes, ART is well-documented in scientific literature. Natural environments invite in a state of soft fascination; they give our mind the space it requires to rest and reflect. This pause provides us with the restoration we need to actually be more productive when we get back to our waiting commitments.

TRY THIS: Take 10 minutes to sit in your backyard. Allow your mind to wander and body to absorb some relaxing earth energy – let it all go. Or wake up your body by going for a walk in your neighborhood. Along the way, see if you notice a few new trees and hear one or two birds calling out. Have a conversation with a neighbor you haven’t seen since early fall. Reconnect!

Boost Your Immunity

When you spend time outside, in sun or in rain, you are getting exposure to Vitamin D, which supports immunity, bone health and improved mood. If you up your game and find yourself amongst some trees, you will also get a healthy dose of phytoncides. Phytoncides are natural chemicals released by plants, especially trees like pines, firs and spruces. They are the “essential oils” of the forest that, when inhaled, offer a number of health benefits, including an extra boost for your immune system and reduction of stress. All this good stuff can improve your mood and help you sleep better.

TRY THIS: Plan to check out some of our beautiful local trails. Go for a 30-minute walk or hike- see how it makes you feel and how it impacts the rest of your day.

Spark Some Creativity

Glazier Preserve
Photo by Cathy Hildenbrand

Just being outside invites the brain to quiet down. Fascination attention- resting your gaze on the trees or sky or birds passing by – allows your mind to relax and opens space for new thoughts and ideas. While this may sound a little “woo-woo”, it’s vital for our mental health, especially as we are caught up processing so much these days. Inviting curiosity allows us to tap into our creative side – we open the door to learning and experiencing more- new ideas suddenly have space to emerge. With a more relaxed brain, you return to your life a little calmer which could ultimately lead to more inspiration and productivity.

TRY THIS: Take your coffee outside first thing in the morning for an entire week. What a beautiful way to start the day. Watch the sun come up, listen to the birds, reflect on the clouds in the sky. Notice if this helps you feel more inspired and focused as you head into the rest of your day.

Improve Your Heart Health

Spending time in nature triggers a physiological response that lowers stress levels. A simple slow walk allows the body to relax and find its natural rhythm. Blood pressure lowers, cortisol levels (the stress hormone) decrease, we feel a sense of calm and our hearts say, ‘thank you’. For more active folks, spring is the perfect time get back outside to run, bike, swim, or play tennis. Even a brisk 20-30 minutes of outdoor exercise is enough to make a lasting impact. Working out in fresh air cleanses the body while exposing it to the beneficial qualities of Vitamin D.

TRY THIS: Instead of going to the gym, move your workout outdoors one or two days a week. Try active walking, running or bike a loop around the neighborhood. Feel the difference in your body and mind.

Sleep Better

We are healthier when we sleep better, and good sleep is enhanced by plenty of fresh air and exposure to natural light. A good way to find balance is by watching the sun rise and moon set. By following these daily cycles, we tap into our circadian rhythms. This helps reset the mind and body to regulate our sleeping and waking. When our internal clock is adjusted to the natural cycles of nature, we are more in balance.

TRY THIS: Step outside for 5-10 minutes first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. Invite in the beauty of spring as you watch the sun rise or set in the sky. See if this helps you to feel more in sync and better prepared for a good night’s sleep.

Boost Your Happiness

Being in nature makes us happier. When we are outside, we feel something bigger than us, which opens our hearts and makes us want to be kinder to ourselves, others and the Earth. This idea of connectedness contributes to a sense of positivity, well-being, better social interactions and a greater understanding of meaning and purpose in life. That’s a lot towards feeling happy and good towards yourself!

TRY THIS: Get to know some of the trees in your backyard. Or plant a few flowers and plants in your garden or pots. Extra points if you plant native. In addition to beautifying your surroundings and benefitting the local ecology, getting your hands in the earth has great connecting qualities.

Raising the Flag at Byram Hills and Across The Country, Flag Football is Getting Girls Onto The Gridiron

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Byram Hills Girls Flag Football Team
PHOTO BY NINA KRUSE

Growing up in a big family of die-hard Jets fans, Byram Hills senior Angjelina Vataj grew up loving football, both watching and playing.

“Especially during family barbecues and anything like that, we would just play in the backyard,” Vataj recalls. “I have a very big family, so we would all just make teams and play.”

Della Gonzalez, Vataj’s classmate, grew up loving the sport and frequently playing pickup games with her father and brothers.

“I always loved throwing the ball,” she says. “I always had a good arm naturally.”

But for both girls, football was a sport they assumed they could play only informally, in scrimmages with family and friends. Organized football, particularly at the varsity level, was for boys, just as professional football was for men.

Now, years later, Gonzalez is the starting quarterback for Byram’s varsity flag football program, while Vataj is the starting center. Heading into their final season, they are part of the first graduating class that saw girls’ flag football offered as a varsity sport throughout their high school tenure.

A Fast-Growing Sport

In New York State and in Section 1, girls flag football has seen its popularity skyrocket in the five years it has been offered as an organized sport.

“As a lot of people have said, it’s one of the fastest growing sports in the state and in the country,” says Scott Saunders, Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics at Byram Hills Central School District. “It seems like every year more and more schools are hopping on board.”

Byram Hills got in on year two, in the Spring of 2023, after only a handful of schools took part in the inaugural 2022 season. The program has grown from under eight schools in Section 1 fielding a team to 35, nearly half of all districts.

“We love that Section 1 has poured a lot of time and effort into this, and I just think it’s a great offering for athletes,” says Saunders.

The NFL has been a prominent booster of the sport. The league has allocated grant money to any district establishing a team to help the program get on its feet. They’ve also held promotional events, including a 2023 jamboree in Somers featuring Daniel Jones, then the starting quarterback for the New York Giants.

Byram Hills Quarterback Della Gonzalez
PHOTO BY NINA KRUSE

At Armonk, the push for a team initially came from some of the students, who approached Rob Castagna, then the Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics, in 2022 and expressed interest in playing should the school launch a program, Saunders says. The first year, 2022, the district launched an intramural program during the offseason to see if there was sufficient interest to launch a varsity program.

“When we started that first season, we had nearly 40 participants, and the girls were really excited to get going with it,” Saunders says. “There was a lot of energy there.”

Jennie Croke, a Physical Education teacher, served as head coach for the first two varsity seasons. She asked Simon Berk, who also coaches the boys varsity football team, to get on board, and Berk took over as head coach last year.

“I am a father of four girls, and I’ve been coaching boys’ football for the past 22 years,” says Berk. “The idea of getting to coach football for young women was a really awesome opportunity.”

Different Style Of Play

Though both football, the boys and girls versions of the sport are very different games. A “tackle” in the girls sport is simply grabbing the opponent’s flag, rather than bringing her to the ground, making it a much less physical sport. Blocking is also not allowed – though players can set what are akin to moving screens – and linemen are allowed to go out for passes. And there are seven players on each side of the field rather than eleven.

“Although they are both football, the X’s and O’s and the style of play is still so different,” says Berk.

But while the big hits of the boys’ game are absent, Berk sees it as a misnomer to call it truly non-contact.

“It’s a ‘non-contact sport’ in the same way that basketball and soccer are non-contact sports, and by that, I mean there is a lot of contact,” he says. “You are teaching the skills of the game, and the rules that we play with in New York State, there is no blocking, but people still block. It is no tackling, but it is still a very physical sport. So, I think that has been the trickiest part, teaching that physicality within the structure of the rules.”

Gonzalez believes flag football has the right balance of physicality without the potential risks of tackle football.

“Obviously I don’t want to be playing football with a bunch of boys and getting hit,” she notes. “But I feel like it’s so great to be in a league where you could play competitively with other girls that actually want to play.”

The program, like the sport, has come a long way in its first few seasons. In its inaugural year, Gonzalez says, many of the players saw it as less intense a commitment than the more established varsity sports. But the game has grown more competitive as the team has become more established.

“I feel like a lot of the girls on the team didn’t have a passion for football before and they just joined it for fun. But once they started, they slowly started to love the game.”

Last year, Byram Hills went 7-8-1, advancing to the Section 1 quarterfinals.

Still, Vataj says, the team is inviting even to students who have not played varsity sports and had little prior football experience. She noted that flag football does not make cuts, so anyone who works hard can at least expect a roster spot.

“This gives them an opportunity to play a sport that they like even if they are not at that advanced varsity level yet, so that they can learn the sport, get a feel for it, get better at it, and overall, just play a sport that they are interested in.”

Additionally, because the sport is new, girls joining in high school will not be at a disadvantage going up against athletes who have played the sport since childhood. But that may be changing.

Bigger And Bigger

There are now options for girls as young as preschool. Three years ago, Berk and his friend John Praino launched a youth program called Girls Flag Bedford. The program offers league play for girls as young as six and seven, with clinics for younger athletes. The league has a significant Armonk contingent, Berk says.

And both locally and nationally, the sport continues to rise in prominence. Horace Greeley in Chappaqua now also has a varsity team. And in 2028, flag football will be introduced to the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles for both men and women.

Still, Gonzalez believes that the program still has a way to go before it is taken as seriously as more established sports. She noted that their games bring friends and family to the stands but do not draw the big crowds that the boys’ team does.

“I feel like it is just small steps that we have to take to prove that we are a real sport,” she states.

Best Local Spots for Staying Active This Spring

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As spring slowly approaches, it’s time to trade in those heated blankets for some comfortable walking shoes.

Fortunately, you don’t need to book a flight, plan a trip, or venture too far to reap the health benefits of being outdoors. Whether you live in Armonk, Chappaqua, Pleasantville, or Briarcliff Manor, there are truly so many beautiful places to explore. To help you fully take advantage of these opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite outdoor spots in each of these towns, so you can add them to your springtime itinerary and start making up for all the time cooped up inside.

Armonk

Wampus Brook P ark
PHOTO COURTESY OF
NORTH CASTLE PARKS &
RECREATION

Armonk is home to some beautiful parks, perfect for a springtime stroll with a friend or on your own. Wampus Brook Park is located just outside Armonk’s Town Square. The park’s mini bridge offers a perfect view of the beautiful lake, home to many forms of aquatic life. Further down is the park’s charming gazebo, where various town events are held each year.

Additionally, the North Castle Community Park, located at 205 Business Drive, features approximately 30 acres of soccer and softball fields, as well as platform tennis courts. There is also a track for walking or jogging. The park also includes two playgrounds near a seating area–perfect for keeping the little ones busy while catching up with a friend or getting some relaxation time. And it now includes a long-awaited doggy park, so be sure to bring your furry friends along!

Westmoreland Sanctuary, a 640-acre preserve, is another great destination. Bordering Armonk (but in Mount Kisco), it offers 8.5 miles of hiking trails and a Nature Center where little ones can see live animals and enjoy educational exhibits and displays. Admission is free, and it’s a fun place to spend a springtime afternoon.

Chappaqua & Millwood

Gedney Park
PHOTO BY GRACE BENNETT

Chappaqua contains some truly beautiful paths and trails that come to life in the spring. Whippoorwill Park is the perfect mini escape where soft green leaves fill the forest canopy, wildflowers edge the trails, and birdsong fills the air. Rolling wooded hills, a tucked-away pond, and meandering paths invite walkers, runners, and dog owners to explore and breathe in the season.

Chappaqua is also home to Gedney Park. Wooded trails wind around a peaceful pond and wetlands, while playgrounds, picnic areas, and ballfields offer fun for families. Whether strolling, running, or watching wildlife, the park blends natural beauty and community-friendly spaces for creating a picture-perfect spring day.

Not far from Whippoorwill and Gedney, the North County Trailway in Millwood offers another way to enjoy the season on foot or wheels. This paved, multi use path runs north to south through Westchester County along the old Putnam Railroad corridor, giving walkers, runners, and cyclists a long, scenic route that feels both wide open and tucked into nature. Its gentle grade and smooth surface make it ideal for a springtime ride, jog, or extended walk, tying together outdoor exploration with easy access to town and surrounding preserves.

Pleasantville

Graham Hills P ark
PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS

Pleasantville is home to various outdoor spaces that blend nature with social connections. One example of this is Graham Hills Park. Its network of roughly five miles of winding single track trails threads through varied woods, rolling hills, streams, and rock features, making it a draw for both mountain bikers and hikers alike.

As the weather warms, Pleasantville’s Pool & Recreation Park becomes a lively centerpiece for community fun and relaxation. At the Village Pool on Lake Street, families and swimmers enjoy lap lanes, shallow areas for kids, and plenty of space to cool off in the sunshine, making it a go to spot as spring slides into summer. Surrounding the pool, Nannahagan Park’s playgrounds, walking trail around the pond, and open green areas offer plenty of options for strolls, picnics, and playful afternoons close to home. Whether you’re dipping toes in the water or lingering on a shaded bench, this vibrant village space captures the joyful energy of the season.

Additionally, springtime in Pleasantville brings outdoor energy and community charm. From morning yoga, boot camps, and outdoor group workouts in the parks to leisurely village strolls– coffee in hand–the streets come alive as patios fill up and windows open to the sunshine. Whether you’re breaking a sweat or savoring a slow walk, the season invites residents to move, mingle, and enjoy the fresh air.

Briarcliff Manor

Law Memorial Park
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR SCARBOROUGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Briarcliff Manor is known for its scenic river views and refined social spaces. The Law Memorial Park is a seven acre park that features a large outdoor pool complex with both a main swimming pool and a circular wading pool, a welcoming bathhouse and pavilion, four tennis courts, a playground, and plenty of grassy space to relax.

The Pocantico Park, also located in Briarcliff Manor, entails a trail along the Pocantico Lake, stretching for seventy acres. One can access this park through its entry point at Old Sleepy Hollow Road and get ready for a beautiful hike along the length of the lake. Home to various marvelous wildlife and a spectacular view of the river, this is a popular hiking spot that one should absolutely take advantage of this spring.

As scenic as the snow glistening on trees can be, I think we can all agree that watching nature awaken all around us, with longer days, increased sunlight, and blooming flowers, invokes a renewed sense of energy and excitement that only spring can bring. This spring let’s make wellness a priority by taking advantage of the magnificent parks, trails, and preserves that we are so fortunate to have available to us right in our own backyards and free of charge–no passport needed.

A Small Village, A Big Sound – Inside the Pleasantville Chamber Music Society

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Manhattan String Quartet
PHOTO BY JON CUNNINGHAM

It is often said that music has the power to soothe the soul. If you’ve ever had a bad day, perhaps one of the first things you might do upon arriving home is blast some of your favorite music and dance around to help lighten and brighten your mood. Music can calm us and make us feel happier in an instant. A certain song can bring up nostalgic memories and allow us to remember good times of the past.

According to Psychiatry.org, music can have a number of positive effects on a person’s mental health and well-being. This includes mood regulation, healing trauma, building resilience and fostering social connections and support. The use of music therapy can provide a safe environment for those looking to heal trauma and help decrease anxiety levels. Research has also shown that engaging in music-making activities can provide participants with an emotional release and even create a sense of community.

That sense of community is evident within the Pleasantville Chamber Music Society and its place within Pleasantville. This year, the Society will be celebrating its 50th anniversary season (2026-2027). The Society has been spreading the joy of live music in Pleasantville for half a century. It was founded in 1976 in part by the late Joe Goodman, a music professor at Queens College and Pleasantville resident. The group of music lovers who founded the Society did so because they believed that high-quality music should be available to all and open to the public for free.

The Society has operated on a free admission basis since its founding thanks to donors and contributions. Each season, four concerts are presented at the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church on Bedford Road. Robbin Levy, an amateur cellist in her own right, is the Program Administrator of the Society and books the groups as well as plans out each season. Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer is the Society’s President. Speaking with Scherer, one gets the sense of the passion he has for the Society as well as the prospect for an increase in public knowledge and support.

Scherer sees the importance of the Society in helping to bring live classical music performances to those that may not be able to experience it otherwise. “Plenty of people come, that may not be able to go to concerts in NYC,” he says. The Society runs on a small scale with no staff or overhead – just an ask for donations once a year. “It’s all run by a small group of people – a simple organization with simple goals.”

Scherer’s involvement spans 35 years. “I lived on the same street as Goodman, and he convinced me to join. I appreciate music and have come to know the musicians. It’s given me a respect for what great musicians can do. We have an appreciative audience and one who is always interested to hear more about the pieces from the musicians who play them. It has been very rewarding.”

Some of the recent groups performing for the Society include Hui-Mei Lin & Friends, Pleasantville Flute Quartet and Frisson Winds, playing works by Mozart, Debussy, Dvořák and more.

Those interested in learning more can visit the Society’s website (pvillechambermusic.org) – and sign up for their email list. As Scherer says, “It’s a nice story of a non-profit that harkens back to a simpler time. We have a straightforward mission presented in a straightforward way to those who appreciate it.”

The Pleasantville Chamber Music Society (PCMS) and Friends of Music (FOM) in Sleepy Hollow have joined hands to cross-promote one another’s spring concerts, expanding the concert options for their respective memberships. Visit their website to learn more: www.friendsofmusicconcerts.org.

Pleasantville Chamber Music Society & Friends of Music Collaborate

Joint Calendar, Spring Concerts

Date/Time Concert Sponsor
Sunday, 2/22 – 3 pm Frisson Winds PCMS
Sunday, 3/22 – 3 pm Calidore String Quartet FOM
Sunday, 4/12 – 3 pm Bennett Tsai & Noreen Polera duet FOM
Sunday, 4/26 – 3 pm Manhattan String Quartet PCMS
Sunday, 4/26 – 3 pm Stefan Jackiw, & Kevin Ahfat duet FOM

PCMS concerts are performed at the Presbyterian Church, 400 Bedford Road
FOM 3/22 concert will be held at Ossining High School. 4/12 & 4/26 concert will be held at Sleepy Hollow High School