The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

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Pets Get the Winter Blues, too … 10 Tips to Keep Your Fur Babies Feeling Fabulous During the Colder Months

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Winter can be harsh on our furry friends. Just like us, our pets miss the outdoors and the frequent walks enjoyed during warmer seasons. The decrease in activities, such as running in the yard, rolling in the grass, or playing fetch, takes a toll on their bodies. Unlike us, our pets can’t simply go to the gym or hop on a Peloton to compensate for the sudden shift in activity level. Nor can they do a detox or cleanse to reset their shifting metabolisms.

So, what can we do to help them stay healthy and safe? Not to fret! We asked local veterinarians, Dr. Lindsey Thomas and Dr. Valerie Carril of Healing Paws Veterinary Center, and professional dog groomer, Kelly Leveille of Zenfully Yours Grooming, for their expert advice and compiled a list of “Top 10 Tips” to keep your pets feeling fabulous all winter long.

1. Limit Time Outdoors

Pets can be affected by very cold temperatures, just like people. Even those with a thick coat can find it uncomfortable or even dangerous when temperatures get below freezing. Tiny dogs and cats, and those that are young or old, can be more susceptible to conditions like hypothermia and frostbite. Cold weather can also worsen certain conditions in older pets, such as arthritis.

2. Don’t Skip Paw Patrol Duty

Ice, snow, and harsh conditions can dry out paw pads. Check paws frequently in the winter and ask your veterinarian or groomer about safe products to use if you notice signs of damage. Salt can also irritate paws and cause gastrointestinal upset if a pet licks their paws after coming in contact with it. It’s best to cover paws with booties or wipe paws promptly after walking outside.

3. Watch Out for Winter Toxins

Keep anti-freeze and other deicing products out of reach of pets in the winter. Anti-freeze can have a sweet flavor, so it is a common toxicity seen in veterinary practice. Ingestion can lead to very severe issues and even death.

4. Practice Fire Safety

Make sure to keep pets away from space heaters and block access to fireplaces to prevent burns. This is especially concerning with cats, as they often seek heat sources when temperatures are low.

5. Be Prepared for Storms

Storm preparation should include pet supplies too – When preparing for impending blizzards or heavy snowfall, make sure you have enough pet food and medications to last at least a few days in case you are unable to travel.

6. Don’t Overlook Grooming

While overbathing is not recommended during the winter months, consistent grooming is essential to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting, especially if you like to keep your pet on the fluffier side.

7. Don’t forget the H20 & Moisturizer

Pets can get dehydrated in the winter months, too! This is especially true when the heat is turned on, and the indoor air becomes drier. Make sure fresh, clean water is always available. Indoor heating can also cause noses and paws to get incredibly dry, so be sure to have an ointment or balm on hand to combat this.

8. Don’t Get Carried Away With “Sweater Weather”

While it’s tempting to keep your pets well-dressed and warm around the clock, it is highly recommended to remove sweaters periodically and keep up with regular brushing, as wearing sweaters for extended periods can lead to mats and knots.

9. Practice Portion Control & Be Mindful of Extra Treats

A no-brainer – active pets burn more calories. With pets spending more time indoors, overfeeding them can lead to weight gain and health issues. Even if you don’t give your pets table food, try to prevent extra treats and snacks from being fed to your pet by guests in and out during the holiday season.

10. Create a Fun and Cozy Space

A warm bed and a fluffy blanket, positioned in a draft-free space where family members also gather, makes for a very happy pet. Enjoy teaching your pet a new trick, playing hide-and-seek with their favorite toys, and extra snuggling time during the winter!

Enjoy moments and snowy adventures with your pets this winter but remember to keep their comfort and safety in mind. A little extra care ensures the season stays fun and healthy for everyone.

Beyond the Budget: The Byram Hills Education Foundation Impact

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE
BYRAM HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

For thirty years, the Byram Hills Education Foundation (BHEF) has been instrumental in shaping Byram Hills into one of the most renowned districts in our area. A non-profit organization, made up of volunteer parents, school administrators and educators, the BHEF has become the district’s innovative engine, enhancing education for all students by funding grants that are beyond the school district’s budget.

With over $6 million awarded – its impact can be felt everywhere. “The BHEF is capable of doing what school budgets cannot do alone. The BHEF has been behind major initiatives of the District for decades, from 1:1 technology initiatives to library renovations and program development. EVERY child in Byram Hills benefits from the support of the BHEF–at every turn in their school years–and that is a big part of what distinguishes a Byram Hills education,” says Superintendent Dr. Jen Lamia.

Working collaboratively with the district and community, everyone can help shape the future of Byram Hills by sharing grant ideas, donating and taking part in events.

Every Child, Every Day

The BHEF relies entirely on the generosity of families and businesses. Last year, the BHEF awarded over $575,000 for 20 new grants benefitting every school. These grants nurture every aspect of the educational experience such as a cutting-edge theater projector that creates digital scenery, a new Executive Functioning program, the first Fashion Design course, an outdoor ropes course, and innovative 3D Lego kits and social-emotional resources.

The BHEF has also pledged $1MM towards the district’s transformative “Lights, Learning, Action!” initiative, bridging the gap between the budget and the $9MM project cost. With the foundation’s support, the 1965 BHHS library and lecture hall wing was re-imagined into a collegiate quality Learning Commons and a second turf field was added. Donations are still needed to install permanent outdoor lights on BHHS fields and courts – bringing the thrill of night events to Byram Hills.

Taking Byram Hills Beyond Limits

Byram Hills is a special district. While our schools offer extraordinary opportunities, they operate on a public-school budget. Many of the programs and facilities that set a Byram Hills education apart – from innovative curriculum, cutting edge technology, wellness resources and modern learning spaces – were made possible by the BHEF.

There are many ways to support the foundation’s mission, including corporate sponsorships and BHEF Leadership Circles that include donor benefits. Donations of any amount are truly appreciated and make a difference. Byram Hills graduates can also leave their legacy with a personalized brick on the new Bobcat Alumni Walkway, paving the way for future bobcats.

What Will You Make Possible?

This is an exciting time to be at Byram Hills! Whether your child is at Coman Hill, Wampus, HCC or BHHS, your donations today to the BHEF will elevate their Byram Hills experience for years to come. YOU can help our children learn and grow beyond limits.

Donate: supportbhef.org
Learn: byramhillsfoundation.org
Follow: Facebook Instagram
Get in touch: BHEF1@byramhills.org

Why I Give a (Damn)!

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Feed Me Fresh 2025

When my friend Elise asked me to write an essay on “giving back” to coincide with the holiday theme you’ve seen throughout this issue, I replied, honored and (mostly) unhesitatingly, yes (explanation to follow).

As a longtime magazine writer/editor in NYC – the chapter before I founded Ladle of Love 22 years ago – I began writing (actually, thinking – which is the foundation of putting fingers to keyboard) for days on how I would manage the daunting job of reporting my contributions as a journalist, food curator and community thought leader. Not an easy objective for someone who is more comfortable parlaying personal kindness than deliberately shining a spotlight on it.

I definitely struggled with proclaiming all the gifts of food, friendships, and possible optics I’ve presented to our neighbors, organizations, frontliners and everyday folks. But my discomfort came from something else – the constant reflection of how those in need, need us.

All of us.

What I mean is: we all have the means to give. Not just thanks and gratitude. Or checks and monetary donations. But actual impact to our respected recipients.
While I know this culture is comfortable with communicating – well, everything – as reflected on our social media platforms, I still bristle at megaphoning my acts of care. But, in an effort to nudge even one person to give in ways they may have not thought of before, I’m going out on a limb here, to present a written selfie for the food-related and feel-good ways I have given and perhaps that will motivate you, dear reader.

First – let’s define Givers.

It starts with empathy – the inherent emotion of compassion for others. Not an expression of sorrow but in a how-can-I-help-out kind of way. Givers embrace humanity. Care. Dignity. We thrive on helping others. For those of us who possess this characteristic, Lady Gaga said it best (cue music:) “Baby I was Born This Way.”

As a small child, I was always befriending the recipients of bullying. As a teen, I gravitated toward high school teams or projects with community impact. Which led me to journalism. Reporting the truth; relaying the perspectives of the times.

Cookin’ with Love

And then, I found food. As a way to nourish and nurture. As Senior Editor at Ladies’ Home Journal, I wrote the food features, spending many hours in the test kitchen. And then, close family members were battling cancer, so I started making soups for their chemo treatments. And then, 9/11 hit. I started sending soups to Ground Zero for the firefighters pressed into service there.

I needed to help in the ways I could. And food was the gift I could share.

Though uncomfortable divulging my acts of kindness, here is a list of various ways I have given back to our communities throughout the years:
  • Sent food to many Westchester organizations that feed our food-insecure populations
  • Provided food to frontliners and support teams at our renowned hospitals
  • Served as Culinary Director at The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester – ensuring the kids and staff were nourished with (sneaky) healthful foods like mac ’n cheese made with butternut squash
  • Offered counsel and expertise pro bono to worthy nonprofits that needed help with program management and implementation
  • Hired employees with disabilities at Ladle of Love

While the ideas above are specific to my talents and skills, there are ways that anyone can give back.

Everyone has the ability to pitch in and help those less fortunate. Here are a few of my favorite ideas that you, dear reader, can try this holiday season:
  • Leave anonymous bottles of water and containers of soup for homeless people sleeping on park benches
  • Play the lottery frequently in the hopes of being able to donate lotsa $$ to those in need
  • Fulfill gift requests for disadvantaged youth on holiday wish lists
  • Donate time to food pantries to help sort goods and get them in the hands of those who may face empty holiday tables this year with SNAP benefits cut

I’m gonna say it. I’m not interested in being an influencer. I’ve always had the goals of informer and impactor. I’ve listed my actions as well as some suggestions above to inspire you. And now you can decide how to best transform your giving abilities to make a difference.

Finally – Thank you. For Listening.
For Becoming a Giver.

Ladle of Love stands for consciously sourced food, community support and a caring work family. As the first locally sourced, prepared-food brand in Westchester, Ladle of Love has nourished neighborhoods, businesses, food insecure and frontliners with healthful, contemplative cuisine. Learn more about Leslie at ladleoflove.com.