Early in May, Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester will be receiving the “Irving J. Fain Award” for Outstanding Synagogue Social Action Programming. It is one of the highest honors available to congregations within the Reform Jewish Movement. Temple Beth El receives this award for its “Multi-Generational Jewish-Muslim Dialogue” initiative. Partnering with the local Muslim Society , the Synagogue held interfaith dialogue programs to discuss differences and similarities between the two faiths. “Social justice is an essential component to our movement,” said Dr. Cheryl Gutmann, chair of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism. For more info, go to www.rac.org.
In and Around Town
Computer Wizards
by Michall Jeffers
Both Michael Martinez and Aaron Gold have lived in Chappaqua nearly their whole lives. They’ve taken advantage of our wonderful school system, and benefitted from our excellent library. Now, both of these extraordinary young men have chosen to give back to the community.
They’re the tutors this year for the library’s free Individual Internet and Computer Help program, and boy, are they terrific.
I’m a smart person who’s feeble minded when it comes to computers. Working with Michael, a 17 year old Senior at Greeley, has helped me to learn how to operate a laptop, and to navigate Windows 7. I’d heard, before we had our first session, that he was an extremely intelligent individual; but ever since, I’ve been knocked out by his patience and his intuitive knowledge of what I need to understand.
“Everyone has a different learning process,” Martinez explains. “This is very interactive. I like having the chance to help people. It’s rare that students our age get a chance to teach; it’s great to be able to pass on to others what we know.
The people taking the lessons know so much more about most things than we do! Aaron and I have been exposed to computers since first grade, so we’ve had years of experience.
The skills come with time,” he
assures me.
Gold,16, and a Junior, is equally dedicated. “Sometimes people are afraid of technology, but the truth is, in 20 years everything will be computerized. I’m not great in math, so I can relate to people who are struggling to learn. I really enjoy getting to see people open up as they
begin to comprehend. They
teach us, too.”
Both young men agree that it’s good for their students to bring in specific questions to their 45 minute sessions. Both understand the value of good communication. They are serious, sensitive to the needs of others, and very hard working. And they’re enthusiastic about what they teach.
“Try something new,” proclaims Gold. “Computers are cool!” Martinez nods in agreement, then smilingly greets his next student, ready for the work to begin.
Visit or call the Chappaqua Library, 238-4779, ext.2,
to schedule a session.
Michall Jeffers is a well respected Cultural Journalist. She and her husband, John Warner, are longtime Chappaqua residents.
First Annual Walk Sheds Light on Food Allergy
by Pamela Brown
Approximately 12 million Americans suffer from food allergy, a potentially life-threatening medical condition, and five Chappaqua families have embarked on a mission to educate and enlighten the public. “People might not realize having a food allergy means someone can die if they eat one of the allergens and aren’t treated in time,” said Stacey Saiontz, whose son, Jared, 3, suffers from food allergies to dairy, egg, wheat, and several other foods. “Fortunately, few people ever witness the severity of a food allergic reaction and often we don’t know how any given person will react to foods they’re allergic to. The result is few people understand how much is at stake for the kids who are food allergic. My hope is one day Jared won’t have to worry about what he puts in his mouth and can eat and touch anything he wants,” said Saiontz.
To shed light on food allergy, Saointz and the Stein, Brown, Singer, and Paley families created Chappakids4acure, and on October 2nd participated in Westchester’s first “Walk to Find a Cure for Food Allergies” sponsored by The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). “We wanted to come together to make a difference and raise awareness. It was amazing! 200 friends and family members from Chappaqua came out to support Jared, Ryder Stein, Spencer Brown, Zach Paley, and Jordana and Kayla Singer. It was such a special team because it was all our food allergic children’s friends who support them on a day-to-day basis,” said Saiontz. Chappakids4acure had the largest team, raising $24,000 for FAAN, a non-profit organization that raises public awareness through education, advocacy, and research. “It was a great opportunity for us to join together for a special day for our kids and raise much-needed funds to find a cure for these life-threatening allergies.”
As a result, three Chappaqua elementary schools and parents of food allergic children have formed a food allergy support group. “From the principal and working it’s way down, everyone is aware of our son Ryder and his needs and is beyond committed to assuring his safety while at school,” said Julie Stein. “Children are our future and their sense of togetherness, tolerance for difference, protecting each other–that’s something we all should learn from.”
Stein stresses the need for continued awareness. “The numbers of children affected is on the rise. That’s why opportunities for fundraisers are crucial as we work toward a cure,” she said Stein. “These children have been dealt a challenging hand and our job as a community is to support, nourish, and keep them safe.”
For more information on Food
Allergy, visit FAAN at
www.foodallergy.org
Finding Your Kid’s Inner Athlete
by Rich Monetti
On every playground, soccer field or baseball diamond, we see children who lag well behind in the key physical skills required to become a good athlete. Derek Jeter was probably never one of those kids, but the distinct skills which separate him from his peers, are part of several building blocks that a proper sports trainer can utilize to assist children compete on the playground.
In alluding to the all-star shortstop’s sport’s IQ, Nick Serio of Kombine Sports in Mt. Kisco says, “Derek Jeter is in the right place at the right time–all the time.”
As Kombine’s director of Sports Performance and Youth Development, Serio understands the elements needed to improve every child’s ability. So by providing baseball “smarts” to place your sports-challenged athlete in the right spot for a game-saving backup, confidence rises and the rest of her game progresses.
According to Serio, whereas ongoing conversations about game situations may provide a kick-start for one child, increasing strength and endurance may be the catalyst for another. “Becoming strong enough to hit the cutoff player or being able to always get back on defense,” he says, “builds a foundation for future success.”
Of course, there is no ceiling for instilling confidence. Tapping into and honing existing strengths lets children maximize their game-day ability. For instance, a good trainer understands that increasing speed first requires the proper form before such an improvement translates into enhanced performance on the field.
“We’ll practice sports-like actions,” he says, like reading the nuances of a pitcher to know when to steal a base or learning how to slide.
Encompassed within all these x-factors, a trainer should also be attentive to improving coordination, which to some may seem like an impediment which cannot be overcome. “There’s no such thing as a kid who cannot be an athlete,” Serio says.
Proprioception, which gives a sense of relative position of neighboring body parts, is a key component to coordination and can be improved through balance and stability work. In turn, as the physical hurdles fall, a trainer can bring hand-eye coordination and other factors to align into one working system.
Still, finding a sport that best suits the abilities of a particular child can take time–especially if it is one not within the confines of “traditional” games. “Allow them to explore other sports,” he says, “and once they become comfortable with something,” he adds, “encourage them through and through.”
In the long, medium and short term,” Mr. Serio says, “have the child set realistic goals.” It sounds like a winning prescription for success.
Rich Monetti lives in Somers and works in the after school program at Mt. Kisco Childcare.
Dance and Be Fit!
by Rich Monetti
No doubt, many of you will once again resolve this January 1st to become more active and get into shape.
As a fun alternative, consider taking some classes with Carol Mamara of Dance Emotions in Chappaqua. Not only will you elevate your heart rate, but according to Mamara, a dance class is an entertaining option which can hold your interest and keep you focused on a fitness regimen “whether you think you can dance or not.”
Offering adult dance classes at 75 South Greeley Avenue, Dance Emotions transforms the quest for physical fitness into an enjoyable activity which will bring you back for more. With “Jazz up the Bar”, “Fun with Tap” or Ballroom Dancing, Mamara maintains that you will develop an interest in making progress because you are doing something that is beautiful.
Letting loose on the dance floor with Zumba not only burns the fun into your feet but burns calories as well. That sensation definitely doesn’t have to stop at Mamara’s front door. Now, when you go out to dance, your improved moves and greater self-confidence will make you into a better dance partner, she says. You will show off a new found poise when you enter a room. It may even translate into increased popularity!
Even if you think you were born with two left feet, “you can learn,” Mamara says. Although you may not become a dance superstar, making progress and acquiring poise is great for you–body and soul. If you are a self-conscious beginner and even have anxiety about learning in a studio setting, find a strategy which makes you feel the most relaxed. Come in individually, with a partner or a small group of friends, she says, make yourself comfortable and let your feet loose.
Whether you choose to come in by yourself or with others, seasoned professionals will focus on each pair of feet and help you dismiss your remaining inhibitions. “You’ll just feel comfortable,” Mamara says. Now, there’s no longer an excuse to only sit and “dance with the stars.”
Whatever your motive, the Dance Emotions Studio provides classes for the recreational dancer and even those interested in pursuing dance professionally.
Everyone receives individual attention to make them feel like part of the family. The goal is always to make the experience happy and rewarding.
Rich Monetti lives in Somers and is known to dance if the circumstances call for it. You can find more of his work at www.richmonetti.com