In and Around Town

by Michael Kohn

When I was first approached to write a story about the Young Survival Coalition’s (YSC) Tour de Pink, a bike ride organized to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness, I wondered why the publisher would ask a man to cover a women’s issue. Soon after receiving the assignment, I learned that a former colleague and dear friend, who had moved away, lost her own battle with breast cancer. The news brought home the harsh
reality that breast cancer is not just a women’s issue, but one which affects everyone.

YSC was founded in 1998 by three young breast cancer survivors who made it their mission to raise awareness and provide support, education and advocacy services for women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40. All three were discouraged by the lack of information and resources available to young women for a disease which was traditionally thought to strike older women.

YSC, now an international organization and based in New York City with 27 affiliates throughout the United States, has filled that gap. The unique issues for young women include the side effects of chemo such as hair loss, fertility loss, body image after mastectomy, early menopause, career issues and dating issues.

Corinne Menn, M.D., of Chappaqua, was in the second year of her obstetrics and gynecology residency when she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 29. Devastated, newly married and hoping to start a family, Corinne felt fortunate to quickly find YSC, which was dedicated to addressing the needs of the younger breast cancer patient. According to Corinne, “YSC provided the lifeline I needed,” by providing her with support from other young women who were in treatment or had survived breast cancer and were able to move on with their lives.

After multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, she is now a nine year survivor and has a family and an OB/GYN practice. This year, she felt it was time to give back to YSC. Along with her friend and fellow Chappaqua mom, Catherine Good, she decided to participate in the YSC Tour de Pink, a four day, 230 mile bike ride to raise money for YSC.

The ride, with nearly 200 riders, started in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and ended on October 4th with a celebratory ride in Manhattan ending at Fox News “Fox and Friends,” which featured them on their broadcast. As part of her Pink Panther Team, Corinne and Catherine raised close to $10,000.00. Corinne dedicated her ride to her friend, Nicole Lemieux, whom she met at YSC but who lost her own battle with breast cancer just shy of her 36th birthday.

As for the Tour de Pink, Corinne said, “We loved every minute of the ride and will definitely be back next year. It was a life affirming experience for me.” For more information about YSC, visit: www.youngsurvival.org. ;

By the way, my friend’s name was Lynn. She was 45. She left behind a husband and two children.

Michael Kohn is a contributing editor and writer to Inside Chappaqua.

by Michall Jeffers

Leslie Lampert is a dynamo. It’s impossible to spend any time with this lovely, soft spoken woman, and not be impressed by all she accomplishes. Tavern on the Green Featuring Ladle of Love is her newest achievement. Beginning in October, four mobile upscale restaurants are set up daily at the site of the legendary former eatery.

They operate seven days a week, all year round. Lampert , a longtime Chappaqua resident now living in White Plains, worked hard to be selected, and took very seriously the proposal she had to write and present. She managed to put the whole thing together in eight weeks, and get a liquor license. She’s excited about expanding her restaurant empire, even though “dealing with the City means mountains of paperwork.” When Ladle of Love closes for the day in Mount Kisco, cooks who’ve been specially selected by Lampert start to work on the food for Manhattan. The products are picked up at 7 a.m. and trucked into New York.
Lampert has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to caring about the environment.

She buys and uses the freshest food possible in her establishments, and is dedicated to patronizing local farmers. She calls her new venture “farm to truck” cooking, and explains that she’s actually bought an Electric Hybrid Mobile Food Truck.
“I have to plug it in at night,” she explains. “It’s great, even though it only goes 25 miles an hour; it leaves half the carbon footprint. I’m passionate about the environment.”

Her cognac colored eyes sparkle at the idea that “the cups, dishes, cutlery, everything we’re using is completely compostable. It can all go back into the soil.” Lampert also believe in giving back to the community. She donates a portion of her profits each month to local charities and efforts to improve the quality of living.

With her spectacularly successful French-American restaurant Café Of Love; the go-to spot for luscious soups, Ladle of Love; and her innovative new delivery service Love on the Run, how does Lampert manage to maintain the high quality food and service her customers expect?

She’s quick to credit the first class team she’s assembled over the years. “I do expect the very best, and I have that in the people around me.” Michael Cutney is the Executive Chef at Café Of Love, and Mena Popolis is the manager; KC Playford is the manager at Ladle in Mount Kisco; Alexander Kirk manages the New York location. They’re all just phenomenal.”

Michall Jeffers is a well-respected cultural journalist, and an unrepentant Foodie. She and her husband, John Warner, are longtime Chappaqua residents.

by Sarah Ellen Berman

Babette, elegance personified, reigns at her boutique. When crossing the threshold of Elegance II, one is instantly surrounded by beauty and its infinite possibilities. Whether the motivation is a quest for a new accessory or the desire for a radically different look, the recognition that this is the perfect place is felt immediately.

What is it that keeps customers coming back in droves season after season? Babette’s sense of style is certainly an integral part of the draw. She honed her fashion sense at an early age while accompanying her mother–a stylist to the elite in France–on buying expeditions. Babette returns to the city of light twice a year to stay in tune with the latest in fashion trends. Stop by any day and check out what she’s wearing for the answer to what is chic.

Babette’s friendly demeanor and effervescent personality contribute greatly to the attractiveness of her shop. An inquiry about a pair of Manolos or a Louis Vuitton purse brings a smile to her face and a twinkle to her eye. The advice she offers and the style she imparts are welcomed by all.

Glance at the window display when entering the store. Here are Babette’s treasures: Chanel bags. This is the showcase for the latest model from Paris as well as the classics. “If you start wearing Chanel, you’ll never wear anything else,” Babette affirmed.

Her collection of distinctive dresses contains gems from the world of haute couture. From Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, and Chanel to Dolce and Gabbana, Babette has it all. For those seeking the ultimate in luxurious coats, she has an extensive array of mink coats. For casual dressing, try on a pair of Theory jeans with a cardigan by Three Dots.

Babette attributes part of her success to the rise in popularity of consignment venues. In the past, many people harbored the misconception that the quality of the products was not of paramount importance. When Hollywood stars including Demi Moore were sighted at shops, consignment’s reputation soared.

Whether it’s a gift certificate or an outfit, a present from Elegance II is destined to delight the fashionista in your life. Babette’s exquisite taste pervades her collection. For those who think that the present of an Hermes scarf is too extravagant in this parlous economic climate, a trip to Elegance II will be pleasantly enlightening in every way except on the wallet. Recent finds included a violet dress by Alexander McQueen and a multi-colored coat by Jean Paul Gauthier.

The clientele are unanimous in their affinity for Elegance II. Eileen Josefs, a very frequent shopper, enjoys each and every visit. “It’s fun. It’s an adventure,” she said. When comparing the prices charged on Madison Avenue to those of Elegance II, customer Rosemarie Bedenson said, “You think you’re crazy for paying retail!”

When Inside Chappaqua launched its second issue in the spring of 2003, it was exciting news for the town. But not nearly as exciting as the news that a former President and first Lady had decided to make New Castle their home. The years ensued and Chappaqua, now on the international map, was where key moments in U.S. history continued to unfold. A determined and capable First Lady won her bid for U.S. Senator, and embraced Chappaqua living, shopping locally and admiring the opportunities here for our children. A historic campaign for the first woman President, followed in a“Hillary’s Run” column penned by Evan Glassman, and her eventual appointment as Secretary of State is also stuff for the history books. All the while,“Clinton sightings” became almost commonplace around town, at the Memorial Day Parade or on Community Day, or perhaps with former President Bill Clinton holding court with residents and merchants at his favorite haunts about national and international events as if he had all the time in the world, which he most decidedly did not . We extended hands, as good neighbors do, when crises ensued, from the death of Buddy to the President’s heart attack…and rallied our most famous neighbors to persevere. The recent, joyful marriage of their daughter Chelsea felt personal to us. So now rumor has it the Clintons are moving from their Old House Lane home to a lovely estate in Bedford Hills. If the move should transpire, the Clintons know they leave with true friends and Chappaqua’s populace, with fond memories. –Grace Bennett

P.S. Rick Reynolds of Rick’s Last Licks will return with the next issue, a “Winter 2010/2011” edition, mailing by mid November.

In a time when entire blocks of Westchester are seeing “for rent” and “lost our lease” signs, there is great news from King Street in Chappaqua!

After 25 years at 1 King Street, Petticoat Lane, the luxury goods store has moved into lovely new quarters at 66 King St. Owner Phyllis Jacobson has transformed what was once the Hyatt Auditorium which housed a town hall, auditorium and jail! Enter the new “pretty-in pink” Petticoat Lane and Phyllis will gladly show you the small structure at the back of the shop which was likely the oneroom jail. To help make an even more compelling story, take a look at what else is happening in the neighborhood – although some area businesses are struggling in town, others are opening including Cosmetic Boutique, Auntie Pennies and Don Emilios Mexican Restaurant. The Petticoat Lane expansion is the latest chapter in this town’s smart bid for economic growth.