Just Between Us

Have I ever mentioned that I spent a few years as a Health Editor, first at a company called Boardroom (editing “Health Confidential” ) and some years later at Woman’s Day? I did a lot of freelance work too for major medical centers. Upon a friend’s suggestion (thank you Jo Rosenfeld), I was happy to “revive” such experiences and channel them into a “health & safety” edition. What I’m trying to say is: Chappaqua, you’re in good hands!

Truth is, I’m very tired as I write this column close to deadline. I spent the day in a most labor intensive fashion (five hours of schlepping “stuff” to my car from a fourth floor dorm room) picking up my freshman from college, though perhaps I’ll sleep soundly tonight. So, in the interest of my own health, I’m going to keep my column short this go round. While I may not be feeling chatty right now, I offer you many words for thought about Indian Point on page 17 via an interview with Michael Kaplowitz. While not the most cheery story, I agree wholeheartedly with Michael’s “Be Prepared” message. Melani Lust (who photographed), Rich Klein (who videotaped it for insidechappaqua.com) and Laurie Fessler (who transcribed the interview) …thank you all for helping me execute this one. Another story about a family surviving a Chappaqua fire ran out of space, so I’m including fire safety info here too. Have a wonderful summer, everyone.

P.S. Love Music? I’ve been enjoying the exciting jam scene in the area. A strong sense of community surrounds the sets which seem to be teeming with suburban guys (and some gals too!) who rock out for fun. One such guy reports on page 29. For jams and other music listings in NY and CT, visit the new ryzemusic.com.

I pegged this issue “The Unforgettable Mom.” Had a nice ring to it, I thought, and have indeed turned the spotlight on some obviously memorable women. If you haven’t been to StacyKnows.com, you will soon be taking all kinds of shopping and living advice from the incomparable Stacy Geisinger! Know I do! A special remembrance of Chappaqua’s Dawn Re is also a page you won’t want to miss. While I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Dawn, I am honored to include Laurie Fessler’s words about “Loving Dawn” in this issue. And of course, the beautiful, art for a cause by Susan Schrott–and writer Lori Sachare’s accompanying story–touched me deeply too. Plus, much more…speech language pathologist Isa Marrs and exotic pets vet Dr. Laurie Hess are two more remarkable women profiled in this issue.

Truthfully, in retrospect, I think the phrase “The Unforgettable Mom” is a bit misleading. I don’t think I have ever met a mom, or any person at all really, whom I’d call “forgettable.” I know as a journalist and publisher that there’s a “story to tell” in each of us. A new friend and Rabbi-in-training recently reminded me that we’re each a world within this world. Count on a future Rabbi to weigh in with a simple truth. The life experiences that each one of us contributes to the lives we intersect, for better or for worse, is truly what’s unforgettable.

The people and stories behind any business, advertising driven or not!, can be as interesting as any that come my way. In this issue, local camp owners proudly share the unique aspects of their camps, in case you are still pondering your child’s summer. A feature that follows on the Wagon Road Camp demystifies a vibrant backyard camp too.

I was also thoroughly delighted by fellow mom biz owners who described so positively the impact of being a parent in their daily business lives.
So Happy Mother’s Day to y’all, and to me too, this year! Here’s to no one ever describing you or me as “forgettable.”

P.S. May 1 in White Plains: A Yom Hashoah Remembrance

I also included a story by Rich Monetti, about the Human Rights Institute, a program of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center. I am a member of its advisory board and, as many of you know by now, a child of Holocaust survivors. The HHREC provides free programming to shape tomorrow’s leaders and to serve educators in the area of human rights in a host of phenomenal ways. A great way to support the center and its mission is simply to attend its annual Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Commemoration that will be held from 2-3:30 p.m on Sunday, May 1 at Congregation Kol Ami (252 Soundview Avenue) in White Plains.

The program is organized annually by the HHREC and is co-sponsored by the Westchester Jewish Council and Congregation Kol Ami. The event is free and open to the public. After the ceremony, guests will be invited to visit The Garden of Remembrance, located in front of the Michaelian Office Building at 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains.
The Garden was created by HHREC.

“It’s now 66 years since World War II ended, ” said Donna Cohen, executive director of HHREC. “With each passing year, there are fewer Holocaust survivors to tell the world first-hand about what they saw and about the dangers of bigotry. As time marches on, these stories become more and more vital to the history of the Jewish people–and serve as a constant reminder to the world about the critical importance of respect for human rights everywhere.” For more info, visit hhrecny.org.

10. Local celebrity can be a blast. I still enjoy hearing,
“ You’re THAT Grace? I love your magazine!” Who wouldn’t?

9. Why give up a great team? There’s a wonderful synergy between myself and my two right hand folks, Carine and Dina. All my other contributors really rock too!

8.New testimonials are heartening. At a local business networking group meeting I was invited to attend recently, a new advertiser mentioned “six hits” he received as soon as the magazine came out. While not every advertiser will share a success story so readily, I am convinced print advertising still works just fine!

7. Working at home does the trick. Inside Chappaqua is a home based business conceived of in part to accommodate my work and family life. It still serves that purpose for me and I’m glad I can help many of my contributors accomplish the same.

6. There are new social media opportunities I happily exploit. I can spend hours in a day online posting for work while simultaneously entertaining virtual friends with my great wit or flirting with the occasional suitor on my personal page. That I’m “on” Facebook is quite accurate.

5. Party plans. I hope to hold a 10th anniversary bash in the spring of 2013 and invite the entire world.

4. I always wanted to own a dog. I have happily settled instead for the intrepid Maggie Mae Pup Reporter in these pages.

3. Rick’s Last Licks. Rick’s is so many people’s favorite page in IC, there could be riots around here if I stop publishing.

2. I’m privy to all kinds of Chappaqua chatter, and not just about the Clintons. It’s fun to be “in the know.”

1. I like surviving against all odds. I am a daughter of Holocaust survivors, after all.

Editor’s Note: When I decided on the Flood Sisters cover story, I turned to Westchester’s most ubiquitous fashion stylist, writer and instructor Sandy Hapoienu to help out. A permanent fixture at Fashion Week, her latest venture “Styling Session” embodies all her sought after expertise. Inside Chappaqua asked Sandy a few questions following the shoot:

Grace Bennett: What motivated you to choose a career as a stylist?

Sandy Hapoienu: I started as a shopping editor then photo stylist, styling celebrities, corporate, television, closet edits, wardrobe building and fashion shows. This also led me to teach as an adjunct Professor at SUNY Westchester.

GB: Is styling a natural gift, or something learned?

SH: I believe that there is an art and a science to styling. The art is the creative side that can be tapped into by reading fashion magazines and watching fashion shows. The science can be learned by knowing the type of clothing that is the best fit for your body type.

GB: What inspires you most about styling?

SH: Most people are married to a look and are afraid to take chances on their own. The confidence level rises significantly.

GB: What is rewarding to you about it?

SH: The thanks I get from my clients and the look on their faces. The befores and afters are amazing.

GB: Can you describe your experience with the Flood Sisters?

SH: The Flood Sisters are three young women working hard to bring attention to their foundation in the hopes of kidney donors. I took the whole picture into account: where are they now and where they are going in the future. First I started with their body types and what would be the most flattering styles. Then I made suggestions for hair and make-up. I aimed for a more polished business look.

If you would like to get in touch with Sandy Hapoienu, you can click to email her.

Gosh, this issue has been fun. But before I say a thing…get out your scissors! ‘Cause this is a first for this magazine. Go right to pages 23, 25 and 27 and clip a valuable coupon or coupons that appeal to you! Even if you decide not to use the coupon, remind the merchant that you saw it and considered it in Inside Chappaqua! From the bottom of my heart, thank you! And Happy Holidays!

Now, a word about Bal Agrawal and “BALance”… I figured a story about a highly successful and colorful Chappaqua resident and businessman who seems to float so effortlessly between spiritual and commercial worlds would strike a nice balance in this “gifts we treasure” edition. Bal speaks eloquently in Jean Sheff’s interview about the importance of incorporating peace and tranquility in our busy lives and seems to have genuinely mastered the art of doing so! Hats off to you, Bal, for being such a great sport in striking that nifty yoga pose–and to his staff too for indulging IC’s quest for a decidedly different kind of Holiday cover. Thank you, Marianne Campolongo, for a great shoot.

To further “balance” this issue, I included Michael Kohn’s Gotta Have Arts story about the sweet and talented Chappaqua Singers, Michall Jeffers’ tale about two Greeley kids who coach folks on computer and internet literacy in free workshops at the Chappaqua Library, and serene, nature images by Joanna Cirasella in Worth a Thousand Words. Included too: An Are You Single? package! Michael Lauterborn reports on popular groups for singles; Deborah Nelson offers tips for healthy cooking and a soothing Winter soup recipe; and Susan Piperato writes about “empty nest syndrome” from the perspective of a single mom. As many of you may remember, I launched Single&smart magazine in the summer so those were articles slated for a second print edition. I’m proud to publish them in IC for now.

A final note: Don’t miss the stories and spotlights about fundraisers around town on behalf of hugely important causes such as battling breast cancer, food allergies and juvenile diabetes. There’s also an article and public service message all about eating disorders by Chappaqua’s Dr. Rachel Levy Lombara that I’m proud to co-sponsor.

The gift of life is the ultimate one, of course. Very recently, I met a wonderful woman in town, who is from out of town. She has a great sense of humor, a shimmering light, but she has been, sadly, struggling with cancer and receiving treatments nearby. I am very grateful for her presence in my life–and not just for proper perspective. Making an unexpected new friend at my age is a precious gift too.

P.S.: I’m convinced no one appreciates life more than my Dad. He recently published a book called MIRF, and is one of this issue’s many wonderful sponsors.
Thank you, Dad.