The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Westchester

Red Hot DeCicco’s Up and Running in Armonk

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By Zarah Kavarana

After the Armonk A&P Supermarket closed its doors in February 2012, North Castle residents were left to travel farther to bordering Westchester towns for their weekly groceries – until now. Armonk welcomes DeCicco’s Family Markets, a second generation chain with multiple locations spanning Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. DeCicco’s officially opened its 11th store in Armonk on June 14 to thousands of customers–including an an enthusiastic reception from New Castle residents eager for their own full service market–following an invitation-only grand opening party for family, friends, vendors, and local dignitaries the day before.

Always looking for new locations, family owners John Jr., Chris, and Joe Jr. were approached by developers for Armonk Square a few years ago. They unanimously agreed upon the area, and decided to pursue the location.

“Everyone from Armonk has welcomed us with open arms, and I think we’re a great fit for the community,” said John Jr. DeCicco. “We’re very appreciative that everyone in the community and in the town has helped us so much. So far we really love being here.”

Designed by Antonucci and Associates, the two-story, 18,000-sq-ft store is the company’s second largest location, subsequent to its Brewster store. The store is decorated with cherry wood walls, custom tile flooring, stone work, as well as a copper and tin ceiling. The second-floor space incorporates unique features such as a gastro pub, bocce ball court, rental space for parties and events, as well as a demo kitchen where cooking classes are taught by celebrity chefs.

DeCicco’s offers top quality, a large variety, and great service. Here, customers can enjoy a full-service deli, meat department with a large selection of prime, aged steaks, bakery with goods baked fresh on the premises, seafood department, an assortment of gourmet and specialty foods, a large array of cheeses and beers imported from around the world, produce department with fruits and vegetables from local farms, as well as organic and international products, and a prepared foods section with readymade dinner items.

“Because we’re an independent chain, we really have the flexibility to buy from a lot of vendors. We’re not really locked in to a single mind set of what products we’re going to offer,” said Joe Jr. DeCicco. “No matter which store it is, our focus is always quality. We really pride ourselves in tailoring items to the tastes of the town or the community we’re serving.”

DeCicco’s gives back to its community regularly. It is involved with a number of civic and community-related groups, such as schools, Little Leagues, churches, and Chambers of Commerce. DeCicco’s makes a conscious effort to give back to as many programs as possible, however most of the donations are made to the school districts in which they do business. 1% of sales are given to the local PTAs for them to allocate the funds as they choose.  Donations to other organizations are given in the form of products or gift certificates.

The grand opening event on June 13 featured music from DJ Joe Fratto, who is also the manager of the store’s deli department, and a performance by Italian tenor Luciano Lamonarca. County Legislator, Michael J. Smith attended and spoke on behalf of the Board of Legislators and County Executive Robert Astorino to thank DeCicco’s for its commitment and involvement in the Westchester community.

DeCicco’s Family Markets was first started 40 years ago in 1972 by brothers John, Joe, and Frank DeCicco. They began with a tiny storefront butcher shop in the Bronx, and expanded to another larger location down the street a few years later. A total of four stores belong to the first generation. In 2006, members of the second generation, brothers John Jr. and Chris and their cousin Joe Jr., opened the first of their four stores in Ardsley. Three stores were opened by other family members. DeCicco’s has eventually grown into a household business with eleven locations in Ardsley, Brewster, Chester Heights, Cornwall, Cross River, Harrison, Jefferson Valley, New City, Pelham, Scarsdale, and now Armonk. Over the years, DeCicco’s has built itself a reputation of being the food market of choice for food lovers and cooks alike.

To enjoy the DeCicco’s experience yourself, be sure to visit the store at 17 Maple Avenue, Armonk Square in Downtown Armonk.

Hands Up for Haiti Procures Vital Equipment and Training

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The Hands up for Haiti Ophthalmology and Urology team at the Open Door Clinic in Bois de Lance, Haiti
The Hands up for Haiti Ophthalmology and Urology team at the Open Door Clinic in Bois de Lance, Haiti

Hands Up for Haiti is a non-profit relief organization created and led by Dr. Jill Ratner, a pediatrician, from the Mount Kisco Medical Group who volunteered to work in Haiti immediately after the devastating earthquake of 2010. While Port au Prince was the epicenter of the relief efforts, this team was directed to Cap Haitien, on the northern coast, a city not devastated by the earthquake, but still very much in need of medical help for its people and the many refugees who went there after the devastation. The team established relationships with several clinics and with the Cap Haitien Health Network, an organization striving to unify all the medical volunteers working in Cap Haitien.

The realization that returning would build credibility and could lead to sustainable improvements inspired a second trip in November of 2010. Since that time, teams of doctors within Westchester, with unique medical specialties have traveled with the organization providing medical attention, and also training local medical staff on the use of the equipment donated by the organization.  Most recently, several Westchester doctors acquired and donated urologic scopes worth over $100,000, this represents our largest single donation to date and helped procure essential donations of equipment in urology and ophthalmology for Justiniene Hospital.

“The mission exceeded my expectations due to my team’s extraordinary commitment to fulfilling our goals by both the ophthalmology and urology team members. We worked with the Haitian doctors and technicians advancing their skills and assisting them in providing ongoing care to their patients. The entire team found the experience deeply gratifying and everyone wants to return on a future mission.”
Beth Bromberg, M.D. of Yorktown Heights

Finding Comic Relief on Jackie’s Joke Hunt

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By Grace Bennett

Jenna Axelrod, Ian Karr, Me, John DeBellis and Jackie Martling!

Jena Axelrod, Ian Karr, Me, John DeBellis and Jackie Martling!

So when a friend said she had VIP tickets via party planner Adam Sands to attend Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling’s one man show at NYC’s Cutting Room in the fall, I jumped at the chance. Comic relief is critical to my basic happiness, and am hugely drawn to anyone with a quick wit and a comic edge. My boyfriend falls in that category and it’s a key reason I adore him. I also have my share of guilty pleasures and over the years that has included…shhh… listening to Howard Stern. So I was familiar with Jackie from his days on Stern and with his brand of humor.

At the end of the show, I met Jackie, and shocking even myself, I said something to him that made him laugh out loud. I’ll never tell what, but he said:  “You made me laugh. That’s not easy to do. I want you to come on my show.” That was in the fall.  Jackie  sent me a CD of his show, and told me to contact him with a Tuesday date that I could attend.  However, in my world of producing back-to-back nearly monthly hometown magazine editions (in the winter and spring), that got back burnered to the point of being forgotten. I also guess given the blatantly sex jokes content, I must admit  there was a touch of “Is this going to get me into trouble in Chappaqua?”

Fast forward to last week and a bit of serendipity. I had a coffee date at Le Jardin du Roi in town with a neighbor, Ian Karr, who I “met” on Facebook.  Always on the search for intriguing local content, I had contacted him in hopes of learning more about “Chappaqua Dads,” a page for the guys that he formed after a “Chappaqua Moms” page soared in local popularity.  (Maybe I will start “Chappaqua Parents,” and confuse everyone? 😉  Shortly into the conversation, Ian mentioned that he had a career long sideline he loved (along with his pretty impressive day job as the owner of a production company) as a radio talk show host. I asked with who these days. And when he mentioned Jackie, well, I nearly choked on a bite of the crepe of the day. I told Ian that Jackie  had invited me on the show but that I had never followed up! He asked if I was available this past Tuesday.  There happened to be an opening.  I followed my gut, and with my schedule a little slow after closing a June issue, I said, “Let’s do it.”  We had a little fun texting Jackie with “Guess who’s coming on the show Tuesday?”  It was a done deal.

Jackie and Grace
Jackie and Grace

I was excited Tuesday morning when I arrived at Sirius on Avenue of the Americas. After being cleared by security, I waited in a comfy area with black couches and lots of glass walls everywhere, plus plenty of pics of Stern and countless famous folks.  I was certainly in good company. I was delighted to see Jackie again and also meet other talent in the studio.   A great surprise was meeting Jena Axelrod, an accomplished stand up who the guys bring on regularly due to popular demand and ok, for some sexy female presence.  She was very encouraging and supportive during some impromptu girl talk in the ladies’ room, and that was much appreciated! Things happened quickly then. Prior to air time, Jackie hands everyone their jokes to read (included in mine was a “Chappaqua Ladies Toast” script and, together with Ian, well over a dozen jokes are read over the course of the hour. Listeners seem pretty familiar with the format and call in with their own funny answers–more often wrong than right. But when they are right enough times, there’s apparently an opportunity to “win” and come on the show as guests themselves.  In between the jokes, there’s old fashioned kibitzing with the guest. In my case, I appreciated the opportunity to introduce some 100,000 or more listeners to the existence of Inside Chappaqua, the magazine and this site, and also about my upcoming talk at the Chappaqua Library. I’m not going to share Jackie’s jokes with you here…you will have to tune in yourself. They’re not for everyone, as he explained to one caller–an old childhood friend befuddled by my guest appearance.  But as Jackie says, “Turn the channel if you don’t like it.” You can choose to listen or not.  I wholeheartedly agree with him!  Let’s just say it was a lot of fun, and I’d be happy to do it again schedule permitting.

After the show, Jackie and Ian have a tradition of treating their guest to dinner at the world famous Carnegie Deli.  Jackie charmed me with a surprise guest who joined us: John DeBellis, author of “Stand Up Guys: A Generation of Laughs. John wrote an article “Trade Secrets of Stand Up Comics” for my March ten-year anniversary edition which is also my “Top Ten Anything” edition. It was a pleasure to meet my writer in the flesh. All that before digging into cole slaw, perfect sour pickles, a tongue sandwich (everyone got a kick out of that for some reason!)–and continued comic relief!

Crowd Topped 450 At Mha’s On The Move 5k Run/Walk

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Excitement at race start. Photo by Hector Martinez
Excitement at race start. Photo by Hector Martinez

Yorktown Heights—There was not a cloud in the sky for The Mental Health Association of Westchester’s (MHA) 2013 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Kids’ Race held at FDR State Park and spirits were high for the 450 people who attended. The morning raised more than $45,000 for MHA’s programs and services.

WCBS-TV’s Lou Young reprised his role as emcee for the sixth year and was given an award for his dedication and generosity. Mr. Young was assisted by Miss Hudson Valley, Jessica Pinckney. While the runners and walkers were finishing their races, local singer-songwriter, Jessica Lynn, had participants tapping their feet to songs from her new album.

Peer Support Specialist, Teresia Cramer, spoke to the crowd about the difference MHA has made in her life, sharing: “Six months ago, I was living in a shelter. Today, I have an apartment, have completed a training program and have been hired by  MHA to help others in their recovery. I am here to tell you, recovery IS possible!”

The top overall male runners were Philip Benson of Cortlandt Manor (20:24), Michael Racanello of Cortlandt Manor (20:25)) and Fredrick Lent, Jr. of Yonkers (20:52). Top overall female winners were Elizabeth Olsen of Cortlandt Manor (22:17), Nicole Guenkel of Wappingers Falls (22:24) and Judy Rubin of White Plains (22:49).

Interim Board President, Michael Lombardi, was very pleased: “The Run/Walk is a great opportunity to share and celebrate with the community we serve and to get the word out that help is available wherever you live.”

MHA is a community-based mental health agency that has been helping Westchester County residents for 67 years through direct services, professional and community education and advocacy. MHA supports 20,000 individuals annually through a comprehensive array of mental health services striving to help each individual to achieve their personal goals and to lead independent, healthy and successful lives. . For information on critical mental health issues and MHA services visit www.mhawestchester.org or MHA on Facebook and Twitter.

Inside Silver Hill Hospital

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The 2012 Silver Hill Gala, held in November at Cipriani 42nd Street, raised funds for scholarship support for their residential treatment programs. Some Chappaqua residents who attended (l-r): Larry Haynes, Janine Haynes, Maria Larramendi, Dr. Fred Feiner, Vicki Feiner and Laura Hamburg. Photo by Patrick McMullan
The 2012 Silver Hill Gala, held in November at Cipriani 42nd Street, raised funds for scholarship support for their residential treatment programs. Some Chappaqua residents who attended (l-r): Larry Haynes, Janine Haynes, Maria Larramendi, Dr. Fred Feiner, Vicki Feiner and Laura Hamburg.
Photo by Patrick McMullan

Offering Hope and Help in Treating Opioid Addictions

By Grace Bennett

Inside Chappaqua’s “connection” to Silver Hill Hospital, a not for profit, full service psychiatric hospital situated on a bucolic campus of New Canaan, CT, is really a connection to a wonderful Chappaqua resident and friend, Janine Crowley Haynes. Janine has sought help at Silver Hill to help manage her bipolar disorder. A few years ago, we featured her book, My Kind of Crazy. In it, Janine chronicles her story with fortitude and good humor.

Most recently, Janine–a volunteer on Silver Hill’s Development Committee–was eager to acquaint me with Silver Hill directly; she has told me that it is a special place of healing and new beginnings.  On our ride to Silver Hill, I asked Janine to help me choose a focus for my interview with Sigurd Ackerman, M.D., president and medical director. She suggested the newest program, the Chronic Pain and Recovery Center, because there are few like it in the country and there is a pressing need for the treatments it offers.

According to Dr. Ackerman, the Chronic Pain and Recovery Center is designed for individuals with chronic pain and some additional, co-occurring problem. The co-occurring problem may include chemical dependence or abuse, depression or anxiety, social isolation, de-conditioning of muscles, weight fluctuation and sleep disturbance–all in addition to physical pain.  “Our pain center programming has evolved to address chronic pain as well as these additional problems patients with chronic pain experience. Often, the co-occurring problem is an overuse or misuse of pain medication.  For many, their lives have become ruled by their use of pain medication,” said Dr. Ackerman.

“Many commonly used pain medications, called opioids, are synthetic narcotics that have opiate-like qualities,” Dr. Ackerman explained. “Like opiates, they are very effective in relieving pain. However, for many, they provide a “high” and the user finds him/herself driven to repeat the experience over and over apart from the need for pain relief. The real problem is that medication tolerance develops which means to obtain the same pain relief or the same high, it requires more of the medication. So, while these medications can do great good when used properly, they can lead to great harm when misused, creating serious problems within families, at work or even problems with the law.”

Some people take initiative to help themselves…they contact Silver Hill because they want to get off the pain medication and have failed on their own. Others are urged to do so by sometimes very frustrated, frightened family members. “It’s not always a physician referral,” stated Dr. Ackerman.  Others end up in an emergency room with an overdose…and find their way to Silver Hill for focused treatment.  Whatever the route, a patient at Silver Hill, emphasizes Dr. Ackerman, receives services with a first-rate staff.  “The clinicians on our staff who treat these problems are true experts.”

The first treatment goal is to target the reason for the chronic pain. “You need to begin with a thorough evaluation of the pain itself.”  A next step is helping patients detox from the pain medication by working toward a dose that’s the minimum amount possible to continue to address pain symptoms.

What follows is a reconditioning of the patient’s approach to pain management…one that doesn’t necessarily involve a medication. “From working with a physical therapist to teaching lifestyle changes, there are many ways to learn to manage pain besides grabbing a pill.”  The goal may not necessarily be a complete elimination of the drug either.  “If the patient needs pain medication, we teach how to administer it safely.  In a family situation, we might advise that one responsible person be in charge of medication administration,” said Dr. Ackerman. “Our overall objective is to separate the person from medication being misused, to improve function in valued activities and engage in a life full of meaning and purpose.”

Finally, and perhaps most critically, at Silver Hill, there are treatment teams and adjunct programs to address what are very often underlying psychiatric reasons for opioid addictions. “Some chronic pain sufferers may be depressed and stay depressed or develop fears and those fears rule their day,” he said.  “So a patient coming to us often doesn’t just come seeing us about their pain and their medication problems but also about the depression and anxiety in their lives too.”

To learn more about Silver Hill and its variety of residential treatment programs, visit silverhillhospital.org. 

Grace Bennett is the publisher and editor of Inside Chappaqua Magazine.