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.