The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Armonk

A Boy Scout is Man’s Best Friend’s Best Friend

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Boy Scouts Kyle and Ryan construct PVC frames.
Boy Scouts Kyle and Ryan construct PVC frames.

Article and Photos By David Streich

Jack Kiernan, a 15-year-old Boy Scout from Troop One Mount Kisco (T1MK) came up with a brainstorm idea for his Eagle Scout Service Project, and that idea has literally gone to the dogs.

It was Jack’s idea and plan to construct 100 elevated nylon dog beds to be donated to local animal shelters, including Adopt-a-Dog in Armonk and the SPCA of Westchester in Briarcliff Manor.

Boy Scout Clever adds a nylon sheet.
Boy Scout Clever adds a nylon sheet.

An Eagle Scout Service Project says a lot about the scout who embarks on his journey; it is a reflection of the scout as a youth leader. Jack has been a scout for nine of his 15 years, but he has grown up around four-legged friends his entire life. His first family pet was a pup named Lucky, who was adopted from an animal shelter. Buster soon followed, and then came Zelda, an adopted German Shepard. Jack instinctively knew that his service project would involve helping animals in shelters, and improve the quality of life for dogs awaiting adoption.

Online research led him to develop the ambitious project of constructing 100 elevated dog beds using PVC pipe and 1000 denier nylon. He chose nylon because it is very easily washable. Jack raised almost $2,000 from members of the community and a pancake breakfast fundraiser to pay for supplies.

Cub Scout Rocky learns how to use power tools properly.
Cub Scout Rocky learns how to use power tools properly.

Beds like these sell for more than $100 retail but Jack was able to build them for under $15 each by obtaining materials at good prices from generous local suppliers and by ordering in bulk. Even with several different size constructions, there was almost no scrap material because Jack planned very carefully. After all, Jack was following the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. The rest of the funds went towards tools and food to feed the volunteer troops.

One of the rules of an Eagle Scout Service Project is that a scout cannot do it alone. It is a requirement for the young man to give leadership to others. Jack was able to recruit more than 45 volunteers from the community–of all ages and abilities, including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Venture Scouts, as well as their siblings and families–who worked more than 200 hours over three weekends to complete the task.

Boy Scout Jack Kiernan delivers 100 dog beds to local animal shelters.
Boy Scout Jack Kiernan delivers 100 dog beds to local animal shelters.

Jack was very proud and humbled to be able to deliver and donate the 100 dog beds to the shelters a few weeks ago. “Animal shelters have very limited financial resources,” Jack noted. “Some of the benefits that a dog bed offers include insulating a dog from the floor in both the winter and summer, and these beds help to cushion joints and bones, especially for older, arthritic, or overweight dogs. Also very importantly, shelters that offer dog beds can provide a dog with its own private space and sense of security.”

There are a few more steps that Jack Kiernan needs to take in order to become a full-fledged Eagle Scout, but for now, as a Life Scout, there is a patch on his uniform that features the symbol of a heart. According to the Boy Scouts of America organization, historically, the heart was a symbol of health and fitness, but it also represents the spirit of caring and giving that is behind the Eagle Scout service project. Service to other people is what Scouting is really all about. And in Jack’s case, the others whom he served just so happen to be man’s best friend.

Great job, Jack, and thank you for your vision!

David Streich is the proud father of Boy Scout Clever and Cub Scout Rocket, both of whom volunteered for Jack’s project and helped build five dog beds.

Adopt-A-Best Friend

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adopt a petBy Heather Skolnick

We’ve all heard the adage about how a dog is Man’s Best Friend, but really, in today’s age, shouldn’t it really be amended to be Everyone’s Best Friend? As a dog owner myself, I know I believe it. And this community is certainly a great one to raise a canine child, with its abundance of parks and trails for our four-legged friends to run around and play.

While there are many options for a family to find a dog (or cat!), one terrific, local option to consider is Adopt-A-Dog, a recognized charitable organization based in Armonk. The organization’s stated mission is to “Save, Socialize and Secure Loving Homes for Unwanted or Abandoned Dogs and Cats,” according to their website.

With so many unwanted pets, adopting from Adopt-A-Dog is a wonderful way to bring a pet into your family. Adopt-A-Dog just celebrated its 35th anniversary at the end of April. In their 35 years, over 13,500 animals have been saved and placed in loving homes. That’s an incredible number of animals who found forever homes thanks to Adopt-A-Dog’s wonderful efforts. This amazing statistic can be attributed to three friends who saw a need in their community to address the growing number of dogs in need of a home.

Executive Director Kristen Rice explained the organization in these words: “The dogs here have lost their homes, their families, and their world. These poor animals don’t know where their families are, or why there were put in this situation. That’s why we go above and beyond to accommodate the needs of every animal entering our shelter. We focus on all aspects of our animal’s quality of life to ensure a smooth transition into an adoptive home.” And they sure do.

Local resident Felice Erlich brought a new pet into her home about two-and-a-half years ago from Adopt-A-Dog. Her family’s experience with the organization started when she and her daughter began volunteering.

That is when they saw first-hand how amazing and loving the staff were to the animals. Felice said of the staff, “They were very clearly doing what they loved.” Felice and her family ultimately took home Dali, a two-year-old dog who had recently undergone surgery. Felice remembers, “The staff was so dedicated that they even insisted on her staying on at the shelter for one more week after her surgery so that they could be sure she was ready to ‘go home.’” Felice’s daughter was so moved by her own experience with Adopt-A-Dog that she began her own fundraising campaign called ‘Sarah’s Blanket.’ She makes pet blankets with all the proceeds going directly to Adopt-A-Dog.

There are many ways to be involved with this wonderful organization. First, of course, if you are looking to add a pet to your family, please consider Adopt-A-Dog. Fostering a pet is another option. This shorter term commitment can be for a puppy or kitten to an older dog or cat. Sponsoring a pet financially is a great choice if you want to support the organization but are not ready to add a pet to your family. Or, volunteer! Time can be spent with the animals or in other ways. Adopt-A-Dog also has an Amazon Wishlist–items can be purchased directly through Amazon and will help support Adopt-A-Dog’s needs. Adopt-A-Dog is a wonderful asset to our community. People come from both near and far to find their new best friends right here in Armonk!

Heather and her husband became New Castle residents nine years ago, at which time canine child Freddie joined their family. Since then, a daughter and twin sons followed suit. When Heather isn’t spending time with her family (including Freddie!), she works for a footwear company.

Meet the New York Runner of the Year: Armonk’s Danny Tateo

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Danny Tateo (center) receiving New York Runner of the Year Award with wife, Elena (right), by his side.
Danny Tateo (center) receiving New York Runner of the Year Award with wife, Elena (right), by his side.

By Miriam Longobardi

To be an elite, award-winning runner, one may think it takes years of training and dedication from a young age. Not so for Armonk’s Danny Tateo, winner of New York Road Runner Club’s Runner of the Year.

As a teen, running was never his interest. Instead, Tateo participated in team sports such as baseball and football, mainly out of a search for admiration more than any great love for either sport. He described troubles at home which left him searching for something to boost his self-esteem.

Tateo left college to start his own business and soon after married his childhood sweetheart, Elena. “I knew she always liked me for me,” he said. He attributes the success of their marriage to mutual deep respect and admiration as well as commitment to putting their relationship first. The couple has two children, a daughter, Reese, 13, and son, Morgan, nine.

In his thirties, Tateo began to understand the concept of low self-esteem and recognized his habit of working to convince people that he was smart and successful. Still, he began seriously building up his muscles and admits much of his identity and what he valued about himself was associated with appearance.

At age 46, Tateo began incorporating running into his workouts, but strictly for aerobic benefit to his heart and lungs. He ran three times weekly for 30 minutes, careful not to lose too much muscle mass. “Finally one day I just kept going,” he said. Deciding it was time to grow up and stop trying to make people like him, he continued to run regularly and quickly dropped 35 pounds. “People thought I was sick or something,” he said, though he had stopped caring what others thought. He entered a 5k race in Armonk and finished in 20 minutes. Shortly after, he ran a 10k in Central Park and finished third. “I started thinking, ‘Hey, I’m pretty good at this,’” Tateo said.

Not one to do anything halfway, he began immersing himself in learning about running. He read books about how to train, the physiology behind running and which muscles to build and strengthen to help run faster and more efficiently. “Learn, read, improve,” he said. In his research, he looked up the best runner in New York City at the time and learned it was Paul Thompson. Thompson was ranked nationally and had won Runner of the Year seven years straight. Tateo called and asked to train with him. Thompson agreed and they began meeting regularly in Central Park and nearby Rockefeller Preserve.

“It was a rude awakening!” Tateo exclaimed. “Long runs were hard for me.” Tateo’s average mileage was about 25 miles per week, while Thompson ran about 70 miles per week. “He really showed me the ropes,” he said of Thompson. Within a couple of years of training with Thompson, Tateo had built up his own personal endurance to between 87 and 93 miles per week and continued training. Five years after his first run, he looked up the finishing times of other Runner of the Year winners in various races, and the idea of achieving that goal for himself grew. Tateo researched the criteria.

In order to be considered for nomination of Runner of the Year, one has to run six races of varying distances within the year. Tateo placed first in one, fourth in another, and second in the other four races. To his delight, the New York Road Runner Board nominated Tateo, along with four others in his age group after considering distances, times and best finishers in all qualifying races.

On February 26, Tateo, with his family, joined hundreds of nominees from many running clubs at the Hard Rock Café for a dinner and award ceremony. “It was like the Oscars,” Tateo said. “They call your category and show all five nominees on the big screen. When they announced my name, my family and I went nuts!” A long night of celebrating followed.

The only downside for Tateo was that for more than four years he felt his family paid a heavy price for the training required to achieve his goal. “My family is everything to me. Without them I am nothing, and I plan to show them that through actions, not words.” Thompson asked Tateo to join the U.S. Track and Field team, which competes around the country. “I told him I can’t. My family needs me and they are the only people I will work for, and I will never regret that decision.”

He shared advice he gives to his daughter about goal-setting. “Focus on finding your strength, and formulate a dream, something you think is possible. Put your head down and go. One day you will look up and say ‘I did it!’”

Miriam Longobardi is a freelance writer, fourth grade teacher and single mother of two daughters living in Westchester. A breast cancer survivor, she volunteers for the American Cancer Society, has completed four marathons and travels the world. Follow her on Twitter @writerMimiLong.

A Perfect Vision for Eye Designs

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Jaime and his daughter Alex inside Eye Designs of Armonk
Jaime and his daughter Alex inside Eye Designs of Armonk

Jaime Herman Says Key Focus is Customer Care

By Matt Smith

In constructing one of his better-known sonnets, William Shakespeare wrote, “The eyes are the of the soul.” While it’s obvious the playwright was simply waxing poetic, and not referencing the importance of eye care, the adage still holds relevance in terms of the latter subject–and many present-day eye care professionals can attest to the truth of Shakespeare’s statement. Just ask Jaime Herman, founding manager of Eye Designs of Armonk, who has been in the optical business for the last 30 years.

The Westchester resident, who found himself attracted to the industry “because [of] all the different aspects to it”–from medical to science to fashion–initially began his career as a partner in an eye care shop in New Hyde Park, Long Island, where he worked for 12 years. After a brief two-year stint at another shop in Florida, he found his way to Armonk, where he has managed Eye Designs since August of 1999.

“We bring in eyewear from around the world that show the latest fashion styles and best quality,” he says, when asked what he thinks makes his business the most successful. “Whether it be digital progressive lenses, computer lenses, [or] anti-reflective coatings, we use the latest technology in prescription lenses.” Additionally, optometrist Dr. Janet Woo is on hand at the store for eye exams and contact lens fittings. The shop also has an extensive collection of children’s frames.

And as for eyewear specific to your “summer adventure?” They’ve got you covered there as well! “When I think of the summer, I think of the beach,” he says. “And [in terms of eyewear] that means…a great pair of cool sunglasses with polarized lenses.” Eager to help vacationers–especially men–“look and feel cool” while catching rays this summer, Eye Designs offers a wide selection of sunglasses from such high-end designers as Salt, Oliver Peoples, Mykita, and Maui Jim.

But despite their fabulous offerings, which have no doubt contributed to their longevity in the area, Herman notes that the success of Eye Designs lies mainly in its customer care. “[That’s] really our number one goal,” he comments. “Everything else is secondary.”

And he’s not kidding. A strong proponent of the motto, “See and be seen,” emphasizing the customer’s comfortability level in addition to how they appear, he takes pride in ensuring his customers “look good and leave happy.” Because, after all–and this one really relays the relevance of Shakespeare’s quote to the eye care business–he views eyewear “as a portrait of someone’s personality.”

“[For] the people who need to wear glasses, they’re such a big part of [these] people [and who they are] personally,” he says. “If someone’s wearing glasses, it’s basically the first thing you see when you’re looking at them. It’s a huge statement…a very personal thing, and a big reflection on the individual.”

In managing Eye Designs for as long as he has, Herman certainly recognizes the significance of this reflection, and the impact it has not only on the customers, but the business itself. “When somebody puts on an absolutely perfect pair of glasses in the store–[meaning] they can see clearly and the style looks fabulous–when they walk out the door and people see them in that eyewear [and] say, ‘Wow! Look how great those glasses look!,’ then the next question might be, ‘Where did you get those glasses?’” he says. “So, it’s important to me that our customers look great, not only for themselves, but because [in purchasing our products] they become our own representatives, in a way.”

As proud as he is of the success of his booming business, however, there is still one (well, two) facets he prides above all the rest: his daughters, Alex and Joelle. And while he’s certainly proud of them no matter what they choose to do, with his strong commitment to Eye Designs, it doesn’t hurt that Alex (25)–for the time being–is assisting him in the shop. (She’s been a member of the Armonk team since 2013).

“It’s exciting and to have her here,” he says. “I’m proud as her dad to see how she interacts with everyone she encounters in the practice and the industry. She brings a youthful energy to the practice [and] the patients seem to love her.” Meanwhile, his youngest, Joelle (18), recently celebrated her graduation from Riverdale-Kingsbridge Academy, and will be headed off to college in the Fall.

So, all in all, there’s a lot to be proud of–and Herman’s not taking any of it for granted. So much so that, despite a three-decade career in the business (and Alex presumably set to take over at some future point), he doesn’t see himself leaving anytime soon. Not that we’re complaining, but why not? It’s simply because he can’t “envision” himself in any other career. And why should he have to? He’s got all he needs right here in Armonk! “And it’s a clean business,” he adds, with a laugh. “I’m not operating on broken limbs.” He pauses, then smiles, before reiterating once again: “It’s clean, professional, and always interesting…and that’s true even after 30 years.”

Eye Designs Armonk is located at 575 Main Street in Armonk. For more info, visit www.eyedesignsofwestchester.com.

Matt Smith is a freelance writer based in Chappaqua. For more information, visit www.mattsmiththeatre.com. 

Keeping Your Pool in Tip-Top Shape: Advice from Pools of Perfection

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Spa Garden Armonk 2008

By Stacey Pfeffer

Taking a dip on a hot summer day in your backyard pool is the ultimate suburban luxury. Whether you wish to maintain, renovate or build a pool, Christopher Carthy and his Armonk-based business Pools of Perfection can help ensure that your pool is admired by all the neighbors this summer and beyond.

Carthy and his wife, orthodontist Dr. Laura Cannistraci Carthy, who practices in Mount Kisco and their three children, Theresa, Terence, and Camille, have spent many summer days relaxing in their Sarles Street backyard pool with friends and family. As befitting of a pool company business owner, Carthy describes his own pool as “all jazzed up. Every year I do something new to my pool.”

After working on Wall Street as a financial analyst for many years, Carthy decided to take a leap into the pool business. He had worked in the pool industry during college summer breaks and always loved it. Carthy originally started Pools of Perfection on Long Island in Roslyn and commuted from his home in New Rochelle. The business was so successful that he decided to open a second business on Main Street in Armonk after building a new home in town. In 2006, Carthy decided to make a lifestyle change to avoid the long commute to Long Island from Westchester and sold his Roslyn-based business. “I’m now 1.9 miles from my office and immersed in the local community,” Carthy says with a smile.

Carthy is truly dedicated to the town and serves as Vice President on the Armonk Chamber of Commerce. “My greatest focus from a service point of view is Armonk and Chappaqua. I live and work with my customers and I love that.”

Having worked in the pool industry for 30 years, Carthy knows a lot about how people utilize their pools and says swimming is actually not the primary reason why people build a pool.

“Most people have a pool as a beautiful landscape feature or focal point on their property. Many like to recreate in it and a few actually swim laps in it.” Carthy and his wife are like most of his customers. After a long day of work, they enjoy relaxing in their pool at night.

While Memorial Day signifies summer and the start of the pool season, Carthy finds that many of his customers are in fact opening up their pools in April and keeping them open until October. “In Westchester, everyone has a heated pool so a six-month season is not atypical. Many people have a spa attached to their pool and/or an auto-cover so while customers may not be swimming in their pool yet, they are enjoying the vista.”

Unlike most of his competitors, which bill customers piecemeal for the opening, the weekly maintenance, the service, the chemicals and the closing of their pool, Carthy’s company operates differently. “All our customers are on a comprehensive fixed price maintenance program so people who come on this year are paying the exact same price as someone who has used our company for ten years. It includes the opening, the closing, the initial vacuuming and water treatment, all chemicals and 15 weeks of maintenance. People can buy additional weeks if they’d like to extend their season.” Residents of the Byram Hills School District and the Chappaqua School District both receive a discount on the company’s comprehensive maintenance program.

Carthy’s company has won national design awards and also been recognized for outstanding engineering and technical achievement by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals and the Northeast Spa and Pool Association. He likes to refer to his company as a “soup to nuts” shop where customers can rely on Pools of Perfection to design a pool, obtain permits, construct the pool and build additional features such as cabanas, outdoor kitchens and firepits. Once your pool is built, his company can maintain it for you to enjoy this summer and for years to come.

Stacey Pfeffer is an avid swimmer who lives in Chappaqua with her husband and three young children. She has written for NY Family, Westchester Parent, Kveller.com and Inside Chappaqua.

Thinking of Building a Pool? Tips from Christopher Carthy

chris pool man

  • Work with a company that uses 3D CAD design so that you can envision what the project will look like upon completion.
  • Develop a site plan and be aware of what is needed for your municipality to approve construction.
  • Hire a company that knows which applications are needed to approve the project (e.g., zoning, architecture, wetlands preservation) and can represent you before various boards. Pools of Perfection has a perfect record of permit procurement.
  • Design what you want. Sometimes customers want to minimize permit costs and the design can be tweaked to do that. Carthy notes though on the flipside that “sometimes it is worth it to embrace permit costs because the pool’s placement will ultimately add value to the home.”
  • Consider timing. Carthy suggests that the ideal time to build a pool is fall and then use spring to plant and finish any other features and roll out the pool the next season.