The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Event

Chamber’s Third Thursdays Offer a Fun-Filled Evening for the Community

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There is nothing better than events that allow a community to come together, and once again, the Third Thursday events in Armonk promises to do just that. Five years ago, the Armonk Chamber of Commerce made the decision to start Third Thursdays, a series of events held on the third Thursday of the summer months. These events serve as a celebration of the community, and they bring people into town to listen to music, try new food, shop, and participate in other fun activities. The Third Thursday events showcase the best of Armonk, including the spirit of community, the scores of local merchants, and the beautiful downtown. Because of its connotations with celebration, community, and fun, Third Thursday has transformed into a much-anticipated passage into the summer months.

This year, there will be many returning events, as well as a few new ones. The popular Chili Cook-Off and Car Show will make a return, as well as a kids’ night featuring music, dance, and other children’s activities. Plus, a free evening concert series in the park has been added for this year in July and August. And for anyone who is excited about shopping locally, Third Thursday dates will also be “Sale Days.” Each of these days will feature discounts and specials at participating local businesses.

The Third Thursdays 2019 schedule will be as follows.

On June 20, there will be live music from 5-8:30 p.m. and the Chili Cook-Off from 5:30-7:30 p.m., both of which will be held in Armonk Square. In addition to enjoying the live music, people will get the opportunity to sample the recipes and vote for their favorite chili. July 18 will be even more jam-packed with events, with live music from 5-7 p.m. in Armonk Square, a Car Show from 5-7:30 p.m. at St. Stephens Church, and a free concert in Wampus Brook Park from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Finally, August 15 will feature “Kids on the Town” music, dancing, and activities from

5-7 p.m. in Armonk Square, as well as another free concert in Wampus Brook Park from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The late-night concerts in the park in July and August are a new addition this year, and people are invited to bring blankets, chairs, picnic food, and wine. Plus, the Fortina food truck will be parked there for all to enjoy. Celebrate your community by celebrating with your community during the Third Thursdays in Armonk–they are the summer events you won’t want to miss!

Nothing Sweeter: The 82nd Annual Strawberry Festival

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There was fun anticipated for all on June 1; there’s also nothing sweeter than the sound of children of all ages enjoying carnival games and rides. And for 82 years, this time-honored tradition has been upheld in Chappaqua at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin’s Strawberry Festival. Live music, a petting zoo and vendors including those selling strawberry shortcake round out the fun-filled day. For so many area residents, it’s always a great way to start your summer fun and stock up on scrumptious strawberry jam.

Church of St. Mary the Virgin

191 South Greeley Avenue

Chappaqua

March Boutique: A Local Gem with On-Trend Clothing for Fashionistas

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Nestled into a corner of downtown Briarcliff Manor’s main thoroughfare, Pleasantville Road, March Boutique offers Westchester fashionistas on-trend apparel and accessories. Whether you are looking to mimic the styles of a model on a Milan runway or looking for a more casual Instagram-worthy outfit, this jewel-sized boutique should be on your radar.

Lynn Puro, the owner and a Briarcliff Manor resident opened the store twelve years ago. Her exquisite taste and style is evident as soon as you step into the store. Puro scouts fashion showrooms in New York, Paris, Milan and Los Angeles and carries lines that you may not be familiar with such as Bailey 44 and Fifteen Twenty plus well-known and beloved labels like Nicole Miller and Joseph Ribkoff.

Everything But the Shoes

Saturday is the store’s busiest day as many customers come in needing something to wear that evening. “We get a lot of last-minute requests and we love helping clients choose an outfit and accessories such as handbags and jewelry. We offer everything but the shoes.” Puro strives to offer many options for customers at different price points.

“Fit is everything” is Puro’s cardinal fashion rule. To that end, she always tries on every product in her store when visiting showrooms. She brings an additional employee to showrooms as well with a different figure to see how the clothing fits before deciding to sell it in her boutique.

On a recent visit, I had fun perusing the racks and checking out spring trends. The store reminded me of a trendy Soho boutique with exposed brick and a copper tin ceiling. Everything was thoughtfully displayed and photos of Puro’s fashion icon Audrey Hepburn adorn the walls.

As a petite person, I’ve been wondering how to embrace the wide-legged pants trend seen all over the spring fashion magazines. “Not to worry,” advises Puro and she pulls out a wide-legged jean made by Just Black Denim which I try on and lo and behold, it actually looks good. Puro and all her employees have a strong sense of style and can immediately size up your silhouette and provide ideas of items to try on. I wonder what shoes to wear with the jeans and Puro offers suggestions. “The number one question we get from customers, is what shoes should I wear with an outfit?”

Next up, I want to try on a floral dress as the fashion magazines are saturated with them for spring. On a small frame, prints can look overwhelming but Puro knows what patterns will work with my figure. The kelly green floral wrap dress by Cupcakes & Cashmere is a winner and best of all, it is not like the dozens of black dresses I have hanging in my closet. With graduations and baby showers on the horizon, I am all sorted with this little number.

Snapworthy Spring Trends

I want to know what other spring trends are blooming and Puro is at the ready with several sartorial suggestions. Flower prints and pastel colors are popular. She also carries several leopard print items.  Leopard print is big this spring but if you don’t want a full outfit with it, the store has leopard print hats, scarves and bags. Other trends include cropped and slightly flared jeans or pants and any item in blue. “Blue is the new black this season,” proclaims Puro.

“Fashion should also be fun,” attests Puro. She holds several themed events to coincide with popular television shows that have stylish costumes such as “Downton Abbey” and “Mad Men”.

Mrs. Maisel Trunk Show: April 27

This spring she will hold a “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” trunk show event on Saturday, April 27th from noon – 5 p.m. The event will pay homage to the style icon played by actress Rachel Brosnahan featuring retro-inspired clothing from Nanette Lepore and Fifteen Twenty. Champagne and snacks will be available and Puro will also be giving out cat eye sunglasses as a gift for customers who make a purchase.

As Puro wraps up my items (I also purchase a Nicole Miller dress for an upcoming Bar Mitzvah on my visit on the sale rack no less), I notice the lovely tissue paper decorated with delicate dragonflies. It’s no surprise that before opening March, Puro worked in beauty for Estee Lauder. Confidence breeds beauty was one of Lauder’s favorite sayings and as I walk out the door with my fashion-forward items, I feel like a million bucks and can’t wait to wear my new dresses this spring.

March Boutique

1207 Pleasantville Rd

Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

Phone: (914) 923-2100

Marchboutique.com

 

Basketball Fundraiser to End Food Allergies

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Lace up your sneakers! Michelle Feit Isban, a parent of a child with multiple anaphylactic food allergies, has created an event with an amazing group of food allergy families called “EAT’s Shoot for a Cure and Family Fun Day” on May 19 from 1-4 p.m. at Breezemont Day Camp. The event will feature basketball games for the whole family and carnival-style activities. Visit eat.rallybound.org/shootforacure for additional information.

Festivities Galore in Store at ‘Hudson Valley Fermented’

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The Pleasantville Rotary Club will be holding their wildly successful charity fundraiser, Hudson Valley Fermented, again this year. This tasting event of New York craft beverages and samplings from the best Hudson Valley restaurants will take place Saturday, March 16. The Rotary Club raises funds for local and international charities; last year alone, $30,000 was raised and hopes are high to top that this year. Major beneficiaries of Hudson Valley Fermented 2019 will include Team Fox for Parkinson’s Research, Pleasantville Fund for Learning, and Break the Hold (suicide prevention and mental wellness).

Hudson Valley Fermented will be held at Pace University’s Kessel Student Center in Pleasantville. This upbeat, festive event will feature over 30 cutting-edge breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, as well as delicious food offerings from over a dozen of the finest restaurants from the greater Hudson Valley region. In addition, there will be live music, dancing, raffles, auctions, and more.

For more info, visit hvfermented.com