The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

June

June Online Lectures/Events at Northern Westchester Hospital’s Center for Healthy Living

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Information about warning signs for aneurysms and stroke, chair yoga, smoking cessation, classes for new and future moms, and Wellness Wednesday are among the virtual events offered in June by Northern Westchester Hospital and the Center for Healthy Living,

MOUNT KISCO, NY – A lecture discussing common myths about brain aneurysms and the latest advancements in care is June’s featured program offered by Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) and the Center for Healthy Living.  In June, virtual events for new and future moms include a breastfeeding class, a Breastfeeding Nook to meet other breastfeeding mothers, and a Mom Squad interactive get together.  Other free, virtual events to help people feel better, get healthier, and have more fun include chair yoga, smoking cessation, courses on Calming Nourishment and Wholehearted Living, and a Wellness Wednesday on bone health.

The Center for Healthy Living at Chappaqua Crossing supports health and wellness through education, health resources, diverse programing and referrals. For a full list of upcoming free events and registration, visit Eventbrite.com. All programs are currently offered virtually.

FEATURED EVENT:

Get “Ahead” of Aneurysms and Stroke – What you need to know to stay healthy

Wednesday, June 16, 5 – 6 pm, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

Join Dr. David Gordon for an informative conversation about aneurysms and stroke. Dr. Gordon will discuss common myths about brain aneurysms at any age and the latest advancements in care. The program includes a brief video where participants can meet the neurosurgeons providing care in Westchester at both NWH and Phelps Hospital.

Register at: Get “Ahead” of Aneurysms and Stroke

 

Smoking Cessation
June 8, 15, 22, 6 – 7 pm, live over Microsoft Teams
Cost: Free

Cigarettes are one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. We know it’s challenging to quit – we are here to help. This support group is facilitated by a NWH respiratory therapist. For more information, contact NWHSmokingCessation@northwell.edu or call (914) 666-1868.

Register at: Smoking Cessation

 

Chair Yoga
Mondays, June 14, 21, 28, 11 am – Noon, live over Zoom

Cost: Free
Chair Yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga available, adapting poses through the creative use of a chair. Emphasis will be on breathing, balance, and taking things at your own pace. This workshop is led by Toni Russo, MS, RN AHN-BC, RYT-220, who is a leader on NWH’s Integrative Medicine Team.

Register at: Chair Yoga

 

Virtual Breastfeeding Class

Monday, June 14, 6 – 8 pm

Cost: $30

This comprehensive class is taught exclusively by our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). Whether you have already decided to breastfeed or you are thinking about it, this class is for you. We cover a wide range of breastfeeding topics including but not limited to: the advantages of breastfeeding, building and maintaining your milk supply, strategies for success, breastfeeding techniques, how to breastfeed comfortably, diet considerations, nipple care and tips for partner feeding. Plenty of time is allotted for questions and answers including the all-important one, “How do I know my baby is getting enough?” Couples are encouraged to come together. Only one payment per couple.

For more information, please call the Mother-Baby Navigator Office at (914) 666-1840.

Register at:  Virtual Breastfeeding Class

 

Mom Squad

Monday, June 14, Noon – 2 pm, live over Microsoft Teams

Please note, this support group is for mothers who have already delivered their baby.

Cost: Free

Join with your baby for an interactive, social get together. Meet other moms and share information about caring for your newborn, and yourself. This group is facilitated by a registered nurse and is for moms who have already delivered their baby. Throughout the year we will have various experts attend some of the support groups as guest speakers: Topic for 6/14: Tips for Infant Vaccines.

For more information, please call the Mother-Baby Navigator Office at (914) 666-1840 or email NWHMotherBabyNavigator@northwell.edu.

 

Breastfeeding Nook

Monday, June 21, 1 – 3 pm, live over Microsoft Teams

Cost: Free

Join with your baby to meet other breastfeeding mothers and receive peer-to-peer support to help achieve your breastfeeding goals. Information, encouragement, and support are provided by a Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

**Please note, this support group is for mothers who have already delivered. Virtual sessions do require your camera to be turned on to foster connection. **

We use Microsoft Teams to facilitate this support group.

For more information, please call the Mother-Baby Navigator Office at (914) 666-1840 or email NWHMotherBabyNavigator@northwell.edu.

 

Calming Nourishment

June 22, 11 am – Noon, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

Planting can be an excellent opportunity to be present and find a moment of calm. Join Rachel Merchan, LCSW and Amy Rosenfeld MS RD CDN, to explore the connection between planting, cooking, and wellness. We will demonstrate ways to relax while planting a container-herb garden. We will also demonstrate a recipe that incorporates garden produce and highlights the connection between gardening, nourishment, and opportunities to enhance our well-being. A video conference link will be emailed out prior to the program along with recipes and a planting supply so participants can garden and cook along.

Register at: Calming Nourishment

 

Wholehearted Living

June 30, 11:30am – 12:30pm

Location: In-person outdoor event at the Mt. Kisco Public Library

Cost: Free

“The you that you are is enough. Embrace your vulnerabilities and imperfections and know that no matter what you accomplish, or don’t accomplish, does not make you unworthy,” says Rev. Angela Maddalone, Director of Spiritual Services at NWH, who will lead an interactive discussion on wholehearted living and how spirituality can help you practice courage, compassion, and connection, and explore what it means to cultivate a wholehearted lifestyle and the role of spirituality in this journey. Registration required and space is limited. This program will be held outdoors on the front lawn of the Mt. Kisco Public Library. Masks and social distancing will be required. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled.

Register at: Wholehearted Living

 

Wellness Wednesdays – Osteoporosis Awareness

Last Wednesday of every month, by phone. Wednesday, June 30, 11 – 11:30 am.

Cost: Free

This month’s Wellness Wednesday will focus on Bone Health with Rita E. Landman, MD, FACE, Endocrinologist, Northwell Health Physician Partners Westchester Health.  Dr. Landman will provide an overview of osteoporosis, discuss when to get tested, the implications of the diagnosis, calcium, vitamin D, exercise, and when medications are warranted.

 

Register at the link below or simply dial 1-929-436-2866 to join the program.

  • When prompted, enter the Webinar ID 994 8502 3594, followed by the # sign.
  • You will hear music until the program starts promptly at 11 am.
  • Please know, there is a 100 person capacity to join the webinar.

 

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wellness-wednesdays-bone-health-audio-only-program-tickets-157113684259?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

 

“Play and Explore”

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As crazy as June is with graduations, recitals and getting all my kids ready for camp, I absolutely love it. There is an aura of anticipation and excitement for all the summer adventures in store. Whether you plan on venturing abroad this summer or enjoying the beautiful beaches dotting our lovely county, I am pleased to offer our readers many articles in this issue that touch upon the theme of “Play and Explore.”

When you step out of your comfort zone, life is more enriching. I distinctly remember one of my first summer memories when I was six years old. That summer my family headed up to Monticello, a town in the Catskills to a bungalow colony. It was a hot summer and my mother was seven months pregnant with my little sister. As a young girl growing up on a two-way street in Queens, I didn’t have much freedom. My mother was always worried about the traffic and as a result I spent a lot of time in my fenced in backyard.

But ahhh, in the Catskills I was free to roam the grounds of the bungalow colony. I remember picking blueberries with friends and “hunting” for tadpoles with a plastic beach bucket. It was exhilarating and definitely out of my comfort zone.

What I wish for everyone is to be inspired by the articles in this issue and to get out of your comfort zone, play and explore- from Shauna Levy’s beach bopping article to Sabra Staudenmaier’s essay on a bunch of daredevil dads who have an annual hiking trip, there’s something in here for everyone.

And on the theme of exploration, Ronni Diamondstein’s cover story on the local award-winning documentary filmmakers the Kunhardts is not to be missed. Peter Kunhardt, along with his sons Teddy and George, always do a deep dive on their significant subjects from Senator McCain to Abraham Lincoln and in the process have made films about leaders who have shaped history.

So whether you plan on swimming along the shore, catching up with friends at a Sparkle for a Cause event or seeing a Westchester Collaborative Theater production, here’s hoping that you have a memorable summer.

Enjoy,

A Day in My Life of Shopping Locally–in June

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Shop Local enthusiast and blogger, Marlene Fischer

I know I am not alone when I say this Spring has been crazy busy. (Yes, I realize I say the same thing every year but it’s true!) During this hectic time of year I am grateful that I can get almost everything I need done right here in Armonk.

I start my errands with a trip to Framings on Main Street. Most of what hangs on the walls of my house has been framed by the talented, friendly and patient staff at Framings. While I don’t have much (or, actually, any) fine art, the folks there treat each item I bring in as if it’s a Renoir. I have framed my children’s artwork, family photos, certificates (like the one my youngest son received at Disney World that declares him a Jedi in training) and even a few of my favorite blog pieces. This time around I am proudly bearing my middle son’s diploma; he has just graduated college and I am happy to take advantage of the 20.18 percent discount Framings is offering on all diplomas. It doesn’t matter if your child just graduated from nursery school or received their  degree in neurosurgery, the discount will still apply!

Next, I pop in to Manny’s with my youngest son, who is in desperate need of a haircut. My husband and three sons have been getting their hair cut at Manny’s for 20 years; we even have video of my youngest looking somewhat alarmed as he gets his very first haircut there nearly 16 years ago (and I still have a lock of his hair from that day). From their early haircuts when they needed booster seats to their summer pre-camp buzz cuts to their bar-mitzvah cuts to their very important job interview haircuts, the team at Manny’s has been there for us. Hairstyles may change but our choice of barber shop will remain the same. My boys always get a kiss from me after their haircuts (because they look so handsome) and I never leave without getting a Tootsie Pop or large gumball.

I walk to DeCicco & Sons where I have been grocery shopping almost daily since it opened. Not to brag or anything, but I feel like a celebrity when I’m there (although I’m guessing that’s how they make everyone feel). I love shopping at DeCicco because the produce is exceptionally fresh, their fish is delivered daily, and they have one of the best gourmet cheese selections I’ve ever seen. Summer is the perfect time to choose from their extensive assortment of beers; if you have any questions, the knowledge staff is more than happy to help. DeCicco may not be the biggest grocery store, however, I am always amazed at how I can pretty much get everything I need there (I was even able to buy a graduation card). And if they don’t have something on my list, they are happy to get it for me. If you see me there, please say hello!

Since the weather has finally warmed up after the endless winter, I drive over to Beascakes Bakery for an iced tea lemonade and to order a platter of themed cookies for a weekend barbeque we will be attending. Last time I brought cookies from Beascakes, our friends called them crack because they couldn’t stop eating them; they were that good. And in case you were wondering, people prefer the white half of black and white cookies. End of the year parties? Father’s Day (which don’t forget is Sunday June 17)? Graduation or birthday celebrations? A wedding? Camp Visiting Day? College send off? Whatever the occasion, Beascakes has you covered with their custom cupcakes, cakes, fruit pies and donuts, as well as their Best of Westchester award-winning chocolate chip cookies. If you can imagine it, they can bake and decorate it.

My husband mentions he’s able to get out of work a little early and, since I don’t feel like cooking, I get spruced up (which is no small feat on a weeknight) and meet him at Gavi Restaurant. We have been regulars there for decades; the warm staff always makes us feel welcome. Our oldest son still requests we go there when he’s home for a visit. Although we eat there year round, I love Gavi even more in the summer. The outdoor patio is perfect for having a glass of wine and enjoying the weather; I actually feel as if we are away when we dine al fresco at Gavi. The spinach salad, pasta dishes and fish are among my favorite things to order, although I can also be tempted by the delicious specials  When we bring our whole family, dinner always ends with coffee or tea and the world’s best tartufo.

Wishing you all a fantastic summer; I hope it brings you fun, adventure and a sense of renewal. See you back here in the Fall when I will continue to shop locally!