kids

Kids’ Kloset Fashion Show Gala: A Fun-Filled Evening of Glamour Filled with Generosity

April 18, 2019 by Stacey Pfeffer

Models Sam Berk, Olivia Berk, Marissa Senzon and Kayla Roth

There they were sashaying down the red carpet clad runway–a nattily dressed toddler strutting his stuff in a stylish sweater, a tween decked out in a tulle skirt with on trend sunglasses. A DJ played the latest hits as these mini models advanced on the catwalk while Lindsay Brooke Weiss from Coco in Cashmere, an Armonk stylist and fashion blogger gave quick bios of the models.

Only this fashion show held last month in Harrison at the Willow Ridge Country Club had a higher purpose than just showcasing the latest spring styles for kids. All of the 80+ child models representing towns from across the county were donating their clothing immediately after the show to Kids’ Kloset, a nonprofit that provides under-served Westchester County children with donated clothing and related items.

Since Kids’ Kloset was created in 2011, the volunteer run organization has provided more than 17,000 “Bags of Love” containing clothing, footwear, diapers and other baby essentials to local children. Formerly under the auspices of Westchester Jewish Community Services, Kids’ Kloset recently became a division of (914) Cares and opened up new headquarters in North White Plains this past fall. Michael Slomsky, a Vice Chairman of (914) Cares and Chappaqua resident whose daughter Megan was in the show, said the new North White Plains spot is an ideal location with ample space to showcase the clothing with low overhead.

Top Left (L-R): Jessica Reinmann Founder (914) Cares, Diane Katz (honoree) and Stephanie Roth Founder Kids’ Kloset. Top Right (L-R): Nathalie Joseph, Viola Regis and Tamar Joseph. Middle: Lindsay Brooke Weiss with her children, Colette and Steele Weiss. Bottom Left: Models Marley Gellert and Caitlin Samkoff. PHOTO BY LAUREN GELLERT Bottom Right: Models Emery Zipper, Emily Attar, Abigail Pfeffer. PhotoS BY Jamie Kaplan
except where noted

Although Kids’ Kloset has held fashion shows in previous years, this year’s event was the largest turn out to date, according to Jessica Reinmann, chairperson of (914) Cares and a resident of Chappaqua. “I really think the partnership between (914) Cares and Kids’ Kloset is what made this year’s event such a success,” said Reinmann. The event raised more than $100K as of press time and Reinmann hopes that next year’s event will have attendees from every zip code of Westchester.

The event honored Diane Katz, a longtime Kids’ Kloset supporter and White Plains resident. During the show, attendees also learned of the dire need for essentials that some 51,000 families in Westchester face with annual incomes of less than $24,000. An attendee from Armonk, Michele Zipper was happy to have her daughter, Emery participate as a model in the show. “It’s great that she can do something with fashion that helps others,” said Zipper.

Viola Regis, a Mount Vernon resident was an attendee and her daughters, Lily and Izzy, who also graced the runway have been the recipient of Kids’ Kloset’s “Bags of Love”. She donated $100 to the organization at the gala as a way to show her appreciation for Kids’ Kloset. For several summers, her daughters have attended sleep away camps on scholarships and Kids’ Kloset has outfitted them for the experience. One attendee remarked that many children who receive camp scholarships actually turn them down because the families can’t afford the many camp essentials. “My children always have a smile on their face when they go to Kids’ Kloset and I know they help not just my family but so many others,” said Regis.

Kids’ Kloset founder Stephanie Roth was also excited at the gala to announce the launch of a “Baby Bank” this spring which will provide not only essentials like supplies of diapers for six months but also other items such as pack and plays. This “Baby Bank” and the evening’s gala illustrates just how much progress the organization has made since Roth decided to start the organization after a young mom in her community who couldn’t afford a stroller showed up at Roth’s doorstep a decade ago.

For more information about Kids’ Kloset, visit 914cares.org.

The Changing Nature of Motherhood

April 18, 2019 by Marlene Kern Fischer

This Mother’s Day will mark the last one that I am a full-time mom. My youngest will be leaving for college at the end of August, which means that after nearly three decades, I will be an empty nester.

I am no stranger to the changing nature of motherhood. When my three boys were little, it was all about physical caretaking; making sure they were fed and clean. I read to them and cuddled them and covered their faces with kisses millions of times as I lifted them out of their cribs, high chairs, car seats, strollers, etc. We had outings to the park and playground and we were together almost all of the time. It was me and them and we made a great team.

As they began to walk and then run, I became their protector. This was no easy feat because my sons often seemed hell bent on self-destruction and I often felt as if I spent my days saving them from themselves. There was the time my middle son, who was almost two, ate goose poop on a soccer field. Although he was fine, more than two decades later I am still scarred.

Between my older boys there were a slew of gashes that needed stitches and broken bones that needed setting. I was in charge of triage, trying to figure out how serious each injury was, a job for which my degree in English literature did not prepare me. At one point, the nurses in the orthopedist’s office knew my name and I was concerned they might call social services on me. Luckily, most of my sons’ injuries happened when they were not with me; most were sports related. I told the doctors that I should get a punch card where the cast for the tenth break was free.

My favorite role probably has been that of teacher. I am proud that I taught my sons how to read and was even more excited than they were when they sounded out their first words. I taught them their first notes on the piano (always starting with middle C), how to tie their sneakers, poetry, and a million other things I’m not sure they remember. But I do.

When my sons became teenagers, my role felt as it had morphed into being a warden and disciplinarian-in-chief. All of a sudden, instead of it being me and them it sometimes felt like me against them. This may have been the hardest stage of all because I didn’t enjoy enforcing rules—I suppose most people don’t. After all, who wants to be checking on homework and grades and meting out punishment for broken curfews and other infringements? Parents of teens will most certainly understand the grueling and often unrewarding nature of that stage.

Resident Uber driver, playmate, nurse, tutor, cheerleader; these are only a few of the other hats I wore over the many years I parented.

As my two older sons have gone off to college and graduated, gotten jobs and left the nest, I have found my role shifting once again. This phase is less hands on and more advisory; I am mostly called upon to listen to woes, lend moral support and occasionally offer an opinion. I’ve also entered a phase where, in addition to being my sons’ mom, I get to be their friend and can enjoy them in a way that I was not able to when they were younger. When we are together, we talk about their jobs, politics, life, whatever. And it’s really nice. When they were younger, and we were at odds, I honestly couldn’t envision the relationships we have now. For those of you still in the trenches, hang in there.

I won’t sugarcoat how hard it is to imagine all three of their bedrooms clean and empty and the house eerily quiet. After all, wasn’t it just a moment ago when they were little, making messes and noise? I am comforted by the thought that although my role has changed, two things remain constant; that I will always be needed in some capacity and how much I will always love my children.

This Mother’s Day, whether you’re peering at your baby’s first sonogram, opening homemade cards in bed with your little kids, joining your big kids for brunch, or even if you can’t physically be with your children, I hope you have a wonderful day. Because all of us who have nurtured, protected, disciplined and loved, have earned it.

Calling all Mini Chefs

March 8, 2019 by The Inside Press

New Fiddleheads Cooking Studio Ignites Culinary Curiosity For the Littlest Food Explorers

Fiddleheads Cooking Studio has been transforming children’s attitudes towards food through its unique approach to cooking education and kitchen science since 2016. With a mission of “growing the next generation of food explorers,” the studio is differentiated by a belief that children of all ages can be joyful participants in the kitchen. Having enjoyed success in Pound Ridge, Fiddleheads is moving to a new, expanded studio in Mount Kisco this March. The studio offers after-school programming, birthday parties, mini camps and private in-home instruction for both children and adults all in a rustic, remote farm-like setting.

With more than ten years of experience as a cooking instructor, owner Renana Shvil, explains her philosophy saying, “Talking with children about making healthier choices for meals and snacks should be a constant, engaging process. From getting acquainted to the bare ingredients to enjoying the finished product, each activity represents a learning opportunity.” Fiddleheads Cooking Studio is the result of that vision, born by melding Renana’s passion for food education with her background as a preschool instructor.

During lessons, Renana guides students through an exploration of healthy, delicious seasonal ingredients. Children discuss the items laid before them and are encouraged to touch, smell and taste everything. As they work together to create the dish, students learn how to use kitchen tools safely and they enjoy eating the final product as a community, sharing their thoughts about the meal’s flavor and texture.

To celebrate the launch of the new studio location, Fiddleheads will host a special series of $1 March classes leading up to the official launch of the Spring term in April. To learn more and view the full schedule, visit fiddleheadscookingstudio.com. Classes will be offered for children ages 18 months to 16 years. Family cooking classes and adult classes are also available.

Preventing & Recognizing Concussions: Keeping Your Young Athlete Safe

March 8, 2019 by Stacey Pfeffer

(L-R): Lisa Rusch, PT, DPT, GCS, Chari Hirshson, PhD and Sarah Todd, PT, DPT, CLT
PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON, DOUBLEVSION PHOTOGRAPHERS

With the 53rd Super Bowl behind us and a spike in media coverage on NFL players and concussions, the 2017 season saw the highest rate of diagnosed concussions (291) in NFL players in a six-year period, according to the NFL and Quintiles, an independent third-party company. Although 2018 figures showed a 29 percent decrease in the number of concussions, it still remains a serious health problem for players.

Although NFL players may be at a higher risk for sustaining a concussion, which medical researchers refer to as a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), they are not the only athletes experiencing concussions. Many high school athletes and younger ones are also suffering from concussions in our towns and the problem seems to be county-wide. In fact, in 2016 the former County Executive Rob Astorino formed the Westchester County Concussion Task Force to address the problem.

In observance of Brain Injury Awareness Month in March coinciding with the spring sports season kicking into high gear, Inside Press spoke with leading medical practitioners at Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) to separate fact from fiction when it comes to concussion prevention, treatment and management.

Changing Perceptions About Concussions

When many people think of concussions, they think of an athlete on a football field who perhaps has lost consciousness. While losing consciousness can certainly be a symptom of concussion, there are a host of other concussion symptoms and they don’t necessarily present themselves at the time of injury. Concussions are a type of brain injury that results from a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move back and forth. This back and forth movement can cause the brain to bounce around in the skull which can result in stretching or damaging brain cells. Many health professionals classify concussion as a mild TBI (traumatic brain injury) because the injury is usually not life-threatening and in most cases, symptoms resolve on their own. However, some patients have lingering symptoms that require treatment from a specialist trained in concussion management.

Ryan Esposito sustained a concussion falling off his scooter without a helmet

Chari Hirshson, PhD is a neuropsychologist with NWH who specializes in brain injury and treats both adults and children (ages 8 and up) who have sustained a concussion. According to Dr. Hirshson, who sees her patients at the hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at Chappaqua Crossing, “concussion symptoms vary from patient to patient,” she explains. “It is important to take a multi-disciplinary approach with patients that have lingering symptoms because their symptoms can be multifaceted, encompassing physical, emotional and cognitive realms,” adds Lisa Rusch, PT, DPT, GCS, a Supervisor in the Concussion Rehab Program at NWH.

Acknowledging that concussions can be diagnosed by urgent care specialists, pediatricians or in the ER, an MRI or CT scan rarely shows signs of concussion. “Most of the time, these tests come back normal. It is not like with an X-ray that shows a broken bone. This can make it difficult to gauge the severity of the injury,” says Dr. Hirshson.

Varying Symptoms

Patients with a concussion can experience observable signs such as:

Appearing dazed and confused
Forgetting instructions
Moving clumsily
Answering questions slowly
Losing consciousness (even briefly)
Showing mood, behavior or personality changes

Ryan recovering from his concussion. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FAINE ESPOSITO

Patients with a concussion may also report these symptoms:

Headache or “pressure” in the head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness/blurred vision
Bothered by light or noise
Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
Confusion, concentration or memory problems
“Feeling down,” irritable or anxious
Changes in sleep patterns

Some patients do not exhibit any symptoms until a few hours or even a few days after the injury. That was the case with Ryan Esposito, an Armonk child who decided to take his scooter down the porch and ride it without a helmet and unsupervised when he was five years old. He fell down the stairs by his driveway and while his head was bruised and bloody, he did not exhibit any concussion symptoms that afternoon upon examination by a pediatrician. “The doctor did not want to give him an MRI because he was so young but told us to take him to the ER if he starts vomiting,” recalls his mother Faine Esposito. Sure enough, at midnight Ryan started vomiting and was taken to NWH and diagnosed with a concussion.

Falls: A Leading Cause of Concussion

Despite many people believing that contact sports are a leading cause of concussion in children, more than 55 percent, in children up to 14 years old, are actually due to falls like Ryan’s. Hirshson adds, many of her adult patients sustain their concussion as a result of falls which could have been easily prevented. “I’ve seen falls resulting in concussion from women wearing jeans that are too long, or men who are carrying messenger bags with a strap that is too long and they trip. These injuries are not related to football, or skiing. These are things that can happen in everyday life,” she says.

Nevertheless, sports-related concussions due to being struck by an object or person is the second-leading cause of concussion in youth, accounting for 24 percent of cases in children up to 14 years old. In addition, 71 percent of sports and recreation-related TBI emergency department visits are among patients 10-19 years old. According to 2017 statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 15 percent of high school students have had one or more concussions and 6 percent experienced two or more as a result of either playing a sport or being physically active. The rates were higher among males and the more sports a child played the higher the prevalence of concussion. Even more troubling was the fact that 40 percent of high school athletes reported that their coach was unaware of their symptoms. The researchers also found that some high school athletes tried to hide their symptoms from their coaches so that they would not get reduced playing time.

“I’ve seen falls resulting in concussion from women wearing jeans that are too long, or men who are carrying messenger bags with a strap that is too long and they trip. These are things that can happen in everyday life,” Hirshson says. PHOTO BY RAWPIXEL ON UNSPLASH

Gender Disparities in High School Athletes and Concussion Prevalence

There also appears to be a gender disparity in terms of the prevalence of concussion when high school athletes of both genders are playing the same sport. Females are more likely to suffer from concussion when playing soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Some of the reasons may be due to proper safety equipment. Boys are required to wear helmets in lacrosse while girls are not. Lauren Dinhofer, a senior who plays varsity lacrosse at Horace Greeley High School feels that helmets for her teammates should not be mandatory. “The use of helmets for me gives off the idea that girls are more protected, so you can be more aggressive on the field. However, helmets for girls don’t really have adequate materials for protection. Unlike boy helmets, girl helmets are soft and won’t make a difference against a check to the head. They invite more contact instead of offering protection.” But Melissa Mykytiuk, an Armonk mother of three boys who played lacrosse and ice hockey fervently disagrees. “Why don’t girls who play lacrosse wear helmets? Those sticks and balls are hard. It’s crazy to me.”

The Road to Recovery: Part 1: Return to School

Many of the patients who visit Dr. Hirshson or Rusch have been referred by a physician or a pediatrician. With a comprehensive approach tailored so that each patient can return to school and/or play, the team in the Concussion Management Program at NWH offers physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and neuropsychology. A coordinated team with their colleague Sarah Todd, PT, DPT, CLT who is the manager of Outpatient Rehabilitation Program at the hospital’s Chappaqua Crossing site, demonstrates why specific training in concussion management and a multi-disciplinary approach to care is critical to successful treatment. They often find a patient will seek treatment for one symptom, for example balance disturbance, and upon evaluation and assessment, additional effects of the concussion, such as memory issues, are uncovered and able to be treated.

Dr. Hirshson specializes in neuropsychology. The neuropsychological tests she performs can last from 4-8 hours and are designed to assess a patient’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses. “Typically, we don’t do neuropsychological testing until three months post-injury if cognitive symptoms have lingered,” explains Dr. Hirshson. If necessary, Dr. Hirshson will help young students manage their symptoms post-concussion before that 3-month period and help them transition back to school. The rigorous demands of high school, college applications and entrance exams can be very taxing on a student with lingering concussion symptoms. In certain cases and upon Dr. Hirshson’s clinical observations, some students may require support from the school, and she will work with the district to advocate for this, if necessary.

It is really important for a student suffering from concussion to get what medical professionals call adequate “cognitive rest” because this helps the brain recover. For example, if a student has an important test coming up, studying for it uses a lot of brain power and instead of using that energy for the brain to recover, it gets depleted which can ultimately delay recovery. Dr. Hirshson assesses each student and makes recommendations for returning to school on an individual basis “Take your cues from your kids,” advises Mytkiuk. Each of her three sons had a different recovery time from their concussion. “It’s frustrating because you don’t have control over when your kid’s brain gets better.”

Dr. Hirshson always tells her patients, “Don’t do something that doesn’t feel good. Don’t look at a screen if it hurts your head. Slowly build up tolerance. If you got a concussion over the weekend skiing, then don’t play soccer on Tuesday. Allow yourself the proper time to recover.”

Road to Recovery: Part 2: Return to Play

While the priority for all students recovering from concussion is to get them to return to school, for high school athletes returning to the field is often a main goal of recovery. With more than 4,000 New York based students under 19 treated at hospitals for sports-related traumatic brain injuries, following a return to play protocol is very important. In 2013, all states were mandated to pass laws to address concussion management in school athletics.

NY state school nurses, certified athletic trainers, coaches, and physical education teachers are mandated to complete sports concussion management training every two years. In addition, in both the Byram Hills School District and the Chappaqua Central School District, high school athletes undergo IMPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment & Cognitive Testing) pre-season for a baseline assessment and upon returning to the field. Not all New York State school districts conduct IMPACT testing. Before a student returns to play, they must have medical clearance from a physician permitting it.

While Dr. Hirshson helps students return to the classroom, Rusch and Todd help students return to athletic endeavors. They help students suffering from symptoms such as neck pain, vestibular (inner ear) dizziness or disorientation and provide therapy to help them strengthen their eyes or restore equilibrium in addition to several other modalities. Todd often works on improving the vestibular system which can affect balance. “We retrain and recalibrate the vestibular system with dynamic exercises such as hopping on one foot on a foam board,” explains Todd. “We are part of that return to play conversation with the athletic trainers. We ensure that the athlete takes on exercises with increasing intensity in a controlled setting and then we make recommendations regarding return to play,” notes Rusch. “Interestingly, the research is indicating that patients who sustain a concussion are three times more likely to sustain a lower extremity injury of the knee or lower leg,” adds Todd.

“Each specific discipline that is part of the Concussion Management Program uses measurement tools to identify symptoms, measure their severity and develop a plan to progress so that patients return back to school and/or the field,” sums up Todd. “Because each concussion and its symptoms are unique, see a medical professional with credentials in concussion management who understands all the nuances,” advises Dr. Hirshson.

Ryan like most concussion patients had his symptoms resolve quickly and is now a happy six-year old back to playing on scooters and riding bikes. “But he remembers the injury and tells all his friends to be careful and of course wear a helmet,” his mother adds.

Helpful Helmet Tips

While there is no such thing as a “concussion-proof helmet,” the CDC notes that a proper fitting helmet can protect from a serious brain injury. Todd, who herself is a triathlete says that “helmet manufacturers are studying the dynamics of concussion and improving their designs based on the research.” As the biking season gears up, the CDC recommends the following tips when purchasing a helmet. The CDC also offers sports-specific guidelines for helmets available on www.cdc.gov/headsup.

Start with the Right Size

Bring the bike rider with you to assess fit.
Measure the child’s head size.
Sizes vary from brand to brand, so look at the helmet’s fit and sizing chart.

Get a Good Fit

The helmet should fit snugly all around with no spaces between the foam and bike rider’s head.
Ask your child how the helmet feels. A too tight helmet can cause headaches.
Have your child wear the hairstyle they will be wearing to ride the bike. If a long-haired child cuts their hair short, adjust the helmet accordingly.
The helmet should not rest too high or too low on the rider’s head.
Make sure your child can see straight forward and side to side.
The side straps should make a “V” shape under and slightly in front of the bike rider’s ears.
Chin straps should be centered under the bike rider’s chin and fit snugly so that no more than one or two fingers fit between the chin and strap.

Take Care of the Helmet

Check for damage. Do not use a cracked or broken helmet or one that is missing parts.
Clean it only with warm water and mild detergent.
Keep the helmet away from direct sunlight and do not store in a car.
Do not decorate with stickers or paint as this could affect the helmets safety.

Look for Labels

- Have the date of the manufacture in case of a recall.
- Purchase a helmet that is US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certified.

Replace the helmet if it is damaged and has been involved in a crash!

Source: CDC Heads Up campaign

Helping Children in their Hour of Need

December 2, 2018 by Shauna Levy

An oftentimes overlooked portion of the population exists mere miles away from the borders of Armonk. The Bedford Hills Correctional Facility is a maximum security prison that houses approximately 1,000 adult females. Armonk resident Joscelyn Read is working alongside organizations such as Hour Children to enhance the quality of life for the mothers within these walls and the children they’ve left beyond the bars.

Building Bridges Through Bars

Hour Children works to nurture relationships between incarcerated mothers and their children with the belief that a strong family connection maximizes a child’s stability and a woman’s chances of success upon reentry. The organization’s mission immediately resonated with Read, who acknowledges that it doesn’t always elicit that reaction, saying, “It’s a population that people don’t want to think about. They assume the prisoners did something bad and should be there. But, in truth, having met these women, many are lovely. They are human beings who often feel terrible about their actions. With a twist of fate, anyone could be in their position. I believe in second chances.”

Describing herself as someone who “likes to get in the thick of things,” Read makes good on those words by regularly opening the doors of her home to the children of women within the confines of Bedford Correctional. “I can’t imagine anything more difficult than having a parent in prison. For the past year and a half, I host two sisters four times a year for three to four nights while they visit their mom in prison from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” she explains. “It’s the only way for them to keep the connection with their mother alive. Beyond that, I get the opportunity to be a positive influence in their lives and it gives their guardian, in this case the maternal grandmother, a break during which they know the children are in a safe place.”

The Innocence of Children

Of her role, Read says, “The biggest question I get is whether I feel nervous about having these kids in my house. People would be surprised that despite the stark socioeconomic differences, these girls are just like every other kid. They love playing with Legos, watching Nickelodeon and going to the movies. They’re innocents. What sets them apart is their strength. To travel by van six hours or more to see your mom while staying at a stranger’s home is the definition of bravery.”

The sisters aren’t the only children benefitting from the experience. “My children, ages seven and eight, see the girls as friends and love when they visit,” Read says. “They’ve also learned that there are children who don’t have the material possessions and support system that they have. This past summer, we even picked the girls up for their visit early so that they could join us at Hershey Park. We are teaching that kindness is not the exception –it’s the expectation.”

“The biggest question I get is whether I feel nervous about having these kids in my house. People would be surprised that despite the stark socioeconomic differences, these girls are just like every other kid. They love playing with Legos, watching Nickelodeon and going to the movies. They’re innocents. What sets them apart is their strength. To travel by van six hours or more to see your mom while staying at a stranger’s home is the definition of bravery.” – Joscelyn Read

Though the Read family strives to fill these visits with fun and laughter, the true purpose is never far from the peripheral. “There’s excitement to see their mother, but also a sadness as reality hits that they haven’t seen her in three to four months. They cry thinking about continuing this pattern for another four years as she serves her sentence. The last day is always the most emotional. They want to keep seeing their mom and they like staying at my house where they not only have their own beds, but their own rooms as well–luxuries they don’t have at home,” Read states.

Paying It Forward

The statistics for the children of Hour Children are grim. Read reports that children whose mothers are in prison have a much lower college rate versus those whose fathers are in prison. She hopes to crack a dent in that rate, saying, “These girls have to go to college. I love to mentor because I know firsthand how strong an impact it can have on a child’s future. Growing up, I was a little sister in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. My mom wasn’t stable and my “big sister” was so important. We would do little activities like make dinner or go bowling. Just having someone show interest in my life was huge and formative. I will absolutely stay in touch with these girls beyond their time in the program. I will be there to make sure they keep their lives on track. I’m paying it forward.”