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skiing

It’s a Wonderful Life for Ian and Lauren Karr

April 2, 2021 by Ronni Diamondstein

Lauren and Ian Karr
PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON

Ian Karr, who grew up in White Plains, always thought he’d live in Chappaqua. Lauren, his wife, was a city girl who was never leaving the city. One day in 1997 Ian came home to their 52nd Street apartment to find Lauren with the Real Estate section of The New York Times. “I’m looking for houses in Chappaqua,” she told him not long after they had visited some friends who had moved up from the city. “It was a nesting thing,” says Ian. “We had a baby. She was six months old and we felt like we needed more space and a nice place to live.”

The Karr’s story is like many who find themselves living in the town. “We liked the location. It’s close enough to the city. It’s sophisticated but country,” says Ian. “One of the big factors is the great school system,” adds Lauren. “We’ve seen the full cycle in Chappaqua from pre-school, playgroups to empty nests.”

Twenty-four years later they are empty nesters. Their baby Jayden is now 24 years old and living in the city pursuing a career in eCommerce. Their son Gregory is a Junior at Syracuse University majoring in Finance and Real Estate.

Ian is an award-winning producer and director and the founder of IKA Collective a production company that celebrated its 35th anniversary on March 11th. Ian began his career on country radio stations in New Orleans and New York, but storytelling, photography and filmmaking were in his system since his childhood. He got his first production job in 1986 with Merrill Lynch. From Merrill Lynch he took on commercial clients in the late 90s doing promos for TV clients and then in the late 2000s original content and commercials. The company has grown to include such clients as the Hallmark Channel. “We do a lot of work with Hallmark Channel,” says Ian. “We do promos, behind the scenes for a majority of their movies, bonus content with stars, and we originated the podcasts. Hallmark is near and dear, and they are incredibly nice people.” Ian kept up his radio work and joined comedian Jackie Martling for the “Joke Hunt” on SiriusXM Radio for eight years.

Lauren had a career as a Print Broker and opened her own printing business which she had for ten years. When she fell in love with Pilates after Gregory was born in 2000, she was encouraged by her instructor Lesly Levy to become an instructor herself. Lauren is now a certified Pilates Trainer and Pilates Teacher Trainer. She has worked in several studios in Westchester and has been with Breathe Pilates & Yoga in Chappaqua nearly ten years. Helping people gives Lauren great satisfaction. “Most of my clients have some issue with their back or their spine. I feel good making them feel better and strengthened.”

Once Lauren embraced the suburban life, she became involved in the PTA. She ran the Westorchard Spring Fair for many years and continued to be involved with PTA when her children were at Seven Bridges Middle School and Horace Greeley High School. She took to gardening and planted a vegetable garden. Raising chickens was always on Lauren’s bucket list so she and Ian found some Pullets on Craig’s List and set up a coop in their backyard for several years. “It was a learning experience,” says Lauren. “And they loved me because I fed them.”

Skiing bonded the Karrs and it became a favorite family activity. Since 2003 they have gone out to Utah with the family. “We really loved the feeling, the vibe of it, the people, and all the people coming from all over to be there,” says Lauren.

A love of cars created a bond for Ian and his son Gregory. “When Greg was nine years old we restored a 1965 Mustang. I wanted a fun father-son activity. Little did I know it would unlock the inner mechanic in me,” says Ian. Ian brought the car to the Auto Center at Reader’s Digest to mechanic Stu Silverman. “Stu would put it on the lift and check my work. He was very encouraging through the process–a great mentor and neighbor helping neighbor.”

The Pandemic has impacted both their careers. For Ian there is a lot less travel. “Production is a team sport, it’s a hive. So we had to develop new protocols which allowed for collaboration at a distance. Once those were in place, it’s amazing how quickly our crews adapted.”

Lauren does virtual Pilates training now. “For me it’s great because I still have the connection with the clients. It’s different in that I can’t be there with them,” says Lauren. “It’s making the best of whatever the situation is. I’m still getting that level of satisfaction of making people feel good.”

COVID-19 brought some other changes to their family. Jayden, their 24-year-old daughter was furloughed from her job at Bergdorf when NY Pause began. It was a challenging time for many young people who were without work. Not knowing what the future held Lauren encouraged Jayden’s creativity and Jayden launched ZIP’D Wear, a casual clothing line. “It took her mind off things, and fortunately in July Jayden was called back to Bergdorf,” says Lauren. Always the entrepreneur, Jayden still keeps up with her business.

The Karrs reflected on their 27-year marriage, their careers and their life in Chappaqua.

“Laughing is a huge part of our marriage,” says Ian. His advice: “Don’t take yourself too seriously and create circumstances for you to grow together.” Lauren adds, “The key is mutual respect and to be on the same page about parenting.”

“With the pace of things today, it’s easy to feel like we’re on a hamster wheel,” says Ian. “One day I watched a hamster in a pet store. You know how hamsters get off the wheel? They jump. I learned from that little rodent that if you want to get off the hamster wheel you have to take a leap, you can’t just slow it down.”

And has their life been like a Hallmark movie? “Typically, in a Hallmark movie one of the important themes is rediscovering yourself and what’s important in your life after you’ve been sidetracked or led astray. It becomes a tug of war and the characters always choose people over things,” Ian says. “The parallel for me in my life with Hallmark is I tend to choose relationships and the happiness of the people around me over almost everything else.”

As a friend once told Ian, “Marriage is like a great movie. Ninety percent of it is casting.” It looks like Ian and Lauren Karr are the stars of their own inspiring journey.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Chappaqua, COVID-19, Empty Nesters, Ian Karr, IKA Collective, kids, Lauren Karr, marriage, Pilates, skiing

Hickory is wood, Tweed is wool

February 18, 2021 by Jennifer Drubin Clark

Catching up with Sports Enthusiast Skip Beitzel, the Iconic owner of Hickory & Tweed

Photo by Carolyn Simpson

Skip shared with me his love for Armonk and feels blessed to be a staple in our community.

The architectural touches, colors, and Stowe-like feel of their building is true and will remain everlasting as his family-run business will one day be passed down to future generations.  

Skiing is the new biking. 

Do you remember when bicycles were spinning off the shelves like hand sanitizer back in April/ May of last year? When inventory was low, factories were shutting down, trying to find a spare part was impossible, and asking someone if they had a bike rack for sale was a laughable offense? Well, reservations and bookings showed that the 2020-2021 ski season was going to demand the same. There was no break for employees or suppliers between the seasons as the bikes were still out while the snow started to fall. Skip was heavily focused on “getting through the winter.” Skiing was top of mind. 

In charge of buying and merchandising, Geri Moore, Debbie Coldwell, and Skip’s wife Michaela hustle to refresh and restock their downstairs inventory, while listening to the sound of boots banging on the floor above as skiers and boarders rush the store for fittings. 

Hickory and Tweed has a narrow and deep product philosophy, “carry what we love, know why we love it, and our customers will trust us.” The store has been carrying the Patagonia brand for 35 years, and Bogner is going on 60 years. “Hold tight, Jennifer we’re just jamming here,” he insists in a genuine soft-spoken mixture of tones, Skip’s phones were ringing off the hook. And they were not going to stop anytime soon…

It wouldn’t be long before it was bike season again. “We have a lot of dedicated bikers here,” Skip explains to me. As an avid user of his electric bike, Skip sometimes uses it to get back and forth to work. With pedal-assist, he can crush the massive hills and arrive at the shop sweat-free. These too were and still are in high demand. Waiting for suppliers to get restocked after last year, I learned it has been a slow build of inventory but it will in fact be ready and available for you and your family.

Skip is active.

When he’s not praying for snow in Armonk, he is praying for waves in Ocean City, NJ. Skip has been a surfer for over half of a century. He CAN snowboard, but prefers his two legs to work independently (via skis). He also skateboards. In fact, back in 1977 Skip built the first skateboard park in the northeast, it was called Wonderwave. Any 1970s skaters out there?? You knew this place. 

Wait, I’m not done… in his free time, Skip goes on an annual, consecutive trip to Alta with the same group of friends every year since 1968; that is 51 years of awesome with, believe it or not, the employees he met when he first started working at Hickory and Tweed (lift jaw now).  

Today, Skip celebrates his 36th successful year of ownership.

Feeling inspired? 

In Skip, We Trust.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: biking, Hickory and Tweed, Iconic, skiing, Skip Beitzel, snow

The Joy of Skiing: Three Options Close to Home

February 18, 2021 by Anna Young

For northern Westchester resident Lys Varcasia, grabbing her snowboard and heading up a snowy mountain only to come down at full speed with the wind blowing in her hair is an oasis like no other. 

With the current health crisis bringing stress and turmoil to so many over the last year, it’s only natural to desire an escape. And a classic day of letting loose in the snow, whether it be hitting the slopes for some cross-country skiing or snow tubing down a steep hill, might be just what the doctor ordered. 

And there’s no doubt it’s where you’ll find Varcasia on a weekend with her family. “My favorite thing is going down the mountain and just being free and not thinking about anything else,” she said. “Being in the mountains, the views are beautiful. And when you get off the jump, you’re not thinking about anything but the wind and picking up speed. It’s exhilarating.”

Ensuring Safety

Whether you’re an avid skier/snowboarder, want to glide down a mountain in snow tube, go shopping or just need a weekend getaway in front of cozy fireplace, ski destinations across the state have something for everyone, and have also implemented health protocols to ensure safety for all. 

Despite the distribution of the COVID vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advise those to wear a mask and social distance by avoiding large gatherings and keeping a six-foot distance. 

Health officials further warn to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, avoiding sick people, and staying inside if exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus. 

Here are some places you can enjoy safely with your family or friends. 

Hunter Mountain

While a roughly two-hour trek from Westchester County, Hunter Mountain is taking reservations for some fun in the… snow.

Whether skiing, boarding, tubing, shopping, dining out or just enjoying the scenery, Hunter Mountain has everything you need for a quick family getaway. The destination offers four separate mountains with a wide variety of terrain to cater to all ability levels. 

Pass holders are required to make a reservation to access the mountains and lift tickets must be purchases prior to arriving at the resort. Seasonal passes are no longer available for purchase. 

Due to health restrictions, reservations will be needed every day to access any mountain so riders can enjoy the outdoors with proper distancing between parties. Face masks or coverings are mandatory to access all mountains, according to its website. 

Additionally, all transactions at hotels, restaurants, ski and ride school, activities, and all other points of sale this season will be cashless, the website states, advising travelers to book online in advance via the resort website.  

Hunter Mountain is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area

Want something a little closer to home? With 22 trails, three chairlifts and four magic carpets, Thunder Ridge Ski Area is the perfect spot to spend the day. Located in Patterson in Putnam County, the destination offers slow and gentle slows to meet the needs of newer skiers and snowboarders and high impact trails for more advanced riders.

Unlimited seasonal passes are available for purchase online, with prices based on age from children to senior citizens. Midweek season passes are also available for all ages at $295. 

Furthermore, lessons are offered for any beginner looking to learn.

Due to limited capacity, lift tickets must be purchased online and can be bought up to 14 days in advance of the arrival date. Online purchases are not refundable or transferable. 

Going with a group of friends but hate the snow? No problem. Take in the panoramic view with a cup of hot chocolate inside the lodge or glass atrium that overlooks the mountain base and slopes. Reservations will be required to eat, and diners will be limited to 45 minutes. 

Other safety restrictions will require all guests to a wear face mask or covering, unless eating or actively skiing. Seasonal lockers are not available, and guests will be prohibited from changing inside the lodge. 

Additionally, reservations will be required for all lessons and equipment rentals. 

Thunder Ridge Ski Area is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Windham Mountain Resort

Positioned in the Catskills, Windham Mountain Resort is worth the over two-hour drive to access the 285 skiable acres and 54 trails over two peaks, six terrain parks and 11 lifts. The destination offers skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and a ski and ride simulator. Snowtubing serviced by a conveyor lift and kids’ snowmobiles can be found at the resort’s Adventure Park.

Tickets for the Adventure Park are at a first come, first serve basis, and the park is expected to remain open through mid-March. 

Windham Mountain offers a variety of passes and tickets, though it is encouraged all tickets, including lift access, be purchased online. Daily tickets are only available when terrain is open for skiing and riding and must be purchased by 11:50 p.m. the night before a trip to receive a discount, according to the website.

Pricing and quantity of tickets will vary by day and are nonrefundable. Tickets unable to be used can be transferred to another day during the winter season. Advanced reservations for rentals will be required. 

No on-site purchase of rental equipment will be accepted. 

Masks are required, except during active skiing and riding, and indoor lodging will be limited to a 50 percent capacity. There will be no changing rooms, lockers, or cubbies available in the base lodge and no bags or personal belongings can be left in the building.  

The resort has also shifted to cashless transactions. 

Windham Mountain Resort is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Mountains, Ski destinations, skiing, snow

Staying Safe During Winter Sports

December 4, 2013 by The Inside Press

skiingOutdoor activities can be a great way to get some fresh air and exercise during the long, cold winter months, but freezing temperatures and icy surfaces can also lead to injuries. Winter sports also place many demands on the body.  Recreational sports like skiing and basketball are dynamic in nature and require strength, agility, flexibility, and endurance. To get the most out of sports you enjoy, be prepared for these activities so as to minimize the chance of injury.

Neuromuscular Training Benefits

Physical Therapist Adam Pliskow, owner of New Castle Physical Therapy in Millwood, recommends that people of all ages who wish to participate in sports like skiing, ice skating, snowboarding and basketball initiate some type of exercise program to avoid injury. Evidence shows that neuromuscular training including plyometric, balance, and technique training reduces the risk of serious knee injuries. A proper injury prevention program should be structured to begin with an adequate warm up and active stretch period followed by strength training, agility and plyometric drills and then a static stretch and cool down. Hopping, jumping, sprinting, lunges, heel raises, step-ups, lateral band walking, hamstring curls are just some of the exercises that should be included in such a program.

The Importance of Physical Therapy Consultations

Consulting with an exercise specialist like a physical therapist is essential in developing a well-rounded program tailored to your needs and sport specific requirements, states Pliskow. A good physical therapist will “discuss your goals, perform a detailed and objective physical exam and develop an exercise injury prevention program suited to your individual needs.”

Contrary to common belief, a prescription isn’t required to see a physical therapist in New York. New York State law allows patients direct access to consultation, evaluation and treatment by a physical therapist without a prescription. This is dependent on the therapist having a minimum of three years of experience and that the patient does not have Medicare as a primary insurance.

–Ronni Diamondstein

Filed Under: Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Tagged With: skiing, winter sports

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