Download December 2009 issue (PDF) - Inside Chappaqua

Inside 

Winter 2009/2010 

T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R N E W C A S T L E A N D B E Y O N D 

CHAPPAQUA 

WWW.INSIDECHAPPAQUA.COM 

Cheers 

Happy Holidays! 

$3.95 

Chappaqua Crossing: The Scoop on a 

Controversial Project 

World Class Poker Player—and Neighbor: 

Steven Begleiter 

John Grimes: A Bronx to Chappaqua Story 

Tips for Beating the Recession Blues 

The Chappaqua Drama Group is Back!




CHAPPAQUA 

WWW.INSIDECHAPPAQUA.COM 

Cheers 

Happy Holidays! 

$3.95 

Chappaqua Crossing: The Scoop on a 

Controversial Project 

World Class Poker Player—and Neighbor: 

Steven Begleiter 

John Grimes: A Bronx to Chappaqua Story 

Tips for Beating the Recession Blues 

The Chappaqua Drama Group is Back!



CHAPPAQUA 

w w w. i n s i d e c h a p p a q u a . c o m 

F E AT U R E S 


23 

15 How We Celebrate The Holidays 

Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Muslim, our Chappaqua neighbors share stories 

of their festivities. Our cover models beautifully represent the rich cultural 

diversity of our town. By Michall Jeffers 

20 High Roller in our Midst 

How Steven Begleiter wowed the poker playing world—and the rest of us!— 

with many impressive wins. 

By Vicki DeVries 

23 John Grimes’ Story 

From beat cop to divorce lawyer...a compelling tale of one man’s successful 

journey from the challenges of growing up in Harlem to the top levels of his 

profession. 

By Marianne Campolongo 

26 Digesting Chappaqua Crossing 

Why does this new project on the old Reader’s Digest site seem so hard to 

swallow? The good, the bad, the ugly… 

By Randy Stuart 

D E PA R T M E N T S 

31 

4 Just Between Us 

Many Faces 

In and Around Town 

6 “Just Congregations” 

...the art of social action. 

By Pamela Brown 

8 How We Got So Lucky 

The list of instructors for the 

town’s classes reads like a who’s 

who of the entertainment industry. 

By Sarah Ellen Berman 

On the Cover 

Six Fine Chappaqua Ladies 

Happy Holidays to All! 

Photo by Bill Bramswig 

www.bramswigphotography.com 

Cover concept by Michall Jeffers 

Advertisers at a Glance 

Inside Back Cover 

10 Gotta Have Arts 

• Angela Sun Shines Brightly 

• 15 Chappaqua Kids in 

Westchester Ballet Co’s 

Nutcracker 

• Upcoming Seven Bridges’ 

Production 

• Village Singers’ Concerts 

• Chappaqua Drama Group 

Returns! 

10 

13 Worth a Thousand Words 

Nature 

By Daniel Baitch 

for more nature images by 

Chappaqua’s Daniel Baitch, go to 

www.insidechappaqua.com 

29 Close to Home 

Arthur Avenue Adventure 

Recommendations from three IC 

writers on the Bronx’s famous 

Italian food haven. 

By Vicki de Vries, Michall Jeffers, and 

Jean Sheff 

To Your Health 

30 Beating the Recession Blues 

By Rich Monetti 

31 Chappaqua Teen Perseveres 

with Type 1 Juvenile 

Diabetes 

By Pamela Brown 

32 We Asked Our Advertisers 

Great Gifts 

36 Rick’s Last Licks 

Leftovers 

By Rick Reynolds 

Visit www.insidechappaqua.com for 

HOLIDAY COOKIE RECIPES and 

to view more nature photos by 

Chappaqua photographer 

Daniel Baitch. 

Winter 2009/2010 Inside Chappaqua 1

2 Inside Chappaqua Winter 2009/2010

J U S T B E T W E E N U S 

Many Faces 

Cover producer for this issue, 

Michall Jeffers, introduced the 

concept to me back in the fall: 

"How about a cover that depicts 

the diversity in this town?" I was 

skeptical. Chappaqua, diverse? 

Well, heck, yeah. This "Many 

Faces" issue reminds us that holiday 

traditions celebrated all over 

the world may be taking place in a 

neighbor's home too. As I learned 

from my days at Sesame Street (a 

long ago but dear chapter from 

the many faces of me!...), "We're 

different. We're the same." It's so true. So, thanks, 

Michall, glad I trusted you and a hearty thank you to the 

six exquisite ladies rounded up for one big party too, at 

Suna Senman-Lane's house, where Bill Bramswig, an IC 

photographer and resident web host, worked his camera 

magic. For once, I really had nothing to do with it. 

I concentrated on the men instead. There, I made you 

laugh, I hope! This time around, IC brings you John 

Grimes, a former Bronx beat cop who navigates the 

minefields that divorce can (unfortunately) sometimes 

bring, and Steven Begleiter; if you haven't yet heard 

about our resident poker champ, now's your chance. 

In another arena, I have been waiting patiently for a 

writer to emerge to offer a bias free summary of the 

Chappaqua Crossings story. None of us are completely 

without bias, but I think Randy Stuart did a great job 

explaining the outstanding issues to help us understand 

the challenges and opportunities inherent in this 

project. I can run responses to the article at 

insidechappaqua.com as well. 

Indeed, I've been working toward making greater use of 

IC's site and, starting with this issue, I'll be directing 

readers to additional features...starting with IC staff holiday 

cookie recipes per below, an idea conceived and 

executed by writer Vicki DeVries. Finally, in anew column 

debuting, Worth a Thousand Words, we'll bring 

local photographer images to life, beginning with Dan 

Baitch's nature shots. More of his work can also be 

accessed at insidechappaqua.com 

Enjoy! 

Bill Bramswig 

AN ONLINE EXCLUSIVE— 

For holiday cookie recipes, visit 


BY VICKI DE VRIES 

Short on time, 

budget tight, but 

eager for homemade 

goodies 

this holiday season? 

Try a 

Cookie Swap! 

Helpful tips for 

a successful 

event come 

from freelance 

photographer 

Bill Bramswig 

and his wife, 

Robin Nureck, 

who have 

hosted two of 

their own. And 

several IC contributors 

want to share favorite recipes to help make 

the season bright: Maple Pecan Pumpkin Bread, Spritz 

SandwichCookies, Seven Layer Bars and more at 

www.insidechappaqua.com. 



Volume 7, Number 4 

Editor and Publisher 

Grace Bennett 

Assistant to the Publisher 

Carine Feist 

Design 

Lisa Salerno 

Contributors 

Daniel Baitch, Sarah Ellen Berman, Bill Bramswig, Pamela 

Brown, Marianne Campolongo, Vicki DeVries, Debra Hand, 

Michall Jeffers, Michael Kohn, Rich Monetti, Rick Reynolds, 

David Rolle, Jean Sheff, Randy Stuart 

Web Consultant 

Bill Bramswig 

THE MAGAZINE FOR NEW CASTLE AND BEYOND 

General Counsel 

Brian M. Hand 

Inside Chappaqua is owned and operated by The Inside Press, Inc. 

Mailing address: PO Box 643, Millwood, NY 10546. Phone Number: 

914-238-2600. Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved. Printed in the 

USA. Reproduction of any portion is prohibited without permission 

from the publisher. 

Inside Chappaqua may not necessarily agree with any one editorial viewpoint 

or necessarily endorse a particular product or service advertised. 

Buusiness profiles that accompany ads are by definition advertorial and 

don’t necessarily reflect editorial viewpoints. 


E 

veryone knows that 2009 has been a challenging 

economic year. Unfortunately, 2010 may be 

worse. With New York State on the verge of 

bankruptcy with deficits that could reach $44 billion and 

with property taxes already pushing hard-pressed 

homeowners to the breaking point, the year 

ahead could be the most difficult yet. 

That’s why Chappaqua Crossing is so 

important to the taxpayers of the 

Town of New Castle and Chappaqua 

School District. As the largest 

single taxpaying property in the 

town, Chappaqua Crossing is already 

generating $1.5 million a year. With 

the plan to allow the existing office building 

to be fully leased and to build muchneeded 

age-restricted housing for people over age 

55 as well as affordable workforce and 55-plus housing, 

the annual taxes are projected to grow to be in excess of 

$5 million including $3.8 to the school district. 

Architect’s rendering of age-restricted housing at Chappaqua Crossing. 

Right Project at the Right Time 

There is no 

other property in 

the town that holds 

this potential for 

tax generation. 

There is no other property in the town that holds 

this potential for tax generation. In fact, no major 

tax-producing project of any kind is under consideration 

in the town or even on the horizon. As we look 

to 2010, it makes sense to move forward with 

this proposal for a well-planned, carefully 

designed, high-quality project 

that re-uses the existing office building, 

provides new housing, 

preserves a 50-acre perimeter 

greenbelt – and generates significant 

new tax revenues. 

Chappaqua Crossing – the right 

project at the right time. 

To learn more about Chappaqua Crossing 

and the many benefits this plan will bring 

to the Town and School District, please call 

Geoff Thompson at (914) 762-1900 or visit 

www.chappaquacrossing.com. 

1 Reader’s Digest Road Chappaqua, NY 10514

IN& 

AROUND 

T O W N 

“Just Congregations”—New Initiative at Temple Beth El 

BY PAMELA BROWN 

David Rolle 

Members of Temple Beth El joined in discussions to address “what’s on their minds” as part of the 

Just Congregations Initiative. Temple Beth El is one of 50 interfaith institutions taking part in this 

type of community organizing which will bring together people of different faiths and define local 

and national issues that bind them. 

Life is stressful for many people and 

to better understand their worries, 

Temple Beth El of Northern 

Westchester is reaching out and 

offering a forum for healthy dialogue 

through its new initiative, Just 

Congregations. “In one-on-one 

meetings and in small groups, we’ll 

be trying to help congregants discover, 

together, what is most on 

their minds right now. It certainly 

may be the economy, but it may 

also be challenges in paying health 

care bills or the difficulty of taking 

care of an aging parent,” said Rabbi 

Geoffrey Mitelman. “We're trying to 

really discover what is most on people’s 

minds, and to combine 

responding to people's immediate 

needs with being more proactive to 

address the roots of what's concern. 

Just Congregations is a national congregational-based 

initiative of Union 

for Reform Judaism. Multiple congregations 

are joining forces across 

lines of race, faith, and class to harness 

the power of relationships to 

foster congregation development and 

effect social justice across a wide 

range of issues. Rabbi Mitelman 

hopes to involve 75 congregations 

across Westchester. “As the congregations 

determine what is most 

pressing to them, we’ll have a better 

sense of the kinds of issues we’ll 

need to address, and then several 

months from now, we hope to create 

an organization to help us have our 

voices be heard in Albany and in 

White Plains to make sure our political 

leaders are responding to what is 

most on our congregants’ minds.” 

In October, Temple Beth El hosted 

Rabbi Jonah Pesner, founding director 

of Just Congregations. “He told 

us about his work and the impact 

faith based organizations he had in 

Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, 

Dallas and Boston. Change occurred 

from the most unlikely partnerships—crossing 

racial, economic, 

and religious lines—and resulted in 

remarkable outcomes. But it all 

started with a conversation which 

asked about a person's worries, concerns, 

etc.,” said Susan Pecker, Board 

trustee and Just Congregations committee 

member. “We envision this 

much like a listening campaign 

which continues throughout. What 

makes this so exciting is that we are 

reshaping the direction of where our 

congregation is going in terms of 

social action by letting our people 

direct us.” 

Building Relationships is Key 

According to Pecker, this initiative 

begins with people and building 

relationships. “I feel that people feel 

very much alone when they have a 

concern and feel powerless. This is 

an opportunity for us to listen to 

them, give each other strength and 

support, and together find solutions,” 

she said. “This is almost a 

counter intuitive approach to working 

on social action because in the 

beginning it’s not so much about 

defining the issue. Right now we 

want to focus on the individual and 

hear what's on their mind. The end 

product—the issues—will come 

from their stories.” 

The scope of this initiative is farreaching. 

“It certainly is exciting to 

be taking proactive steps to try to 

address the roots of so many problems 

in our society. But while it obviously 

makes us feel good to know 

that we are trying to help, our goal 

isn’t to simply help us feel good. It’s 

to really help us create a more just 

society,” said Rabbi Mitelman. 

For more information, visit 

www.urj.org/justcongregations 

Give the Gift of Life 

this Holiday Season 

“... whoever saves a life, it is considered 

as if he saved an entire world.” 

Jerusalem Talmud, Sanhedrin 4:1 (22a) 

You don’t need to wait to pull 

someone from a burning building 

in order to be a hero. It’s as simple 

as going to a Red Cross donor 

center or a local blood drive. As 

you ponder what gifts to give 

your family and friends this holiday 

season, consider donating a 

pint of blood. It’s easy, quick and 

uniquely rewarding. Although 

blood is always in short supply, 

currently, only 3 out of every 100 

Americans donate blood. This 

season, make a difference and 

save a life! To find a local blood 

drive or a Red Cross donor center, 

go to www.givelife.org. 

—Michael Kohn 


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LAWRENCE FARMS EAST. Exquisite/7-year 

young 5BR, 6100+sf Colonial. Vintage character; 

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RANDOM FARMS. Palatial 8400+ architectural 

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Elegant details/fine amenities; 6BRs; sleek kitchen; 

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ENTERTAINER’S DELIGHT! Amenity rich, exquisitely 

detailed 4BR, 4.1 bth, 4000sf Col on lush/ 

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rm w/bar & atrium door to patio & pool. $1,599,000 

GRACIOUS LIVING. Quality updates & custom 

details enhance 3100sf, 4BR, 2.1 bath center 

hall Colonial. Sun-filled living & family rooms w/fpls; 

gleaming hdwds; traditional built-ins, skylights, fresh 

paint & deck. Private, walk to all location. $995,000 

STORYBOOK classic English cottage charm, only 

better! Original stained glass, doors & trims; beautiful 

hardwoods, updated kitchen and baths; 3BRs; 

central air; new windows and roof. Nearly 2 bucolic 

acres with babbling brook & patio. $989,000 

CHAPPAQUA RIDGE. Utterly charming 3BR 

shingle Colonial in desirable neighborhood. Delightfully 

updated w/gourmet kit, sun-lit LR w/stone fpl; 

rocking chair porch; patio; central air. Nestled on half 

acre of idyllic property, convenient to all. $899,999 

TRANQUIL WOODLAND views & privacy surround 

dramatic 5BR Contemp nestled on an acre in 

Whippoorwill nghbrhd. Walls of glass, clean lines & 

cath clngs highlight an open flr plan w/great flow to 

Trex deck; FR w/fpl; updtd kit & fresh paint! $875,000 

JUST LOVELY! Gracious/updated 4BR, 2.1 bath 

center hall Colonial on picture-perfect 1.6 acres 

w/brook & cul-de-sac privacy. LR/fpl; gleaming 

hardwoods; stainless kit; recessed lights; cathedral 

ceiling master w/bth & dressing rm. $799,000 

*Source: Westchester Putnam Multiple Listing Service for total sales & listings in the Chappaqua School district, January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2008. This applies to the Chappaqua office only. 

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An Independently Owned and Operated Member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. 

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Advertisement 

Holiday Gifts Aren’t 

Only Found Under 

the Tree 

IN& 

AROUND 

T O W N 

Exceptional Instructors 

BY SARAH ELLEN BERMAN 

Sometimes, the gift of customer 

service is unexpected. Holidays 

can be a time of transition— 

whether times are good or bad—and 

Sheila Siderow’s philosophy includes 

addressing the “wish list” of every 

member of the family. 

Whether trading-up, downsizing or just 

making a change, Sheila provides free 

consultations to meet the needs of a 

diverse range of families. “Feeling athome 

in a new home goes far beyond 

finding a pristine house on a pretty 

property,” says Siderow, “Often the difference 

between a house and a home 

is in the details.” Not only does she 

know the ins-and-outs of every play 

group, house of worship, golf course 

and breakfast spot in Westchester, but 

Sheila has also been known to point 

out hard-to-find resources for specialneeds 

children, the best kosher butchers 

and the one street in town that 

allows air drying laundry on a clothesline. 

“This is about a life,” she says, 

“not just a house.” 

And when lives are complicated by 

difficult obstacles, clients receive the 

gift of a good friend and neighbor in 

Sheila Siderow. Fifteen years ago, she 

founded Woman-to-Woman network to 

help newly single women navigate 

their way through the legal, financial 

and personal challenges they face after 

a separation, divorce or loss of a 

spouse. “I provide these women with 

advice about their homes, but with the 

help of experts who volunteer their 

time, I can point them toward answers 

about property division, financial 

negotiations, child support and more.” 

“Providing service and support to people 

is the way I was trained by Mary 

Nash and Mary Egan of Hecht, Egan 

and Nash,” says Siderow. “I continue 

to be passionate about what I do 

because I adhere to their lessons 

about community, ethics and honesty.” 

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah 

and a splendid New Year from all at 

Siderow Realty Guild, 26 South 

Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua; and 

her award-winning website is 

www.siderow.com 

8 Inside Chappaqua Winter 2009/2010 

Toni Rubio 

In the movie, Dead Poets Society, 

Robin Williams portrays a remarkable 

teacher who parlays his knowledge 

of poetry into a particularly 

inspiring method of teaching. While 

Robin Williams is not plying his 

trade in the Town of New Castle, 

many talented, outstanding instructors 

have been ferreted out and are 

ready and willing to inspire generations 

of residents to heights of 

greatness or merely to a desired 

level of fitness. 

The town’s stellar line-up of instructors 

includes Toni Rubio who is currently 

performing in Tosca at the 

Metropolitan Opera. Rubio teaches 

Zumba, the newest offering in the fitness 

department. According to the 

course description, “Zumba eliminates 

the work from working out by 

combining Latin and international 

music with dynamic, yet simple 

exercise moves to tone your body.” 

Rubio’s experience with several 

dance companies and her Mexican 

and Puerto Rican roots, render her a 

perfect fit for this course. 

Michael Williams who appeared in 

the movie, The Blair Witch Project, is 

the teacher of the new class entitled, 

Drama-Acting Through Exercises. 

Scripts and improvisation are utilized 

to teach the art of acting via 

games and exercises. It is billed as, 

“A great class to enhance selfexpression, 

creativity, teamwork, 

and confidence.” Two classes are 

being offered, one for children from 

8-10 years old and another for those 

aged 11-13. These classes are 

extremely popular. 

Who is the mastermind behind the 

list of instructors with outstanding 

credentials? None other than Wayne 

Bass, Assistant Superintendent of 

New Castle Recreation and Parks. 

Although Bass modestly claims 

that, “We didn’t actively seek 

celebrities,” he did note that apparently, 

“The ‘stars’ are aligned and 

these two professionals have 

emerged.” 

Additionally, he did reveal some of 

his trade secrets. Networking is one 

of the tools Bass employs to find 

talented instructors. During a meeting 

of WRAPS, the Westchester 

Recreation and Parks Society, Bass 

spoke to his counterpart from the 

Town of Mount Pleasant, Kelly Rizzi, 

who told him that, “She had a great 

instructor: Michael Williams.” When 

Bass worked for the City of White 

Plains, Toni Rubio was at the Youth 

Bureau. She left to form her own 

theater group. When Bass was 

thinking of adding Zumba to the 

town’s roster, he immediately 

thought of Rubio. 

In this economy a cost analysis of a 

health club membership versus a 

class offered by the town will 

undoubtedly show that the latter is 

the best value. Similar findings will 

result from a comparison between 

drama classes offered by private 

organizations and the town. Classes 

fill quickly. Consult mynewcastle.org 

for further information.

Gail Patrick’s Cafe 

Prepared Foods, Dine in or carry out • Catering Specialists 

We are now taking orders for Chanukah, Christmas and 

New Year's dinners and parties! Full service available. 

8 Hot Soups Available Daily! 

Visit our website to view menus or come in to speak with Patrick. 

Join us on Facebook - Gail Patrick's Cafe" 

HOURS OF OPERATION: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 7:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sunday Closed. 

Patrick Filacchione 

www.GailPatricksCafe.com 

31 South Greeley Avenue 

Chappaqua, N.Y. 10514 

914-238-0690 phone 

914-238-1328 fax 


Advertisement 

In The Loupe... 

Medallions: 

The Gift 

of Love 

G O T T A H A V E A R T S 

Sun-ny Days! 

Music in Chappaqua Student 

Wins Prestigious Award 

by Varda Singer & Ilene Davis 

In ancient times, warriors were 

rewarded for their bravery with a 

medallion. It is a bit ironic that this 

badge of honor was created from the 

vision of Aphrodite, the goddess of 

love and beauty. Medallions have 

been around for a long time however 

the meaning for the wearer has metamorphosed 

into one of love and 

appreciation. 

Medallion necklaces have taken the 

jewelry industry by storm. Their underlying 

meaning and elegant look has 

made them a desirable gift for both the 

giver and receiver. Designed, most 

often, in a round or oval shape, the 

medallion makes use of both positive 

and negative space, creating a delicate 

yet statement piece of jewelry. The 

detail in each piece allows us to see 

where the artist’s inspiration has come 

from. In addition to its underlying 

meaning, the medallion is a timeless, 

classic piece of jewelry that will last forever. 

Varda has proudly created a line of 18k 

gold medallions with diamonds. The 

importance of feeling and looking one’s 

best has been her inspiration. Always 

taking into account understated elegance, 

Varda values quality over quantity. 

Her designs options include yellow 

or white gold with a selection of three 

different sizes. ICD takes pride in assisting 

our customers to make educated 

decisions when buying jewelry this holiday 

season. With customer service 

being our number priority, we also carry 

a line of “ready to wear” medallions in 

sterling silver, vermeil and gold with 

prices ranging from $100 and up. 

We look forward to seeing you! If you 

wish to schedule an appointment after 

stores hours, we will be happy to 

accommodate you. 

ICD 

75 So. Greeley Ave. 

Chappaqua 

For those in the loupe, 

Varda & Ilene 

Contemporary Jewelry 

T I M E L E S S E L E G A N C E I N F I N E J E W E L R Y 

914-238-3646 

www.ICDjewelry.com 


Angela Sun...performing in a recent recital at 

the home of Janet Angier in Chappaqua. 

Angela Sun, an eighth grader at 

Robert E. Bell Middle School won the 

prestigious MTNA (Music Teachers 

National Association) state competition, 

Junior High School division on 

Friday, October 16, held at the 

Eastman School of Music in 

Rochester, NY. “It hasn’t really hit 

me yet,” said Sun of this honor. “I 

am excited and grateful.” 

After performing in Carnegie Hall at 

age 12, Sun was chosen to represent 

New York State in the Eastern 

Division regional competition, 

which represents 13 states, in 

January. There will be one representative 

from each state competing to 

advance in the national Convention 

in March, which will be held in 

Alburquerque. 

“We are so proud of Angela and her 

teacher, Monica,” said Janet Angier, 

Director and Founder of Music in 

Chappaqua. 

Sun began playing the piano at age 

five. Her parents, now both 

Associate Professors at the NY 

Medical College in Valhalla, emigrated 

from China less than two 

decades ago. Chappaqua’s renowned 

school system convinced the couple 

to relocate to Westchester. Angier, 

seeing her talent, chose Sun as the 

recipient of a scholarship from the 

Music in Chappaqua Scholarship 

Fund. 

Monica Ohuchi, whose awards 

include the identical competition 

when she was 13, said, “Angela Sun 

is an amazing thirteen year old 

girl—she is smart, talented, dedicated, 

and mature beyond her years. I 

am so proud of everything she has 

accomplished, and excited to be 

working with her towards her this 

next step. “I feel especially lucky to 

have been given the opportunity to 

work with Angela through Music in 

Chappaqua—and the support that 

Janet has given these past few 

months has been wonderful.” 

Don't 

forget to 

Visit 

insidechappaqua. 

com for our 

holiday cookie 

recipes.


Westchester Ballet Co.’ s Nutcracker: 

15 Dancers From Chappaqua 

And Millwood! 

Presented by Westchester County 

Parks and Friends of 

Westchester Ballet Company, this 

magical production of this holiday 

favorite features over 110 talented 

student dancers from our area. 

From Chappaqua Schools... 

look for Maya Anand, Tara 

Anand, Allison Chen, Annie 

Fortenberry, Raimundo 

Langlois, Isabella Marano, 

Caroline Quon, Isabella 

Santelia, Claire Silverman, 

Madison Thantu, Jessica Vance 

and Samantha Wesner. 

Performance dates/times at 

the Westchester County 

Center: Friday, December 18, 

10 a.m., Saturday, December 

19, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., 

Sunday, December 20, 2 p.m. 

Tickets prices: $12 to $22, available at 

the WCC Box Office, 198 Central Ave. 

White Plains, or call (845) 454-3388. 

C’mon Everybody…Let Yourself Go… 

Over to Seven Bridges Middle School! 

Seven Bridges Theatre Company 

presents All Shook Up 

Friday, February 5th @ 7:30 p.m. 

Saturday, February 6th @ 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday, February 7th @ 2:00 p.m. 

83 students have come together to 

sing such Elvis favorites as “A Little 

Less Conversation” and “It’s Now or 

Never.”So put on your leather jacket 

and blue suede shoes and shake on 

over to Seven Bridges Middle 

School. Please visit 

www.chappaquapta.net/SBHome.php 

to download a ticket order form. For 

further information please contact 

sbtheatretickets@chappaquapta.net. 

Village Singers of Westchester to Perform 

“A Holiday Celebration In Song” 

The two December concerts will be featuring vocal works from the 18th, 

19th and 20th centuries as well as contemporary choral arrangements. 

Kenneth Corneille is the group’s conductor. The first concert will take place 

on Sunday, December 6 at the Crawford Park Mansion, at 4 p.m. 

The second concert takes place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 13 at the 

Church of Saint John and Saint Mary in Chappaqua. Tickets for each concert 

are $10. 

Kenneth Corneille's choral compositions have been published by 

Transcontinental Music Publications (New York City). He has written extensively 

for the organ and has performed his works in recital in the New York 

area. He has also written chamber music and solo instrumental pieces that 

have been performed by various music ensembles. 

The Village Singers were formally known as the Federico Village Singers. For 

more information, contact 914 937-5212. New singers are welcome. 

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Chappaqua Drama Group Returns! 

Celebrating 50 Years of Community Drama 

The Chappaqua Drama Group celebrates their return 

to community drama after a 10 year hiatus. 

On Saturday, December 5, the Chappaqua Drama Group 

will hold a gala fundraiser, “Opening Doors…. An 

Evening of Music” at the Chappaqua Library to 

announce their recent partnership with Pleasantville’s 

youth theater company, the Little Village Playhouse. 

Tickets at SmartTix are $20 and $15 for students and 

seniors. www.chappaquadramagroup.org 

It promises to be a night of magical musical performances 

by Broadway/television actors Jason Tam, Danny 

Vaccaro, Ann Shankman, David Perlow, Arnie Toback and 

local students from the Little Village Playhouse. 

For 50 years, the Chappaqua Drama Group has inspired 

several generations of local youngsters and their parents 

who have performed together for the community. Now 

the two companies are poised to metamorphose into a 

new and vital community professional artistic company 

under the Chappaqua Drama Group that will encompass 

three different theatre groups: LVP, The Mainstage, 

and the Spark. 

The Mainstage will offer the best in contemporary and 

classic musicals and dramas. From Rogers and 

Hammerstein to Sondheim. From Shakespeare to 

Shepard, the Mainstage will continue the efforts of the 

original beloved Chappaqua Drama Group. 

LVP is the youth theatre where students, ages 4-18 can 

gain self-esteem while exploring the world of theatre 

though a professional rehearsal process, master classes, 

outreach and intensive ensemble work. 

The Spark will indulge audiences looking for more 

avant-garde, edgy material as well as new works, 

cabaret, workshops, and readings. 

“Together with LVP, we will strive to better serve a wider 

community and its artistic needs,’’ added Ann Shankman, 

president of the Chappaqua Drama Group. “The December 

performance is dedicated to the ability of a community 

theater to transcend time through the generations.” 


W O R T H A T H O U S A N D W O R D S 

PHOTOS BY DANIEL BAITCH 

To view more 

Nature photos by 

Daniel Baitch, 

please visit 

insidechappaqua.com 

This past Fall has been one of the most 

brilliant in a long time—between the warm 

air, low wind, and heavy rains. 

These shots were taken at the Chappaqua 

Train Station. Most people have been moving 

too quickly to notice… 

The porcelain vine berries—even though 

they are an Asian infestation—turn brilliant 

colors in October and November. 

DANIEL BAITCH lives in Mount Kisco with his wife 

Shelley Kramer and sons Adam, Evan and Ryan. 

Dan’s professional background includes organizational 

psychology and social work. After a ten year ride 

with JPMorgan Chase’s Workforce Intellingence Group 

in July, Dan has been using his “recession” time 

exploring the world of domestic work, writing, and 

getting lost with his camera around Westchester 

County.

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How We Celebrate 

The Holidays 

BY MICHALL JEFFERS 

PHOTO BY BILL BRAMSWIG 

Beautiful Women of Chappaqua. 

Front row, L to R: Candice Chui, Marie Lou Ortiz, Nil Brittan. Back row, L to R: Carol Wasserman, Shobha Vanchiswar, Suna Senman-Lane 

Here in Chappaqua, good neighbors come in all colors, faiths, 

and ethnic backgrounds. Since this is the season to celebrate 

and to share, there’s no better time to learn about the 

holiday customs of these friends in our community, in their 

own words. Our lovely Cover Girls are joined in telling their 

stories by a Quaker from one of the founding Chappaqua families, 

a Jewish mom whose creativity encouraged her daughter 

to cherish Hanukah, a prominent African American citizen 

explaining Kwanzaa, and an Indian 

dad and daughter who have perfected 

the art of giving back. They range in 

age from twelve to eighty-nine, and 

come from all over the globe. 

Phebe Washburn: The first 

Washburns and the first Quaker 

church in Chappaqua date back 

to the mid 1700’s. Early Quakers 

didn’t believe that one day should 

be more holy than another, so 

originally, there was no celebration 

at Christmas. Most Quakers Phebe Washburn 

don’t believe that ministers are 

needed to communicate with our Creator, as we are all 

connected personally to God. At the Quaker Meeting 

House now, the children hold a little pageant, hymns are 

song, and Christmas goodies are eaten. We are very tolerant 

of how people wish to celebrate. 

Grace Lam Chui 

Helen Williams: I gave my grandchildren the Kinara, 

which is a candle holder with seven candles. One black 

candle in the middle is lit on the first day of the 

Kwanzaa celebration; this represents the richness of our 

culture and our family. On either side of the black candle 

are three red and three green candles. Each day, a 

candle is lit to represent the principles of Kwanzaa: 

Day two, red candle, self determination, “kujichagulia.” 

Day three, green candle, collective work and responsibility, 

“Ujima.” 

Day four, red candle, cooperative economics, “Ujamaa.” 

Day five, green candle, purpose, “Nia.” 

Day six, red candle, creativity, “Kuumba.” 

Day seven, green candle, faith, “Imani.” 

For everyone interested in Kwanzaa, I recommend the 

well written and beautifully illustrated children’s book 

Seven Candles For Kwanzaa, by Brian and Andrea Pinkney. 

Candice Chui: Chinese New Year is the most important 

holiday in our culture. To symbolize the idea of a fresh 

start, customs include a thorough cleaning of the house, 

and wearing new clothes. On New Year’s Eve, families 

gather together for a feast of traditional dishes. 

Throughout the festivities, which last up to two weeks, 

we visit relatives and friends, and exchange red 

envelopes with money, for good luck and prosperity. I 

love the fact that the traditions have been passed down 


through the generations, and that everyone can appreciate 

and enjoy this time of year. 

Growing up in Hong Kong, under a British regime, I was 

exposed not only to traditional Buddhism, but also to 

the Christian beliefs of the West. My commitment to the 

Chinese Christian Church has grown and deepened; my 

faith gives me the joy of knowing Christ as my personal 

savior. Christmas means so much to me because it’s the 

time Jesus was born into our world; he died for our sins, 

and to mend the broken link between man and God. 

Nancy Weiss: 

When my 

daughter 

Amanda was 

little, we 

used to drive 

around this 

time of year 

to enjoy the 

colorful 

Christmas 

decorations. 

When she 

exclaimed, 

“We must be Amanda Weiss 

the only 

Jewish people in this whole place!” I knew it was time to 

make Hanukah really special in our house, and we 

began a tradition. We go all out decorating our home 

with menorahs, dreidels, mobiles and lights, all in blue 

and white. Our annual Hanukah party is an opportunity 

to include friends in the festivities. 

Carol Wasserman: My mom is Catholic, my dad is 

Jewish. I went to Hebrew school, and got to celebrate 

Christmas with a tree, lights, and ornaments. My childhood 

included matzoh ball soup, and honey baked ham. 

I don’t practice religion anymore, but I find doing Yoga a 

spiritual experience. 

Nil Brittan: Growing up in Istanbul, I especially enjoyed 

the holidays as a time to visit with friends and family. 

We would call on our relatives, starting with the oldest 

first, and if someone wasn’t home, we left a calling card. 

This happened quite a bit, as everyone was out visiting 

at the same time! Kids got brand new outfits with 

matching shiny shoes; laughter and joy filled our 

homes. Celebrating the conclusion of Ramadan, which is 

a fasting period, everyone had sweets to offer visitors; in 

Turkey, we call it “the sweets holiday.” 

It’s not customary for Muslims to exchange gifts on holidays. 

As Turkey is a secular democracy, New Year’s Eve, 

a non-religious holiday, is lavish. Due to globalization, 

Christmas décor is often used for decoration. And we do 

serve turkey in Turkey at this time; it’s delicious, stuffed 

with fragrant rice and chestnuts. 

Our children have benefited by being raised in a flexible 

secular Muslim/Episcopalian family. They’ve been 

exposed to many cultures through travel. Most importantly, 

we teach them to have good values: be a good 

person, be fair and respectful to others, and be sensitive 

to the environment. 

Marie Lou Ortiz: It’s a treat to hear my mom’s stories 

about Christmas in Puerto Rico. The holiday begins on 


Nancy Weiss 

December 24th, and ends on Epiphany, January 6th. 

Statues of Mary and Joseph are placed in a manger, and 

joined on Christmas day by a statue of Jesus. Each day, 

statues of the three kings are moved closer to the Holy 

Family. On the evening of January 5th, children prepare 

boxes filled with cut grass and corn, which is placed 

under their beds to feed the horses of the Magi. Children 

awake to find gifts that have been left for them by these 

“Reyes.” 

Music and wonderful food are traditional; rice, pigeon 

peas, roast pork, and mashed plantain stuffed with 

meat are accompanied by “coquito,” a drink which is like 

eggnog. It’s a great honor to receive a “paranda,” a concert 

which travels from home to home; carols are sung, 

instruments are played, friends and family gather, and 

everyone feasts and celebrates. I hope someday a 

“paranda” will be arranged for my home! 

Suna Senman-Lane: In my native Sweden, we counter 

the constant darkness of December with bright festivities 

inside our homes. The holiday season starts with 

Santa Lucia Day, December 13th. A special feature is 

bringing coffee and sweet breads to our parents and to 

the homes of our teachers. 

My most memorable Christmas was spent visiting my 

seventy-five year old grandmother, and three of her 

older siblings in Northern Sweden. It was a truly old 

fashioned “Jul”. I played Santa’s helper, the “Jul Trompte,” 

and delivered gifts to the elderly “children.” One tradition 

involves finding an almond in a rice pudding bowl; 

this person is destined to get married that year! You can 

imagine how much fun this was, especially combined 

with the traditional meal of ham, meatballs, sausage, 

pickled beets, cabbage, cheese and of course, the vodka 

spiked hot spiced wine drink “glogg.” How do 

Scandinavians eat this way, yet stay thin and avoid heart 

attacks? Good genes, and plenty of vigorous exercise. 

I think back fondly on the “Jul Atta,” early Christmas 

morning service. While we walked to church, those who 

lived farther away arrived in sleighs pulled by horses. 

The Church was bright with holiday light. It was an 

unforgettable sight. 

Author: The truth must be told. I celebrate GACH= Great 

American Consumer Holiday. I love giving and receiving 

presents and cards. I can’t cook or bake, but boy, I sure 

can shop. Buying begins December 26th, and continues 

until the following Christmas. To get the best values, I 

hunt off season, and maintain a gift closet. This way, I 

remember friends and relatives throughout the year. I 

know it’s shallow, but I treasure all holidays: Christmas, 

Hanukah, Chinese New Year. The cheery carols, flashy 

decorations, delicious treats, shiny wrapping paper, 

glowing candles; I just can’t wait! 

This is just a snapshot of the ways Chappaqua residents 

celebrate. It’s presented as an opportunity to learn more 

about our rich cultural diversity, and to wish everyone a 

happy holiday season, and a healthy, prosperous 2010. 

Special thanks go to Grace Lam Chui, a friend indeed; to all the 

beautiful models who posed for this article; and to everyone 

who contributed a story of celebration. Best wishes to everybody 

from MICHALL JEFFERS, a regular contributor to IC, and her 

very patient husband, John Warner, whose idea of a happy holiday 

is to lie back, close his eyes, and wait for it to be over. 

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Shobha: 

Although 

India is predominately 

Hindu, it’s a 

secular state, 

and holidays 

of all religions 

are 

acknowledged 

and 

celebrated. 

For everyone, 

it was a time 

to gather 

friends and 

family, and 

partake of 

delicious food 

and good 

times. When I 

first came to 

The Vanchiswar Family: 

The Vanchiswar Family L to R: Shobha, Murali, 

and Mira 

this country, though I enjoyed the colorful store windows, 

and the charity and generosity I found, I was 

appalled how commercial the holidays are here; the 

real reason for them seemed irrelevant. People spent 

enough money to electrify a whole village! 

When we settled here in Chappaqua, we realized that 

there were many senior citizens who spent Christmas 

alone. This pained my husband and me, and we 

decided to be hosts on Christmas day at the 

Community Center. This was in 1996, and the tradition 

continues to this day. All are welcome, regardless 

of religion. An added blessing has been that many 

older citizens have watched our daughter grow; 

together, in this village, we raise our child. 

Murali: My memories of holidays in India are about 

sensory overload, and great feasting. The already 

crowded markets were with filled with brightly 

dressed shoppers, garishly decorated shop windows, 

and street carts overflowing with produce, clothing, 

and trinkets. As a boy, I couldn’t take my eyes off the 

toys, which were everywhere. 

To celebrate religious festivals, we helped my father 

decorate the altar with garlands of flowers. The 

kitchen smelled heavenly with the aroma of sweets 

and savories made by my mother and grandmother. It 

was agony waiting to eat until after the “puja,” when 

my dad offered the treats to the Gods, but after, we 

feasted until we could eat no more. 

Mira: The Christmas of 2000, rather than give each 

other gifts, my parents decided to contribute to Heifer 

International. I helped my mom look through the catalogue, 

choosing the animals to donate to villages in 

need. This made me want to help make a difference, 

too, and for my fifth birthday, I asked for donations, 

not presents. I raised $400! I’ve done the same every 

year since then. When I think about how much help 

Heifer International supplies, it inspires me to do 

more good in the world. 


10 Years of True Elegance! 

Elegance II 

PROPRIETOR: 

Babette Faotto 

IN BUSINESS SINCE: 1999 

“Babette,” took over 

Elegance II ten years ago at a time that she describes 

the shop as needing a face lift. With new energy and a 

special style all her own, Babette worked to bring the 

store up to a standard that Chappaqua customers could 

really appreciate. Her efforts slowly but surely paid off. 

And in the last two years, even in the midst of this 

recession, her shop has been booming. 

“It is a combination of two major factors,” she points 

out. “Quality and prices that are exceptional.” Add to 

that, Babette’s great service, and it’s not hard to understand 

the success story of Elegance II. 

On a visit in November, a lucky customer might come 

across finds such as a brand new pair of Chanel “Booties,” 

selling for $480, with a retail tag of $1,200; or Jimmy Choo 

python pumps, selling for $250, rather than $895 retail. 

To Babette, a dedication to great service has substantial 

rewards. She describes the pleasure she takes in helping 

women look and feel great. “I make their day and they 

make my day!” 

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High-Stakes 

Poker 

Player 

Steven 

Begleiter 

Reveals 

His Hand 

How many people can risk losing 

thousands of dollars in a game 

and still shake hands with their 

competitors? At the annual World 

Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event 

in Las Vegas, such table etiquette at 

55-game events is de rigueur. 

“The people I’ve worked with are 

classy individuals—honorable, reliable, 

a good breed,” said Chappaqua 

resident and poker aficionado 

Steven Begleiter, who beat out 6,585 

other players to win a place at the 

celebrated “November Nine” at this 

year’s WSOP. Now in the international 

spotlight after only his second 

year in the Main Event, Begleiter 

seems to have taken his meteoric 

rise to poker prominence in stride. 

On November 7, Begleiter will have 

faced what some would consider the 

challenge of a lifetime—playing at 

the Final Table, the pinnacle of poker 

prowess, with prizes that include the 

coveted WSOP bracelet and impressive 

monetary winnings. Seven competitors 

will have been eliminated, 

and two players will have tested 

BY VICKI DE VRIES 

their strategic mettle on November 

9. The tension, which had been 

building up for months, weeks, days, 

hours, and fever-pitch minutes, will 

finally have eased, when one player 

emerges the World Poker Champion. 

What attracts people to poker, let 

alone to tournaments? “I enjoy the 

competition and making decisions,” 

said Begleiter. All kinds of games 

combine skill and luck. He agrees 

that “there’s a fair amount of both. 

However, the best poker players in 

the world are probably least influenced 

by luck, although luck plays a 

role for everybody.” 

A Winner Hands Down 

Whether Begleiter will have made 

history as the 2009 World Champion 

of Poker—as monumental as it 

would be—is almost irrelevant. He 

would still be a winner, simply 

because of his upbeat attitude, 

which has already helped him sail 

through challenges beyond strategizing 

about his next poker play. 

For 24 years, Begleiter worked as an 

executive at the now-defunct financial 

giant Bear Stearns, which he 

described as “the best place I ever 

worked.” He misses the “very people 

oriented” company culture, adding 

that “what happened to the company 

did not need to happen.” He cautions 

corporations (and individuals) 

to “live within your means and really 

be very conservative about how you 

use leverage … and don’t borrow 

money unless you can pay it back.” 

Perhaps his disappointment made 

Begleiter a better player. His 

endurance certainly was tested during 

the eight 12-hour-long days of 

competition that lead to his current 

status [as IC goes to print] as one of 

the November Nine. 

Not surprisingly, Begleiter takes 

exception to the media’s notion that 

his ability to strategize in the marketplace 

accounts for his success at 

the poker table. “Helping to figure 

out strategy for a very big corporation 

is very different from playing 

poker,” he insisted. “In business, 

you’re dealing with big issues.” 

On the other hand, “in poker, you 

have 10 seconds to make a decision, 

and then you go on to make dozens 

and dozens of decisions a few hours 

later. A lot of people are effective 

poker players and have never spent 

a day in their life strategizing,” he 

pointed out. In poker, “you have 

perfect knowledge of your hand and 

imperfect knowledge of your opponent’s 

hand. So, you do the best you 

can in surmising that your hand is 

better than anybody else’s,” 

Begleiter added. 

Betting On Poker Success 

For those who don’t play poker, 

terms like “flopping top set,” “mucking,” 

“flush draws,” “odd chips,” “side 

pots,” and “dead buttons” sound like 

a foreign language. Learning the 

intricate vocabulary and the 53 

“official” WSOP rules seems challenging 

enough, but to be pitted 

against seasoned professional players 

without losing one’s composure 

requires nerves of steel. 

What is the secret behind his poker 

success? “It’s the ability to assimilate 

and process incomplete data 

and form a judgment of what’s 

going on,” Begleiter said. “A lot 

depends on your observation of the 


Continued on page 22

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opponent physically and behaviorally. That’s a skill that 

some people have, and some don’t.” 

While Begleiter agreed that his work and poker game 

both deal with strategy, poker is vastly different in that 

it helps him to relax. Seeing his father play with friends, 

he learned more than the rules of the game: “Poker is 

something I can do in my free time.” Seeing it as a hobby 

allows him to enjoy the game. Could that be why he 

doesn’t see himself going professional? 

A Full House 

An essential quality that some might overlook is Begleiter’s 

ability to handle success and defeat with a measure of 

equanimity. One cannot help but wonder which plays the 

greater role—nurture or nature—in his relatively relaxed 

demeanor, which is in such contrast to the fast-paced 

worlds of finance and poker. But somewhat unexpectedly, 

he expresses more concern about what his teenaged children 

think of him than what the media might say about 

their dad who’s achieved celebrity status. 

For an amateur poker player, Begleiter acts and thinks 

with the grace and agility of a professional. “Putting in a 

raise” and playing his hand come second nature to him. 

And by the time this piece goes to print, let’s hope 

everyone will be hailing him the newest World Poker 

Champion. 

VICKI DE VRIES is a freelance writer/editor who has never 

played poker in her life, but is up for the challenge. 

Editor's Note Upon Going to Press: Steven Begleiter ultimately 

finished the WSOP tournament in sixth place. 

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FROM DETECTIVE TO DIVORCE LAWYER, 

John J. Grimes Has Followed His Own Path 

BY MARIANNE A. CAMPOLONGO 

PHOTO BY DANIEL BAITCH 

fter having people shooting 

“A at me, the pressure of my 

job doesn’t really bother me,” 

says Chappaqua divorce lawyer 

John J. Grimes. 

Grimes began his career as a 

New York City police officer in 

the 1960’s, a time of racial turmoil 

and antiwar protests. He 

took his assignments in stride, 

first as a beat cop in the south 

Bronx, and later, responding to 

riots in Harlem and protests at 

Columbia as part of the department’s 

tactical squad. As an 

African-American police officer 

raised in Harlem, a part-time 

college student and member of 

Omega Psi Phi, a national black 

fraternity, Grimes says he knew 

the territory. Recognizing people 

from his old neighborhood or 

brothers from his fraternity 

helped to diffuse tensions. “If 

you have a certain mindset and 

deal with people a certain way, 

even when there is hostility, you 

will still be able to communicate,” 

he says. 

Grimes earned eight citations during 

his first seven-year stint with 

the NYPD. At a time when, according 

to the New York Times, only 3% of 

police officers had a college degree, 

Grimes worked his way through 

John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 

earning a B.A. and a Master’s in 

Public Administration. Along the 

way, he became a detective. 

Assigned to the Queens DA’s Office, 

he worked closely with the FBI on 

bank robbery cases. Even though 

becoming an FBI agent had been a 

lifelong dream, he was initially 

reluctant to attend law school, a 

requirement for the job. Ironically, 

his eventual decision to attend law 

school would lead him to leave law 

enforcement. 

On to Harvard 

After winning a scholarship to 

Harvard Law School at age 30, he 

resigned from the force under 

protest when the police department 

denied his request for an unpaid 

leave of absence on the ground that 

educational leaves could only last 

one year. Grimes contended the 

denial was racially motivated, citing 

white officers who had secured 

longer leaves. The Queens DA and 

other prominent public figures rallied 

to Grimes’ cause while local 

and national publications followed 

the ensuing brouhaha (those stories 

and letters of support fill three of 

Grimes’ scrapbooks). A year later, a 

new Police Commissioner, Patrick V. 

Murphy, set higher educational 

requirements for incoming officers 

and those seeking promotion, establishing 

automatic leaves for officers 

pursuing higher degrees. He also 

reinstated Grimes. 

Grimes believes that race also kept 

him from being assigned to the 

forensics lab, another childhood 

dream. “You had to know someone 

to be invited.” An invitation 

finally came, “a month before I 

left for law school.” 

Nevertheless, he speaks of his 

time with the NYPD with a 

sense of fondness and nostalgia. 

He witnessed some of the 

key events of the 1960’s. “I was 

assigned to the security details 

for JFK, LBJ and the Pope–and I 

got to be at Shea Stadium for 

the first Beatles concert,” he 

said. “I really had a nice experience. 

I looked forward to working 

each day.” 

TWA: Up, up and away 

Grimes began his legal career at 

the prestigious New York law 

firm Shea & Gould. He later 

served as General Attorney and 

Vice President (Worldwide 

Security) at Trans World 

Airlines, and as Assistant 

Deputy Commissioner, Legal 

Matters and General Counsel, of 

the Civilian Complaint Review 

Board with the NYPD. With 

TWA, he travelled the world. He 

recalled one particular trip to the 

Pacific Rim as head of security, 

accompanying Time, Inc. executives 

to Hanoi, Manila, Hong Kong, 

Beijing, and Taiwan. 

Working for TWA gave him carte 

blanche to travel for pleasure too: “I 

went to Europe every weekend,” he 

said. A photography buff since high 

school, “Traveling, I used to carry 

more lenses than clothes,” he said. 

Flight attendants clued him in to 

bargains on camera equipment and 

the Lladro figurines he enjoys 

collecting. 

He and Barbara Zimet, former TWA 

Associate General Counsel and 

Corporate Secretary, founded 

Grimes & Zimet in 1989 when his 

son John J. Grimes, Jr., 23, was only 

three. Working first from his 

Armonk home and then his 

Chappaqua office gave him time 


with his young son, a bonus since 

his wife was commuting to lower 

Manhattan. It also facilitated trips 

to watch his stepson Derrick Phelps 

play basketball at UNC Chapel Hill. 

Derrick, 37, is now a professional 

basketball player in Romania. Linda 

Phelps, Grimes’ wife of 26 years, 

eventually left her job in Manhattan 

and is currently his “office manager, 

legal assistant and 24/7 companion.” 

Grimes quickly took to the practice 

of matrimonial law and now lectures 

on the subject. “My police 

training is very helpful because I 

dealt with the human aspect—people 

and conflict. When I was in uniform, 

I got involved in a lot of family 

disputes,” he said. 

Despite years of trial experience, 

Grimes champions efforts to settle 

divorce disputes amicably. He 

becomes particularly animated 

when discussing collaborative mediation, 

where both sides retain attorneys 

but pledge to work with each 

other and with professionals, such 

as mental health workers and 

financial advisors, to find common 

ground and avoid the courtroom. 

Grimes explains that, unlike traditional 

mediation, it is an “interdisciplinary 

approach [aimed at smoothing] 

the transition from a nuclear 

family to two separate units. It 

focuses on the parties’ needs rather 

than ‘positions.’ Lawyers are no 

longer gladiators; they are working 

as a team.” As an added inducement 

to cooperate, if they end up in court, 

the parties must retain different 

attorneys and other professionals 

than those they have used in the 

collaborative process. 

Nine years ago, Grimes was elected 

to the Byram Hills School Board. 

Concerned that Armonk students 

had limited experience with successful 

minority professionals, he 

worked to see the schools hire 

teachers of color. A recent book 

drive for poor Jamaican children 

spurred him to a project still in the 

offing: gathering a panel of 

Jamaican lawyers, judges and businessmen 

“to give [students] a different 

perspective.” 

“Mostly everyone I grew up with went 

to jail or got hooked on drugs so I 

have zero tolerance for drugs,” he 

says. Since his early days in the NYPD, 

Grimes has lectured youths about the 

dangers of drugs, a community service 

he continues today, aided by the 

first-hand accounts of recovering 

addicts, one of whom “took her false 

teeth out at the end and said, ‘Look 

what drugs did to me.’” 

He owes his success to “hard work 

and personality,” his father, who 

worked in a law book factory and 

encouraged him to go to law school, 

and his mother, “who made sure I 

studied.” 

Grimes believes his relaxed, low-key 

attitude is the reason he looks far 

younger than his 70 years. Outdoor 

pursuits include golf and gardening. 

A perfect evening? “A little reading—especially 

books on World War 

II, and a little TV. His favorite show? 

“CSI of course,” he says with a smile. 

MARIANNE A. CAMPOLONGO is a freelance 

writer and photographer for various 

publications and websites, including 

Inside Chappaqua. She recently 

launched a new website to showcase 

her passion for photography: 

www.campyphotos.com 

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YCX? 

Digesting 

Chappaqua Crossing 

ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY RANDY STUART 

or those yet to read the writing on the signs, the 

Fstately Reader’s Digest campus that has graced the 

eastern slope of the Sawmill Parkway since 1939 is 

Chappaqua Crossing. The rolling 114 acre site, framed by 

the Sawmill to the west, Bedford Road to the east, 

Cowdin Lane to the north and Roaring Brook Road to the 

south, was purchased by Summit/Greenfield in 

December of 2004 for $59 million. The Norwalk based 

real estate services company has proposed a 278 unit 

residential development on the site. 246 of these units 

would be age restricted (55+, no residents under 18 permitted) 

and sell for between $700k and $1.2 million. 56 

of the units would be affordable: 32 for our local workforce, 

24 age restricted. S/G will, in addition, maintain 

commercial rental space in the main building and seek 

to expand its current base of approximately 850 employees. 

Reader’s Digest is now a mere tenant. 

Why does this new project on the old Reader’s Digest 

site seem so hard to swallow? Is it our fear of increased 

traffic congestion, negative impact on our school district, 

compromised property values or the town getting 

shortchanged on the tax end? Yes. Is it our fear of seeing 

the rustic Chappaqua countryside disturbed, or watching 

idly as an industrial strength concentration of new 

residents moves right next door, or maybe even change 

itself? Perhaps. A Chappaqua resident with a long history 

of community service quipped, “If Jesus, Moses and 

Mother Teresa walked into town tomorrow, they would 

be embraced. But if any of them asked to lie down on 

the ground and rest, the neighbors would say no.” 


If And When CX 

Despite there being far more community opposition to 

the project than support—notwithstanding support 

from area merchants—the prevailing opinion seems to 

be that, somewhere down the line, accommodations, 

compromises and concessions will be made. And CX will 

get done, at least at some level. The five member town 

board is the lead agency on the project. They have 

recently completed an environmental impact statement. 

It’s now up to Summit/Greenfield to adjust their plan, 

respond to all the requests generated by the public 

hearing and work on their final environmental statement. 

S/G expects to complete this early in 2010. Then 

the board will review it. Then it goes back to S/G, and so 

on. The board has the final say. Another public hearing 

is not required. S/G believes that the review will be 

wrapped up in 2010 and that breaking ground in 2011 is 

realistic. The board has given no indication of the project’s 

likeliness to succeed. 

If and when it is approved, CX will not have survived 

without a few battle scars. Detractors and proponents of 

it differ on several relevant issues—traffic, schools and 

taxes among them—and have presented detailed contradictory 

rebuttal to many of each other’s claims. 

Crossing Town Traffic 

There has been far more opposition than support in our 

community, not all of it from next door neighbors. 

Clearly the influx of 568 residents (Rutgers U. survey 

based on US Census data) and more than 800 new 

employees (DEIS est.) will represent an increase in density. 

And this in turn will impact the already challenged 

local traffic scope. Summit/Greenfield claims that their 

planned improvements will actually enhance traffic 

flow. One such step is to add a new southbound right 

turn lane to Bedford Road at Roaring Brook. There are 

no contingencies for northbound Bedford Road traffic. 

S/G says that traffic along Roaring Brook Road between 

the Sawmill and Bedford Road (the HGHS stretch) won’t 

be affected by the development because employee and 

resident vehicles will ingress/egress via the SMP and 

Bedford Road entrances. S/G will also increase existing 

shuttle bus service to the train station. At its peak, 

Reader’s Digest employed approximately 3,000 employees, 

with more than twice that number during the holiday 

season. At peak projected occupancy Chappaqua 

Crossing will provide space for some 2,300 residents and 

tenants combined. 

Taxing to Our Schools? 

While the developer claims the project will generate an 

additional $3.7 million in annual property taxes, $2.8 

million of it earmarked for schools and library, the town 

estimates that the project would net far less. Utilizing 

2008 dollar values rather than 2015 and factoring in 

public expenses, we have used a surplus of $1.3 million 

for our analysis of CX’s impact on the school budget. 

Each new student represents a cost of over $25,000 per 

year to the town (2008 school year). Based on these criteria, 

51 new students would achieve the “breakeven” 

point. With age restrictions, S/G had claimed a projected 

eleven additional students, the town fourteen, all from 

the 32 workforce units. But uncertainty about the viabil- 


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ity of maintaining the 55+ scenario at CX has led the 

CCSD to commission a study from Western Suffolk 

BOCES. Assuming no age restrictions for the development, 

the number of new students was projected at 61, 

a figure Summit/Greenfield does not dispute. Factoring 

this amount in would theoretically put a hit on the 

school budget of approximately $250,000. 

On the flip side, the BOCES report also estimates a 

decrease of 86 students in our district between 2008 and 

2013, 261 by 2018 (predictions are less reliable the farther 

out they go). This has steered planning board members 

toward a belief that CX’s student influx won’t 

impact our schools. And S/G believes so strongly that 

their projected tax gain is more accurate than the 

town’s, they have offered to have their consultants sit 

with ours, without S/G present, to come to an understanding. 

Despite concern over whether the age restrictions 

can be maintained down the road, S/G believes 

they will be enforceable. The restrictions would be 

included in recorded deeds, certificates of occupancy 

issued by the town and in the CX Homeowner’s 

Association’s bylaws. 

Commercial Appeal 

The majestic 70 year old cupola crested main building 

is approximately half rented at present. Its 850 employees 

work for the four onsite tenants: Reader’s Digest, 

Northern Westchester Medical Center, Mount Kisco 

Medical Group and FibreMedia Data Center. Three of 

the most recent extensions to the building will be leveled 

to pare it down from 700,000 sf of office space to 

520,000 and help create space for the plan. 

Summit/Greenfield has met with resistance obtaining a 

variance to allow them to lease to more than four tenants. 

This would afford them some flexibility re-renting 

space in a non-commercial region in the event a large 

tenant is forced to vacate. The question here is, “Would 

the same number of employees working in the same 

space for a greater number of organizations pose a 

greater problem?” The town apparently wants to wait 

until other issues are resolved before addressing this 

variance. 

Environmental Breakdown 

Concerns about the environmental impact of such an 

imposing project are more than justified. Chappaqua 

Crossing is located in the New York City Watershed. It 

will erect structures where there is now bare land. 

Upwards of 600 residents will produce lots of sewage. 

Without addressing details, it is safe to say that the town 

will not grant approval unless each and every environmental 

concern is completely addressed and eliminated. 

And Summit/Greenfield matches this concern, desiring 

both project approval and a reputation as a good neighbor. 

The Chappaqua Crossing plan will preserve 50 acres 

of the site as permanent open space. To concerns of “eye 

pollution,” S/G’s goal appears to insure that the vast 

majority of the three-story maximum townhomes will be 

tucked within the rolling hills of the property and virtually 

invisible to those outside the site. 

Crossroads 

Wither Chappaqua Crossing? It is our obligation to 

ensure that all town projects—small, large or huge—are 

undertaken responsibly. Our concerns are many and justified 

and bring to light things that may otherwise have 

come to bite us on our assentations. 

But can we filibuster progress? For all its perceived negatives, 

Chappaqua Crossing is already the single largest 

taxpaying parcel in New Castle. And the CX plan is the 

only significant new source of tax revenue for the town 

and district in the foreseeable future. Summit/Greenfield 

seems responsive to our concerns, even if they have no 

choice. In terms of maintaining the property’s openness 

and Reader’s Digest ambiance, their plan has merits. 

The approval process and its system of checks and balances 

are likely to produce something that neither side 

is completely satisfied with. Chappaqua Crossing is an 

undertaking some feel the town can live without. 

But if it’s approved, perhaps it’s something we can learn 

to live with. 

RANDY STUART, whose son is a Horace Greeley High School 

Student, writes fiction and teaches music to mainstream and 

special needs students. This is his first assignment for IC. 

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C L O S E T O H O M E 

Mangia and Magic: 

An Arthur Avenue Adventure 

BY VICKI DEVRIES, MICHALL JEFFERS, AND JEAN SHEFF 

Jean Sheff 

When three IC writers decided to 

explore Arthur Avenue, the result was 

lots of laughs, plenty of eating, and of 

course, three distinct impressions of 

this section of the Bronx. 

JEAN: It’s been said before, but perhaps 

it needs repeating. You don’t 

have to be Italian to love eating and 

shopping on Arthur Avenue in the 

Bronx. Referred to by some as the 

real Little Italy of New York and bordered 

by the New York Botanical 

Garden and the Bronx Zoo, this day 

outing is a great adventure for 

friends and family. Many visit the 

Avenue for lunch either before or 

after a visit to the Gardens or Zoo, 

and then again some, like the three 

of us, proceed directly to the food 

offerings and mangia, mangia. 

It only takes about 40 minutes to 

reach the heart of the district that 

runs along Arthur Avenue between 

East 186th and 189th streets. From 

Chappaqua take the Saw Mill South 

to the Bronx River Parkway and get 

off at Exit 7W, Fordham Road. Signs 

will point you toward Arthur Avenue 

just several blocks away. Parking is 

available on the street, we didn’t 

even have to feed a meter, or in a 

municipal lot located on the Avenue 

between 188th and 189th streets. 

Red, white and green flags announce 

you’ve arrived to enjoy what the district 

calls “The Good Taste of 

Tradition.” Follow the aroma of baking 

bread and almond scented pastries 

that entice you at every corner. The 

food you find here is the real deal 

made with recipes that have been 

handed down through generations. 

MICHALL: For a real Arthur Avenue 

eating experience, try Dominick’s. 

Nothing slick here; the ten long oilcloth-covered 

tables fit eight comfortably; 

there are strategically 

spaced paper napkin dispensers, 

and our waiter, Pasquale, assures us 

he’s preparing our food. 

There’s no menu. Everything is 

served family style; the service is 

friendly, if somewhat inconsistent. 

The Terranova bread is delicious, but 

you will have to request oil or butter. 

To start, try the antipasto. Loaded 

with Italian salami, red peppers, 

Pepperoni, red onions, tomato, olives 

and Provolone, a serving for three is 

plenty for four ($24) 

The best deal is the tangy Chicken 

Scarpariello; the generous portion 

arrives falling off the bone tender 

($14). 

The Broccoli Rabe is redolent with 

garlic, a little chewy, and worth the 

price (for two, $14). 

The sauce is skimpy on the Penne 

Vodka, but the pasta is al dente ($13). 

Avoid the stringy Veal Franchese; 

the thick egg batter is unappealingly 

soggy.($16). 

If you’re looking for posters of gondoliers, 

red-checkered tablecloths, dripping 

candles stuck in Chianti bottles, 

and Dean Martin singing softly in the 

background, this isn’t for you. But for 

an authentic neighborhood meal, you 

can’t beat Dominick’s. 

VICKI: Our first stop after lunch was 

Mike’s Deli, located inside the 

renowned Arthur Avenue Retail 

Market. After passing up the handrolled 

cigars, imported pottery, and 

meat-and-cheese assortments, we 

sampled the panettone, a sweet holiday 

bread ($8.95/lb.), and eye-popping, 

four-inch chunks of almond-studded 

nougat candy called torrone ($18/lb.). 

Of course, we stopped at Casa Della 

Mozzarella, famous for its fresh 

mozzarella and ricotta. For exquisite 

pasta, Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg 

Noodles is the place. A sheet of 25 

freshly made cheese or spinachwith-meat 

ravioli sells for $3, great 

for appetizers or a quick meal. Our 

cooler came in handy… 

A triple bonus at Madonia Brothers 

Bakery: fresh pizza dough 

($1.50/lb.), bread ($2 / loaf) and biscotti 

($11/lb.); the double chocolate 

biscotti are delish. Next time, it will 

be the cannoli, ricotta custard-filled 

shells with a best-in-class status, 

and fennel tarrali. 

Last but not least, we admired the 

pastries and cookies at the DeLillo 

Pastry Shop, succumbing to their 

miniature sfogliatelle, thin layers of 

crisp dough with a sweetened ricotta 

filling, and macaroon-like pignoli 

cookies, both at $11/lb., and of 

course, their pasticiotti, small “pies” 

filled with custard ($2.50 each). This 

place is paradisio. 

So, how much did we spend on our 

first tasting tour? Under $15, thanks 

to ¼ to ½ lb. portions and free samples! 

And exerting utter self-control. 

Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles 

632 East 187th St., Bronx, 718-367- 

3799, www.borgattis.com 

Casa Della Mozzarella 604 E 187th 

St., Bronx, 718-364-3867 

DeLillo Pastry Shop 606 E. 187th St., 

Bronx, 718-367-8198, 

www.delillopastryshop.com 

Dominick’s, 2335 Arthur Avenue, 

Bronx, 718-733-2897. Meal for 4, $81, 

including tax. 

Madonia Brothers Bread 2348 

Arthur Avenue, Bronx, 718-295-5573 

Mike’s Deli/Arthur Avenue Retail 

Market 2344 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, 

718-295-5033 

Don’t expect the bargains of 

Flushing and Chinatown or the mall 

chic of Westchester. But for a unique 

New York experience, take a day trip 

to Arthur Avenue, and mangia! 

VICKI DEVRIES, MICHALL JEFFERS, and JEAN 

SHEFF regularly contribute to Inside 

Chappaqua. 


T O Y O U R H E A L T H 

Hope for the Best 

and Other Local Therapists' Guidance 

for Fighting the Recession Blues 

The banks, Wall Street and our 

government by the people and for 

the people seems to have gone out 

and had a big old party—on us. 

Now, the bill has come due and 

we're paying for it like we are the 

parents of a spoiled college student 

who's maxed out the family credit 

rating. In our despair, Chappaqua 

based clinical social worker/therapist 

Sheryl Manasse 

reminds us that we should still seek 

fulfillment in things such as 

friends, books and/or spiritual 

awakening. "But when you have to 

pay the electric bill," she says, green 

is green and “the man could care 

less about the status of your soul. 

Still, striking a balance in our realities 

is both possible and necessary 

if we want to get past the current 

economic difficulties, which has left 

few untouched. 

Hanging on to hope, one may stay 

in the moment ahead of next week's 

bills, and do just fine. Conversely, 

laying concrete goals and clearing 

timely benchmarks makes things 

come together for others. "That's 

how you help people; it's really tuning 

into where that person is at," 

she says. 

Either way, worrying won’t do but 

rising and falling with the fair 

weather economy is not necessarily 

avoidable when bad news comes 

your way. “It’s not the fact that you 

have these feelings, it’s that you’re 

able to move past them,” she says. 

BY RICH MONETTI 

That would be called coping and the 

community, she finds, isn’t going it 

alone. “People are doing a lot of networking,” 

she says. A starting point 

for seeking help may be to contact 

local sources such as area churches 

and synagogues and Westchester 

Jewish Community Services. 

It also can help to take the focus off 

your own problems and help others. 

There are plenty of local organizations 

in need of people with time 

and energy to get involved. Here's a 

few that are especially noteworthy 

during the holidays: 

www.hillsidefoodoutreach.org 

www.neighborslink.org 

www.foodbankforwestchester.org 

Dealing with Kids' Anxieties 

Almost inevitably, families will succumb 

to the financial pressures as 

they occupy the dinner table and TV 

room. “I think you need to bring it 

back to the time when, you know, 

pizza was a big deal,” she says. 

Easier said than done, but if and 

when that fails, Chappaqua therapist 

Oana Scholl, LCSW, counsels 

calm when it comes to differences 

on how existing money should be 

spent. “It’s about keeping communication 

lines as open as possible,” 

she says and keeping each other’s 

perspectives in mind to arrive at an 

agreeable financial course. 

It is probably wise to spare younger 

and even older children the nitty 

gritty details of difficult situations. 

“You can’t make them a partner in-- 

Oh my God, we’re not going to be 

able to pay the mortgage,” she says. 

Rather, parents should be realistic 

to a degree that lets them know the 

family is a bit stretched but is trying 

to figure out solutions. 

Reinforcing this, she thinks families 

should set aside actual time to sit 

down and discuss how things are 

adversely affecting them. On the 

other hand, a sit down should also 

celebrate family achievements and 

allow each to look forward to future 

plans, such as a vacation, even if 

the vacation is not as "luxurious" as 

in the past. With younger kids, 

consider turning your focus on participating 

more in community 

events too—street fairs and festivals. 

Westchestergov.com provides 

info on such activities. 

Ultimately, if all else fails, Manasee 

advises: hold on to dear hope even 

in the face of adversity. She relates 

this tale: Recently, three fishermen 

were lost at sea in the Gulf of 

Mexico and were only randomly 

found by a fellow fisherman after 

spending seven full days watching 

the Coast Guard whiz past them. 

Asked on the Today Show how they 

got through it, one of the fishermen 

replied in a manner that hopefully 

can help people here in a lot less 

dire circumstance. 

“Even when you’re hanging by a 

thread, there’s still enough thread 

for hope,” she relayed his inspiration 

in conclusion. 

RICH MONETTI is a freelance writer lives 

in Somers and the economy has him 

working in the after school program at 

Mt. Kisco Child Care Center. The enthusiastic 

smiles he is showered with 

everyday certainly helps make up for 

the financial short falls. 

"Parents should be realistic to 

a degree that lets kids know 

the family is a bit stretched 

but is trying to figure out 

solutions." 


T O Y O U R H E A L T H 

Teenager Dodges Diabetes 

with Positive Attitude 

BY PAMELA BROWN 

uvenile Diabetes? Quinn? No!” 

“Jwas Penny Vane’s initial reaction 

when family friend, Chuck 

Napoli, suggested her then 14-yearold 

son, Quinn, might have juvenile 

diabetes. But seeing him lose 

weight over several months and 

becoming emaciated last January, 

Penny had second thoughts. “He’d 

also been suffering with bad 

headaches, constantly thirsty, and 

getting up several times during the 

night to go to the bathroom. As it 

turns out, our friend’s son had also 

been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes 

as a teenager,” said Penny who 

immediately made an appointment 

with Quinn’s pediatrician who told 

her to take him to Maria Ferrera 

Children’s Hospital right away. 

“Apparently he was close to going 

into coma.” That day, Quinn was 

diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, an 

autoimmune disease that can 

affect every organ. 

Hospitalized for a week,Quinn, now 

a junior at Horace Greeley High 

School, learned about JD, how to 

manage it, and how to inject 

insulin. “At first, I was scared and 

confused at how it might change 

my life because I didn’t know much 

about diabetes or what was 

required of me,” said Quinn, now a 

healthy 155-pound athlete. 

Dealing with JD is challenging. Twice 

a day, Quinn injects himself with 

insulin, consumes thousands of 

calories daily, and takes a blood 

sugar reading five or more times per 

day. “I sometimes felt frustrated 

because I wasn’t able to do some of 

the things my friends could, like 

decide to go have a pizza after 

school.” 

Since Quinn’s diagnosis, the entire 

family adopted a new way of life. 

“We had to learn a lot about 

increasing carbohydrates, without 

fats, with less than half as sugar. 

Quinn, an avid soccer player, proves diabetes can be managed. 

Fortunately, we were already a foodie 

family—we love to cook and my 

husband was a Manhattan restaurateur 

and familiar with reading the 

nutrition labels on foods, but even 

so, it’s been an adjustment!” said 

Penny. “Balancing blood sugars 

means eating five or six times a day, 

at very specific times of day.” 

To help raise funds and awareness 

of JD, on October 18th Quinn and 

his family participated in Walk to 

Cure Diabetes, an annual event 

sponsored by the local Westchester 

chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes 

Research Foundation at White 

Plains High School. “It was our first 

walk, so we were novices to the 

whole phenomenon and went not 

knowing what to expect. Each team 

sets a fundraising goal and JDRF 

gives you lots of online tools to help 

you manage your team. We set a 

modest goal of $1,000 and ended up 

raising $1831!” exclaimed Penny. 

For Quinn it was a rewarding day. 

“It was important to me because I 

realize diabetes seriously affects a 

lot of people, and without these 

kind of fundraising events, there 

wouldn’t be as much money going 

to fund the research for a cure,” he 

said. 

Interestingly, diabetes opened up a 

new world to Quinn. “Beyond just 

learning how to manage my daily 

diet, it’s helped me learn about how 

food affects your body and how the 

body works.” He also made it the 

focus of his Independent Science 

Research project for school. 

Quinn proves diabetes can’t defeat 

you. “It might be hard at first to follow 

the routine or eat at the right 

times but if you keep doing what 

your doctors tell you to do, diabetes 

is something that shouldn’t slow 

you down or hold you back,” he 

said. 

Managing insulin levels is second 

nature. “Now it’s just an extra thing 

I’ve added to my routine, that doesn’t 

really change my life that much 

except to keep me more aware of 

my diet. I feel now it’s just more a 

bump in the road and it’s not going 

to stop me from doing anything I 

want to do.” 

For more information, go to 

www.jdrf.org. 

David Kulick 


W E A S K E D O U R A D V E R T I S E R S 

Great Gifts 

That Won’t Break The Bank 

Armonk Laser Hair Removal 

• For the months of December and 

January, purchase any package 

and receive an additional 50% off 

first treatment (any area). 

Applicable with gift certificate 

purchase as well. 914 219-5045, 

armonklaser.com 

Breezemont Day Camp in Armonk 

• Give your child a summer experience 

that lasts a lifetime. 

• With “Breezemont Bucks,” you 

can refer a friend and receive $100 

off on your tuition. 

914 273-3162 breezemont.com 

Cathy Hair & Co. Day Spa 

• Diamond Dermabrasion facial, 

$75 No chemicals involved and a 

50% savings. 

• Half Day of Beauty, $145 Includes 

facial, a blow dry and a mani/pedi. 

(Regular price: $225) 

914 238-2301 cathyhairdayspa.com 

The Cosmetic Boutique 

• Lip Slip by Sara Happ, $24 

• Vanilla & Bergamot Body Buff by 

Bliss, $36 

914 861-2552 thecosmeticboutique.net 

Desires by Mikolay 

• Bling! bracelets... stainless steel, 

sterling silver stations, set with 

real diamonds. Alone or layered in 

sets of 3, 5, and 7! $150 each 

• Black mosaic earrings from 

designer Miguel Ases. $330 Made 

of gemstones and gold fill (as less 

expensive option than solid gold 

and worn by celebrities such as 

Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria, and 

Sarah Jessica Parker (These are the 

black mosaic earrings.) 

• Ladies fine sterling silver pendant 

on 16” bead chain $195. Men’s fine 

sterling silver dog tag pendant on 

22” chain $295 Co-designed by Scott 

& Tara Mikolay (owner of three rescue 

dogs). 100% of the proceeds go 

to the animal sanctuary Pets Alive. 


• Cocktail ring with large center 

topaz surrounded by diamonds set 

into either 14k white or yellow 

gold. $750 

• For the men...Robin Rotenier’s 

cufflink line...each can be worn on 

both sides, allowing the wearer to 

constantly change the look. $295 

914 238-2223 desiresbymikolay.com 

Elegance II by Babette 

• Chanel or Prada or Botegga handbags 

at a 50% savings or more. 

• One of a kind, unique, 18kt jewelry 

designed by Deborah Pangle. 

914 238-3341 

Eye Gallery 

Don’t miss our Oliver Peoples trunk 

show. It will take place on Saturday, 

December 12th, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Discounts on all Oliver Peoples 

frames. Hors d’oeuvres will be 

served. 914 238-5600 eyegalleryny.com 

Family Britches 

• For him: our Peter Millar 

menswear collection, starting at 

under $100 

• For her: our Family Britches 

cotton sweaters for women, 

from $125 

914 238-8017 familybritches.com 

Gail Patrick’s Café 

• Gift certificates toward holiday 

catering needs at any budget. 

• A well stocked retail section 

includes specialty sauces, dips, 

dressings and more. 

• Holiday gift packages such as a 

trio of mustards playfully packaged 

inside a “Christmas tree.” 

914 238-0690 gailpatrickscafe.com 

Grappolo Locanda Restaurant 

• 10% off on Gift Certificates 

• One complimentary dessert per 

couple. 

914 238-5950 grappololocanda.com 

Hilltop Wines and Spirits 

• Washington Hills Merlot and 

Washington Hills Chardonnay 

Two-Bottle Gift Set, $20 ($6 savings) 

• Pelissero, Two-Bottle Gift Set, $25: 

2006 Barbaresco and 2006 Barbera 

D’Alba ($15 savings) 

• Three Bottles (1997, 2003, 2009) 

Royal Oporto Vintage Port Set, 

$119 ($50 savings) 

914 238-8422 hilltopwine@verizon.net 

ICD Contemporary Jewelry 

• Our beautiful Rebecca Italian 

(three stone) ring, $325 

• 14kt, hammered gold 1 1/2" Flower 

Medallion with diamond center 

$460 

• Marco Bicego 18kt dangle bean 

earrings, $260 

• 14 kt necklace with five-faceted 

citrine drops and matching earrings. 

necklace: $100 and earrings 

$80 

• Sterling silver, vermeil pink gold 

matte finish Flower Earrings with 

Diamond Center, $37.50 

914 238-3646 icdjewelry.com 

Jean Jacques’ Culinary Creations 

• Our famous Bûche de Noël (Yule 

Log) in three delicious flavors: 

Dark Chocolate, Cappuccino or 

Lemon Meringue with Fresh 

Raspberries. Small serves 8 - 

$27.50, Large serves 12-15 $45.50. 

• Our private party room with fullservice 

catering and bar is an ideal 

venue for your holiday party. 

914 747-8191 JEAN-JACQUES.com 

Jodi’s Gym 

• A shiny, stretchy, glitzy, groovy 

biketard for your kid on the 

move. $30-$38 

• One day of holiday mini-camp 

Dec. 24th, 28th, 29th, 30th, or 31st. 

$55 for Jodi’s Gym members $60 

for non-members 


Come in for our new 

Fall/Winter 

“Stimulus Menu!” 

Featuring Grilled Pizza, Spaghetti with 

Meatballs & More 

Serving our Bistro menu all day Sunday - Thursday 

Thin-Crust Pizzas, Panninis and Burgers 

Lunch: Monday – Saturday 11:30 to 2:30 

Dinner: Monday – Thursday 5:00 to 10:00 

Friday & Saturday 5:00 to 11:00 

Sunday 12:30 - 9:00 

76 King Street • Chappaqua, NY 10514 

914-238-5950 

grappololocanda.com 

Breezemont 

Day Camp 

in Armonk NY 

is currently accepting enrollments 

for the summer of 2010. 

Offering an aBreezeiated day 

for 3 and 4 year olds. 

Please check out our web-site at 

www.Breezemont.com 

Or call us at (914) 273-3162 

to get more information 

62-64 Cox Avenue 

Armonk, NY 10504 

Programs Available for 

2009-2010 School Year 

Quality School-Age 

Child Care 


Children’s 

Workshop 

• To progress 

Licensed UPON by NYS RECEIPT: Office of AFTERTHE OFFICIAL CLOSE DATE FORTHIS ISSUE, PLEA 

Children 

PROMPTLY 

& Family Services 

WITHIN 48 HOURS WITH APPROVAL AND/OR ANY CHANGESTOT 

— Inside our full service spa: New, 

• Elementary NOT HEARFROMYOU,THIS Before & AD WILL CONTINUETOHighly MOVE Trained AS Massage SHOWN Therapist INTO P 

CHANGES CAN NO LONGERBEOffers GUARANTEED.THANKYOU 

Swedish, Deep Tissue and 

After School Programs 

Mother to Be Massages. 

Pleasereviewcarefullycheckingallcopyforerrorsincludingaddressesandph 

— Diamond Dermabrasion Special Offer 

• KU Afterschool 

InsideChappaquaisnotresponsiblefortypographicalerrors. 

to Improve Aging Skin: 50% off on first 

Program at Bell 

PO Box 918 


914-238-3295 

ccwkids.org 

CATHY HAIR 

& Co. Day Spa 

AD 

NEW!! Discover your 

Beauty in SELF-TOUR 

• A complete transformation 

• Profound change in form | 

structure | color | appearance 

• To alter | to become | to bring 

forward 

• To elevate | to enhance | to 

enrich | to modify 

treatment. Book early for holiday time 

appointments. 

■ Proof Approved _________________________ (please sign) 

101 Bedford Road (Rt. 117) 

■ Please make indicated changes 

Scruples 

Color Specialists 


PROOF 

Phone 914.238.2600 Fax 914.238.2611 

Happy Holidays 

from Our Family 

to Yours 


914-238-2301 

Mon-Sat 9-6 

Now Open Sundays 

www.cathyhairdayspa.com 

Today’s 

Date__ 


• Private gymnastics lesson with 

your child’s favorite teacher. $55 

for 45 minutes 

914 244-8811 jodisgym.com 

Loungerie 

• “R&R Panties in a Box and 

“Hanky Panky Rose Thongs” 

Under $20 

• Come see our other items that 

Won’t Break the Bank. 

914 941-0977 

March Boutique of Briarcliff 

• J. J. Winters Clutch Bags. $90 

Beverly Hills designer Joyce 

Winters’ beautifully made clutch 

bags featuring exquisite leather 

and suede in black patent, taupe, 

green, crocodile. All with gold or 

silver chains. 

• Sisters Cardigans. $64 Great winter 

staple. Soft, comfortable cardigans 

in chocolate brown, deep 

purple, burnt orange, charcoal 

grey and black. 

• Scarves. $60 This season’s musthave 

accessory… fashionable 

plaid scarves in blue, purple, rose, 

pink and celadon. Sophisticated 

paisley scarves in golds and teals. 

914 923-2100 MarchBoutique.com 

Matero Fine Jewelery & Design 

• Phillip Stein watches, which now 

have an independent “snooze 

study” that says they do indeed 

help you sleep. 

• Hershey Kiss jewelry line, “A kiss 

that lasts forever” available in 

sterling silver or encrusted with 

diamonds—to suit everybody’s 

budget. 

914 944-1495 

Music in Chappaqua 

• Coaching session for your child’s 

rock band with a professional 

musical director. Special holiday 

price (one per band): $75 The 

instructor will bring out the 

strengths in each band member, 

and provide pointers for improving 

performance. In the comfort of 

your home or in our beautiful studio. 

• Voice coach for Mom. Eight lessons 

with a professional voice 

coach leading up to a “cabaret 

night“ on stage. $400 Mom will 

perform for friends and family to 

a live accompanist. 


• Special price for Chappaqua 

Rocks: $500, before January 1. Full 

week of non-stop jamming and 

learning at our incredible rock day 

camp. 

914 238-3123 musicinchappaqua.com 

Nicolaysen Agency 

• Free consultation for your insurance 

policies comparing companies 

for competitive prices. 

• Free estate planning consultation. 

914 238-4455 nicolaysenagency.com 

Oasis Day Spa 

• Essential Oils by Essence of Vali 

$18 Pure plant essences and golden 

jojoba are custom blended to 

promote wellness and balance. 

Choose from Calm, Detox, Uplift, 

Sleep, Refresh Fortify or Passion. 

• GM Collin: Facial-at-Home Basket 

$100 ($132 value) 

From one of the most respected 

spa lines in the world, GM Collin, 

we offer three coordinated facial 

products from their brand new Bio 

Organique Collection; Energizing 

Mask, Treating Serum, Nourishing 

Cream. 

914 409-1900 oasiswestchester.com 

Play Care Nursery & Preschool 

• Early a.m. Drop Off 

• Enrichment Classes 

914 238-6206 

Richard G. Rosenthal JCC 

• Open Gyms for children up to age 

5 on Sundays, Feb. 7 and Mar. 7, 

from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. This is FREE for 

JCC members, $5 per non-member 

child. RSVP required. 

• Rosenthal JCC after-school classes. 

Winter session starts in 

January and runs 11 or 12 full 

weeks. Classes for children in K – 

6th grade start at 4 p.m. 

Transportation from area schools, 

a snack and supervised playtime 

before classes are all included in 

the price! Classes are cool, including 

Performance Theater, Lego 

Robotics, and gymnastics with 

Jodi’s Gym. Plus, if you bring in 

this article, you can get $15 off a 

class. 

914 741-0333 rosenthaljcc.org 

Squires Family Clothing and 

Footwear 

• “180’s” EAR WARMERS (Muffs) 

$35-$45 These feature an 

adjustable strap which goes 

around the back of the head. 

Certain models even have an I-Pod 

hookup! They come in sizes for 

Men, Women and Children. 

• “Fit Flop” Clog - “Clogs with the 

Gym Built In!” $85 Great for 

lower knees, lower back, sciatica 

and toning muscles! 

914 238-4511 squiresny.com 

The Perennial Chef 

• Old Fashioned Candies in Stylish 

Glass Jar (under $10)- 

Raspberry/Citrus/Violet 

• 100% Raw Honey with Olive Wood 

Honey Dipper ($22)-Sweet Yellow 

Clover/Basswood/Star Thistle 

• The Chocolate Lover’s Basket: 

Dark Chocolate w/Rose Petals, 

Orange and Raspberry Chocolate 

Twigs, The Perennial 

Chef’s Truffles, Hot Chocolate 

Pouches ($40) 

914 666-6523 theperennialchef.com 

Thompson & Bender suggestion: 

Ritz-Carlton December events: 

• December 6th: 10 a.m. to Noon 

for children ages 3-8. The Family 

Give-Back Holiday Open House 

includes, breakfast with Frosty 

and Friends, a special visit from 

dancers from the Westchester 

Ballet Company’s Nutcracker, cookie 

decorating, refreshments, face 

painting and other holiday activities. 

Families are asked to bring 

new unwrapped books and pajamas 

as gifts for the not-for-profit 

Pajama Program. $15 per person. 

• December 12th: 9 to 11 a.m. 

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating 

Event 

• December 13th and 20th: 9 to 11 

a.m. Breakfast with Frosty and 

Friends. 

For more information and reservations, 

call (914) 467-5817 

Westchester Ballet Co. 

Give your balletomane (a lover of 

ballet) two tickets to Westchester 

Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker 

this holiday season—just a short 

drive away at the centrally located 

Westchester County Center Dec. 18- 

20. Tickets for over 60 or under 13 

fans are just $12 if purchased in 

advance, $18 for everyone in 

between. Present a $2 off coupon to 

save even more. countycenter.biz 

845-454-3388

BEECHER FUNERAL HOME, INC. 

“The place to turn in your time of need” 

William F. Flooks, Jr. Proprietor 

Caring for our 

community since 1928… 

Personal and complete 

Funeral service 

418 Bedford Road 

PLEASANTVILLE 

769-0001 

www.beecherfh.com 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

FROM OUR FAMILY 

TO YOURS. 

Happy 

holidays 

from our 

entire staff 

For 39 years, Family Britches has been part of 

the fabric of the Chappaqua community. We invite you 

to join us this holiday season to choose from the finest 

names in mens, womens and boys clothing. 

BRITCHES 

F A M I L Y 

70 King St., Chappaqua, NY 914 238-8017 

39 Elm St., New Canaan, CT 203 966-0518 

www.familybritches.com Open Sundays through Christmas. 

 

Westchester Tree Life, Inc. 

• Spring is Coming: Think ahead and contact us for a 

consultation for spring planting/shrub care. 

• Call for Emergency Tree Work following winter snow 

and ice storms. 

914 238-0069 westchestertreelife.com 

World Cup Gymnastics 

• Kids Night Out $30 gift certificates. For both parents 

and children to enjoy. 

• Passes to World Cup Gymnastics’ Open Gym (for children 

4 and under) for fun and exploration. Purchase a 

$120 coupon book for 10 passes. 

• Free Trial Class. 

914 238-4967 worldcupschools.com 

ACADEMIC TUTORING 

Mathematics 

Chemistry 

Physics 

Grades 6 to 12 

SAT/PSAT/ACT Prep 

Multi Subject Sessions 

Extensive Glowing References 

ALLAN SCHNEIDER 

TEACHING STUDENTS TO TEACH THEMSELVES 

914 - 962 - 3043 

www.allanschneidertutoring.com 

allans@cloud9.net 


Illustration by Rick Reynolds 

As the holiday season comes into 

full swing, I’m thinking about 

my favorite dish: food. To be 

specific, like so many foodies, I love 

leftovers. So named because they 

are left over, “leftovers” to some is a 

derogatory term, like damaged 

goods. But those in the know, know 

differently. Incidentally, most 

species love leftovers, not just 

hunter/gatherers like us. For 

instance scavengers like hyenas and 

vultures eat nothing but leftovers. 

Poor examples, possibly, but you get 

my point. Time can do wonderful 

things to food. 

In my view, leftovers often taste 

better than the original meal. 

Certainly, turkey with stuffing, or a 

garlic and rosemary encrusted leg 

of lamb, or beautiful eggplant 

parmesan with pine nuts can 

intensify in flavor after a night or 

two in the fridge. Sadly, my wife 

doesn’t like leftovers, and my 

daughter, a senior in high school, 

still won’t eat the original meal 

from which the leftovers are left 

over from. So, this just means more 

for me—right? 


R I C K ’ S 

Last Licks 

Leftovers 

BY RICK REYNOLDS 

No sir. As luck would have it, I 

ended up with a small, finicky dog 

of modest pedigree, “Petey,” a 

poodle/yorkie mix who has 

somehow defied any wolf-like 

tendencies. Less a gourmand than a 

gourmet, Petey won’t wolf down his 

food like every other self-respecting 

mongrel I’ve known. Since early on, 

Petey simply turned up his nose at 

his kibble. Friends would tell us to 

hold our ground—he’d eat when he 

got hungry enough, they said. To 

make a long story short, he never 

got hungry enough, so we upped the 

ante with a dollop of canned dog 

food to get his gastric juices flowing. 

In addition, we’ve had to make 

eating a command, as in, “Stay,” 

“fetch” and “roll over.” Keeping as 

stern a face as possible, we must 

lower our voices ominously and 

growl, “Petey Eaty!,” repeating it 

several times with increasing 

authority before he’ll approach his 

bowl. After eyeing his food, he’ll 

glace back at his feeder, apparently 

searching for facial signs that would 

give away any hint that he’s about 

to be poisoned. Only then, after you 

pretend to taste a morsel of his 

food—all the while saying 

“Hmmmm!” and smacking your 

lips—will he ever-so-cautiously 

sample his dinner. 

This approach worked fine until my 

health-conscious wife learned of the 

terrible things they put in canned 

dog food and switched to—you 

guessed it—leftovers to sweeten the 

pot. My leftovers. 

Now, on this day after a scrumptious 

lamb roast, I find myself with a 

dinner entree of mixed salad greens 

and Brussels sprouts as I look over 

at Petey savoring my choicest cuts of 

lamb. A desperate trip to the fridge 

only deepens my trauma. There, 

under the eggs and above the 

cheeses, is a Tupperware clearly 

labeled “Petey.” In it are five pounds 

of my expertly roasted lamb minced 

into raison-sized bites and tossed 

with kibble. Even in his spike 

studded collar, Petey barely tips the 

scales at 11 pounds, so only an 

ounce of my precious leftover is 

consumed before my wife mixes in 

the next round of leftovers. This 

requires ever-larger Tupperware 

containers to hold all the food. 

Hence, on every other night I’ll be 

staring at franks and beans, or 

macaroni and cheese—the fare 

favored by my daughter—while 

Petey is vigilantly guarding his bowl 

of last night’s pot roast. 

My wife tells me I shouldn’t 

complain. Petey has maintained his 

weight beautifully, she says, and I 

could learn a lesson from that. An 

intelligent dog, Petey knows how I 

feel, and gives me wide berth on 

leftover nights. 

Chappaqua alumnus and long-time 

resident, humorist RICK REYNOLDS 

divides his time among book, blog 

(www.my-pnl.blogspot.com,) 

magazine column, and marketing 

communications assignments. He 

resides in southern New Hampshire 

with his wife, daughter and two dogs.


T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R N E W C A S T L E A N D B E Y O N D Winter 


CHAPPAQUA 

Cover Sponsors 

Eye Gallery 

Desires by Mikolay 

Academic Tutoring, 

Allan Schneider..............................35 

Ann Herrero Morgan Stanley, 

Smith Barney ..................................10 

Armonk Laser Hair Removal ........22 

Beecher Funeral Home ..................35 

Bramswigphotography.com...........22 

Breezemont Day Camp..................33 

Camp Connection ..........................35 

Cathy Hair & Day Spa ...................33 

Chappaqua Childrens 

Workshop ........................................33 

Chappaqua Crossing........................5 

Chappaqua Friends 

Nursery School ...............................27 

Elegance II by Babette ...................19 

Eye Designs of Armonk ...................2 

Advertisers at a Glance 

Eye Designs, The Eyes Have It ......11 

Family Britches...............................35 

Fran Seeve, Houlihan Lawrence 

Real Estate ......................................27 

Gail Patrick's Café ............................9 

Grappolo Locanda Restaurant......33 

Hilltop Wines and Spirits ..............14 

Horace Greeley 

Scholarship Fund ...........................12 

ICD Contemporary Jewelry .............3 

ICD In the Loupe ............................10 

Jean-Jacques' 

Culinary Creations.........................18 

Jodi's Gym .......................................25 

John Warner Reiki Master .............28 

Le Jardin du Roi ..............................24 

Loungerie ........................................25 

March Boutique................................2 

Matero Jewelry and Design, Inc....25 

Meyer and Spencer, LLP.................21 

Music in Chappaqua......................19 

2009/2010 

New Castle Physical Therapy........14 

Nicolaysen Agency, Inc. .................25 

Oasis Day Spa.................................17 

Play Care Nursery & Preschool.....18 

Prudential Holmes & Kennedy.......7 

Rosenthal JCC .................................27 

Sheila Siderow Column ...................8 

Squires Family Clothing and 

Footwear..........................................27 

Steffi Nossen School of Dance .....22 

The Cosmetic Boutique .................21 

The Nutcracker, 

Westchester Ballet Co....................17 

The Perennial Chef ..........................9 

Westchester Tree Life, Inc. ............28 

World Cup Gymnastics..................21 

World Cup Nursery and 

Kindergarten...................................17 


Look Forward to Each Issue of Inside Chappaqua? 

Help Keep them Coming! Renew or begin a 

voluntary subscription for 

February ’10-February ’12. 

Next 14 issues: $24 

Send this form with your payment to: 

Inside Chappaqua P.O. Box 643 

Millwood, NY 10546 

Subscribe today! 

for your family, a friend, 

relative or business associate. 

Yes! I wish to begin a subscription for: 

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Dr. Jay Rosen Dr. Michael Rosen Dr. Chris Gentile 

Scarsdale 

8 Spencer Place 

Scarsdale, NY 10583 

914-472-2020 


22 S. Greeley Avenue 


914-238-5600

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