download the May 2011 issue (PDF). - Inside Chappaqua

May 2011 

THE MAGAZINE FOR NEW CASTLE AND BEYOND 

www.insidechappaqua.com 

Susan 

Schrott’s 

Art: 

Toward 

Research 

on Eating 

Disorders 

And other 

Special 

Causes 

Meet the All Knowing 

Stacy Geisinger! 

The Down to Earth 

Isa Marrs 

What is TARP? 

New School Superintendant 

Lynn McKay’s 

Initiative Takes Off 

Loving Dawn: 

A Friend’s Remembrance 

Our Sponsors Weigh in! 

• How “Being a Mom” 

Translates in the World of Biz 

• What Makes a Camp Unique? 

$3.95 

May 2011 Inside Chappaqua 1

2 Inside Chappaqua May 2011


page12 

insidechappaqua.com 

page 17 

page 10 

FEATURES 

10 Get to Know Stacy Knows! 

Jean Sheff profiles Stacy Geisinger, the remarkable 

voice behind the popular blog StacyKnows.com. From 

suburban mom to internet maven, trust us, you’ll 

want to get to know her too. 

12 Loving Dawn 

Inside Chappaqua is proud to share Laurie Fessler’s exquisite 

journal entries about the friends and family who 

prayed for healing as Dawn Re battled for her life, and 

about, most of all, one truly wonderful person. 

14 Speech Language Pathologist Isa Mars 

Writer Donna Abemayor gets a glimpse of Isa’s love and 

care and considerable talent in treating children with 

near and far. 

17 Behold! The Anatomy of a Dream 

of the Heart 

Lori Sachare profiles Susan Schrott, psychotherapist and 

artist, who was inspired to weave her disciplines and 

talents to create a pendant based on one of her textile 

pieces. Proceeds from sale of the pendant, which 

embodies the essence of a woman, will be used to create 

a scholarship to help those in need of therapy for eating 

disorders. 

22 Understanding Chappaqua Schools’ 

“Teacher Action Research Project” 

New School Supt. Lynn McKay’s TARP initiative for 

the district is changing the way teachers teach and how 

kids learn… Here’s how it works. By Vicki DeVries 

34 Demystifying Chappaqua’s 

Wagon Road Camp 

With its wonderful facilities and backyard locale, this 

very special camp, owned and operated by the Childrens’ 

Aid Society, proudly provides fun-filled summers 

for children all over. By Pamela Brown 

36 Human Rights Institute: 

A Critical Mission 

Standing up and taking action is the goal of 10th annual 

Human Rights Institute for High School Student 

Leaders. Rich Monetti investigates how students are 

helping change the world. 

Plus: Social Justice Award Given to Temple Beth El 

8 Just Between Us 

Unforgettable Experiences 

Plus: Yom Hashoah 

Remembrance, May 1 

20 Happenings 

DEPARTMENTS 

We Asked Our Advertisers 

25 Moms in Biz 

How Does Being a Moms Help your Biz? From 

honing empathy and listening skills to fine tuning 

ones of negotiating and multi-tasking, mom “experience” 

is a boost to any business. By Lisa Ballou 

31 What Makes a Camp Unique 

Six camp directors explain their special programs 

for kids that offer fantastic times and memories 

for a lifetime. By Sarah Ellen Berman 

39 Maggie Mae Pup Reporter 

A Walk on the Wild Side 

Yes, birds make fine friends too! 

A visit with Dr. Laurie Hess, exotic pets vet. 

By Maggie Mae with Ronni Diamondstein 

Are You Single? 

41 Internet Dating Stories... 

from AboveAverage.com 

43 How Divorce Affects Friendships 

45 Advertisers at a Glance 

46 Rick’s Last Licks 

My Life as a Digilante 

by Rick Reynolds 

ON THE COVER 

page 32 

“First Star 

I See Tonight” 

By Artist and 

Psychotherapist 

Susan Schrott 



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I pegged this 

issue “The Unforgettable 

Mom.” 

Had a nice ring to 

it, I thought, and 

have indeed turned 

the spotlight on 

some obviously 

memorable women. If you haven’t 

been to StacyKnows.com, you will 

soon be taking all kinds of shopping 

and living advice from the 

incomparable Stacy Geisinger! 

Know I do! A special remembrance 

of Chappaqua’s Dawn Re is also a 

page you won’t want to miss. While 

I didn’t have the privilege of knowing 

Dawn, I am honored to include 

Laurie Fessler’s words about 

“Loving Dawn” in this issue. And 

of course, the beautiful, art for a 

cause by Susan Schrott–and writer 

Lori Sachare’s accompanying story– 

touched me deeply too. Plus, much 

more…speech language pathologist 

Isa Marrs and exotic pets vet Dr. 

Laurie Hess are two more remarkable 

women profiled in this issue. 

Truthfully, in retrospect, I think 

the phrase “The Unforgettable 

Mom” is a bit misleading. I don’t 

www.insidechappaqua.com 


Volume 8, Number 5 

Publisher and Editor 

Grace Bennett 

Associate to the Publisher 

Design 

Carine Feist 

Dina Spalvieri 

Contributors 

Donna Abemayor, Daniel Baitch, Lisa Ballou, Sarah Ellen Berman 

Pamela Brown, Vicki DeVries, Ronni Diamondstein 

Laurie Fessler, Janine Crowley Haynes, Michael Kohn 

Rick Reynolds, Lori Sachare, Jean Sheff 

Web Consultant 

Palmer Louise 

Inside Chappaqua is published six times a year, and is 

owned and operated by The Inside Press, Inc. 

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

Phone Number: 914-238-2600. Copyright © 2011. 

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. Editorial submissions should be mailed to 

the above address (please enclose an SASE) or sent to editor@insidechappaqua.com. 

For more information, rates and advertising calendar, go to www.insidechappaqua.com. 

8 Inside Chappaqua May 2011 

General Counsel 

Brian Hand 

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

Unforgettable Experiences 

think I have ever met a mom, or 

any person at all really, whom I’d 

call “forgettable.” I know as a journalist 

and publisher that there’s 

a “story to tell” in each of us. A 

new friend and Rabbi-in-training 

recently reminded me that we’re 

each a world within this world. 

Count on a future Rabbi to weigh 

in with a simple truth. The life 

experiences that each one of us 

contributes to the lives we intersect, 

for better or for worse, is 

truly what’s unforgettable. 

The people and stories behind 

any business, advertising driven or 

not!, can be as interesting as any 

that come my way. In this issue, 

local camp owners proudly share 

the unique aspects of their camps, 

in case you are still pondering your 

child’s summer. A feature that 

follows on the Wagon Road Camp 

demystifies a vibrant backyard 

camp too. 

I was also thoroughly delighted 

by fellow mom biz owners who 

described so positively the impact 

of being a parent in their daily 

business lives. 

GIFT IDEA: 

Say: LOVE YOU, Dad 

with a Surprise, Paid 

Announcement in the 

June issue of Inside 

Chappaqua and help 

support this magazine 

while you’re doing so! 

A “message to the dad in 

your life,” in his 

hometown mag is a 

keeper! Deadline for 

Copy: May 5. For 

pricing and more 

information, write to 

advertising@ 

insidechappaqua. com 

Editor’s Photo by 

Alex Federov, 

federovphoto.com 

So Happy Mother’s Day to y’all, 

and to me too, this year! Here’s to 

no one ever describing you or me as 

“forgettable.” 

P.S. May 1 in White Plains: 

A Yom Hashoah Remembrance 

I also included a story by Rich 

Monetti, about the Human Rights 

Institute, a program of the Holocaust 

and Human Rights Education 

Center. I am a member of its 

advisory board and, as many of you 

know by now, a child of Holocaust 

survivors. The HHREC provides 

free programming to shape tomorrow’s 

leaders and to serve educators 

in the area of human rights in 

a host of phenomenal ways. A great 

way to support the center and its 

mission is simply to attend its annual 

Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance 

Day) Commemoration 

that will be held from 2-3:30 p.m 

on Sunday, May 1 at Congregation 

Kol Ami (252 Soundview Avenue) 

in White Plains. 

The program is organized annually 

by the HHREC and is co-sponsored 

by the Westchester Jewish Council 

and Congregation Kol Ami. The 

event is free and open to the public. 

After the ceremony, guests will be 

invited to visit The Garden of Remembrance, 

located in front of the 

Michaelian Office Building at 148 

Martine Avenue in White Plains. 

The Garden was created by HHREC. 

“It’s now 66 years since World 

War II ended, ” said Donna Cohen, 

executive director of HHREC. 

“With each passing year, there are 

fewer Holocaust survivors to tell 

the world first-hand about what 

they saw and about the dangers of 

bigotry. As time marches on, these 

stories become more and more 

vital to the history of the Jewish 

people–and serve as a constant 

reminder to the world about the 

critical importance of respect for 

human rights everywhere.” For 

more info, visit hhrecny.org.


Who Knows? Stacy Knows! 

The Unlikely Story of an Entrepreneur 

Every group of girlfriends has 

one–the “go-to” gal. She’s the one 

that knows where to go, what to do 

and how to get anything done. 

Even from the earliest age, 

Stacy Geisinger, was that girl. “I 

was always the social type,” says 

Geisinger. “And, I’ve been known 

to have an opinion.” What’s more, 

Geisinger, who hails from Bayside, 

Queens, has a fabulous sense of 

humor. Who wouldn’t want to hear 

what she has to say? 

Although she’s been living in 

bucolic Bedford for more than 20 

years, you can still hear that city 

energy in her voice. Yet, this grown 

woman, whose only son, Alexander, 

is in college, has surprisingly found 

herself at the helm of StacyKnows. 

com, the fast-growing blog that 

covers everything Stacy knows and 

then some. If you’d like a great tip 

or want to know what’s new in the 

world of beauty, fashion, shopping, 

music, travel, food, drink, charity 

or more, just ask Stacy. There’s usually 

no need for questions because 

Geisinger fuels her site regularly 

with everything you want to know 

and beyond. 

GET READY 

How did a suburban mom turn 

into a savvy, social media entrepreneur? 

It took a few twists and 

turns of fate and a willing spirit. 

Geisenger wasn’t always the one 


By Jean Sheff 

to take risks. Although she wanted 

to study marketing in college, her 

father talked her into becoming an 

accountant. “Those were the days 

when being happy was not a priority; 

having a solid job was the goal,” 

she says. So Geisinger did what 

good girls from Queens do, she 

took the route to the solid job. “The 

goal was to have a job, even if it 

was a job you hated,” she jokes. Accounting 

led to marriage, the birth 

of her son, a move to the burbs and 

the “Kindergarten to Grade 12” lifestyle. 

“Life was about homework, 

projects and car pools,” she says. 

And, of course, exercise class. 

GET Set 

Being in the know, Geisinger was 

taking one of the hottest classes of 

the day–Power Groove kickboxing, 

twice a week. 

“I don’t remember exactly how it 

started; the instructor was making 

a point about toning up our arms 

for the summer and in a fun way 

he started this little chant, “Stacy 

Knows… yes, Stacy Knows.” 

Well, it just stuck. “Then my 

friends started telling me I should 

have a website because of all I 

knew, so I looked at some sites, but 

I didn’t know,” she says. On a trip 

out to the Hamptons, Geisinger 

started talking to a gentleman who 

just happened to be a ‘google guy.’ 

It was serendipity. “Two hours 

later, I had a website,” she says. She 

introduced her site to a mailing list 

she had of 500 addresses. 

That was three years ago. “I am 

having so much fun,” she enthuses. 

“With this vehicle, you can make it 

as much as you want it to be.” She’s 

joined Facebook, opened a Twitter 

account, and became enthralled 

with things like search engine optimization 

and affiliate marketing. 

Go! 

So, has she found fame and fortune? 

“It might not be the best way 

to put food on the table, but I have 

some paying advertisers. They’re 

my favorite people, and I do a lot 

of barter. Food, books, soap and 

perfume presents just keep arriving 

at my door--how fun.” Even 

her husband, Edmund, thinks it’s 

cool. Geisinger says it took her a 

little while to find her niche. “I’m 

not that private a person, but I 

wasn’t looking to air dirty laundry 

and I wasn’t interested in venting,” 

she says. What she values is sharing 

new information that can help 

people in their lives. “I always ask 

myself–is it blog worthy?” she says. 

“Doing this is all for good–that’s 

the point.” 

The only downside is that the 

web never shuts off. When asked 

if she thought the web is addicting, 

Geisinger replies, “I could use 

a good 12-step program!” In the 

end, Geisinger says she’s glad she’s 

started StacyKnows.com. “What 

else would I be doing? This is such a 

good outlet for me!” 

Jean Sheff is a Chappaqua-based 

writer and editor who is glad someone 

knows.


Loving Dawn 

by Laurie Fessler 

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’d 

like to add a bit of substance to 

the word “mother” by acknowledging 

the life and recent loss of one 

extraordinary mother in our community, 

Dawn Re.... 

and the sun shone through the 

wind-swept trees and beamed 

on the empty branches like 

golden necklaces. From my 

window, it looked way too 

pretty a day to lose a loved one. 

Dawn peacefully passed away at 

home surrounded by her loving 

family. 

It starts in the evening with 

the darkening sky. The winds 

get cold enough to slap your 

face. You can no longer remember 

what summer felt like. The 

seasons change quickly as does 

life. You see a friend in the 

distance who looks sallow and 

frail. You gasp inwardly and 

feel your stomach plummeting 

right down to your now-numb 

toes. You wish on the first star 

sparkling brightly in the tooblack 

sky. 

Not many of us know the 

details. People, friends, wellwishers 

talk, not out of gossip, 

but out of love and concern. 

There was an entire neighborhood 

on the watch for her. We followed 

her slow, measured walk. If I saw 

her walking alone, I would squish 

my feet into sneakers and run out 

the door to join her. She welcomed 

the company but would never ask 

for it. Whenever you asked her 

how she felt, she would flash her 

brilliant smile and always replied, 

“Fine.” 

She was an extraordinary woman, 

loyal friend, devoted wife, nurturing 

and supportive mother. She 

was kind to everyone she met. To 

witness her determination and 

lightning-quick spirit was, to say 

the least, awe-inspiring. She was 

the stubborn warrior. 


July 13, 1962 to February 11, 2011 

Dawn Re, beautiful wife to John and devoted 

mother to Samantha, Matthew and Jason, grew up 

in Middlebury,Vermont. Dawn graduated from the 

University of Vermont where she majored in Psychology 

and Social Services. Later, Dawn became an RN 

and worked at White Plains Hospital and Mount Kisco 

Medical Group. She and her family have been active, 

longtime residents of Chappaqua. Dawn will be sorely 

missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. 

In the middle of the night, when 

things feel grossly exaggerated 

and emotions run high, we look 

for dawn, for the first glimmer of 

hope. We huddle beneath layered 

blankets thinking we will never be 

warm again all the while knowing 

she is saying in her most determined 

voice, “I will fight this.” She 

left an indelible mark on every 

person she met, and if you asked 

her if she knew this, she would tilt 

her head back, laugh heartily and 

deny it. Yet we know the truth. We 

all do. 

I will never look at the winter 

light in the same way again. My 

friend, Dawn, passed away on 

February 11, 2011, after her long 

battle with cancer. The sky was blue 

We pray, we love, we ask for 

blessings. Let the dawn come 

quickly erasing the troubled 

nights, replacing them with 

hope and a circle of love from 

near and far. We pray individually 

and collectively and 

in a thousand different ways 

because we know love has no 

religion. We pray in hushed 

whispers for Dawn and ask 

that her family be blessed with 

the same strength with which 

Dawn lived her life. 

As time marches on, may 

we take with us our endearing 

memories of Dawn Re, everyone’s 

friend. 

By Laurie Fessler, wife, mother 

& friend of Dawn’s. You can find 

her blogposts on: Hibernationnow.wordpress.com 

Greeley Quakers 

“Knocking Out Cancer” 

Dawn’s son, Matt, and the 

entire Greeley baseball team 

are knocking cancer out of 

the park by raising money for 

the American Cancer Society. 

It works on a pledge system 

based on the total of runs the 

team scored at the end of the 

season. To find out more or 

make a pledge, please email 

marby3790@yahoo.com.


Real Talk with.....Isa Marrs 

By Donna Abemayor 

As I entered the office of Isa 

Marrs, MA CCC-SLP, board certified 

speech language pathologist, 

I found her friendly waiting area 

decorated with primary color 

furniture and children’s toys and 

books a warm welcoming environment. 

Children played in the 

waiting area with their parents, 

while others were participating 

in children’ groups, and the sound 

of children’s laughter was heard 

throughout the office. 

In the Beginning 

Isa knew from the time she was 

a teenager that wanted to be a 

speech language pathologist. At 

age 15, she took a summer position 

at Jawanio in New City, New York, 

as a teacher’s aide for preschool 

children with special needs. Isa 

describes seeing a speech language 

pathologist with a preschool child 

at a picnic table. 

She reports “at that moment” she 

decided she wanted to work with 

children with special needs and 

be a speech language pathologist. 

She obtained a Masters Degree in 

Communication Disorders from 

New Mexico State University and 

became a board certified speech 

pathologist. 

In 1999, she began working with 

Etoile LeBlanc, world-renowned 

expert in the area of craniofacial 

speech disorders. In 2003, she 

opened her own practice, Isa Marrs 

Speech Language Pathology in 

Valhalla and in 2007, her current 

office in Briarcliff. 

Isa has in-depth experience treating 

children with a wide-variety of 

medical conditions and genetics 

syndromes, but not limited to Cleft 

Palate, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, 

Downs Syndrome, Trisomy 18, 

Aperts Syndrome, Traumatic Brain 

Injury, Fragile X, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, 

and Autism. 


The Balancing Act 

Isa Marrs has been practicing 

speech language pathology for 

nearly 20 years. As a mother of 

4 1/2 year old Maya and 18 month 

old Aaron, she manages to balance 

the demands of her growing practice 

and parenting. Isa, along with 

her husband Jason assume almost 

all of the caretaking of their two 

children. She often brings her children 

to work. Maya and Aaron can 

often be found playing in her office 

or participating in groups within 

her practice. When her children 

are not with her, they can be found 

with their dad, Jason, participating 

in an array of activities. Isa 

reports that “being a parent” helps 

you to truly relate to other parents 

and grandparents. “Understanding 

their struggles and appreciating 

their efforts” is an important part 

of her communication with parents 

and grandparents. 

Innovative Programs 

Isa has developed an array of programs 

for children with speech language 

disorders. Two of these programs 

are Where I Can Be Me and 

Jumpstart Talking. Where I Can Be 

Me is a social skills program that is 

facilitated by board certified speech 

pathologists and utilizes behavior 

techniques, social communication, 

music, art, and social skills training 

to improve a child’s play skills, 

social interaction and behavior. 

Isa describes “teachable moments” 

that emerge when working with 

children in groups that incorporate 

art, play, and other social 

activities. For further information 

about this program, go to 

www. WhereICanBeMe.com. Another 

creative program that Isa 

has developed is Jumpstart Talking. 

This program is designed 

for children who are late talkers 

and often get “lost in the shuffle 

in traditional preschool.” This 

engaging communication based 

program is designed to get children 

talking while preparing them for 

school. For further information, go 

to www.JumpstartTalking.com 

Practice made Perfect 

Isa feels that the best ways to 

assess the effectiveness of speech 

language therapy are testimonials 

by families that have utilized her 

practice. Currently, she has seven 

board certified speech language 

pathologists and a special educator 

who is a reading therapist that are 

part of her practice. Isa’s philosophy 

is for the therapists to deliver 

“one-hundred and twenty percent” 

when working with children and 

families. 

Isa feels this can be done by 

continuing to review and assess 

the engagement process; asking 

such questions as “ What can I do 

different with this child and family?”; 

and “ How, as a therapist, can 

I be more creative?” Isa’s goal is to 

deliver “quality care” which is evident 

from families that come from 

as far away as Putnam County., 

Connecticut, and New Jersey. Isa 

Marrs Speech Language Pathology 

is located at 127 Woodside Avenue, 

Suite 201 Briarcliff, New York. 

You can call her directly at 914- 

488-5282. Visit her on the web at 

www.SpeechLanguageFeeding.com 

Donna Abemayor is a frequent 

writer for Inside Chappaqua.

www.robertmarc.com 

Scarsdale 

8 Spencer Place 

Scarsdale, NY 10583 

914-472-2020 

Chappaqua 

22 S. Greeley Avenue 

Chappaqua, NY 10514 

914-238-5600 


60th 

Barn 

Sale 

Friday, May 6 9am-8pm 

Saturday, May 7 9am-2pm 

Wednesday Evening, May 11 4:30pm - 8:30pm 

Thursday (final day), May 12 9:30 am- 2pm 


“Behold”: A Confident Woman 

On a Journey to Fulfill her Dreams 

“It sits on your heart,” says 

Chappaqua’s Susan Schrott, a 

mixed media artist and psychotherapist, 

flashing a soulful 

smile. She was displaying a silver 

pendant around her neck, which 

was reflecting the light in her 

sunny home studio. Not simply 

a piece of jewelry, the necklace 

represents the hope of fulfilling 

Schrott’s dream to assist those in 

need of therapy for eating disorders. 

Schrott, who has worked as a 

psychotherapist treating patients 

with eating disorders since 1989, 

was concerned that the economic 

downturn had impacted the ability 

of many motivated people to 

pay for treatment, and was determined 

to do something about it. 

“I am a believer in doing mitzvot 

(the Hebrew word for good deeds) 

– giving back,” says Schrott. 

By Lori Sachare 

Susan synthesizes her life experiences into deeply 

personal yet uplifting images. Her artwork 

often features strong, joyful women. Exquisite 

hand dyed fabrics, intense threadwork, embellishments 

such as crystals and beads add visual 

texture and depth. 

One way 

Schrott gives 

back is by 

donating artwork 

to charitable 

causes. 

She began 

working with 

textiles 

after taking a 

quilting class 

while pregnant 

with 

her daughter, 

Rose, who is 

in her first 

year of college. 

Now, 

Schrott is 

an awardwinning 

and 

nationally exhibited 

artist. 

In a meeting with Judy 

Scheel, Executive Director 

at CEDAR Associates, 

where Schrott has worked 

since 2001, the answer was 

conceived. They decided to 

produce “Behold,” a pendant 

based on the design of a 

textile piece Schrott created, 

inspired by a photo of Rose. 

“It embodies that essence 

of beautiful woman, young 

or old. She is barefoot, connected 

to nature and on a 

path.” All money raised will go 

to CEDAR Foundation, Inc., 

a not-for-profit organization 

that educates people about all 

aspects of eating disorders, 

diet and the body, and will be 

used specifically to provide 

a scholarship for those who 

need eating disorders therapy. 

This weaving of her two passions 

is something familiar to 

Schrott. “I’ve always had the beautiful 

balance between the creative 

aspects of artwork and the creative 

and intellectual aspects of psychotherapy. 

I have never seen them as 

separate,” she explains. 

Once they decided on the project, 

Schrott said the next question was 

how to get the pendants made. The 

answer, she says, was the result of 

“the goodness in people’s hearts.” 

After an e-mail blast to the community, 

Rabbi David Greenberg, of 

Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford, 

where she is a member, introduced 

her to Bridget Krowe, owner of 

Limited Unlimited Jewelers in Mt. 

Kisco. Krowe donated her time and 

effort to finding a jeweler to create 

the pendant and also donated 

boxes for the finished product. 


In one year, Schrott hopes the 

Foundation will receive enough 

donations to pay for therapy for 

one year for one person–but she is 

hoping for much more. “It’s a big 

dream but I’m not giving up.” 

Schrott’s creative talents 

extend to the theater. 

She studied with Martha 

Graham and the School of 

American Ballet. 

In her 20s she performed 

extensively with the Jewish 

Repertory Theatre in 

NYC. Later on, Schrott 

performed eight shows 

a week to finish Hunter 

College and attend NYU 

graduate school, where she 

earned a Master’s Degree 

in Social Work and became 

a Licensed Clinical Social 

Worker (LCSW). 

Another dream of 

Schrott’s is to become a 

certified yoga instructor 

to help patients in her 

psychotherapy practice. In February, 

she was scheduled to attend a 

month-long intensive program at 

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health 

in Stockbridge, Mass. She said 

this is the perfect time in her life 

to achieve this goal, as her older 

daughter Elizabeth, a junior at 

Tufts, is studying abroad in India, 

and her younger daughter, Rose, 

is a first year student at Johns 

Hopkins University. 

She is appreciative that her 

husband, Jonathan, is extremely 

supportive of her efforts. Schrott 

says she is proud that both of her 

daughters are confident, like the 

woman on the pendant, and have 

“learned to ride the waves in life.” 

Schrott’s shelves are lined with 

family photos; her favorite is the 

one of her daughters holding 

hands, walking on the beach. “All 

I wanted was for them to love and 

respect each other,” she says. Yet 

another dream has been fulfilled. 

Lori Sachare is a freelance writer 

and public relations consultant living 

in Chappaqua. 


Chappaqua mom Susan Schrott hopes that 

the pendant she designed, “Behold”, will raise 

money for those in need of therapy for eating 

disorders. “It’s a great gift to give the woman 

in your life. It says ‘I see you as healthy and confident,’” 

she says. The pendant comes in sterling 

silver ($85), gold plated ($150), and 14K gold 

($700). A ruby gemstone adorns each piece. 

For more information and to purchase, visit 

www.cedarassociates.com.

COUTUREDossier 

The Ultimate Trading Platform of Luxury 

“Business of the week” twice in October, 2010 

67 N. Bedford Road, Chappaqua NY (914) 777 2838 

www.COUTUREDossier.com or follow us on twitter @ couturedossier 


H A P P E N I N G S 

Tour Beautiful “Castles!” 

The New Castle Historical Society 

will host its 9th annual “Castles of 

New Castle” house tour on Thursday, 

May 19th. Tours showcasing 

a variety of beautiful area homes 

will be held from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. 

Tickets are $50 for historical 

society members and $75 for nonmembers. 

This year’s tour features five 

houses including one originally 

built in the 1800’s. This historic 

home, the oldest on the tour, was 

originally a small story-and-ahalf 

cottage, but later was added 

to in the Greek revival style. Two 

Become a fan of 

Inside Chappaqua on 

homes on the tour are located in 

town, both stucco, one built in 

1937 which has been updated and 

enlarged, but maintains its cottage 

character and another, a wonderful 

example of a 1920’s home with 

many “Arts and Crafts” influences, 

including a delightful stained-glassenclosed 

portico. 

Tour goers will also enjoy an 

elegantly appointed center hall 

home that recalls a bygone era. 

Classic and traditional, this oldworld 

Colonial was built in 2005 

to the highest levels of craftsmanship 

and detail. On the property 

Advertorial 

There’s fun ahead for all 

ages on May 15, 11 a.m.-4 

p.m. Rain Date is May 22. 

Activities include:Rock 

climbing, an obstacle 

course, an airplane ride, 

a junior toddler 

bounce ride, face 

painting, a photo 

booth, and carnival 

games (Break-a- 

Plate, Balloon Darts, 

Duck Pong and Frog 

Fling). All that and 

refreshments too at 

the Rosenthal JCC 

sits a guest house that dates back 

to the original home and includes 

stone remains where the barn once 

stood. Lastly, an exquisite Adirondack 

style home overlooking Lake 

Heaptauqua will surely delight 

tour-goers with its grand layout 

and architectural details. 

Crabtree’s Kittle House is offering 

a special luncheon for an additional 

$25, to truly top off a great day. All 

proceeds from the tour will benefit 

the New Castle Historical Society. 

Tickets are available by calling 

914.238.4666 or visiting their 

website at www.newcastlehs.org. 

Come Enjoy the JCC Carnival! 

of Northern Westchester, 

600 Bear Ridge Road 

in Pleasantville. For 

more info, call 741-0333 

x24, or e-mail terry@ 

rosenthaljcc.org. 

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TARP Initiative Spells S-U-C-C-E-S-S 

What do three teachers–Alissa 

Stoever, Lilli Ross, and Paul Bianchi–beside 

different subjects and 

grade levels, have in common? 

In a word: TARP, short for 

“Teacher Action Research Project,” 

a cutting-edge program that Dr. 

Lyn McKay, newly elected Superintendent 

of Schools, initiated when 

she was Assistant Superintendent 

for Curriculum and Instruction as 

a way of engaging teachers in educational 

research projects. Three 

teachers explained why TARP is 

quickly proving to be the “killer 

app” for educational progress on 

a practical level… 

Supercharging the Classroom 

In keeping with the “lifelong 

learning” mantra characterizing 

the award-winning Chappaqua 

School District, teachers selected 

for the TARP program, now in its 

third year of operation, create a 

research question they answer in 

their classrooms. 

Alissa Stoever, a kindergarten 

teacher for four years at West 

Orchard School, says TARP allowed 

her to consider new ways of improving 

her teaching: “My students 

were blossoming and growing as 

learners and problem solvers,” but 

something was missing in Playland. 


By: Vicki de Vries 

During their 

unstructured, 

40-minute 

playtime, her 

typically curious 

five year olds 

went back and 

forth from the 

housekeeping 

center to the 

block center to the writing center 

and so on in an aimless fashion. 

“Their maturity level and social 

interaction skills did not match up 

to their academic performance,” 

and students would switch centers 

as often as five times, or, on average, 

spend only eight minutes per 

center. 

This wasted time became the 

focus of Stoever’s “action research” 

question “How can play time become 

more productive?” Designing 

a “workshop model” to help students 

develop their language and 

higher level thinking skills proved 

to be the answer. Students would 

sit on a carpet and listen as she 

explained a strategy for them to 

consider using during play time. 

One successful strategy utilized 

the simple rhyme “When you think 

you’re done, you’ve only just begun,” 

which the class used in their 

writing center. “It was as if a light 

bulb went on when they applied 

this rhyme to what they could do 

at the centers,” said Stoever, who 

collected data to track how many 

times students were changing centers. 

The results were remarkable. 

Many students were able to stay at 

the same center for an entire play 

period, while others, for as long as 

a week. 

A Great Learning Experience 

“Some things I did were not 

always highly successful, but I 

learned from them,” said Lilli Ross, 

a 5th grade special education teacher 

at Seven Bridges School, where 

she provides collaborative support 

in math, reading, and writing and 

co-teaches math in a fully inclusive 

classroom. Ross’s first-year project 

focused on how to help special 

education students develop selfmanagement 

techniques. “I learned 

how resilient students are about 

learning new things,” said Ross. 

“What do powerful writers do?” 

became her new research question, 

which she answered by using 

a variety of approaches to connect 

basic writing skills with real-world 

events, including inviting a local 

journalist to speak. As a result, “my 

students began to see themselves 

through a new lens,” said Ross. 

“Engaging in action research is 

rigorous and time consuming, but 

when you see the effect on the kids, 

it’s definitely worth it.” 

New Ways to Revitalize Teaching 

For Paul Bianchi, a physics teachers 

for 26 years, 13 at Horace Greeley 

High School, TARP has revitalized 

his teaching approach: “This is 

what most teaching will be like in 

10 years. Technology has made it 

possible to rethink what happens 

in the classroom.” 

Still in his first-year research 

project, Bianchi enjoys answering 

the question “How does making 

class notes available online affect 

student performance?” by daily 

posting his course notes on Blackboard, 

Greeley’s online software 

portal for class assignments and 

documents. “Students discuss 

online notes and solve physics 

problems in small groups, and I 

can spend more time helping the 

students.” 

Bianchi is already planning for 

next year’s research question: 

“Where will I take this?” A likely 

answer may be linked to technology. 

Bianchi waxed philosophical: 

“It’s easy to lose a bit of idealism 

and the excitement that first attracted 

you to your work. TARP has 

made me feel a great deal of enthusiasm 

in my work.” 

Another attractive feature of 

TARP is sharing research findings 

with other TARP participants and 

staff developers, who meet every 

six to eight weeks as a group. Core 

groups of three teachers from 

different grade levels meet every 

month. “It’s amazing how much 

cross-fertilization takes place,” said 

Ross, “and it’s contagious!” 

Vicki de Vries is a writer, editor and 

educator who thinks this TARP should 

be cloned.

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

Moms in Biz! 

The Parenting Skills that can Help a 

Business Thrive or even Soar 

I was incredibly inspired by the advice 

and wisdom shared by so many of 

the working moms in our community. 

It is not surprising that a lot of the 

women I spoke with garnered their 

most valuable business skills from 

mothering–and vice versa. Mothers 

are our heroes, our role models and 

our support system. But let’s not 

forget that mothers are human too. 

We are doing it all the best we can– 

some days, it’s remarkable how well 

it works and some days we just fall 

short. For each individual, the notion 

of work life balance is different–but 

one thing is for certain, when we let 

go of unrealistic expectations, it is 

that much easier. 

In honor of Mother’s Day, take a 

deep breath and enjoy some of the tips 

from some incredible local entrepreneurs, 

businesswomen and valued 

employees who graciously shared their 

insights about how they do it all... 

Dawn Greenberg, owner of 

Chappaqua’s brand new Aurora 

trade good store, and mother of 

two boys ages five and eight, says 

the advantage of being a mom is 

having all of her wonderful mom 

friends help her open a store that 

will carry beautiful things made 

primarily by moms around the 

globe who are all trying to make 

their families lives better. Julie 

Balber, a fellow Roaring Brook 

mom, and Melissa Cotto of Casa 

Tile make up her core team. Dawn 

estimates that women create 90% 

of fair trade goods. 

“The mascot for the store is a 

wooden figure from Papua New 

Guinea that I always referred to as 

grandma. She'll be watching over 

Aurora.” 

By Lisa Ballou 

For Dr. Maria Briones, balancing 

the responsibilities of motherhood 

and medicine on a daily basis 

brings out the best of each role for 

her and helps her appreciate both 

jobs more. She explained, “When 

I see my patients, it brings out 

the mother in me. Medicine and 

motherhood can both be humbling. 

Kelli MacDonald, Pre-College Counselor 

As a mother, I am humbled by my 

children's unconditional love and 

as a Dr., by my patients appreciation 

expressed in a multitude of 

ways. My children and my patients 

both have complete trust in me. 

They each look to me for encouragement, 

for better health and for 

confidence to lead a successful life.” 

As a child psychologist, Dr. 

Melissa Camhy’s experiences as 

a mother are integrally related to 

her work. She has a great appreciation 

of the profound influence the 

peer culture exerts on children and 

understands how challenging it is 

to be a child and teen in today’s 

high speed, technologically-driven 

world. “I feel an increased sense of 

empathy when counseling parents. 

Once you’ve been through 

the trenches of raising children, 

you develop the kind of on the job 

training that facilitates a strong, 

positive working alliance with parents 

which, in turn, enhances one’s 

ability to treat their children,” said 

Dr. Camhy, mother of three children 

ages 21, 18, and 14. 

Susan Pecker of The Camp 

Connection notes that one of 

the overlapping skills of being a 

camp advisor and being a mom is 

knowing how to listen and think 

about which questions to ask that 

will give the most information to 

do her job the best way possible. 

“Sometimes parents confide in 

me not only about their child's 

strengths but also what they hope 

their child can "gain" from a camp 

experience and that is when the 

"mommy" in me comes out; I need 

to be compassionate and nonjudgmental.” 

The bottom line is 

that whether being a mother or 

camp advisor, the goal is the same: 

creating successful, independent 

and self-confident children through 

positive, learning experiences. 

“Being a mother is the most difficult 

job,” says Yulia Omelich, 

CEO, of COUTUREDossier in 

Chappaqua. “If you know how 

to run a family unit, you will be 

successful running your own 

business.” The primary motherly 

qualities that Yulia feels impact her 

business the most are loyalty and 

integrity. “You must be faithful to 

each client. Sometimes, I see that 

my clients are not sure if they want 

continued on page 26 


Mothering skills 

are the most valuable 

By Sheila Siderow 

Whether you are a mom who works outside 

the home, a mom whose primary “job” 

revolves around your home, or – like me – 

one who has practiced and almost perfected 

the delicate balancing act of doing both 

simultaneously – you are skilled in a way 

that is unique to mothers. 

Mothering skills can be transferred to 

business situations more appropriately 

than any other skill set. Skeptical? Consider 

the skills it takes to parent well and run a 

harmonious home: Multi-tasking; Financial 

Planning; Crisis Managemen;, Negotiation; 

Communication; Project Management and 

Organization; Theatre and Drama Direction; 

Keeping secrets yet telling no lies or 

tales; Doing the right thing whenever you 

can; Being trustworthy and helpful even 

when no one is looking. 

But let’s not forget the more “feminine” 

of the mothering skills. Mothers are 

nurturing and encouraging, patient and 

resourceful. They are the best listeners, ask 

for help when they need it and are able to 

collaborate with other mothers to share 

ideas and responsibilities. We navigate the 

play dates, and the Chappaqua Preschool 

Association (of which I was a proud 

founder). 

My business works well because we believe 

in the mothering skills of trust and hard 

work. Teams of four or more agents who 

cover, show, open and truly KNOW each 

others’ clients. With the help of a full-time 

manager and office assistant, we collaborate 

and make it work – so that we give the most 

extraordinary service to our clients while also 

supporting each others’ desire to spend time 

with our families, go on vacation, and enjoy 

true balance in our lives. 

As a Realtor and a mother, the word 

“home” has many significant meanings to 

me. But I think Eleanor Roosevelt put it 

best when she said, “A home requires all the 

tact and all the executive ability required in 

any business.” 

Happy Mother’s Day! 

Love, 

Sheila 

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continued from page 25 

to part with their treasures. They 

are not ready, and I help them understand 

that. We are in the sales 

business but we are not here to 

make a quick sale.” Yulia aims to 

understand her clients’ needs and 

concerns first. “Honesty always 

pays off, helps your goodwill and 

your bottom line in a long-run.” 

“Motherhood taught me how 

to negotiate and think "outside 

the box" to craft a solution so 

that everyone wins!” explained 

Susan Biggar, a licensed Real 

Estate Salesperson at Prudential 

Douglas Elliman. Susan 

has worked in sales for 18 years, 

before, during and after having 

her three sons, who are now ages 

18, 16 and 13. 

Biggar says that sales taught 

her how to listen and work toward 

a solution. “A bit of humor 

helps too. Those are the skills I 

bring everyday to buyers and sellers 

in the real estate market." 

Chappaqua dermatologist 

Lydia Evans, M.D., says that 

being a mother has taught her 

to be more patient and openminded. 

“I quickly learned that 

what was helpful and effective in 

raising one child was not always 

applicable to my other children.” 

This is an excellent reminder for 

a physician. 

Whether she is educating 

someone about his or her skin 

condition or designing a treatment 

plan, Dr. Evans carefully 

considers the person in front of 

her. An individual's needs, both 

physical and psychological, are 

just that–individual. Each person 

needs to be cared for and treated 

accordingly. 

She will be applying that basic 

principle too at Oasis Day Spa, 

where she has begun to offer med 

spa services including Botox, 

Restalyne, Juvederm or Sculptra 

treatments while relaxing in a 

beautiful spa setting. 

“Nothing teaches you how to 

juggle better than motherhood 

and no one juggles better than a 

working mother/grandmother,” 

says Andrea Moss, executive 

director, Granite Real Estate 

Tax Consultants. She has a 31 

year-old daughter and a 27 yearold 

son as well as a one year-old 

granddaughter. She is the type of 

wife and mother who attempts to 

do everything for everyone and 

in the office that role is not any 

different. “Like my children, my 

coworkers look to me for sage 

advice, constant support, and 

thoughtful opinions on both a 

professional level and personal 

one. Handling difficult situations 

and uncomfortable conversations 

are responsibilities that typically 

fall on my shoulders. What 

prepares you for that better than 

motherhood? Nothing.” 

Yona Strougo, Sales Associate 

with Houlihan Lawrence, 

reveals that the biggest lesson 

her two boys have taught her 

over the last 14 years is patience. 

“I still haven't mastered patience, 

but it is a great lesson to learn. I 

find that some clients...both buyers 

and sellers require a lot of my 

patience. Many times it will take 

a ton of visits to find the perfect 

home for a buyer. When it comes 

to selling these days patience 

is key...many homes are taking 

longer to sell. I have got to have 

patience with dealing with my 

kids and when I go to work the 

same holds true for my clients.” 

Le Jardin du Roi’s manager 

Wendy Egan is a single mother. 

Her five year-old daughter Brady 

has taught her a very important 

skill when it comes to feeding 

other children who frequent 

the restaurant. “I can relate to 

the children who are fussy eaters. 

I try to cater to their needs 

by making suggestions to the 

parents about what the children 

may like to eat.” Often Brady will 

accompany Wendy to work at the 

restaurant, where she enjoys try- 

continued on page 28

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ing to help her mom and the rest of 

the staff do their job. 

While teaching full time, working 

on a Master's degree four nights 

a week, tutoring students for the 

SATs and ACTs, all the while in her 

3rd trimester, Kelli MacDonald 

thought, "Having kids can't be 

harder than this." The college advisor 

and math specialist for College 

Prep, NY, soon learned otherwise 

raising her two girls, now two and 

four. “I thought my education 

would give me the best insight on 

how to do my job, and yet being a 

mother has taught me something 

unavailable in the classroom: 

Patience. Persistence. Consistency. 

Compassion. It doesn't matter if 

they're 4 or 17, nothing compares 

to the look on their face when they 

achieve an important goal and start 

to realize their potential!” 

Lynn Puro owner of MARCH 

Boutique, says motherhood 

taught her to understand the necessity 

of good time management. 

She spends her days balancing her 

work with the never-ending task 

of keeping her family's busy schedule 

on track. “At MARCH, we appreciate 

and cater to new moms’ 

busy schedules. We outfit them in 

everything from something to wear 

to tomorrow night's important dinner 

to a cute top for the weekend, 

or even a whole new wardrobe for 

the upcoming season.” 

Motherhood has played an 

important role in the daily business 

life of Oasis Day Spa’s owner 

Marti Schoenberg. She feels that 

no one knows how to multi-task 

better than a mother. “Whether I’m 

evaluating new massage therapists, 

new retail products, or designing 

the aesthetics of the spa décor, 

a small business owners work is 

never done, just like my job at 

home.” In fact, just last week Marti 

was in Chicago for a trade show, yet 

was still mothering her children a 

thousand miles away. “Being able to 

balance the many roles I play is just 

another part of being ‘Spa Momma’ 

at work and home.” 


At The Perennial Chef, “our 

unforgettable moms contribute 

discipline, organization, responsibility 

and empathy to the daily life 

of the business,” explains partner 

Francoise Jarry. Here’s what some 

of them bring to the table: Susana 

reports to the kitchen at 4:30 a.m. 

Juggling a schedule for her husband 

and parents, she brings her 

organization and communication 

skills to the kitchen team. At 7 

a.m., Rochelle reports to the store 

where she takes charge of the daily 

operations with the same discipline 

and sense of responsibility 

she used to raise her three boys. 

For Leslie, being a working mom is 

all about multitasking and caring. 

In her own words, “caring for our 

customer’s health is the reason 

why she gets up every morning and 

rushes to her greenhouse where 

she grows the organic greens and 

produce which will be used in The 

Perennial Chef’s dishes.” 

Sheila Siderow, owner of 

Siderow Realty Group, moved 

to Chappaqua in 1972, with three 

small children. When she went to 

work as a realtor, she says taxis 

were her best friend to carpool her 

children. Her other tips for creating 

balance include: Establish rules: 

home at 3 o’clock when children 

come home from school (she would 

leave for appointments but not 

before a good snack and some chatting 

with the kids). No phone calls 

at dinnertime or after 9 p.m., and 

charity to others. Sheila also offers 

these words of wisdom, “Be creative, 

have a sky is the limit attitude, 

make mistakes and learn. Finally? 

Have a good laugh.” 

Two moms at William Raveis 

Real Estate, Cindy Glynn and 

Danae Richards, together offered 

these thoughts about how parenting 

enhance their day to day work. 

The old joke says that kids don’t 

come with directions. As a Mom, 

however, your values are the roadmap 

to all of your decisions regarding 

your child: this is true of your 

business intuitions as well. 

Daniel Baitch Photography 

Chappaqua Dermatologist, Lydia Evans, MD, 

who now also offers services at Oasis Day Spa. 

We all try to be a “Supermom,” 

but in reality that is not possible on 

a daily basis as a Mom or a business 

person. It is important to gain confidence 

in your ability to mother on 

a very realistic basis. In your business, 

setting realistic attainable 

goals will set you up for success. 

If you treat each child as an individual 

and realize that not all children 

are the same and their needs 

and wants differ, this easily adapts 

to your clients as well! Lastly, listen 

to your children. At the end of 

their school day and your work day, 

the first 20 minutes at the end of 

the day will tune you into to what 

is going on with their lives. In business, 

listen to your clients’ desires, 

make notes and revisit often. 

Finally, when Meg Nakamura, 

General Manager, of the newly 

opened World Seido Karate in 

Elmsford, first heard about this 

story, her thought immediately 

went to her own mother. “I know, 

I am biased, but I really feel like my 

mother goes above and beyond.” 

When her father founded Seido Karate 

35 years ago, her mother was 

her dad’s rock. “My mom has been 

nothing but selfless–whether it 

comes to helping with my father's 

business, being a good wife, or taking 

care of us kids.” She will probably 

hate that I wrote this because 

she doesn't like getting attention, 

but it was important to me that she 

gets some recognition for a lifetime 

of amazing accomplishments.”


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Dinner and Take-Out thru 

Call for Reservations Aug. 12, 2011 

or to Book Chappaqua, a Party NY 



Aug. 12, 2011 



• Lunch & Snacks Provided Daily 



Come and Taste 

The Difference 

Come in for Lunch, 

Dinner, Drinks, Music or 

a Special Occasion, and 

enjoy the spectacular food 

from award-winning chef 

Messina. From our private 

room and garden patio, 

to our spacious bar, 

Restaurant 353 is perfect 

for any private party, 

romantic dinner, or 

wine-pairing dinner. 

914-241-2447 

Wagon Road 

Camp 

Flexible 

Enrollment 

Plans 

June 2 

thru 

Aug. 12, 2 

Chappaqua 


• Lunch & Snacks Provided Da 


• Busing from Croton Availab 

For camp information, tour appointments & registrati 

call 914-238-4761 or email vincec@childrensaidsocie 


Wagon Road Camp is part of The Children’s Aid Society, a non-for-profit charitable organizatio 





14) 962-2800 


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

Six Camp Directors Share what 

Makes their Camps Positively Unique! 

By Sarah Ellen Berman 

S’mores, arts and crafts, splashing in the lake. Camps today incorporate these popular pastimes with 

those of modernity. Fun is embodied in a wide array of programs ranging from sports and drama to music 

and academics. Here’s what we learned from our valued sponsors in this issue! 

According to director Marjorie Kobrin, Camp 

Bear Ridge provides a “warm, nurturing environment” 

for preschoolers. “They can expand their 

horizons in a safe atmosphere,” she added. Outside, 

campers hatch butterflies, take nature hikes, 

and make leaf rubbings. On sunny days, they 

may partake in the water slide and sprinklers. 

Music, sports, and arts and crafts programs are 

held inside. Shabbat is celebrated with blessings 

and songs. At Camp Discovery, campers–entering 

second through ninth grade–are at one with 

nature. They learn to swim, play sports, and to 

practice the Jewish value of taking care of nature 

through gardening and planting. Camp Discovery 

also has its own version of the Maccabe games; 

replete with team spirit. Each team designs a mascot 

and composes a cheer. In addition, an act of 

mitzvot (charity) is performed by attendees and 

there are cookouts on Shabbat. In the trailblazers 

group, special needs campers are shadowed by 

counselors. 

At Discover Camp, children do exactly that. 

They are introduced to new fields and develop 

skills in ones they are already acquainted with. 

“Think of it like a mini college,” founder and director 

Anthony Rich advised. Hiring “good, quality 

teachers,” is a high priority for Rich. One of the 

most up-to-date sessions is called “website of 

the day.” In this course–taught by Mike Corso 

of Chappaqua–kids create their own blogs. They 

pick their own topics and learn how to design a 

site that receives a considerable number of hits. 

In a new course this year entitled “build your very 

own pc,” students learn how to assemble, upgrade, 

and repair pcs. Thanks to the inspiration of Rich’s 

daughters, offerings also include jewelry making, 

gymnastics, indoor rock climbing, cooking, and 

zumba. In the racing academy courses, campers 

learn how to build and race model cars. 


At Future Stars, the plethora of choices runs the gamut from sports 

programs to academic enrichment. In addition to traditional sports such 

as basketball, baseball, tennis, and volleyball, there are also contemporary 

cheerleading and circus arts programs. Campers in the circus arts camp, 

learn how to perform on the trapeze and high wire. In magic and illusions, 

children attend “a week long magic show” where they learn tricks and how 

to work with an audience, according to camp director Jordan Snyder. The 

academic enrichment part of Future Stars focuses on the fun of reading 

and writing. A typical session includes listening to a Beatles song, analyzing 

and writing about it. “This is an opportunity for kids who enjoy reading 

and still want a camp environment,” Snyder noted. 

Music in Chappaqua’s Chappaqua Rocks 

camps embody director Janet Angier’s philosophy. 

“I think developing and nurturing music into the lives of youngsters is one of 

the most enriching things you can do for a child,” she said. At the day camp--which 

is open to both new and accomplished musicians--campers choose a major and a 

minor such as guitar and voice. All campers are afforded the opportunity to play 

in a band. “They get a real rock and roll experience,” Angier said. Each week culminates 

with a concert for the families. At the sleep away camp, participants benefit 

from the same music program plus traditional camp features including zip lines, 

climbing walls, and excursions. News breaking highlight for this summer: Dave 

Bickler, the lead singer of the famous song, “Eye of the Tiger,” will be mentoring at 

both camps in addition to performing for the campers. 

At Jodi’s Gym, summer camp focuses on gymnastics. Campers 

practice their moves on the balance beam, bars, vault, and trampoline. 

Interspersed with these activities are those of art, music, 

snack, story time, games, and lunch. Owner Jodi Levine described 

the foundations of her camp, “Our camp is all about healthy, active 

kids. Our curriculum is based on 29 years of experience in gymnastics 

and child development.” Children feel completely at home 

in this environment which was created with them in mind. Schedules 

are flexible. Children may sign up for weeks, days or a combination 

of both. Three to five year olds attend all summer long until 

August 22. Five to seven year olds may attend during the week 

before Labor Day. All campers are entitled to perks at Jodi’s Gym. 

They are welcome to attend free additional open play times. 

Jeannine Johansen of World Cup is ebullient about the 

offerings for this summer. In prep camp, mom and me campers 

come together. “Moms love it. It’s a great way to meet your 

neighbors and other children the same age,” Johansen said. “It 

lets the children get used to the structure of nursery school,” 

she added. Campers aged three to six participate in themed 

weeks including “take me out to the ballgame” and “beach 

party.” New this year are four weeks of clinics for six to eight 

year olds. There will be sessions for budding scientists on friction 

and weather. In the animation clinic, participants will use 

storyboard to create a movie which will be shown during the 

World Cup film festival. 


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an EXCELLENT tax savings 

for me. They handled everything 

seamlessly with great 

communication and follow 

through. I am so glad I selected 

Granite." 

-Homeowner on 

Hardscrabble Road, Chappaqua 

“Two things amazed me 

about the whole real estate 

tax grievance process: 

1) how out of control the municipalities 

were in assessing 

my home for tax purposes 

and 

2) how easy and effective 

it was to work with Granite 

to fix the problem. My only 

regret - I should of gone to 

Granite a lot sooner!” 

-Homeowner on 

Evergreen Way, Sleepy Hollow 

“As a financial professional 

myself, I did thorough due 

diligence on the many competing 

firms that offer tax 

reduction services. I selected 

Granite for two reasons: 

deep expertise in my 

local real estate market, and 

resolve to fight for my case 

as far and long as necessary. 

Granite kept its word, fought 

for the maximum tax reduction, 

and did not settle for 

a quicker, lesser victory. I 

Granite Real Estate Tax Consultants, LLC 

David Ruzow, Owner 

351 Manville Rd., Suite 105 Pleasantville, NY 10570 • 914-747-8999 

www.granitetaxreduction.com 

recommend Granite wholeheartedly 

to anyone seeking 

a firm with both the market 

savvy and the drive to pursue 

their tax reduction case to the 

fullest.” 

-Homeowner on 

Deborah Lane, Chappaqua 

“They made the process so 

easy. They were organized, 

responsive, kept us apprised 

of the progress and, most 

importantly, they achieved 

an excellent result for us. I 

highly recommend Granite.” 

-Homeowner on 

Joan Drive, Chappaqua 

“I am completely satisfied 

with the professionalism exhibited 

by the staff at Granite. 

Kent and Andrea provided 

communication and timely 

feedback to my questions resulting 

in keeping me up-todate 

throughout the process. 

Granite's commitment to succeed 

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Berkley Lane, Rye Brook 

FOR SPRING/SUMMER CLASSES, PARTIES AND CAMPS! 


No Mystery Here: 

Wagon Road Camp Means Tons of Fun for All 

Social and emotional 

growth. Learning new 

skills. Forming friendships. 

These are some 

of the amazing benefits 

a diverse group of 

children receive while 

enjoying outdoor adventures 

at Wagon Road 

Camp. “Our programs 

are designed with the 

belief that when children 

spend time with 

each other doing fun, 

interesting, and challenging 

activities they 

build close relationships 

with each other and see 

themselves as capable, happy people,” 

said director Vince Canziani. 

Despite its location on Chappaqua’s 

main stretch and comprising 

53 acres, the camp remains a 

mystery to many residents. From 

1955 through 1991, it served only 

children with Muscular Dystrophy 

and other physical disabilities, 

so many people think it’s a charity 

camp for disabled children. In 

1992, it opened a mainstream summer 

day camp for children from 

Chappaqua, surrounding Westchester 

area, and New York City. Owned 

and operated by The Children’s Aid 

Society, a New York non-profit social 

service agency serving children 

living in poverty, many people view 

it as a camp for troubled children. 

Another misconception. 

The year-round comprehensive 

camp offers three main programs: 

summer day camp for children 

ages 6-13, Overnight Respite for 

developmentally-delayed children 

ages 7-17, and adventure team 

building for middle and high school 

students. “Our comprehensive day 

camp is devoted to enriching the 

experiences of children through 

exciting and fun recreational and 

arts activities. The program’s 


By Pamela Brown 

unique part is that the campers 

are a diverse group of children who 

come from all socio-economic, ethnic, 

and racial backgrounds,” said 

Canziani. “This creates an enrichment 

opportunity we value and are 

committed to exploring with our 

campers. Children build important 

skills when they learn to accept differences 

and find commonalities.” 

The facility features two stateof-the-art 

heated pools and horse 

corral and offers a broad spectrum 

of indoor and outdoor activities 

that build relationships, encourage 

teamwork, and promote healthy 

development, higher expectations, 

and broader perspectives. Activities 

include swimming and swim lessons, 

horseback riding, dance, drama, 

music, adventure ropes, nature 

exploration, gardening, cooking, 

sports, and group games. Special 

events include overnights, Summer 

Carnival, and guest performers. 

“Our activities invite campers to do 

new things and develop new skills 

and interests. We challenge them, 

but we’re careful not to overwhelm 

them," said Canziani. 

Colleen Guernier, 13, of Chappaqua 

has attended the camp for 

many years. “The cost is reasonable 

and the different activities offer 

Colleen a variety of 

choices. She loves swimming 

and they spend a 

lot of time in the pool,” 

said her mom, Mary. 

“She was able to participate 

in activities she 

ordinarily wouldn’t have 

chosen or been exposed 

to, such as the ropes 

activities. She was able 

to try them in a safe 

environment with counselors 

who encouraged 

her and friends who 

kept her motivated.” 

Mary appreciates the 

many counselors who are current 

or former Greeley students. “We 

have older children and many of 

their friends have been Wagon 

Road Camp counselors in the last 

several years which was great for 

Colleen. It gave me a sense of comfort 

knowing some of the counselors 

who would look after her.” 

A diverse population is also a 

plus. “It allowed Colleen to realize 

everyone is really the same when 

you get past where you’re from and 

what you have and don’t have. It’s 

a good experience to realize how 

fortunate you are and to be able to 

share a friendship with someone 

who may not look like you or have 

what you have yet enjoys all the 

same fun activities you do.” 

Wagon Road Camp is located at 

431 Quaker Road, Chappaqua, NY. 

In addition to its camp program, 

the facility is used as a location for 

conferences and special events and 

offers project adventure workshops 

for professionals and an overnight 

retreat program for school groups 

from the NYC Metropolitan area 

during the academic year. For more 

information, call 238-4761 or visit 

www.childrensaidsociety.org/wagonroad-camp.

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41 S. Greeley Ave, 


914-238-4511 


Human Rights Institute For High School Leaders 

When Rosa 

Parks refused to 

yield her seat on 

an Alabama Bus, 

“she didn't know,” 

said Sleepy Hollow 

junior Sophie 

Parens. The short 

role Parks played, 

however, helped 

change the world. 

Such insights could 

sum up a large part 

of the discussion 

of the 10th annual 

Human Rights 

Institute for High 

School Student 

Leaders held at 

Manhattanville College 

on March 16th. 

Under the umbrella 

of the Holocaust and Human 

Rights Education Center, the 

Mother’s 

Day Gift 

Certificates 

Available 


By Rich Monetti 

At the event (L-R): Donna Cohen HHREC Executive Director; Educator Neil 

Ginsberg, Scarsdale High School; Richard A. Berman Award Recipient Erica Getto, 

Scarsdale High School; Dr. Marlene Yahalom, HHREC Director of Education 

Sunday and Monday 9am to 5pm • Tuesday thru Saturday 9am to 8pm 

Come in and try our newest treatment 

“The Non-Surgical Facelift” 

Microcurrent and LED light therapy. 

Firm and tone the muscles of your face and neck, 

while reducing fine lines and wrinkles 

event grouped students into topical 

workshops during which the spark 

of change might 

emerge. "We're 

trying to turn 

awareness into 

action," said 

Croton-Harmon 

High School 

Social Studies 

teacher, Brett 

Bowden. 

In Sophie 

Parens’ group, 

women’s rights 

in the Middle 

East were on 

the agenda. 

Facilitating the 

discussion with 

classmates Kyle 

McGovern and 

Alex Dopico, the 

trio was careful 

to keep the hope 

for change in a 

nonjudgmental 

tone. “We have 

flaws in our 

own society,” 

said McGovern. 

“Blasting the 

message from up on 

high is also counterproductive,” 

he asserted. 

“It has to be their fight 

so you can avoid looking 

like you’re riding in 

on a white horse to save 

them.” 

Looking on and keeping 

her interaction limited 

as group advisor, 

Senior Historian, Mary 

Johnson, of Facing 

History and Ourselves, 

was impressed with the 

facilitation skills of the 

three lead students. 

“Their understanding of 

the differences between 

our cultures was crucial 

because sensitivity is 

the first tool we have to 

combat prejudice,” she says. 

The question of how one individual 

can have an impact on human 

rights issues was not common to 

just this group. “This is a chance 

for kids all over the county to see 

what other human rights clubs are 

doing to inspire them to go back, 

brainstorm and start their own 

clubs,” says Donna Cohen, Executive 

Director of the HHREC. 

These future leaders came away 

with a host of creative ideas about 

how best to consolidate their voices 

on Near Eastern women’s rights. 

They speculated on the possibility 

of creating a cultural exchange 

program with Middle Eastern countries 

and utilizing the power of 

social media. One realization was 

very important. “It starts at home,” 

Parens said. 

The jumping off point to which 

Parens alluded was exemplified in 

the presentation of an Eastchester 

High School student. Jimyang Gyaltsen 

grew up in Tibet and escaped 

over the Himalayas with his fam- 

continued on page 38

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ily into India, later arriving in the 

United States in 2007. He took this 

opportunity to tell his story, which 

included the oppression his land 

faces at the hands of China. “I’m 

not sure exactly how telling my 

story will lead to change in Tibet 

but everything begins with raising 

awareness,” said the senior honor 

student. 

Erica Getto, of Scarsdale High 

School, helped earn herself Manhattanville’s 

Richard Berman 

Award with a similar mind set. “I’m 

the Editor-in-Chief at the school 

newspaper and informing students 

on human rights issues across the 

globe and right at home is where 

action begins,” she says. 

Otherwise, Getto’s involvement 

and inspiration hasn’t been limited 

to the confines of an editor’s inbox. 

After an 8th grade trip to Africa, 

she became involved in Water For 

People, which provides well-water 

to African communities through a 

merry-go-round system pumped 

by children. She is now president 

of the school’s human rights 

coalition. Money is being raised 

for education in India and relief 

efforts in Japan. In receiving the 

award, her acceptance speech 

was emblematic of the Center’s 

vision. “Get out there and be an 

up-stander,” she said. 

Getting students to take a 

stand instead of standing by 

is the goal of Ms. Cohen. So 

whether it’s taking a seat with the 

classmate who usually eats lunch 

alone or signing onto the antihuman 

trafficking Polaris Project, 

the day is a success if even one 

more student chooses the “up” 

side of action. 

Although this kind of commitment 

does not correspond to the 

instant gratification that teenagers 

are just starting to learn to 

leave behind, Parens concluded, 

“you have to be patient but eventually 

they have to hear you.” 

Prestigious Social Justice 

Award to Temple Beth El 

Early in May, Temple Beth El 

of Northern Westchester will be 

receiving the “Irving J. Fain Award” 

for Outstanding Synagogue Social 

Action Programming. It is one of 

the highest honors available to 

congregations within the Reform 

Jewish Movement. Temple Beth El 

receives this award for its “Multi- 

Generational Jewish-Muslim 

Dialogue” initiative. Partnering 

with the local Muslim Society , the 

Synagogue held interfaith dialogue 

programs to discuss differences 

and similarities between the two 

faiths. “Social justice is an essential 

component to our movement,” 

said Dr. Cheryl Gutmann, chair of 

the Commission on Social Action of 

Reform Judaism. For more info, go 

to www.rac.org 

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William J. Flooks, Jr., Proprietor 

William J. Flooks, 

Licensed Funeral Director 

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Funeral Director 

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Caring for our community since 1928 

Personal and Complete Funeral Service 


M A G G I E M A E P U P R E P O R T E R 

A Walk on the Wild Side 

By Maggie Mae...with Ronni Diamondstein 

When I visited animal expert and 

author Jean Craighead George last 

spring I met her pet African parrot 

Tocca. I see birds outside, but I had 

never encountered a bird in a cage 

in someone’s home. I wondered 

“are there other unusual pets and 

who would take care of them?” I 

asked around 

Chappaqua and 

discovered that 

a veterinarian, 

Laurie Hess who 

specializes in parrots 

and other cool 

pets lives in our 

town. 

I checked out 

her practice online, 

Veterinary 

Center for Birds 

and Exotics www. 

avianexoticsvet.com 

and was intrigued 

by the tagline 

“Exceptional Care 

for Extraordinary 

Pets.” I knew I had 

to meet her so I 

got a ride over to 

her office in Bedford 

Hills. 

© Ronni Diamondstein 

The first thing I wanted to know 

was, “What is an exotic pet?” Dr. 

Hess said in her practice she sees 

birds(like parrots, macaws and 

canaries) and rabbits, chinchillas, 

guinea pigs, ferrets, small rodents 

(like mice, rats, gerbils and degus), 

reptiles, amphibians and less seen 

exotics like kinkajous, wallabies, 

fennec foxes, and opossums. I 

asked her how she decided to take 

care of birds and exotics. She said 

that in veterinary school there was 

not a lot of training for these animals 

but during her internship at 

the Animal Medical Center in New 

York City she had a chance to work 

with them and she knew these 

unique creatures were her calling. 

Dr. Hess helps people before they 

even get their pet. She has a phone 

consultation service. “I welcome 

people calling. We talk about their 

lifestyle, their family and the financial 

piece of bringing an exotic pet 

into their home.” Exotics are low 

maintenance pets. Most are small 

Up close and personal: Laurie Hess, DVM introdues Maggie Mae to Target, an African parrot. 

and don’t need a lot space. They 

don’t need vaccines and they are 

easy to transport when they need 

to be boarded. 

Dr. Hess recommends bringing 

a new bird or exotic pet in for a 

wellness visit. “We educate people 

as to how to care for all kinds 

of animals.” Offering advice on 

nutrition, environment and care, 

Dr. Hess says you don’t want to 

wait for a pet to get sick before you 

bring them in to be checked. She 

is very passionate about educating 

people about their pets and the 

importance of taking these little 

creatures seriously. “You can’t 

judge the value of a pet by its cost,” 

she says. Many of these animals 

live for decades. “I’ve had grown up 

grandchildren bring in a turtle that 

belonged to their grandparents.” 

I know I like to be around people 

and asked if birds and exotics 

were good company too. She said 

that these pets bond with people 

and that they are quite social and 

can be very 

entertaining. 

Ferrets 

are playful, 

interactive, 

and comical. 

Parrots are 

good companions 

too. “I 

can’t tell you 

how rewarding 

these pets can 

be,” Dr. Hess 

says. “Birds 

talk to you!” 

I had to 

know if she 

had any pets 

and I wasn’t 

surprised to 

hear that she 

did: three 

birds, four 

cats, and several fish. I wonder if I 

can convince her to get an exceptional 

dog like me to add to her extraordinary 

menagerie. And maybe 

I can get an exotic pet too! 

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter 

at maggiemae10514@gmail.com 

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua 

with her adoring owner Ronni 

Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t 

walking Maggie, is a freelance writer, 

PR consultant, awardwinning 

photographer 

and a School Library Media 

Specialist and teacher 

who has worked in the 

U.S. and abroad. 


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Interpretation of Psychological and Psychoeducational 

Testing Results and Recommendations 

Collaborative Work with Parents, Caregivers, 

Teachers and Other Professionals to Achieve 

Positive Change at School, at Home and at Play 

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A R E Y O U S I N G L E ? 

An Excerpt from… AboutAverage.com 

Local Author Jacey Hill* Shares Her True-Life Dating Adventures 

“Chicken Francese?” she repeated, 

correctly. 

“Yeah, umm,hmm, Chicken 

Fran-Says-See,” he restated the 

same as before. 

Clearly, this guy didn’t have an 

Italian bone in his body, that, or 

he didn’t get out much. I can understand 

screwing up the name 

of the place if you’re unfamiliar 

with it, but screwing up Chicken 

Francese? I have heard pronunciations 

like Fran-Chez, Fran- 

Sez, Fran-Chaze, Fran-Sayz. But 

never Fran-Says-See! 

….The waitress set down the 

salad plates, which was a plate of 

iceberg lettuce, a wedge of tomato, 

an olive, and drenched with dressing. 

I cut my salad up like I always 

do because I hate the idea of trying 

to shove large lettuce leaves in my 

mouth loaded with a drippy dressing. 

My date, on the other hand, 

had no intention of caring whether 

he shoved a whole lettuce leaf in 

his mouth or a whole head of lettuce 

in his mouth! I then watched 

him shift into, what seemed to be 

an “eating stance” that consisted of 

his right hand planted on his right 

thigh, his left hand holding his 

utensil from the top, and his whole 

upper body hunched over his plate 

like a caveman who had never had a 

more than a fish stabbed at the end 

of a spear before. 

As I quietly pecked at my side 

salad, cut up into smaller, bitesized 

pieces, Contestant #10 was 

hunched over his plate, eating 

salad like his ship was going down. 

Ranch dressing was splashing, red 

onions were swinging, tomatoes 

were squirting. Lettuce remains 

that didn’t quite fit into his mouth 

were being cut by his front teeth, 

allowing them to drop back onto 

the plate, waiting for the next stab 

of his fork. As I was taking all this 

in, I realized the tennis talk finally 

ceased, probably because he was 

using his entire air intake to shove 

the salad down before the threat of 

someone came and took it away. 

When he finally came up for air, 

I was about three quarters through 

with my salad. He was about to say 

something when I think he saw my 

transparent look of disgust spread 

across my face. Contestant #10 

had ranch dressing dripping from 

his freakin’ chin! UH! Did I have 

the word IDIOT stamped across 

my forehead? Was that why I was 

attracting one idiot after another? 

Could I at least find a guy with 

manners? A napkin? 

He straightened up in time to 

receive his next, light course of….. 

Chicken Fran-Says-See!!! His eyes 

lit up like Christmas morning 

and he quickly resumed his eating 

stance. As he demolished and 

devoured his chicken, I quietly ate 

my six little mushrooms, praying 

this date would be over soon. He 

pretty much ate his main course 

the same way he ate his appetizer. 

If anyone had been watching him 

sawing into his chicken one-handed 

with the side of his fork, they’d 

think this guy had never been allowed 

to eat in public his whole life. 

The table shook fiercely every time 

he tore into his chicken and sauce 

spattered about him, as he slopped 

each bite in a pool of Fran-Says-See 

sauce before slurping it into his 

awaiting mouth. At the rate this 

guy was going, he was going to eat 

the plate and bread basket before 

I got to my 4th mushroom. Really, 

this date couldn’t last too much 

longer. 

Within the next few minutes, 

Contestant #10 did everything but 

lick his plate clean like a dog. I left 

a mushroom because, frankly, I 

completely lost my appetite. 

“Would you like some dessert 

or coffee?” the waitress asked. 

“I’m fine”, I said, “Full.” (of 

enough stomach turning for one 

night). 

“How could you be full?” Contestant 

#10 asked. 

“You barely ate that much,” he 

pointed out. 

“It was a light dinner,” 

I remarked. 

And, I didn’t feel the need to 

eat my way through the walls of 

a freaking restaurant like a damn 

termite, I thought. 

*Jacey Hill is the pseudonym for a 

new, local author living in Westchester. 

She stays busy raising her two 

daughters, working as an elementary 

school teacher, and writing in her 

spare time. Jacey enjoys spending 

time with her family and her many 

friends, always trying to maintain a 

sense of stability for her family while 

balancing a sense of humor about being 

a single mom in the suburbs. 


A R E Y O U S I N G L E ? 

After a Divorce, 

Who Gets Custody of the Friends? 

When I 

first went 

through 

my divorce, 

the sense of 

liberation 

was overwhelming! 

Other than 

childcare 

limitations, 

I was free 

to go anywhere 

with 

whomever 

I wanted. I 

was fortunate 

that 

one of my 

closest girlfriends was in the same 

place in life. But what about my 

other married girlfriends? What 

did we have in common socially 

now that our lives had diverged? 

Would I be excluded from dinner 

parties? Would they socialize with 

me without their husbands for a 

night on the town or would our 

interactions be limited to the occasional 

brunch or movie? 

Because I had been the one to 

end my marriage, some of my 

friends’ husbands perceived me as 

someone who might potentially 

show their wives how great the 

“single life” is, so they discouraged 

contact. Some of my friends 

were eager to hit the town with 

me while others shook their heads 

saying, “I can’t even imagine being 

‘out there’ again!” 

When a couple’s social life is 

highly connected to other couples, 

the question arises of who gets 

custody of the friends after divorce. 

Laura Lee Carter, author of 

How to Believe in Love Again, writes, 

“When I got my divorce, which was 

a completely friendly transaction, 

no lawyers, all healthy, adult agreements, 

I lost a number of “friends” 


By Mimi Long* 

and I definitely felt judged by 

others.” The decision to remain 

friends with the husband or wife 

often depends upon a couples’ 

own relationship. If it is not solid, 

then being around divorced people 

can make them feel that their own 

marriage is more vulnerable. 

Bestselling author and columnist, 

Julia Spira (CyberDatingExpert. 

com), notes that some divorced 

women find that their married 

friends often provide emotional 

support but may still exclude them 

from social events that are attended 

mainly by couples. Sometimes, 

women feel threatened that their 

newly single friend may have her 

eyes on their man. In such a case, 

they are more comfortable socializing 

one-on-one. 

Therapist Jaymes Ian Woode, author 

of 101 Behaviors a Guy Needs 

to Understand about His Woman!, 

has worked with many divorced 

couples trying to maintain their 

friends. He has observed that if the 

divorced woman is spending too 

much time talking negatively about 

their ex or men in general, this 

may cause invitations to evaporate. 

Husbands can be mistrustful of 

their wives socializing with a single 

friend. He 

writes, “A 

good marriage 

does 

not warrant 

mistrust 

when one 

hangs out 

with a single 

friend. 

However, 

the opposite 

is 

true. A bad 

marriage 

will certainly 

cause 

husbands 

to be fearful 

of their wives going out with 

newly divorced friends who typically 

want to attract attention from 

men.” 

There is no one answer on how 

to nurture such friendships. Much 

depends on the initial strength 

of the friendship. Mary Pender 

Greene, a relationship expert in 

New York City, advises the following: 

“All of us have an “A” list and a 

“B” list of friends depending on our 

compatibility with them and their 

availability. Ask yourself which 

ones have/will come through for 

you when the chips are down.” 

Understand that not all your 

friends will be able to satisfy all 

your needs. Accept them for who 

they are and embrace what they 

have to offer. You will have a wider 

source for friendship without 

disappointment. Be happy for the 

differences among them by learning 

to utilize and enjoy those differences. 

Mimi Long* is the pseudonym for 

a freelance writer and teacher in 

Westchester. She has two daughters 

and enjoys traveling the world and 

meeting new people.

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Cover Sponsors: 

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353 Restaurant........................................................................ 30 

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Beecher Funeral Home............................................................ 38 

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Crabtree’s Kittle House........................................................... 29 

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Dance Emotions....................................................................... 40 

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Granite Real Estate Tax Consultants...................................... 33 

Holistic Med Spa & Laser........................................................ 27 

Houlihan Lawrence.................................................................. 11 

In Style Hair Salon................................................................... 44 

Ivana Denniston Aesthetics.................................................... 40 

Jodi’s Gym................................................................................ 33 

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Loungerie........................................................................... 20, 44 

March Boutique....................................................................... 24 

Tom Marron Tutoring ............................................................ 44 

Isa Marrs, MA, CCC, SLP......................................................... 21 

Millwood Garden Center......................................................... 44 

Millwood Market..................................................................... 23 

Oasis Day Spa............................................................................. 4 

The Melting Pot........................................................................ 40 

New Castle Physical Therapy................................................... 17 

Nicolaysen Agency, Inc............................................................ 43 

Petticoat Lane ......................................................................... 43 

Prudential Douglas Elliman.................................................... 13 

Rosenthal JCC ......................................................................... 33 

Saadia Sullivan Design............................................................. 37 

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Siderow Realty Guild............................................................... 26 

Sleepy Hollow Window Cleaning............................................ 44 

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Strategies for Wealth............................................................... 29 

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Total Turf Landscaping, Inc.................................................... 43 

Villarina’s Pasta and Deli......................................................... 24 

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Westchester Tree Life.............................................................. 44 

Tom Williamson Landscaping................................................. 21 

World Cup Nursery School & Kindergarten........................... 30 

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My Life as a Digilante 

By Rick Reynolds 

I’m quite sure my computer wants 

to kill me. 

My work laptop has one of those 

security devices that reads your finger 

print before loading your files. 

Every single workday for the past 

three years, I’ve carefully swiped my 

forefinger across the little window 

and the damn fingerprint reader 

summarily dismisses that I am who 

I purport to be. It’ll play with me a 

while, saying I swiped too fast, too 

slow, too soft, or too skewed—before 

it outright accuses me of identity 

theft. After 10 tries, it will flash 

“Security Breech!” Once it decides 

you’re a security risk, no amount of 

finger pointing will succeed for 45 

seconds, presumably to give it time 

to calm down. It does everything 

but point out that I’ve dribbled 

coffee down my shirt (it knows my 

wife does that). 

So, after arriving at work at about 

8 a.m., I must endure the indignity 

of swiping my index finger at every 

imaginable angle, at pressures ranging 

from 1 to 26O psi, and after all 

fails, presenting it with my middle 

finger in order to heat up the 

“dialogue.” Indeed, I am forced to 

pass my “digitus secundus” over the 

glass so many times, I’ve rubbed the 

fingerprint right off my fingertip. 

Thus, stripping me of my identity, it 

continues having its way with me. 

I’ve even resorted to licking my 

finger in the hopes of making better 

contact, but a question mark/ 

exclamation point prompt comes 

up questioning (I’m guessing), if 

I’m some kind of pervert. I’ve even 

tried to fool it by Xeroxing my other 

pointer finger, then flopping it and 

passing it over the glass—to no 

avail. 

If I haven’t gotten into my computer 

by 9:30, I must suffer the humiliation 

of asking the IT guy to come 

down, for the hundredth time, to 


hold my finger to the reader, when, 

of course, it suddenly works. I’ve 

begged him to change the sensitivity 

of the security settings, but 

he tells me it wouldn’t work: the 

machine, flat out, doesn’t like me 

(literally and figuratively). 

I have similar problems while driving 

with my Tom Tom GPS navigator. 

Madam Tom Tom, as I refer to 

the device’s voice, is always sending 

me down dubious routes, and when 

I opt to ignore her, an edginess to 

her voice becomes more and more 

apparent. A slightly annoyed, “Turn 

around at the next road,” I’ll hear 

repeatedly until she finally gives up 

and reroutes me around my “mistake.” 

On a few occasions, when I’ve found 

myself on a cow path—two dirt tire 

tracks with grass in between—I’ve 

had words with Madam Tom Tom. 

I’m not proud of some of the things 

I’ve said to her—especially when, 

after making 15 lefts and rights on 

trails traveled only by goat herders, 

I emerge out onto a paved road 

directly across from the restaurant 

I’d been looking for. Then, once 

Ilustration by Rick Reynolds 

again, I must apologize profusely 

to Madame Tom Tom for my lack of 

faith and patronizing, misogynist 

treatment. 

Despite my wife’s many strengths, 

map reading isn’t one of them, so 

she credits Madam Tom Tom with 

saving our marriage. As far as my 

computer woes, my spouse calls me 

a digital vigilante, or “digilante,” 

who seeks trigger-finger vengeance 

while operating outside the laws of 

binary logic. 

I don’t know why I can’t get along 

better with my machines. Moreover, 

I don’t know why they should 

wish me harm. Sometimes I think 

it’s because I’ve purchased them 

discount at Amazon—or maybe it’s 

the free, 3rd class shipping that’s 

upsetting them. One thing is for 

sure: both my machines and I feel 

undervalued. 

Chappaqua alumnus and 35-year 

resident of Chappaqua, humorist Rick 

Reynolds resides in southern New 

Hampshire with his wife, daughter, 

and two dogs.

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