Rivertown Magazine November 2019

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Volume 20, Issue 11 • November 2019

RIVERTOWN FOODIE FEST GUIDE FAB FIVE CHEFS

PROFILES IN FOODIE FEST GUIDE P16

P13

BY BRICK ICE POND FARM BRICK JAWONIO BUILDS FOR THE FUTURE P110 HITS THE MARKET P74


Real Estate by Design

Over $2 billion sold

Top 20 listing broker in NYC by the Real Deal

Stephen McArdle Lic.Associate Real Estate Broker Member of REBNY mcardle@compass.com 646.641.3343 design-buildteam.com 2 / Rivertown Magazine October 2019

Stephen McArdle is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

Over 1,500 units sold and closed


CITY TALK with STEPHEN MCARDLE

A Guide To Buying, Selling and Renting in New York City

W

elcome to this month’s City Talk with Stephen McArdle. This month we will examine some of the significant differences between a co-op and a condo. Coops and condos each have approximately a 50% share of the for sale units in NYC. When you buy a condominium your apartment, as well as a percentage of the common areas of the building belong to you. When you buy a co-op, you don’t actually buy your apartment; instead, you are buying shares in a corporation that entitles you to occupy the unit. The size of your share depends on the size of your apartment; buying the shares allows you to occupy a unit in the co-op building.

Regardless of whether a co-op or condo best suite’s your life style, it is certainly a Buyer’s market either way! With interest rates between 2.50%–3.375%, borrowing money is a low as it has been in a very long time. Please contact me to help navigate this opportunistic market!

As a part of our monthly neighborhood feature, this month we will explore TriBeCa. TriBeCa, an acronym for “Triangle Below Canal,” is located in Downtown Manhattan between St. James Place and West Street (east to west) and Canal Street and Vesey Street (north to south), bordering SoHo and the Financial District. This dynamic neighborhood features cobblestone streets, world-famous restaurants, trendy bars, Hudson River Park, industrial style architecture, renovated lofts and luxury buildings.

Famed for The Tribeca Film Festival, Tribeca continues to be a haven for the city’s artistic community, becoming home to some of New York’s well-known artists. While TriBeCa is one of New York’s oldest neighborhoods, it contains some of New York’s newest & architecturally distinct buildings. TriBeCa is the definition of Downtown cool while affording visitors and residents a break from the hustle and bustle as one of Manhattan’s tranquil neighborhoods. ■

CONDO OR CO-OP? WEIGH YOUR OPTIONS PROS CO-OP

• Values have increased even in a slowing market • Co-op’s are on average 20-30% cheaper than condos • Co-op’s have less investors and rental occupants • Co-op’s have significantly lower closing costs CONDO

• Newer, more amenity filled buildings • Lower down payment of purchase price required • Easier and quicker approval for Buyer • Greater ease and flexibility for Owner, ie. subletting, interior renovations, etc.

CONS CO-OP

• Higher down payment—range 20–50% of purchase price • Board approval much more rigorous • Building rules and regulations tend to be more restrictive • Can reject Buyer for no stated reason CONDO

• More expensive • Greater sensitivity to market ups and downs • Higher concentration of investors and renters • An overabundance of supply coming to market

93 WORTH STREET, UNIT 1201 $2,495,000

2 Bedrooms

1,180 Sq.Ft.

2 Bathroom

PPSF: $2,114

STEPHEN MCARDLE is a licensed Associate Real Estate Broker and member of REBNY. You can contact him by phone at 646-641-3343 or by email at mcardle@compass.com. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

RivertownMagazine.com / 3


californiaclosets.com

914.592.1001

@caliclosetsnyc

ROCKLAND & HUDSON VALLEY 83 South Main St, New City WESTCHESTER 16 Saw Mill River Rd, Hawthorne


Custom solutions for better living

Š2019 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated.



“THRILLING” “WORLD-CLASS” “MAGICAL” Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble Presents

Nutcracker THE

All performances at Rockland Community College JUNIOR COMPANY PERFORMANCES Saturday, December 7th 1pm* & 4pm Sunday, December 8th 1pm* SENIOR ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES Friday, December 13th 7pm* Saturday, December 14th 1pm* & 4pm Special 40th Anniversary performance Saturday, December 14th 7pm with reception to follow. Sunday, December 15th 1pm* & 4pm* *narrated performances.

TICKETS: $28 preferred. All other seats $25 ($28 at the door) Visit showtix4u.com or call 866.967.8167


WHAT’S INSIDE EAT

13

32

36

42

46

48

SHOP

RT FOODIE FEST GUIDE Participating Restaurants/Chef Profiles

KING OF CATERERS Jason’s Kitchen

FEAST ON THIS Banchetto Launches New Menu

SEAR STEAKHOUSE Straight Up With “Zen”

OSCAR’S RESTAURANT Blauvelt’s Best Kept Secret

A TASTE OF INDIA Food Festival And Indian Bazaar

8 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

LIVE

74

ICE POND FARM EST. 1789

17-Acre Historic Gem in Stony Point

54

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY

80

SKATING WITH A VIEW

Down to Earth Living Open House

Bear Mountain Figure Skating Club

60

RIVERTOWN RETAIL

86

WELCOME TO BLAUVELT

Fall Harvest At Home

Realtor Finds Family A New Home

62

PURCHASES WITH PRINCIPLE

88

At Maria Luisa of Nyack

64

QUITE THE SPECTACLE

90

Eyevolution Optique is Out of Sight

70

SLIPCOVERS

92

The Talk of the Town in Nyack

GOLFING FOR GOOD UNICEF Celebrates 8th Golf Classic

DIZZINESS GOT YOU DOWN? Hudson Valley Audiology Can Help

COMMUTERS PARADISE 49 N. William Street Hits the Market


Vo lume 20, Issue 11

ABOUT RIVERTOWN MAGAZINE LOCAL

Rivertown Magazine is Rockland County’s #1 local print magazine, published monthly by Moon Media Group, LLC. With a readership of over 100,000, it is distributed free at 950+ locations throughout Rockland County, the Hudson Valley and Bergen County, New Jersey. Sign up for weekly emails on local events, exclusive content, photos, special offers and more at rivertownmagazine.com.

CREDITS Founder and Editor at Large Phil Bunton Advertising Executives Kari Heitzner, Diana McIntyre, Jennifer Perez, Jenifer West Reporters Joseph Kuhn, Tom Riley, Jeannine Deramo Copy Editor Beth Wiesner Contributing Photographers Samantha Finch, Andy Sprauer, Daniel Spitzer Creative Director Brittney Hanlon Art Director Julie Novak Graphic Designers Brian Keenan, Arlene Levine-Roufa Communications, Social Media Rex Turner Columnists Mark Brownstein, Phil Bunton, Donna Cox, Scott Forman, Joseph Lux, Frank Mancione, Erica Mather, Stephen McArdle, Meir Yedid, Steve Zuccato Webmaster WebCorrectly

CONTACT Mailing Address 171 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ 07647 Past Issues rivertownmagazine.com

102 A CARING COMMUNITY

Social Media @rivertownmagazine

Advertising Opportunities Call 845-521-5277 or email sales@rivertownmag.com

Nyack Ridge’s Staff Exceeds Expectations

106 BEAUTY, ART & SCIENCE

At Venus & Venom Medispa

11o “BRICK BY BRICK”

Jawonio Builds for the Future

125 RIVERTOWN LIVE

Guide to Find the Best Live Entertainment

Submissions To submit photos, press releases, and letters to the editor, email info@rivertownmag.com Rivertown Magazine™ is a trademark of Moon Media Group, LLC All materials are the property of Rivertown Magazine and Moon Media Group, LLC and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers. Copyright 2019.

126 NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Guide to Find the Best Local Events

130 RIVERTOWN GUIDE

Your Concierge to the Community RivertownMagazine.com / 9


JUST SOLD | NEW CITY, NY

PIERMONT, NY | UNDER CONTRACT IN 2 WEEKS

TOP LUXURY BROKER AWARD WINNER William Raveis Real Estate has been recognized as the #1 Luxury Brokerage in the United States by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.

130,000 sales associates. 565 premier real estate firms. Over 65 countries.

1 WINNER

JOIN OUR TEAM Debbie Blankfort Broker/Owner c. 914.522.5426 | baerhomes.com Serving Rockland, Orange & Bergen Counties 97 S. Broadway Nyack, NY • 510 Piermont Ave, Piermont, NY • 12 Maple Ave, Warwick, NY • 171 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ


A Word From Our Publisher

You have four choices when it comes to your Medicare Plan. Do you know which one will save you the most money? Mark Brownstein, CSA (845) 358-1220 Call for a personal appointment!

W

e are extremely proud of our last eight issues of Rivertown Magazine. As this holiday season approaches, we are more excited than ever

with many more surprises to come, yet two things will never change. First, the face of Rivertown Magazine, will always be the magazine itself, and never any one person above it. Second, our unrelenting dedication to our readers and advertisers will never waiver. Soon we will be appointing a new Managing Editor, who will maintain

1

Stay on your employer plan

2

Choose Original Medicare

Carefully compare costs and benefits to be certain they cover your health care needs.

This option covers only about 80% of all costs and leaves you vulnerable to extra outof-pocket costs.

3

4

Enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan

This option allows you to see any providers that accept Medicare.

Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan

our mission of positive growth and balance. We are also going to have a brand new website, along with the most robust digital version of a magazine in today’s world, all working in concert with our beloved magazine! We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season. We love you all and thank you for our continued success! Rivertown Magazine™ is a trademark of Moon Media Group, LLC All materials are the property of Rivertown Magazine and Moon Media Group, LLC and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers. Copyright 2019.

additional coverage unique to each carrier and low to no monthly premiums.

At no cost, I will help you find a health plan that best suits your personal healthcare needs and your budget. CALL ME TODAY! By calling the number above you will be directed to a licensed insurance agent. You must continue to pay your Part B premium.

Department of Corrections SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

September’s issue listed the wrong address for Empire State Builders on page 39. The correct address is 318 W Rte. 59, Nanuet, NY

RivertownMagazine.com / 11



SPECIAL SECTION

1st Annual

2019

YOUR GUIDE TO THE RIVERTOWNS’ BOOMING DINING SCENE

Don’t miss your opportunity to try over 30+ dining spots in the area!

INSIDE: Featured Chef Profiles, Our Directory of Participating Restaurants and Special Prix Fixe Menus

RivertownMagazine.com / 1


FOR FULL MENU LISTINGS, VISIT

rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest

AMERICAN Bongo’s Fries

917-806-9063 bongosfries.com @bongosfries

Small-batch, hand-cut French fries made to order in Nyack. Homemade sauces: sweet, hot, zesty and salty.

Brookside Tavern & Smokehouse

107 Rt. 303 Valley Cottage, NY 845-268-8797 brooksidetavern845.com @brooksidetavern845

@nanuetrestaurant

Unassuming brick building housing a casual eatery with elevated comfort food beer and wine.

OD’s Tavern

66 Main Street Nyack, NY 845-358-0180 ods-nyack.com @OdsofNyack

Rustic, farm-to-table gastropub using locally sourced, sustainable foods. Vegan, Gluten-free and Paleo options.

2019

3 COURSE PRIX FIXE MENUS $26 LUNCH | $36 DINNER

brooksidetavernvalleycottage

True BBQ and American cuisine. Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Small Plates and Craft beers.

BV’s @ The Time Nyack 400 High Avenue Nyack, NY 845-675-8740 bvsgrillny.com @BVsGrill

A modern take on the classic American grill. Located inside the Time Hotel in Nyack.

Hudson 303 Sport Cafe 116 NY-303, Tappan, NY 845-848-2441 hudson303.com

Pier 701 Restaurant & Bar 701 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY 845-848-2550 pier701ny.com

8 NORTH BROADWAY

8 N Broadway, Nyack, NY (845) 353-1200 | 8northbroadway.com

@pier_701 @pier701ny

Riverfront dining with upmarket, seasonal seafood dishes. Features an outdoor bar and roomy deck.

Sonoma Grille

100 Thiells Mt. Ivy Rd. Thiells, NY 845-354-8900 sonomarockland.com

2019

SPECIAL MENU

CHOICE OF 1 OF 3 BURGERS WITH SOUP OR SALAD

@sonomagrille

Located at the Phillip J. Rotella Golf Course. Handcrafted, daily specials.

@hudson303sportcafe @hudson303

Gastropub with craft beer and wood fired NY Neopolitan pizza.

Nanuet Restaurant

211 S. Main St. Nanuet NY 845-623-7177 nanuetrestaurantny.com @nanuet_restaurant 14 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

Two Henrys at Hilton Pearl River

500 Veterans Memorial Drive Pearl River, NY 845-735-9000 hiltonpearlriver.com @hiltonpearlriver

Contemporary, American cuisine using seasonal ingredients. Located at the Blue Hill Golf Course.

OD’S TAVERN

66 Main Street, Nyack, NY (845) 358-0180 | ods-nyack.com


FOR FULL MENU LISTINGS, VISIT

rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest Grub Asian, West Nyack

2019

SPECIAL MENU

See ad pg. 16

3-6PM HAPPY HOUR WEEKDAYS & WEEKENDS

CROSSROADS GASTRO

724 W Nyack Rd., Suite #1, West Nyack, NY (845) 512-8185 | crossroadsgastro.com

BAKERY/CAFÉ Caked Up 2019

PRIX FIXE DINNER FEATURING BBQ X 3: WINGS, CHILI & RIBS

40 S. Main Street New City, NY 845-499-2929 cakedupcafe.com @cakedupcafe

World famous bakery based in New City, NY. Custom cupcakes, cakes and other tasty treats.

CARRIBEAN Vibes Café

17 N Franklin Street Nyack, NY 845-535-3750 vibescafenyack.com

@latalaye

Catering restaurant offering International cuisine with a Caribbean twist, using organic, natural local ingredients.

FRENCH Alain’s Petit Bistro

88 Main Street Nyack, NY 845-535-3434 alainspetitbistro.com @alainsbistro @alainspetitbistro

Classic, high-quality French food in an authentic, intimate ambiance.

@vibescafeofnyack

Authentic, fresh Caribbean food.

La Talaye

BROOKSIDE TAVERN

107 Route 303, Valley Cottage, NY (845) 268-8797 | brooksidetavern845.com

3 Main Street Haverstraw, NY 845-304-2998 latalaye.com RivertownMagazine.com / 15


FOR FULL MENU LISTINGS, VISIT

rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest

INdian

La Talaye

Mumbai Dreams

9 Ingalls Street Nyack, NY 845-643-8333 mumbaidreamsnyack.com @mumbaidreamsnyack

Family-run, creative kitchen serving homemade Indian dishes full of aromatic spices.

INTERNATIONAL Grub Asian

3 Main Street Haverstraw, NY 845-304-2998 latalaye.com @latalaye

Catering restaurant offering International cuisine with a Caribbean twist, using organic, natural local ingredients.

2019

SPECIAL MENU GARLIC PARMESAN WINGS PLAIN JANE WITH TOPPING FROZEN CUSTARD

Unoodles Snack Bar

724 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 845-535-3580 rocklandgrub.com

14 Main St. Haverstraw, NY 845-947 7625 unoodles.net

@rocklandgrub

@unoodles

@Grubbywaree

NYC-style restaurant and bar with various noodle dishes, as well as New American recipes prepared with unique Latin American flavors.

Tasty Asian fusion combining Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, Chinese and American influences.

DVINE PIE

452 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY (845) 359-0003 | dvinePie.com

2019

Waree Dinsay

SPECIAL MENU

Grub Asian and Crossroads GASTRO West Nyack

LUNCH SPECIAL $15 3 COURSE MEAL 11PM-2PM WEEKDAYS ONLY

Chef Dinsay has spent her entire life cooking. Her career started when she was a child working in her family’s restaurant in Thailand: since then she’s moved to the U.S. and opened a traditional Thai place and a gastro grill, both based in Nyack. Her specialty is authentic East Asian food, but she also makes delicious sliders, wings, and tacos. Chef Dinsay loves experimenting with different flavors and seeing how they can complement each other, and it’s that passion for innovation that has allowed her to master so many different culinary styles. Waree’s greatest inspiration are her family and her customers. Their feedback and input are “(her) biggest motivator” and she often alters recipes and updates her menu based on their suggestions. Her favorite dish to prepare is flaky sea bass, and her go-to seasoning is garlic. “I couldn’t cook anything without it,” said the chef. E

16 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

GRUB ASIAN

724 W Nyack Rd., Suite #3, West Nyack, NY (845) 535-3580 | rocklandgrub.com


2019

SPECIAL MENU

3 COURSE PRIX FIXE LUNCH: $20.19 DINNER: $30.19

FOR FULL MENU LISTINGS, VISIT

rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest DVine Pie, Piermont See ad pg. 16

TWO HENRY’S AT THE HILTON PEARL RIVER 500 Veterans Memorial Dr, Pearl River, NY (845) 735-9000

CRABSHACK & BAR

2019

SPECIAL MENU

SPICY EDAMAME $3.50 GARLIC NOODLES $2.00 GYOZA OR SHAMAN $4.25 AJ’S SALMON $5.75 SEAFOOD PLATTER $40.00 (NO SUBSTITUTIONS) ANY FRIED BASKET $11.50

La Talaye, Haverstraw See ad pg. 24

AJ’S CRABSHACK & BAR

125 Main St, Nyack, NY (845) 643-8888 | ajsushiandseafood.com RivertownMagazine.com / 17


FOR FULL MENU LISTINGS, VISIT

rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest

Italian DVine Pie

453 Piermont Avenue Piermont NY 845-359-0003 dvinepie.com @DVinePie

Inventive pizzas utilizing local ingredients. Craft beer, cocktails and wine.

Joe & Joe

173 Main Street, Nyack, NY 845-587-3855 @joeandjoenyack @JoeNJoeNyack

Serving fresh homemade Italian cuisine and brick oven pizza.

japanese Mt. Fuji Japanese Steakhouse

296 Old Route 17 Hillburn, NY 845-357-4270 mtfujirestaurants.com @mtfuji.steakhouse @MtFujiJapaneseSteakhouse

Traditional Japanese restaurant featuring chefs working tableside hibachi grills plus sushi and sake.

J-Petal Nyack 85 Main Street Nyack, NY 845- 353-8500 jpetalnyack.com @jpetalnyack

Japanese crepes, poke bowls and Thai ice cream.

Y’s Lounge

296 Old Route 17 Hillburn, NY 845-357-4270 mtfujirestaurants.com @y.slounge 18 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

@yslounge

Contemporary Japanese lounge located at Mt. Fuji. Shareable plates and cocktails with views of the Ramapo Valley.

2019

SPECIAL MENU

THREE COURSE PRIX FIXE MEAL $24.99/PERSON

MEDITERRANEAN 8 North Broadway

8 N Broadway Nyack, NY 845-353-1200 8northbroadway.com @8NorthBroadway

Seasonal Mediterranean dishes and small plates inspired by local, seasonal fare.

MEXICAN El Cuñao Deli

233 Main Street Nyack, NY 845-405-9086 Family-owned, authentic Mexican homestyle cooking made from scratch, daily.

VIBES CAFE

17 N Franklin St., Nyack, NY (845) 535-3750 | vibescafenyack.com

OTHER Jason’s Kitchen

Jason Ungar, Personal Chef 917-656-0456 Jasonskitchen.net @jasonskitchen Creative catering, using seasonal ingredients for events and dinner parties.

SEAFOOD BV’s @ The Time Nyack 400 High Avenue Nyack, NY 845-675-8740 bvsgrillny.com

Small-batch, hand-cut French fries made to order. No heat lamps here! Just fries and homemade sauces. Sweet, hot, zesty, salty made right here in Nyack, NY.

Available for Private Parties, Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

@BVsGrill

A modern take on the classic American grill. Located inside the Time Hotel in Nyack.

Go to bongosfries.com for locations & news bongo@bongosfries.com 917-806-9063


FOR FULL MENU LISTINGS, VISIT 2019

SPECIAL MENU* $24.95 LUNCH $34.95 DINNER

rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest Y’s Lounge Hillburn, NY See ad pg. 23

*Excludes Friday Night Dinner & Weekends

PIER 701

701 Piermont Ave, Piermont, NY (845) 848-2550 | pier701ny.com

2019

SPECIAL MENU

BOOZY CUPCAKES IN A JAR (4oz) 2 for $10 CUPCAKE MILKSHAKES $7.50 FALL SAMPLER PACK $19.95

CAKED UP

40 Main Street, New City, NY (845) 499-2929 | cakedupcafe.com

DENISE BYRNES CAKED UP NEW CITY

Denise Byrnes is just as much a designer as she is a chef. Before opening her pastry shop, Denise was studying to be an artist. Caked Up has allowed her to realize that goal in a way that combines her artistic streak with her love of baking. The designs she creates for her confections are beautiful, and her menu is inspiring. Denise is constantly working to create new cupcake flavors, and she is always looking to surprise her customers with unique recipes. “Chicken wing cupcakes” made with corn meal, “Bloody Mary cupcakes” that can actually get you drunk, and “Chickfil-A cupcakes” that taste just like the eponymous fast food, are just a few of the zany ideas Chef Byrnes has had for her pastries. “I’m almost looking for shock value,” said the chef who loves crafting unconventional and memorable flavor combinations. Chef Byrnes loves to work with fresh fruit, and her favorite part of the menu is the homemade “true” buttercream she uses to frost her cupcakes. E

RivertownMagazine.com / 19


FOR FULL MENU LISTINGS, VISIT

2019

rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest

Pier 701 Restaurant & Bar 701 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY 845-848-2550 pier701ny.com

SPECIAL MENU 2 ENTRÉES (MINIMUM $30) GET A FREE APPETIZER 1 ENTRÉE (MINIMUM $15) GET A FREE GLASS OF WINE

THAI Crossroads Gastro

724 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 845-512-8185

@pier_701 @pier701ny

LUNCH SPECIAL $12.95 APPETIZER/SOUP OR SALAD AND DRINK

@crossroadsgastro

Riverfront dining with upmarket, seasonal seafood dishes. Features an outdoor bar and roomy deck.

SPANISH

Casual, family-style atmosphere serving Southwestern and Asian cuisine, as well as homemade, locally sourced New American comfort food.

Basque Tapas Bar

587 Piermont Avenue Piermont, NY 845-395-3100 basquetapasbar.com

The King & I

93 Main Street Nyack, NY 845-358-8588 kingandinyack.com

@basquetapas @basquepiermontny

@KingandINyack

Featuring unique and authentic Tapas, freshly prepared Sangrias, classic Spanish cuisine and wines from Spain.

Traditional Thai cuisine, such as curries and noodles prepared mild to spicy in a simple setting.

THE KING & I

93 Main St., Nyack, NY (845) 358-8588 | kingandinyack.com

MUST SHOW THIS AD TO RECIEVE DEAL

2019

Kerri Horgan

Nanuet Restaurant Nanuet

SPECIAL MENU A LA CARTE DINNER EVERYDAY

Chef Horgan found her passion for food a little later in life. She began cooking in her early 20s and worked as a cooking instructor for children before coming to work for the Nanuet Restaurant. Kerri “is always learning” new recipes and styles, and she strives for originality in everything she prepares. Chef Horgan does not stick to one particular style, but instead experiments with many different kinds of cooking. Her new menu offers Italian American, Greek, Mexican, and Asian-inspired fare and the restaurant has special theme nights for burgers, tacos, and steak. The specials she prepares daily are determined “based on how (she) feels,” and her cooking has an almost improvisational quality. Chef Horgan has been known to make a different style chili every day of the week and rework her menu based on whatever fresh ingredients she has on hand. Kerri strives to be “the first to the table” when it comes to creating new recipes and aims to keep her dishes unique and innovative. E 20 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

NANUET RESTAURANT

211 Main St., Nanuet, NY (845) 623-7177 | nanuetrestaurantny.com


FOR FULL MENU LISTINGS, VISIT

rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest Caked Up, New City See ad pg. 19

2019

SPECIAL MENU

PRIX FIXE MEAL LUNCH $23 | DINNER $34 EXCLUDES SATURDAYS

2019

SPECIAL MENU

DINNER FOR TWO $75 PITCHER OF SANGRIA TWO TAPAS & PAELLA FOR TWO

BASQUE TAPAS BAR & RESTAURANT 587 Piermont Ave., Piermont, NY (845) 395-3100 | basquetapasbar.com

ALAIN’S PETIT BISTRO

88 Main St, Nyack, NY (845) 535-3434 | alainspetitebistro.com RivertownMagazine.com / 21


FOR FULL MENU LISTINGS, VISIT

rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest 2019

SPECIAL MENU

A LA CARTE LUNCH & DINNER

8 North Broadway, Nyack

BV’S GRILL

The Time Nyack, 400 High Ave, Nyack, NY (845) 675-8740 | bvsgrillny.com

See ad pg. 14

2019

2019

SPECIAL MENU

SPECIAL MENU

PRIX FIXE DINNER MENU $31.95 GRATUITY & TAX NOT INCLUDED

SONOMA

A LA CARTE LUNCH AND DINNER

STARTS AT 4:30

MEXICAN STREET STYLE TACO MEAL: 3 TACOS WITH RICE & BEANS - $9 HOMEMADE QUESADILLAS MEAT, BLACK TRUFFLE OR ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS - $8

˜ EL CUNAO

233 Main St., Nyack, NY (845) 405-9086 22 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

ASK FOR THE “SPECIAL TACO OF THE WEEK”

SONOMA GRILL

100 Thiells Mt. Ivy Rd, Thiells, NY (845) 354-8900 | sonomarockland.com


Maureen Genna Joe & Joe Nyack 2019

SPECIAL MENU

PRIX FIXE DINNER $32.95

Maureen Genna describes her culinary style as “clean, tasteful, and simple.” Chef Genna has been cooking “since she was a little girl” and is currently sharing her talents with Joe & Joe’s of Nyack. Prior to that she studied cooking at Johnson and Wales and before that she had nearly completed her certification to become a correctional officer. At the last minute she decided to switch careers and follow her childhood passion. Nyack diners are happy she did! Maureen’s favorite dish to prepare varies. She is most fond of the specials that she dreams up every week as they allow the chef to flex her creative muscles and offer something new to her dedicated regular customers. “I try to never say no to customers,” said Maureen, who loves to try new ideas. Her go-to ingredients are fresh vegetables and herbs, many of which are grown in-house. E

JOE & JOE NYACK

173 Main St., Nyack, NY (845) 535-3888

2019

SPECIAL MENU

WEEKDAY LUNCH BUFFET $10.99 WEEKEND LUNCH BUFFET $13.99 PRIX FIXE DINNER $29.95

MUMBAI DREAMS

9 Ingalls St., Nyack, NY (845) 643-8333 | mumbaidreamsnyack.com

2019

SPECIAL MENU

PRIX FIXE THREE COURSE MEAL $35

ONLY AVAILABLE FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Y’S LOUNGE

296 NY-17, Hillburn, NY (845) 357-4270 | mtfujirestaurants.com RivertownMagazine.com / 23


2019

SPECIAL MENU

PRIX FIXE THREE COURSE DINNER $32 THURSDAY - SUNDAY, 5-11PM

Michelle Timothee La Talaye Haverstraw

Chef Timothee learned how to cook by watching her grandmother, who at an early age instilled in her the value of always using fresh, local ingredients. Michelle’s career began in earnest when, “at the tender age of 20,” she opened her first restaurant in her native Haiti. After immigrating to the U.S., Michelle further honed her skills at Rockland Community College and the Culinary Institute of America before opening a catering business and later a café named after Saint-Michel-de-Attalaye, the farming commune where her grandparents lived when she was a child. La Talaye offers a rather fluid menu: while Michelle often prepares Caribbean-inspired dishes, her menu is primarily determined by whatever ingredients she can source locally. Chef Timothee is committed to using local organic ingredients in all of her food and does all of the shopping for the restaurant herself. She can often be found browsing farmers markets in Nyack and Haverstraw for high-quality produce and spices to turn into new seasonal entrees. E

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THE KING

OF CATERERS

Jason’s Kitchen Brings Gourmet Dining to Your Kitchen Table STORY BY JOSEPH KUHN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FINCH

32 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


J

ason Ungar “doesn’t do recipes.” Though he’s been cooking for 20 years and runs a successful catering company, the chef doesn’t like to stick to a script. That’s because, apart from a few lessons from the Food Network, he is entirely self-taught. An unabashed foodie, Jason’s passion for cooking was born “from a love of eating and playing with food” and years of experimenting and hands-on learning have molded him into a unique and highly skilled chef whose business Jason’s Kitchen can turn anyone’s home “into a restaurant for the night.” Chef Ungar has refined his craft by learning from fellow cooks and through travel. “You can learn to cook just by eating,” said Jason, whose talents are the result of “overindulging” in delicious foods. Jason began cooking while he was a sophomore in college and his style is very improvisational. Most of his “recipes” were the result of him trying to recreate his own favorite foods at home, tweaking dishes and discovering what seasonings and methods he felt were best for perfecting the meal. Jason’s would classify his cooking style as New American, leaning heavily towards Latin & Italian influences.

RivertownMagazine.com / 33


His menu varies. While he does have a few staples that he likes to share (rack of lamb is his most popular entrée), Jason tailors his menu around his customer’s preferences. He asks every client “to tell me what they love and what they dislike” before he begins planning their event and strives to ensure that they feel totally catered to. Jason’s Kitchen caters corporate events, birthdays and cocktail parties, providing delicious homemade food made from the best ingredients he can find. “If you’re short-changing the ingredients, you are already starting from a deficit,” said Jason who makes most of his entrees completely from scratch. When that isn’t an option, he buys from specialty suppliers, usually small businesses like his own, to ensure quality. Jason will often tweak his menu to accommodate a client’s venue. When servicing a cocktail party, he’ll pack big delicious flavors in appetizers that can easily be eaten while standing,like a deliciously crispy tuna tartare tostada, Sunday sauce crostini, or paella croquettes served with smoked paprika-saffron aioli, to name a few. When catering a dinner party, he’ll prepare tender and mouthwatering dishes like braised bone-in lamb or smoked pork belly. Chef Ungar is a master of contrasting flavors and will serve savory barbecue food with a sweet corn sauce, or tangy Yellowtail crudo with creamy avocado to maximize the inherent flavor of each ingredient.

34 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


Jason’s Kitchen is unique in that it serves high quality food that still tastes homemade. Jason is a true craftsman who is always working to please his clients. He grows his own vegetables and herbs in his garden so he can utilize the freshes ingredients possible. “(He) takes care of everything” from serving to clean up, though his clients do have to supply their own alcohol. With a flexible menu and dedicated service, Jason’s Kitchen is the perfect choice for everything from corporate meetings to intimate dinner parties. Make sure to check out and follow his Instagram (@JasonsKitchen) to see his latest creations. Book Jason’s Kitchen now to find out how delicious home cooking can be! E

Name Jason’s Kitchen Address 917-656-0456 Phone jasonskitchenny@gmail.com Site Instagram: @jasonskitchen Social / Website

RivertownMagazine.com / 35


BANCHETTO OF NANUET Launches New Tantalizing Menu STORY BY JOSEPH KUHN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FINCH


N

anuet’s premier Italian restaurant is enhancing their existing menu. Banchetto has added a delicious lineup of delectable entrées that offer an array of

brand-new flavors. “In all the years we have been in business, this is a welcomed and exciting change. We are taking into account customer feedback to offer options that tantalize everyone’s taste buds,” said owner/operator Edgar Almeida who is thrilled to share his new recipes.

Banchetto’s redesigned menu is quite elegant and impressive. While they still offer all of their most popular Italian entrées, their new dishes offer more high quality steaks and seafood. Banchetto’s latest entrées include prime center cut filet mignon, bone-in ribeye and N.Y. strip steaks. Chilean sea bass, South African lobster tail and bone-in racks of lamb from New Zealand are also part of the new menu. Many of the new menu items are made from top quality locally sourced ingredients. Everything Banchetto offers is expertly prepared to highlight the base ingredients; the steaks are tender and juicy, and their crabmeat stuffed lobster tail is wonderfully savory and filling.

RivertownMagazine.com / 37


Banchetto is still proudly offering “the best spaghetti bolognaise on the planet,” and bruschetta piled high with freshly chopped tomatoes, served on a crunchy thin crust and sprinkled with fresh basil. The owner has also added new twists to some old favorites. The pasta and seafood is as a delicious as it has always been, and everything continues to be made fresh to order.

employees have been with me throughout most of our 15 years in service,” Edgar shared. He and his workers have been known to celebrate holidays together at the restaurant and are totally dedicated to providing the best service they can. Banchetto can be rented out for small parties and weddings and is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an affordable high quality dinner. Both newcomers and regular

The new menu also includes a new selection of wine; Banchetto now offers an even more expansive happy hour that extends 3PM to 6PM and from 9PM until closing; specialty Martins are only $7, and newly created appetizers like the chicken scampi wings are only $7. Banchetto is the rare kind of restaurant that combines high-end service and dining with a cozy friendly-family atmosphere. “I want it to be everybody’s favorite place,” said Edgar, who has worked to make his menu as inclusive as possible. Whether it’s children’s favorite macaroni and cheese or French cut Berkshire pork chops, the owner has made sure that there is something perfect for every member of the family. Edgar proudly credits his staff, whom he considers his own family, for continued success of the restaurant. “Most Banchetto 38 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

customers are sure to be pleased by the updated menu, friendly service, and amazing eats. E

Banchetto 75 W. Route 59, Nanuet, NY 845-624-3070 banchettofeast.com @banchettofeast


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THE WELL FED YOGI It’s Foodie Fest here at Rivertown! We’re so fortunate to be surrounded by amazing restaurants here in the Hudson Valley. From Thai to Italian, sushi to the Impossible burger, they are all on our doorstep. Have you ever dreamed of owning a restaurant? I have: a lovely, welcoming, cozy little bakery would do nicely. Muffins, scones, cupcakes, cookies, soups and sandwiches. Plus an interesting collection of teas and coffee. I don’t believe in so-called convenience foods so these delectable offerings would be made from scratch with good, quality ingredients. The bakery would smell amazing from the homemade breads, savory soups and muffins just coming out of the oven. Here’s a couple of recipes to keep the fantasy going!

Mary Callan

CAULIFLOWER SOUP • • • • • • • • • • • •

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive 1 tablespoon non-dairy butter 1 large white or yellow onion, peeled and finely diced 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 sticks celery, diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 large head of cauliflower (cut into bite sized florets) 4 -5 cups best quality vegetable stock Fresh parsley, minced for garnish 1 teaspoon Bragg’s Seasoning – optional

Method: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan or Dutch oven, add the onions, stir well and sprinkle with kosher salt, cook on a medium to low heat and allow to caramelize. Be patient­—you want a golden color, which can take up to 20 minutes. Stir occassionally to prevent burning. Add the celery, carrots and garlic, and stir well. Cook for a further five minutes. Add the cauliflower, black pepper, Bragg’s Seasoning (if using) and stir well. Add the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, turn down to simmer, partially cover and allow to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes. Carefully transfer to a sturdy upright blender and blend until completely smooth. If the soup is too thick, add a little more stock. Pour into individual bowls, swirl with coconut cream, olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and fresh parsley.

40 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


PUMPKIN CUPCAKES WITH MAPLE ORANGE FROSTING • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 cups canned pumpkin puree 5 ounces canola oil 1 1/2 cups turbinado sugar (or regular if you prefer) 1/2 cup non-dairy milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Zest of an orange 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the frosting: • • • • •

2 1/2 cups organic confectioner’s sugar (sifted) 8 ounces vegan cream cheese 1/3 cup vegan butter 1 scant tablespoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a cupcake tray with paper liners—this recipe makes approximately 20 cupcakes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, oil, sugar, milk, vanilla extract, orange zest and juice. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and gently stir to combine. Scoop the batter into the cupcake trays and bake until risen and golden, about 20 minutes.

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To make the frosting: Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. If the consistency is too soft, add a little more confectioner’s sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little more orange juice. E Mary Callan is a Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist and 500-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher

RivertownMagazine.com / 41


This is a caption box

Bartender Shkelzen Bucaj, best known as “Zen,” serving up signature cocktails.

STRAIGHT UP WITH “ZEN” AT SEAR HOUSE STEAKHOUSE STORY BY JEANNINE DERAMO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FINCH

The scene is out of a swanky Manhattan steakhouse. Throngs of Stoli-sipping customers linger around the honey onyx, back-lit bar, which seems to be the main attraction at Sear. However, after a few rounds, you come to realize that the real captivation is the man behind the bar. Shkelzen Bucaj, best known as “Zen,” came to the U.S. as a war refugee from Albania, escaping persecution. Zen was 19 years old when he began his “education” in bars and restaurants throughout Manhattan, the Hamptons and Westchester. Working initially as a busboy, but eventually moving his way up to bartender, Zen has made an art of concocting the perfect cocktail: “It takes time to learn, like any craft.” 42 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

His nickname is fitting; Zen grants a sense of peace to his customers, many of whom pour out their hearts as he pours them spirits. “People come with problems, and I try to do my best to tell them how it is. A lot of personal issues, and a lot of love advice. One day I’ll write a book,” he chuckled. Then added, “With a lot of chapters.” A real life “piano man” of sorts (who tickles cocktails instead of ivories), Zen has customers who come to forget about life for awhile. He knows that a visit to his bar is an escape for people, and he’s keenly aware that Sear is their sanctuary. “Being a bartender is more than just serving. It’s like an experience. Anyone can make you a drink...it’s about how you make people feel. I welcome them like it’s their second home.”


Sear House owner Kenny Gjevukaj, left, with head waiter Jimmy Kortoci.

Beyond the cocktails, indulge in dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and high quality Mediterranean fare at the bar or in Sear’s buzzy dining room. Owner Kenny Gjevukaj and head waiter Jimmy Kortoci are on hand to ensure a first-rate experience. After dinner, ask Zen to mix up the area’s best espresso martini, or try his favorite—the “Zentini.” What’s in his secret cocktail? “A splash of this and that. Good stuff,” he shared with a smile.

Name Sear House Steakhouse Address 411 Piermont Road, Closter, NJ Phone 201-292-4612 Site searhouse.com Social / Website

Sear is open Monday–Friday 12–10PM, Friday & Saturday 12PM–11PM and Sunday 12:30–9PM. You can find Zen behind the bar Tuesdays–Saturdays. E RivertownMagazine.com / 43


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OSCAR’S RESTAURANT BLAUVELT’S BEST KEPT SECRET STORY BY JEANNINE DERAMO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FINCH

Oscar Romano (right), owner of Oscar’s Restaurant, with sous chef and brother Napolean Romano.

Don’t let the rather nondescript mini strip mall fool you, as you zip along Route 303 in Blauvelt. Be sure to stop because it houses one of the best kept food secrets in Rockland. Behind Oscar’s Restaurant on Route 303 in Blauvelt, an abundant garden paradise has found a way to permeate the parking lot. The bounty bears seasonal fruits and vegetables— think eggplant, squash, and zucchini flowers to name a few. It seems almost magical that such a garden exists in such a locale, and the man behind the magic is owner and executive chef, Oscar Romano. Twenty-year-old Oscar was a veterinary student in El Salvador when civil unrest prompted his journey to the United States. Romano quickly landed a stint washing dishes at Piccolissimo in Fort Lee. Oscar was undoubtedly a fast learner, as in just two short years, he climbed his way up to executive chef. “In the 1980’s, all the chefs were from Italy—pasta chefs and butchers. I was happy to work with them and lucky to learn from them,” Oscar reflected. Following his residency at Piccolissimo, he moved on to such notables as Grissini and The River Palm. 46 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

Then, in 2013, Oscar made the leap to open the doors of his own place. He bought Milano’s restaurant and has elevated the eatery from a run-of-the-mill strip mall Italian joint to a New York Times reviewed culinary experience. With his brother, and sous chef, Napolean Romano, Oscar crafts fresh pasta daily and hand picks the ripest produce and herbs from the garden to determine specials for the day. The restaurant is indeed Oscar’s pride and joy, but secondary to his love for and devotion to his family. Photos of his wife and two sons are proudly displayed at the restaurant. Most impressive is that Oscar’s success has afforded him the opportunity to send one son to Harvard University and grant the other top notch medical and surgical care when it was suddenly needed. Oscar relishes in trying to create, or even recreate, customers’ description of favorite fare enjoyed elsewhere. His pride in his food is matched by his passion for special dishes. Oscar shared: “I love to cook everything. Right now my specials are rack of lamb stuffed with prosciutto and cheese and lobster pappardelle with crabmeat, shrimp and cognac sauce.”


A standout dish is the veal: pounded paper thin, crisped on the edges and juicy on the inside, it is not unlike the finest schnitzel found at Heidelberg Restaurant in New York City or the lost Hungarian restaurant of Mogar. Mashed potatoes, assorted veggies and Oscar’s famous brown sauce complete the dish. All the dishes here are served the old-fashioned way: a cart is carefully rolled to your table. A cordial, aperitif, cocktail or wine, as well as savory desserts round out both the dinner and the mood. Enjoy, as this secret is no more! E

Oscar has perfected his culinary craft by mastering combinations of authentic Italian flavors. Most obviously, it’s the fresh pasta and cheeses, the robust vegetables and the perfect breading on his zucchini flowers and veal chop. But the less subtle flavors that truly make the difference are a dash of dedication and a touch of the true American dream.

Oscar’s Restaurant 589 NY-303, Blauvelt, NY 845-359-0608 blauveltoscars.com @oscarsblauvelt

RivertownMagazine.com / 47


A TASTE OF INDIA FOOD FESTIVAL & INDIAN BAZAAR

First Annual Event Brings Food, Entertainment and Shopping to Nyack STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARTS FROM INDIA

To round out Rivertown’s Foodie Fest, Arts from India is organizing its first annual “Taste of India” Food Festival & Indian Bazaar at The Nyack Center in Nyack on November 16 from 3PM to 8PM. Taste of India will take your tastebuds on a grand tour of the entire subcontinent of India. This is a collaborative effort of veritable chefs from fine restaurants, representing the distinct flavors of the North, South, East and West. Enjoy the most popular dishes from every part of the country in the setting of a bustling Indian street market. Featured dishes include chicken tikka masala, lamb kabob, saag paneer, and idli dosa. Sweet desserts include ras malai and gulab jamun. Indian street food, wine, liquor and beer and many more dishes will be available for purchase.

48 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

Dosa, made from a spiced rice batter, is similar to a crepe and served with dipping sauce.

Bhelpuri, originating from the Indian subcontinent, is made of puffed rice, vegetables and a tangy tamarind sauce.


Chicken Tikka, made from a mixture of aromatic spices and dahi.

This unique experience showcases many different aspects of the beautiful Indian culture, as the hall will be decorated with vendors selling handmade scarves, fine jewelry, beautiful clothing and more! All of this can be enjoyed alongside our allday entertainment stage. Arts of India welcomes back some of their favorite performers from previous shows who have enthralled sold-out crowds at the Nyack Center recently in the last few years of Arts of India’s history. Live entertainment will include traditional and contemporary instrumental performances. Getting to see traditional instruments like tablas, sitars, alongside microtonal vocalists and dancers is a wonderful display of South Asian artistry. We hope that you join us for this tasty, educational and entertaining evening! Free admission, and each vendor will be selling their own cuisine and wares. Municipal parking is available. For more information, visit artsfromindia.com or call 845-536-1910. E

You’re Invited! Chanay is a Pakistani style chickpea dish.

TASTE OF INDIA FOOD FESTIVAL SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2019 3PM–8PM NYACK CENTER, NYACK, NY FREE ADMISSION

Classic Indian Naan Bread.

Indian Bazaar and entertainment. Delicious food will be available for purchase. Municipal parking is available. For more information call 845-536-1910 or email contact@artsfromindia.com Visit artsfromindia.com for additional information.

RivertownMagazine.com / 49


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A TASTE OF ROCKLAND

Local culinary masterminds teamed up to create an unforgettable dining extravaganza for more than 400 guests at the 24th Annual Taste of Rockland Event at the Pearl River Hilton on September 23rd. All proceeds from the event went to the ARC of Rockland to help provide services for individuals of all ages with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FINCH 52 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


RivertownMagazine.com / 53


It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like

Christmas

Down to Earth Living Celebrates the Beginning of the Holiday Season with a Free Open House and Party, Santa Will Make an Early Appearance STORY BY REX TURNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOWN TO EARTH LIVING

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ach November, Down to Earth Living, located on Route 45 in Pomona, transforms its 10,000 squarefoot showroom into a winter wonderland complete with life-like Santas, artificial pre-lit Christmas trees, friendly life-like reindeer, hundreds of exclusive ornaments and decorations you won’t find anywhere else, and many furry animals waiting to be discovered amongst the displays. As they have for the past 40 years, Down to Earth Living will host a Grand Reveal Party in the showroom on Saturday, November 9 from 2PM to 6PM. Wine and cheese will be served, and Santa will be on hand for photos from 2PM to 4PM. Everything in the showroom will be on sale for 20% off, and attendees of the event will save an additional 10% on all purchases that day.

54 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


RivertownMagazine.com / 55


“Our holiday showroom is only rivaled by the windows on Fifth Avenue during Christmas. We create little vignettes throughout the main floor and feature some of the finest and most unique holiday decorations anywhere in the tri-state,” said Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living which is celebrating its 49th year. “Our goal is to have everyone leave here filled with the wonder and magic that Christmas brings each year,” he added. Down to Earth Living was recently voted “Best in Home Décor” by readers of Hudson Valley Magazine. “This home and garden center has helped Hudson Valley and Bergen County residents beautify their homes inside and out since 1970. And while it started as a landscape design center, it’s now known

56 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

Our goal is to have everyone leave here filled with the wonder and magic that Christmas brings each year. —Stuart Leventhal, owner, Down to Earth Living

as much for its home décor, which includes unique vases and other pottery, wall clocks, dishware, statuary, as well as oneof-a kind finds. Their Christmas Shop, which opens each year, is not to be missed.”


Down to Earth Living, located on 12.5 acres in Pomona, attracts customers from Rockland, Bergen, Orange, Westchester and even Fairfield County, Connecticut with its gracious outdoor living furnishings and beautiful home decor. Down to Earth Living is open 9AM to 5PM daily. Beginning the week before Thanksgiving, starting November 18, the hours will be expanded to 9AM to 8PM Monday through Saturday, and until 7PM on Sunday. S

You’re Invited!

GRAND REVEAL PARTY AT THE DOWN TO EARTH LIVING SHOWROOM Saturday, November 9, 2PM–6PM 1040 Route 45, Pomona, NY Wine and cheese will be served. Santa will be on hand for photos from 2PM to 4PM. Everything in the showroom will be on sale for 20% off. Attendees will save an additional 10% on all purchases that day.

Name Down to Earth Living Address 1040 Route 45, Pomona, NY Phone 845-354-8500 Site www.dteliving.com Social / Website

RivertownMagazine.com / 57


We have the storage space for you. 845-942-2170 www.hudsonbaystorage.com

Hudson Bay Storage, 24 Holt Drive, Stony Point, New York 10980

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Phone: 845-535-3434 Menu: alainspetitbistro.com

88 Main St., Nyack, NY 10960 58 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


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Experience better hearing and reduced tinnitus — call us today! POMONA • 11 Medical Park Dr, Ste 205 HudsonAudiology.com

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Tune in to “Listen Up, Rockland” the first Monday of every month at 9:30am on WRCR-AM 1700 or WRCR.com. Jeffrey Shannon, Au.D. • Angela Loavenbruck, Ed.D. Farah Dubaybo, Au.D. • Sophia Patrikis, Au.D. RivertownMagazine.com / 59 Christopher Herget, Au.D.


Fall Harvest Our retail column takes a culinary spin this month. The Rivertown dining scene options are endless, especially with Foodie Fest. But what about those chilly fall nights when you prefer to stay in, but still want a delicious, hearty meal? Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving and need to stock up on some cooking or serving essentials, or you’re looking for some thematic decor or a hostess gift, let Rivertown Retail be your guide to hearty, local fare in the comfort of your own kitchen, and warm gatherings in the dining room. S

Grass-fed beef by Farm Eats (farmeats.com) can be found at the Piermont Farmers Market. Vegetables for a hearty stew can be found at Pearl River, Piermont and Nyack Farmers Markets.

Pies, Cookies or Brownies from The Orchards of Concklin Bakery, Pomona, NY $3–$13.50 Found at Nyack and Piermont Farmers Markets

60 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

Sur La Table Squash Herbed Parmesan and Cauliflower Manchego and Roasted Garlic Seasoning Mixes This blend of Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic and spices easily adds irresistible savory flavor to thick slices of acorn squash, butternut squash or any root veggie. The blend of natural manchego cheese, garlic and onion for cauliflower gives it a rustic, rich flavor. $6 each Sur la Table (Shops at Nanuet)

Royal Stafford Turkey Oval Platter, 14.5”

$50 Sur la Table (Shops at Nanuet)


Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Gentle Foaming Hand Soap

Le Creuset Signature Deep Round Dutch Oven, 5.25 quart

$6.50 White Barn (Palisades Center)

$199.96 Sur la Table (Shops at Nanuet)

Fall Harvest Plaid Oven Mitt $14

Sur la Table (Shops at Nanuet)

Thankful & Blessed Oblong Pillow $34.99 Bed, Bath & Beyond (Palisades Center)

Farmers Market Shopping Information Piermont Farmers Market, Every Sunday from April 28– November 24 in downtown Piermont (M&T Bank lot) from 10AM–3PM. Nyack Farmers Market, Every Thursday, April–December in Nyack’s main municipal parking lot from 8AM–2PM.

Pumpkin Place Card Holder (12 ct.)

$10.39 Target (Palisades Center)

For more fashion and lifestyle tips, visit jeanninederamo.com

Pearl River Farmers Market, Every Sunday through Thanksgiving in downtown Pearl River on North William Street between Washington Avenue and Central Avenue from 7AM–4PM.

RivertownMagazine.com / 61


MARIA LUISA OF NYACK:

PURCHASES WITH PRINCIPLE STORY BY JEANNINE DERAMO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FINCH

Maria Luisa, owner of Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa

One step through the door of Maria Luisa Boutique or next door’s ML by Maria Luisa, and it’s immediately obvious you’ve stumbled upon finds not available at your nearby mall. There are high quality clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, home goods and gifts. Not only are you shopping for unique, superb caliber threads and wares, but you can do so knowing that you are making a difference. Maria Luisa sees to it that each item comes from a local artisan or a vendor who is either Fair Trade Certified™ or has been vetted by Maria Luisa herself, to ensure that their practices align with her values. “I work with companies that support their employees and communities and with ethical people who make a good product. Yes, the product has to have value, but how it’s produced is valuable too. I ask questions like ‘Who is making these products? Are you becoming more sustainable in your packaging? What are you doing that’s philanthropic?’ Unfortunately, I’ve had to eliminate vendors. I want to work with people who follow ethical business practices.” What exactly is fair trade? Fair trade is “a global movement made up of a diverse network of producers, companies, shoppers, 62 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

advocates and organizations putting people and planet first,” according to fairtradecertified.org. Based on the idea that products bought and sold are connected to the livelihoods of others, fair trade is a way to make a conscious choice for a better world. A choice for Fair Trade Certified™ goods is a choice to support responsible companies, to empower farmers, workers and fishermen and to protect the environment. Maria Luisa has deepened her understanding for, and support of, fair trade practices after many international trips to places such as Peru, India and Cuba. Peru was the first trip which led her to outsource; she met designer (ironically named) Marie Luise who produces an infant and baby organic clothing line made with pima cotton. The trips are rewarding for Maria Luisa: she can “see where they work, their homes, their families and how fair trade has improved their lives.” She brings this inspiration back to New York to share with customers: in the ML by Maria Luisa shop, scattered between artisan goods from both local artists and sellers from all over the world, are photographs and stories of the men and women behind the products you hold in your hand.


I work with companies that support their employees and communities through different initiatives. —Maria Luisa, Owner, Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa

The ultimate humanitarian, Maria Luisa is currently planning a September 2020 “Kindness Safari” trip to Africa. This trip is being organized through Kenya Denur Crafts, whose mission is to support families by giving them the skills and training they need to create goods, home accessories and more. Since there is no such thing as free schooling in Africa, purchasing these goods provides funds and resources for families to send their children to school, and hopefully fulfill the highest level of education available. More locally, she sponsors yearly scholarships to graduating high school females in Rockland County who demonstrate a desire to learn and foster principles of civic and community involvement. Also be sure to check out ML Faves for Good on Facebook, where Maria Luisa and her team support various walks and runs for charity. Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10AM to 6PM. S

Maria Luisa Boutique Name and ML by Maria Luisa 75 & 77 S. Broadway, Address Nyack, NY 845-353-4122 Phone mlgifts@marialuisaboutique.com Site marialuisaboutique.com Social / Website

RivertownMagazine.com / 63


QUITE THE SPECTACLE Eyevolution Optique is Out of Sight

STORY BY JOSEPH KUHN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FINCH

Eyevolution Optique doesn’t quite feel like an optometrist’s office. Maybe it’s the friendly dog that runs to great you at the door or perhaps it is the “open kitchen style” laboratory that’s visible when you walk in, but the space feels more welcoming and cozy than a standard medical office. From it’s opening in 2003, Eyevolution was designed to be both family-oriented and kid-friendly. Following a disastrous flood in 2017, partners Dr. Matthew Watson & optician Carl Cameau were able to reimagine the space, mixing the modern with the charm of the 19th century brick building that has been Eyevolution’s home for sixteen years. Dr. Watson is a lifelong Rockland resident and has been a practicing optometrist since 1996. He founded Eyevolution Optique to provide full scope optometric care to patients of all ages. “We have fit toddlers with their first pair of glasses and great grandparents with their last.” Dr. Watson differentiated his primary care practice by taking the time to conduct thorough exams and educating his patients about their vision and how best to preserve it. He consistently invested in new technologies and cultivated relationships with area ophthalmologists and other vision specialists to the benefit of his clients. When he suffered a spinal cord injury in February of 2017 that would limit his capacity to practice, his chief concern was finding a like-minded physician who he could entrust with the care of his patients. Dr. Watson found two. Dr. Sara Dawson and Dr. Linda Sohn see patients at Eyevolution four days a week including Saturdays and Thursday evenings. Both are graduates of the SUNY State College of Optometry and bring a collected twelve years of recent clinical training to supplement Dr. Watson’s. Both are therapeutically licensed and able to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system. Dr. Sohn’s playful demeanor and expressiveness keep younger clients 64 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

Dr. Sara Dawson, OD with patient

Dr. Linda Sohn, OD

This is a caption box


Left to right: Dr. Matthew J. Watson, Tiffany Fillhart, Carl H. Cameau LDO, ABO-C

at ease. Dr. Dawson’s clinical acumen and inquisitive nature make her comfortable discussing the effects of systemic disease on the eye including diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. By leveraging their collected experience with Eyevolution’s technological edge they have already assisted in the diagnosis of life threatening conditions unknown to the patient at the time of the exam. Optician-owner Carl Cameau has been part of the Eyevolution family for over a decade. He became an optician while being mentored by Dr. Watson and subsequently aided German eyewear manufacturer MYKITA open their flagship store in Manhattan. In a lab of his own design Carl crafts personalized lenses for Eyevolution’s clients with ZEISS optics. Most lenses are cut in-house personally by Carl, who takes pride in how fast and tailored his work can be. “We have greater control of our final product,” he said, explaining that most other opticals send their prescriptions off to be manufactured by a third party. ZEISS lenses can also provide “blue light protection,” specifically shielding the eyes from the short wavelength rays emitted from electronic screens that contribute to eyestrain and fatigue. There are specific ZEISS lenses for driving, office environments and athletics. Carl will match your lifestyle to the best lens for you. Eyevolution Optique features a curated collection of eyewear from smaller specialized manufacturers. The brands they carry include Garrett Leight, L.A. Eyeworks, and Anne et Valentin. MYKITA and LINDBERG designs are both lightweight

and incredibly durable. Classy eyewear retainers by LaLOOP are also available. They also offer products perfect for athletes including polarized glasses for cyclists and sailors. Eyevolution Optique is a community-oriented business that sponsors local events and supports several Rockland NonProfits. Their practice is equipped to help any sort of patient and their passion and knowledge of optometry is unrivaled. Eyevolution participates in most major medical insurances and will even help you submit an out-of-network claim to your vision plan. You can book an appointment by phone, on their website or on their Facebook page. Pay them a visit and see for yourself why patients come from all over the tri-state area for the Eyevolution experience. S

Eyevolution NameOptique 42 South Franklin Address Street, Nyack, NY 845-353-4701 Phone eyevolution.com Site @EyevolutionOptique Social / Website

RivertownMagazine.com / 65


COFFEE TIME Good Vibes Await at Bunbury’s Coffee Shop 460 Piermont Ave, Piermont, NY E BunburysCoffee

66 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

COZY, COMFY LITERARY COFFEE & TEA SHOP WITH ICE CREAM, BAKED GOODS, USED BOOKS & ROTATING ARTWORK Mon-Wed: 7am - 4pm Thurs: 7am - 5pm Fri-Sun: 7am - 6pm


Frank has been a top local Realtor for over 35 years and is always available to discuss your options for buying/selling. Please visit me on Facebook at Frank Mancione and click on Lydecker Realty. You can also view my ads in The New York Times at newyorktimes.com/realestate.

Frank Mancione, Associate Broker • (914) 953-0494 • fmancione@aol.com

Nyack • For Rent • $1440/month

Nyack • For Rent • $1750/month

Nyack • For Sale • $359,000

MLS 4949720. 29 Main St. Renovated STREET LEVEL office/ MLS 5022572. 77 S. Broadway. Great top floor apartment MLS 4947716. 161 High Ave. Cute 3BR cottage style retail space in the heart of Nyack with off-street parking. Some with wide plank h/w floors, renovated kitchen and bath, washer/ home only 1 block from village. Deck and patio in back yard customization possible. dryer, high ceilings and river view. Very nice, large apartment! with perennial garden. With Basic STAR exemption, taxes would only be about $9800/yr. So affordable!

West Nyack • For Sale • $1,150,000

MLS 4975350. 334 Germonds Road. Behind these iron gates lies a majestic 3,858 sq ft Greek Revival colonial and 2.5 acres of flat, manicured lawns adorned with antique statuary and water fountains. The original portion of this meticulously cared for home dates to the 1780’s and boasts 7 fireplaces, enormous parlor, original wood flooring, chandeliers and crown moldings, 12-foot ceilings and grand staircase with mahogany railing. Additional features include updated kitchen, oversized, detached 3-car garage w/loft, gigantic attic and heated solarium. A magical offering that must be seen to be fully appreciated!

South Nyack • For Sale • $999,000

MLS 4933747. 26 Smith Ave. JUST REDUCED! One-of-a-kind “Brownleigh on Hudson” c.1907 features over 6,000 sq ft of living space with sweeping river views from all levels! Loads of period detail in this magical abode at the end of a river block, including mosaic tiled foyer, original greenhouse, inlaid parquet flooring, period moldings/light fixtures and more. Currently a 2-family with 7 bedrooms, it could be converted into a single family or might be a perfect match for a mother/daughter or extended family setup. Additional interior features include updated period-style kitchens, private sunrooms, turret room above 3rd floor and finished lower level with stone fplc. Outside, besides the stone exterior you’ll find mature gardens, veranda, large patio, flagstone walkways, hot tub and garage. Wow!!

Nyack • For Rent • $1600/month

MLS 5009733. 13 N. Broadway. Terrific second floor office space (approx.1,000 sq ft) in the heart of Nyack - perfect for any type of business. All utilities included in rent. Comes with 2 parking spaces.

New City • For Sale • $514,900

MLS 4996353. 5 Esquire Road. Meticulously maintained inside and out! This 4BR/3BA raised ranch on level 1/3-acre corner lot features updated kitchen and baths, cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, large private deck, 2-car garage and much more. Run, don’t walk to see this one!”

Upper Nyack • For Sale • PRICE UPON REQUEST MLS 4921304. 210 Radcliff Dr. This raised ranch boasts 5 bedrooms, updated kitchen w/granite counters, sun drenched sunroom off kitchen and dining room overlooking private back yard, 3 full baths, walking distance to Hook Mountain. This home includes many updates. On almost an acre of land in Upper Nyack. Perfect for an extended family.

Nyack • For Sale • PRICE UPON REQUEST

MLS 4811506. 198 No. Broadway. This gracious 5BR/3BA colonial c.1902 on ½ acre has been totally restored by a master craftsman! Features wood and glass pocket doors, crown moldings, stunning library, large entry foyer, living rm with coffered ceiling and stained glass windows, spacious dining rm with cozy fplc, updated kitchen with separate breakfast rm and master suite with dressing rm and jacuzzi. Truly a magical package!

Congers • For Sale • $402,000

MLS 4921338. 18 Waldberg Ave. Just reduced by thousands. Charming 3+ BR Arts&Crafts / Cape with enclosed porch on level ¼ acre lot. Features hardwood floors, living room with ornate wall moldings, separate breakfast room and updated heating system. Close to Rockland Lake State Park and only 5 miles from Nyack! Motivated seller. RivertownMagazine.com / 67


GRADUATE INFO SESSION Make Your Next Step the Right One With A Graduate Degree From St. Thomas Aquinas College Join us for our Fall Graduate Information Session on Monday, November 18, 2019, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM! We'll be meeting on the STAC campus in the Lougheed Library. Our graduate Education, MPA in Criminal Justice Administration, and MBA/Business graduate programs offer flexible on-campus and online options for busy professionals and career-changers.

REGISTER Go to www.stac.edu/gradinfosession Can’t make it? Then schedule your personal appointment where you can meet with our coordinator to discuss your options and next steps. Contact Dana Caponong at dcaponon@stac.edu or 845-398-4105 to schedule an appointment today!

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BEST.YOU.EVER. 68 / Rivertown Magazine September 2019

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SLIPCOVERS:

THE TALK OF THE TOWN IN NYACK STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM RILEY

From weekly movie nights to afternoon naps, couches provide years of loyalty and fond memories. Before you spend thousands of dollars reupholstering your favorite couch, call Erika Szente, the owner of Slipcovers in Nyack first. She can magically transform your favorite high-quality couch or sofa beautifully and inexpensively by using slipcovers. Residents throughout the Hudson Valley are bringing their worn, dreary furniture back to life with high-quality slipcovers. Erika is busier than ever transforming unsightly stains and tears in high-quality furniture pieces and updating them with chic designs and colors. “Slipcovers are an awesome way to keep your couches protected, and they also double as a decorative piece. If you are anxious about your sofa fabric stains from kids or tears by pets, a slipcover is the perfect way to keep your sofa protected. If you have an older couch that needs a fresher look, a slipcover can make your couch look like new again without forking over a lot of money. A washable slipcover will help keep your couch looking and smelling fresh,” said Erika. “It’s a cost-effective way to turn dreary old furniture into a refreshed room makeover.” “You can come to our showroom here at 19 New Street in Nyack and select fabric, or I can give you sources to purchase your own fabric selection. You’ll get savings galore on designed fabrics at a fraction of the cost. With the holidays coming, fabric discounters are offering real bargains. I also do covers for cushions and decorative pillows. At the showroom, we have foam inserts for pillows, or you might decide on feathers, down mix, polyester or down. Hypoallergenic fill is available as well for people with allergies,” said Erika. “I’ve been supporting the interior design industry for more than 20 years, and I’m known for the quality of my work. If you’ve been thinking of throwing away your structurally perfect couch or sofa because of stains and tears, think again. I’ll turn it back to a thing of beauty using a slipcover of your fabric and color design. You’ll save yourself money and have the comfort you have always valued. My prices for labor run from $250 for a chair to $1,200 for a sectional,” said Erika. Save money for the holidays by turning to Slipcovers today. S 70 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

If you’ve been thinking of throwing away your structurally perfect couch or sofa because of stains and tears, think again. I’ll turn it back to a thing of beauty using a slipcover of your fabric and color design. —Erika Szente, owner, Slipcovers


Name Address Slipcovers PhoneNyack, NY 19 New Street, Site 914-589-9270 Social / Website

RivertownMagazine.com / 71


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“Arguably, this is one of the most bucolic properties in the Northern Hemisphere, and to that point, living here at the edge of the great pond, surrounded by meadows, your mountain ridge, trees and Hudson River views, offers the most therapeutic setting imaginable.” —E Frost

ICE POND FARM, EST. 1789 17 Acres | 40 Minutes North of NYC | $748,000 STORY BY GARY HARVEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM RAVEIS BAER & MCINTOSH 74 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


CIRCA 1770 As President George Washington’s term began and ice was being delivered on a routine basis to Manhattan from an “ice pond in upstate Stony Point,” we heard about this charming farmhouse being built. As we made our way to Stony Point by horse and carriage, “a trip of long duration and endless trails and ruts,” 29 miles North of Manhattan, our excitement was bursting over; we always have sought such a residence with pastures of hay and barns for our horses. A 17-acre family estate with a large 2-acre pond at our footstep, this was just the dream. Upon arrival, we are greeted by The Baisley Family, proprietors of “Ice Pond Farm” and owners of Baisley Brothers Purveyors of Ice. Join us as we browse a property rich in nature’s style and fruitful gifts. CIRCA 1950 Now meet William Overgard, who purchased this property in 1950. An American cartoonist (Steve Roper and Mike Nomad, Rudy), writer (ThunderCats) and creative thinker, this was the most idyllic backdrop to enhance his dreams, as well as offer his family a most picturesque setting with the comforts of a charming farmhouse, embodied in a fabulous nature scene, built for hosting­— even “The Mamas and the Papas” had a stay and performance here.

William Overgard’s studio remains intact today.

RivertownMagazine.com / 75


Built in 1789 16.73 Acres 3,626 SF Farmhouse Renovated in 2019 3 Bedrooms 3 Full Bathrooms 5 Fireplaces Barn & Vintage Trailer 40 Minutes to NYC Asking 748,000 76 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


As Overgard would lock himself in his spacious home studio and work from 9PM to 6AM, it’s hard to imagine a piece of comic art, made in this very studio which still remains intact today (custom drafting desks, books, artifacts, original drawings and all), became the basis of a Roy Lichtenstein painting that sold at auction for $43 million. TODAY In addition to the main farmhouse which is over 3600 square feet with original built-ins, antique fixtures, five fireplaces (one 6’ wide), partially renovated by the current owner with designer bathrooms and a fairytale master suite, on the property sits a Post-Revolutionary War barn with new metal roof. Two extensions of the farmhouse were completed in 1830 and 1950. Another outbuilding contains a 1956 Spartan Royal Manor trailer overlooking the second pond, but that story comes later. JUST IMAGINE Meadows meet forest, pond meets a second pond, surrounded by 150-year-old black walnut trees, weeping willows and organic fenced-in gardens. The farm property itself is steeped with “gentlemanly” wildlife such as deer, ducks, hawks, geese and rarely seen, a fox or two. Paddle your boat around the pond, fishing or drifting. Sip cocktails or enjoy tea on the pond’s boat dock... Dine and entertain, stargaze, by massive bonfires, under a full twinkling sky. If it rains, take shelter in the teepee or the many guest cabins you can build on this sub-dividable property. Have you been dreaming of a family compound, orchard, vineyard, yoga retreat, or simply an escape to the most inspirational setting in the Hudson Valley, less than 40 minutes to New York City? Well, pinch yourself, because dreams come true! L “Ask Adam” Blankfort Listing Agent 845.641.3255 adam@baerhomes.com @askadamsells William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

RivertownMagazine.com / 77


with Phil Bunton of vim and vigor, and ready to produce a new newspaper.

The profession of journalism is full of crazy characters. I once had an editor who’d come back to work from a liquid lunch, and he decided to walk around the newsroom without touching the floor. He basically jumped from desk to desk without falling. He was so pleased with himself he did it every time he’d had too much to drink, which was pretty often. The journalist who really inspired me was New York Post editor and reporter Steve Dunleavy. Steve was a good-looking guy with an Elvis-style pompadour. He’d once had minor roles in Japanese war movies, and even appeared with Errol Flynn, whom Steve resembled. Steve, an Australian, was a classic old-style journalist. Most nights he would drink until the bars closed; then he went to work. I would frequently see him stagger into the New York Post at six in the morning, clearly the worse for wear. Often he would bring me a small glass of whiskey to compensate for working through the night. Then he would reel into the company sauna—and remarkably sober up in about an hour. He’d come charging back into the newsroom full 78 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

When he died earlier this past summer, The Washington Post reported: “He’d do anything to get a story—write a check, pretend to be someone else, even slash his father’s tires.” (His dad had been a reporter on a rival Australian newspaper.) What made Steve so special was that, despite his excesses, he always brought in the big exclusive stories, or scoops as we journalists like to call them. He scored an all-night interview with Cuban president Fidel Castro, claiming that they had first gotten drunk by swigging mojitos. Steve hit it big in New York when the Son of Sam killer was stalking the city. Steve worked all out on the story–even dressing in scrubs to pose as an orderly and get an exclusive interview with a victim’s family at the hospital. He told a biographer: “I lost count of the number of times I posed as a cop, a public official or a funeral director to get a story.” Chasing actress Ava Gardner for an exclusive once, Steve wouldn’t take “No” for an answer. Eventually Ava lost her cool and flung a glass of champagne in his face. Steve’s story the next day began: “Last night I shared a glass of champagne with Ava Gardner. She threw it. And I wore it.” Steve was a notorious womanizer. One wintry night outside the legendary Elaine’s on the Upper East Side, Steve fell in lust with a woman he’d met at the bar. They went outside to get to

know each other better. They ended up lying in a snow-filled gutter, doing what comes naturally. A snow plow didn’t see them and plowed right over them, breaking Steve’s foot. One of his rival journalists sniped: “I hope it wasn’t his writing foot.” Steve told me once: “Mate, I’ve never had a bad day in journalism in my life. You win, you get drunk because you won. You lose, you get drunk because you lost.” In all the years I knew him, he never lost. In honor of Steve’s life, here are some of my favorite newspaper headlines over the years: •

Rally against apathy draws a small crowd.

Big rig carrying fruit crashes on highway, creating jam.

Fish needs water, feds say.

Homeless man under house arrest.

Slowdown continues to accelerate.

Police begin campaign to run down jay walkers.

Homicide victims rarely talk to police.

Madonna reads her second book.

City unsure why sewer smells. L


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BEAR MOUNTAIN FIGURE SKATING CLUB Recreational Skating With a Beautiful Backdrop STORY BY ANGELINE SHERIDAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BEAR MOUNTAIN FIGURE SKATING CLUB 80 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


1st row: Elisa Vida, Robin Granat, Joan Krilla, Sulhee Antal, Yuna Antal, Nadia Horowitz, Linda Magnusson-Rosario Middle row: Kari Reed, Tim O’Toole, Louise Marin, Peter Marinelli, Hannah Zollner, Charlie Murphy, Elizabeth Nunn, Lori Dean-Chironno, Joyce Kanyuk, Janet Foy Back row: Alexa Magalnick, Jonathan Magalnick, Stephen Hutcheson, Gino Siniscalchi, Francesca Russo, Tim Chainer

Were you one of those who watched a Winter Olympics and was inspired to do more than just wobble on the ice? Was it too hard, and the notion abandoned? Or, actually, are you still pretty good, and looking to get even better? Skating enthusiasts as well as interested novices and the full spectrum in between are all welcome to join the Bear Mountain Figure Skating Club, an organization with a long local history of its commitment to recreational skating. Children ages five and up, teenagers and adults are welcome to the most beautiful spot to skate in the Hudson Valley. The Bear Mountain Figure Skating Club is both an athletic and a social gathering where a lot of good friendships have been made. Members will put on a skating show in March that includes all levels of skaters in both freestyle and ice dance. Regular sessions for skating and training are held every Sunday from 8:15AM–9:45AM, November 3–March 1. Group and private lessons are offered. L

Hannah Zollner

Name Address Bear Mountain Figure Skating Club Phone BearMtFigureSkatingClub@gmail.com Site @bearmountainfsc Social / Website

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325 E s t. 1 6 9 4

Anniversary Celebration Featuring GRAMMY NOMINATED JEREMY WALL COMPOSER & PIANIST W/ SPYRO GRYA

LEGENDARY VOCALIST VANEESE THOMAS Fort Montgomery, $ 2,400,000 8 beds 10 baths 8,102 sq ft 8 acre lot

R&B, JAZZ, AND GOSPEL

BROADWAY STAR PHIL HERNANDEZ LEADING ACTOR OF LES MISERABLES A CONCERT REFLECTING AND CELEBRATING THE DYNAMIC MUSIC OF FAITH THAT THE TAPPAN REFORMED CHURCH HAVE PRAISED THE LORD WITH FOR 325 YEARS

Friday, October 18th 7PM

Jacqueline Morales +845 589 5147 contact@jmhomesteam.com jmhomesteam.com 82 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

TAPPAN REFORMED CHURCH 32 OLD TAPPAN ROAD, TAPPAN, NY 10983 T


Medicare Annual Enrollment With Mark Brownstein, Independent Insurance Agent Specializing in Medicare Health Plans

Who can answer all my questions? Who can I trust? It’s that time of year again! You are most likely being inundated with mail and exposed to lots of radio and TV ads on different Medicare plans.

in your area. If you want to increase your benefits or change your plan for 2020, this is the time to reach out and discuss it.

From October 15 through December 7, you will have the opportunity to decide whether your existing Medicare health plan will continue to be the most suitable in the new year, or if you will need a different health plan. Any plan change, once submitted and accepted, begins on January 1, 2020.

Call today for your annual plan review. There’s no cost! I look forward to hearing from you. Call Emerald Medicare TODAY! 845-358-1220. L

Sign up for a FREE seminar in your area at emeraldmedicare.com/events

If you are confused and overwhelmed about finding the right health plan, I would like to help. I am a licensed, independent agent and represent most Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. I am licensed and certified with most major prescription drug carriers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida. I am qualified to answer any questions you may have. I can help you decide which option is right for you and help avoid unnecessary penalties. At no cost, I will help you find a health plan that best suits your personal healthcare needs and your budget. As your proud agent, I work hard all year long to compare plans available RivertownMagazine.com / 83


84 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


YOU AND YOUR TAXES

Audit Proof Your Business Small business and self-employed tax returns are more closely scrutinized, and always much more likely to be audited, by the IRS. Audits come in many sizes: correspondence audit, IRS office audit, taxpayer office audit, criminal investigations, etc. Being prepared for an audit is always your best defense. However, staying low on the IRS audit radar will help to avoid an audit in the first place. (Then again, in my opinion, staying low on pretty much anyone’s radar is generally good advice.) Below is a list of tips to help small businesses reduce the risk of audit: 1. Make your business a “business,” not a hobby. Multi-year losses reported on tax returns raise a red flag with the IRS. Be prepared to provide evidence to them that you are “in business.” You will need to demonstrate that you have been conducting yourself like a business and intend to make a profit. Are you trying to make a profit? Do you have any money at risk to be lost if you do not make a profit? Be ready to say yes and to prove it. 2. Be sure to report all of your income. Amounts shown on your tax return should agree with amounts reported to the IRS by third parties. 3. If your tax returns are prepared by a CPA, be sure to understand exactly what he is doing. Go over it with him. As the owner of the business, you are the person who is best qualified to spot errors in the reporting of your income and expenses. 4. Be prepared to be audited. If you keep your receipts, journal your

expenses and auto mileage as you incur them, and keep accurate records of your income, you will be able to show that you are not guessing at your numbers. Showing an IRS agent that you have trouble answering the easy questions is an invitation for a more thorough examination of your finances. 5. Pay estimated taxes. Pay them on time and keep them current. 6. Never ignore notices from the IRS. If the IRS is trying to get your attention, answer them while it is still a polite nod. If they come to your door, you are in trouble. 7. Don’t borrow money from taxes withheld from your employee paychecks. These funds do not belong to you. A simple short-term loan from this month’s taxes with repayment next month is tempting when bills are due and cash is short. Do not do it! The penalties are astronomical! 8. The IRS isn’t stupid! They have a pretty good idea of what a reasonable range for your business deductions should be. If your business earned income in the lower range and deducted expenses in the higher range, you are asking for trouble. 9. Don’t try to claim credits that you are not entitled to. Only claim those that apply to you. And let’s not forget: find a reputable CPA who is a seasoned tax pro. He or she can help you avoid the potential minefields and save some money in the process. L

Joseph A. Lux, CPA has been providing tax and accounting services to individuals and small businesses in our community for over twenty-five years. Visit joelux.com, for more tax saving ideas and tools, or to subscribe to his free monthly newsletter. Free initial consultations are available to new clients. RivertownMagazine.com / 85


WELCOME TO BLAUVELT

WONDER REALTOR HELPS NEW FAMILY FIND A HOME STORY BY JOSEPH KUHN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FINCH

Joseph and Kate Balfiglio were ready to make a change. After nearly a decade of living in Queens the young couple was eager to stretch out and start a family. They decided to relocate to Rockland County and were pleasantly surprised how smooth the transition went. For that they thank Robin Miller.

Left to Right: Realtor, Robin Miller, Mary Loftus, Joe Belfiglio, daughter Noelle, Kate Belfiglio (Mary’s granddaughter) with baby Scarlett.

“Gotham has Batman and Rockland has Robin,” quipped Joe while relaxing in the spacious living room of his new home. Joe and Kate, both former employees of CNN, were expecting a headache when they first entered the housing market. Though they’ve been out of the city for four years the couple only recently moved into their new home. They first rented a cottage that Robin found for them “almost immediately” after they left Queens and spent quite a while looking for their perfect purchase. Robin helped the couple find their new home after months of searching, and Joe and Kate “jumped on it immediately” after seeing the place. With Robin’s help the couple purchased their home below asking price and just in time for the birth of their baby daughter. “The most gratifying part of my job is seeing how happy Kate and Joe are in the house” said Robin. The couple’s new colonial style home is the kind of spacious residence “(they’d) been dreaming about” while living in Queens. Boasting “a rocking chair front porch”, a two-car garage, and nearly three thousand square feet of living area, the Balfiglios’ new home dwarfs all of their previous living arrangements. “I used to have to store the microwave under my desk,” said Joe, describing the transition from a 700 square foot cottage to his new house. Their home is easily the largest on the block—in fact their driveway used to connect directly to Blauvelt’s Western Highway, and their cul-de-sac was built around the property. Joe and Kate love the space for its open aesthetic. Both the rooms as well as the yard are incredibly spacious and the property is gorgeous. The previous owner 86 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

“had quite the green thumb,” and left beautiful Columbine and Hibiscus flowers growing all around the place. The house was originally built in 1964, and although the “bones” of the building were in good shape, Joe and Kate had their work cut updating the space. “It had a real 80s décor,” explained Kate while listing the changes they’ve made. Wood paneling all around the home has been repainted white in order to make the interior brighter. The counter in the kitchen was replaced and the whole room has been repainted a nice tint of blue to replace its original “PeptoBismol pink.” Though they’re quite happy with their new home, the Balfiglios are most excited about the chance to live in a small town again. Joe grew up in Orange County and Kate is a native of Bergen; both are ecstatic to be living around


family and a lot of their home is furnished with heirlooms from downsizing relatives. They have found the people of Rockland to be very friendly and the couple are excited for their children to grow up in the Orangetown school district. “We are really matchmakers,” said Robin while reminiscing over the process of finding the perfect home for her family friends. Robin has been in the business more than thirty years and has also helped Kate’s grandparents find an apartment in Nyack. She’s been thrilled and relieved to see the young couple so happy. The house has already become a gathering place for four generations of the family and Joe and Kate are delighted to have joined the Blauvelt community. L

Robin Miller NY RE Associate Broker 845.596.0459 robin@baerhomes.com William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

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UNICEF CELEBRATES 8th ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC STORY BY JOSEPH KUHN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY UNICEF

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he United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund has had a busy year. It operates in more than 190 different countries and provides aid during every kind of natural disaster and emergency. UNICEF certainly has a daunting task, which is why fundraisers, like its 8th Annual Golf Classic, have become so important. Hosted at the Manhattan Woods Golf Club in West Nyack every year for nearly a decade, the tour has been a huge success for the charity and has raised nearly two million dollars since its inception. “This doesn’t happen without the support of people who really care about kids,” said Edward G. Lloyd, the chief operating and financial officer for UNICEF USA. Lloyd, the founder of the tour, will be retiring this year after a career spent helping administrate a charity that has provided millions of children with clean water, vaccinations and food. “(UNICEF) is a part of my DNA,” said Lloyd who plans to continue participating in the event whether he’s working or not. He considers the event an invaluable networking opportunity that allows the charity to build relationships with the private sector. The money accumulated at each tournament has helped fund many different UNICEF projects. This year’s donations, which totaled almost $200,000, will help the charity research and develop new green technologies that will help children the world over. They are working to build solar power plants in developing countries, recycle plastic waste into bricks that can be used to build affordable housing, and even use drones to better organize their distribution networks. All of those projects will play a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people on the planet. “We want to create a safe space, a sense of normalcy for kids,” explained Lloyd. L

UNICEF’s annual Golf Classic event has raised nearly two million dollars since its inception eight years ago. This year’s donations will support research and development of new green technologies. 88 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


About Us

Long Term Care

Subacute Rehab

Services

Amenities

Our reputation for providing quality patient care spans more than four decades.

Renowned for our delivery of exemplary care coupled with support and compassion, Nyack Ridge is a foremost provider of skilled nursing care.

The pride of our facility is our acclaimed subacute rehab program. Our expert team of therapists does an outstanding job returning patients to the community.

We take pride in offering a comprehensive continuum of quality care delivered with respect, understanding and dignity.

Situated in a quiet and tranquil country settting, Nyack Ridge imparts a warm and homelike atmosphere.

Located in scenic Valley Cottage, New York, only minutes from the Tappan Zee Bridge and major highways, Nyack Ridge can be easily accessed from Manhattan and area hospitals.

Clinical Excellence Rooted in Compassion.

Proud to Collaborate with Montefiore Health System.

Nature. Warmth. Healing. Care.

Schedule a tour or make a referral today! 476 Christian Herald Rd., Valley Cottage, NY

845.268.6861 845.268.2712

NyackRidge.com


Age and general health do play a role in the prevalence of vertigo, but it can affect any and all ages, genders and lifestyles.

90 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


DON’T LET DIZZINESS GET YOU DOWN STORY BY HUDSON VALLEY AUDIOLOGY | ILLUSTRATION BY JULIE NOVAK

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rimary care physicians hear a variety of complaints from their patients on a day-to-day basis. Some of the most common complaints involve vertigo: spinning sensation, nausea, being car sick, headaches and the sensation of being off balance. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 40% of Americans will report experiencing vertigo at least once in their lifetime. Vertigo, by definition, is the sensation of spinning or a whirling feeling. While vertigo itself is benign, its symptoms and underlying cause may pose a threat to the well-being of those being affected. Age and general health do play a role in the prevalence of vertigo, but it can affect any and all ages, genders, and lifestyles. Due to the many possible causes of vertigo, finding a professional who can properly diagnose it is crucial. The most common cause of vertigo is a slight displacement of small calcium deposits in your inner ear, causing BPPV, (Benign Proxismal Positional Vertigo). These calcium deposits, also known as otoconia, can become dislodged and make their way into an area of your vestibular system, your semicircular canals, where they do not belong. In most cases, BPPV is diagnosed and treated during the same appointment, and minimal follow up is required. If you are feeling brief episodes of spinning, particularly when you roll out of bed, you may have BPPV. In order for proper diagnosis, select vestibular tests may be completed in order to diagnose BPPV, or another pathology that cause vertigo.

Patients in Rockland County have benefited from having our Vestibular Audiologist, Dr. Christopher Herget, evaluate and treat their dizziness and vertigo. The procedure to treat BPPV is effective in 80% of patients, and over 90% effective if a second procedure is warranted. Most forms of vertigo are treatable when accurately diagnosed. Methods of relief are available in many forms that can help alleviate the spinning, tilting, nausea and headaches that plague otherwise healthy individuals, and it can help them lead a normal life. If you have these types of symptoms, contact our practice or email info@hudsonaudiology.com. It’s time to regain control and get you back on your feet! L

Dr. Christopher Herget Dr. Herget graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in communication disorders and a minor in film and creative writing. He proceeded to earn his Au.D. from the University of Connecticut and currently specializes in balance assessments; identifying both acoustic and vestibular pathologies. Outside of working at HVAC, Dr. Herget is an Adjunct Professor with the St. John’s University Communication Disorders Department.

Hudson Valley Audiology Center 11 Medical Park Drive, Suite 205, Pomona, NY 845-406-9990 hudsonaudiology.com

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COMMUTERS PARADISE ON THE MARKET! STORY BY JOSEPH KUHN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FINCH

Mark Dari is the listing agent for 49 North William Street

kitchen has classic exposed brick, and the doors leading into the living room feature beautiful stained glass. The entire ground floor is surrounded by windows, and the rooms are connected by French doors so that the interior of the home almost glows with natural light. The crown molding in the living room and the hardwood floors in the kitchen are original as well, lending the space a vintage charm accentuated by the grand piano situated in the main living room and included with the purchase.

49 North William Street is a charming home located right in the heart of Pearl River. The four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath colonial is located on a cul-de-sac that’s only a minute’s walk from the town’s main street; it’s a perfect choice for commuters looking for easy access to the train station and growing families looking to join a wonderful community.

The living rooms and top floor of the home are all carpeted, making the whole place feel wonderfully cozy and inviting. The master bedroom has a spacious closet and hookups for a stackable washer and dryer that will make doing laundry incredibly convenient. The other bedrooms are spacious: the top floor bathroom has been freshly retiled and looks fantastic. The unfinished basement is expansive and full of possibilities. It has the potential to be remodeled into a rec room or home gym or simply used for its abundant storage space.

The house boasts a screened-in porch and a spacious backyard ideal for parties or simply relaxing outdoors. It also features a detached two-car garage allowing plenty of room for parking. The interior has been recently renovated, and the home has been expanded since its original construction in 1929. The three bathrooms have recently been redone, the driveway repaved and new stainless steel appliances have been installed in the kitchen. Despite these updates, this home retains all of its original class. The back wall of the

49 North William Street’s greatest feature is its location. The house is within a mile of the Pearl River Library, elementary school and high school and is surrounded by bars, restaurants and family-owned shops. This charmer is an ideal choice for young families whose children would attend the highly rated Pearl River School District. Less than a quarter mile from the Pearl River train station, this home is a New York City commuter’s dream. The home surely won’t last long with an asking price of $469,900. Make your offer today! L

92 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


Make the Move! 49 NORTH WILLIAM STREET, PEARL RIVER, NY 4 Bedrooms

2 ½ Baths

2,144 SqFt

Asking $469,900

Mark Dari, NY Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 914-772-1471, mark.dari@randrealty.com

RivertownMagazine.com / 93


CBD And Weight Loss There is some evidence to suggest that taking CBD may help a person lose weight. CBD may aid weight loss due to how it works in the body. The human body has a built-in endocannabinoid system. This system responds to different compounds in the body through two cannabinoid (CB) receptors, called CB1 and CB2 receptors.Usually, CB1 receptors exist mainly in the brain and central nervous system and are almost nonexistent in the rest of the body. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, exist throughout the body. In people with obesity, however, CB1 receptors become more 94 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

widespread, especially in fatty tissue. Because of this, researchers believe that there may be a link between CB1 receptors and obesity. Current research involving CBD and weightloss is showing promising outcomes; some examples are cited below.

Reduced Appetite

One school of thought is that CBD can help a person lose weight by reducing their appetite. Most people associate cannabis with a stimulated appetite, as people who smoke cannabis tend to feel more hungry than usual. While it is true that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, may cause hunger, CBD does not, as it does not contain the psychoactive properties. CBD does not deactivate CB1 receptors, but it may influence other molecules to block them. Shutting off these receptors may help reduce the appetite and prevent overeating in some people.

Turns Bad Fat Into Good Fat

Another opinion is that it can convert white, or “bad,� fat into brown fat, which may help the body burn calories. Researchers found that CBD plays multiple roles in how the body interacts with fat. Not only does CBD help convert fat cells, it also stimulates the body to break down fats more efficiently. Therefore, CBD may be a promising therapy for preventing obesity.

Burns Fat

Additional research is showing that CBD melts away fat in the body by breaking it down and helping to eliminate it from the body as waste. The process of turning white fat cells to brown fat cells actually changes how these cells act in the body, as brown fat cells may be a more active form of fat. They burn off energy as heat, meaning that they actually burn calories.


A holistic, therapeutic, individualized approach with Susan Langone

Reduces Risk of Metabolic Disorders

As other research notes, there is a close link between obesity and several metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The overactivation of the CB1 receptors in the body may be partly responsible for this, as this overactivation could contribute to obesity and metabolic risks. Since CBD helps block the CB1 receptors, it might reduce the risk of obesity. Nyack CBD supports those whose goal is to feel their absolute best. While initial results from studies on CBD and weight loss put forth some promising suggestions, CBD, or any other compound, supplement, or drug, is not a treatment for obesity in and of itself. Nothing replaces a healthy diet and regular exercise, as together they can help form a better mind-body connection that ultimately increases awareness and promotes optimal health. L

The Nyack CBD Boutique values and appreciates the wisdom and experience that elders bring to the equation! We are located at 48 Burd St., Suite #204. Call 917-863-2084 today for an individualized, free consultation.

RivertownMagazine.com / 95


YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE YOU’LL SEE RIVERTOWN

Maureen, Arlene, Vicki, Harriet, Maryanne and Gayle sailing on a Norwegian Cruise in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

A DeMicco/Palmiotto Family reunion in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Frieda & Larry Luxenberg visited Portugal.

Catherine and Henry Ricardo of Tappan, NY in Stockbridge, MA.

Andy & Lynn Krakaur (Pomona) with Dr. Dennis Donovan in Nürnberg, Germany!

Joseph, John, Peggy, Jonathan and Justin Miklos, brought Rivertown to Sint Maarten on a family vacation.

Joan DeNoyelles brought Rivertown Magazine all the way to Japan!

96 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

Bridie & Bryan McGuire, of Tappan, on top of Mt. Fuji in Japan!


Robert Baker & Donna Mauer from Florida and Linda Buckenberger from Congers brought Rivertown Magazine to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Ellen Tress, at Long Beach Island, NJ.

Former Valley Cottage residents, Tom and Jan Basnight (right), visiting daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Wes Brown, and granddaughter Annabelle, in Nairobi, Kenya

Mary Olson of Nanuet helped ease the stress of paying her 2019 school taxes with Rivertown Magazine at Clarkstown Town Hall.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS to info@rivertownmag.com or tag us on social media #rivertownmagazine

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Waiting for the market to come back? The market’s not waiting for you. WORLDWIDE

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

AskAdamSells.com

845.358.9440

201.750.1100

100 / Rivertown Magazine September 2019

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RECENT SALES 790 Piermont Ave Piermont NY SOLD $1.5M 5 City View Dr New City NY SOLD $1.4M 83 Salierno Rd Tuxedo Park NY SOLD $1.3M 214 N 11th St Brooklyn NY UNDER CONTRACT $1.2M 18 Rolling Way New City NY SOLD $999K 169 S Broadway Nyack NY UNDER CONTRACT $899K 150 W Main St Stony Point NY SOLD $870K 34 Pine Glen Dr Blauvelt NY SOLD $860K 907 Rt 9W Upper Grandview NY SOLD $840K 694 Oak Tree Rd Palisades NY SOLD $835K 42 6th Ave Upper Nyack NY SOLD $799K 635 S Mountain Rd New City NY SOLD $750K 10 Polo Ct Suffern NY SOLD $730K 80 Old Mountain Rd Upper Grandview NY SOLD $699K 5 Piper Ct Blauvelt NY UNDER CONTRACT $695K 150 Front St Nyack NY SOLD $645K 351 Piermont Ave Piermont NY SOLD $635K 32 Standish Rd Hillsdale NJ SOLD $623K 1135 Stueben Ave New Milford NJ SOLD $620K 14 Carriage Ln Nanuet NY SOLD $615K 18 Briarcliff Rd New City NY SOLD $610K 40 Hoover Ln New City NY SOLD $600K 3 Ilana Ln New City NY UNDER CONTRACT $595K 628 Studio Rd Ridgefield NJ UNDER CONTRACT $585K 70 W 43rd St Bayonne NJ SOLD $583K 103 Locust Dr Nyack NY UNDER CONTRACT $565K 1027 Summit Woods New Windsor NY UNDER CONTRACT $555K 86 Closter Rd Palisades NY SOLD $540K 6 Sickletown Rd Pearl River NY SOLD $540K 166 Somerset Rd Norwood NJ SOLD $535K 15 Phillips Dr Stony Point NY SOLD $520K 29 Forest Ridge Rd Nyack NY SOLD $518K 27 Haven Ct Nyack NY SOLD $515K 300 Hill Terrace Northvale NJ UNDER CONTRACT $515K 5 Spruce Ln Cortlandt Manor NY SOLD $495K 329 S Pleasant Ave Ridgewood NJ SOLD $490K 696 Oak Tree Rd Palisades NY UNDER CONTRACT $475K 116 Aspen Ct Norwood NJ SOLD $470K 120 Round Hill Rd Washingtonville NY SOLD $469K 12 Andre Ave Tappan NY SOLD $445K 76 Fox Chase Ln Ledgewood NJ SOLD $430K 35 Maplewood Blvd Suffern NY SOLD $410K 9 Ashley Ct Hawthorne NJ SOLD $407K 411 Park Pl Fort Lee NJ SOLD $350K 14 Oakwood Lane Thiells NY UNDER CONTRACT $299K

ASK ADAM THE REAL ESTATE ANSWER RivertownMagazine.com / 101


A CARING COMMUNITY Nyack Ridge’s Staff Exceeds Expectations STORY BY JOSEPH KUHN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FINCH

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rom the moment the receptionist greets you with a smile, Nyack Ridge feels more like a neighborhood than a nursing and rehabilitation center. The residents are happy, the staff are extremely helpful and courteous and the administrators know everyone by name. “This is their home, and we want them to feel like it,” explained Michael Braunstein, one of the owners and operators of Nyack Ridge which has 160 beds. Whether it is adorning the hallways with festive holiday decorations or providing service with a smile, 102 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

Michael and his staff do everything possible to ensure that Nyack Ridge is always full of “smiley, happy people.” Braunstein, a self-described “nursing home brat,” has been in the business a long time. His parents and grandparents operate nursing homes of their own, and Michael is very familiar with the industry. He and his staff took over the facility in January of 2018 and have since redefined the place, which has been providing quality patient care for more than 40


The dynamic Nyack Ridge physical therapy team loves what they do.

years. They have installed new electric beds and televisions in residents’ rooms and added a fish tank to the main lobby. The space has recently been renovated with more to come in 2020. The management is always looking for ways to make the building as warm and inviting as possible. “There’s been a lot of improvement,” said Jessica Chardonnette, Nyack Ridge’s Director of Admissions. Nyack Ridge offers it services to both permanent residents

and those seeking in-patient care. The physical therapy programs treat more than 50 people day, and clients range in age from 36 to 103. Their dedicated and experienced staff provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and they are well-equipped to handle a wide variety of neurological and orthopedic problems. Their treatment center is full of “frequent fliers” who seek out the outstanding care provided by the facility, and many of their patients eventually decide to become permanent residents of the home. RivertownMagazine.com / 103


This is a caption box

Bill Batson, sketch pad in hand, visits with his mother, Daisy.

One of Bill’s many sketches of his mom, who shares his passion for art.

It’s easy to see why so many residents feel at home at Nyack Ridge. Under Michael’s leadership, Nyack Ridge has become more inviting and inclusive than ever. They frequently host special outings, including a senior’s picnic, have organized a “seniors’ counsel” where residents are encouraged to gather and discuss how they feel about their home, and have greatly increased their recreation budget. On any given day, residents can be found participating in bingo tournaments, trivia contests and even karaoke. “Having a well-managed, well-staffed nursing home minutes from where I live is a godsend,” said Bill Batson, the son of one of Nyack Ridge’s residents. “When it was clear that my mother needed a medically appropriate place to live, my first thought was Nyack Ridge. I was impressed that the new management was active in the community. If my mother was not going to be at home, I wanted her somewhere that felt like a part of the community.” Nyack Ridge is committed to the community it serves. It sponsors and participates in activities to support Nyack including SpringFest Street Fair, Classic Car Night, the Nyack Halloween Parade, SeptemberFest Breast Health Awareness Fashion Show, Holiday Lights, the Great Nyack Get Together, Nyack Football, Nyack Marching Band, Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center and the African American Day Parade.

104 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


Michael Braunstein, owner/operator of Nyack Ridge

Residents participate in Karaoke (top right) and other events to earn “funds” to buy small trinkets provided by the recreation department.

That communal spirit extends to their day-to-day operations. The staff of Nyack Ridge “are like family,” and Michael works to ensure that he is as accessible as possible to both residents and workers. Braunstein envisions his campus as the antithesis of what he calls “corporate structure.” All of the employees at Nyack Ridge are personally invested in running the home and providing a stress-free environment to residents and their families. “We want you to come in and leave knowing your loved one is being taken care of,” said Jessica. Nyack Ridge’s staff facilitate a relaxing environment where seniors can live out happy lives and their relatives can visit without worrying about their treatment. “Every time I visit (my mom), I bring my sketch pad,” said Bill who shares a passion for art with his mother. “I think she likes that whenever I’m with her, she has my undivided attention as I linger on her features and leave with another drawing that I will treasure forever.”

Nyack Ridge is a community filled with dedicated care providers and happy residents. Their services include subacute rehab, wound care, respite care and 24/7 skilled nursing care. Contact Jessica and her Admissions Team to learn more about the smiley, happy people of Nyack Ridge. R

Nyack Name Ridge 476 Christian Herald Address Road, Valley Cottage, NY 845-268-6861 Phone nyackridge.com Site Social @NyackRidge / Website

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VENUS & VENOM MEDISPA

Injecting Beauty, Art and Science into Rockland and Orange Counties STORY BY TOM RILEY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY VENUS AND VENOM

Left to Right: Venus & Venom founding partners and expert injectors Christina Sirera, RN, Denise Patriaco, FNP, and Sheila May, RN. 106 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


A

llergan, the company that makes Botox and Juvederm, recently held a Round Table Dinner with leading beauty industry colleagues including the owners of Venus & Venom. After introductions were made, a fellow veteran practitioner immediately stated: “I know you guys. You do all those great ads.” Others chimed in about the women of Venus & Venom, and while they felt flattered by the recognition of other great injectors, the true flattery came when a doctor said, “You have a great reputation with your clients. Everyone speaks very highly of your work.” “We want to perfect all that we do, to be aligned with our excellent reputation and continue to please our clients,” replied registered nurse Christina Sirera, who is an Expert Injector and a founding partner of Venus & Venom. “How many medical spas are traveling nationally and internationally for advanced trainings with their staff? We make it a point to attend the best conferences, with the best presenters.”

We want to perfect all that we do, to be aligned with our excellent reputation and continue to please our clients....How many medical spas are traveling nationally and internationally for advanced trainings with their staff? We make it a point to attend the best conferences, with the best presenters. —Christina Sirera, Expert Injector and founding partner of Venus & Venom Medispa

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Christina is an Ace Injector, Trainer and National Speaker for Allergan. When she is not injecting in one of the three Venus & Venom medispas, she trains and teaches other medical professionals—including plastic surgeons, dermatologists and allied health practitioners—how to administer Botox and fillers, or is attending advanced trainings with Denise Patriaco, FNP, and Sheila May, RN, both top injectors and partners at Venus & Venom. “We are constantly trying to perfect our craft and learn new techniques. That is what makes us stand out. We are not satisfied just doing the norm when it comes to Botox and dermal fillers. We work with our clients to reach their goals in what they perceive as beauty,” said Denise. “It is an art form,” said Sheila. “All of these trainings provide us with new techniques to achieve great results. We are thrilled when our clients are so happy.” Christina added that “the pearls of wisdom we get from trainings show how multifaceted the medical aesthetic industry is. Not everyone wants or needs a face lift.” This year alone the ladies of Venus & Venom have more than 100 hours each of additional training from California to London. “The things being done with Botox and dermal fillers is amazing to see. I love that I can deliver on a client’s expectations,” said Christina. Simply, if it’s being done with Botox or dermal fillers, the women at Venus & Venom are doing it all. In the last 12 months these women were trained in London at the FACE conference, have had multiple private trainings— including one by the world-renowned Arthur Swift, MD— attended multiple master courses (including a Columbia University cadaver dissection class to understand injector anatomy), master classes with Dr. Raj Acquilla in London, Leslie Fletcher, RN, from California, Dr. Lara Devgan of New York City, Dr. Debra Sherman of Nashville, Allergan trainings, Galderma trainings and Merz trainings. This is just a shortened list of the last year; they are constantly improving their skills and learning all the newest techniques. The women of Venus & Venom are the modern-day “Charlie’s Angels,” fighting the signs of aging and becoming everyone’s “Big Little Lie.” One of the newest and most requested services offered is Micro-Tox. A patented technique, that very few are certified to do, Micro-Tox uses neuromodulators to tighten skin instantly. Unlike Botox, which is injected into muscles to paralyze and freeze expression lines, Micro-Tox is a superficial application. When injected into the surface of the skin, it has shown immediate results. Similar to the 108 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

AquaGold Facial, where they create a cocktail of Botox, fillers, and vitamins to give you glowing skin, Micro-Tox is a more concentrated approach. Think about an instant eye lift, or tightening of crepey skin underneath your eye. It’s like shrink wrap for your skin, and it is especially effective on the neck. Venus & Venom aestheticians are also constantly improving their skills and techniques: they attend the most advanced skincare trainings available including Coolsculpting University. Coolsculpting is the only FDA-approved treatment for fat reduction. Venus & Venom is one of the top 10 New York providers with more master Coolsculpting providers in each of their locations in Blauvelt, Nanuet and Monroe than any other medispa. Keeping in line with non-invasive services, the expert Venus & Venom aestheticians can have your fat reduction treatment done on your lunch break or even between meetings. This October, Venus & Venom held their 12th anniversary with a huge celebration with the legendary Chita Rivera making an appearance. Free consultations for all Venus & Venom services are just a phone call away. Follow Venus & Venom on social media for the fastest way to stay informed on specials, education on services and exciting events. Also visit vvmspa.com to sign up for emails to stay up-to-date on the next big thing in beauty, art and science. R

Venus & Venom Medispa 135 Erie Street East, Blauvelt, NY 845-205-3550 Name 35 Lake Street, Monroe, NY Address 845-827-6698 Phone 78 S. Middletown Road, Nanuet, NY Site 845-623-8700 Social / Website vvmspa.com IG: @venusandvenommedspa & @venus_and_venom_nanuet FB: @venusandvenom


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“BRICK BY BRICK”

JAWONIO BUILDS FOR THE FUTURE STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM RILEY

Tiffany Mason came to Jawonio at the age of 6 months, and now serves as the main receptionist.

“Since 1947, Jawonio has been meeting the needs of the communities we serve,” says Jill Warner, CEO of Jawonio, says Jill Warner, CEO of Jawonio, proudly. “We are gratefully acknowledged for our compassionate and individualized services provided by a talented and dedicated staff who inspire children and adults with special needs to reach their highest potential.” Since the 1960s Jawonio has been providing those award-winning services in seven donated trailers that were in 80% disrepair. Warner continues, “We have always put our resources into people and that is what drives our mission. My dream was to transform our 16-acre campus and build a new state-of-the-art facility that would match the quality of our staff for decades to come.” With a vote of confidence, the Jawonio Board of Directors gave the green light to the current $18 million dollar campus 110 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

redevelopment on the 16-acre property in New City in 2014. Jawonio began the project, and decided that in order to succeed, that a capital campaign was needed over the next 5 to 6 years. That same year, Jawonio was successful in two rounds of NYS Economic Development Council grants that resulted in more than $3 million dollars of initial funding. The “Building for Tomorrow” capital campaign was announced in 2016 with a public goal of $10 million dollars. Following that initial New York State grant success, Warner negotiated the sale and lease back agreement of the Jawonio Tech building in Spring Valley. Employment and Day Services staff will move into the new facility upon completion. With approximately $4 million dollars in assets in 2016, Jawonio began their two-phase project called “Building for Tomorrow.” The first phase was to construct three brand new cabins for


The walls are filled with reminders of the lives touched through Jawonio.

Jack Smith, Director of Cleaning, stands in front of a special board used to train cleaners at Jawonio.

the Summer Education Program camp, home to more than 100 children with special needs, which meets for six weeks from July through August. The dedication of the cabins, including the naming of the William T. Morris Foundation, was held in July 2018. Prior to 2018, Jawonio received the great news that Janice Huff, Chief Meteorologist of NBC4NY, agreed to be the Honorary Chair of the Capital Campaign. Since that time, Huff has hosted Jawonio premiere events, raising thousands of dollars, including the first groundbreaking as well as the community cabin celebration. Huff will also be on hand November 9th to host her third Harvest Brunch fundraiser at Paramount Country Club.

with developmental disabilities and special needs. Our people have a level of function that challenges them every day. We know that cerebral palsy, spina bifida and multiply complex lifespan medical challenges are not going away. The key is early diagnosis. I came to Jawonio to develop the early intervention program, and 35 years later, we know it works. At 32, Tiffany Mason, one of my babies in Early Intervention(E.I.), who happens to have cerebral palsy, has been in all of our programs, worked as a camp counselor, and is currently working as a full-time receptionist for the entire agency and living independently. Another success story is a young man with cerebral palsy, Scott Salmon from Tappan, whose parents came to us in crisis, wondering what kind of life was out there for their infant son. Fast forward, Scott is a graduate of Tappan Zee High School, attended Edinboro University and received his masters at NYU. He has travelled the world, and now lives in a supported apartment in Virginia where he is a social worker for the Veterans Administration. We have thousands of stories like that. What is important in both these examples is that our approach is to support the families’ goals and aspirations for their child with a strengthsbased approach. We are excited about the brand new early childhood environment in the new building that will offer a variety of therapeutic interventions where playing and learning thrive, thanks to our incredibly talented therapists, teachers and clinicians in our program.”

Since 2016, Jawonio has also secured more than $2 million dollars through private foundations and more than 1500 donors contributing through multi-year pledges, and one time gifts. Warner said, “This project would not have happened without the support of our Board of Directors and a generous community. This campus redevelopment on what we call ‘hallowed ground,’ is not only the largest economic development project in the Lower Hudson Valley region outside of hospitals, but it will give individuals and families a beautiful environment inside and out with the dignity and respect they deserve. A building is just a building, but my focus and pride has always been in our amazing staff who are at the heart of all the services we offer,” said Warner. Rivertown met some of the wonderful staff leadership whose programs will take place in the new building and they had some great things to say. Jerry Staller, the Division Director of Educational & Clinical Services at Jawonio, has been there for 35 years. “We offer a continuum of care from infancy to end of life for people

Next, we met up with Supervisor of Rehabilitation Services, Mitch Spiegel. Mitch is a physical therapist, and is now tasked with oversight of the Jawonio outpatient clinic, which will also reside in the new building. The outpatient clinic is certified by the NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities and Spiegel says, “With the brand new space, we will have new state-of-the-art equipment to assist individuals RivertownMagazine.com / 111


with their physical, occupational, psychological and speech therapy needs. We want to make sure that we can slow down any regression in function that our individuals require. The clinic truly represents the integration of both physical and behavioral services, which means that a person’s needs are being met holistically.” Spiegel looks forward to more referrals from the community as well as Jawonio Day Programs, which are offered in both Rockland and Westchester Counties.

program. Banks told us that their worksites include the entire Robert Yeager Health Complex in Pomona, the White Plains Courthouse in Westchester, along with smaller businesses and other commercial sites. The cleaners also work at all three Jawonio services sites as well as the Jawonio Special Ed Preschool. “We have more than 100 people working and getting a paycheck they may have never dreamed of. Having a disability doesn’t mean you don’t have ability,” said Jack Smith.

Another award-winning service is a $5 million dollar social enterprise called the Jawonio Cleaning Company. Staff go through a rigorous six week job training program and at the end of the course are certified in green cleaning as well. More than 80% of the cleaners have a diagnosis of a disability and/ or a mental health challenge. Tommie Banks is the program director and Jack Smith is the manager and trainer for both Rockland and Westchester sites. On-site job coaching is also supported by the Jawonio Community Employment

The first floor of the new Jawonio home will also include large program and activity space for adults in day services. Program offerings include social skills and volunteer opportunities. The clinically based services include creative opportunities such as art and music along with wellness activities. The second floor will include executive offices, compliance and quality assurance, human resources and finance. Rounding out the floor will be The Jawonio Foundation as well as the departments of Care Management, Community Living Services, Community Employment and Day Services. The design also includes a lower floor that will feature a centerpiece of the new facility which is the Jawonio Training Center. Training will be provided in a classroom setting for direct support staff, the cleaning company and the entire workforce from Rockland, Westchester and Orange Counties. New IT connected services will be part of the efficiencies and allow for improved communications. Web conferences and seminars will also be offered in “smart” conference rooms for staff. The transformation of the physical campus will include the demolition of the current building which will be made into a much needed parking lot. Landscaping throughout the property in its natural setting will feature accessible pathways, gardens and a safe and peaceful environment for individuals, staff, families and the community, for decades to come.

Diana Hess, Chief Development Director and Jerry Staller, Division Director of Educational & Clinical Services, stand in front of the new and yet to be completed 70,000 square foot Main Campus Building.

112 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

“We would never have been able to get this far without the vision of our CEO, Jill Warner,” said Diana Hess, Chief Development Officer and project lead for the Capital Campaign. Hess, who began her work in 2000 as a communications and public relations director, continues to view her role as the Chief Storyteller for Jawonio. She is confident that over the next year, the “planting of seeds” will result in a few large grants from private foundations, as well as a number of major gifts coming from generous individuals and families. Hess is confident about reaching the $10 million dollar mark because, “We all know, that development and fundraising never stops—but all of us are on the same team with the same goal. It is always more to us than the new space—the goal is to help thousands of more people reach their highest level of independence through our services and to be included in every aspect of society just like everyone


else. One of my favorite quotes is an African proverb that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,’” said Hess. Words spoken by parent Bonnie Soalt truly capture the essence of Jawonio. “My daughter Kayla’s journey through Early Intervention, then pre-school, then summers at Jawonio paved the way for her success and graduation from high school. When someone asks me about Jawonio, I say they are the very best in humanity, and the very best in human services.” With 2020 Vision, Jill Warner will move her workforce into their new home in the spring, thanks to the efforts of our elected officials and advocates, thousands of people throughout the community and the leadership and confidence of both the Jawonio corporate and foundation

boards. The Jawonio future is filled with hope and optimism provided by the 1100 strong and compassionate staff who live the mission of advancing the independence, well being and equality of the people they support each and every day. “We are building this building for the future and we’ll accomplish our goal like we did in 1947 when seven families got together and wanted to serve people with disabilities in this region. They did it brick by brick.” If you would like to take a tour of the new site, or make a donation right now, please go to: jawonio.org/pledge or contact Dana Ferraro, Marketing and Development Associate at dana.ferraro@jawonio.org or call 845-7082000 extension 1332. To learn more about the project go to jawonio.org/campus-transformation. R

Ronald undergoes physical therapy with Joy.

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Facebook– @FoundationsRCC

114 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


ASK YOUR REALTOR By Frank Mancione of Lydecker Realty Question: I’m a first-time home buyer and am confused about the term “closing costs.” I know I need to pay for things aside from just my down payment, but how do I find out what these expenses are, and how much I’ll need in addition to my down payment? I know the seller is supposed to pay the broker’s commission. Answer: That’s a great question and something first-time buyers almost always need help with. A buyer incurs several costs which are actual “closing costs,” paid the day of the closing, at the closing table. In addition, there are other costs that a buyer incurs such as home inspection fees, which are paid early on in the home buying process, prior to signing a contract. Cost related to having a property survey done, if a suitable one doesn’t already exist, also usually fall on the buyer and is paid prior to closing. Actual closing costs can be thought of as being in four different categories. Assuming there is a mortgage involved, you will have bank fees (such as appraisal fees, bank attorney fees, credit report fees, etc.), title fees (title insurance, title search fees, municipal violations search fees), tax fees (NYS mortgage tax and property tax escrow costs) and miscellaneous fees such as your attorney’s fee and title closer fee. Sometimes you’ll hear that a rough “rule of thumb” is that you’ll need approximately twice the annual property tax amount to cover closing costs. This is a very rough estimate and is not meant to be a substitute for obtaining estimates for each of the individual costs. It also turns out to be an overestimate if you are not getting a mortgage (cash deal) or if your bank pays some of the fees or rolls some of them into your mortgage. Your mortgage banker is responsible for providing you a detailed estimate of all the bank’s fees. Your attorney will provide you with his/her fee and also an estimate of the title fees and some miscellaneous fees. When you meet with your attorney, it might be a good idea to ask to go over your estimated closing costs, prior to signing the contract. R

Building Great Smiles Building Trusting Relationships From toddler, teenager to adults; Smile Builders is here for you! Certified in General, Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics that builds trust, confidence and smiles to last a lifetime! Smile Builders uses the latest in advanced equipment, dental & orthodontic procedures and state of the art facilities. But that’s not what you will remember! Like every patient who visits, you’ll remember Dr. Weisberg’s jokes, Dr. Cox’s calming demeanor, Dr. Cohen’s gentle caring efficiency and Dr. Gold’s respect and compassion. We make you feel as if you’re the most important person in the world every time you visit. Suddenly, what used to be a scary thing becomes a warm caring and fun experience! And because we’re certified in general, pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, we’ll be there for your kids as they grow. And for you too. Building trust BEFORE we build a smile that’s what Smile Builders is all about!

Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics Member American Association of Orthodontics Member American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Academy of General Dentistry | American Dental Association

1 Mariner Way, Monsey, NY 10952 (845) 362-7645 RivertownMagazine.com / 115


For his dedication to veterans, Ismael “Izzy” Quintana received a plaque from Gary Parahus, the owner of Gary’s Gutter Services, outside City Line restaurant.

HERO OF THE MONTH ISMAEL QUINTANA

R

ivertown Magazine is proud to announce that Ismael “Izzy” Quintana, the Veteran Outreach Coordinator for the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, is November’s 2019 “Hero of the Month.” This “Vet to Vet” approach for veterans is named in honor of an Iraqi war hero from Mount Sinai, New York, PFC Joseph P. Dwyer. Every day in America, 20 to 22 veterans succumb to suicide in our nation. The Vet to Vet program utilizes a “battle buddy” system in which one-on-one mentoring by veterans who are trained in a military behavioral health course provide counseling, information, referral and moral support to veterans in need. Another mission is providing support to veterans to prevent suicide, incarceration and harm to self/or others. The program is open to all veterans and their families. Ismael is a Gulf War and Bosnia veteran with 24 years in the Army. He retired as a Major and feels an obligation to give back to our country and those veterans who gave their last full measure of devotion so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have. The Rockland County program is administered and operated by BRIDGES and is made available to veterans through the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency. Vet to Vet offers social events as well as alternative therapies to medication like yoga, acupuncture and meditation. They partner with Veteran Service Dog programs at the Hi-Tor Animal Care Center and Behavior Plus, a private dog training service. They even have a program where vets work with horses.

116 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

BRIDGES also advocates for veterans facing incarceration and finds housing for homeless vets. To find out more about joining the program and becoming a mentor, or if you would like to donate funds to help the more than 9,000 veterans who live in Rockland County, call Vet to Vet Administrator Sharon Bailey, LCSW, Major Retired who can be reached at 845-521-9440. You can reach Izzy at 845-587-6497. If you need transportation for medical appointments at the VA (Montrose or Castle Point), call BRIDGES to schedule a week in advance 845-624-1366 extension 102. R

You’re Invited!

MAY 18, 2019, 2-6PM | MAY 19, 2019, 12-4PM

FREE YOGA FOR VETERANS Courtesy of Vet to Vet WHEN: Every Thursday through December 1:30PM–2:30PM WHERE: Birchwood Center Yoga & Massage 85 South Broadway, Nyack, NY


Exp. 11/30/19

Exp. 11/30/19

Exp. 11/30/19


DO YOU HAVE AN EXIT PLAN? If you are thinking about an exit strategy for your business, here are a few things to consider. Real Estate: if you rent your place of business, there should be a long-term lease in place, preferably with options to extend at the end of the current term. If you own the real estate, you need to decide whether you want to sell it along with the business or keep it and rent to the new owner. Contracts: you should make sure that all of your business agreements, including vendor contracts, customer contracts and employment agreements, are current. Financials & Taxes: your business financials should be clean and readily accessible for the past three to five years. These are the key to the transaction and their importance cannot be overstated. Also, all taxes, including sales taxes, should be paid and up to date. Valuation: the asking price of a business is generally calculated as a multiple of its earnings (EBITDA). A business that is considered risky because it is new or in a volatile industry may command 2 or 2.5 times earnings, whereas a proven business in a lower-risk sector may be priced at a multiple of 6 or more. A business broker can help you assess the value of your business.

Stock Sale vs. Asset Sale: your legal and tax advisors can help you decide if you should be selling the stock (or shares) of your business to the buyer or if the buyer should set up their own corporation or LLC and buy only the assets of your business. Consulting with a professional before placing your business on the market can help you make the most of your exit strategy.

Did You Know? Since the theme of this issue is one of my favorite subjects, food, I thought I would share a few interesting cuisine-related legal tidbits. In Richmond, Virginia, it is illegal to flip a coin to see who pays for coffee in a cafÊ. In Gary, Indiana, you have to wait at least four hours after eating garlic before you enter a movie theater. By ordinance, the only legal way to eat fried chicken in Gainesville, Georgia is with your hands. So know the food law and stay out of trouble when you’re travelling! R

Starvaggi Law Offices, P.C., 97 South Broadway, Suite 2, Nyack, NY info@starlawpc.com starvaggilawoffices.com 845-589-9456 This article is intended for general informational purposes only and shall not be deemed to give individual legal advice. 118 / Rivertown Magazine October 2019


ASK THE LENDER

SCOTT FORMAN DIVISIONAL VICE PRESIDENT I OWN MY OWN BUSINESS. WHY CAN’T I OWN MY OWN HOUSE?!

Scott Forman There are a lot of perks of being the boss. You get to set your own hours, and of course, there are those irresistible writeoffs. Self-employed borrowers have always been the trickiest for banks. We come across these hard-working individuals with very successful businesses and as a result, a good chunk of money in the bank. So why so often do we find these people stuck in rentals or unable to refinance their current home at a low rate? In short, the answer is write-offs. Business owners shell out a lot of money to sustain their businesses, and

the government gives them a chance to recoup some of that during tax season. And a good accountant can save you thousands of dollars in taxes. Unfortunately, this works against business owners when qualifying for a mortgage because the lender is only allowed to use income left over after all the business expenses, i.e. the NET income. If you have an aggressive accountant, who was once your best friend, he or she is now your worst enemy, because the grand finale number of what you qualify for is extremely disappointing.

is a Divisional President for CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc., managing a lending group of 40+ locations nationwide. Forman grew up in Rockland County and currently resides in New Jersey where he is the Co-President of The Montvale Chamber of Commerce.

Here are some key things to know as a business owner if you want to own your own house: 1.

You can add certain expenses back into the equation. For instance, you may claim depreciation on equipment and hardware. This deduction gets added back to into your net profit.

2. Another expense that can be added back is the home office deduction or a car expense. If you use any part of your home or car to conduct business, and you make regular payments from your business account, you may be able to exclude those monthly payments and add that amount back into your net profit. 3. If all else fails, there are programs that are asset-based rather than income-based, and you could qualify for a loan by showing your bank statements instead of tax returns. These seem less desirable for some but are available if needed. R

Thank you to everyone who has sent in their questions. We will pick one every month and send you a $100 Home Depot Gift Card. E-Mail: info@FormanTeam.com.

* All loans subject to underwriting approval. Certain restrictions apply. Licensed Mortgage Banker — New York State Banking Department. Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. NMLS 3029, Scott Forman NMLS 12460 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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M E IR YE D ID’S

TRICK

TOWN

MAGIC, GAMES, PUZ ZLES, ILLUSIONS, HACKS & SCAMS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PU RPOSES ONLY! The subtitle of this column is, “Magic, Games, Puzzles, Illusions, Hacks & Scams.” Until now, most of my columns have been based around magic. I thought that this month I could teach you something that can be classified as a puzzle, a game, or even a proposition bet… but in reality it is a scam, a con, a rip-off that you can use to win money from your friends.

the simple rules of the game: Your victim will remove any number of matches between 1–6 then you will do the same. You keep doing that until one person gets the last group of matches. Whoever picks up the last match or matches wins. What you win depends on the size of the bet that was agreed upon before the “game” began.

It was originally a mathematical puzzle that used bunches of wooden matches. It was quickly converted into a proposition bet and even had a variation where you used sleight-of hand to cheat people that were following the math.

The way you always win this game is to make sure that the last time you take matches away there are only seven matches left. With seven matches left and your victim’s turn to remove some, the most he could remove is six, which would leave you the winning match. If he takes fewer than six you just pick up all the remaining matches and win.

I will first explain the basic scam, so you understand the math and then teach you my simple variation using a deck of cards. The original used a big box of wooden matches. You would dump the matches on the table into a pile and explain

So how do you end up with seven matches at the end in order to win? You must start earlier, when, at a certain point, as the pile of matches gets smaller and countable. What you have to do is remove a quantity where the remaining number of matches is a multiple of seven. Like 14, 21, 28, etc… Once you reach that number the math will kick in. Let’s say there are 28 matches left and the victim removes four. You must then remove three which will leave 21. You keep doing this, where the total number that both of you remove will be seven. You keep doing this until there are seven left and you win. I know this sounds complicated and I was looking for better ways to present it and do the math. My favorite presentation was to have everyone remove their loose change from their pocket and whoever wins gets all the money. But the math was the same. What I finally decided to do is use a pile of objects with a fixed total, so I don’t have to do any counting and the only math would be to be able to count to seven. The obvious choice was to use a complete deck of cards which we all know has 52 cards (54 with Jokers). So, this becomes very easy. Use it to win some money… and don’t forget to send me a small commission!

120 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


PLAYING CARD PROPOSITION What your friends think they see:

What really happens:

They assume a simple and honest game where you each remove cards until there is a winner.

You have a secret mathematical strategy that makes it impossible for them to win.

Begin with a complete deck of 52 cards. Have it shuffled and cut by your victim. When they are done spread the deck on the table as seen in the photo, spread it all over the table in a messy and sloppy display. It is even better to have all the cards in a random face-up and face-down mess as seen in the photo.

they remove their number of cards it will be your turn. You must remove a number that would make the total of both your cards equal seven. So, if they took three you will then remove four because 3+4=7. There will now be 42 cards left on the table, which is a multiple of seven.

You then explain the game with a demonstration. Remove three cards from different parts of the deck as seen in the photo (which will leave 49 left on the table), as you do that you explain that each of you will have to take turns removing one to six cards at a time and the person who ends up removing the last remaining cards wins. Photo 1

You let your victim remove any amount up to six and have them remove them from different parts of the deck. Once

Here is a simple list of what you must take for every possibility. (Although I am sure all of you can count to seven and will not need this!) If they take 1, you take 6 (1+6=7) If they take 2, you take 5 (2+5=7) If they take 3, you take 4 (3+4=7) If they take 4, you take 3 (4+3=7) If they take 5, you take 2 (5+2=7) If they take 6, you take 1 (6+1=7) You will then continue with the exact same sequence. Each time they remove cards, you remove the appropriate number that would equal seven. As you keep doing this the total number of cards will keep getting smaller. From 42 to 35 to 28 to 21 to 14 and finally to seven. Once the total reaches seven and it is their turn to remove 1-6 cards, they automatically lost‌ leaving all the remaining cards for you. I like to mix up the cards a few times during the game which adds a level of confusion and can eliminate any suspicion of math being used because of the seeming chaos of the cards. A real con artist would play this game a few times and purposely lose as he would compliment their victim on their expert play. After the few losses, he would suggest playing for money—a lot of money! R

Meir Yedid is an award-winning magician and writer. He is also the CEO of MyMagic and Gambling Incorporated. You can reach him at MeirYedid.com

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Your Child’s First Haircut Tips for Making It Fun and Easy PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA GAUL OF MILESTONE IMAGES

The first haircut can be unsettling for both you and your child. If you’re not sure how your little one will react to having his locks snipped, don’t worry: a little preparation for the big day can ease your worries and ensure a fun and memorable trip to the barber shop. When to Cut: We have seen babies as young as three months old come in for their first haircut while others don’t visit the barbershop until they are two years old. Keep in mind that every child is different, and there is no certain age at which they need that first cut. When hair starts to get in your baby’s eyes or is bothersome on his neck, that’s a good indication that it’s time for his first haircut.

Preparing for the First Haircut: A haircut is a new experience for your child, so you should prepare yourself for any tears or fears that might arise. In fact, I’ve noticed over the years that sometimes it’s the parents who are more scared than their children. Be prepared if your child cries during their first haircut—most do. Follow these tips to assure a great first experience: • • • •

Bring an extra shirt in case they don’t want to wear the cape. Sometimes it helps to remind little boys that superheroes wear capes! Pick a time that is good for your child. The best time is usually after a nap or early in the morning, not nap time, snack time or that cranky hour in between. Go to a kid-friendly barbershop and ask which barber is the best for working with children. Bring a favorite toy or special treat. At D.S.Z. Barbers Inc., we have an endless supply of lollipops, sensory toys and tablets loaded with kid-friendly games to keep your child happily distracted.

Steve STEVE Zuccato ZUCCATo owner of D.S.Z. Barbers Inc in Nyack, (845) 348-1500 122 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


During the First Haircut: Even the most prepared children can get the “first haircut jitters” when the time comes. My advice on having a fuss-free and positive barbershop experience: • • • •

Remember to relax! If you’re nervous or overly emotional, your child will pick up on it right away. If your baby is having a hard time sitting alone in the children’s chair or fussing, let him sit on your lap during the haircut. Remember to save the first lock of hair for his baby book! Your child’s hair will probably change in color or texture as he gets older. At D.S.Z. Barbers Inc., we commemorate the occasion with a personalized “First Haircut Certificate” complete with a snippet of the child’s hair! Try not to come as a crowd and leave older siblings at home. The fewer people around, the fewer distractions for your little one. R

Stop by D.S.Z. Barbers Inc. at 140 Main Street in Nyack or call 845-348-1500

RivertownMagazine.com / 123


RIVERTOWN FILM AT NYACK CENTER Information Broadway at Depew, Nyack, NY All films presented digitally 845.353.2568 or rivertownfilm.org Tickets at the door, in advance from 800.838.3006 or online at rivertownfilm.org Unless otherwise noted: $12 general admission, $9 for students, seniors and general Rivertown Film members, $8 for student and senior Rivertown Film members Check locations and ticket prices for each event. Call for group tickets.

A still from “The Farewell” directed by Lulu Wang

WED. NOV. 6 – 8PM AT NYACK CENTER

WED, NOV. 20 – 8PM AT NYACK CENTER

LINDA RONSTADT: THE SOUND OF MY VOICE Directed by Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman USA, 2019, 95 minutes, documentary, rated PG-13 With one of the most stunning voices to ever hit the airwaves, Linda Ronstadt emerged in the folk rock scene of the 1960s and went on to create unforgettable music across rock, pop, country, folk, American standards, classic Mexican music and soul. She was the first artist to top the Pop, Country and R&B charts simultaneously; she won 10 Grammy Awards and had 11 platinum albums to her name. Narrated by Linda Ronstadt, with Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, and Aaron Neville, with an abundance of excellent music clips.

THE FAREWELL Directed by Lulu Wang With Awkwafina, Shuzhen Zhao, X Mayo USA, 2019, 100 minutes, drama/comedy, rated PG, in English and Mandarin, with English subtitles A woman born in China but raised in the U.S. returns for a visit, to find that the beloved matriarch of the family has only a few weeks left to live. Not wanting to upset the elderly woman, the entire family has agreed to keep this a secret from her. To explain why family members are gathering, they expedite a wedding. An uplifting and funny story about family bonds, one, as claimed in the credits, that is “based on an actual lie.”

“It captures the life and career of a rock ‘n’ roll star who never looked back, never apologized, never compromised.” —Owen Gleiberman, Variety

“In The Farewell, Wang builds a funny, touching and vital film about what makes a family in any culture. It’s simply stunning.” —David Fear, Rolling Stone

“A beautiful, deeply moving and well-deserved tribute to this utterly singular woman and her talent.” —Katie Walsh, Chicago Tribune

“This is a viewing experience to be treasured. It is one of the very best films of 2019.” —Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times

“A staggering onslaught of breathtaking vocal performances tumble through this film—Ronstadt singing the aching Long, Long Time, the ebullient When Will I Be Loved, the soulful Blue Bayou. She nails the soprano part in Pirates of Penzance, takes ownership of the Sinatra standard What’s New, practically makes love to New Orleans R&B crooner Aaron Neville on Don’t Know Much.” ­—Joel Selvin, San Francisco Chronicle

“The fact that The Farewell is such a frequently and easily funny film, on top of the heavy stuff it’s dealing with, is what makes it feel so miraculous.” —Emily Yoshida, New York Magazine

124 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

“A premise so rich with potential comedy, heartbreak and family weirdness that it can only have come from real life. Which it did.” —A.O. Scott, The New York Times


OUR MISSION. Rivertown Magazine is the voice for real people and local businesses, connecting Rockland County’s vibrant lifestyles to all residents and visitors within an hour’s drive from NYC.

November 1, 2019

Frankie D. (Jazz & Swing) Costume Party 9:30pm-12am OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 3, 2019

Ed Packer & Various Artists 1pm-6pm OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 6, 2019

Open Mic Night 8:30pm OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 8, 2019

Doc Monomer’s Audio Salon IV: Featuring Live Electronics from Various Artists Doors Open 10pm Monomer Audio Emporium, Nyack, NY

November 9, 2019

Christian Diana & The Foxfires (Indie-Pop & Folk) 10pm-12am OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 11, 2019

The Nyack Sessions, Open Jam for all to participate or listen (Irish Celtic & Blue Grass) 9pm OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 13, 2019

Open Mic Night 8:30pm OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 16, 2019

RT LIVE Exact Change Project (Jazz, Funk & Latin Rhymes) 10pm-11:30pm OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

100K

November 18, 2019

The Nyack Sessions, Open Jam for all to participate or listen (Irish Celtic & Blue Grass) 9pm OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 19, 2019

November 20, 2019

950

Open Mic Night 8:30pm OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 23, 2019

Steven Connolly (Rock, Southern Rock, Country, Pop from the 1960’s–Now) 8:30pm OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 25, 2019

The Nyack Sessions, Open Jam for all to participate or listen (Irish Celtic & Blue Grass) 9pm OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 27, 2019

Open Mic Night 8:30pm OD’s Tavern, Nyack, NY

November 30, 2019

Gretchen Heinel’s Birthday Salon: Featuring Live Rap Performances by Various Artists Doors Open 8pm Monomer Audio Emporium, Nyack, NY

.com

125 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

RivertownMagazine.com / 125


NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS November 3, 2019

TCS New York City Marathon with busing from RRR (Rockland Road Runner) Marathon Bus, Palisades Mall, Nyack, NY, depart from mall at 5:30AM. Yoga, Brunch, Hike with Purple Mat Yoga Palisades, NY, 10:30AM–2:30PM, $119.

November 13, 2019

The Thrill of Action on Paper Finkelstein Memorial Library, Spring Valley, NY. 6:30PM–8:30PM. $3 Material Charge.

November 14, 2019

Medicare 101 with Emerald Medicare The Iron Horse Restaurant, 20 Washington Ave., Westwood, NJ. 6PM–8PM.

Trunk or Treat: Halloween at the Historical Society HSRC/ Jacob Blauvelt House, New City, NY, 12PM–4PM.

Paint and Sip Fundraiser Hosted by Nanuet & Beyond and the Nanuet Chamber, 43 Hutton Ave., Nanuet, NY, 6PM–9PM.

November 4, 2019

November 15, 2019

November 6, 2019

November 16, 2019

November 7, 2019

Harvest Festival Van Houten Farms, Orangeburg, NY, 2PM– 6PM.

Cornucopia 2019 Food Gala November 4, 2019, Edgewood Country Club, River Vale, NJ, 6PM–10PM.

Wines of Chile and Argentina Valley Cottage Library, Valley Cottage, NY, 7PM, $5.

4th Annual Taste of North Rockland Village of West Haverstraw, NY, 6PM–8PM, $35. BRIDGES Fundraiser ft. Stand Up Comic Alyssa Sequoia Double Tree Inn, Nanuet, 7PM, $65/early bird $85/door.

November 8, 2019

Family Barn Dance Congers Lake Memorial Park Auditorium, Congers, NY, 7PM $10. Escape From Behind Enemy Lines Presentation Tappan Library, Tappan, NY. 6:30PM.

November 9, 2019

Free Down to Earth Living Holiday Party with Santa Down to Earth Living, Pomona, NY, 2PM. ABC TV Rising Star Winner Jesse Kinch Performance The Turning Point, Piermont, NY. 7PM Doors Open. $30.

November 10, 2019

Hop into Art: Weekend Family Workshop–Rockland Culture Edward Hopper House, Nyack, NY, 12PM–1PM. Adult admission fee only.

November 12, 2019

Women’s Empowerment Symposium featuring Naomi Ragen JCC Rockland, 5PM–8PM.

126 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

Our Town at Elmwood Playhouse Nyack, NY, times varies, $30 tickets.

John Green House Party/Fundraiser Nyack Boat Club, Nyack, NY, 4:30PM–7PM.

Music Sessions @ RoCA A.J. Croce, Rockland Center for the Arts, West Nyack, NY, 7:30–9PM, $30. Beekeeping for the Future The Pfeiffer Center, Spring Valley, NY, 9AM, $95

November 18, 2019

Medicare 101 with Emerald Medicare Zuckor Park Senior Center, 31 Zukor Rd., New City, NY. 1PM–2:30PM.

November 19, 2019

The Business of Women Entrepeneurs and Networking Event The Time Hotel, Nyack, NY, 6PM–9PM, $35. Medicare 101 with Emerald Medicare Lynch’s Restaurant, Stony Point, NY. 6PM–8PM.

November 23, 2019

Girls North Rockland Soccer Association Harvest Fest Tournament Nardi Soccer Complex, Thiells, NY, all day tournaments.

November 24, 2019

Boys North Rockland Soccer Association Harvest Fest Tournament Nardi Soccer Complex, Thiells, NY, all day tournaments.


Submit your December events by 11/4 to info@rivertownmagazine.com

18th Awaken Wellness Fair DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tarrytown, Tarrytown, NY, 10AM.

November 28, 2019

5 Mile Turkey Trot Rockland Lake, Valley Cottage, NY, 6AM registration.

On-going Events... October 27–November 16

Rivertown Magazine’s 1st Annual Foodie Fest For more info visit rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest

Sundays through November

Piermont Farmers Market and Pearl River Farmers Market 10AM–3PM.

Thursdays through December

Nyack Farmers Market 8AM–2PM. Yoga for Veterans Free, Courtesy of Vet to Vet. 1:30PM–2:30PM, Birchwood Center Yoga & Massage, 85 S Broadway, Nyack.

“ You can’t hate yourself into loving yourself...” E R I C A M AT H E R

Hi, I’m Erica! After 20 years of hating my body, emotional eating and I discovered as I recovered from these problems is these challenges mostly originate from our minds. I’ve written a book to help women feel better in and about their bodies called Radical Body Acceptance: End the Time-Sucking, Standards and Start Living Your Life. I hope you’ll grab a copy when it’s published (New Harbinger, April 2020) and in the meantime…

GET YOUR FREE TIPSHEET!

ericamather.com/51-tips-for-to-help-improve-body-image/

RivertownMagazine.com / 127


THEY GOT WHAT?!

By Donna Cox of Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty Cell: 845-641-8613 big winner in the Return on Investment category was new hardwood floors with an expected return of 106%. Want to see how your home improvement projects rate? Give me a call on 845-641-8613 or email me at Donna.Cox@ randrealty.com for a complete copy of the report. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! With that, here are the homes in the rivertowns that sold in September. R

The National Association of Realtors just released its 2019 Remodeling Impact Report. The report analyzed several factors including how happy the remodeling project made the homeowner, and the anticipated return on the remodeling investment a homeowner could expect to realize when they sell their home. A complete kitchen upgrade rated among the highest on the “Joy Score.� The

SEPTEMBER 2019 SALES IN THE ROCKLAND COUNTY RIVERTOWNS Style

Location

Address

BR

BA

List Price ($)

Sale Price ($)

Contemporary

U. Nyack

661 N. Broadway

4

4.1

799,900

705,000

Colonial

U. Nyack

312 Ellen St.

3

2.1

725,000

715,000

Raised Ranch

U. Nyack

215 Radcliff Dr.

4

2.1

659,000

650,000

Ranch

U. Nyack

518 N. Broadway

3

3

620,900

615,000

Ranch

U. Nyack

205 Kuyper Dr.

3

3.1

615,000

598,500

Cape Cod

U. Nyack

206 Oak Hill Dr.

3

2

595,000

593,000

Colonial

U. Nyack

324 N. Highland Ave

2

1

400,000

375,000

Ranch

U. Nyack

510 West Pond Rd.

3

1

350,000

350,000

Colonial

Nyack

200 High Ave.

3

2.1

675,000

660,000

Cape Cod

Nyack

27 Haven Ct.

3

3

549,000

515,000

Townhouse

Nyack

50 N. Broadway #16

2

1.1

439,000

415,000

Co-op

Nyack

103 Gedney St. #4A

1

1

275,000

280,000

Co-op

Nyack

38 Fourth Ave. #2A

1

1

198,000

183,000

Arts & Crafts

S. Nyack

7 Fern Ave.

4

1.1

549,900

585,000

Townhouse

S. Nyack

72 Smith Ave.

3

2.1

429,000

410,000

Contemporary

U. Grandview 119 Tweed Blvd

5

3

1,249,000

957,000

Townhouse

Piermont

309 Cottonwood Ct.

4

4.1

1,495,000

1,325,000

Townhouse

Piermont

401 Gair St.

2

3.1

754,000

722,500

Arts & Crafts

Piermont

49 Piermont Ave.

3

1

425,000

420,000

Condo

Piermont

1 W. Lawrence Park #6

1

1

165,000

165,000

September 2019 YTD vs. September 2018 - Single Family Homes

September 2019 YTD vs. September 2018 - Condos/Co-ops

The number of homes coming on the market increased 1.5% (207 YTD 2019 vs. 204 in 2018). The number of sales increased 6.6% (113 YTD 2019 vs. 106 in 2018). The average sales price decreased 12.8% to $718,409. The median sales price decreased 8.3% to $598,000. Overall, the average sales price in Rockland County (inclusive of the rivertowns) was $495,820, down 1.2% over the same period last year. The median sales price in Rockland (inclusive of the rivertowns) was $460,000, down 0.9% over the same period last year.

The number of condos coming on the market increased 3% (68 YTD 2019 vs. 66 in 2018). The number of sales decreased 14.3% (30 YTD 2019 vs. 35 in 2018). The average sales price increased 9.4% to $432,788. The median sales price increased 43% to $393,375. Overall, the average sales price for condos/co-ops in Rockland County (inclusive of the rivertowns) was $256,991, up 6.7% over last year. The median sales price for condos/co-ops in Rockland (inclusive of the rivertowns) was $225,365, up 7.3% over the last year.

128 / Rivertown Magazine October November 2019 2019


1st Annual

2019 THREE WEEKS of Special Menus to Highlight the Vibrant Dining Scene on the “Sunset Side” of the Hudson, featuring: 8 North Broadway, Nyack AJ’s Crab Shack & Bar, Nyack Alain’s Petit Bistro, Nyack Basque, Piermont Bongo’s Fries, NY Area Brookside Tavern, Valley Cottage BV’s Grill, Nyack

Caked Up, New City DVine Pie, Piermont El Cuñao, Nyack Grub Asian, West Nyack Hudson 303, Tappan Jason’s Kitchen, Tri-State J Petal, Nyack

Joe & Joe, Nyack The King and I, Nyack La Talaye, Haverstraw Mumbai Dreams, Nyack Nanuet Restaurant, Nanuet OD’s, Nyack Pier 701 Restaurant & Bar, Piermont

Sonoma Grille, Thiells Two Henry’s Hilton Pearl River, Pearl River UNoodles, Haverstraw Vibes, Nyack Y’s Lounge at Mt. Fuji, Hillburn

Sponsored by

Visit www.rivertownmagazine.com/foodiefest, or call 845-521-5277


WINING & DINING RESTAURANTS 8 North Broadway 8 N. Broadway, Nyack. 845-353-1200. 8northbroadway.com The ‘76 House 110 Main Street, Tappan. 845-359-5476. 76house.com AJ’s Crab Shack & Bar 125 Main Street, Nyack. 845-643-8888. Alain’s Bistro 88 Main Street, Nyack. 845-535-3434. alainspetitbistro.com Amici Restaurant and Pizzeria 303 Route 59, Nyack. 845-353-1650. amicinyack.net AquaTerra Grille 420 N. Middletown Road, Pearl River. 845-920-1340. aquaterragrille.com Babe’s 73 W. Railroad Avenue, West Haverstraw. 845-429-8647. Basque Tapas Bar and Restaurant 587 Piermont Avenue, Piermont. 845-395-3100. basquetapasbar.com Banchetto Feast 75 W. Route 59, Nanuet. 845-624-3070. banchettofeast.com Bongo’s Fries 917-806-9063. bongosfries.com Broadway Bistro 3 South Broadway, Nyack. 845-353-8361. 3broadwaybistro.com Brookside Tavern 107 Route 303, Valley Cottage. 845-268-8797. brooksidetavern845.com Bunbury’s Coffee & Tea Shop 460 Piermont Avenue, Piermont. 845-398-9715 BV’s Grill The Time Nyack. 400 High Avenue, Nyack. 845-675-8740. bvsgrillny.com Caked Up 40 Main Street, New City. 845499-2929. cakedupcafe.com Confetti Ristorante & Vinoteca 200 Ash Street, Piermont. 845-365-1911. confettiofpiermont.com Crossroads Gastro 724 West Nyack Road, West Nyack. 845-512-8185. crossroadsgastro.com Del’Arte Restaurant 20 Mountainview Avenue, Orangeburg. 845-365-2727. delarterestaurant.com El Cuano 233 Main Street, Nyack. 845-405-9086. Grub Asian 724 W Nyack Road Suite #3, West Nyack. 845-535-3580. Hudson 303 116 NY-303, Tappan, NY. 845-848-2441. hudson303.com

130 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

J Petal 85 Main Street, Nyack. 845-353-8500. Joe & Joe Restaurant 65 East Central Avenue, Pearl River. 845-620-1800. 173 Main St, Nyack, NY. 845-535-3888. joeandjoerestaurant.com Kobe Sushi 195 S. Main Street, New City. 845-638-2202. kobenewcity.com La Fontana Family Italian Restaurant 93-95 S. Broadway, Nyack. 845-358-3770. lafontanaofnyack.com La Terrazza Restaurant 291 S. Main St., New City. 845-638-0757. laterrazzarestaurant.com Lynch’s Restaurant 79 S. Liberty Drive, Stony Point. 845-553-9300. lynchsny.com Marcello’s Ristorante 21 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern. 845-357-9108. marcellosgroup.com Mount Ivy Cafe 14 Thiells Mount Ivy Road, Pomona. 845-354-4746. mountivycafe.com Mumbai Dreams 9 Ingalls Street, Nyack. 845-643-8333. mumbaidreamsnyack.com Nanuet Restaurant 211 Main Street, Nanuet. 845-623-7177. OD’s Tavern 66 Main Street, Nyack. 845-358-0180. ods-nyack.com Pasta Cucina 32 S. Liberty Drive, Stony Point. 845-786-6060. mariospastacucina.com Petey Wheaty’s 145 S. Main Street, New City. 845-708-5554. Pier 701 701 Piermont Avenue, Piermont. 845-848-2550. pier701ny.com Quinta Steakhouse 24 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River. 845-735-5565. quintasteakhouse.com Restaurant X & Bully Boy Group 117 N Route 303, Congers. 845-268-6555. xaviars.com Rivertown Taphouse 5 Roundhouse Road, Piermont. 845-848-2923. rivertowntaphouse.com Salud Wine Bar 159 Main Street, Nyack. 845-353-2525. Sonoma Grille 100 Thiells Mount Ivy Road, Thiells. 845-354-8900. sonomarockland.com Sparkill Steakhouse 500 Route 340, Sparkill. 845-398-3300. sparkillsteakhouse.com Sushi & Kimchi 328 NY-59, Nyack. 845-535-3800. sushi-kimchi.com

The King & I 93 Main Street, Nyack. 845-358-8588. kingandinyack.com The Whiskey Kitchen 60 Route 303, Valley Cottage. 845-535-3666. thewhiskey-kitchen.com Two Henry’s at the Hilton Pearl River 500 Memorial Drive, Pearl River. 845-735-9000 Union Restaurant & Bar 24 New Main Street, Haverstraw. 845-429-4354. unionrestaurant.net UNoodles Snack Bar 14 Main Street, Haverstraw. 845-947-7625. unoodles.net Vibes Cafe 17 N. Franklin Street, Nyack. 845-535-3750. vibescafenyack.com Vicolo Ristorante 216 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan. 201-497-8777. vicoloristorante.com Y’s Lounge 296 NY-17, Hillburn. 845-357-4270. mtfujirestaurant.com West Gate Restaurant 26 Route 59, Nyack. 845-358-8100. westgaterestaurant.com CATERERS Jason’s Kitchen 917-656-0456. jasonskitchen.net La Fontanella Ristorante Italiano & Catering 52-54 Route 303, Tappan. 845-398-3400. Regency Banquet and Conference Center 425 E. Route 59, Nanuet. 845-512-1615. Town & Country Caterers 922 Route 9W. Congers. 845-268-9291. townandcountrycaterers.com CAFES, DELIS, BAKERIES DD Patisserie 9163 Main Street, Nyack. 845-353-2031. Dean’s Coffee Co. 39 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River. 845-920-8043. deanscoffeeco.com The Outside In Cafe 249 Ferdon Ave, Piermont. 845-398-0706. MUSIC UP Lounge Restuarant & Bar 91 Main St. Nyack. 845.535.3266. Uploungeny.com. West Gate Lounge at the West Gate Inn Nyack, 26 Route 59, Nyack. 845-358-8100. westgatelounge.com


SHOPPING & BUSINESS GUIDE See our full list of Rivertown approved businesses at RivertownMagazine.com ACUPUNCTURE New City Acupuncture & Wellness Center 125 South Main Street, New City, 845-579-2428, newcitywellness.com ART CENTERS Bell-ans Center of Creative Arts 4 Bell Lane, Orangeburg NY. 845-596-0870. bellans.com Penguin Rep Theatre 7 Cricketown Rd. Stony Point, NY. 845-786-2873 ASSISTED / SENIOR LIVING Dowling Gardens 190 Kings Highway, Sparkill. 845-365- 1662. Dowlinggardens.org Esplanade at Palisades 640 Oak Tree Road, Palisades. 845-359-7870. esplanadeatpalisades.com. Fountain View 2000 Fountainview Drive, Monsey. 888-701-8442. fountainview.org Nyack Ridge 476 Christian Road, Valley Cottage. 845-268-2712. 845-268-6861. nyackridge.com Promenade at Chestnut Ridge 168 Red Schoolhouse Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-620-0606. promenadesenior.com Promenade Senior Living at Blue Hill 582 Veterans Memorial Drive, Pearl River. 845-735-6846. promenadesenior.com ATTORNEYS The Bachman Law Firm 245 S. Main Street, Suite306, New City. judith@thebachmanlawfirm.com. 845-639-3210. thebachmanlawfirm.com Valerie J. Crown 151 N. Main Street, New City. #402 vcrownlaw@aol.com. 845-598-8253. valeriecrown.com DeMoya & Associates 163 S Main Street, New City. 845-639-4600. demoyalaw.com. Gary Lipton, Esq 55 Old Turnpike Road, Suite 304, Nanuet. 845-624-0100. garyliptonlaw.com Mediation Associates of NY & NJ, LLC 877-666-9601. starrmediation.com Starvaggi Law Offices 845-589-9456. starvaggilawoffices.com

AUTOMOBILES & MOTORBIKES 202 Collision 16 Wayne Avenue, Suffern. 845-368-0040. 202collisionny.com. Audi Nyack 127 Route 59, Nyack. 845-689-3399. Clarkstown International Collision 95 Route 304, Nanuet. 845-627-3100. Kevin’s Ace Repairs 52 Main Street, Nyack. 845-358-4975. Luke’s Auto Body 22 Maple Avenue, Haverstraw. 845-429-2002. lukesautobody.net

CAMPS / DAY CAMPS Amazing Grace Circus 130 First Avenue, Nyack. 845-721-5059. amazinggracecircus.org Rockland County YMCA Summer Camp, 35 South Broadway, Nyack. rocklandymca.org

ANTIQUES / COLLECTIBLES Awesome Antiques 2 B Franklin Avenue, Pearl River. 845-499-4593, 845-920-1244. awesomeantiques.wixsite.com

CARPET / FLOORING Carpets Plus Color Tile 205 Route 9W, Congers. 845-267-0800. carpetsplusofny.com

BEAUTY 122 Park Salon 122 Park Avenue, New City. 845-499-2080. 122parksalon.com Bella Tu Med Spa 172A Main Street, Nyack. 845-547-0634 European Wax Center 5105 Fashion Drive, Nanuet. 845-623-6000. waxcenter.com Innovative Esthetics 274 N. Middletown Road, Pearl River. 845-735-2610. innovativeesthetics.com Lief Beauty Boutique 85 S. Broadway, Suite 7, Nyack. 845-641-9540. liefbeautyboutique.com Salon Allure 368 New Hempstead Road, New City. 845-708-5878. salonallurenewcity.com BED AND BREAKFAST Bricktown Inn 112 Hudson Avenue, Haverstraw. 845-429-8447. bricktowninnbnb.com BRIDES A Personal Touch 44 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River. 845-735-4200. partyrentalspearlriver.com Bridal Accents 87 Maple Avenue, New City. 638-3956.

CARDS & GIFTS Hallmark Gift & Card Gallery 232 South Main Street, New City. 845-634-3447. stores.hallmark.com

CHIMNEY CLEANERS Pete’s Chimneys & More 845-267-3333. CHIROPRACTORS Dr. Lynn C. Friedman 6 Medical Park Dr, Pomona. 845-786-2022. drlfriedman.com Gregory Chiropractic 5 Grandview Avenue, Nanuet. 845-623-3939. 634-8877 gregory-chiropractic.com CHURCHES / SYNAGOGUES First Reformed Church 18 S Broadway, Nyack. 845-358-5518. nyackreformed.org St. John the Baptist R.C. Church 895 Piermont Avenue, Piermont. 845-359-0078. stjohnspiermont.org stjohnspiermont@optonline.net Tappan Reformed Church 32 Old Tappan Road, Tappan. 845-359-6506. tappanreformed.rcachurches.org The Reform Temple of Rockland 330 N Highland Avenue, Upper Nyack. 845-358-2248. Temple Beth Sholom 228 New Hempstead Road, New City. 845-638-0830. tbsrockland.org Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockland County 130 Concklin Road, Pomona. 845-354-1789. uurocklandny.org

RivertownMagazine.com / 131


CLEANING Merry Maids 50 North Harrison Avenue #11, Congers. 845-634-4322. merrymaids.com CLOTHING Dusty Rose 70 S Main Street, Suite 2, New City. 845-638-1133. Maria Luisa 77 S Broadway, Nyack. 845-353-4122. Women’s clothing and accessories. marialuisaboutique.com COMPUTER EagleTech Computers 62 S. Main Street, Pearl River. 845-735-1381. eagletechcomputers.com CONFERENCE CENTERS Crestview Conference Center 440 W Nyack Road, West Nyack. 845-620-7207. crestviewconference.org HNA Palisades Premier Conference Center 334 Route 9W, Palisades. 845-7326000. hnapalisades.com CONSIGNMENT STORES Designer Consigner 302 Route 304, Nanuet. 845-507-0245. designerconsignerny.com CONSTRUCTION APEX Contracting and Remodeling Solutions Inc. 457 North Liberty Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY. 914-262-7077 Empire State Builders & Contractors 18 West Route 59, Nanuet. 845-425-0003. empirestatebuilders.com Frank Fuchs Construction Garnerville 845-893-5448. frankfuchsconstruction.com COUNTRY CLUBS Edgewood Country Club 449 Rivervale Road, Rivervale, New Jersey. 201-666-1200. edgewoodnj.com DANCE STUDIO Coupe Theatre Studio 430 Market Street, Nanuet. 845-623-2808. coupedance.com. Studio Jacked Dance Company 149 Main Street, Unit K, Nanuet. 845-623-5225. studiojacked.com

132 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

DENTISTS / ORTHODONTICS Dental365 Ira M. Bernstein, DDS 195 South Main Street, New City. 845-354-6969. GoDental365.com. Dr. Todd W. Auerbach 16 Squadron Blvd. Suite 100, New City. 914-200-8136. Nyack Pediatric Dentistry 265 N. Highland Avenue, Rte. 9W, Suite 101, Nyack. 845-512-8434. nyackpediatricdentistry.com Rockland Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics 238 N Main Street, New City. 845-634-8900. rocklandpediatricdental.com Rockland Smile Builders 1 Mariner Way, Monsey, NY. 845-362-7645. rocklandsmilebuilders.com Smile For Life Family & Cosmetic Dental 27 Townline Road, Pearl River. 845-623-4848. thesmileforlife.com Smile More Dentistry 140 Oak Tree Rd, Tappan, NY. 845-675-1512. dentist-tappan.com Stony Point Dental, PC 32 S. Liberty Drive, Stony Point. 845-942-1600. stonypointdental.com TLC Dental of Rockland 2 Crosfield Avenue, Suite 418, West Nyack. 845-3583305. tlcdentalrockland.com. Smile More Dentistry 140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan. 845-675-1512. dentist-tappan.com DOCTORS Advanced Audiology of NY 102 E Route 59, Nanuet. 845-501-7337. advancedaudiologyofny.com Clarkstown Pediatrics 35 Smith Street, Nanuet. 845-623-7100. 200 E Eckerson Road, New City 845-352-0527. Stony Point 845-786-5776. clarkstownpeds.com Clarkstown Urology 301 N. Main Street, Suite 2, New City. 845-638-0400. Crystal Run Healthcare (3 locations) 2 Centerock Road, West Nyack. 845-348-1100. 6 Liberty Square Mall, Stony Point. 845-786-5544. 48 New Main St., Haverstraw. Gramercy Pain Management 67 S. Main Street, Pearl River. 845-368-0800. gramercypain.com Hudson Valley Audiology Center 11 Medical Park Drive, Suite 205, Pomona. 845362-1350. hudsonaudiology.com Dr. Michael Innerfield 156 Route 59, Suite C5, Suffern. 845-348-1100. Steven M Sockin M.D.,PC: Allergy and Asthma Care 500 New Hempstead Rd. #C, New City. 845-362-3222.

Nyack Pediatric Associates 311 N. Midland Avenue, Nyack. 845-358-5437. Dawn C. Tobin-Holt, PT 217 Route 303, Valley Cottage. 845-268-6010. Dr. Amy Piperato 43 S Liberty Drive, Stony Point. 845-241-5700. Rockland Ear, Nose & Throat Assoc. 2 Strawtown Road, West Nyack. 845-7271340. rocklandent.com Rockland Pulmonary 2 Crosfield Avenue, Suite 318, West Nyack. 845-353-5600. rocklandpulmonary.com Skin Center Dermatology Group 200 E Eckerson Road, New City. 845-352-0500. skincenterderm.com Stony Point Medical 43 South Liberty Drive, Stony Point. 845-241-5700. stonypointmedical.com Walk-In Medical Urgent Care 236 South Main Street, New City. 845-678-3434. urgentcareofny.com Dr. Jeffrey Wechsler 153 Franklin Tpk, Mahwah, NJ. 201-529-5999 Dr. Howard Werfel 40 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern.845-368-4100 EDUCATION Rockland Teacher Center Institute 20 George Street, Garnerville. 845-533-9516. rockteach.org Head Start of Rockland, Inc. Preschool Education, Haverstraw, Nyack, Spring Valley, 845-429-4122. headstartofrockland.org Haverstraw Head Start 845-429-2225. Nyack Head Start of Rockland 845-358-2234. Spring Valley Head Start 845-352-6671 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING AMC Electric 50 North Harrison Avenue, Suite 15, Congers. 845-729-4262. amcelectricinc.com Hush Electrical Contracting 14 Wayne Street, Haverstraw. 845-942-4874; cell: 845-721-3476. hushcorp.com ENTERTAINMENT Pine Ridge Dude Ranch 30 Cherrytown Rd, Kerhonkson, NY. 866-600-0859. pineridgeduderanch.com New City Bowl & Batting Cages 90 N Main St., New City. 845-634-4977. Nyack Boat Charter 845-535-1675 nyackboatcharter.com


Rockland Band Camp 30-34 New Street, Nyack. 845-709-5930. rocklandrockbandcamp.com FENCING Yaboo Fence Route 95 West Nyack Way, West Nyack, NY 10994. 845-358-0118. yaboofence.com FINANCIAL ADVICE Chestnut Investment Group 4 Executive Boulevard, Suite 204, Suffern. 845-3690016. chestnutinvestment.com O’Brien Capital Management 48 Burd Street, Suite 209, Nyack. 845-358-4930. obriencm.com Wells Fargo Advisors 17 Squadron Boulevard, New City. 845-638-4400. home.wellsfargoadvisors.com FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS / EQUIPMENT Bob’s Security 135 Route 304, Nanuet. 845623-0005. bobssecurityasap.com Bullet Security 400 East Route 59, Nanuet. 845-627-0300. bulletsecurityinc.com Inter County Alarm Systems 200 Route 303, Valley Cottage. 845-268-8900. intercountyalarm.com FLOWERS & PLANTS Schweizer/Dykstra Beautiful Flowers 165 N Middletown Road, Pearl River. 845-735-4079. schweizerflorist.com Tappan Zee Florist 176 Main Street, Nyack. 845-358-2544. tappanzeeflorist.net FLORAL DESIGN Astilbe My Heart 85 South Broadway, Suite 5, Nyack. 845-664-5888 astilbemyheartdesigns.com FUNERAL HOMES George M. Holt Funeral Home 50 New Main Street, Haverstraw. 845-429-2159. gmholtfuneral.com T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home 71 N Central Highway, Garnerville. 845-429-6665. tjmcgowansonsfh.com Sorce Funeral Home 782 West Nyack Road, West Nyack. 845-358-4433. sorcefuneralhome.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Arlene Levine Design 3 Main Street, Nyack. 917-312-7002. arlenelevine.com.

GUTTERS Gary’s Gutter Service 4 Gala Court, Congers. 845-450-1006. garysgutterservice.com HAIR & NAILS 122 Park Salon 122 Park Avenue, New City. 845-499-2080. 122parksalon.com Christine Cordey Salon 66 S. Broadway, Nyack. 845-675-7950. christinecordeysalon.com D. Anthony Hair Studio 126 Main Street, Nyack. 845-535-3900. danthony.com DSZ Barbers Inc. 140 Main Street, Nyack. 845-348-1500. dszbarbersinc.com G.C. Hair & Co. 8 First Street, New City. 845-499-2552. gchairco.com Hair by Andrea 908-391-7704. hairbyandreanyack.com Maureen’s Hair Studio 646 Main St. Sparkill. 845-365-3257. New Synergy Salon 8 Second Street, New City. 845-893-5803. blondehairexpert.com Shear Magique Hair Studio 14 Thiells Mount Ivy Road, Pomona. 845-429-1798. shearmagique.com Toria Hair Salon 580 Route 303, Blauvelt. 845-359-7535. toriahairsalon.com HEARING Advanced Audiology of NY 102 E Route 59, Nanuet. 845-501-7337. advancedaudiology.com Hearing Solutions of Rockland 219 S. Middletown Road, Nanuet. 845-623-5020. hearingaidsrocklandny.com Hudson Valley Audiology Center 11 Medical Park Drive, Suite 205, Pomona. 845-362-1350. hudsonaudiology.com Pearl River Hearing 1 Old Middletown Road, Pearl River. 845-735-3277. pearlriverhearing.com HEALTH & FITNESS Dr. William Johnson, B.S, D.C. Nanuet Wellness and Weight Loss Center 221 S. Middletown Road, Nanuet. 845-623-0026. Nanuetfatloss.com. doctorwilliamjohnson.com Rockland Hypnosis Center Hypnotherapist 11 Medical Park Drive, Pomona. 845-323-2766. rocklandhypnosiscenter.com

Mind.Body.Massage 1 South Broadway, Suite B, Nyack. 914-772-4176. christeycurran.massagetherapy.com JCC Rockland 450 W Nyack Road, West Nyack. 845-362-4400. jccrockland.org Lazur LaVie 267 Main Street, Nyack. 845-623-6140. lazurlavie.com Nyack CBD Boutique 48 Burd Street, #204, Nyack. 917-863-2084. Nyack YMCA 35 S Broadway, Nyack. 845-358-0245. rocklandymca.org Pilates Central 5120 Fifth Avenue, Nyack. 845-358-1166. pilatescentralnyack.com Rockland Vein Center 873 Route 45, Suite 105, New City. 845-499-2333. palisadesveincenter.com Rosemary Narcisi Anne Penman Laser Therapy Center. 99 Main Street, Nyack. 845-675-7900. annepenman.com/nyack. nyannepenman@gmail.com Sundala Center for Wellness 39 W Thirty Second Street, Suite 1702, New York. 845359-4694. sundala.com Wholeness Center 7 New Lake Road, Valley Cottage. 845-268-7532. wholenesscenter.com HOME IMPROVEMENT Beckerle (4 locations) 3 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley. 845-356-1600 79 Lake Street, Congers. 845-268-9248 219 Route 303, Orangeburg. 845-359-4633 59 Westside Ave, Haverstraw. 845-942-1492 Johnny Fix It 845-244-1776. johnnyfixit.com Maye’s Painting & Powerwashing 845-735-1001. Nyack Wide Plank Floors 48 Burd Street, Nyack. 845-358-3566. wideplankflooring.com Westrock Pools 21 N. Middletown Road, Nanuet. 845-367-9377. westrockpools.com HOME & FURNITURE Fireplaces By Design 120 Route 59, Hillburn. 845-357-6062. fireplacesbydesigninc.com Furniture Medic 382 Route 59, Tall Pines Industrial Park, Airmont. 845-674-2329. furnituremedic.com Restoration 845-535-9249. The Outside In 29 Ferdon Avenue, Piermont. 845-398-0706. theoutside.in HOME INSPECTIONS Home Inspection Services 845-821-4063. abetheinspector.com RivertownMagazine.com / 133


HOTELS West Gate Inn Nyack 26 Route 59, Nyack. 845-358-8100. westgateinnnyack.com Candlewood Suites 20 Overlook Blvd., Nanuet. 845-371-4445. ihg.com Time Nyack Hotel 2400 High Avenue, Nyack. 845-675-8700. thetimehotels.com Woodloch 109 River Birch Ln, Hawley, PA. 1-800-966-3562. thelodgeatwoodloch.com INSURANCE Allstate Don Dietrich Inc 240 Main Street, Nyack. 845-353-2244. agents.allstate.com Bauer-Crowley 643 Main Street, Sparkill. 845-359-4114. bauercrowley.com Emerald Medicare 15 N Mill St, Nyack. 845-358-1220 MJD3 Associates LLC 7-11 Suffern Place, Suffern. 845-533-2255. mjd3insurance.com Juan Santos Farmers’ Insurance 48 S. Main Street, Pearl River. 845-735-1000. agents.farmers.com Andy Sprauer 689 S. Mountain Road, New City. 845-323-8000. INTERIOR DECORATING Apex Contracting & Remodeling Solutions 914-262-7077. California Closets 83 South Main Street, New City. 917-592-1001. californiaclosets.com INVESTMENT BROKER J. Christopher Haera - Wells Fargo 17 Squadron Blvd, New City. 845-639-7238. home.wellsfargoadvisors.com Joseph Daniel Sassano 6 North Lawn Avenue, Elmsford. 914-202 3317. JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES Barry’s Estate Jewlery 295 Route 304, Bardonia. 845-624-7100. barrysestatejewelry.com The Jewelry Gallery 32 S Liberty Drive (Route 9W), Stony Point. 845-429-2613. thejewelrygalleryonline.com KITCHEN & BATH EZ Kitchen & Bath 301 W. Route 59, Nanuet. 845-501-7123. ezkitchenbath.com Grande Central Showroom - Fine Decorative Plumbing Fixtures & Hardware 575 Chestnut Ridge Road, Spring Valley. 845-573-0080. centralplumbingspec.com 134 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019

LAWN & GARDEN Danny Clapp Landscaping 59 Schriever Lane, New City, NY. 845.638.3614. dannyclapplandscaping.net The Bonsai Shack at Down to Earth 1040 Route 45, Pomona. 845-304-2183 thebonsaishack.com Majestic Lawn Care 424 Buena Vista Road, New City. 845-708-2988 or 845-627-3880. majesticlawnandlandscape.com Michael L. Naclerio Landscaping 110 North Greenbush Road, West Nyack. 845-627-3880. nacleriolandscaping.com LIGHTING & REPAIRS Lites Plus 210 E Rte 59, Nanuet. 845-215-9903. litesplusonline.com LIQUOR, WINE, BEER STORES Nyack Wine Cellar 43 S. Broadway, Suite 1, Nyack. 845-353-3146. nyackwinecellar.com MEDICAL SERVICES Montefiore Nyack Hospital 160 N. Midland Avenue, Nyack. 845-348-2000. montefiorenyack.org Hudson Valley Radiology Association 18 Squadron Blvd. New City. 845-634-9729. radnet.com Nyack Integrated Medical Services 300 E Route 59, Suite 112, Nyack. 845-353-3267. hudsonvalleyintegratedmedicine.com Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Therapy 577 Chestnut Ridge Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 201-478-1171 MORTGAGES CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc 102 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suite 200, Montvale. 201-505-0843. formanteam.com Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 50 Main St., White Plains. 914-286-4911. wfhm.com NETWORKING Rockland Business Women’s Network (RBWN) 845-535-1011. rbwn.org PAINTING Maye’s Painting & Powerwashing 845-735-1001. PET CARE Camp Bow Wow 101 Route 304, Nanuet. 845-507-0068. campbowwow.com Canine Country Retreat 221 Craigville Road, Goshen. 845-615-1093.

PEST CONTROL R. Dana Pest Control 845-786-5224. Pest Shield 51 Wayne Avenue, Suffern, NY. 845-357-4105. wekillbugs.net PHARMACY Koblin’s Pharmacy 96 Main Street, Nyack. 845-358-0688. mygnp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Samantha Finch 845-492-7739. photographybysamanthafinch.com PHYSICAL THERAPY Access Physical Therapy & Wellness 200 E. Eckerson, Suite 290, New City. 845-578-9898. accessphysicaltherapywellness.com Advanced Physical Therapy 36 College Avenue, Nanuet. 845-627-8220. advancedphysicaltherapyofrockland.com Englewood Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery 370 Grand Avenue, Englewood, NJ. 201-567-5700. englewoodsportsmedicine.com Joint Movements Physical Therapy 34 West Ramapo Road, Garnerville, NY. 845-271-4785. jointmovements.com. PICTURE FRAME SHOP Corner Frame Shop 40 S. Franklin Street, Nyack. 845-727-1240. thecornerframeshop.com PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Michael Kalvert 339 S. Main Street, Suite 8, New City. 845-638-2101. kalvertplasticsurgery.com Plastic Surgery Center of New City 125 S. Main Street, New City. 845-634-4554. PLUMBING & HEATING .CV Plumbing,  Heating & Air 50 Fairmount Avenue, Haverstraw. 845-271-2301. cvplumbing-heating-ac.com PROPERTY TAX CONSULTANT Richard O’Donnell 914-779-4444. retiredassessor.com PSYCHOTHERAPIST Hudson Valley Psychotherapy 99 Main Street, Nyack. 845-500-8675. hudsonvalleypsychotherapy.com Dr. Sally Nazari 845-236-5612. drsallynazari.com


REAL ESTATE “Ask Adam” Blankfort 97 S. Broadway, S. Nyack. 845-641-3255. adam.baerhomes.com Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty 46 South Broadway, Nyack. 358-7171. 19 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River. 845-735-3020. Donna Canfield - Weichert Realty 174 S. Main St., New City. 845-634-1668 Debbie Blankfort - William Raveis Baer & McIntosh 97 S. Broadway, S. Nyack. 914-522-5426. Donna Cox - Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty 46 S. Broadway, Nyack. 845-641-8613. donnacox.com Ellis Sotheby International Realty 76 N Broadway, Nyack. 845-353-4250. ellissothebysrealty.com Frank Mancione - Lydecker Realty 914-953-0494. Friedberg Properties 213 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ. 201-666.0777. friedbergproperties.com Gail Bohlke - Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty 268 S. Main Street, New City. 845-589-5290. gailbohlkerealestate.com HBC Landmark Realty 3 W. Cavalry Drive, New City. 914-447-0714. Margo Bohlin - Better Homes & Gardens Susan Jackson - William Raveis Baer & McIntosh 12 Maple Ave, Warwick. 845-987-2000 Mark Dari - Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty 268 S. Main Street, New City. 914-772-1471. mark.dari@randrealty.com Noemi Morales Barile - Coldwell Banker 845-494-5015. noemimoralesbarile.com Patricia Sassi 12 Maple Ave. Warwick. 845-800-3937. Peggy Connolly - Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty 19 E Central Ave, Pearl River. 914-715-5675. bhgre.com Rand Commercial Services 268 S. Main Street, Suite 100, New City. 845-770-1205. randcommercial.com Rand Realty 268 S. Main Street, New City. 845-304-4140. margo@margobohlin.com Rand Realty 46 S. Broadaway, Nyack. 914-629-8581. marylukens.randrealty.com Riso Realty 15 N. Mill Street, Nyack. 845-729-1179. risorealty.com Robin A. Miller 845-596-0459. Stephen McCardle - Compass NYC 646-641-3343, mcardle@compass.com

Terry May - Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty 845-729-3030. terrymayrealtor.com SCHOOLS, CAMPS & DAYCARES Theresa Morahan Simmons Center 145 College Road, Suffern. 845-574-4561. sunyrockland.edu Head Start of Rockland, Inc 117 Route 9W, Haverstraw. 845-429-4122. headstartofrockland.org New City Jewish Center 47 Old Schoolhouse Road, New City. 845-638-9600. newcityjc.org Nyack Basics at the Nyack Farmers Market 845-353-7062. nyackbasics.org. Preschool Education - Head Start of Rockland, Inc. Haverstraw, Nyack, Spring Valley. 845-429-4122. headstartofrockland.org Haverstraw Head Start 845-429-2225; Nyack Head Start 845-358-2234; Spring Valley Head Start 845-352-6671 Rockland County YMCA Nursery School 35 S Broadway, Nyack, 845-358-0245. rocklandymca.org Rockland Music Conservatory 45 South Main Street, Pearl River. 845-356-1522. rcmny.org RCT Music Group 267 C. Main Street, Nyack. 845-358-1236. rctmusicgroup.com Stage Left Children’s Theater 111 Route 303, Suite 113, Tappan. 845-365-9000. stageleftct.org SECURITY SYSTEMS Bullet Security 400 E. Route 59, Nanuet. 845-627-0300. Inter County Alarm Systems 200 Route 303, Valley Cottage. 845-268-8900. SHOWER DOORS & MIRRORS Cook’s Glass Work 15 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt. 845-359-9339. cooksglass.com SOLAR ENERGY Infinity Solar Systems 6 E Dexter Plaza, Pearl River. 845-250-3512. infinitysolarsystems.com ISI Solar - Solar system designers and installation 22 Third Street, New City. 845-708-0800. cleanenergyauthority.com Solstice Community Solar 866-826-1997. solstice.us/ny

SPECIALTY SHOPS Danu Gallery 39 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River. 845-735-4477. thedanugallery.com Design Air 120 Route 59, Hillburn. 845-357-3580. designairinc.com Hallmark Gift & Card Gallery 232 S Main Street, New City. 845-634-3447. stores.hallmark.com Sanctuary 60 S Broadway, Nyack. 845-353-2126. sanctuary-home.com SPECIAL SERVICES A. & N. Rappaport Lock & Alarm Inc. 31 New Main Street, Haverstraw. 845-429-8400. rappaportlocks.com Anne Penman Laser Therapy 845-675-7900. 99 Main St. Suite 218, Nyack. Come Sit Stay 234 Route 9W, Haverstraw. 845-786-3647. comesitstayresort.com Foundations Recovery Community Center 25 Smith Street, #108, Nanuet. 845-215-9788. Jawonio Health Center 260 N Little Tor Road, New City. 845-708-2000. jawonio.org Eric David Laxman 478 Mountain View Avenue, Valley Cottage. 845-304-7615. ericdavidlaxman.com Mosquito Squad 845-215-9248. Cell # 845-405-3344. Rockland Cemetery 201 Kings Highway, Sparkill. 845-359-0172. rocklandcemetery.org Sparks of Life - Jewish Center for Parkinson’s Susan Lust, Managing Director, SPARKStudio. 845-300-4511. sparkstudiony.net SPECIAL ORGANIZATIONS DR Environmental 382 Route 59, Airmont. 845-517-5646. drenvironmental.net Historical Society of the Nyacks 845.418.4430. nyackhistory.org Rockland Business Women’s Network 845-729-9497. The Center for Safety and Change (formerly Rockland Family Shelter) 9 Johnsons Lane, New City. 845-634-3391. centerforsafetyandchange.org Saint Dominic’s Home 500 Western Highway, Blauvelt. 845-359-3400. SPORTING GOODS A&J Arms 304 Route 304, Bardonia. 845-501-7200 or 845-825-0079. AandJArms.com RivertownMagazine.com / 135


Ski Barn (4 locations) 2990 Brunswick Avenue, Lawrenceville, NJ 609-530-1666 846 Route 17 North, Paramus, NJ 201-445-9070 795 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ 732-945-3900 1308 Route 23 North, Wayne, NJ 973-256-8585 skibarn.com TAX & ACCOUNTING Joseph A. Lux, CPA 4 Francis Avenue, Nyack. 845-358-1929. joelux.com Gloria Papasophocles, CPA 60 Dutch Hill Road, Suite 11B, Orangeburg. 845-848-2690. gloriacpa.com THEATERS Antrim Playhouse 15 Spook Rock Road, Suffern. 845-354-9503. antrimplayhouse.com Penguin Repertory 7 Cricketown Road, Stony Point. 845-786-2873. penguinrep.org

THRIFT SHOP Grace’s Thrift Shop 10 S. Broadway, Nyack. 845-358-7488. gracechurchnyack.org Nyack Hospital Thrift Shop aka New To You 142 Main Street, Nyack. 845-358-7933. montefiorenyack.org Tappan Zee Thrift Shop 454 Piermont Avenue, Piermont. 845-359-5753 TRAVEL AGENCIES Memory Queens, Cruise Planners 201-218-4410. memoryqueenstravel.com WAC Travel 85 S. Broadway, Suite 1, Nyack. 845-535-1300. italygreece.com VETERINARIANS Pearl River Animal Hospital 19 S. Pearl Street, Pearl River. 845-735-3213. pearlriveranimalhospital.com

WATER SYSTEMS Abbey Ecowater Systems 69 W Church Street, Spring Valley. 845-356-1700. Culligan Water First Street, New City. 845-634-3336. culliganrockland.com WEDDING LOCATIONS Falkirk Estate and Country Club 206 Smith Clove Road, Central Valley. 845-928-8060. falkirkestate.com Paramount Country Club 160 Zukor Road, New City. 845-634-4626. paramountcountryclub.com WINDOW TREATMENTS Beacon Interiors 19 New Street, Nyack. 914-589-9270. Westrock Windows 30 Lake Road, Congers. 845-268-0463. westrockwindows.com

Valley Cottage Animal  Hospital 202 N. Route 303, Valley Cottage. 845-268-9263. valleycottageanimalhospital.com

YMCA TO HONOR CITIZENS AT NIGHT OF MAGIC The Rockland County YMCA will hold its Night of MAGIC Dinner on Friday, December 6th at the Nyack Seaport to recognize three outstanding citizens and to benefit YMCA youth programs.

Left to right: Joseph Casarella, Service to Youth Award; Beth Davidson, Community Service Award; Chris Sampson, Distinguished Service Award and Chuck Maze, YMCA CEO

Christian Sampson, Clerk of the Town of Ramapo, will be the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his dedicated service to the Y and the community including many leadership roles such as Chairman of the YMCA Board of Directors and Past President of the Spring Valley Rotary Club.

Joseph Casarella will receive the Service to Youth Award for working with the youth of Rockland County for more than 50 years as a teacher, Hall of Fame Coach and Director of Athletics at North Rockland High School.

Beth Davidson has been selected for the Community Service Award based on her outstanding service to many community organizations including as Secretary of the Nyack School Board of Education, the Nyack Center, Keep Rockland Beautiful and as a Girl Scout Troop Leader.

The Night of MAGIC stands for Making a Genuine Impact on Children and will benefit many YMCA youth programs including after school programs, Y’s Beginnings Pre-School, teen mentoring programs, YMCA Youth & Government Program and youth membership scholarships. R

For more info or to reserve a ticket please contact Eileen Carson at (845) 358-0632 or ecarson@rocklandymca.org. 136 / Rivertown Magazine November 2019


FIGHT LIKE A GIRL SIX YEARS OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DEDICATION A few years ago, six women decided to do their small part in helping to make some sort of a difference in this world. When they all stopped to think where to put their efforts, cancer (unfortunately) seemed to be the common thread that had affected each of them in a very personal way. With that said, their We Fight Like A Girl breast cancer fundraiser was born! As expressed by Eleanor Roosevelt, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” And together, each year, WE will always FIGHT our hardest and never, ever give up HOPE,” said Mary Santiago.

All of the proceeds from this annual fundraiser go to the Young Survival Coalition, an organization focused on young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Patricia Downs noted, “It’s the people you surround yourself with that make this life worth living. I’m proud and blessed to say I’m surrounded by the best and the strongest. My best friend Carla asked all of us if we’d join her in doing our part to help combat cancer. That was the day our We Fight Like A Girl fundraiser started. It’s been an honor to stand beside five of the strongest women I know and bring this annual initiative to life.” R

Although these women are just friends, they have become so close, they’re practically sisters. They now refer to each other as “sissy.” Breast cancer, or any cancer for that matter, has affected each member of the group. Unfortunately, it has really hit home with one member in particular, as she has been dealing with lumps, mammograms, breast MRIs, and breast ultrasounds since she was 23 years old! Her mother successfully battled breast cancer twice and she made an ultimate, selfless decision to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery when she was 27 years old (just like Angelina Jolie). Cristina Maggi and Carla Curran are two actual sisters in this sisterhood friendship. Carla noted, “In supporting We Fight Like A Girl, it’s opening up the minds of our youth to be proactive and know you’re not alone in the battle.” Her sister Cristina added, “That strength, determination, and courage inside Carla brings us together each year to give back to the young women who feel defeated by cancer. We continue to fight alongside Carla until the bond we have destroys it, NOT US!” We Fight Like A Girl just marked its sixth year hosting this breast cancer fundraiser. “We get together every October to bring awareness to breast cancer. We want to enlighten those who have enlightened us. Even though we lost the ones we love most, we know they are watching us and are so proud of this yearly tradition,” said Samantha Neiderman. Breast cancer has hit the North Rockland community hard. The fundraiser brings out a wonderful crowd of local supporters. Michelle Nishanian added, “We are overwhelmed with the level of support this community has given us, and we appreciate our gracious location sponsor: Hudson’s Mill in Garnerville, NY.” Last year they raised more than $10,000. This year they set the bar higher, hoping to raise $15,000!

Interested In Donating? Visit Their Site: vscchampions.org/wefightlikeagirl Follow Them: Instagram @wefightlikeagirl

RivertownMagazine.com / 137


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