Today's Woman

TODAY’S WOMAN A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

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MARCH 23, 2018

MARIE-LOUISE MILLER

A world of experience favors local director

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By PATRICIA ROBERT

arie-Louise Miller of Hastingson-Hudson knows how to weave a story, which is why she is directing “Braiding,” a multi-disciplinary project that RiverArts will present on April 28 and May 5.

As the program committee chair for RiverArts, Miller has been part of “Braiding” from the beginning, collaborating with Doug Coe, the nonprofit organization’s executive director. In 2016, RiverArts staged an earlier version of the project, which was then called “Braiding the River.”

For the updated version, which will incorporate dance, music and painting, RiverArts received a $20,000 matching grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Coe’s description of the piece as being “about how we braid the different elements of our lives into a life,” complements Miller’s lifelong journey.

Born in Illinois 50 years ago to parents who were academics, Miller’s roots were in Germany, where her mother and her paternal grandmother were born. Her father, Vernon, learned German in the military.

Her mother, Gerlinde, passed away at age 47, an event that hit Miller hard.

“I was 19. As she was dying, she looked straight at me and said that I was not to stop learning,” Miller recalled. “The power and

Marie-Louise Miller at Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5A TIM LAMORTE PHOTO

A BOLD NEW WORLD

INSIDE TODAY’S WOMAN:

Heather Harrison parlays hometown love into successful business.......... 2A FITNESS:

Feeling fit and fabulous at 40 (and beyond)...................................3A ACCESSORIES:

Expanding the penchant for individuality...................................8A BEAUTY:

Quick, simple beauty for busy women................................... 10A

Spring fashion not afraid to challenge tradition

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By TRACI DUTTON LUDWIG

pring fashion has sprung, and — Wowee! — you’d better get ready. This is the season to go bold or go home. First glimpses may shock, but extreme looks actually signal a spirit of ballsy optimism, trendsetting confidence and diversity. There was no hesitation as designers took to the runways with a kaleidoscope of over-the-top styles intended to break boundaries. As looks of super-amplified color, shape, volume and detail were revealed, variety and individuality were celebrated. Be brave

and revel the spectacle of the season.

Such overt fun and open-mindedness do not come around very often, and, right now, we all need a little lightness of spirit and license to be ourselves.

Color me crazy Peacock is about to become a verb… as in, “Peacock it, girl. You’re fierce.”

Bright, saturated colors invite confident ladies to strut their stuff this spring.

Look for monochrome fantasies in head-to-toe Crayola marker hues like pink, orange, yellow and green. These are not subtle or modulated shades, but CONTINUED ON PAGE 6A COURTESY OF LESTER’S IN RYE

TODAY’S WOMAN

PAGE 2A/THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

MARCH 23, 2018

TODAY’S WOMAN —HEATHER HARRISON

Harrison parlays hometown love into successful business

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By LINDA LEAVITT

ome kids can’t wait to leave town when they graduate from high school. But Heather Harrison couldn’t wait to come back — and to sell others on her hometown as well.

Heather and her husband, Zach, both of whom graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1991, founded Platinum Drive Realty in 2006. Their company has been successful beyond their wildest dreams, garnering a lion’s share of high-priced listings, numerous awards and giving established real estate companies a run for their money. Platinum Drive was named the fastest-growing real estate firm in the tri-state area by Inc. in 2015.

Now, just 12 years after its founding, Platinum Drive has been acquired by Compass, a real estate technology company. “We weren’t really looking to sell,” Heather said. “We have been approached by many firms over years, but this is a good cultural fit. Compass Realty gives us tremendous power in the region — like Platinum Drive on steroids. It’s already working to our advantage.”

Zach, an attorney, is staying on as regional manager and Heather will have more time to do what she loves best — show and sell houses.

The local perspective

How did two people who had never worked in real estate manage to start their own company?

When their daughter, Haley, was a toddler, the Harrisons decided it was time to leave their Manhattan apartment and

JIM MACLEAN PHOTO

With the sale to Compass, Heather Harrison will continue selling locally in her hometown.

look for a house in Scarsdale. They hoped to replicate their own positive upbringings for their children. But they were surprised by “how out of date the whole process felt,” Heather said. “Some of the people we worked with didn’t seem to know much about the community or have the latest information. For Zach and me it was OK because we grew up here and not all

that much had changed so we were able to navigate the process. But what about all the people coming from other towns and out of state who knew nothing about Scarsdale — or Westchester, for that matter? Wouldn’t they want the inside scoop on the area before moving here?”

As they looked at houses they considered buying in Scarsdale, the Harrisons

heard opportunity knocking.

“We realized there was a void in helping people figure out which town was right for them,” Heather said. “We figured who better to show you the area than people who grew up here and are now raising their families here?

“We wanted to give people a full experience of touring the communities, great information on what it’s really like to live in Scarsdale and not just be a door opener.”

Heather said Platinum Drive’s customers “responded to our passion and ability to think outside the box.”

Undoubtedly, a willingness to work very hard was also key to the company’s success. An extreme example: When she was in labor with her son, Jack, now 10, Heather was helping a client and was “literally on the phone finalizing the deal while they were wheeling me into the delivery room. I got some odd looks from the nurses, but my client really appreciated it.”

When they began hiring people for their new company, Heather and Zach looked for people with local knowledge, marketing skills and enthusiasm to match theirs. “We wanted to hire people who were well-educated, but not from other firms so we could train them in our way,” Heather said.

She expects most of Platinum Drive’s 140 agents to stay on with Compass. “They started as babies and now they’re teenagers,” she said. “We raised them.”

Family ties

The Harrisons live in Quaker Ridge, but the couple’s knowledge of Scarsdale real CONTINUED ON PAGE 11A

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THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE/ PAGE 3A

Feeling fit and fabulous at 40 (and beyond)

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By LAURIE SULLIVAN

egend has it that Juan Ponce de León landed in Florida in quest of the Fountain of Youth. Though only a myth, that hasn’t stopped women from wanting to find their own fountains of youth, especially once they turn 40.

With a host of fitness options and noninvasive procedures, being fit and looking fabulous won’t necessarily turn back the clock, but it can slow it down.

Years ago once a woman hit 40, many believed she should cut her hair and “dress her age.” No more. Women can still look young often having lighter, more natural hair color to cover grey, lighter natural makeup and fashionable clothes, without trying to look like a teenager, of course. And to make the most of their appearance, today’s women look to exercise to maximize how they look and feel. What looks good on the outside has to feel good on the inside.

In study after study, doctors and exercise gurus agree: the true fountain of youth comes from regular exercise to keep you fit and looking fab at 40, and beyond. Exercise has proven to insulate you from heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, stroke and diabetes, according to a story in Prevention Magazine online, and exercise lowers blood pressure, reduces body fat, raises “good” cholesterol, lowers “bad” cholesterol and has many other health benefits.

Health and fitness pros agree that the four cornerstones of age prevention should include cardio, intense interval training, yoga and weight training. Even if you’re well beyond 40, it’s never too late to turn back the clock… for life.

As we age, the skin starts to lose its elasticity and the loss of flexibility associated with aging can lead the development of aches and pains. And in the high paced world we live in we’re more likely to be stressed, which is no friend to your skin.

The less stressed you are, the fewer lines and wrinkles you’re likely to develop.

Yoga is one way to relax your mouth, brows and jaw to help keep your skin looking younger longer. It even can even help you sleep better since the rhythmic breathing of yoga can help you to go off to dreamland faster and stay there longer, without counting sheep.

If you’re a smoker quit now. Aside from the obvious health risks, smokers also develop fine lines around the mouth causing lipstick to run and wrinkles that from nose to the chin, commonly called “parentheses” lines.

There’s no doubt about the importance of exercise and the effects it has on aging.

The famous Framingham Heart Study of more than 5,000 women and men showed that active people live an average of four years longer. The Rx? Exercise five days a week, 30 minutes of moderate exercise at

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Keep your mind fit by exercising your noggin. A sharp mind keeps you young and intense interval exercise is the key.

It increases blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain (in the hippocampus, where memory resides).

Bursts of one-to-two minute higher intensity activity balanced with moderately

paced cardio exercise boosts blood flow and oxygen levels.

Cardio exercise is not only good for your body, it literally makes you feel good by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain!

Exercise not only burns calories, it can help regulate the production of leptin, the fat hormone that controls appetite.

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Fit and Fabulous CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3A

body builders with bulging muscles, think again. The key to a healthy heart starts with lifting light weights to build bones and muscles. Start with 1- to 3-pound weights and gradually build up to somewhat heavier ones. The main thing is to turn off the television and head to the gym or exercise studio. No matter what exercise modality you choose, just do it.

Women’s movement Manager and personal trainer Kathy Margiasso of Apogee Fitness in Bedford Hills caters strictly to women. Her advice to women turning 40 is to stay fit and healthy and includes doing strength training twice a week and doing cardio twice a week.

“Find something you really enjoy doing and make it part of your life to be the best you can be, especially as you get older,” Margiasso said. “Try new things to make it interesting. I do believe strength training — really do some lifting — is the fountain of youth. You want to be strong, fit and functional. You want to work from within.”

Margiasso feels nutrition is also key and fitness, which isn’t just physical, but mental and spiritual, too, “satisfies your soul.”

Forty is a turning point for women and a time when you start to see your body change and exercise in general will give you the general feeling of well being, Margiasso said.

In business nine years, Agogee is a full service gym with a fully equipped Pilates studio, a cycle studio and a group exercise studio offering barre classes, Zumba, row classes and yoga, a place strictly for women to enhance their comfort level while exercising.

“I find that women should be cross-

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training, not stick to one modality,” Margiasso said.

Margiasso advises women turning 40 to change the exercise they’ve been doing to stay younger looking. She explained that as we age we lose muscle mass. Exercise can help maintain muscle mass. Whatever exercise you do, Margiasso said to leave ample time for what she calls “recovery” by taking a yin yoga class, which consists of a series of long-held, passive floor poses that mainly works the lower part of the body (the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, lower spine).

Another class Margiasso recommends for recovery is a MELT class — myofascial energetic length technique — which is based on using a foam roller that works the fascia or connective tissue. “It hydrates the joints and tissues and works on lengthening fascia,” she said.

Margiasso noted everyone’s fitness level is going to be different and stresses that sleep is “huge” for women.

It’s also important to know what your goal is. In addition to being a life coach to members at Apogee, Margiasso also sees clients on her own. Her advice to women who want to feel good about themselves includes doing something they enjoy every day of the week, anything from having a manicure to having lunch with friends to doing yoga on another day. “Every goal is achievable and is a winning game,” Margiasso said.

Margiasso believes 40 is a special age.

“You’re not a kid anymore, but you’re also in a good place,” she said. “Women should enjoy themselves.”

In addition, goof posture and a great hairstyle will also go a long way. “It’s really important to have confidence,” Margiasso said. “That’s sexy. It will attract the people in your life.”

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Balance Day Spa’s owner and esthetician, Allison Adamiak, believes firmly in practicing “old-world esthetics.” Working alongside veteran esthetician Nazmie Bruncaj, Adamiak said, “Our approach to skincare is entirely holistic. We believe that if you take great care of your skin then you will look great, regardless of your age.”

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Mindfulness workshop coming to Dobbs Ferry

Jennifer Garden Yoga, Pilates and Barre in Dobbs Ferry will hold a Mindfulness Workshop on Sunday, April 15, from 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. with Judith Kleber, co-founder of Hudson Valley MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program).

Mindfulness as a practice has its roots in Buddhist meditation and entered the Western secular mainstream in part through the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn and his MBSR. Through the practice of mindfulness we cultivate experiencing the present fully, without imposing our biases or expectations, without being lost in a past which is gone or imagining a future which is not yet here. This workshop will provide a didactic and experiential introduction into this practice through guided meditations while learning about the seven foundations of mindfulness, as defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Although we often think of the mind’s im-

pact on the body in negative terms, we can also turn toward the mind to produce positive effects on health. Often one assumes that they can’t meditate or cultivate mindfulness because they can’t stop thinking, but like any skill, one can learn how to deal with the habitual clutter of the mind. This workshop will offer some introductory tools to access greater ease and intimacy with one’s greatest asset or liability, the mind.

Jennifer Garden Yoga Pilates and Barre is a new studio at 63 Main St. dedicated to helping you be at your physical and mental best by offering yoga, mat Pilates, machine Pilates, barre, kids yoga, mommy and me yoga, cranial sacral therapy, and Reiki, as well as many workshops to help you maintain a less stressful life.

Visit yoga-pilates-barre.com and hudsonvalleymbsr.com.

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Marie-Louise Miller CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A

intensity of my mother — well, you could not deny her.”

After graduating from Oberlin College in 1989, Miller became a “wanderer,” using Germany as her base for several years and finding employment with several prestigious theater companies.

“I was offered an internship at the theater in Ingolstadt,” she said. “For a while I had the time to attend the University of Munich, which was only 40 minutes away, to study linguistics. But, thank goodness, the theater offered me a paying job as an intern, so I dropped out of university.

“I was setting off on my own, determining that I would make this, the theater, a serious pursuit,” Miller said. “This was an incredible learning experience, as the director would ask me, the intern, ‘What do you think?’”

That stint lasted until 1991, when Miller accepted an internship at the Seattle Repertory Theater. She stayed there for one season, returning to Germany in 1992.

“It was the second round of learning,” Miller said. “And I had the privilege of working with Liviu Ciulei, the great Romanian director, at the Staatstheater of Dresden. To my knowledge, I was the first American to be employed there. He had his vision of the play and that was it.

Nevertheless, he asked me to make notes, which he would return with his notes on my notes.”

Using Dresden as a base, Miller continued to roam. But wherever she lived, no matter how small the space, she made it feel like a home, especially with fabric she had picked up from her travels.

“I was influenced by all these experiences, almost as much as learning a theater craft,” Miller said.

Miller returned to the U.S. in 1995 and attended Northwestern University, graduating with a MFA in theater directing in 1998. The following year, Miller was a summer fellow at Ithaca’s Drama League of New York before coming to New York City. There she was a temp project manager at Citibank, while also working with Craig Lucas, a playwright and director at the Rattlestick Theater, the Atlantic Theater Company and the New York Theater Company.

“All of these companies were nontraditional and it was the first time I felt that I could use what I had learned in Dresden,” Miller said. “It was very interesting to reconnect with that influence in my life.”

It was at Citibank that Miller met her husband, Alex Navarrete, “who had a real job there.” They married in 2002 and moved to Hastings in 2005. Their two sons — Zachary, 13, and Tobias, 11 — attend Farragut Middle School.

“While I did some work with New York City-based theater groups, it was more of a challenge after I had my first child,” Miller said. “When we moved to Hastings I became immersed in the things surrounding our house — scraping paint and planting flowers. But I followed the fundamental principle that you can create other pathways for a sense of balance.”

Before leaving from 2010-13 for a threeyear stint in Brazil relating to her husband’s work, Miller became involved with a workshop for teens at South Presbyterian Church in Dobbs Ferry, where she is a congregant.

“It was called ‘All the Faces of Me,’ where the teenagers used different forms of creativity to explore who they thought

TODAY’S WOMAN

they were,” she said. “I took that experience with me to Brazil, where I learned to speak Portuguese — at least the present tense — and volunteered at the Graded School, The American School of São Paulo. I wound up teaching a film and acting class and we actually made a horror film.

When I returned to Hastings, I started to become involved in more grown-up activities.”

In 2015, when Jane Ann Groom, then the pastor at South Presbyterian Church, signed off on performing Eve Ensler’s controversial play “The Vagina Monologues” in the church sanctuary, she turned to Miller and said, “Hey, you’re a director, why don’t you do it?” Miller accepted, which led to successful productions in

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE/ PAGE 5A

2015, 2016 and 2017.

“We brought in as many people from the community as possible, made it diverse in race, and with ages from 17 to 90,” Miller said. “For one production, we had a transgender from Brooklyn. And last year, the Donald Gallery curated a show in support of the play. I give South Church a lot of credit. It was also Groom who suggested that I get involved with RiverArts.”

For “Braiding,” the image of a spiral is the theme of the original score being composed by David Macdonald. Like a spiral, Miller’s passion for directing had to start somewhere in order to take her on the path to where she is now.

“As a child, when I read a book that I found compelling, I would totally become

the protagonist, see the world through their eyes,” she explained. “And, of course, I was taken to the theater. But I guess the real moment came when I appeared in the school production of ‘Ark.’ I played Shem, wearing a kimono that I can still remember, with a dark wig covering my blond hair, and eye make-up to make my eyes really big, like Cleopatra’s.”

“Afterwards, our teacher was commenting on the play and congratulating his students who had performed,” Miller recalled. “He never mentioned my name. He just said, ‘And there was a Chinese girl.’ I was crushed. But then I was elated. I had managed to disappear. And I knew in that moment, that this was something even better.”

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Spring Fashion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A

rather clear, screaming colors that cannot be missed. Don’t be afraid to go beyond what is typically tasteful and completely deck yourself out in one color, even down to matching shoes. You’ll be amazed at the results. Manifesting a color to the extreme actually neutralizes it and makes for a chic look. Another way to work with extreme color is to engage in a color game. Electrify a single, dominant hue with an unexpected flash of its contrast or complement. Imagine the drama of a red underskirt flashing beneath a Kelly green dress or the electricity of a cobalt blue pantsuit paired with a silky orange camisole.

Another popular look this spring is the rainbow ensemble. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet come alive in dynamic stripes, harlequin prints or color-blocked textural creations using faux-fur, synthetic hides or fringe. Such parade-worthy looks certainly project confidence and optimism.

With sunlight in your hair, a pair of mirrored shades and fierce shoes, you’ll rock the world. The only thing missing from your look of many colors is a unicorn, which means you’ll have to make all the magic yourself.

Cotton candy For every action, there is a reaction. To answer the need for a calm counterpart to spring’s intense play of color, designers are offering a second fashion palette of dusty, sugary, muted tones. Soft and feminine pastels, whispered in every color, grace a range of silhouettes. This assortment of structured suits, fancy dresses, billowy skirts, cozy knitwear and palazzo pants is tonally reminiscent of a box of pale taffy or pretty French macaroons. While this clothing is beautiful enough to eat, don’t miss the artistic, tie-dye versions of spring’s favorite pastels. With subtle tonal variations and stormy ombre blends, these examples are gorgeously special, especially in soft and delicate silhouettes.

One of the season’s most ubiquitous shades — lilac — comes from this toneddown palette of pastels. The perfect combination of pink and purple, lilac is a modern hue, fascinatingly elegant and mysterious in character. It is a mutable tone, and its character changes depending on which colors it pairs with. Lilac and silver, or lilac and gray, is sophisticated and understated. Lilac with white appears fresh and modern. Lilac with blue or mauve adopts a moody and romantic personality, while lilac with yellow

appears bold, youthful and sharp. Unusual and indefinable, lilac is universally flattering on all.

Turn up the volume In a welcome departure from previous seasons of body-hugging garments, current silhouettes favor ample shape and generous size. Volume and deconstruction are the guiding principals behind this season’s favorite selection of tiered skirts, oversized coats, boxy jackets and palazzo pants. Lightweight, layered dresses, some with handkerchief hems, are forgiving, feminine and flattering. Modesty defines a new kind of sexuality, as designers creatively embrace the sensuality of movement and texture. Current clothing styles interact in conversation with the body, rather than just presenting its physical form. For this reason, silhouettes have adopted their own “voices” that take identity in space — trousers flare; dresses swirl; waistlines rise; jackets drape; sleeves billow; anoraks puff; and skirts dip toward the floor. Layers conceal the body, and clever cuts and patterns allow for factors like undulation, ripple, billow, flow and drape to deconstruct form.

The body is thus suggested, rather than displayed, in many voluminous examples of clothing this season.

Print profusion Stripes with chevron? Plaid with polka dot? Large chintz with floral prints? No problem at all. More is definitely more in the current moment of excess. In an effort to “one-up” established rules, designers are defying conventional taste and daring to be different. If we look back over the past few seasons, the progression is clear. First, CONTINUED ON PAGE 9A

A BOLD NEW WORLD

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MARCH 23, 2018

Silhouettes have adopted their own “voices” that take identity in space — trousers flare; dresses swirl; sleeves billow; and skirts dip toward the floor.

Top left: Complete ensembles are available at Catherine H in Katonah and New Canaan.

Bottom left: The lady in red will never go out of style at Wild Orchid in Katonah. Main photo above: She’s got the look with a perfect pair of timeless jeans and a bold blouse at Lester’s in Rye Brook. Second image: Plain, simple and tattered also does the trick at I Am More Scarsdale. Right: Floral prints will never get the boot at Neiman Marcus in White Plains.

TODAY’S WOMAN

MARCH 23, 2018

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE/ PAGE 7A

Ask a Midwife

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Q: What does a midwife do?

A: Midwives are Masters – prepared, specialized clinical and diagnostically trained advanced nurse practitioners who are experts in prenatal care, well woman gynecological visits, family planning/birth control, sexual health screening and menopausal care. Their broad focus includes physical, emotional and spiritual care and an understanding that sometimes health problems can be solved with complementary therapies such as nutrition, stress-management, exercise and bodywork. Under a midwife’s care, women of all ages can feel listened to and have options for their health and wellness needs.

Q: What is the difference between a midwife and an OB/GYN?

A: Midwives treat the whole person and serve families through all phases of life – birth through adolescence, during childbearing years and beyond. They treat pregnancy as a transformative time in a patient’s life, taking time to understand the patient’s needs and help her through the social feelings of becoming a mother. Midwives typically spend significantly more time with patients than OB/ GYNs. An OB/GYN is surgically trained and is an expert in complications and treating pathological conditions. Midwives collaborate and consult with OB/GYNs as needed and can assist with cesarean sections.

Q: What other services can a midwife provide?

A: In addition to monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle, midwives also provide care for all the health issues that modern women and teens face. In a safe, compassionate environment, midwives provide young women physical exams, educate them on topics ranging from safe sex to birth control, and help them communicate with their parents. Midwives also provide preconception counseling, postpartum support, family planning, menopausal care and more.

“Since I was a teenager, I have been seeing my midwife for all of my healthcare needs.”

MF, Tarrytown

Q: What are the benefits of seeing a midwife?

A: A huge support system. Midwives provide individualized, personal care and aim to treat the underlying factors of wellness. They work very closely with a huge network of specialists and offer services that support the practice of healing through mind, body and spirit.

A midwife can give direct access to specialists in acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, nutrition, physical therapy, psychology, yoga, and child birth education. Midwives are known for their accessibility and ongoing support; no concern is too little for a discussion.

Myth vs Fact - The Practice of Midwifery All births under the care of a midwife are performed at home.

False. In 2014, the majority of CNM/CM-attended births occurred in hospitals (94.2%), while 3% occurred in freestanding birth centers and 2.7% in homes*.

My insurance company will cover my midwifery services.

True. Many major insurance companies do. Be sure to call your insurance provider to find out.

You are not able to have an epidural if you are using a midwife.

False. It may not be a first resort, but the choice is yours.

A midwife can prescribe birth control.

True. Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Midwives can write prescriptions in NY for treatments, medical devices and diagnostic tests.

If I’m not seeing a doctor, I’m not getting the best care.

False. All Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Midwives are certified and are accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. All have passed a national certification examination and have met strict requirements prior to receiving their state licenses. *Reference: www.midwife.org

TODAY’S WOMAN

PAGE 8A/THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

MARCH 23, 2018

ACCESSORIES: Expanding the penchant for individuality

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By TRACI DUTTON LUDWIG

y now, we know spring fashion is a game-changer this year. Rules are being rewritten. Expectations are being broken. Definitions of what is considered beautiful, appropriate, sexy and feminine are being challenged and redefined. It’s an exciting season for fashion, driven by an energy of diversity and a hopefulness toward change. Clothing styles are big and bold, loud and proud, so it’s no wonder that accessories are following suit. Here’s what to look for to craft an individual voice that will be heard above the crowd.

Transparent shoes and bags Clear plastic is not just for umbrellas anymore. Transparent shoes, booties and tote bags continue modern designers’ embrace of PVC and plastic this spring. Of course, putting everything on display requires perfectly manicured toes, for your new revealing shoes, as well as expertly edited contents inside your see-through handbag. Better start looking for a stylish checkbook cover, a chic keychain and other fun accessories… like the rhinestone encrusted wallet and bright resin compact that have been patiently waiting inside your dresser for the last two years.

Finally, you have a place to show them off.

Micro and macro sunnies Teeny, tiny sunglasses pair well with the contemporary taste for oversized looks. A trend started by Bella Hadid and quickly copied by Instagram followers, micro-sunglasses barely cover the eyes and thus do not obscure the rest of the face. Perfect for all those selfies! To maximize the impact of barely-there sunglasses, look for frames embellished with neon outlines or speckled with glittery detail.

Seek out sleek, sharp, winged edges and all black frames for a cool Matrix-inspired look.

If size matters to you, don’t fret. Oversized lenses and cat-eye frames continue their popularity, as well. What’s new this season is decadent embellishment. Look for glittery and sparkly detail, jewelry-like arms, large metal hardware and colorful plastics.

Geometric handbags Handbags come in all varieties, and that’s their appeal. There’s a size and shape to satisfy every need and mood. This season is rich on structured geometric bags, such as cubes, spheres, rectangles, pentagons and diamonds. Use them to add a structure to fluid, deconstructed outfits. You will be surprised by the focus they inspire. In a variation of this trend, some designers presented collections of shaped handbags attached to belts. This style is practical for travel, sightseeing or dancing because it keeps hands and shoulders free. While reminiscent of the fanny packs from the 1980s, the fashion world is careful to call this year’s version by an updated name: “belt bag.” A more wearable, yet similar, manifestation of the bag and strap combo is this season’s mini cross-body bag. Look for these handbags to sit on short straps, hugging the side of the ribcage just below the bust.

Chunky booties, slim pumps Practical and comfortable, low-heeled booties mean business. Simple and sexy, pumps are a classic. This spring, you need both. You can walk endless blocks in wellheeled booties, without wearing down soles or tiring your feet. Likewise, when the time comes for dressing up, pumps will never let you down. Closed or open at the toes, you’ll fall in love with this season’s crop of pointy and shiny styles. Lively varieties include boo-

Left: Beads and textures can be worn from head to toe at Catherine H in Katonah and New Canaan.

Middle: The message is clear with this jewelry from at I Am More Scarsdale. Right: Bags are bold and stylish at I Am More Scarsdale.

ties and pumps adorned with buckles, zippers and metal hardware, as well as beauties manifested in bright satins, brocade prints and oil-slick patent leathers. The season’s interest in rich detail — including sequins, feathers, bows and fringe — spills over into the most coveted footwear. Flared trousers, palazzo pants, flowing skirts and biker shorts all draw attention to the feet; so make sure to invest in fashionable pumps and booties that will complete these looks.

Ironic carryalls We all seem to schlep around so many details of life’s minutia on a daily basis. Therefore, a generous carry bag is a necessity, not a luxury. For work and play, these workhorses take a tough beating. Now, it’s time to have some fun. Carryalls, totes and satchels are throwing attitude with ironic slogans, logos graffiti-style tags and memes. They are also playing make-believe games of dress-up, by approximating the look of paper sacks, convenience store carry bags and eco-friendly produce bags. Some illusions are so convincing that you have to get really close before realizing the curious “plastic bag” carried by your friend is actually a chic handbag. Look for these cheeky doppelgangers in traditional and non-traditional materials, including leather, vinyl, PVC and sequined fabric.

Red boots Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” possessed magical ruby red shoes. Now it’s your turn to experience the power of candy-apple footwear. Thigh-high red boots — in soft suede, sporty microfiber, expensive leather, raucous faux-fur and head-turning vinyl — are enjoying their moment in the spotlight.

This iconic look is surprisingly wearable, so you should not be afraid to play with it. That said, you should still be prepared to turn heads, as you pair these show-stoppers with jeans, leggings, skirts and shorts. Combined with black, red boots hold the dramatic impact of poppy-colored lipstick. With pink or orange, red boots create rich tonal variations.

Mixed among other colors, red boots play their role within the rainbow. However, for best impact, match these beauties to a totally red outfit. You will instantly turn up the heat.

If thigh-high boots are not your thing, wear a modified version of the style, such as red calf boots or booties, instead. Capturing an intensity of unexpected color is what defines this look.

Hats Get your head in gear with a statement hat. Immensely oversized floppies, for sun and shade, continue spring’s flirtation with everything over the top. Turbans and artful headscarves conjure diva-esque drama and nod to multicultural influence. Compact and close to the head, newsboy caps, baker boy hats and cloches look chic and insouci-

ant. Black berets signify another significant trend. Long associated with poetic representations of French fashion savoir-faire, the black beret retains its appealing femininity and timeless mystique. While it never truly goes out of style, it is experiencing a moment again this spring.

Gloves… and bracelets and rings Arm candy is back in the form of gloves. In stretch satin, shiny vinyl, buttery leather and soft knit cotton, gloves are adding elegance to fingers, hands and elbows. Current taste prefers cheeky, colorful varieties, as well as luxurious showpieces in anything-but-basic black and white. Wrist-length and opera-length are options that accommodate a variety of sleeve lengths. They are like the arm versions of ankle booties and thigh-high boots. In addition to gloves, chunky bracelets continue this season’s attraction to the arms. In hammered metal, carved wood, and molded resin, these bangles and cuffs cannot be missed. Curate a diverse collection for an unmistakable play of color, texture and material. Explore different combinations and stack up interesting selections for maximum impact. Multiple matching rings on adjacent fingers continue the attitude of “more is more.” Look for sculptural forms rather than precious jewels, and show the world that high fashion can find influence anywhere — even in an unlikely pair of brass knuckles.

Natural fibers Feel like you’re on vacation, every day.

Straw handbags are not just for the beach anymore. This season’s infatuation with texture includes not only the sleek and smooth, but also the coarse and nubby. Look for natural straw bags in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Use these bags every day to take you from the office to theater to school pickup to your favorite weekend coffeehouse. As spin-offs of this textural trend, raffia, sailors’ knots, rope weaves and fringed cording are showing up in belts, loose necklaces and earrings. Such accessories stand gorgeously alone; but they also play well with straw bags to capture a carefree island vibe.

Sneakers and socks Gone are they days of simple sneakers and gym socks. Tricked-out kicks represent the intersection of fashion and comfort. Dare to be different in sneaks adorned with elfish curls, hardline spikes, shiny studs, soft three-dimensional florals, transparent mesh or plucky knee-high laces. Ankle socks, too, have benefitted from a similar rush of creativity. When matching socks with sneakers, intentional choices curate the kind of sock/ shoe combinations that are more than just practical. Fishnet, mesh and ruffled socks are game-changers, and they can even be worn with pumps and sandals, for a bootielike aesthetic.

Platform shoes Footwear is getting a healthy rise in the form of platform shoes. Rising to elevations of one to several inches, platform shoes were popular in America in the 1970s and 1990s — and for good reason. They add height to your stature, without sacrificing stability in your step. This year’s infatuation with platform shoes includes colorful pumps, funky boots, stylish sandals and quilted loafers showcasing metallic tones, over-the-top prints and shiny surfaces.

Statement earrings Large, chandelier earrings and shouldergrazing dangles are among this season’s statement looks. Their movement suggests abundance; their sparkle means opulence; and their bright colors communicate confidence.

But, as eye-catching as these earrings are, they don’t have to be precious. Made out of chain, copper, beads, raffia and other prosaic materials, giant earrings are perfectly appropriate in everyday environments. Chandelier and shoulder-length earrings complement any hairstyle. They streamline the neck beneath short haircuts, ponytails and up-dos; and they never get lost behind manes of long hair. Supersized hoops represent another trend from the 1990s, also making a statement today. In order to remain lightweight, most of these XXL beauties are fashioned out of metal wire, in thin, sinuous proportions.

Look for gold or silver hoops, wrapped in colorful thread or plain, embellished with crystal beads or not — anything goes.

Big belts Wide, waist-cinching belts — popular 25 years ago — are back. They add structure and body definition to the season’s loose, flowing dresses and boxy jackets, a trick that doubles the wear of these silhouettes. Made from elastic and other stretchy materials, wide belts are easy to wear and adhere to the waistline, even if the garment lacks belt loops. Look for closure through large and decorative buckles, sometimes in the shape of medallions, or through back zippers or snaps. Also called corset belts, today’s wide belts work to define the waistline and emphasize the curvature of the hips. In this way, they are much like the bustier, which has also become a popular fashion staple right now.

Exaggerated obi belts and oversized leather belts, dyed in various colors, are other striking options this season.

TODAY’S WOMAN

MARCH 23, 2018

Spring Fashion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6A

print size exploded — stripes and checks ballooned, and florals appeared high on Miracle Grow. Prints then expanded from beyond modest separates to include oversized, head-to-toe looks. Now, what has been trending for a while has become a full-on hyperbole. This season’s combinations of mismatched prints are exciting and unexpected… the more jarring the better.

The look holds dynamic energy and seems to reverberate with a visual music created by juxtapositions of discord and harmony. Also borrowing from musical principles and abstract art, spring’s pattern-on-pattern trend makes use of interrupting, irregular bands, usually in black or white fabric. These bands break up the patterned prints to interject elements of modern composition and linear structure. They also give the eye a muchneeded pause, like a rest in a musical score.

You can either buy ready-to-wear patchwork garments or attempt to fashion your own.

But please take note: DIY pattern play works well if contrasting patterns are balanced by some degree of neutral consistency, usually in terms of either background color, overall palette, scale or directional composition of each print.

Glitterati Whether or not you respond to disco fever, you can’t ignore the shimmer of the season. Sparkle is being served in generous portions, adding glamor and fun to everyday life. Sequins, beaded fringe, metallic thread, grommets, studs and twinkling crystals are not just for eveningwear anymore. Bright, light-reflecting embellishments are turning up on jeans and leggings, jackets, jumpsuits, skirts, dresses and tees. In some collections,

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE/ PAGE 9A

they appear as trim designs and accents.

However, they are increasingly being used as all-over textile skins, especially through sequin-encrusted fabrics.

While evoking the cool disco vibe of the 1970s and the cliché opulence of New Year’s Eve parties, today’s glittery trend actually has an ancient history. King Tut, who ruled Egypt from 1341-1323 B.C., was entombed with clothing stitched with shiny gold coins in order to display his material wealth and support prosperity in the afterlife. As fashion developed over time, real coins were replaced by semi-precious materials and, eventually, by common materials with shiny surfaces in cultures such as India and Peru.

The opening of King Tut’s tomb in the 1920s invigorated worldwide interest in sparkling embellishment. Flapper-era and Art Deco fashion designers responded with glass beading, metallic embroidery and sequins.

The trend was embraced as an optimistic escape from the banality and hardship of everyday life. A similar appeal remains in place even today.

beit passing, trend. So, grab some fun pieces now and make sure to keep your synthetics away from open flames. In the future, these styles may be collectible… or recyclable in the co-mingle bin?

Black tie denim

Sleek and smooth Shine on, super girls! As a counterpart to spring’s love for glittery embellishment, rich textiles are also taking their place in the spotlight. Smooth satin and slick leather provide sleek lines and almost fluid surfaces. These textiles catch the light and seem to glow from within. As contemporary designers approach these textiles in gorgeous, new ways, they are deconstructing traditional associations. Leather no longer belongs exclusively to the motorcycle jackets and miniskirts of biker girls. Satin, likewise, has evolved beyond its role as a staple for party attire and bridesmaids’ frocks.

Today’s leather leggings and satin trousers bring luxurious, modern glamor to everyday looks. Look for these styles combined,

This Janska spring rain jacket is stylish, flattering and reversible at Ally Bally Bee in Ridgefield and New Canaan.

respectively, with flowing, silky tops or soft and slouchy knitwear. Synthetic plastics, PVC, vinyl and neoprene (the fabric used for scuba wear) are bringing a street edge to current mainstream looks. These synthetic materials are absolutely slick, to the point of being glossy. Look for transparent plastic top layers in designer dresses and overcoats, as well as shorts and skirts in inky, wet-looking vinyl. Predictions suggest the passion for plastic will be a memorable, al-

Known in some circles as a Canadian tuxedo, head-to-toe denim walked many runways this season. Apparently, what comes around goes around; and designers were not afraid to break rules — even when they wrote those rules just a few seasons ago. Remember when it was considered overkill to wear a denim jacket with jeans or a chambray shirt with a Levi’s skirt? That’s the kind of rule we’re talking about… and the one that’s not to be followed anymore.

After all, as everything this season seems to be going over the top, we probably should have expected blue jeans would not be spared. Look for denim combinations in shirts and jeans, jackets and skirts — ranging from prairie to A-line to mini — suits and snap-up jumpsuits. Most surprising on the runways was the preponderance of denim in black-tie eveningwear, with or without bedazzled embellishment. Carolina Herrera paraded out luxurious denim ball gowns, and Citizens for Humanity models looked chic and sharp in denim cocktail dresses. Corporate employers and country club managers take note: it may be time to rewrite the dress codes.

Show some leg This is the year for great legs, as spring looks highlight toned ankles, calves, knees and thighs. Above-the-knee biker shorts, as well as super-short shorts and hot pants, are being used in innovative combinations.

The trend gained energy last summer when Kim Kardashian West was photographed CONTINUED ON PAGE 10A

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TODAY’S WOMAN

MARCH 23, 2018

Spring Fashion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A

— at every opportunity — sporting black, Spandex biker shorts. She styled them with designer jackets on the red carpet, thin tshirts at a Los Angeles studio, curve-hugging bodysuits on New York City streets and billowy blouses during photo shoots. Biking shorts were a trend in the 1990s, mostly layered beneath short skirts and dresses, giant t-shirts, wide basketball shorts and denim cut-offs. Today’s biker shorts, however, look sleeker, sexier and more dressed up. Paired with flat shoes, such as sneakers, and a dressy top, the look captures chic, athletic leisure. Paired with high boots or high heels and a tailored long jacket or tuxedo dress, biker shorts are the cool girl’s new cocktail attire. Because short shorts create an alluring silhouette, designers may never abandon them. This season, designers such as Chloe showcased tailored short shorts with structured suit jackets and high boots for sophisticated, confident looks.

Bedroom eyes

Quick, simple beauty for busy women

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By MAJA TARATETA

usy women share something in common: There never seems to be enough hours in the day.

The thing that gets neglected the most, they say, is themselves.

So when it comes to either getting a few extra minutes of sleep or taking care of themselves, sometimes, sleep wins.

But beauty and skin-care experts can arm busy women with some simple solutions to make sure they look good and feel pretty all day, even when time is short.

“Most working moms express that they just don’t have enough time to take care of their skin,” said Kari Puckhaber, co-owner of KD Studio in Katonah. “They are so exhausted at night, they just want to fall into bed without even washing their faces.

My recommendation for this issue is that taking care of your skin in the evening is the most important step in your beauty regime. Our skin does most of its reparative work while we are sleeping.”

So when starting the day, how can a busy mom make sure she looks her best?

“The fastest way to look put together in the morning is to do major prep at night,” Puckhaber advised.

This means washing, toning, masking and hydrating at night “so that when you wake up in the morning, you just need to refresh the pH of the skin with a great toner, apply serum and moisturizer and your morning routine is done,” she said.

Is the thought of doing a mask too much for most women? “I think masks are an underrated beauty product,” Puckhaber said. “They can be used several times a week for several different purposes — deep cleaning, moisturizing and exfoliating. Most can be worn while you’re in the shower to save time or while you brush your teeth at night.”

“Most working moms want a quick and easy routine,” agreed Devra Bader of Devra Bader Skin Care and Beauty Spa in Scarsdale. “As few products and steps are best, and that the plan be realistic for them. We always discuss their schedule together, ages of their children and a true

timetable for what they can get done.”

Susan Giordano, owner of Giordano Beauty in Hastings-on-Hudson, said the lac of time — “or the perception thereof ” — is a problem. “Many women are amazed at what you can do in five minutes or less,” she said. “Women also tell me that they often feel as though they look tired. A good, creamy concealer and a perky blush are like a magic wand.”

Giordano suggests women develop a makeup routine and stick to it. “Organization is key,” she said. “Keeping your everyday products together in one place will make it easy to breeze through your routine. You can keep everything in a makeup bag. Or in a cosmetic organizer.”

Don’t get bogged down by having every makeup product, skincare cream and brush you own in one bag you have to dig through every morning to find what you need, suggests Bader. Put together a bag with the essentials, which will help you move through the morning routine with ease.

Puckhaber also advises women save time by using products that have dual uses “like a lip-to-cheek product or a glow powder you can also use as an eye shadow,” she said. Giordano recommends a sheer foundation with an SPF added, and a tinted lip balm, as well.

“And make sure you have all the right tools,” Puckhaber said. “Having the correct brushes can save essential minutes in the a.m.”

Also, don’t forget the final peek in the mirror before leaving the house. “Taking the few extra minutes to make sure everything is blended properly before heading out the door” can be key, according to Bader. “Mascara dots and shimmery shadows that can fall on cheeks and make things look messy can be tricky to fix once applied.”

If Giordano could focus women on one area, it would be their eyebrows, she said. “Great-looking brows always look polished. Have your brows shaped professionally and then keep up with the shape.

It’s easy. Every morning when you look in the mirror, whatever hair wasn’t there the night before, just pluck it out.”

Bader also beats the brow drum: “When the least amount of time is available, eye-

brows should be brushed,” she advised. “If a little more time is free, then fill in brows with a brow ink or brow pen. This makes a huge difference in framing the eye area.”

After a day of work meetings or ferrying kids around, how can busy moms refresh?

“If your skin is prepped properly, you won’t need to touch up at the end of the day, but if you work in a dry environment, keeping a hydrating spray toner in your desk can help because it can be applied directly over your makeup,” said Puckhaber.

“Another go-to product is a cream highlighter. Dab it anywhere on the face that needs a lift.”

Said Bader, “Many working moms can be running to a meeting after a full day of work or off to a school event for one of their kids. A quick refresh would be to do a quick cleanup with Q-tips to wipe away any residue under the eye area, a touch of concealer, a sweep of fresh blush and add a luminous glow with a highlighting stick on cheek bones to complete a more dewy look. Add a fresh lip color.”

Giordano concurs: “The quickest way to refresh your look at the end of the day is to touch up your concealer and apply a fresh coat of lip gloss. If you have an event to go to, take it one step further by adding an extra coat of mascara and some eye liner. I am also a big fan of natural rose water.

It’s such a great thing for your skin, and you can spritz it right over your makeup for a fresh, dewy look. As an added bonus, the aroma is heavenly.”

No matter how much time a woman has in the morning, a professional like Bader, Puckhaber or Giordano can help develop a routine to get you out the door quickly, but beautifully. “Even if you have just one minute to spare — and I think every woman can manage that — you can start your day looking fresh and feeling good about yourself,” Giordano said. “In this age of social media, where we are inundated by tutorials and opinions, there is just too much information to weed through. I find that many women are more intimidated than ever by the process of beauty. I have been in the beauty business a long time, so I have more than a few tricks up my sleeve. And trust me: It doesn’t have to be so complicated.”

Diversify your playlist for your own definition of sexy. Contemporary spring fashion supports a wide range of feminine charms with its penchant for slip dresses, bustiers and strappy bodysuits. These lingerie looks range from romantic to bold. Slip dresses, in silk or satin, avoid showing a lot skin; however, they nevertheless feel private and intimate. Slip dresses also conjure the idea of touch through their fabrics’ sensual textures. Bustiers, on the other hand, work to define the body’s curves through cinched waistlines. Originally designed as garments intended to raise the bust, lengthen the waist and emphasize the hips, the first known bustiers were worn by ancient Greek and Roman women. In Europe, bustiers — called corsets — were worn as early as the sixth century and continued to gain popularity as a shaping garment throughout the next centuries.

By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, fashion relied on corsets to provide structure for clothing and to shape bodies into attractively curvy silhouettes. Modern bustiers are comfortable and less restrictive, as they work to create shape through construction design instead of binding force. This season, look for bustier tops worn with skirts and pants, bustier bras paired with high-waist trousers and outerwear bustiers used to add structure to loose, flowing dresses. Bodysuits, particularly designed with cutouts and straps, are another current style borrowed from lingerie. Unlike bustiers, which amplify the curvy proportions between bust, waist and hips, bodysuits invoke a more natural, bodyconscious definition of sexiness based on fitness and athletic tone.

TODAY’S WOMAN A special section of

The Rivertowns Enterprise 95 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 (914) 478-2787 www.rivertownsenterprise.net PUBLISHER............................. Deborah G. White SECTION EDITOR................................ Todd Sliss ART DIRECTOR.........................Ann Marie Rezen AD DESIGN................................. Suzanne Brown AD SALES......Marilyn Petrosa,Thomas O’Halloran, and Francesca Lynch ©2018 W.H. WHITE PUBLICATIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART IS FORBIDDEN WITHOUT THE PUBLISHER’S WRITTEN PERMISSION.

TODAY’S WOMAN

MARCH 23, 2018

Heather Harrison CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2A

estate is broad as well as deep. Heather, daughter of Ivan and Wendy Dubbs, grew up in Edgewood. Her brother, Jordan, is a local builder and her sister-in-law, Nicole Goodman, taught at Greenacres Elementary School. Ivan Dubbs, owner of Scarsdale-based Curtis Electric, graduated from Scarsdale High School on 1964 and Heather’s grandmother, Sunny, owned a Scarsdale real estate company, Jenkins and Dubbs, in the 1970s and ’80s.

Zach, son of Bob and Terri Harrison, went to Heathcote Elementary School.

The elder Harrisons have owned houses in Heathcote, Fox Meadow and Greenacres.

Bob is a community activist and former village trustee.

In addition to offices in the Golden Horseshoe and at 2 Overhill Rd. in the village, Platinum Drive has offices in Chappaqua, Mount Kisco, Larchmont, Manhasset and Greenwich, Conn.

And while she’s pleased with the company’s expansion to other towns, Heather finds that for her, “All roads lead back to Scarsdale. Many [SHS] alumni ask to see areas like the Rivertowns, the Sound Shore area and northern suburbs, but the majority of the time Scarsdale wins out.

It checks all the boxes — commute, education, community, athletics and overall quality of life. It offers so much more than many other communities we serve. However, the cost of living here is expensive, so that can be a challenge for buyers.”

Heather said Chappaqua “is a very nice option for people willing to trade a longer city commute for more living space and land. It’s fairly similar to Scarsdale in terms of quality of life, but it’s a little a little slower paced and takes longer to get from point A to point B. I always enjoy working out of our Chappaqua office. But they don’t have the Scarsdale Pool, which I think is one of the best selling features of our town. My clients with young children love it.”

jumped at the chance to cover a broader spectrum of stories on a national and international level, but after a year the company fell victim to the dotcom crash and Heather went on to work as a news consultant for a public relations firm.

When she and Zach bought a house in Scarsdale, Heather happily made the transition from communications to real estate.

Working together can bring challenges, but the Harrisons have it figured out.

“We have very complimentary skills and work really well together,” Heather said. “We’re never at a loss for words when we go out for dinner.”

It hasn’t been easy balancing the demands of her company with motherhood.

At times it’s been hard on the kids to have parents working seven days a week. But

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE/ PAGE 11A

Heather is lucky to have both sets of supportive grandparents living nearby.

“Weekends were tough because that’s when we always worked, but Zach and I always found a way to balance it somehow so that one of us is present or able to drive to a game,” Heather said. “After many years of resisting getting help, I finally realized that it was the only way to keep us healthy as my parents get older.”

And there are some perks for Haley and Jack, Heather said. They are proud when kids in their class buy houses through their parents’ company. And Jack’s popularity soared when he gave out Platinum Drive fidget spinners to his classmates at Quaker Ridge.

Heather said everyone in the family is thrilled about the sale of Platinum Drive

to Compass: “On the day of the announcement, my dad was taking my daughter to the dentist. She came into the office and said, ‘Mommy and Daddy, I’m so proud of you!’ and blew me a kiss. I burst into tears.

We did it for them. Now they get it.”

Haley, a seventh-grader at Scarsdale Middle School, posted a message on Instagram congratulating her parents on their achievement: “After selling hundreds of homes, it is now time to sell our second home, Platinum Drive Realty. You have made it big in the real estate world… it started with two hardworking parents with a goal to make selling and buying a home enjoyable for all… I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you at Compass.”

Now that’s a family that surely hasn’t lost its way.

From news to sales

Heather initially wanted to be a television journalist. She gained valuable experience by interning with Jim Foley at the Scarsdale cable TV station for two summers while majoring in communications at Penn State.

She soon ventured beyond the taping of village board meetings, going out into the community to interview residents and film events like the Westchester Band concerts in Chase Park. She even did a story on Scarsdale’s nonpartisan system.

“It taught me so much about the inner workings of Scarsdale and gave me a very good appreciation of all the key players,” Heather said. She came to appreciate “how residents are committed to making this town the best it can be.”

The clips she put together from her summer job landed Heather a job at News 12 right out of college in 1995.

“I loved that every day was different, every day I met new people and got to tell their stories,” she said. “It was such an adrenaline rush to be in the know about everything going on. I got to cover local politics throughout the county. I sat through many government meetings and budget hearings and learned how all the local governments operate. I interviewed politicians, actors and actresses, did consumer stories and covered lifestyle events.

“It has helped me so much in real estate.

I’m able to give the buyers a flavor for not just Scarsdale, but throughout the county.

I wouldn’t have had that leg up if it wasn’t for my career as a reporter for News 12.”

While at News 12, Heather was approached by a former ABC veteran who was starting up medium4.com, offering television news on the Internet. She

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TODAY’S WOMAN

PAGE 12A/THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

MARCH 23, 2018

SAVE THE DATE

National Women’s Health Week Women Celebrating Women

Come celebrate women’s health and wellness with us at Phelps Hospital on May 15, 16 and 17.

The goal of National Women’s Health Week is to empower women to make their health a priority.

We have planned a three-day event for women of all ages:

Age is just a number!

You’re never too young or too old to be your healthiest you!

Tuesday, May 15

Thursday, May 17

6:00 - 7:00 pm

6:00 - 7:00 pm

7:00 - 8:00 pm

Presented by dermatologist Dr. Alison Stallings.

Midwives offer so much more than childbirth care. They offer care for women from the teen years through menopause.

7:00 - 9:00 pm

Yoga

Midwifery - beyond childbirth

Presented by Phelps Medical Associates, Midwifery of Harrison, Northwell Health Physician Partners.

Love the skin you’re in

Spa services: Massage, reflexology and Tibetan singing bowls Healthy appetizers will be served.

Healthy appetizers will be served.

Wednesday, May 16 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Healthy cooking demo & tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Wise words for wise women: Breast care Presented by Westchester Regional Director of Breast Surgery for Northwell Health, Dr. Alice Police.

Menopause Learn how to live with the changes brought on by menopause.

Join us as we celebrate women! All events are free to attend.

Presented by Phelps Medical Staff.

All events will take place at the James House on Phelps’ campus. For more information, contact Ellen at 914-366-3937 or ewoods3@northwell.edu.