wagmag April 2011

aPRil 2011

The Lipmans share a song of love Happy campers Paul Newman’s spirit lives on

Out of Africa A Bedford woman’s quest

Gorgeous Gams Spring time is leg time

Sweet

charity

take a walk on the style side THE WESTCHESTER’S WEEKEND OF FASHION MAY 6 & 7

Join us when the latest spring fashions take to the runway featuring the newest styles in clothing, cosmetics, accessories and more. On the evening of May 6, bring your friends for Trends & Friends Night. Score free samples, see product demonstrations of the latest trends and savor the bites compliments of The Westchester stores and restaurants, plus hourly prize giveaways and spectacular runway fashion shows. The fun continues on Saturday, May 7 kicking off with Design Wars, a fierce design competition featuring students from Westchester Community College, plus more runway fashion shows, hourly prize giveaways, and innovative Style Stops featuring interactive beauty and product demonstrations showcasing the must-haves for spring. For more Simon Fashion Now Presented

by White Plains Hospital event details, please visit Simon.com and find us under The Westchester on Facebook.

Ann Taylor x Anne Fontaine x Arche x Banana Republic x BCBGMAXAZRIA x bebe x Brighton Collectibles x Caché x Dooney & Bourke Eileen Fisher x Gap x J. Jill x Kate Spade x Kenneth Cole x Lacoste x Lilly Pulitzer x The Limited x Lucky Brand x My Suit Made to Measure x Nike x 7 For All Mankind Sperry Top-Sider x Steve Madden x Stuart Weitzman x Swarovski x Tory Burch x Vince. x White House | Black Market x Wolford Boutique

Sponsored by:

Located at Westchester Avenue and Bloomingdale Road in White Plains Shopping Line 914.683.8600 ®

Please join us for a Buccellati trunk show on May 7, between the hours of 10am and 4pm

Celebrating 25 Years

April 2011 People Who Care 12 Raising His Game

Knicks’ rookie Landry Fields transcends expectations on and off the court.

14 Lobbying the Rich

A band of merry men and women fight poverty at the Robin Hood Foundation.

16 “Anything Is Better Than Doing Nothing At All”

Former Bedford student Whitney Johnson serves South Africa’s HIV-infected children.

18 Hands-on

Rye Brook insurance executive Mark Rollins helps build homes in Nicaragua.

20 Lawrence of Academia

Sarah Lawrence College President Karen R. Lawrence is passionate about the college’s outreach to Yonkers’ schools.

23 Art’s Far Embrace

Led by Peter C. Sutton, the Bruce Museum casts a wide educational net.

24 Happy Trails

Paul Newman’s spirit rides on at his The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Conn.

39 Universal Love

Record executive Monte Lipman’s circle of caring radiates beyond family to his community.

61 Beauty on Parade

Miss Westchester and Miss Westchester Teen show that beauty is more than skin-deep.

Actress, model, author and Wagger Jennifer Pappas at a Wolf Conservation Center event.

the westchester extravaganza ‘Simon Fashion Now’ No doubt dresses will play a key role in “Simon Fashion Now,” which the Simon Property Group Inc. is bringing to The Westchester in White Plains May 6 and 7. While industry runway shows preview styles unavailable for several months, this show, presented by White Plains Hospital, makes the transition from the runway to the mall’s retailers immediate.

The event begins May 6 in Nordstrom Court with “Trends & Friends Night,” an evening of fashion, cocktails and bites beginning at 6 p.m. Participating retailers, including Origins and Crabtree & Evelyn, will offer sampling and product demonstrations, and there will be fundraising elements to benefit the Pediatric 2

Cancer Foundation. “Trends & Friends Night” also offers fare from P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Westchester Burger Co., Blue and Graziella’s and Star Martinis at the Star Vodka Bar as well as a performance by Million Dollar Quartet, all free of charge.

The event continues May 7 with a fashion marathon beginning at noon with “Design Wars,” an interactive fashion competition featuring students from Westchester Community College. In honor of Nurses Week, professionals from White Plains Hospital will model student designs, fully stylized and accessorized looks made from hospital scrubs, as competitors vie for top honors. More traditional fashion shows

will take the stage hourly beginning at 1 p.m. The shows will introduce spring looks from Anne Fontaine, BCBG, Dooney & Bourke, Eileen Fisher, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, 7 For All Mankind, Stuart Weitzman, White House | Black Market and many more.

Attendees will also have a chance to participate in “Ready, Set, Style!,” a competition that demonstrates more than one way to wear a pair of jeans. Fashionistas won’t want to miss a chance to compete for an American Express Simon Giftcard.

In addition to the runway shows, shoppers can visit “Style Stops,” where you can get advice and insight into the sea-

son’s trends. From noon to 5 p.m., participants can indulge in Style Stops from Aveda, Crabtree & Evelyn, Crate & Barrel, L’Occitane, M·A·C, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Nike, Origins and Swarovski.

And you can register to win prizes from the mall’s “Runway Giveaway.” Items up for grab include a $200 Lacoste Gift Card, $150 Armani Exchange Gift card, Aveda Smooth Infusion Gift Set, Dooney & Bourke wristlet and more. See registration form for complete rules and regulations.

For the latest event updates, visit simon. com or The Westchester’s Facebook fan page at facebook.com/TheWestchester and follow The Westchester on twitter – twitter.com/TheWestchester.

You are my right hand.

You are my boss.

You are my world.

You’re my mommy.

You are in remission.

We know what you need as a cancer patient. Because we know who you are as a person at the Greenwich Hospital Cancer Institute.

Before we get to treat you, we get to know you. Which can make all the difference in how fast you heal and how well you feel. Because we’ve redefined advanced care as state-of-the-art technology with state-of-the-art humanity. Accelerated radiation with fewer side effects.

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Advanced treatment on an outpatient basis. Genetic testing that can impact generations. Your care is customized here because you are recognized here: as a person with a full life, a family and a future. The Greenwich Hospital Cancer Institute. For all of you.

April 2011

Features

26

wear

29

well

Saying “yes” to the dress, spring’s hot trend.

She’s got legs: All about gams.

32 35 36 43

wares

Out of the closet: Get a psychological boost by taming the monster within.

wear

Westchester artist Dyan Rosenberg’s exotic necklaces.

whims way

48 50 52 54 60

well

Fabulous jewels.

At home in the world: Our “Home of the Month” is the Rye residence of art dealer Glenn Aber, who helped turn one abused child’s life around.

Plastic surgery’s compassionate face.

HCG could be the answer to your weighty problems.

way’s hot blocks

Crossroads of the (local) world: Hot Blocks/Westchester visits Bronxville’s Pondfield Road.

westport

Spotlight on Westport’s Main Street, plus Greenwich and Old Greenwich.

wine & dine

A toast to two who are making a difference – John L. Loeb Jr. and John Crabtree; plus, a Q and A with party planner (and Port Chester’s own) David Tutera.

64 65

wise 68 70 74

A case of give and get.

wheels

Model citizens: The philanthropic Rockefellers also cherish their cars.

week

Getaways that give back.

worthy

75

A few good causes in Fairfield and Westchester counties.

79

Upcoming events.

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WAGvertisers a-dress the Issue - 58 a-dresstheissue.com Advanced Dentistry of Westchester P.L.L.C. Inside back cover adofw.com Apogee Pilates & Wellness Centers - 37 apogeewellness.com The Best Little Hair Salon In Rye - 30 thebestlittlehairsaloninrye.com Body by Dr. Newman Back Cover bodybydrnewman.com Brynwood Golf & Country Club -Insert brynwoodclub.com Caffé Azzuri - 61 caffeazzurri.com Cappy’s Travel - 6 travel-by-net.com Cherylyn Salon North - 21 cherylynsalon.com Club Fit - 69 clubfit.com Cohens Fashion Optical - 55 cohensfashionoptical.com CuisinArt Resort & Spa - 7 cuisinartresort.com David Bravo Photographs - 77 davidbravo.com The Designer Showhouse of Westchester - 49 cpwestchester.org D’Errico Log Cabin Jewlers - 13 derricojewel.com Doherty & Deleo Dev., L.L.C. - 33 Elephant’s Trunk - 9 elephantstrunk.com

Eye Designs - 21 eyedesignswestchester.com eyedesignsarmonk.com Friedricks Interiors - 26 friedricksInteriors.com Greenwich Hospital - 3 greenwichhospital.org The Greenwich Medical Skincare & Laser Spa - 48, 57 greenwichmedicalspa.com Green with Envy - 53 Gregory Shagian & Son, Inc. - 42 gsawning.com Holistic Med Spa & Laser - 50 holisticmedicalspa.com Hudson Valley Surgical Group, L.L.P. - 19 hudsonvalleysurgeons.com John Gregaros Painting & Hanging - 77 johngregoras.com IAAM Medical wellness Center - 32 iaamed.com JefLyn Construction, Inc. - 69 L3 Couture - 17 l3couture.com LA Boxing - 62 laboxing.com/mamaroneck Lux Bond & Green - 55, 59 lbgreen.com Lv2bfit & Susan Blake - 15 Marshalls Shoe Shop - 22 marshallsonline.com New Country Audi - 58, 66 newcountryaudi.com New York Hospitality Group - 51 nyhospitalitygroup.com Oasis Day Spa - 31 oasiswestchester.com ONS - Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists P.C. - 52, 59 onsmd.com

time watch wit

We’re out and about town.

Our WAG-savvy sales directors will assist you in optimizing your message to captivate and capture your audience.

Contact them at (914) 358-0746.

We wonder: What makes you a rebel with a cause?

class & sass

With Martha Handler and Jennifer Pappas.

THe unusual suspects Meet the new waggers Editor’s letter, Publisher’s letter

4

Paulo’s Atelier Hair Salon - 10 paulosatelier.com Partners Salon & Spa - 57 thimothpammentssalon.com Pastiche - 57 Penny Pincher - 25 pennypincherconsignment.com Performing Arts Center - 63 artscenter.org Phelps Memorial Hospital - 47 phelpshospital.org/gi R&M Woodrow Jewelers - 1 woodrowjewelers.com Richard C. Garvey MD, F.A.C.S. - 64 rickgarveymd.com The Royal Closet - 34 royalcloset.com Saadia Sullivan Design - 33 saadiasullivan.com Saw Mill Club - 28 sawmillclub.com Soleil Toile - 54 soleiltoile.com Tahiti Street - 58 tahitistreet.com Terri Optics - 26 terrioptics.com Transform - 5 gotransform.com Tru Grace - 11 Vein Clinics of America - 30 veinclinics.com Warren-Tricomi - 58 warrentricomi.com The Westchester Inside Front Cover Wright Brothers Builders, Inc. - 56 wrightbuild.com

Susan Barbash, Marcia Pflug and Jed Wilson

速

PUBLISHER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dee DelBello FOUNDING PUBLISHER Mary Ann Liebert EDITOR IN CHIEF Georgette Gouveia

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At night, The District offers five distinct clubs for adults only.

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• Disney Dream™ sails 3, 4 and 5 night Bahamian Cruises with stops in Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. • Disney Magic™ and Disney Wonder™ sail 7, 10 and 11 night Eastern and Western Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska and Mediterranean Cruises.

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the only Virtuoso Member Agency in Northern Westchester We offer not only the most competitive pricing in luxury travel, but also special Cappy Devlin “The Duchess of Travel” added-value amenities.

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EDITOR Bob Rozycki

SENIOR STAFF EDITOR Kelly Liyakasa CLASS & SASS COLUMNISTS Martha Handler • Jennifer Pappas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Ryan Doran • Bill Fallon • Bob Rozycki MEDICAL SPECIALISTS Dr. Michael Rosenberg • Dr. Erika Schwartz FINANCIAL SPECIALISTS Ian Post • Ian Yankwitt FEATURES ADVISER David Hochberg STYLISTS Patricia Espinosa • Jené Luciani CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jane Dove • Bill Fallon • Marshall Fine • Martha Handler Geoff Kalish, MD • Barbara Nachman PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Alison Kouzmanoff RESEARCH DIRECTOR Alissa Frey CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Sylvia Sikoutris DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Susan Barbash DIRECTOR OF SALES CONNECTICUT Marcia Pflug SALES REPRESENTATIVE Jed Wilson WAG A division of Westfair Communications Inc. 3 Gannett Drive, White Plains, NY 10604 Telephone: (914) 358-0746 Facsimile: (914) 694-3699 Website: (under reconstruction) Email: ggouveia@westfairinc.com All news, comments, opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations in WAG are those of the authors and do not constitute opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations of the publication, its publisher and its editorial staff. No portion of WAG may be reproduced without permission.WAG is distributed at select locations, mailed directly and is available at $12 a year for home or office delivery. To subscribe, call (914) 694-3600, ext. 3020. All advertising inquiries should be directed to Susan Barbash at (914) 358-0746 or email sbarbash@ westfairinc.com. Advertisements are subject to review by the publisher and acceptance for WAG does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service. WAG (Issn: 1931-6364) is published monthly and is owned and published by Westfair Communications Inc. Dee DelBello, CEO, dd@thewagonline.com Marie Orser, Chief Financial Officer Barbara Hanlon, Associate Publisher Anne Jordan, Sales Manager Caryn McBride, Executive Editor Bob Rozycki, Editor

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waggers DAVID BRAVO

RYAN DORAN

JANE K. DOVE

PATRICIA ESPINOSA

Bill fallon

GEOFF KALISH

KELLY LIYAKASA

JENÉ LUCIANI

BARBARA NACHMAN

Boots

Martha Handler is a writer, philanthropist and environ-

mental consultant. After spending years working in the environmental field, she has recently turned her attention to writing. She won the Fiction Journey’s annual award for a creative memoir piece in 2007. In addition to writing and editing for the teen and young adult edition of “Thin Threads,” she is currently working on both fiction and nonfiction books and articles. Martha is the president of the Wolf Conservation Center Board of Directors and resides in South Salem with her husband and four children.

Marshall fine is film/TV critic for Star magazine. Previously

he was film critic for The Journal News and national film correspondent for Gannett News Service. The author of three biographies, he writes daily for his Website, Hollywood & Fine (www.hollywoodandfine.com). He is a contributing editor for Cigar Aficionado magazine and hosts film clubs at the Emelin Theater in Mamaroneck and Symphony Space on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Jennifer pappas is a model, actress, spokesperson, author,

wife and mother of three beautiful girls. She has appeared in Vogue, Vanity Fair and Elle and worked with designers Versace, Gucci, Armani and Valentino.

Jennifer is also the author of the children’s book “The (not so scary) Adventures of Chicken Corn Dog” (Exlibris) and the national spokesperson and face for the Institute of Anti-Aging in Louisville, Ky. Jennifer resides in Ridgefield with her husband and daughters.

Alissa frey

grew up outside Philadelphia. She began her education at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah and later returned to her hometown to major in communications at Drexel University. She concentrated on corporate and public relations, graduating cum laude. In her spare time, she continues to pursue her passion for art through painting and photography.

Although she doesn’t like to admit it, Alissa is also an avid follower of reality TV. She lives in White Plains.

ian post and ian yankwitt

MICHAEL ROSENBERG

ERIKA SCHWARTZ

time Sunday, May 1

Virtuous endeavor Canticorum Virtuosi Inc.’s classical music organization dinner gala, 5 to 10 p.m., Le Chateau Restaurant Francais, South Salem. Tickets are $175. For information, visit nyvirtuoso.org.

8

Wednesday, May 4

Thursday, May 5

Spring boutique The Children’s Philanthropy of The Woman’s Club of Rye spring boutique sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., The Apawamis Club, Rye. For information, email cpgpublicity@gmail.com.

Celebrate UJA-Federation of New York Westchester Celebration, 6:30 p.m., Hampshire Country Club, Mamaroneck. Tickets are $150. For information, call 7615100, ext. 109.

Sharing time Cabrini of Westchester’s 13th annual Sharing in Mission Dinner, 6 p.m., Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill Mansion, Tarrytown. Tickets are $400. For information, call 693-6800, ext. 502.

Award time Legal Services of the Hudson Valley Children’s Advocacy Award Reception and Celebration, 6 p.m., Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club. Tickets are $150. For information, call 949-1305, ext. 119.

From the editor Georgette Gouveia

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“April,” T.S. Eliot wrote in his poem “The Waste Land,” “is the cruelest month.” But for us at WAG, it may prove to be the kindest, as we present our “People Who Care” issue.

Caring for and about others requires real sacrifice, as I discovered when I guided the aunt who raised me – my beloved Tiny – through the death-in-life that is dementia until her actual death on Feb. 2.

Nothing I have done will ever equal the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment I had in helping her – a lifelong caregiver – die at home, surrounded by the things she loved and the people who loved her.

That journey took courage, commitment and compassion – her final gifts to me.

Who knows? Maybe everything I’ve done as a writer was but a dress rehearsal for caring for her. I thought about that the other night as I watched Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman sizzle in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Maybe their brilliant, theatrical first and second acts were but necessary preludes to their philanthropic finales. You’ll meet Newman’s spirit in our story on his The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for sick children – one of our many encounters this month with organizations and people who are giving their time and talents, hands and hearts, to others.

People like Glenn Aber, owner of our Home of the Month in Rye, who took it

upon himself to heal an abused child. Or our cover guy, Monte Lipman, whose circle of caring radiates out beyond his beautiful wife, Angelina, and their two children to the Bedford community and the UJA Federation. Or Whitney Johnson, the former Bedford student whose year at the University of Capetown inspired her to found Ubuntu Africa, an organization that increasingly nurtures some of the many HIV sufferers in South Africa.

The Whitney Johnsons of the world show us the way, as do our regulars. Refresh columnist Patricia Espinosa raids the closet to uncover not just the Zen of organization but the means to clothe the less fortunate. Stylist Jené Luciani shines a light on some charities off the beaten path.

Alissa Frey, our research director, plumbs the trend to “voluntourism” for those who want to get away by giving back.

Alissa’s not the only one doing double-duty this month: Martha Handler, who wrote the piece on Whitney Johnson, is one half of Class & Sass, WAGing with Jen and Martha, a new column that is part “The View” and part Miss Manners. This month, Martha and Jennifer Pappas take on the topic of the ho-hum charity event, wherein they consider the limited pleasures of Spanx and the unlimited joys of Betty White.

Where will Jen and Martha venture next month? That, dear readers, is partly up to you.

From the Publisher and Creative Director Dee DelBello

You want to look fabulous.

We want to make that happen.

And so we stay on top of every new style, trend and fashion.

It’s just what an artist does.

And what you should expect from us. All the time.

725 Bedford Road Bedford Hills, NY 10507 914.666.2800 www.paulosatelier.com 10

At noon on any spring or early fall Saturday, you’ll find me serving up a bountiful lunch for the workmen who help me around my home and grounds. They appreciate every morsel, whether it be pasta salad or panini. And let’s not forget the requisite fruit and dessert.

Why do I do it? Because over the years they have become devoted helpers who care about me, my family, my home and my menagerie –– alpacas, llamas, guinea hens, pheasants, peacocks, four rescued dogs and yes, even a partridge (though he’s not in a pear tree).

These workers are now part of my extended family. They know they can count on me to help them and their families.

And I can count on them for anything, anytime. They work hard, take pride in what they do and look forward to the day when they can trade in their green cards for U.S. citizenship.

They simply care.

I’m writing in this issue of WAG, because its theme is People Who Care. You will read in its pages how busy, successful and glamorous people find time to help

and give generously to special causes, and I applaud them. Indeed, my efforts on behalf of worthy causes over many years pale next to their accomplishments.

But I’d like to take up one nagging issue, which affects my extended family’s family and friends, and that is immigration. Why won’t our legislators address this matter? After all, aren’t many of us descendants of immigrants?

Perhaps the reason is the subject’s complexity, one whose competing needs must be recognized and balanced. They include –– but are not limited to –– a homegrown workforce increasingly desperate for jobs in a stubbornly slow recovery and legal immigrants who do not wish to be lumped with those who do not play by the rules.

What is to be done? I’m not sure. But I do know that we will never unravel this Gordian knot if we don’t try. So let us begin.

On another note, I can’t thank you, our readers, enough for your overwhelming response to WAG. Without exaggeration, not a day has gone by when we haven’t heard something positive from you.

Thank you for caring.

Tru GRACE

FASHION LOUNGE

419 MAIN STREET ARMONK, NY 914.273.9600

Raising his game

Knicks rookie Landry Fields transcends expectations on and off the court

By Marshall Fine

L

Guard-forward Landry Fields of the New York Knicks makes a slam dunk against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 10, 2011 in Dallas, Texas.

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

andry Fields knows about overcoming obstacles.

That’s why the New York Knicks’ rookie has gotten involved in Garden of Dreams, Madison Square Garden’s charity to make dreams come true for children facing health problems and other hurdles that threaten their future.

“You look at the kind of life you have and think about your ability to give back and share – and it’s a humbling experience,” said Fields, 22, a White Plains resident. “You have a chance to share your experience with these kids, to hang out with them before a game.

I remember one kid who was real sick – I saw what he was going through, and it just touched me. So I try to give them words of encouragement and let them know that people are praying for them and caring about them.”

Fields feels compelled to give of his time because he understands just how lucky he is. In terms of his life as a professional athlete, well, no one had many expectations for Landry Fields – least of all Fields himself.

“I would definitely say I’ve exceeded my own expectations for myself,” said the guard-forward, who has been an unlikely starter all season on a Knicks team that now includes All-Stars Amar’e Stoudamire, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. “I was just hoping to make the rotation. I already knew that, if I didn’t make the NBA, I’d probably have gone to law school.”

Fields, who grew up in Orange County, Calif., came out of Stanford University last spring with a degree in communications and what seemed like a dim hope to play in the NBA. A late bloomer in college, he barely played his first two years at Stanford, but saw more court time as a junior and was an all-conference player in the Pac-10 as a senior. Still, he wasn’t considered a prospect for the NBA and was not even invited to the NBA’s pre-draft scouting combine, where potential players show their stuff.

Barely projected as a draft choice, he was chosen late in the second round of the NBA draft – 39th overall – and given little chance of making the Knicks. But when the season began, he found himself not just a part of the Knicks’ rotation – but a full-time starter.

He’s been a consistent part of Knicks’ coach Mike D’Antoni’s attempt to revive the once-proud, recently moribund franchise as a playoff contender.

“Without question, we would not be in half the position we are today without Landry – in fact, we’d be in a big hole,” D’Antoni said. “He wasn’t someone

whose name we thought we’d have on our depth chart. He’s been a welcome surprise.”

“It’s crazy – I remember the first day, when coach told me I’d be starting,” Fields said. “I kept calm and collected while I was in with him. But I was, like, ‘Wow – here we go.’”

Nor is it lost on him that he’s in a starting lineup with three of the NBA’s reigning superstars: “You watch these

“But I really like New York. They’re the best fans in the world.

They know what they’re talking about – and if you mess up, they let you know it.” guys your whole life – and now I’ve got an opportunity to be a starter? Really – my parents were as shocked as I was.”

The most difficult adjustment to the NBA has been “the constant grind” of the 82-game schedule.

“I had to adjust to the amount of travel and the daily stress on my body.

It’s something I have to focus on if I want to remain at my optimum. I rest when I can, chill out – try to get away from the game.”

There was another adjustment as well for the California native — one of the snowiest winters in New York history.

“It’s been my first winter-weather ever,” he says with a smile. “It’s been tougher going because of that.”

Still, Fields has settled into his apartment in White Plains and frequents Haiku restaurant with fellow rookie Andy Rautins, with whom he also does an online video feature, “The Andy and Landry Show.”

“White Plains kind of reminds me of Palo Alto,” he said, referring to Stanford’s home community. “When I was drafted, the Knicks showed me around.

This was close to the (Knicks’ practice facility in Greenburgh). I liked the idea of staying close to the facility, being able to get away from the intensity of Manhattan.”

Once the Knicks’ season finishes, Fields hopes to take some time off to “get my body back to neutral. I want to go back to L.A. and work with my trainer there to get myself into shape for next season. And I’ll work on my game – doing stuff off the dribble, getting some consistency on my jump shot, understanding when I should take the shot and how to be more successful on the court.

“But I really like New York. They’re the best fans in the world. They know what they’re talking about – and if you mess up, they let you know it.” n

Knick-named

On the New York Knicks’ website, there’s an entry that asks the question: Why Knickerbockers?

Why indeed. It’s certainly an unusual name for a basketball team, not as apparent as the Bulls or the Hornets. But what the name Knickerbockers lacks in immediate transparency, it makes up for in rich history, revealing the Knicks to be truly in a New York state of mind.

The term Knickerbocker is as old as Dutch New York, which was called New Amsterdam. It refers to both a surname and a type of baggy trousers fitted below the knee, also known as knickers. According to the Knicks’ website, Father Knickerbocker would become a popular symbol of the city, in his powdered wig, tri-corner hat, buckled shoes and knickered pants.

The Knickerbocker brand, as it were, got a huge boost in 1809 when Tar-

rytown’s Washington Irving wrote his satiric “History of New-York” (Sleepy Hollow Press) under the nom de plume Dietrich Knickerbocker.

The Knicks are not the first New York team to bear the Knickerbocker name. That would be the baseball club founded in the 1840s by Alexander Joy Cartwright Jr., inventor of the game.

Some 100 years later, when the Basketball Association of America granted a charter franchise to the city, the new team’s officials pulled the name out of a hat, with club founder Ned Irish giving the final OK. For a time, the Knicks used a figure of Father Knickerbocker as their logo.

But that has since gone the way of short basketball shorts.

Who knows? Perhaps someday the team will consider knickers.

– Georgette Gouveia 13

Band of merry men and women fight poverty

By Marshall Fine Legend has it that Robin Hood robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.

The Robin Hood Foundation, however, understands the needs of the poor. But it relies on the caring of the rich (and the not-so-rich) to help serve its mission of battling poverty and its effects in New York City, David Saltzman said.

Since 1988, Saltzman has been executive director of the organization, which was founded by Paul Tudor Jones II, chairman and CEO of the Tudor Investment Corp. in Greenwich, and whose board of directors includes actress Gwyneth Paltrow, movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and NBC anchorman Brian Williams.

“Robbing isn’t accurate – and the rich part isn’t always accurate either,” he said. “We don’t rob the rich – we plead, cajole and beg them to do whatever they can to help people. Those who have been blessed with good fortune are helping their neighbors in the most effective ways. Poor New Yorkers are going through a very tough time. And people in a position to help have felt a moral obligation to do so.

“And some of the most important gifts come from people who are not necessarily rich. People give their time, their brains and their hearts to help others.”

Saltzman was one of the founding board members of the Robin Hood Foundation, which was created in 1987 as an all-volunteer organization specifically focused on the needs of the poor. Their programs range from those devoted to early-childhood issues and education to jobs and economic security to simple survival in a harsh economic environment.

Asked about the organization’s focus on povertyrelated issues, Saltzman points to the most compelling statistics at his fingertips.

“In New York City today, 1.8 million of our neighbors live in poverty. That’s greater than the total population of Boston, Philadelphia and Atlanta, combined.

One in six of our neighbors went to a soup kitchen in 2010, and increasingly, that includes mothers with little kids. The only thing more depressing than going

David Saltzman

to a soup kitchen on a Friday night is if you went and there was no soup kitchen.

“Forty percent of African-American men in New York have no job. Homelessness is at an all-time high.

In 2009, 55 percent of the babies born in New York were born in poverty.”

But, as Saltzman points out, safety-net-type social programs are suffering the deepest cuts in federal and state governments’ efforts at deficit reduction.

“The poor really got crushed in the financial crisis.

When you walk the streets of New York, you realize that the poorest have yet to see any signs of recovery. So the needs of the poor have gone up – and the government’s ability to respond has gone down. That places great stress on private philanthropy. It’s all the more important to be smart about what we do and how we do it.”

Which is where the Robin Hood Foundation’s unique board structure comes into play. Within a year of its founding, the organization realized that it need-

ed paid staff to fulfill its mission – but looked for a way to focus all donations to its programs.

Robin Hood’s board of directors is responsible for contributing funds to cover the costs of the foundation itself – office space, salaries and the rest of its overhead – so that all outside donations to the organization can be earmarked 100 percent for programs to help poor New Yorkers.

“Nobody likes to pay for overhead,” Saltzman said, “or the cost of fundraising. So our wildly generous board has said, ‘We’ll do what nobody wants to do.’

It permits every donor to know that every penny goes directly out the door to save lives.”

Among those board members is Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company and producer of stage (“Billy Elliot The Musical”) and screen (the Oscar-winning “The King’s Speech.”)

“I was attracted to Robin Hood,” Weinstein emailed, “because of the incredible work done by its founder, Paul Tudor Jones, as well as the work of David Saltzman. To concentrate on my involvement is to miss the point. This is an unbelievable group of people and I am a minor player in it.”

“The board is remarkably smart and generous,” Saltzman said. “They’re leaders who care about quality and performance. They care about creating a model that is both sustainable and far-reaching. They’re people with big aspirations. Despite how very busy they are, they give their time and their full attention to the business of saving lives. These are people who are used to being in charge. When they come together as a group, they realize there is power in a team.

“And so do 8,000 big-hearted people who chose to support our work in 2010. Those 8,000 people are diverse in every way, except that they care about our neighbors.”

Attitudes toward the poor are changing, Saltzman believes: “There is a growing feeling that the vast majority of the poor didn’t cause their own poverty. There is more of a feeling that there, but for the grace of God, go I. I think there are more people who feel that way than when we started Robin Hood in 1987.” n

board of directors John A. Griffin Founder and President, Blue Ridge Capital

Kenneth G. Langone Chairman and CEO, Invemed Associates Inc.

Doug Haynes Director and Northeast Office Manager, McKinsey & Co.

Mary McCormick President, Fund for the City of New York

Jeffrey R. Immelt Chairman and CEO, General Electric Co.

Doug Morris Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group

Paul Tudor Jones II Founder, Chairman and CEO, Tudor Investment Corp

Gwyneth Paltrow Actress

Peter D. Kiernan III Senior Adviser, Cyrus Capital Partners 14

Robert Pittman Partner, Pilot Group L.L.C.

David Puth Head of Investment Research, Securities Finance Trading Worldwide, State Street Corp.

Larry Robbins Founder and CEO, Glenview Capital Management Alan D. Schwartz Executive Chairman, Guggenheim Partners David M. Solomon Co-head, Investment Banking Division, Goldman Sachs & Co.

Jes Staley CEO, Investment Bank, JPMorgan

Brian Williams Anchor and Managing Editor, NBC Nightly News

Max Stone Managing Director, DE Shaw & Co.

Jeff Zucker Former president and CEO, NBC Universal

John Sykes Media Executive

Lady Gaga headlines the Robin Hood Foundation’s annual gala May 9 at 6 p.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. Brian Williams, anchor of “NBC Nightly News” and a Connecticut resident, returns as host. Tickets start at $2,500 per person. (212) 245-6570, ext. 20; debbief@eventassociatesinc.com.

David Tepper Founder and President, Appaloosa Management Harvey Weinstein Co-chairman, The Weinstein Co.

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Whitney Johnson

‘Anything is better than doing nothing at all’

By Martha Handler

E

very week I write an inspirational quote on our kitchen blackboard, hoping my kids will ponder the wise words of famous individuals, because they mostly ignore my own sage advice. Recently, the quote was: “Imagine what you can do, if you don’t know you can’t.” A few days later, my 16-year-old son asked, “What does that mean?” As I thought about how to answer him, the face of Whitney Johnson floated before my eyes.

Our paths first crossed in 2006, when Whitney was 22. My friend, Doni Belau, had heard Whitney speak at St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford for an event titled “Teen AIDS Awareness Day.” She phoned me later to say, “There’s an extraordinary girl that you have to meet.”

Soon Whitney was in my home, keeping me spellbound with her tale. She was (and is) gorgeous, with long blond tresses and luminous green eyes. She is also poised and fiercely impassioned – a

16

heady combination for a 22-year-old.

While she was a psychology student at Colorado College, the Bedford resident spent a year abroad at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. During that time, she volunteered in an orphanage in Khayelitsha – a severely impoverished township outside of Cape Town that is home to around 1.5 million people living in shacks made of tin, wood and cardboard. The children, most of whom were HIV-infected, pulled her heartstrings, and when she left, she vowed that she’d return to help them.

After graduation, Whitney moved back to Westchester County and began to spread the word about the children in Khayelitsha. Her dream was to start a nonprofit organization called Ubuntu Africa, whose mission would be to care for these children.

Whitney explained: “The combination of HIV and poverty has had a devastating impact on the children of South Africa.

There are around 330,000 HIV-positive children living in South Africa and many live in extreme poverty, are malnourished,

unable to access treatment, have been orphaned and have little social support.

While issues surrounding HIV treatment and access to ARVs (HIV treatment) have come to the forefront of global-health policies, the very real challenges faced by HIV-positive children have been overlooked and many children are not receiving the care they need to survive.”

I asked her what the word “Ubuntu” meant and exactly what services she envisioned providing.

“Nelson Mandela explains that Ubuntu is ‘the profound African sense that we are human only through the humanity of other human beings,’” she said. “After witnessing the deaths of so many young people due to AIDS, I am not able to walk away and ignore the situation. For me, the Ubuntu is a call to compassionate action – an act of acknowledging that we are all connected.

“Ubuntu Africa’s mission is to help HIV-positive children live long, healthy and happy lives. Children require more than simply access to ARVs. They re-

quire comprehensive support and early interventions to improve their clinical situation and reduce risk factors associated with HIV infection. Ubuntu Africa will provide HIV-positive children and teenagers with health and support services and much needed love.”

When asked if she felt overwhelmed by their dire circumstances and multitude of needs, she shook her head.

“I understand that I can’t solve the entire HIV/AIDS crisis,” said Whitney, who had been a Red Cross volunteer and a medic for the nonprofit Nature’s Classroom. “But I do know that I can bring more love and caring into a very desperate situation and make an immediate difference in the lives of HIV-positive children. Anything is better than doing nothing at all.”

I wanted to argue with her, explain how the odds were stacked against her, especially given her lack of experience and funds. But the confidence and determination she exuded made me feel certain that if anyone could make her dreams come true, it was Whitney.

Whitney Johnson with some of her young charges at Ubuntu Africa.

Flash forward five years. Ubuntu Africa is running a successful HIV Care Program for children in Khayelitsha and has a staff of 12, including a new development director, a nurse and a social worker. The organization serves 186 children and their families and is poised to double in size over the next year.

Ubuntu Africa also plans to build a large facility in Khayelitsha to accommodate more children and meet the large and growing demand for its services. The organization has come a long way from

its humble beginnings when it operated out of a tiny one-room container with no bathroom and 10 kids in its care.

Whitney, who lives in Cape Town, has fully embodied the word Ubuntu.

Through her humanity of other human beings – and loads of determination and perseverance – she’s been able to achieve her dreams, enabling the HIV-positive children Ubuntu Africa serves to attain health and happiness. It’s truly amazing what you can do when you don’t know you can’t. n

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Whitney Johnson will be back in Westchester May 14 for Ubuntu Africa’s annual spring fundraising event. The fundraiser, which will take place at the Harvey School Arts Center in Katonah, honors singer-actress Vanessa Williams, a Chappaqua resident and supporter of Ubuntu Africa, who has visited its HIV Care Program.

For more details about the event or to purchase tickets, contact bgolde@ginnel.com. For more information on Ubuntu Africa, visit ubafrica.org.

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Hands-on

Rebuilding Nicaragua one brick at a time

By Georgette Gouveia

In 2002, Rye Brook insurance

executive Mark Rollins had an experience that would be a game-changer in his life and career.

At the request of son Jonathan, Rollins went with the Ossining-based Bridges to Community to an impoverished area in Nicaragua to build two houses from the ground up in the course of one week.

“Prior to that,” Rollins said, “I had been on three (Bedford Presbyterian) church trips to Appalachia. I’m handy. So’s my son. And I like it. My son said, ‘You have to go (to Nicaragua)’.”

Rollins – co-chairman (with brother Charles) and CEO of Rollins Insurance & Risk Management Solutions – has now been there 15 times, leading a total of 100 people.

“It’s a gift to me from my son Jonathan. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give someone else.”

The 15 to 20 people per trip immerse themselves in the local culture – picking up a bit of Spanish, eating rice and beans and sleeping on mats under the stars.

“You don’t have to be handy. They have local masons to guide you.”

Some of the volunteers spend time reading to the children.

Still, this would seem to be only for the hardy of souls. Not really, Rollins said.

“A lot of people think it’s hard to see the poverty.

But after a day or two, you’re engrossed in the lives of the local people.”

Nevertheless, it has made Rollins think.

“This is how 80 percent of the world lives. You realize that you’re so fortunate.”

Perhaps as important as his trips to Masaya, Nicaragua, is the inward journey he’s taken. More than 15 years ago, he and his brother bought the 100-year-old Rollins Insurance & Risk Management Solutions from their father, Markham F. Rollins II. (Mark Rollins is the third of that name.) The younger Rollins thought he was headed toward the end of his career in the insurance business. Instead, Nicaragua helped him to see that he was merely in the middle, about to embark on a new venture.

Rollins has always been interested in nonprofits, serving on a dozen boards. Now he is using his expertise to help more than 100 nonprofits with their insurance and risk-management needs, heading a special unit within the Rollins company called NonProfitGuard.

“I feel I’m giving back to nonprofits.”

You don’t have to go to Nicaragua to make a difference, said Rollins, who lives in Harrison with his wife, Jody, their six children and the family pooch.

“Even in Westchester, there are groups that need your help. There are so many ways to get involved.”

18

Mark Rollins at work for Bridges to Community in Nicaragua.

Rollins lauds the well-run Food Bank for Westchester in Millwood, the supply and support center for some 200 hunger-relief agencies, and offers this sobering statistic: “One in five people in Westchester go without dinner.”

He also mentions the Carver Center in Port Chester, serving thousands of community members, and the Salvation Army store there.

Rollins urges people to give what they can, whether it be time, money or talent.

“It’s a little thing. But it’s a huge thing for somebody else.”

And it may be just the thing to reinvigorate your life. Son Jonathan is now helping low-income families in the Bronx with financial planning and loving every minute of it. His father knows the feeling.

“I can’t wait to get to work every day.” n

For more on Rollins’ risk management strategies for nonprofits, check out his blog at nonprofitguard.com or call (914) 337-1833. You can also access the blog through rollinsinsurance.com.

The Bridges to Community 2011 Spring Gala honoring Rick and Sadie Bauman takes place May 6, 7 to 11 p.m., at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel, 80 West Red Oak Lane in Harrison. Tickets are $150; $100 for students; $1,500 for a full table. Proceeds will support Bridges’ programs in Nicaragua. (914) 9232200, bridgestocommunity.org/events/gala, Jameela.velez@bridgestocommunity.org.

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Karen Lawrence Photograph by Bob Rozycki

Lawrence of Academia A school with a mission and the president to carry it out

By Georgette Gouveia

I

t is a grove of academe that has produced such diverse luminaries as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Barbara Walters, Vera Wang, Yoko Ono, Joanne Woodward and filmmaker J.J. Abrams.

And yet, high achievement does not bring a highfalutin attitude: Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers remains committed to its myriad outreach programs, particularly its partnership with the economically challenged Yonkers public schools. Among these is the Summer Science Research Program, in which Yonkers public high school students work with Sarah Lawrence undergraduates and faculty on original laboratory research, getting a leg up on science and math. The college is looking to expand the program, which has received financial support from alumna and trustee Vicki Ford.

“Our students want to do good,” college President Karen R. Lawrence said. “Many go into nonprofits.”

Much of the credit for strengthening the college’s ties with the surrounding community must go to Lawrence – no relation to the school’s namesake, though not for want of research.

When she took the job in 2007, members of her family started Googling, trying to uncover a connection to Sarah Lawrence – wife of real-estate developer William Van Duzer Lawrence, who founded the college on their estate in 1926.

“We haven’t found any relationship – yet.”

So while she likes to think her stewardship of Sarah Lawrence is karma, “it’s probably serendipity.”

Still, there is the sense that there was more than interplanetary harmony going on when the James Joyce scholar was plucked from her previous post as dean of the School of the Humanities at the University of California, Irvine. Lawrence – a Smith girl who became one of the first female Yalies – even looks like she might’ve gone to Sarah Lawrence. For an interview in her Joyce-tinged, 20

wood-paneled office in Westlands, the college’s august administration building, she is smartly but subtly garbed in a horizontal black-and-blue striped dress accented by a long strand of asymmetrical royal-blue beads. Lawrence pays little attention to the camera whirring about her.

The focus is on conversation – stimulating conversation of the type you’d find in one of the college’s signature student-teacher conferences.

More important, Sarah Lawrence is a school that for many Americans defines liberal arts education, and Karen Lawrence is a staunch advocate of the liberal arts, particularly at a time when our economy is still so fragile.

“I think liberal arts education has been under siege for a number of years in terms of a vocational approach to education,” she said.

But while Lawrence recognizes student and parental anxiety in the wake of an unyielding job market, she said the liberal arts – with their emphasis on critical thinking, writing and reading in an array of disciplines – offer the best possible hope for a future in an information-based economy: “Narrow training is not going to cut it … We’re preparing students for careers that didn’t exist 10 years ago.”

Myth-buster

Contrary to its stereotype as an airy establishment for rich girls, Sarah Lawrence boasts a justly famous writing program for undergraduates and graduate students that has produced such writers as novelist Alice Walker and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Louise Gluck, as well as a strong natural sciences department. Nevertheless, Lawrence acknowledges that the college’s emphasis on the qualitative more than the quantitative may have contributed to its image – no majors, written evaluations and three courses per semester, though each seminar is composed of a class and student-teacher conferences with rigorous requirements in reading, writing and participation.

Indeed, the focus on teaching – the student-faculty ra-

tio is 9:1 – is perhaps the main reason a Sarah Lawrence education is so expensive, with tuition, fees and room and board topping $56,000 a year.

These numbers, however, belie others: More than 60 percent of Sarah Lawrence students get some financial aid, with the average package being $35,000.

Love in bloom

Despite this, the current economic climate has placed schools such as Sarah Lawrence in the crosshairs. But they aren’t the only ones. Critics are also taking aim at public education.

It’s a complex problem, said Lawrence, who remains both a fan and a product of public education – Pascack Valley Regional High School in Montvale, N.J., where she studied French and Russian along with her beloved English. It was at Yale University, however, that she encountered the great love of her intellectual life in a course on the epic. “(James Joyce is) fascinating in creating characters,” said Lawrence, whose extensive writing on the subject includes the new book “Who’s Afraid of James Joyce” (University Press of Florida).

With this, the love of Lawrence’s actual life walks in, Peter Lawrence, chief of vascular surgery and director of the Gonda Vascular Center at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dressed in jeans and a sports coat, Lawrence is as unpretentious as his wife. Their gently teasing manner suggests a couple who’ve been together a long time and who are comfortable in their relationship.

Their two children, Andrew and Jeffrey, are now grown.

Of necessity, it is a bicoastal one with the pair chatting daily around midnight, New York time. But Peter Lawrence spends a good deal of time on business in New York where, his wife said, he enjoys being part of college life, including the couple’s dinners for first-year students.

He also displays an affectionate tolerance for Joyce.

“I tell people I know more about James Joyce for someone who’s never read James Joyce.” n

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Peter C. Sutton poses with a cast of Auguste Rodin’s iconic “The Kiss,” one of nearly 15,000 objects in the Bruce Museum collection.

Art’s far embrace

The Bruce’s dapper director helps the museum by helping others

By Georgette Gouveia “Everything we do is about education,” says Peter C. Sutton, The Susan E. Lynch executive director of the Bruce Museum in Greenwich.

With roughly 850 educational programs, the Bruce reaches about 10,000 schoolchildren a year, via vehicles ranging from guided tours to its Brucemobile. But perhaps one of the museum’s most poignant outreach programs is its Neighborhood Collaborative, which embraces at-risk children from Norwalk to Yonkers. The youngsters are bused to the museum several times for exhibits, snacks and programs in art and science that are tailored to them. Neighborhood Collaborative is endowed with funds from The Hearst Foundation Inc., although, Sutton said, the museum is always seeking more support for the project.

“It’s one of our best, and it’s won a lot of awards. … These are kids from very difficult situations. It puts them at ease with the museum.”

Such outreach to junior artistes, as well as senior citizens, helps to create future patrons for the Bruce.

“Traditionally, museum audiences have been divided into three groups ­— the well-educated, the affluent and, increasingly, the middle-aged. Now we’re reaching new demographics.”

Including one of the most elusive and sought-after of groups – teenagers.

“It’s one of the hardest groups to get into a museum, in part because teens are

A view of the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, which presents exhibits and programs that cut across art, history and science. Courtesy of the Bruce Museum.

so over-programmed.”

The Youth@Bruce program enables teens to take ownership of a show. Members raised $3,000 for “Arctic Sanctuary: Images of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge” (through May 29), celebrating the 50th anniversary of the wildlife’s establishment in northwest Alaska, and organized a March 26 symposium on protecting national wildlife refuges.

If anyone can pack ’em in at the Bruce, it’s Sutton. Tall and urbane, the Rye resident brought to the museum an impeccable résumé when he became executive director and CEO in 2001 – Harvard undergrad, Yale doctorate, stints at Christie’s and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, as well as the directorship of the Wadsworth

Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford.

He is also one of those people who possess the enviable ability to speak about a subject fluidly without notes, as his talks at press previews attest.

Over the years, Sutton’s winning blend of taste, erudition and a passion for Old Masters have made the Bruce a go-to place not only for science and history shows, but for art historical exhibits like the sensuous “Love Letters: Dutch Genre Paintings in the Age of Vermeer” and the moving “Reclaimed,” which reunited some of the works in the collection of Jacques Goudstikker, the Jewish Dutch art dealer forced to abandon his gallery when he fatally fled the Nazis in 1940. Sutton points to a table filled with

catalogs for these and other shows that he’s authored in a book-laden office that was once the parlor of Robert Moffat Bruce, the textile baron who deeded his property to Greenwich for a museum.

“People assume that we do shows just for the trustees. But that’s not at all true,” Sutton said. “We’ve always been committed to education. We are an educational institution. But our educational programs are driven by our exhibits.”

In the last year or so, those exhibits have drawn from the collections of Bruce friends and neighbors as the economy prohibited costly international and even national loans. The Cindy Sherman exhibit, featuring provocative works by the chameleonic photographer-performance artist, relies on a little help from Bruce friends as will “Power Incarnate: Allan Stone’s Collection of Sculpture From the Congo” (May 14 to Sept. 4), featuring works cherished by the late, obsessive Westchester collector.

“Power Incarnate” is followed by two potential blockbuster shows – “Drawings

by Rembrandt” (Sept. 24 to Jan. 8) and “Picasso’s Vollard Suite: The Sculptor’s Studio,” (June 18 to Oct 16) revealing the 20th-century titan’s gifts for classical inferences, erotica and bewitching line.

“They’re not too pornographic,” Sutton says with a smile of Picasso’s drawings. “They use some nice zaftig models.”

He also imagines some internationalloan exhibits returning in the not-toodistant future.

“I see light at the end of the tunnel.” n 23

Happy trails

Paul Newman’s generous spirit rides on at Connecticut camp

By Georgette Gouveia Jimmy Canton has been with The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Conn., for 23 years, beginning as a counselor and becoming its CEO. So he got to know Paul Newman, the late founder and Westport resident, well. And what he remembers is not the iconic, Oscar-winning movie star but a man humbled by his good fortune and determined to share it with others.

He was, Canton said, a person characterized by “generosity and humility and mischief and play.” And he wanted sick children to experience the childlike joy in outdoor adventure that he often relished in movies such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” To that purpose, Newman created a camp on 300 wooded acres near the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where children suffering from various cancers and blood and metabolic disorders as well as HIV/AIDS could romp like Butch and Sundance’s old Hole in the Wall Gang.

Today, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp serves more than 15,000 children annually.

“What started as a summer camp, has expanded into a year-round center,” Canton said.

At the heart of the center is the summer program, in which 120 kids at a time, ages 7 to 15, have a traditional weeklong camping experience.

“One of the crucial pieces is that we’ve designed every area so that every child can participate.”

Illness can make children feel isolated and alone. At Hole in the Wall, they’re truly part of the gang.

These latter-day desperadoes are closely monitored by a staff of 100, including three to five physicians, 10 to 15 nurses and volunteers.

“If we determine a child’s health situation has deteriorated, we address it,” said Canton, who calls the “intelligent, compassionate” staff “the most important ingredient” in the camp’s secret sauce.

Not every child can take part in the summer Camp or even the fall-through-spring weekend programs. So Hole in the Wall has devised a Hospital Outreach Program that embraces youngsters in facilities from Boston to New York City.

“They get the taste and spirit of the camp right there,” Canton says.

It’s all free of charge, which means there are a lot of helping hands along the way, little and otherwise. Just as Canton debunks the myth that The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is only a summer experience, he dispels the notion that the camp is solely funded by Newman’s Own Foundation. The foundation gives all net royalties and profits from the sale of Newman’s Own products, after taxes, to charities worldwide. Recently, the foundation

Happy campers at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

pledged a $100,000 matching grant to THIRTEEN/ WNET in New York, one of PBS’ flagship stations. Together, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own have donated more than $300 million to thousands of charities.

The foundation covers 2 percent to 3 percent of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s $9 million operating budget. “(Its) gift is one of the most generous,” Canton said.

“But I think Paul set it up the way he did for two reasons. One, he didn’t want the camp to depend on any one funding source, especially one that was started as a lark.

And two, he wanted to make sure the public was involved

with the camp … He believed that what would happen at the camp, the public would be touched and moved by, that they would take great pride in being part of a movement that was changing lives.”

And so the public has. The camp receives some 30,000 annual gifts, the majority of which – 40 percent – are from individuals. Thirty percent come from corporations; 15 percent from foundations. The rest are from third-party fundraisers, like that of fourth-graders in Worcester, Mass., who sold books of their own poetry to raise more than the $2,500 needed to send one child to the camp.

Butch may be gone, but his spirit and the new Hole in the Wall Gang ride on.

How you can help You can send donations to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, Conn., 06511. For more information, call (203) 772-0522 or visit to holeinthewallgang.org.

You can also become part of Team Hole in the Wall and get friends to pledge donations whenever you take part in a running, walking or cycling event. For more suggestions on joining the team, log on to teamholeinthewall.org. n

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Michelle Obama sweeps through the White House on a wave of simple, sleeveless sheaths. Kate Middleton swirls toward Buckingham Palace in ladylike wrap numbers. And Betty Draper breezes into our homes Sunday nights, showing us how to navigate a tumultuous “Mad Men” life in wasp-waist, full-skirted New Look frocks.

There’s no denying the success of the dress.

A stroll through The Westchester in White Plains reveals store windows blooming with spring and summer dresses. From Nordstrom to Neiman’s, from Bebe to Burberry, from Tory Burch to Tommy Hilfiger, mannequins are turned out in one easy piece. Stores are featuring everything from minis

to maxis (so au courant), from florals to color blocks, from sheaths to shirtwaists, from sleeveless to one shoulder.

In short, a dress for every Tess and Bess.

At Bloomingdale’s in White Plains, Stephanie Solomon proclaims the dress “the star of the spring season.”

“It’s what’s in the air and the easiest thing to wear,” said Solomon, who is the retailer’s fashion director for women’s ready-to-wear.

“Dresses could not be hotter,” agreed David Wolfe, who spots and reports fashion trends for The Doneger Group in Manhattan.

The über-casual sportswear era, when dresses were too – well – dressy, is so over, he said.

“We’re finished with the floozy as the role model,” Wolfe reported joyfully. “We’ve had enough of celebrities in rehab. And the ‘Jersey Shore’ seems revolting.” (He’s speaking of the trashy MTV show, not the lovely vacation spot.) “Now, we’re looking at fashion

Kate Spade New York Jeanette striped dress

Lilly Pulitzer Whitaker knit one-shoulder dress

Milly cap-sleeve slim Haley dress

Milly sleeveless pleated Justene dress

No more skirting the issue role models with taste and culture.”

Which brings us back to Michelle.

Solomon credited the first lady for changing the fashion status quo. On the cover of “Everyday Icon,” the new Kate Betts book about the first lady’s impeccable style, Michelle peers out at readers in a fuchsia and teal floral knee-grazer. And then there’s the $35 polka-dot number she wore for a recent television interview that set off a selling storm at fast fashion retailer H&M. And who can forget the white Rachel Roy sheath she strutted for the State of the Union speech?

The little white dress has shoved the little black dress to the back of the closet, Wolfe observed.

And there’s Princess Stephanie of Monaco. The printed handkerchief hem dress she wore last summer to the Fight AIDS Monaco Gala press conference made an indelible impression on all who saw her.

In the midst of the current downpour of dresses, it’s difficult to remember that

a mere five years ago the chance of finding a frock was as likely as discovering a pearl in your oyster. Unless you were under the age of 8 or over the age of 80 — fuggedaboudit.

“There were generations who never had a dress selection,” recalled Roseanne Cumella, the senior vice president of merchandising for The Doneger Group. Now, she said, a new sophisticated customer is demanding this one piece.

Wolfe said teens are sparking the comeback. They began wearing short baby-doll styles over jeans. Diane von Furstenberg also deserves kudos for relaunching her insanely popular ’70s wraps. Palm Beach socialite Lilly Pulitzer also returned to the fashion scene, bringing with her the colorful shifts her friend Jackie Kennedy popularized in the ’60s.

The time was ripe for this dress success story. We’re coming off a military moment, in which women marched

through life in dark- and neutral-colored pants and jackets. As it always does, the fickle-fashion pendulum has swung.

“The dress is a way to feminize your wardrobe,” Solomon said.

Dress lovers praise its simplicity. No more layering, mixing, matching or coordinating. Just slip it on and you’re out the door.

Not crazy about your legs? Go maxi.

Wear tights.

Arm issues? Dresses with sleeves are hot for spring.

Busty? Hippy? Tummy troubled? The addition of stretch to fabrics enables women with less-than-perfect shapes to get that perfect fit.

If you like what you find in stores this spring, you’ll be happy to know that Wolfe, the fashion forecaster, said the dress revival has just begun.

“We haven’t even seen the crest of the wave. Women’s closets used to be filled with dresses, and it’s going to be that way again.” n

On May 14 from 3 to 5 p.m., Bloomingdale’s White Plains will play host to “The Pink and White Party,” a fashion show benefiting GoPINK, the Junior Committee for Women at Risk, which seeks to raise breast-cancer awareness among young women. GoPINK was founded by Allie Farber and Erica Baevsky, both students at Rye Country Day School, and has a committee of almost 60 students who assist with the planning and executing of this annual event. In 2010, the students raised almost $25,000 for Women at Risk.

Bloomie’s is not only hosting the event for the third year in a row but also providing all the fashion, which shows off one of the best trends of the season – white – with pink accents underscoring the need for more breast-cancer awareness. This is a private event by invitation only. But when did that ever stop a fashionista? For how you can join in, email gopinkny@gmail.com or visit web.me.com/gopink1/GOPiNK/ HOME.html.

27

well

She’s got legs!

By Jené Luciani

Spring is one of my favorite times of year, with lawnmowers humming and hemlines rising. Still it can come as quite a shock when it’s time to shed those wool trousers. Before you let your legs get the best of you, here’s our guide to getting gams tanned, toned and smoothed for summer.

FIT

There are some quick tone-up exercises you can add to your everyday routine. Start by skipping the elevator and taking the stairs. Jolene Matthews, aerobics instructor at Hudson Valley Health and Tennis in Hastings-on-Hudson, recommends taking steps two at a time on a staircase of about a dozen. Take 10 trips to the top and instantly burn 200 calories.

Matthews also recommends dancing for a half-hour straight. “It gets your heart rate up and firms the legs.”

Other exercises that’ll offer leaner legs in just three to four weeks? Squats, lunges, jumping rope and walking on a treadmill at an uphill incline. Adds John Fava, a trainer at Main Street Boxing and Fitness in New Rochelle.

“Every time you flex and release your muscles, you are toning them.” Do this at your desk, and your boss will be none the wiser.

FUZZ

“While the age-old Dove soap and razor does the job, these days there are many ways women can achieve smooth, sexy legs for a longer period of time in between shaves,” says Mount Kisco dermatologist David E. Bank.

Many are not without drawbacks. Electrolysis – in which a needle expels a small amount of electrical energy into the hair follicle to eliminate hair growth permanently, can be time-consuming and costly. Depilatories, chemical-based hair removal creams, dissolve the hair but can irritate the skin and must be used regularly. Waxing rips hair out of the root but can be painful, and you must have significant hair regrowth before you can wax again. Also, beware of ingrown hairs.

One option that is growing in popularity is laser hair removal. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates that in 2009 alone, more than 1.2 million laser-hair removal procedures were performed in the United States. Experts say those with the darkest hair see the best results from lasers.

“There are many different types of lasers used in hair removal, and your doctor will determine which is best for you,” says Alison Stallings of Advanced Dermatology of Westchester in Tarrytown.

Bank uses a type of laser called the LightSheer Diode Laser, which works by targeting the hair follicle, below the skin’s surface. The company that makes the laser says patients can see a 75 percent reduction in treatment time. With any laser, Stallings says, patients can expect to undergo at least three or four treatments at intervals of four to eight weeks before their hair is permanently reduced. There are also downsides to laser treat-

The glorious gams of Tracy Eck, Greenwich. photographs by bob rozycki

ments such as pain, swelling and redness.

Although rare, blistering or permanent pigment changes, can occur, especially if the patient has a tan. Sessions can range anywhere from $500 to $600 and up.

FAT

Wagger Marcia Pflug of Greenwich and Tracy Eck say about their legs, “Work them out so you can take them out.”

While there isn’t much that can be done about the appearance of cellulite, you can get rid of unwanted fat.

“The laser lipo body-sculpting procedure, a procedure that uses a laser to ‘melt fat’ prior to performing liposuction, works particularly well at reducing unwanted fat on the inner and outer thighs and knee areas with minimal risks and a shorter recovery time,” says Neil Goodman of the Radiance Medspa in Mount Kisco. Harrison plastic surgeon Richard Garvey offers a similar procedure called the S.L.I.M Laser Liposuction. IAAM Medical Wellness Center in Wilton uses the VelaShape cellulite treatment, a combination of light and bi-polar radio frequency energies that, when combined with pressure, are said to reduce the appearance of cottage-cheese thighs.

Some experts say drinking plenty of water and ridding your body of toxins, such as cigarettes and alcohol, can lessen the problem.

A Great Haircut To you, it’s simply a great haircut.

They’d recite a history. From jumping rope to walking down the aisle. From pacing the baby’s room to climbing the corporate ladder. Wherever she’s gone in life her legs took her there. So she took care of them. Because they’ve got a lot more history to make.

Varicose veins are more than unsightly; they’re a progressive disease that only gets worse if left untreated.

Vein Clinics of America has specialized in the treatment of vein disease for 30 years. So call VCA today and do something nice for your legs.

It has “memory.” It knows where to fall and how to move. It feels like a natural extension of your body — and you know that’s the way it should be.

You’ve had good haircuts before, but this one’s different.

Your hairdresser says it works because it’s built around the proper use of weight distribution and balance and works with — instead of against — your hair’s natural texture and density.

He says it’s designed to enhance your facial structure, and it’s based on precision cutting — an art that too many abandoned long ago.

You say, Whatever.

To you, it’s simply a great haircut.

Desiree A. Clarke, M.D. • Greenwich

To arrange a professional consultation or to make an appointment, call The Best Little Hair Salon in Rye at 925-1100.

Call 866-920-VEIN

Insurance covers most procedures LISTEN TO YOUR LEGS Follow us on

11 Theodore Fremd Avenue

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• veinclinics.com • LISTEN TO YOUR LEGS

SM

© 2011 Vein Clinics of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

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3/25/11 9:59:18 AM

• Rye, New York

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FLAWS

“In-office procedures to treat spider and varicose veins include sclerotherapy or laser therapy, and sometimes a combination of both, depending on the size of the veins,” says Stallings.

Sclerotherapy is a relatively painless procedure in which a solution is injected into the veins, causing them to contract and collapse, while laser treatment uses pulsed light to shrink the veins. The vascular laser used to treat veins is offered at SkinCentre in Hartsdale. Just like in hair removal though, the process takes some time. A patient will have to undergo several treatments at three-month intervals to see the desired results.

Bruises and scars can definitely ruin a flawless façade. Bank recommends Fraxel laser, a treatment he offers in his office

that can get rid of old scars. A drug called Tretinion, a combination of Retin-A and Renova, has also been shown to lessen the appearance of scars. For bruising, an array of creams or gels containing the herbs arnica montana and bromelain, have been shown to make a difference.

When all else fails, simply use a heavyduty cover-up that matches your skin coloring. Stallings recommends Dermablend, a face and body concealer that can be bought at department stores such as Macy’s in White Plains or Lord & Taylor in Eastchester. I’m a big fan of Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, which mimics the appearance of pantyhose.

FAIR

Porcelain skin is often considered a gorgeous trait, except when it’s on our legs.

For whatever reason, they just look better with a tan. But tanning simply isn’t safe.

Both Stallings and Bank recommend this daily routine to improve overall skin tone and protect from sun damage – regular exfoliation (shaving does the trick), followed by a hydrating moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30. A good, regular pedicure with a mask never hurts either.

For golden gams, you can pick up an array of sunless tanning products or go to a professional. I prefer an airbrush tan, done by a technician. This can cost a little more ($50 to $80). But the tech can better control the amount of spray and color.

According to Christie Lavigne, skin care director at Oasis Westchester Day Spa in Dobbs Ferry, you can even add “muscle definition” to legs using a special contouring method. Oasis will begin offer-

ing airbrush tans this month and they are already being offered at Completely Bare and Devra Bader in Scarsdale and Eyecatcher Tanning in Thornwood. Call Beach Bum (914) 241-1181, and they’ll send someone right to your home.

FASHION

Here are some tips for willowy stems: • Nude shoes lengthen the leg line, and when they’re nude high heels, your legs go on for miles.

• Pointy-toed shoes are another trick for creating the illusion of longer legs. Also look for shoes with low-cut sides for extra elongation.

If you do opt for a shorter skirt, make sure the hem hits just above the knee. Also try vertical seams for a long, lean look.

So, go ahead – show some leg, ladies! n

Friendly places to get de-fuzzed The Greenwich Medical Skincare and Laser Spa (203) 637-0662 Greenwichmedicalspa.com

IAAM Medical Wellness Center (203) 834-7747 Iaamed.com

Holistic Med Spa and Laser Oasis Day Spa (starting laser treatments in May) (914) 242-8844 (914) 409-1900 Holisticmedicalspa.com Oasisdayspanyc.com

Pretty Face Medi Spa (914) 788-9790 Prettyfacemedispa.com Richard Garvey, M.D., F.A.C.S. (914) 771-7373 Rickgarveymd.com

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, P.C. (914) 242-7610 Plasticsurgeryweb.com SkinCentre (914) 949-6200 Myskincentre.com

Completely Bare Scarsdale Dr. David E. Bank (212) 366-6060 (914) 241-3003 Completelybare.com Thecenterforderm.com Radiance MedSpa (914) 242-4882 Radiancewestchester.com

Dr. Alison Stallings (914) 631-4666 Westchesterderm.net

Have you heard?

Oasis Day Spa is simply the BEST place to treat mom for Mother’s Day! Don’t miss our MOTHER’S DAY 1 DAY SALE on Thursday, April 28, 2011!

Receive 15% off your online purchase on 4/28 using code WAGMOM Relaxing massages, anti-aging facials, prenatal spa services, amazingly long-lasting manicures & pedicures, and much more!

Our Rooftop Garden will open for the season very soon! Find out the exact date by signing up for our email newsletter, “Like” us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Dr. Lydia Evans @Oasis: Custom Medi-Spa Treatments Comfortably experience Botox, Restalyne, Juvederm or Sculptra treatments while relaxing in our beautiful spa setting. In addition to her own practice in Chappaqua, Dr. Evans is attending physician at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, a member of the Leadership Society of the Dermatology Research Foundation, a dermatological consultant to L’Oreal. Book a confidential consultation with Dr. Evans on Wednesdays at Oasis - 914-409-1900.

31

wares

OUt of the closet Get a psychological boost by taming the monster within

By Patricia Espinosa I’m the sort of person who cares deeply about order.

So for me, akin to the sun setting or waves crashing, there’s something beautiful about walking into a well-organized closet. Much like striking Savasana – the final resting pose in yoga – a soothing feeling envelopes me as I scan shelves of perfectly folded, color-coordinated sweaters and shoes arranged in rows, leaving my body and mind lighter and feeling relaxed.

As we embark on spring, what better time than now to create order in our closets. And what a great opportunity to give clothing donations to those in need.

Whether it’s because of diminutive size or less-than-perfect organization, most of us could stand to refresh our closets. This task is not as daunting as it appears, especially if you enlist the help of professionals.

Imagine being able to switch your closet between fall/winter and spring/summer without lifting a finger.

Sound impossible? Allow me to introduce Garde Robe, the world’s first luxury wardrobe storage, valet and cyber closet service.

Founded in New York City in 2001, Garde Robe was first conceived of for women with impeccable wardrobes but limited closet space. The company’s clientele quickly expanded to include business 32

travelers, multiple homeowners, globetrotters and fashion designers.

Garde Robe, which is the German word for “wardrobe,” is the premier archive storage, conservation and cataloging service for the fashion industry. The likes of Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta use Garde Robe for caring and managing their archives.

“Preserving the clothes and access is what we’re all about,” said Doug Greenberg, Garde Robe’s vice president of sales and marketing.

At the start of each season, Garde Robe delivers your desired garments in perfect condition and performs a “seasonal wardrobe switch,” freeing up much-needed closet space. Your out-of-season clothes are then stored in Garde Robe’s newly renovated climate-controlled loft spaces.

Each item in the company’s care is photographed and cataloged in your own personal cyber closet accessible via the Internet. You are able to search for items by item type, color, size, fabric or season.

Simply click on the mouse and your selected items will be delivered to you.

Picture having your luggage waiting for you at your hotel room on your next vacation. The best part is you don’t have to pack your own bags: You simply select your clothes from your virtual closet and those items will be packed and shipped to your destination. At the end of your trip, your clothes are shipped back and cleaned

then stored in your Garde Robe closet.

There is no markup for shipping cost, alterations and dry cleaning. Garde Robe’s fee structure is simple – $350 membership per month, which includes 50 garments ($7 for each additional item); 10 shoe boxes or five boot boxes; one accessory box, which may include belts, wraps and scarves; complimentary pickup and delivery, photography and cataloging and luggage-free valet service to your residence or hotel.

Before you bring Grade Robe into your life, the first step toward creating order in your closet is to assess whether your actual closet space is adequately designed. If the answer is no, it’s time to pay a visit to a custom-design closet company, which can manufacture and install a closet that’s perfect for your unique space.

“When we design a closet today, the eye appeal is as important as the function of the space,” said Adam Koreas, president of The Royal Closet in Norwalk.

Nowadays, the trend is to remove heavy dresser furniture from the bedroom and have built-in dressers in the closet. Large islands with storage drawers for ties and jewelry and a hamper are very popular.

According to Koreas, “The walk-in closet has evolved into not just a closet, but a dressing room.”

Next, it’s time to meet with a wardrobe stylist and organizer, because frankly, it

• Clothing provided by Pastiche, Old Greenwich.

• Kim Marie’s hair styled by Jason Monet of Partners Salon and Spa, Riverside; and Katrina’s hair styled by Joni Tussing of Warren Tricomi Salon, Greenwich.

• Makeup by Monica Robinson of Warren Tricomi.

• Closet and bath renovation by Ken Deleo of Doherty & Deleo Dev., Darien.

Kim Marie Evans (left) and Katrina Bischoff strike a pose.

doesn’t matter how organized your closet space is if you don’t look good wearing your clothes.

Style is difficult to define. But we know it when we see it, and when you first meet Katrina Bischoff, you instantly know this

woman has it.

Founder of a-dresstheissue.com, Katrina has made it her mission to teach her clients how to look beautiful and organize their closets by performing a closet makeover. Calling on her considerable talents,

Katrina can make your wardrobe new again.

“You don’t need a lot of money to pull your look together in a sophisticated way,” she said.

Her mantra is to treat every day as if it’s

Doherty&Deleo Dev., LLC

New Homes | Remodeling | General Contracting (203) 984-7003 | ken.deleo@gmail.com

www.saadiasullivan.com

914.912.8661

33

The Affordable Closet Experts Custom designed simple to elegant closets. We offer a full line of materials that range from melamine laminate to stained wood with your choice of finish. Our professional closet designers will be happy to give you a free in-home consultation.

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities enable us to keep our quality high and our prices low.

• Home office & mudroom areas • Entertainment centers QUA • Bookcases LI • Pantries FIRS TY T • Garage systems • Accessories Featured in This Old House Magazine!

Kim Marie Evans

a dress rehearsal.

Katrina arrives on your doorstep armed with her tools – a coat rack, a camera, a memory card for you to keep and years of experience dressing models for photo shoots at places like Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills.

For client Kim Marie Evans, founder of theluxurytravelmom.com, it took epic skill to create order in the closet of this busy mother of four. Katrina starts by meticulously combing through the clothes and creating piles of wardrobe edits – drycleaning and alterations, donations, consignment and off-season clothes.

The next step is to create outfits for every occasion. This is when Katrina’s magic is unveiled. With astonishing speed, she is able to pull together outfits with aplomb and create stylish looks.

“Your goal is not to look like you put a ton of thought into getting dressed. Don’t over-think it, and don’t take yourself too seriously,” she tells her clients.

Clothes are outfitted then photographed and organized by occasion into a customized “Look Book.” Imagine being able to flip through to “Ladies Lunch,”

“Date Night,” or “Black Tie” and being able to select the perfect outfit within seconds. Duh, Winning! (Sorry, Charlie Sheen.)

Along the way, Katrina takes note of anything that the client may be missing from her wardrobe, be it essential Spanx or peek-a-boo black-patent leather platform pumps. Shopping field trips are just one of the many services Katrina offers.

For those who choose to go it alone, here’s what she suggests: Purchase with purpose: Don’t just buy it because it’s on sale. She recommends bringing the “misfits” you have hanging in your closet and finally finding something to wear them with.

Shop with a friend with style: Relying on your mother-in-law or your 10-year-old daughter’s opinion is not always Resources: a good idea.

Garde Robe No emotional (212) 255-3047 shopping: It garderobeonline.com should never be about feeling The Royal Closet better. It’s about (203) 847-4179 looking better. n royalcloset.com

Five Charities For Clothing Donations 1) Part of the Solution-POTS (718) 220-5603 potsbronx.org

Sa y i t with ! a closet

Factory Direct!

QUALITY STAINED WOOD & MELAMINE SYSTEMS

Free In-Home Consultation 203-847-4179 Visit our showroom: 6-B Muller Park Norwalk, CT 06851 1"/53*&4 t ("3"(& 4:45&.4 t "$$&4403*&4

34

3) Neighbor to Neighbor (203) 622-9208 n-to-n.org

(212) 577-6190, ext. 104 Contact: Leta Malloy, director of corporate partnerships letam@careergear.org careergear.org Career Gear New Haven c/o STRIVE New Haven (203) 777-1720 Contact: Brian Roccapriore, executive director Brian@strivenewhaven.com

4) Career Gear (Providing men’s suits for job interviews) Career Gear National

5) Dress for Success The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged

2) The Sharing Shelf (914) 937-2320, ext.148 fsw.org

women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. dressforsuccess.org Manhattan Branch (212) 684-3611 newyork@dressforsuccess.org Dress for Success, mid-Fairfield County has moved to Bridgeport. The new address and directions have been posted on the website dressforsuccess.org/ midfairfieldcounty.

wear

For Westchesterbased artist and jewelry designer Dyan Rosenberg, the world is her inspiration.

Rosenberg’s necklaces are a veritable United Nations of African stone, glass and metal beads and antique silver and gold pendants from Afghanistan, Bali, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Turkey. She embellishes the beads and pendants with coral, lapis, pearls and turquoise wrapped in silver wire. They’re strung on leather for adjustable lengths.

To her clients, they may be jewelry. But to Rosenberg, they’re an art.

To buy these artworks, contact the artist directly at (914) 277-8583 or via email at roseclyff@verizon.net. For more information, visit dyanrosenberg.com.

whims

Betteridge Jewelers, Inc. 117 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich (203) 869-0124 • Betteridge.com Burmese cushion-cut ruby (AGL certified) weighing 9.50 karats and diamond-cluster ring in 14-carat yellow gold surrounded by circularcut diamonds. $175,000

Raymond C. Yard Art Deco multicolored diamond dress clips in platinum. Manufactured in 1936, and of American origin, the clips are accompanied by GIA certificates for seven of the largest diamonds. $150,000

R & M Woodrow Jewelry

David Yurman

125 Westchester Ave (914) 539-4444 • davidyurman.com Pave diamond (4.15 total carats) woven cable cuff bracelet, of 18-karat gold. $29,500

Tara Mikolay

21 Purchase St., Rye NY (914) 967-0464 • woodrowjewelers.com

55 King St., Chappaqua (914) 238-2223 • desiresbymikolay.com

All items are from Buccellati.

Mosaic tassel earrings with rose and peach-tone beads in gold vermeil. $265

White gold 18-karat white gold honeycomb ring. $30,000 Macri 18-karat yellow gold ring. $22,000 White-face Audochron watch, 42 mm 18-karat gold watch. $15,600

Scott Mikolay

From his Renaissance ring collection, a checkerboard-cut citrine with diamond accents set in 18-karat yellow gold. $3,350

36

YOU LOOK GOOD, BUT YOU WANT TO LOOK GREAT! MAKE IT HAPPEN WITH WAG’S

HEAD-TO-TOE MAKEOVER

All you have to do is nominate yourself or someone you care about for this special opportunity provided by Saw Mill Club with support from the SkinCentre, Dr. Kenneth Magid and Paulo’s Atelier Hair Salon.

They will apply all their expertise to your makeover, including fitness, weight loss (if necessary), perfect white teeth, beautiful skin, the most flattering hairstyle and more.

So if you are willing to make a commitment to time and effort, you will gain that great look – a complementary makeover worth more than $10,000 and a full-page photo and feature story in WAG. CAN IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT!

PREMIER SPONSOR

This popular WAG competition is open to all residents of Westchester and Fairfield counties aged 21 and over. Entries must be received by June 1, and include the nominee’s name, address, phone number and email address; one headshot; one full-body photo; and a short statement on why you think you deserve the makeover.

All information will remain confidential, and the winner will be notified by June 15.

Please mail entries to: WAG, 3 Gannett Drive, White Plains, NY 10604 or email dd@ thewagonline.com.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Advanced Dentistry of Westchester Dr. Kenneth Magid 163 Halstead Ave. Harrison, NY (914) 835-0542 www.ADofW.com

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Paulo’s Atelier Hair Salon 725 Bedford Road Bedford Hills, NY (914) 666-2800 www.paulosatelier.com

Monte and Angelina Lipman graciously open their Bedford home to WAG.

W

universal love The Lipmans’ circle of caring grows

hen Monte Lipman is not running Universal Republic Records on Broadway, he’s happy to be home in Bedford.

And why wouldn’t he be?

Though a chill lingers in the air on a sunny Saturday afternoon, the Lipman lair is warmed by the scent of hot coffee, the sounds of Sinatra and the patter of paws courtesy of Beagles Trixie and Cocoa.

Five-year-old Remy hoists himself over a baby gate, tumbling into the kitchen in an argyle sweater, with bow tie to boot. Juliet, 3, twirls in next, all smiles in pastel shades.

It’s a bustling household, one that seems blissfully unaware of dad’s position as an industry titan who has cultivated musical talents ranging from Enrique Iglesias to Amy Winehouse.

And that’s the way Monte likes it. He’s not one to confuse managing stars with being one.

“I always feel fortunate and I always thank them for allowing me to hitch my wagon to their success.”

As he talks, his gaze follows wife, Angelina, descending the staircase in a relaxed cashmere cowl neck, dark-rinse jeans and stilettos that sparkle almost as brightly as her in40

By Kelly Liyakasa Photographs by David Bravo fectious smile.

Her Ph.D. in psychology comes with a self-deprecating sense of humor.

“I taught negotiation at the business school (at Columbia University) and I always said, ‘I cannot negotiate with my 3-year-old as to whether she’s wearing tights or leggings.’”

These days, Angelina is full-time mommy to Juliet and Remy and supports many a philanthropic endeavor with her husband. He, along with brother Avery Lipman, Universal Republic’s co-president and chief operating officer, was honored as 2010 Humanitarian of the Year at the T.J. Martell Foundation annual gala last fall, raising close to $2 million for cancer and AIDS research.

“We love being in Westchester,” Monte says. “We’ve made many, many dear friends. So when the call went out for support (for the foundation), there was virtually no hesitation. Everybody was incredibly generous and enthusiastic.”

Universal Republic artists Enrique Iglesias, 3 Doors Down and Colbie Caillat showed up at The New York Marriott Marquis to lend their musical support, as did Charlie Daniels.

“And at one point it was recognized that the Westchester crew was in the house, and they were rowdy and they were over the top and excited to be there,” Monte says, referring

to his family and friends.

Living in Westchester also means playing in Westchester.

“We make sure our son is on the basketball team at the Boys and Girls Club (of Northern Westchester), because I want our children to be immersed in the community that way,” Angelina says. “I didn’t think I’d ever adjust to Bedford coming from the city, but I love it now!”

On any given weekend, you can find the couple dining out at northern Westchester’s culinary best – Moderne Barn and Bedford Post, among them.

“I wish we could say yes, but no,” says Angelina, when asked if she and Monte cook together.

She pulls out a hardcover copy of “Joy of Cooking” from the foyer bookshelf, lightly flipping to a clever cutout Monte carved in the pages of the book. It was here he planted an engagement ring that came with a proposal outside The Plaza Hotel.

Says Angelina with a laugh: “My family would always make fun of me, because they would always say I was overeducated and under-domesticated.”

The couple had an intimate Westchester wedding at their home in 2004 – four years after moving to Bedford.

Naturally, the soundtrack was integral to the ceremony’s success.

“We came (into the reception) to ‘In Da Club’ by 50

Cent,” Angelina says, laughing. “But our wedding song was Luther Vandross’ ‘Here and Now.’ Everybody had it at the time.”

Adds Monte with a grin: “We kept it real.”

Music has always been essential to Monte’s being.

As a 20-something, he often frequented record stores and worked at a local radio station while at SUNY Albany.

“I was fortunate enough, because when I did graduate school, I had internships at Polygram and Arista Records.”

“The very first place I had a proper job was working for Clive Davis of Pound Ridge (at Arista Records), and we became very friendly over the years,” he says. “It’s always a lot of fun to sit with him for hours and just share different thoughts about the music industry and our passion.”

In his early years as a marketing executive at Atlantic Records, he worked with Jewel and Hootie & The Blowfish before making the move to Universal Records in the mid-1990s.

“I think it’s important that you just don’t get involved from a financial perspective, but that you really are involved as a community,” Angelina says.

With brother Avery, he launched Republic Records in 1995, signing acts like Godsmack and Chumbawamba, which set the stage for the Universal Republic venture.

The Republic label was acquired by Universal Music Group in 2000, which gave birth to Universal Republic Records in 2005.

“The way we purchase music and the way we listen to music has changed half a dozen times since I was a kid.

But the one thing that is always a constant is the impact that music has on pop culture.”

“Impossible,” he says, when asked if any artist in particular has special clout with him.

It would be like asking him to choose his favorite child.

As for Euro-hit “Blue Da Ba Dee” by Eiffel 65 – which colored my summer in 1999 – it went on to sell 3 million copies in America after Monte’s discovering the charttopper at a Virgin Megastore in Paris.

“Truth be told, it was a scratch vocal and the guys cut the record… they didn’t know what the hell they were doing,” Monte says of the hit song he and Avery Lipman were responsible for bringing to U.S. airwaves. “But that’s the beauty of music. It’s sometimes just these incredible creative mistakes that go on to create greatness.”

Besides beating the Universal Republic drum and selling music to the masses, Monte keeps busy by bettering the community.

He is an executive committee member for music industry foundation LifeBeat and The United Service Organizations (USO), serving members of the U.S. military and their families.

Monte himself was born at Fort Campbell, Ky. – where his father served in the 101st Airborne Division – and raised in Brooklyn.

“I guess you can say I’m an Army brat.”

Monte and Avery Lipman are also active board members for the UJA-Federation of New York.

For the Lipmans, giving back is not all about writing checks and signing their name on event invitations.

“I think it’s important that you just don’t get involved from a financial perspective, but that you really are involved 41

Juliet

as a community,” Angelina says.

She and her husband were introduced to the Westchester Land Trust through a close friend and have “gotten involved in more of a grassroots way in helping get people to donate things and to help raise awareness of the organization.”

All of the couple’s community involvement begs one question: Could a future Lipman Fam-

ily Foundation be on their radar?

“I think there would be a moment when we’d want to become more active on our own,” Angelina says.

But, she thoughtfully adds: “We’re of the personality that if it’s not perfect and spectacular, we don’t want to do it. We would want to be able to dedicate a lot of energy to it.” n

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home in the world At

10 Rockledge Road owners help those near and far Presented by Houlihan Lawrence

Grand entrance

Living room

Kitchen

By Jane K. Dove

Glenn Aber is a man of many passions. Partnering with his

wife, Francine, he has brought some of them close to home from far away, including a spectacular collection of contemporary Vietnamese art displayed throughout his generous residence at 10 Rockledge Road in Rye. The Abers also arranged for major surgery here for a little girl from Costa Rica, the victim of physical abuse that led to cerebral palsy.

And they say they plan on keeping their artistic and philanthropic passions alive once they and their three sons move on from their stately 12,500-square-foot home, which is now on the market.

A child in need

“Of everything I have done in my life, helping little Anita recover from cerebral palsy and become an active, happy child has given me the greatest amount of satisfaction,” Aber said. “My success in the textile business, building this big house, nothing has come close, except of course, for my family. When she came home from the hospital, got out of her wheelchair and began chasing our dog Max, I was simply overwhelmed.”

Aber discovered Anita’s plight after son Jared, fresh from working at a kibbutz for a year, heard about Casa De Pan in Costa Rica, a group home for abused and abandoned children from that country and Nicaragua.

“It is run by foster parents Dona Melba and Don Victor,” he said. “They have 37 kids and get no public support.”

Jared showed his parents photos of Anita, who was wheelchair-bound and couldn’t walk because of a lifetime of head trauma and other abuse. “Without any hesitation, we decided to make life right for her,” Aber said.

He quickly set about making the legal and diplomatic arrangements to bring Anita to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla.

“It took six months of negotiations to get her here. The needed surgery was done in 2008 when she was 4 years old. It was highly successful, even though she had multiple problems.”

After surgery, Anita came to stay with the Aber family and received speech, occupational and physical therapy along with lots of love and attention.

“When she had fully recovered, she went back to her foster parents. She still wears leg braces and we will be getting her new ones as she grows. We went down to see her last year and are planning another visit. Despite everything she has endured, she has a happy and vibrant spirit that is wonderful to see.”

East meets West

Now that Anita is well on the road to recovery, Aber is focusing on another of his life’s missions – the art of Vietnam. The Abers have more than 100 pieces displayed throughout their home, most of it produced by artists centered in Hanoi. Subjects include urban scenes and landscapes.

Aber started collecting and investing in Vietnamese art in 1999.

“At the height of the war in Vietnam in the late ’60s, I was an avid protester. I learned about the country and, after the war was over, also became interested in its art, especially what was coming out of Hanoi.”

Aber and Francine visited an art dealer years later and bought15 paintings the first day.

“I simply love the people, their culture and their art-

Glenn Aber with Max. Photograph by David Bravo

work. At our peak, we had 170 works of art.”

Friends and associates began asking Aber if they could buy the art, and Aber started mounting shows and selling to the public under the name of AiBo Fine Asian Art. “Some of the talented Hanoi artists are starting to become very well-known, and their works hang in the homes of Bill Gates, Bill Clinton and Prince Andrews.

The art coming out of Hanoi these days is just wonderful. Even though I am now a dealer, Francine and I have a few pieces that we could never part with. They will go on with us to a new home.”

Near yet far

In the meantime, however, they still grace the Abers’ current abode, which combines the tranquility of a country estate with the convenient proximity to the city of Rye. The home is only 35 minutes from Manhattan and accessible to many other areas via Interstate 95, the Hutchinson River Parkway and the Metro-North Railroad.

Entry to the two-acre property on a quiet road is via a long formal driveway bordered with trees. The gravel and Belgian-block driveway leads to a parking area in front of the stone-and-shingle home, fronted with gables and a white-pillared portico.

The large and gracious entry hall features white-marble

flooring and a sweeping “Cinderella” double staircase under a vaulted ceiling crowned by a crystal chandelier.

The three-level home has seven bedrooms and seven and a half bathrooms. Rooms on the first floor are filled with ornate details, including a generous use of wainscoting, deep moldings, coffered ceilings and delicate archways. The main rooms include elegant living and dining rooms, a family room and a mahogany-paneled bar room and library/office, all with beautiful fireplaces. (There are eight in total.)

Tall windows and French doors let in plenty of light throughout the home and display the meticulously land-

10 Rockledge Road at a glance • Rye • Square footage: 12,500 • Acres: 2 • Rooms:15 • Bedrooms: Seven •B athrooms: Seven full, one half • Amenities: Lower level with home theater and gym, four-car garage • Price: $6.9 million 45

Breakfast nook

Family room

Bedroom

scaped grounds.

An expansive gourmet kitchen features gleaming granite counters, a large center island and the latest in highquality appliances. The kitchen has cream-colored wall cabinetry accented by dark wood floors. The kitchen area of the home also includes a roomy breakfast area, a butler’s pantry and a mud room adjacent to the rear terrace.

A bedroom, which can be used as an office, and bath complete the main level.

Moving upstairs, the family quarters contain five large bedrooms, all with spacious private baths.

The master suite has a host of luxurious amenities, including a finely detailed bedroom with fireplace, a sitting room with fireplace, a wet bar, two large walk-in closets, a private balcony and an opulent master bath with steam shower.

The garden level, home to a large portion of the Abers’ collection of Vietnamese art, features an open family room with fireplace – perfect for many uses, including displaying their treasures. Another bedroom and full bath, now used as a home gym, are adjacent. The garden level also has a home theater, wine room, and another 46

Dining room

full bath.

Throughout the home, the Abers have taken care to install myriad 21st-century amenities, including Lutron lighting and wiring for plasma television in all of the main rooms. The entire structure, as well as the infrastructure, has been built to the highest standards of quality.

Outside, the grounds of the home, accented by mature trees, have been fully landscaped, providing privacy and serenity for outdoor living. A four-car attached garage tucked into one side of the home completes the property.

Recently, the house was featured on the FX series “Lights Out,” about a retired boxer who decides to go back to the ring. The house was cast as the boxer’s residence.

“Thirteen episodes were filmed here,” Aber said. “It was quite an experience.”

Two for the road

Content with the direction his life has taken, Aber said he is now ready for the next step: “Francine and I have been married for 25 years now and enjoy a good life with

our three sons. I am retired from the textile firm that I founded and headed from 1974 to 1999, when I became seriously involved in art.”

Aber’s charitable activities extend beyond helping little Anita, and include serving on the board of directors and chairing the finance committee of United Hebrew, which provides a variety of environments for senior living in New Rochelle. It recently completed a major building campaign.

“My wife, Francine, formerly an attorney and now an English teacher at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, has been my partner in everything I have done and accomplished in my life,” he said. “She deserves equal credit, and I want everyone to know that.”

For more information, contact Susy Glasgall at (914) 967-7680. n

well

Michael Rosenberg’s partner David Palaia and chief nurse Jane Bederka in Honduras.

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A

lthough everyone is familiar with the glamour of plastic surgery – and you have only to turn on the television or go to YouTube to view some of the most current cosmetic surgical procedures – there is another side of plastic surgery that I would like to share with you this month.

From the repair of congenital birth defects to the reconstruction of trauma, burn and cancer victims, plastic surgeons have been in the forefront of helping patients recover and lead normal lives. In cosmetic plastic surgery, the goal is enhancing the patient’s appearance, while in reconstructive plastic surgery, the goal is restoring the appearance. In many cases, the two goals overlap, and the surgical techniques are often very similar.

At The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine in Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, where I practice, plastic surgeons are an integral part of the team that cares for women with the diagnosis of breast cancer. For many patients, the same operation that treats their cancer is the operation that helps make them whole again. This advance has been recognized as critical to the welfare of our patients and access to breast reconstruction has been codified in New York state law. Not only are health insurers required to cover breast reconstruction services, but in addition, surgery on the other breast for symmetry has also been recognized as a required coverage benefit. More recently, the New York state Legislature has mandated that a woman with a new diagnosis of breast cancer must be given information explaining her options for breast reconstruction and access to this treatment

if she so desires. I hope to go into some of the specifics of the surgical options for breast reconstruction with readers in my column this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I remember when I was chief surgical resident at Columbia-Presbyterian, my residency director, the vice chairman of the department, wondered, “Why in the world would you want to go into the field of superficial skin surgery?” Although he was kidding (or at least I hope he was), my work as a plastic surgeon in the Army Reserve taught me just how important restoring someone’s appearance can be. I had the privilege of operating on many of our soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, and to be able to help them return to a normal life after all of their sacrifice on our behalf has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Plastic surgeons remain a critical part of the trauma care team. Recently, a plastic surgeon pushed the limits of our science and art when she reported on her first facial transplant operation for a victim of trauma. Stay tuned for some very exciting developments in this area.

Although there is so much more to share with you, I wanted to conclude with a discussion of another service plastic surgeons perform as American ambassadors of good will throughout the world. Each of the partners in my practice, along with many of our colleagues throughout the state, have traveled to other countries on medical missions to provide advanced plastic surgery care, most often to children. Treating severe burns, scars, and cleft lips and palates, and helping train local physicians so this work can be carried on is part of many plastic surgeons’ repertoire. Here our biggest reward is the child’s smile that we helped to restore. n

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By Erika T. Schwartz, M.D.

S

pring is upon us and hiding under big sweaters and bulky winter coats is no longer an option. We have to face our figures and physiques head-on and get our bodies back into fighting shape right now.

So, how to solve the problem of unwanted winter weight gain safely and quickly and shed those pesky pounds?

The answer is clear: Go on a diet. With any luck, your choice will work. But what if it doesn’t anymore?

You may just be among the majority of us who somewhere between our 30s and 50s lost the ability to shed the extra padding regardless of diet. But that is not reason enough to throw in the towel. Staying young and beautiful with trim bodies that can sport gorgeous clothes – even bikinis – is still within our reach pretty much at any age.

That is, if you understand that the main reason you are having a hard time losing the weight is directly connected to loss of hormones.

Loss of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in perimenopause and menopause starts a vicious cycle of weight gain many find impossible to break. Low thyroid and adrenal fatigue follow, only increasing the midriff bulge and those unwanted hips.

No cabbage or celebrity diet will help you get rid of those.

What will help is a step-by-step process, under the care of an experienced and caring physician.

The first step is to turn back the clock hormonally. To accomplish that, we use bioidentical hormones – estradiol, progesterone, testosterone – for thyroid and adrenal support.

This step helps open the door to anti-aging. It helps you feel better and primes your body to lose weight again successfully.

The second step is indeed the magic bullet – a safe and effective diet that nothing short of miraculously helps you lose between one half and two pounds of unwanted fat every day. It’s a diet we use at the Age Management Institute in Manhattan every day. Our nurse Joanne Delle Bovi, who holds every patient’s hand and supervises the entire program, has done it herself and has lost more than 40 pounds in less than two months. It’s the HCG diet.

HCG is human chorionic gonado-

tropin (HCG), a hormone produced in pregnancy, hence quite safe and also used to help increase testosterone levels in men (ditto on safety).

The hormone causes the hypothalamus (the master gland in the brain), to mobilize fat cells all over the body and convert them to fuel. The result, fat literally melts off your body.

In the 1950s, an English physician by the name of A.T.W. Simeons started using HCG as a weight-loss tool. His results were remarkable and have been reproduced ever since. A daily injection of a minute amount of HCG with a tiny insulin needle painlessly does the trick.

The shot helps decrease your appetite so you can follow the very specific details of the 500 calories-a-day diet. That’s why you only want to do it under the care of a physician and a nurse who specialize in hormones and diet.

This diet requires serious commitment.

But then, in my experience, when you are desperate enough, you become committed.

You can do it for either 23 or 47 days and you can then go right to Neiman’s and get a new wardrobe in size 6.

So what are the skeptics saying?

• It’s hard to stay on a 500-calorie diet, and it may even be dangerous due to the fact that the usual very low calorie diets cause us to go into a state of ketosis (you start eating away your muscles). True, it’s hard, but that is why you need HCG to do it. HCG protects you from losing muscle mass and being constantly hungry. In fact is burns fat and thus you lose weight.

• As soon as you get off it, you gain the weight back. Likely, if you do it on your own without professional help. In our practice, when you finish the HCG part we introduce you to “The Hormone Friendly Diet” (I wrote it ), which becomes a way of life, helping you keep the weight off permanently.

Do not follow the diet off the Internet without professional supervision and never take HCG in drops. It just doesn’t work.

Proudly, we have patients who have lost 30 to 50 pounds and a year later are still showing off their before and after pictures.

If you do it correctly, you have nothing to lose but the padding you wanted to get rid of permanently. Isn’t that what we all want anyway? n

way’s hot blocks Crossroads of the (local) world Bronxville’s Pondfield Road is a constellation of eclecticism

By Georgette Gouveia

Denise Gonzalez of Pelham at Slave to the Grind.

In Bronxville, Pondfield Road meets The Silk Road.

The Silk Road store, that is.

Inside, textiles and clothing in a profusion of patterns and colors encounter fierce Chinese dragons, roaring elephants and even a silvery copy of Michelangelo’s “Pièta.”

The actual Silk Road was a chain of trade routes that connected the soughtafter luxuries of the Far East to Europe and North Africa. In that spirit, the shop’s motto is “Bringing far away places closer to home.”

“We started out with things from India,” said Janet George, who owns the 3½ -year-old store, formerly East India Designs, with Susan Piper. “Now we have

trays and flying pigs from Vietnam, Buddhas, calligraphy brushes.”

George, whose background is in nonprofits – she worked for Lutheran World Relief – would lead tours to India with her husband, Viji, president of Concordia College in Bronxville. That’s how she met business partner Piper, a former IBM-er. And that’s how Janet George discovered the American appetite for Far Eastern goods.

But George isn’t merely selling apparel and jewelry. She said the store donates to a lot of fundraisers. And that’s in keeping with Pondfield Road.

“It’s a very community-oriented street.”

And yet, for all its tight-knit quality, there is a cosmopolitan air to the thoroughfare, which spans Siwanoy Country Club in the village to Kimball Avenue

Billy Havrish at Slave to the Grind.

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Susan Piper, left, and Janet George, owners of The Silk Road.

Gene Sgarlata, owner of Womrath Bookshop.

and Bronxville Road in Yonkers. At Midland Avenue and Pondfield, there’s even a directional street sign pointing to New York City, Tuckahoe and New Rochelle, suggesting that if Pondfield Road isn’t the crossroads of the world, then at least it’s the crossroads of southern Westchester.

The street itself suggests a microcosm of the world. Wind your way from Route 22 past the terraced gardens and stately brick and stucco homes where princesses and Kennedys once dwelled, and you’ll come to an intersection anchored by the stone and brick pillars of the community – the Bronxville Public Library, Bronxville public schools, Village Hall and The Reformed Church of Bronxville. Stroll past

the globe-shaped streetlights and you’ll chance upon Bolton Gardens, a cluster of slate and stucco townhouses that evoke ’20s Hollywood.

The heart of Pondfield, however, is its business district, which like the old Silk Road conveys an array of goodies – cheeses and flowers, pastries and fine art, gardening equipment and jewelry.

“There’s a diversity of individual shops that make it a pleasure to come to,” said Gene Sgarlata, owner of Womrath Bookshop, which has been in the village, at various Pondfield locales, since 1938.

Soon it will be time for Womrath’s diamond jubilee. “Maybe they should be giving me the diamonds,” Sgarlata said with

a laugh.

In the past, Bronxville has had a reputation of being prim and preppy. But on a spring day, the vibe is a bit loosey-goosey.

That’s particularly true at Slave to the Grind, which serves up coffee with a shot of SoHo and a sprinkle of Stockbridge.

True to the shop’s name and its motto – “Death before dishonor, Nothing before coffee” – baristas Jade O’Neill and Billy Havrish are happily married to their work.

“We’re husband and wife to the store,” Havrish says beneath a stained-glass awning rescued from the late, lamented Tumbledown Dick’s Restaurant, which was on neighboring Sagamore Road.

As they toil away, Meryl Moritz of

Tuckahoe and Denise Gonzalez of Pelham wait patiently for their iced coffees. Moritz is at Slave to the Grind once or twice a day. She likes the notion that Pondfield is a long street of independent retailers.

Adds Gonzalez: “It’s aesthetically beautiful. The people are very friendly. There’s Haitian-American food, the bagel shop, quality goods.”

For her part, The Silk Road’s Janet George is planning to get her quality goods out into the wider world via the Internet. In cyberspace, surfers may discover what residents and shoppers already know: Pondfield Road may not be the center of the universe. But it’s pretty close to it. n

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53

westport

‘Bohemian heart’ alive on Main Street

By Ryan Doran

O

n Main Street in Westport, style comes naturally.

From the refined comfort of J. Crew to the traditional cuts of Brooks Brothers, the brick-bound, ivy-covered thoroughfare is a shopper’s paradise.

Begin at Crumbs Bakery, purveyor of cupcakes and one of the town’s newest attractions, where confectionary scents waft through the air. Or grab a cup of coffee or a goblet of fro-yo at Top This before embarking on an expedition that snakes past the Boston Post Road along the Saugatuck River – a picturesque setting that has helped make Westport an artists’ hub.

Among the street’s artsy gems is the

54

She said that’s evident from the smiles vintage boutique Oddz, where women’s clothing and accessories draw shoppers on visitors’ faces and the absence of penfrom far and wide. ny-pinching parking meters: “It is an ef“We love finding that our neighbors fortless thing to spend a sleepy summer day exploring from New Haall we have to ven to Westoffer.” chester care for “We’re a charming spot That ininvestigating with a wealth of shops. cludes A-listers the depth of We have big names and such as Coach, our town,” said little boutiques. There’s Kate Spade, Kim Cellato, Vineyard Vines designer and always something to be owner of Oddz. found.” and LF Stores — Victoria Scheff on the street “Our bohemian itself as well heart is alive as intimate and well here.

There are many people who come for the offshoots filled with galleries and eaterday just to wander. It’s not a hard thing ies like Café Manolo, where the seafood to feel very comfortable here. There’s an menu and deep wine cellar offer a savory atmosphere of wanting others to spend respite from all that power-shopping.

“We’re a charming spot with a wealth time.”

of shops,” said Victoria Scheff, general manager of LF Stores, which deals in European women’s clothing. “We have big names and little boutiques. There’s always something to be found. We take some great pride in bringing purely contemporary styles to our supporters.

That’s something you don’t really find in the quiet little towns. Our retail culture here is educated and eager about helping Westport visitors navigate their fashion, and it’s all with a bit of love and not with any expectation.”

There is love on Main Street, from a couple sitting outside Oscar’s Deli sharing a Coke and their opinions while people-watching, to people communing with nature as they stroll along the river. These are signs of the carefree Westport way of life – one that is worth discovering. n

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wine&dine

toasting two who make a difference

By Geoff Kalish, M.D.

A

mong the many area wine luminaries with impressive careers championing notable causes, two stand out – John L. Loeb Jr. and

John Crabtree.

Former ambassador to Denmark and owner of the tradition-based, forwardthinking Sonoma-Loeb California winery – producing top-rated, Burgundy-like, organic, carbon-neutral Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs – Loeb has a lifelong passion for bettering our environment, as well as for a number of other major causes. Included in these are his work for The Winston Churchill Foundation; founding the Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr. Visitors Center at the Touro Synagogue in Newport, R.I., the oldest Jewish synagogue in America (built in 1763); and funding the initiation and maintenance of a database of early American Jewish portraits there. Currently, he is devoting almost 100 percent of his time to the George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom – a project to promote religious tolerance through understanding our first president’s views on religious plurality.

By Kelly Liyakasa

For the past 30 years, Columbia University graduate (English literature major and masters’ degree in government), Crabtree has served as sole proprietor or co-owner of Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant and Inn in Chappaqua – famed for its well-priced, world-class wine list and cellar, with more than 6,000 different selections offered. And for an even longer span, Crabtree has been actively involved in multiple causes and charities, ranging from the Hudson Valley chapter of the Make-AWish Foundation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester.

“For me, charitable involvement began at a very young age,” he said. “For as long as I can remember, my parents hosted a child and his or her counselor from the Children’s Village in Hastings and had them at our house for Christmas and Thanksgiving. In high school, when I first started dating Amy, my future wife, I learned that she had ‘adopted’ a child in a remote village in Biafra. Each month, she would send a donation to help support the child and her family. In return, Amy would receive a letter from her little friend, whose photo she always carried in her wallet.

“When my four daughters were younger, we made it a point of having them become involved in charitable work. Every Thanksgiving, we would pack up turkey dinners at the Kittle House, and Amy would drive the girls to the Northern Westchester Shelter for Battered Women and Children, or to My Sister’s Place and deliver the dinners.

“While Amy – who passed away two years ago from brain cancer after a courageous 20-month fight – was battling her illness, my daughter Chrissy became involved with an organization called the ‘Have A Chance Walk’ for brain tumors.

She formed a team of walkers and called it “Team Amy.” Each of the past three years, we have had over 100 sponsored walkers and have raised over $150,000. My four daughters and I have now formed a new not-for-profit charity, the Amy Marie Crabtree Foundation, aka TEAM AMY, and plan to use the funds raised to support the many charities that Amy worked so hard to help.”

Let’s all offer a toast of thanks to these two and the countless others in the “wine world” who work tirelessly to make a difference. n

Heart of gold

David Tutera, host of “My Fair Wedding” on WE tv and party planner to the stars, stopped in Port Chester March 26 between taping and dreaming up fab designs for his signature dress line by Faviana.

I caught up with Tutera at a charity benefit for the Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary School, honoring the legacy of the Rev. Peter Rinaldi, founder of the school and the priest who baptized and confirmed Tutera.

The wedding planner extraordinaire, who graduated from Port Chester High School in 1984 and whose family still resides in the village, generously supported the school’s first annual gala — and it was every bit as stylish as its underwriter.

Thousands of white and cream roses bathed the school gym with an “ethereal” 60

Loeb said: “I initially became aware of our first president’s strong views on religious tolerance through a letter he sent to Touro Synagogue in August 1790, which is read publicly each year from the steps of the institution. It states that ‘the government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction and to persecution no assistance and requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.’

“The goal of the (institute) is to eventually educate every student in America of these principles,” he said. “We would expect that a number of activities – such as public readings of the letter around Presidents’ Day and essay contests for students on the content of the letter – would help accomplish this goal. So far, primarily through partnerships with other organizations such as Facing History and Ourselves, we have started to bring the message to a number of elementary and high school teachers, who we expect will then educate their students. Importantly, the response to date has been overwhelmingly positive.”

romance further brought out by gold and crystal accents.

After expressing awe of the room where he received religious instruction each Thursday growing up, Tutera eagerly chatted about his life and his work.

Who do you look up to philanthropically?

Tutera: “That’s a great question. I mean, there’s so many. I don’t think it’s what they do financially. I think it’s what they do emotionally, although both are important. Sometimes we get so caught up in those who have donated so much money, and we know people do it because they care. But they also do it for tax purposes. And it’s the truth.

“I just did a big event two weeks ago that I have been doing for 10 years. It’s the Prevent Cancer Foundation. They need a lot of help to educate people on

the preventative causes and preventative medicine for cancer. There are plenty of foundations that provide money for people who are already sick. It’s doing the best that we can to prevent it.”

What will be the wedding trend for 2012? And please don’t say the apocalypse.

Tutera: “My prediction is bold, bright – very sexy colors.”

What does David Tutera do on a day off?

Tutera: “Sleep! But that guy ‘DT’ doesn’t have many of those, so sleeping is a good thing. … I live in New York City, and I’m living in Los Angeles mostly full time. And I have a house in Connecticut (East Haddam) where we do holidays and time off. Connecticut is like the retreat of relaxation.”

David Tutera

You’re a savior to the women you help on your show. How does that feel?

Tutera: “They are so deserving and so grateful. Not that the clients I work with on a day-to-day basis aren’t, but when you’re writing a check for the things that you want, your expectations are high and you’re quicker to say you don’t like something. When you have no money, you’re so thankful for every little thing you receive. It’s really incredible.” n

Beauty on parade Westchester Misses show that it’s more than skin-deep

By Dana Ramos

T

here’s nothing like a parade, in this case the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in White Plains, to bring out nostalgia – cool old cars, firefighters in dress uniform, balloons and the local beauty queen perched on a platform performing the patented hand wave.

A few things have changed over the decades: Now spectators take photos with phones, and the beauty queens in this case – Miss Westchester Christina DeLeon and Miss Westchester Teen Samantha Gold – don’t think of themselves as such. They are changing the face of pageantry, promoting positive role models by being community volunteers, students, issues advocates and all-around great young women.

We are in an old-fashioned coffee shop on a gorgeous Saturday while the parade assembles noisily outside. Dee van Eyck, co-executive director of the Miss Westchester Pageants, watches closely but un- involving the young women. Both direcobtrusively. She and co-executive direc- tors are former titleholders from the days tor Laura Giannone, who is outside with when they were called “beauty contests.” teases DeLeon parade chaperone all WestEss events hhGold Caffe organizers, Azzurri 274164 41411 3/21/11 9:07 PMabout Pagethe1 gobs

of sugar she pours in her coffee and they giggle happily when mentioning their boyfriends. The girls are prepared for the parade. They have on their makeup, satin

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Samantha Gold and Christina DeLeon

banners and Austrian crystal tiaras.

“When we wear the crowns, it’s like, sacred to people, respected. It seems to repel men, but attracts kids,” DeLeon says, which makes her very happy. She adores children and will soon graduate from SUNY College at Old Westbury with a double education major. “I’d like to work in special education or open my own preschool one day; after I get my graduate degree.”

Both have been involved in community service most of their lives.

“I love Guiding Eyes for the Blind,” says DeLeon, a Yorktown Heights resident. “I feed, groom and play with the dogs. I have two of my own. But one, a Miniature American Eskimo, ripped off the side of my face when I was 14.”

Although she required more than 50 stitches and almost lost sight in one eye, she refused to allow the dog to be euthanized.

“It wasn’t his fault. He had been hit by a car, was in a lot of pain, and attacked when I tried to help him.”

The dog is still alive and she feels very fortunate that reconstructive surgery was

61

able to erase evidence of the trauma.

Gold, a two-time figure skating gold medalist at the Empire State Winter Games, has organized blood drives, coached skating, and continues to volunteer at a nursing home.

As Miss Westchester titleholders, both girls have increased volunteer activities to include Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, Toys for Tots and several other organizations.

All this while still studying: Gold, an Armonk resident, is finishing high school and wants to become a crime investigator.

“Especially in forensics, CSI-type stuff.”

Does she have the stomach for it?

“Oh, yes! I love the ‘Saw’ movies – the bloodier the better.”

I ask Gold about her platform issue – empowering teens with self-esteem.

How does she explain the bathing suit and ball gown aspect of pageantry to other accomplished and spirited young women who are not considered physically attractive? Does it all come down to how you look?

“Absolutely not,” the 17-year-old insists with a teensy hint of defensiveness. “I was bullied in school and had low self-esteem.

Entering the pageant helped me realize life is not only about looks, but everything Christina DeLeon and Samantha Gold and with one lucky Marine.

62

about a person.”

DeLeon, 24, and a lifelong pageant contestant, adds: “Beauty is from the inside out. Some so-called beautiful people are really ugly inside.”

Dee van Eyck smiles and chimes in.

“You don’t need a crown to do what these girls do. Winning a pageant is just another way to bring attention to good causes and achieve your goals.”

Regalia and beauty and poise certainly have an effect: A woman using a walker stops at our table and interjects, “Why, this all looks just like when I was in high school 60 years ago.” The young women are congenial and sympathetic to her, and she decides she wants to fix them up with her grandson.

It’s time for the parade, but one last question begs to be answered: What’s your best beauty secret?

“Hemorrhoid cream!” DeLeon says.

“It gets rid of under-eye puffiness immediately, I can’t live without it.”

Gold advises: “Don’t load up on makeup. Everything should be about enhancing who you are. Don’t hide behind a mask.”

Visit the Miss Westchester website, westchesterpageants.com n

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wise give unto others and get a tax break

By Ian Yankwitt with Owen McClellan

W

hile charitable giving is first and foremost a way to support the causes in which you believe, it is also tax deductible (subject to certain limitations) and there are several easy ways to both maximize the value of that deduction and save yourself time.

Save money by donating appreciated securities rather than cash. When you donate appreciated securities (held for more than one year), you can deduct the fair market value of that security while never paying the capital gains tax. If instead you donated the same amount of cash and kept the securities, you would have to ultimately pay the embedded tax liability. If you want to continue to own the appreciated securities, donate them

and then buy them back. You have legally and permanently avoided paying tax on the appreciation from your initial purchase to the market value at the time of the donation and re-purchase.

Similarly, if you own securities for which you do not have the cost basis, donating them and taking the deduction for the market value of the securities avoids spending the time, energy, and potential professional fees that would be spent attempting to track down the basis. Of course, if you believe there may be a large capital loss on the securities, it makes sense for you to determine the basis, so if there is a loss you can sell the securities, derive the tax benefit from the loss, and donate what you want.

Neither of these are new ideas. They are, however, more accessible, because many charities are now able to accept security donations electronically and in smaller amounts than previously. They

want to make it as easy as possible for people to give them money. A simple phone call to a charity will determine whether they can accept donations of securities.

Taking this to the next level, you can further increase your tax benefit and simplify your record-keeping by creating a Donor Advised Fund (“DAF”). The way a DAF works is you make an irrevocable gift of either money or, ideally, appreciated securities to the fund. You then make recommendations as to how those funds are distributed to various charities. Subject to certain limitations, the fund then gives the money to the charities you selected. While the money is sitting in the DAF awaiting your recommendations, it can be invested.

There are several advantages of a DAF. You get the deduction when you contribute to the fund, not when the money is disbursed to the charities. So you can put as much money as you are

prepared to commit to into the fund and take the entire deduction up front, because the relevant event for tax purposes is the contribution to the DAF. Your record-keeping has been simplified because you only need to keep track of the one receipt for your gift(s) to the DAF, not the subsequent disbursements.

Some of the limitations of DAFs are: The gift is irrevocable. Even though you see the money in an account that mentions your name, it’s not yours.

It legally belongs to the DAF. (That’s why you get the deduction up front.)

DAFs charge annual administrative fees and enforce minimum contribution amounts. They do have to determine that it is a real, IRS-approved charity.

DAFs will also disallow distributions from which the donor receives more than an incidental benefits, as well as distributions that fulfill an existing legal obligation of the donor.

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By Bill Fallon he name “Rockefeller” and the word “philanthropy” are practically synonymous: Rockefeller University, The Museum of Modern Art, Spelman College, Colonial Williamsburg – just to name a few of the Rockefeller contributions.

But there is another defining aspect of the family that is less well-known: The Rockefellers owned cars when few had them and saved them as well.

As the world got wheels, the Rockefellers maintained an insurmountable automotive advantage, top hat-andshoulders above the masses: They drove (or were driven in) cars to drop jaws. To a Depression-era family, a 1939 top-down V-8 Cadillac – the Model 75 – must have looked swell indeed. More than 70 years later, the envy factor is as fresh as a boutonniere in May. The cars are on permanent display at Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate in Pocantico Hills. It’s owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, which maintains the estate as a center for its philanthropic programs. Historic Hudson Valley in Tarrytown administers the site.

Recently, Rob Schweitzer, director of public relations for Historic Hudson Valley, and Ruth Merrill, Kykuit’s operations manager, opened the green doors of its Coach Barn for a preview tour beneath a huge “R” (for Rockefeller) keystone. (The Kykuit season doesn’t begin until May 7.)

The setting only makes the cars look classier, and that’s saying something. Indeed, the Coach Barn is an example of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous dictum “(the rich) are different from you and me,” in that few have storage space for a small traffic jam of old family cars, much less storage space

Rob Schweitzer

with a herringbone floor and 20-foot ceiling.

The limo belonging to Nelson A. Rockefeller – New York governor (1959-73), vice president (1974-77) and last master of Kykuit – seems to be made of only two elements, steel and leather … in huge abundance. The license plate, “N.Y.1,” says it all.

The vehicles are not driven, although they are kept in running condition. All fall under the broad, well-known classification – tough to get parts for. Factor in the 1907 Ford Model S and the 1916 Detroit Electric and you can say, “Downright impossible to get parts for.”

The details are either the stuff of memory or of old photos. They are striking either way – the V-8 insignia on the 1938 Ford Cabriolet; the space-race blinkers on the back of Nelson’s 1959 Chrysler Ghia limousine; the youthful joy (and little in the way of safety) built into the 1949 Crosley Hotshot two-seater; the front-mounted battery pack of the 1916 Detroit Electric roadster.

These attract car enthusiasts, some of whom might not otherwise see Kykuit.

“Not to stereotype, but car buffs tend to be guys,” Schweitzer said, “and I think for some, the opportunity to check out these classic rides is a huge draw.”

Maybe he’d have come anyway, but last year The Cars’ front man Ric Ocasek and his family came for a look at how the Rockefellers got around. They’d have seen a photo of John Davison Rockefeller Jr. – Kykuit’s guiding force – in an open coach as a young man, plus a phalanx of conspicuously antique cars he called his own. While the vehicles do the heavy lifting, the Coach Barn also features a rotating photo gallery.

“The cars are here, and part of both the Classic and Grand tours of Kykuit, because it’s what Nelson Rockefeller wanted,” Schweitzer said. “Nelson wanted the

public to enjoy what he did when he was growing up, and that’s why he left this property to the National Trust.”

That spirit of sharing began with Nelson’s grandfather, John D. Rockefeller Sr. “Though he’s obviously known for his business accomplishments and his wealth, John Davison Rockefeller was essentially the founder of modern philanthropy,” Schweitzer said. “At the time, being charitable meant giving direct aid to individuals. But JDR developed a systemic approach, giving large sums to institutions that could help the largest number of people. He was focused on long-term solutions. He helped turn giving into a science, and that legacy continued through Junior and the family’s succeeding generations.”

Added Ruth Merrill, who focused on the Civil War prior to coming to Kykuit: “I quickly became very impressed with the philanthropy and generosity of the family and what they’ve accomplished.

“JDR was a lifelong giver,” she said. “A devout Baptist, he began tithing to his church from when he first started working as a young man, and that legacy of giving continued throughout his career.

“Nobody really knew about his philanthropy, because he was so modest about it. A lot of people thought it started with Junior, but it didn’t. That’s just how Junior was brought up.”

If you go

Kykuit is open May 7 through Nov. 6. Tours are available daily except Tuesdays. Both the Classic Tour and the Grand Tour include a visit to the Coach Barn and Kykuit’s art galleries and gardens as well.

Visitors can buy their tickets online in advance, choosing the exact tour, date and time, at hudsonvalley.org. n 67

week

Globe Aware volunteers traveled to India to assist students. Students on a break from class.

Volunteers on a culture and community volunteer trip with Projects Abroad.

getaways that give back Good karma instead of souvenirs

By Alissa Frey While most people long for a vacation where they can escape from it all, many of those still want to give back while getting away. “Voluntourism,� as it is often called, allows them to do both. Several organizations provide services and trips to practically any destination around the world, making it easy for people to find a locale and project that interests them.

Volunteer trips offer a unique way to experience the world that can often be more memorable and meaningful than the typical vacation. Volunteers often work alongside community members and have the chance to learn about the local

culture that they may have otherwise never known. In addition to the community service work, participants have time to explore, relax, meet new people and take part in fun recreational activities. These trips have everything that the typical vacation offers and more.

Cross Cultural Solutions

Cross Cultural Solutions in New Rochelle offers opportunities to experience Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe or Latin America while assisting with sustainable community development efforts. Volunteers gain a greater understanding of the traditions, history and politics of the

culture through dancing, drumming, listening to powerful guest speakers, learning the language of the people and taking excursions. (914) 632-0022 or (800) 3804777, crossculturalsolutions.org.

Globe Aware

The Texas-based nonprofit organization promotes cultural awareness with an emphasis on establishing sustainable programs that strengthen cultures without changing them. Some of the projects include building schools in the Andes, irrigation projects in Southeast Asia, creating efficient ovens in Central America, building hospitals in Europe and repairing trails and roads in Nepal. (877) 588-4562, globeaware.org.

Global Citizens Network (GCN)

GCN in Minneapolis is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing together the diverse cultures of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the United States and Canada to solve local and global issues. A team of six to 12 people experience indigenous cultures throughout the world, living with local people, eating their foods and learning about their arts, livelihoods and general lifestyles. Vacationers also work with local need-based organizations to improve the conditions for people in the community.

(800) 644-9292, globalcitizens.org.

Global Volunteers

Global Volunteers, a nonprofit organization, sends more than 200 service-learning teams year-round to work in 100-plus communities around the world. A family, group or individual can travel abroad on a short trip lasting one to three weeks and work on projects that include teaching conversational English or business skills, caring for children, assisting with health care, building community facilities, painting and repairing homes and assisting on natural resources projects. (800) 4871074, globalvolunteers.org.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates affordable houses for those in A Globe Aware trip participant photographs the scenic landscape of Africa while aiding desert elephants.

68

Teresa Novacek Allen on a trip with Global Volunteers in a small village in Tanzania.

Photograph from Global Volunteers

need. Volunteers can assist in construction throughout the United States or abroad with Habitat for Humanity International. People of diverse backgrounds work together, building confidence, a sense of community and a brighter future for everyone involved. Habitat for Humanity of Westchester Inc. (914) 636-8335, habitatwc.org; Habitat for Humanity International, (800) 422-4828, habitat.org.

Outdoor Bound Inc.

The education-based tour company enables participants to stay physically active while helping those in need. The trips are guided by Outdoor Bound employees who are experienced in travel, adventurous activities and wilderness education.

The next trip is a venture to Africa to protect the desert elephants of the northern Erongo and Kunene regions of Na-

Jim Smith a Global Citizens Network trip participant.

mibia from the growing loss of natural resources. Volunteers will help to build protective walls around critical water sources for the elephants. (212) 5794568, outdoorbound.com.

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad offers more than 1,000 different settings for volunteer work in teaching, child care, health

care, construction, human rights, conservation and more. Some of the travel projects include helping in conservation work in South Africa, marine conservation in Thailand and conserving the forests of Costa Rica. With no start dates and tailor-made group trips available, volunteers have flexibility in arranging their travel. (888) 839-3535 or (212)244-7234, projects-abroad.org. n

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worthy

a few good causes

1.

2.

3a.

3b.

4a.

4b.

4c.

5.

vice Agencies and the Alliance for Children and Families. …It’s mission is to empower children, adults, families and communities to realize their potential. Our accredited preschools, school-based health centers, parental education and adolescent counseling services, give families the resources they need to ensure their children have the bright beginnings they deserve. A comprehensive network of counseling and support services is also instrumental in helping families in crisis work toward a successful resolution. …”

3. Guardian Angel: (a) Joan Melber Warburg, who this year marks her 50th year on the Family Centers’ board of directors and served as board chairman; (b) Warburg meets Elizabeth Edwards at a centers fundraiser in 2009. Photo by Bill Brucker.

FSW is a dynamic nonprofit that changes the lives of more than 11,000 low-income individuals every year. Started in Bridgeport more than 161 years ago, FSW stays relevant to the communities it serves through its mission to empower people to build a brighter future, reduce chronic poverty and transform our community….”

4. Guardian Angels: (a) From left, Bill Hass, FSW president and CEO with Larry Ganim, (b) SandyDefeo and (c) Shelly and Drummond Bell.

AMERICARES 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 658-9500, americares.org President and CEO: Curtis R. Welling Mission: AmeriCares, founded by Leila and Bob Macauley, and headquartered in Stamford, Conn., is a nonprofit global health and disaster relief organization that delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in crisis. Since it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $10 billion in aid to 147 countries. In times of epic disaster, daily struggle or civil conflict, AmeriCares restores health and saves lives by delivering humanitarian aid to people in need around the world and across the United States.

The Macauleys’ guiding principle was that one person can truly make a difference in saving lives by helping one person at a time.

“We can’t solve all the problems in the world.

Nobody can. Only God can do that. But that does not absolve us of the responsibility to solve the ones we can.”says Bob Macauley.

1. Guardian Angels: AmeriCares founders Leila and Bob Macauley.

CONNECTICUT FOOD BANK 150 Bradley St., East Haven, CT 06512 (203) 469-5000, ctfoodbank.org President and CEO: Nancy L. Carrington Mission: “Connecticut Food Bank is a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to alleviate hunger…by supplying food products and resources to programs and by promoting public awareness about the problem of hunger. Approximately 400,000 people each year are at risk of hunger in Connecticut with an estimated one out of

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seven families experiencing food hardship –– meaning they can’t always afford the food they need. Connecticut Food Bank solicits, transports, warehouses and distributes donated grocery products to more than 650 hunger relief organizations, including soup kitchens, shelters, food pantries and adult and children’s day care centers. We are the largest centralized source of emergency food in Connecticut and have distributed more than 200 million pounds of food since we were established in 1982. Ninety-four cents of every dollar of total expenses directly supports our program services. … We serve programs in six of Connecticut’s eight counties: Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and Windham.”

2. Guardian Angel: Sikorsky employees volunteer at Connecticut Food Bank’s Fairfield warehouse.

FAMILY CENTERS INC. 40 Arch St., Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 869-4848, familycenters.org President and CEO: Robert M. Arnold Mission: “Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering education and human services to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. More than 1,400 professionals and trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs. Through our four Centers of Excellence, more than 15,000 children, adults, families and communities receive the care, encouragement and resources needed to realize their potential. A United Way, Community Fund of Darien and New Canaan Community Foundation partner agency, Family Centers is a member of the Connecticut Council of Family Ser-

FSW INC. CT 475 Clinton Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06605 (203) 368-4291, fswinc.org President and CEO: William J. Hass Ph.D. Mission: “Micha was a high school graduate who could not read and was unable to find a good job. She learned to read with FSW’s literacy volunteers and began studying to be a nursing assistant. Today she’s on the nursing staff at Bridgeport Hospital. Esther was raising four children after divorcing her abusive husband. Afraid she would lose her house, she came to FSW. Today Esther is emotionally stronger and has gained the financial skills to keep her home and save for the future.

Sixto grew up in foster care. FSW’s youth services staff became the parents he never had and helped him gain communication skills and hope for the future. Today Sixto is a senior at Bridge Academy and will start college in the fall of 2011. He’s a leader of his peers.

THE KENNEDY CENTER INC. 2440 Reservoir Ave., Trumbull, CT 06611 (203) 365-8522, thekennedycenterinc.org President: Martin Schwartz Mission: Celebrating its 60th anniversary, The Kennedy Center is a nationally accredited, nonprofit, community-based rehabilitation organization that currently serves more than 1,800 individuals annually throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties in Connecticut. The agency actively responds to the needs of the community by offering innovative, comprehensive service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years. The Kennedy Center operates 21 community experience programs, 16 group homes, an industry program composed of six businesses, supported and competitive employment and job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training and a variety of children’s programs.

5. Guardian Angels: From left, The Kennedy Center’s annual Four Seasons Ball cochairpersons Peter Foley and his wife, Anne, with long-time Kennedy Center supporters Bob Scinto and Joe Potenza.

fairfield county

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OPERATION HOPE 636 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 (203) 292-5588, operationhopect.org Executive Director: Carla Miklos MS, CED Mission: “Operation Hope’s mission and vision is to provide the opportunity for individuals and families to experience transformative change. By addressing basic needs for food and shelter, as well as offering long-term solutions to hunger and homelessness, including affordable housing, life skills training and personalized clinical support, we help people reach their potential in an environment where compassion inspires dignity and hope. … Founded in 1986, by a group of concerned citizens, we provide critical services to the hungry, the homeless and those at-risk of homelessness. The underlying belief in all we do is that no one in our community should go hungry or be without shelter…. Last year we served more than 32,000 meals through our community kitchen and more than 112,000 through our food pantry, as well as housed 130 households in our shelter and 48 households, including 53 children, in our affordable housing units….”

6. Guardian Angel: Cynthia “Cindi” Bigelow: of RC Bigelow Tea, which donates tea to the food pantry on a regular basis with her husband, Thomas O’Hara, at the Operation Hope fundraising gala.

PERSON-TO-PERSON 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 (203) 655-0048, p2pdarien.org Executive Director: Ceci Maher Mission: “Following the assassination of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. April

4, 1968, The Rev. Dr. Robert Nelson Back, rector of Saint Luke’s Parish in Darien, who had attended seminary with Dr. King, met with Jean Sherman, a member of the parish. They talked about how caring people in Darien could express their concern and respond to the assassination as well as growing civil rights issues. In a letter dated April 18, 1968, Back announced the formation of Person-to-Person and named Jean its first director. The idea was to use Personto-Person’s resources to help those in need and help others learn about the impact of poverty and injustice. ... The efforts to help began with food and clothing and grew to include financial assistance for emergencies, camperships so children would be safe during the summer while their parents worked and college scholarship aid to help break the cycle of poverty….”

7. Guardian Angel: OPUS, an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community, over 14 years raised more than $2 million. From left, front row, Lorraine Collins, Sarah Koeneke, Jaymie Pavolonis, co-presidents Kaitlyn Troy, Beth Williams and Alex Eising. Second row, Betsy Wilson, Lindsay Westbrook, Krista Brown, Sara Franzese, Kelly Kelly, Katie Adams, Barbara Napoli, Deb Hidy and Tina Devir.

Third row, Kim Sullivan, Meredith Carre, Caroline Hanley, Amy Walton, Jen Hagen, Marni Lane and Kallie Hapgood.

SAVE THE CHILDREN 54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880 (203) 221-4030, savethechildren.org President and CEO: Charles F. MacCormack Mission: “Every organization has an inner core

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that defines its existence and drives its work.

For Save the Children, that core is an unswerving commitment to helping children held back by poverty and want and creating solutions that have an impact on their lives. Back in 1932, when Save the Children was just starting out in the U.S., it served hot lunches to undernourished school children in Appalachia. That innovative program raised class attendance and performance and became a model for the federal school lunch program. Today, Save the Children continues to respond to more than 64 million children’s unmet needs with community programs in more than 60 countries, including the U.S. From its headquarters on the banks of the Saugatuck River in Westport, Save the Children has become a world leader in helping children surmount the obstacles of poverty. The agency is a global leader in health care for children under age 5, as well as for its early childhood learning programs and preschools. …”

8. Guardian Angels: (a) Actress Julianne Moore, an ambassador for Save the Children’s U.S. programs, visits children in need in Whitley County, Ky.; (b) NBC’s Today Show host Meredith Vieira and Save the Children’s President and CEO Charlie MacCormack with Matt Damon; (c) Save the Children 75th anniversary gala with Bob Daly and honoree former President Bill Clinton.

opment and participation in the community.

Services and programs are primarily provided in the town of Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Westport, Weston and Wilton, and respite services are provided throughout the entire southwest region of Connecticut.

9. Guardian Angels: From left, Joseph Viesta, owner, Michael Joseph’s Catering in Darien; Meghan and Rob Cioffi of New Canaan, chairpersons, 2010 Galaxy of STARS Dinner Dance and Auction.

STAR INC., LIGHTING THE WAY 182 Wolfpit Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 846-9581, starinc-lightingtheway.org Executive Director: Katie Banzhaf Mission: STAR Inc., Lighting the Way, in partnership with the families and communities it serves, is an innovative leader in providing individuals with disabilities opportunities for a meaningful life through personal devel-

THE WORKPLACE INC. 350 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 610-8500, workplace.org President and CEO: Joseph Carbone Mission: “The WorkPlace Inc. is a progressive social enterprising think-tank operation that is driven by innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit. It helps people prepare for careers, strengthens the work force for employers and helps to build a healthy economy.

WorkPlace administers work force development funds and coordinate providers of job training and education programs that meet the needs of residents and employers. Its mission is to develop a well-educated, welltrained and self-sufficient work force that can compete in the changing global marketplace. Serving more than 35,000 people and 400 businesses a year in a 20-town region bridging Fairfield and New Haven counties, WorkPlace also has projects that cover the entire state of Connecticut, several states across the nation, and in Latin America.”

10. Guardian Angels: Denise Taft Davidoff, vice chair of the board of directors for The WorkPlace and Lewis A. Miller, former member of the board and long-time supporter of the The WorkPlace.

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a few good causes

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been in Westchester County since the turn of the century. The agency serves close to 10,000 children and families in the metropolitan area with programs that include an achievement-focused residential school in Dobbs Ferry for children who have emotional, behavioral and/or educational problems; runaway and homeless shelters in Westchester and Rockland counties; an outreach program that works with streetinvolved youth in Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Ossining, Peekskill and other urban centers; a drop-in center in Getty Square in Yonkers for out-of-school youth; programs to support Westchester families dealing with troubled youth; and programs that divert first-time youth offenders in Westchester County from entering the juvenile justice system, thus avoiding the downward spiral that often occurs when youth are placed in juvenile facilities.”

2. Guardian Angels: (a) From left, Children’s Village CEO Lance Le Pere, Dr. Jeremy Kohomban, Gina Quattrochi, and designer Michael Kors; (b) Arianna Huffington; and (c) Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

food each year to more than 200 front-line hunger-relief programs throughout Westchester County. These programs include food pantries, soup kitchens, day-care and treatment centers and shelters. FBW provides 95 percent of the food these programs use to feed the estimated 200,000 people in Westchester who are hungry or at risk of hunger, nearly half of whom are seniors and approximately one-third of whom are children. FBW’s mission is to lead, engage and educate Westchester County in creating a hunger-free environment. The Food Bank for Westchester is helped by a generous network of funders, volunteers and food donors.”

3. Guardian Angels: Stop and Shop, Abigail Kirsch and Entergy are among the dozens of supporters. (a) From left, Stop and Shop executives Brian Betesh, Mike Schoendorf, Vera Kovalski, Vinny LaCorazza and Fred Maturo; (b) Food Bank for Westchester executive director Christina Rohatynskyj, left, and Lori Sheldon, communication specialist, Entergy.

from diagnosis through treatment. Headquartered in Purdys, with offices on Long Island and in Manhattan, Friends of Karen has touched the lives of more than 10,000 children in the New York metro area since 1978. ‘We support the entire family during an intensely disruptive and challenging time,’ says Beth Leventhal, Chappaqua resident who serves as president of Friends of Karen’s Board of Directors. “We know the phone calls to make, the people to contact, the way through the confusion. We make sure families of critically ill children don’t have to go it alone….”

4. Guardian Angel: Long-time supporter Tom Coughlin, head coach of the New York Giants.

ABILITY BEYOND DISABILITY 120 Kisco Ave., Mount Kisco, NY 10549 (888) 832-8247, abilitybeyonddisability.org President and CEO: Thomas H. Fanning Mission: “Ability Beyond Disability began in 1953, by a group of parents who dreamt of a better life for their children – a life where disability did not define who they were, what they did or where they could go. Today we are the leading nonprofit organization helping approximately 1,500 people with disabilities each year to discover their abilities and become a part of our communities. With a staff of nearly 1,000 dedicated employees, Ability Beyond Disability no longer touches just a few families but impacts entire communities throughout Connecticut and New York state. Our strong belief in community inclusion allows us to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. We help people each year to build better lives by providing safe and comfortable homes, offering support, job training and assistance in finding work and above all, teaching the skills needed to achieve individual dreams.”

1. Guardian Angels: Westchester teens and members of the band “2 and 1,” Michael Sabath, Jon Jill and Jilli Schell pose with Ability Beyond Disability client.

THE CHILDREN’S VILLAGE 1 Echo Hill, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 (914) 693-0600, childrensvillage.org President and CEO: Jeremy C. Kohomban Ph.D. Mission: “The Children’s Village was founded in 1851 in Manhattan, but has

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FOOD BANK FOR WESTCHESTER 358 Saw Mill River Road Millwood, NY 10546 (914) 923-1100, foodbankforwestchester.org Executive Director: Christina Rohatynskyj Mission: “The Food Bank for Westchester (FBW), one of eight food banks in New York state, is the backbone of Westchester County’s emergency food-distribution network. It acquires, warehouses and distributes more than six million pounds of

FRIENDS OF KAREN 118 Titicus Road, P.O. Box 190 Purdys, NY 10578 (914) 277-4547, friendsofkaren.org Executive Director: Judith R. Factor Mission: “None of us, no matter what our background, is prepared to navigate the world of childhood cancer, let alone cope with the fear, anxiety and sadness that will overwhelm every family member. Friends of Karen is the only organization that provides emotional, financial and advocacy support to families of a catastrophically sick child,

GILDA’S CLUB WESTCHESTER 80 Maple Ave., White Plains, NY 10601 (914) 644-8844, gildasclubwestchester.org Interim CEO: Carol Bennett-Schnorr Mission: “The mission of Gilda’s Club Westchester is to create welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens and children – along with their families and friends. Our innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities.

The red-brick clubhouse on Maple Avenue in White Plains offers a warm and welcoming environment featuring many rooms to meet with friends or to unwind in private. There are computers, a library, a large community room, an art room and there’s even a special place for children called, Noogieland. The Gilda’s Club Westches-

westchester county

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derlying Opengate’s purpose and program is its recognition of the worth and dignity of each individual it serves as a valued member of society. Headquartered in Somers, on a 27-acre campus, we have 10 group homes, including a home for the medically frail that will open in 2011. We provide homes for more than 70 individuals and provide a day habilitation program for more than 60 adults at our Hawthorne location. Opengate was founded in 1969, by parents looking for an alternative to state facilities for their adult children. Their dedication and commitment inform the work that we continue today.”

8. Guardian Angel: Lisa Grasso of Waccabuc, one of the many devoted Opengate friends, with her husband’s son, Tom, a long-time resident.

helped WLT both preserve more land and build countywide support for land preservation.”

9. Guardian Angel: Westchester Community Foundation executive director Catherine Marsh.

ter program is not geared just for women, but to support men and children as well.

Membership is free and includes unlimited participation in informational discussion groups, as well as fitness, yoga, zumba, art, journal writing, cooking, nutrition and stress reduction classes.”

5. Guardian Angels: From left, Susie Wang, co-founder of Gilda’s Club Westchester; and emeritus board members Elizabeth Cohn Stuntz, and Carol BennettSchnorr.

HILLSIDE FOOD OUTREACH 17 Grammercy Place Thornwood, NY 10594 (914) 747-0095, hillsidefoodoutreach.org Founder and CEO: Kathleen Purdy Mission: “The Hillside Food Outreach was started in 1993 to home-deliver groceries to about 20 seniors in the Peekskill area who were in need of assistance with obtaining food but were unable to get to local food pantries. Since then the Hillside Food Outreach has grown to more than 300 volunteers who pack and deliver to approximately 2,000 individuals throughout both Putnam and Westchester counties who are in need of assistance with groceries but are unable to, for whatever reason, access local pantries. We are the only agency that home delivers throughout all the counties. We also try to pay special attention to those whose illnesses are affected by their diets such as diabetics, gluten allergies, cancer patients, etc.”

6. Guardian Angel: Former New York Yankee great and jazz recording artist Bernie Williams.

Neighborslink 27 Columbus Ave. Mount Kisco, NY 10549 (914) 666-3410, neighborslink.org Executive Director: Carola Bracco Mission: “Integration of recent immigrants into our community has been the mission of Neighbors Link for a decade, and the story of our country since its beginnings,” said Carola Otero Bracco, executive director of Neighbors Link, a multifaceted community center. “Our strategy to educate, empower and employ immigrant families whose heritage is rich in cultural traditions, but whose lives have been economically impoverished and educationally deprived, has made Neighbors Link successful in building a strong community in northern Westchester. Neighbors Link is now recognized as a national model for addressing the realities of immigration in peaceful and positive ways.

Since 2001, our organization has worked to build bridges and utilize community partnerships to provide immigrant families with the tools they need to successfully integrate into our shared community.”

7. Guardian Angels: (a) Gerald Hassell, CEO of The Bank of New York Mellon, with wife, Agnes Hassell; (b) Barbara and Kenneth Jackson; and (c) Cynthia Brill.

OPENGATE INC. 28 Warren St., Somers, NY 10589 (914) 277-5350, opengateinc.org CEO: Brian Hulten LCSW Mission: “Opengate is an agency that provides residential and day habilitation for adults with developmental disabilities. Un-

WESTCHESTER LAND TRUST 403 Harris Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 (914) 241-6346, westchesterlandtrust.org Executive Director: Candace Schafer Mission: “Westchester Land Trust’s mission is to conserve land in partnership with private property owners; help communities create new parks and preserves; and foster sound land-use planning. Founded in 1988, Westchester Land Trust (WLT) has helped protect 7,500 acres of farmland, watershed protection land, public recreation lands and wildlife habitat in 28 communities.

Westchester Land Trust’s headquarters are in Bedford Hills. The Westchester Community Foundation has supported WLT’s work with $370,150 in grants since 2000. The grants have funded the trust’s communitybased land preservation program and have

WOLF CONSERVATION CENTER 7 Buck Run, P.O. Box 421 South Salem, NY 10590 (914) 763-2373, nywolf.org Executive Director: Deborah Heineman Mission: “Founded in 1999, the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) in South Salem, promotes wolf conservation by teaching about wolves, their relationship to the environment and the human role in protecting their future. The WCC accomplishes this mission through onsite and offsite education programs that give patrons awe-inspiring, up-close encounters with this important but misunderstood predator. All WCC programming emphasize wolf biology, the ecological benefits of wolves and other large predators, and the current status of wolf recovery in the U.S. The WCC also participates in the species survival plan (SSP) and recovery plan for two critically endangered wolf species, the Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupis baileyi) and the red wolf (Canis rufus).

The Mexican gray wolf and the red wolf are among the most rare mammals in North America. Presently there are approximately 400 Mexican gray wolves and fewer than 300 red wolves remaining in the world.”

10. Guardian Angels: Founder Hélène Grimaud, Jean Craighead George and Martha Handler. (a) Helene Grimaud with Richard Gere; (b) Jean Craighead George.

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time THURSDAY, APRIL 14

‘Annual Comedy Gala’ In recognition of the 13th year of Gilda’s Club Westchester, guests will gather for a celebration of life, honoring all the people touched by cancer who “live their lives” and gain a sense of empowerment; 6 to 9:30 p.m., New York Botanical Garden, 200th Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard, Bronx. Tickets: $300. (914) 6448844. gildasclubwestchester.org.

‘The Art and Antiques Market’ Explore what makes the art and antiques market tick. Christian Jussel, a private consultant for art and antiques, will provide a look into auctions, galleries and shops. Guests will view contemporary art and learn about the opportunities that can be found in antique shows. Five sessions continue through May 12, from 7 to 9 p.m., Purchase College, Humanities Building, 735 Anderson Hill Road. Admission: $299; $275 Purchase College employees, alumni; early registration discounts. Purchase.edu.

‘Raise Your Glass, Raise Awareness’ The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education’s sixth annual fundraiser will honor its executive director Cathy Malloy for her 10 years of service helping victims of sexual assault, their families and loved ones, as well as her efforts in raising awareness about this devastating crime; 5:30 p.m., Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa, 243 Tresser Blvd., Stamford. (203) 348-9346. info@thecenter-ct.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15

‘2011 Volunteer Spirit Awards Celebration’ The Volunteer Center of United Way will honor the contributions of dedicated citizens at its annual recognition program; 8 to 10 a.m.

Renaissance Westchester Hotel, 80 W. Red Oak Lane, West Harrison. $55 per ticket; $40 nonprofit staff members. (914) 948-4452.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

The Thursday Club annual benefit The dinner dance and auction, with music by Lee Evans, a Michael Carney Orchestra, will benefit The Andrus Home for Children in Yonkers, Trump National Golf Club, 339 Pine Road, Briarcliff Manor. For more information, visit thursdayclubbenefit.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27

‘Second Annual Bruce Museum Icon Awards in the Arts’ Artists, collectors, dealers, patrons of the arts and others will be honored by the Bruce Museum for their commitment to the arts in an evening ceremony and cocktail event at a private Greenwich residence. Proceeds will benefit the museum’s upcoming exhibitions. Tickets: $300 to $750. (203) 413-6764. mspinei@brucemuseum.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28

‘A Magical Evening’ The annual dinner and silent auction held by The Children’s Village pays tribute to the individuals who partner with The Children’s Village

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to help at-risk youth; 6 to 9:30 p.m., Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, 23 Street and the Hudson River, New York City. Tickets: $500 to $1,000.

(914) 693-0600, ext. 1224. childrensvillage.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29

‘Dance With Our Stars’ Students and teachers will dance the night away at Gilda Club Westchester’s fifth annual “Dancing With Our Stars” event, sponsored by Eastchester High School. The event will raise funds and awareness for the Gilda’s Club and its work to help people affected by cancer; 7 p.m., Eastchester High School, 2 Stewart Place, Eastchester. Tickets: $10. Gildasclubwestchester.

‘Hooray for Hollywood’ Guests will wine and dine at The Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County’s Hollywoodthemed fundraiser. There will be an auction and musical entertainment by jazz great Chris Coogan; 6:30 p.m., Le Chateau, Route 35 at Route 123, South Salem. (800) 898-4663. visitingnurse.net.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30

‘Annual Spring Gala’ The Katonah Museum of Art will host its annual gala to honor those who have demonstrated commitment to volunteering. Cocktails in the sculpture garden will be followed by dinner, an auction and dancing. Proceeds from the event will support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs; 6 to 11 p.m., at the museum, 134 Jay St., Katonah. Tickets: $350, $500, $1,000. (914) 232-9555, ext. 2968.

A Spring Benefit Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts will host a benefit to raise funds to support its work in enriching lives through music. Headlining the event with performances are Mac, Bistro, and Nightlife Award-winner Karen Oberlin, one of the leading interpreters of the Great American Songbook. Following the performance will be a dessert and champagne reception; 8:30 p.m., at the center, Rosen House Music Room, 149 Girdle Ridge Road Katonah. Tickets: $75, $125, $200. (914) 232-1492. events@caramoor.org.

‘Come Play! …At the Beach’ A night of dinner, dancing and beachside fun will bring in funds to support the Child Guidance Center’s work in helping children overcome traumatic experiences, challenging life circumstances and serious emotional impact; 6:30 p.m., Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, 100 Arch St., Greenwich. (203) 983-5294. childguidancect.org.

‘The Reach for the Stars Gala’ Ability Beyond Disability’s 28th annual gala attracts close to 600 guests each year to raise funds to provide critical support to 1,500 people with disabilities in the community. The event will feature a silent and live auction, raffles, dinner and dancing. Former Gov. M. Jodi Rell will be presented with the Robert S. Young Humanitarian for her extraordinary community involvement; 6:30 p.m., Amber Room Colonnade, 1 Stacey Road, Danbury. Tickets: $200. (203) 826-3181.

SUNDAY, MAY 1

‘Walk for Independence’ The fifth annual ARI (Always Reaching for Independence) Walk for Independence is a three-mile walk to be followed by lunch for all walkers to benefit programs that support people with disabilities; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cove Island Park, Stamford. Registration free; walkers encouraged to raise $50 or more. (203) 324-9258, ext. 3023.

‘Walk MS NYC-Southern NY 2011’ The New York City-Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society is hosting a threemile walk to support the organization’s mission of creating a world free of multiple sclerosis.

The walk features a festival-type atmosphere with food and entertainment; 8 a.m. to noon, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase. (212) 463-9791. walkmsnyc.org.

MONDAY, MAY 2

‘Golf Outing’ The 2011 Abbott House Golf Outing will offer a day of golfing followed by cocktails and dinner to raise funds for programs and services.

Nongolfers can choose to attend only the dinner portion of the event; 10 a.m. registration with brunch buffet and practice putting green and driving range available; outing begins at noon, Elmwood Country Club, 850 Dobbs Ferry Road, White Plains. Admission: $400 individual; $1,400 team of four; $175 dinner only. (914) 591-7300, ext. 3056. abbotthouse.net.

TUESDAY, MAY 3

Stuart Weitzman Fall Preview The Fall 2011 Stuart Weitzman shoe and boot collection will be on display, offering customers the unique opportunity to place orders for the upcoming styles, including the latest designs within the collection. Weitzman shoes are offered in more than 50 sizes, ranging from size four to 12 as well as an almost unheard of four widths; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Stuart WeitzmanWhite Plains, The Westchester, 125 Westchester Ave., White Plains. (914) 682-1923.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

Rays of Hope The Shelter for the Homeless will host its annual gala to honor outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the shelter and the community. Guests will sip cocktails and enjoy live and silent auction, music, dinner and an awards presentation. Proceeds will support the organization in its effort to provide a warm and safe place to the homeless in Fairfield County; 6 p.m., The Italian Center, 1620 Newfield Road, Stamford. Tickets: $150. shelterforhomeless.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 5

‘A Taste of Westport’ CLASP Homes Inc., a nonprofit organization serving people with developmental disabilities, and Earthplace will be hosting the seventh annual event to benefit people with developmental disabilities. A silent auction will be held during an evening of cocktails and food samplings from Westport’s finest restaurants; 6 to 9 p.m. preview party; 7 to 9 p.m. general admission, Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane, Westport. Tickets: $80 preview party, $70 door, $60 general admission. (203) 226-7895, ext. 144.

FRIDAY, MAY 6

‘Cheers!’

An evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be enjoyed as guests celebrate the success of the Westchester Children’s Museum’s outreach program Museum Without Walls. The annual benefit will help the museum to continue to grow the program; 7 to 10 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester Ballroom, 3 Renaissance Square, White Plains. Tickets: $200. (914) 421-5050.

In the Company of Women The YWCA’s third annual benefit luncheon helps raise critical funding for its programs that eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The keynote speaker will be Tonya Lewis Lee, author, producer and activist; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hilton Rye Town, 699 Westchester Ave., Rye Brook.

Tickets: $150. (914) 949-6227, ext. 147.

Shelter From the Storm Four businesses with big hearts will be honored at the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury’s ninth annual benefit. Guests will enjoy dinner, music and live and silent auctions; 6 to 10 p.m., Matrix Corporate Center, 39 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury. Tickets: $100. (203) 731-5200.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

‘Festival de Primavera’ The Neighbors Link 10th anniversary will host a “Celebrating a Nation of Immigrants”themed gala with cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing to the Latin sounds of world-class jazz musicians Norberto Goldberg and Amazonas. Proceeds will support the Neighbors Link, a not-for-profit community center providing education and employment; 7 p.m., Brynwood Golf & Country Club, 568 Bedford Road, Route 22, Armonk. Tickets: $225. 666-3410, ext.14.

Run for the Roses A Kentucky Derby celebration with signature derby cocktails, appetizers, elegant Southern cuisine, dancing and live and silent auctions will support Domus, a nonprofit organization helping the region’s vulnerable youth and their families experience success; 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., Woodway Country Club, 540 Hoyt St., Darien. sandra.long@pb.com.

Where the Miracles Are The Tiny Miracles Foundation sixth annual gala takes guests on a whimsical journey into Maurice Sendak’s children’s fantasy world. The event will include a live auction, cocktails, dinner and dancing with proceeds to support premature babies and their families; 6:30 p.m. Wee Burn Beach Club, 6 Anchor Road, Rowayton. Info@ttmf.org.

SUNDAY, MAY 7

The Designer Showcase of Westchester Cerebral Palsy of Westchester will hold its second Designer Showcase of Westchester fundraiser at a magnificent estate in Bedford Corners. The showcase will feature 25 interior design and decorative spaces; 6 to 8:30 p.m. gala preview party, showcase continues May 8 through June 12, 205 W. Patent Road, Bedford Corners. Tickets: $125. (914) 937-3800, ext.

411, or 353.

watch Rolling along at 40 Mercedes-Benz of White Plains hosted a swanky, red-carpet soirĂŠe at its fully renovated dealership the evening of March 23.

Despite the forecast of snow that spring night, 400 guests attended the event, which commemorated the grand reopening and 40th anniversary of the Westchester mainstay, part of the Pepe Auto Group family. —Kelly Liyakasa (Photographic identifications are from left unless otherwise noted.)

Joseph Crocco, Stephen Pustola and Robert Briggs, architect and builders of the dealership.

Joe and Sal Pepe

Haley Jakobson

Michael Slagter, vice president, sales operations, Mercedes-Benz USA.

Helen Nichols and Stephen Langelotti

Joe Pepe and Gene Pepe

Ashley Richardson and Yvettte Morzillo

Jaime Ruggiero, Lea Peragallo Ralph Rooke, Lee Strader and Julie Gasparino and Chris Watt

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watch silvery night

Thompson & Bender principals Geoffrey Thompson, Dean Bender and Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson hosted hundreds of colleagues and business associates March 2, at 42 restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Westchester in White Plains to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Briarcliff Manor public relations, marketing and advertising firm.

Photographs by Ryan Doran Geoff Thompson, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, Dean Bender and Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson.

(All photographic identifications are from left unless otherwise noted.)

Megan Maciejowski Corigin and Jack Hrad

Former White Plains Mayor Joe Delfino.

Kristen Ruby, president of Ruby Media Group

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Carll Tucker, founder of Main Street Connection.

Robert Weinberg

Robert Weisz, chairman and CEO of the RPW Group

Ken Jenkins, chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

Kevin Plunkett

Suzanne Copeland, senior vice president and director of marketing of Provident Bank, Alan Copeland, and Evelyn McCormack

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach

Chris O’Callaghan

Christopher Moleski

Martine Brown, Deanna Minnelli and Michelle Albert, all of M&T Bank, event sponsors.

Agnes Devereux

HV Restaurant Week launch party Hudson Valley Restaurant Week 2011 kicked off March 1 a press party launch at Harvest-on-Hudson in Hastings. This year, more than 150 restaurants in the Hudson Valley region participated in the fifth annual event, which ran from March 14 to March 27. Restaurant Week 2010 drew more than 200,000 diners to 141 restaurants in the region. —Kelly Liyakasa

Courtney Bennett

John Crabtree, Irene Crabtree Felsman and Janet Crawshaw.

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watch

Wesley Michael, daughter of local fashion designer Constance McCardle.

Singer Kat Deluna

Bra book launch party

Style expert, author and Wagger Jené Luciani recently celebrated the launch of an e-book version of her book, “The Bra Book,”at Restaurant i in Manhattan’s Charles Hotel. Some 200 attendees enjoyed massages from Oasis Day Spa, Bra-tini’s from Nuvo sparkling liquor, sweet treats from My Modern Bash and tunes spun by DJ Chef. Chart-topping singer Kat Deluna treated revelers to an impromptu performance, all while Bravo TV’s cameras rolled for Luciani’s appearance on a forthcoming series “Mad Fashion” with Chris March, designer from Project Runway.

Bill Luciani with former NY Knick Charles Smith.

Jené Luciani with Debbi O’Shea of Greenwich.

Ace of an evening

Club Fit in Briarcliff Manor recently hosted an Ace of an Evening: A Night of Tennis and Poker to raise money for Open Door Family Medical Centers in Ossining.

Photographs by Lynda Shenkman Curtis Laura Mogil, Nurit Prager, Janine Durr, Nancy Gurman and Susie Mordoh.

Ann Bernstein Bart, Kim and Bob Haskins, senior vice president of U.S. Trust Private Wealth Management and Brenda and John Fareri

For the love of art

The White Plains Performing Arts Center recently hosted “Love is in the Air,” a gala benefit at the theater honoring Margaret M.V. Preston, a regional executive and managing director of U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management.

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Dr. Fred Feiner, Silver Hill board member, and Vicki Feiner of Chappaqua.

Happy 80th

Lindsay Farrell and Desta Lakew

Mistress of Ceremonies Natalie Cole and Neil Sedaka.

Photographs by Patrick McMullan

Silver Hill Hospital, the not-for-profit psychiatric hospital in New Canaan, Conn., began its 80th anniversary year with a gala at Cipriani’s in Manhattan. More than $1 million was raised for scholarships for adolescent and young adults needing residential treatment.

Designer Dennis Basso and partner Michael Cominotto hosted the event.

wit wonders:What makes you a rebel with a cause?

“When I hear adults talk about domestic violence, both men and women, and they feel that supporting victims that just aren’t educated, probably live in an urban setting, etc. etc. and feel that’s “why” these victims are being abused, I am furious! Domestic violence affects everyone, no matter what the social setting, education or race or religion.”

— Debra A. Greenwood, CEO and president, The Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County, Monroe resident “There are so many people that want a job and want to succeed, but for whatever reason feel like they’re less than or not worthy, like they’re lost in society.

Helping those people succeed by giving them a brace, not a crutch, but rather an opportunity to be self-sustaining, selfreliant and independent, and then seeing their faces as they find their purpose and realize that they ARE deserving –– that makes me a rebel with a cause.”

— Peter Herrero Jr., president, New York State Hospitality Group, Sam’s of Gedney Way, Caperberry Events and the Great American BBQ Co., Edgemont resident

“Arts education in the schools, there is too little of it, and there has been far too little of it for far too long, which is but one reason audiences are graying. Too many Americans are simply not exposed to the arts when they are young.

This deprives many in our culture of having a cultural foundation. The arts are the soul of education and along with sports are the reason kids want to go to school.

Once you’ve been exposed to the arts, your life is enriched forever.”

— Mark Lamos, artistic director, Westport Country Playhouse, Sherman resident Kathleen O’Rourke

“I am very passionate about an organization called St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters, which is a network of food and service programs that provides a wide range of services to the poor, including feeding more than 1 million people in the New York City area every year. I have dedicated much of my time to this great cause, most recently visiting city schools to donate and read copies of my book, “Ernie and the Big News,” a book whose proceeds go to charity. On May 19 at its annual Theater Night Raffle, I will be collaborating with St. Francis once again for a “Ernie’s Great Tie-In,” where I will raffle off ties from my extensive tie collection and raise money for this incredible cause.”

— Ernie Anastos, news anchor, Fox 5 News, Armonk resident

“My passion for the transformative power of the arts makes me a rebel with a cause. I wake up every morning excited by new opportunities to connect people to their own creativity through participation in the arts. I believe communities that support their arts and cultural resources and artists are the best places to live. Give me five minutes and I’ll tell you why –– anytime, anywhere.”

— Ryan Odinak, executive director, Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, Fairfield resident “The economic self-reliance of women and girls: I know that opportunities exist for education and lifelong learning to eliminate barriers to economic self-sufficiency, and I believe that everyone who has a desire to improve her financial future needs access to these resources. When you educate a woman, she will educate her family. This is critical for our society today. This is at the heart of the work we do at the Women’s Business Development Council.” ­— Fran Pastore, president and CEO, Women’s Business Development Council, Stamford resident

“Heart Disease: It is the No. 1 killer among women.

The scary part is that we didn’t even know that until this last decade. And guess what, it can be prevented. The American Heart Association’s Go Red event raises awareness on how women can be in more control of their destiny if they took into account better diet and lifestyle choices. There are over 600 women who attend. I think that makes a statement on how concerned women are in order to protect life expectancy and longevity.”

— Linda Rey, partner, Rey Insurance Agency, Sleepy Hollow resident “Introducing young children to classical choral music and seeing the joy it gives them and their families when they perform in New York City and in Westchester with professional choirs and orchestras. I also love organizing gala benefits, which help sustain organizations that bring high-quality music to the public.”

— Edie Rosenbaum, program director, Society for Universal Sacred Music, and director, The Canticum Novum Youth Choir, South Salem resident “Every moment of my life, every cell of my body, every ounce of energy I have is devoted to making sure that I am able to stay healthy, help my family and conduct concerts and make recordings of beautiful and inspiring music.

I champion American living composers especially, because there are so many geniuses in this country whose music needs to be heard.”

– Harold Rosenbaum, artistic director, conductor, consultant, professor and editor, South Salem resident

“I am passionate about the work I do with the Eric Trump Foundation (ETF), to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. When delivering, to the hospital in Memphis, a $575,000 check from a golf outing we hosted at Trump National Golf ClubWestchester, Eric the foundation and I took a first-hand tour of what it does. We met the patients and saw how they operate ($1.2 million operating budget DAILY). It was a life-changing experience, especially since I have a 3- and 4-year-old.

Life is precious and too short. Live it to your fullest and enjoy everything you can.

To date, ETF has raised over $1. 5 million in just four years.”

— Dan Scavino, executive vice president and general manager, Trump National Golf Club, Hopewell Junction resident “It probably has to do with my belief that museums have a critical, extracurricular role to play in education, particularly in an era of federal cutbacks. We play a crucial role in augmenting education.”

— Peter C. Sutton, The Susan E. Lynch executive director and CEO of the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Rye resident “I’m a rebel with a cause … as I’m dedicated to a variety of charitable causes, but very passionate about women’s health issues, especially ovarian and breast cancer research.”

— Stuart Weitzman, chairman and designer, Stuart Weitzman L.L.C., Greenwich resident – Coordinated by Alissa Frey Contact her at afrey@westfairinc.com

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class&sass

By Martha Handler and Jennifer Pappas

W

elcome to “What the _____?” This is a column under construction.

We’re two enthusiastic Waggers who thought it would be fun to write a column about the people and circumstances we encounter that confound us, confuse us, or simply make us chuckle. We’ll split the page between commentary and advice (life or style questions). Our goal is to be the column you immediately turn to each month when your WAG arrives. But to be successful, we’ll need your help. Please email and/ or blog your feedback and suggestions and we’ll do our best to tailor this page according to your tastes. Seema (Boesky)’s a very hard act to follow.

But we’re going to give it our best shot!

The topic this month is charities, so we’ll use this as our jumping off point.

M – I’d seriously rather surrender all the Spanx in my closet to never again attend another unbearably long and uninspired charity dinner. If I can spend the increasingly long and laborious time it takes to look natural (i.e., hide my gray, shave, pluck, blow-dry, pluck some more, find a sitter, squeeze myself into a dress, and balance for hours on uncomfortable heels, etc.), is it too much to ask that the charity deliver an entertaining evening? Honorariums are so yesterday, don’t you agree?

J – I do agree. Charities need to think out of the box and kick it up a notch (stole that from Emeril). None of us wants to be bored to tears by endless speeches and 80

nods of appreciation. What we want, no - make that need – here in suburbia, is more fun in our lives. So here’s the challenge to all you charities out there: If you want a piece of my pie, be prepared to provide the à la mode. I don’t care if it’s comedians, celebrity bartenders, trivia teams, battles of sommeliers, car or ski racing, celebrity dance contests, casino nights, etc. The sky’s the limit. I just want to leave the event with a smile on my face.

M – Agreed. Otherwise I’d just as soon stay home, don my Snuggie, make myself some popcorn and watch “Hot in Cleveland,” because that Betty White puts a smile on my face like nobody else.

J – She’s a hoot. And while we’re still on the subject of charity events, let me add that while I may be confused about a lot of things, I’m fully capable of recognizing a man at this stage of the game. So guys: Please do us a favor and shake gently. You don’t need to prove yourself by crushing every bone in our hands! In fact, when a man delivers such a handshake, I can’t help but wonder what he might be overcompensating for – if you catch my drift.

M – Worse than hand-crushers are the people who greet you with a kiss on the lips. Lips are reserved for those I’m intimate with, period. For anyone else, it’s unwelcome and frankly speaking, disgusting. No exceptions.

 Q. Is it appropriate to “friend” our children’s friends on Facebook?

A. No. It’s your duty as the parent of a school-age child to monitor their Facebook pages, but the monitoring

Photograph by David Bravo.

should stop there. On the other hand, if your children’s friends choose to friend you, you are welcome (and encouraged) to accept. Information is knowledge, and in this wacky and confusing world of electronic communication, parents need to glean as much information as possible from our own children, but not necessarily the children of others. (A note of warning: Don’t assume your child doesn’t have a Facebook page just because you’ve forbidden them to!)

Q. My feet seriously ache when I wear high heels.

How important is it to wear “the right shoe”? It’s just a shoe after all.

A. Studies show that impressions are formed within the first three minutes of meeting someone and that they last a lifetime. Really! It’s all about the entrance so you should strive to make it count. You can always carry a pair of ballet flats to change into after that first impression has been formed. The only exception is if you are someone who looks and feels like a total klutz in heels. In this case, stick to a fashionable shoe that allows you to make an entrance feeling comfortable and confident.

Q. Where do we draw the line between sexy and sleazy?

A. Too much of a good thing doesn’t work. Follow this simple formula and you won’t go wrong. Short skirt, low-cut shirt and high heels? Too much! Go with the two-out-of-three approach. Pick two, any two, but only two…in whatever combination that you like.

Email Class & Sass at marthaandjen@thewagonline.com.

“

Wow, what can I say,

Dr. Kenneth Magid and Dr. Sabrina Magid and his office staff have all helped me to no longer have a dental phobia and changed my smile forever!

I now have a complete set of teeth that are bright and white. I can be proud to smile. Thanks so much for giving that back to me.”

©Michael Polito Photography

—Lisa Battaglia-Ross, WAG’s 2009 Makeover contest winner

SPONSOR

The WAG’s 2011 Makeover

Dr. Kenneth Magid is part of the da Vinci Dental “Extreme Makeover” team as seen on ABC-TV and as Associate Professor of Esthetics teaches dentists from around the world the techniques and artistry of cosmetic dentistry. Along with Dr. Sabrina Magid they offer the latest technology in dental care including the ability to see what you would look like with a cosmetic makeover with just a photo.

Lisa’s teeth before the transition

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Dr. Kenneth Magid. & Dr. Sabrina Magid 163 Halstead Ave., Harrison » (914) 835-0542 » www.ADofW.com

Scott Newman M.D., FACS is one of Castle Connelly’s top doctors in New York for the past 8 years. His new White Plains office will feature the expertise of Liz DiBartolo and the award-winning staff of EuroLaser services. Together this location presents the most advanced plastic surgery and medical laser center in Westchester County.

It’s your life. feel good in your body — bodybydrnewman.com

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