WAG magazine October 2015

BERNIE WILLIAMS Heart of gold A NEW LEASH ON LIFE

Guide dog fuels Richard Hunter’s run

CAROLEE’S ACCENT ON CHARITY KUAN YIN

A goddess most kind

ROBERT KREEK

Giving others a second chance

INFUSION

A tasteful approach to giving back

Compassion WESTCHESTER & FAIRFIELD LIFE OCTOBER 2015 | WAGMAG.COM

JUDGED

BEST MAGAZINE

IN NEW YORK STATE

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CONTENTS

WHAT’S INSIDE: 12 16 18 22 26 28 32 36 40 44 46 48 50 52 56

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 60 | 66 |

Compassion is empathy in action Where Eleanor’s spirit resides The yang of Kuan Yin Comforting creatures great and small Key change Saying goodbye One with nature Divine design Shiny charitable endeavors Blind faith Gimme shelter Under his wing Triumph over horror Show me the Moneigh COVER STORY: Bernie Williams – King of diamonds (and hearts) Heart to heart Helping the givers

Detail of a relief flanking the largest indoor statue of Buddha in the United States, at the Chuang Yen Monastery in Kent. See story on page 18.

Photograph by Bob Rozycki.

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ON THE COVER: Bernie Williams, at Ridgefield Playhouse.

BERNIE WILLIAMS Heart of gold A NEW LEASH ON LIFE

Guide dog fuels Richard Hunter’s run

CAROLEE’S ACCENT ON CHARITY KUAN YIN

A goddess most kind

ROBERT KREEK

Giving others a second chance

INFUSION

A tasteful approach to giving back

Compassion WESTCHESTER & FAIRFIELD LIFE

JUDGED

BEST MAGAZINE

IN NEW YORK STATE

OCTOBER 2015 | WAGMAG.COM

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Photograph by John Rizzo OCTOBER 2015

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WAGGERS

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EVAN FALLOR

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WELCOME TO ONE OF WAG’S MOST CHALLENGING EDITIONS TO DATE — OUR ISSUE ON COMPASSION, PERHAPS LIFE’S MOST ESSENTIAL, AND MOST ELUSIVE, QUALITY.

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Compassion — from the Latin “to suffer with” — is difficult to define, though we generally know it when we see it, as with plastic surgeon Lopa Gupta, psychologist Jeremy Stone, the medical professionals of HeartCare International and veterinarians Daniela Bedenice and Mary Gardner, whose healing hands transcend the norms of their professions.

But you don’t have to be a doctor or a religious to have compassion. As Evan’s cover story on Yankee great Bernie Williams and Mary’s interview with Shaun Maher — a pro who has created a golf program for kids with cancer — demonstrate, all you need is a heart that is moved.

And it really is about the heart leading the mind. Indeed, because compassion is so instinctive, it transcends species, as in our take on Moneighs, paintings by racehorses like American Pharoah that help raise money for those Thoroughbreds that are less fortunate. Does the Pharoah know he’s helping these horses to a better post-racing life?

Probably not. But you can’t look at Ally Irons Morris’ photographs of AP working with Dawn Mellen and not be struck by the life force that connects all creatures. That empathy is part of compassion.

It’s a quality that you can pinpoint to certain places. Bob discovered it at the Chuang Yen Monastery in Kent, where he photographed the statue of Kuan Yin to accompany Audrey’s story on the Buddhist goddess, and at Val-Kill, the Hyde Park home of Eleanor Roosevelt, who strove to lift the oppressed. Colleen sought it at Grace

Farms, the humanist center opening in New Canaan this month. Jeremy found it amid the desert beauty of Marrakech, a city where beggars offer a different opportunity for healing from that of the sumptuous spas.

But mostly, compassion finds its locus in people. I myself experienced compassion very early on when my Aunt Mary took me in and raised me, delivering me into a brilliant life.

I would’ve never been a writer without her. She gave me the space to be myself.

But she also demonstrated compassion in the way she cared for family members and nurtured my two younger sisters. And in the way she dealt with people she didn’t necessarily know. I can remember once driving down Maple Avenue in White Plains with her when she suddenly pulled over and ran out of the car before I knew what was happening — an elderly woman had fallen off the curb.

I can still see her standing in Hartsdale Pharmacy — where she worked later in life — and listening, really listening to an older woman in a goofy hat, the kind of person others might dismiss.

I like to think that my experience of her compassion is what enabled me to be compassionate in caring for her through her long twilight. But the reality is that she deserved better, someone like herself.

Still, my aunt’s example taught me that compassion is the highest form of love — not the kind of love in which we are loved but rather in which we love, and go on loving, even in the void.

Georgette Gouveia is the author of “Water Music” and the forthcoming “The Penalty for Holding,” part of her series of novels, “The Games Men Play,” which is also the name of the sports/culture blog she writes at thegamesmenplay.com.

COMPASSION is empathy in action

BY GEORGETTE GOUVEIA

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“The Good Samaritan” window by Marc Chagall at the Union Church of Pocantico Hills. Courtesy of Historic Hudson Valley.

WHAT IS COMPASSION AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM KINDNESS AND LOVE? Answering these questions is a Herculean (Her-cue-LEE an) challenge, I tell the priest.

Her-CUE-lian, he corrects me.

Sigh. Clearly, this is going to be harder than I thought.

I have begun my quest for the meaning of compassion in a place where many seek it — St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.

Go in, go in, a disheveled man says, shooing me toward the confessional. I take him to be a kind of angel or bodhisattva with a message from the divine. And so I enter, which has been my intent all along.

Inside, the priest listens to my litany of com-

plaints, telling me that I’ve done a better job confessing the sins of others than I have admitting my own. I have better success test-driving my theories on compassion.

Compassion is the most profound kind of love, because it seeks nothing in return unlike, say, romantic love. It is broader than mercy, a balm for transgressors. And deeper than pity, which carries a whiff of superiority; sympathy, which requires only thoughts and words (hence the sympathy card); or kindness, which can be nothing more than an elaborate form of politesse, as when you open the door for someone who’s struggling to get through it.

Yes, the priest replies. The highest form of compassion, I press on, is toward those we have nothing in common with and may even have had animosity toward. As in the parable of the Good Samaritan, who is moved by the man set

upon by thieves. The Jewish priest and the Levite pass their brethren by. But the Samaritan binds the man’s wounds, takes him to the inn on the back of his own beast and pays the innkeeper for his care.

And he’s not even a Jew, the priest says of the Samaritan. But you realize as a writer, he adds, that these are just words. (And indeed they are, for when I pass by several homeless people on my way from St. Patrick’s to Grand Central, I do not pause to put money in their cups.)

Who is the Good Samaritan? the priest asks me. It is Jesus, and it’s only through his intercession, through the grace of God, that we find the transcendence necessary for compassion.

The priest wants me to recommit to my Roman Catholic faith — another Her-CUE-lian effort that sounds like it’s going to cut way into valuable me time. Errrrrrrrr.

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A panorama of the Union Church of Pocantico Hills’ interior, with “The Good Samaritan” at the far end. Photograph by Jaime Martorano, courtesy of Historic Hudson Valley

But what of those of other faiths or no faith at all? How do we all become people of compassion?

I’m still stuck on the story of the Good Samaritan and turn to another source — the Marc Chagall window of the Good Samaritan at the back of the Union Church of Pocantico Hills. It was commissioned by the Rockefeller family (the so-called Brothers Generation) to honor the philanthropic memory of their father, John D. Jr., just as the abstract rose window above the altar by Henri Matisse honors the artistic memory of their mother, Abby.

One of nine Chagall windows in the church, all Rockefeller commissions, “The Good Sa-

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maritan” unfolds the parable clockwise in jewel tones, particularly shards of blue, which Chagall called the color of love. The story begins and ends with an image of Jesus. Even the persnickety priest I encountered would be pleased.

But at the 1967 dedication of his other windows — “The Good Samaritan” having been dedicated two years earlier — the spiritual yet nonreligious Chagall told a reporter that the windows “… must be felt with the heart. Otherwise it’s no good. They are here for people who are religious and some people who are not so religious, but they must be felt with the heart.”

And so it is with compassion. It may begin in the imagination. We put ourselves in another man’s shoes. But most often it’s an instinct, like courage. We’re moved by that man set upon by thieves. We may even weep. Yet that’s not enough.

As Steven Rockefeller wrote, The Good Samaritan window “reminds us that contemplation is preparation for love in action.” That’s real compassion.

The next time I go to St. Patrick’s, I’ll put a few spare bills in my pocket for the men and women “set upon by thieves” whom I encounter along the way.

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D r. We i e a r n e d h i s medical degree at C o l u mb i a University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He did his internship and residency at the Columbia University Medical Center, and received fellowship training in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at Tufts University Medical Center, New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, MA.

MEET THE DOCTOR

When: November 10, 2015, 6:00 p.m.

The Funny Bone: Understanding and treating common chronic elbow conditions

The “funny bone”, or elbow, can suffer a variety of conditions from overuse injuries such as “tennis elbow” and “golfer’s elbow” to ligament injuries in throwing athletes to disabling elbow arthritis. The elbow may also be the site of pinched nerve or chronic nerve entrapment disorders that cause numbness and tingling in the hand. Dr. David Wei will discuss why these problems occur, what you can do to avoid them, and the most effective treatments.

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WAGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2015

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WHERE ELEANOR’S SPIRIT RESIDES STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY BOB ROZYCKI

The cottage at Val-Kill is hidden up a long driveway off Route 9G, known locally as Violet Avenue, in Hyde Park.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT’S WIDE-RANGING AND INCREDIBLE LIFE HAS BEEN TIDILY ENCAPSULATED IN FOUR VALUES — COMPASSION, COURAGE, CURIOSITY AND, THE EVER-ESSENTIAL INSTRUMENT FOR ATTAINING A GOAL, COLLABORATION. The wife of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt worked tirelessly before, after and during her husband’s administration as an advocate for civil, women’s and workers’ rights. At the fledgling United Nations, she would chair the drafting of its “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” prompting President Harry S Truman to dub her the “first

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lady of the world.”

Eleanor spoke her mind in her “My Day” newspaper columns — holding her ground on hot-button issues such as public aid to Roman Catholic schools (she opposed it based on separation of church and state) and tolerance for free speech.

These columns were often filed with the dateline Hyde Park from what became her permanent home, Val-Kill. FDR had bought the vacant land, just two miles from the family’s main home, Springwood, on Route 9, in 1911.

Eleanor — along with close friends Nancy Cook and Marion Dickerman — had a furniture-man-

ufacturing building and a cottage built on the Val-Kill property, with the blessing of FDR. The thought was that furniture-making and weaving could supplement farmers during the winter and tough economic times. Val-Kill Industries served as a training program as well as a place where friends and political colleagues could meet in an informal setting.

After her husband’s death, the site remained the place where Eleanor could meet with like-minded people and share ideas.

Today, it’s home to The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill. Founded in 1977, the nonprofit “em-

braces Mrs. Roosevelt’s call to build a better world through far-reaching programs that touch people worldwide — to be her heart, hand and voice in realizing a better world.”

As a means of continuing and reinforcing the ideals by which Eleanor lived, the center honors individuals “who make a significant contribution to society in the arts, education, citizenship, philanthropy, community services and other humanitarian concerns.”

The very first awardees in 1987 were singer, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte; advocate for the homeless Trevor Ferrell; actress and social activist Celeste Holm; Central Hudson CEO John E. Mack III; and actress Jean Stapleton, who helped in the preservation of Val-Kill, which is now a National Park Service site.

This year’s winners, who will be honored Oct. 18, are former New York state Sen. Stephen Saland, Maria Cuomo Cole, Laurie Marker, William Strickland and Yoshiomi Tamai.

Saland, who cast the deciding vote for New York’s Marriage Equality Act, said “Much of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life was selflessly committed to social justice, quality and human dignity. Her stature was such that her persona and message

transcended regions and borders. It is humbling to be included among the distinguished honorees to receive the Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal.”

Cole, daughter of former Gov. Mario Cuomo, is the chairman of HELP USA, the largest provider of homes and services for the homeless in the United States. She lives in Westchester County with her husband, designer Kenneth Cole.

Cole said, “Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy continues to inspire generations, transcending gender, race and political partisanship. …Among Eleanor Roosevelt’s many known admirable qualities was her disarming ability to engage people from all walks of life with respect and dignity. I aspire to follow her path of humanity, social justice and tolerance for all.”

Marker, who was named a “Hero for the Planet”

by Time magazine, is founder and executive director of Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia.

She said that Eleanor “serves as a guiding inspiration in my work protecting the biodiversity of our planet — which is the key to keeping our ecosystem in balance — for the benefit all living creatures, but most especially mankind.”

Strickland, who is president and CEO of Pittsburgh’s Manchester Bidwell Corp., creates part-

nerships for adults-in-transition, and urban and at-risk youth. He is also the author of “Make the Impossible Possible.”

Strickland said Eleanor’s “deep belief in the dignity of all people and the need to stand up for what is right has informed my work and continues to serve as a great beacon of energy and hope for the world.”

Tamai is the president and founder of Tokyo-based Ashinaga Foundation, which “educates and nurtures future leaders to contribute to society via caring attitudes, open minds and the energy to act.”

Tamai said, “For half a century, I have raised $1 billion to enable 95,000 orphaned students to finish higher education. I have always kept two philosophies in my mind: 1. To preserve human dignity; 2. To provide equal access to education.

I have continued to fight and am still fighting because of these beliefs, beliefs that I share with Mrs. Roosevelt.”

The ceremony and luncheon will be held Oct. 18, at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (Val-Kill) in Hyde Park. For more, visit nps. gov/elro/index.htm.

STICKLEY STORY NO. 729

“When our daughter turned 21, we wanted to give her a special gift to mark her entry into adult life. Something that signified quality, strength and beauty.

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WAGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2015

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THE YANG OF KUAN YIN

BY AUDREY RONNING TOPPING PHOTOGRAPH BY BOB ROZYCKI

Kuan Yin

, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and love, is considered by devotees to be the kindest and most forgiving of all the world’s great gods. In the West, she is mainly recognized by art connoisseurs, but in Asia — notably China, Tibet, Japan, Vietnam, Bhutan and Korea — she is believed to be the beloved personification of compassion. Her image has a mysterious, tranquil effect on all believers. Graceful statues of Kuan Yin, in a variety of media, occupy places of honor in their homes as well as within innumerable shrines, temples, grottoes and even public squares.

To me, one of the most thought-provoking aspects of Kuan Yin is that s/he is androgynous — a transgender cosmic being, born male, who evolved into a female. The s/he goddess embodies the noblest characteristics of both female (yin) and male (yang).

Indian sutras relate that Kuan Yin was born in India as a male bodhisattva called Avalokitesvara. He was miraculously manifested from a ray of light that shone from the right eye of the Amitabha Buddha. (Amitabha means “unmeasured splendor” or “boundless

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light.”) Avalokitesvara was holding a lotus blossom and whispering “Om mani padme hum,” “Hail the jewel in the lotus,” which is now a popular mantra, meaning that the “jewel” dwells in the heart of all beings. The lotus blossom is identified with the aspiring soul, which, like the water lily, born in the mud, rises undefiled through suffering and emotional conflicts and blooms in the light of the divine.

According to the story, Avalokitesvara began life as an ordinary person who followed the path of wisdom. After numerous struggles and incarnations, he reached the supreme goal which all Hindus and Buddhists strive for — nirvana. But on the threshold of total bliss, this noble-hearted soul chose instead to remain on earth to help as a bodhisattva. He exclaimed, “If I am to obtain power to benefit all beings, may I now be endowed with a thousand hands, a thousand eyes.”

During the first century of our era, sutras concerning Avalokitesvara were brought from India to China and later to Tibet by Buddhist pilgrims along the Old Silk Road. The Tibetans considered

Kuan Yin at the Chuang Yen Monastery in Kent.

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“

If I am to obtain power to benefit all beings, may I now be endowed with a thousand hands, a thousand eyes.

“

— Avalokitesvara

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him to be the earthly representative of Buddha — who lived 600 years before Jesus — and the guardian of the dharma, or sacred doctrine. The 14 Dalai Lamas are believed to be reincarnations of Avalokitesvara.

Chinese Buddhist scholars, however, after lengthy philosophical discussions, held that the qualities of forgiveness and motherly love embodied by the bodhisattva were more feminine than masculine so they reincarnated Avalokitesvara as a woman.

But the sex change was not abracadabra. Rather it happened over a period of 700 years that the god of mercy, Avalokitesvara, evolved into a goddess Kuan Yin, who could give birth and manifest herself in any form in all the six realms of existence — gods, demigods, humans, animals, ghosts and demons — to help all beings attain nirvana. By the seventh century, s/he had become Kuan Shih Yin and Kuan Yin (masculine and feminine), “Mother of 10 million Buddhas” — the concept being that from the feminine qualities of purity, compassion and highest wisdom, Buddhas are born. By the 11th century, the goddess figure had become so popular that the male representative

was all but displaced in China.

In some early images, Kuan Yin was depicted as a youth with a slight beard and mustache or as androgynous — embodying the best qualities of both the masculine and the feminine. In later statues, she wears an elegant robe suggesting the flow of life that nurtures all beings. She is often depicted floating on lotus petals. Her beneficence is suggested by various objects she holds — usually a vase of amrita, the dew of immortality, a wish-fulfilling jewel or a willow branch to scatter her compassion.

To the humble she is goddess, mother figure, friend and protector; to the philosophical, the divine force of compassion that pervades the cosmos and holds everything together in harmonious accord.

The characterization of the divine benevolence as an all-giving mother or goddess is one of the highest ideals of Mahayana Buddhism. All carry the same meaning: “The Lord, who is seen, or heard from below,” implying the manifestation of spiritual energy, or the divine perceived by the human self.

Kuan Yin speaks to our spiritual selves. The more we are conscious of our higher nature, the more we feel compassion for others. When the mind and senses are silent, the human being is in harmony with nature, the spirit within blends with the cosmic forces and one becomes blissfully aware that the transcendent powers of the divine are close and the whole cosmos is divinity. This is referred to by mystics as atonement (or “at one ment”); by Buddhists as enlightenment and by Hindus as yoga. The Japanese call it “perfect interfusion.”

The image of Kuan Yin, then, represents the personification of our awakened self-nature. For when self-nature is awakened, and compassion becomes active, we are Kuan Yin — the incarnation of mercy and love.

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AllyBee and Karasu.

Photograph by Anthony Carboni.

Comforting creatures great and small

BY DANIELLE RENDA

JUST 40 MINUTES WEST OF BOSTON LIES A SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL THAT TREATS 8,000 PATIENTS ANNUALLY — BOTH DOMESTIC AND WILD — IN A FITTING FARM-LIKE SETTING. The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton is a 594-acre academic veterinary center providing round-theclock, multispecialty care for small, large and exotic pets, horses, farm animals and sick and injured wildlife. Combining medicine with education, the school offers veterinary expertise for clients and a

proactive learning approach for students.

The competitive curriculum, which accepts only 95 students per year, weaves compassion and teamwork into the details of critical care.

“The success runs in the team, not the individual,” says Daniela Bedenice, a veterinarian who is an associate professor and residency training director for the school. “You can’t do it without all our technicians, our students, our residents.”

ALLYBEE’S STORY WAG was recently introduced to Tufts when its publisher, Dee DelBello, placed AllyBee, her new-

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AllyBee underwent surgery soon after her arrival at Tufts to fix her kneecap displacement.

Students work with professionals to use swimming as part of AllyBee’s rehabilitation. Photographs courtesy Tufts University.

“

The animal has to work with you and AllyBee, for sure, had a very strong will to live. There was no question about it.

“

— Dr. Daniela Bedenice

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AllyBee undergoing rehabilitation.

born alpaca, in the care of Bedenice and her team for seven weeks. “(AllyBee) came very shortly after birth for being unable to stand,” Bedenice says. “The biggest challenge in the beginning was to stabilize her enough to understand the reason why she was unable to rise.”

As Bedenice discovered, AllyBee’s kneecaps were displaced, unevenly distributing her weight on her hind legs. Since she was unable to stand, she didn’t receive the first milk from her mother and, therefore, lacked the antibodies to prevent infection. She also displayed seizure-like activity, such as bending her head backward, which made nursing difficult.

According to Bedenice, AllyBee exhibited some characteristics similar to cerebral palsy in humans. However, unlike our species, animals can progress into normal-functioning adults

when given the proper care.

AllyBee first had surgery by Dr. Michael Kowaleski to adjust the placement of her kneecaps. Then she underwent rehab to learn how to walk. This included being placed in crutch-like mechanisms, in which students would help move her legs, gradually adjusting the level of difficulty to coincide with her healing and progressive independence.

“We tried swimming with her, did a little hill work with her, things like that,” Bedenice says.

“A lot of times the physical therapy with a large animal is like working with a child. There’s only a limited amount of cooperation that you have, so you have to find what works best.

“The animal has to work with you, and AllyBee, for sure, had a very strong will to live,” she adds.

“There was no question about it.”

Within nearly two months, AllyBee was developing on par with a normal cria (baby alpaca) as

Tufts staff and students connected with her.

“We got very attached to her. There’s a very strong bond that develops between students and their patients,” Bedenice says. “She certainly won the cuteness award, I have to say,” she adds with a chuckle.

THE DOC HERSELF Bedenice may be soft-spoken, but don’t let that fool you. She is one of four doctors that leads the internal medicine service — a division of the Hospital for Large Animals at Cummings Veterinary Center — and the only board-certified specialist in large animal emergency and critical care in New England.

And she has her very own herd of alpacas — 13 in total.

“I actually, over time, developed a program that was predominantly focused on llamas and alpacas,” she says.

Bedenice’s passion for the veterinary field began in Germany, her native country. As a child, she worked in stables and was permitted to ride the

horses. In high school, “I actually spent weekends driving around with a local veterinarian to see whether this was a field that I would enjoy. This has always been my first choice as a profession, as far as I can think back.”

Earning her veterinary degree from the Free University in Berlin, she traveled to Tufts for an externship, enjoying the experience so much that she pursed post-doctoral work at the university. She enrolled in a three-year specialty-training program to become double board-certified in large, internal medicine and emergency and critical care.

Now as an associate professor in the department of clinical sciences, she participates in a number of courses, including large-animal internal medicine, toxicology and gastro-intestinal pathophysiology.

“I’ve been a full-time faculty here at Tufts,” she says. “Fifty percent of the time I work with patients and the other 50 percent of the time, I have responsibility for teaching and research.”

For which both her two- and four-legged charges are grateful.

Dr. Daniela Bedenice

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is at 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, Mass. For more, visit vet.tufts.edu.

To view a video produced by Tufts of AllyBee’s recovery, visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=YA32F52qB3I.

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Key change JEREMY STONE PUTS DOWN BATON TO HELP TROUBLED YOUNGSTERS

BY JANE K. DOVE

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“I FEEL VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE WAY MY LIFE HAS TURNED OUT,” SAYS JEREMY STONE, A FORMER BROADWAY CONDUCTOR WHO NOW RUNS AN OUTPATIENT PROGRAM FOR TROUBLED TEENS AT NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL/WESTCHESTER DIVISION IN WHITE PLAINS. “If I could have written my own ticket, it would have been very much like this, using the knowledge and expertise I have obtained over life to enjoy two very different but now interrelated career paths.”

Stone, a clinical psychologist, heads an outpatient program that treats adolescents through dialectical behavior therapy an integrative approach that emphasizes compassion and understanding for the troubled youngsters under his care.

But before finding his second calling, Stone

Photograph courtesy Jeremy Stone.

did something very different.

“Although I went to Yale University as a premed student, I was also a serious musician, with the piano as my instrument. In my sophomore year, I took an introductory psychology course that I found fascinating and decided I didn’t feel ready for medical school. However, I did earn a B.A. degree in psychology in 1971.”

Stone took a year off from his psychology pursuits and turned to classes at the Yale School of Music with the aim of becoming a serious classical pianist while also taking some film courses, concentrating on film score writing.

“After some time at this, I hit the pavement, looking for work as a pianist. I accompanied singers and played ‘dinner music’ in upscale clubs and restaurants. People started noticing me and I was lucky enough to get work in Broadway

shows, including ‘Pippin,’ ‘Barnum,’ ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and ‘Grease.’”

With his musical star on the rise, Stone eventually became musical director and conductor for “Grease.”

“I was the youngest musical director on Broadway at this point in time (the 1970s).”

In the ’80s, Stone continued his musical pursuits, writing advertising jingles and scoring TV sitcoms.

“By the end of the l980s, I had a change of mental direction and started thinking a medical career again,” he says. “With a lot of support from my wife, Susan, I went back to school, entering a master’s program in psychology at New York University. Two years later, I applied to a doctoral clinical program and got my Ph.D. from NYU in 1999. I interned at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/ Westchester Division and trained for three years, doing postdoctoral work.”

In July 2000, Stone became a full-time faculty member in the hospital’s adult day treatment program for suicidal, self-harming individuals.

Seeing the increasing emotional stress and suicide rates among young people, Stone decided the time had come to start a special outpatient pro-

gram for adolescents.

“Today, we work with adolescents, their parents and families. We have from four to 10 in treatment at any given time. Our patients come to us, because they have a pattern of self-harm and suicide attempts. Cutting is very prevalent. Overall, I would describe our patients as individuals who are bent on self-injury in some way.”

Stone said his patients are mostly Westchester residents. They come once a week for an individual therapy session and once a week for a group session with parents. “If we feel an extra session is needed, we will add it,” he says.

Most of the adolescents enrolled in the program want to be there. “Ambivalence is, of course, always a possibility, but the vast majority really wants to be helped.”

Stone says because his program is small, he has not done formal research as yet on outcomes. “But it is my sense that most have a good therapy experience.

Their problems took a long time to get established and our program lasts for only six months. I view it as an important step in a journey — the beginning of a process of recovery. After completing the program,

some young people go back to their individual therapist or we will refer them to other therapists. Insurance can be an issue.”

He is very grateful to have had two excellent careers. “I am glad I did both. I wouldn’t take back the 20 years I spent in music and love what I am doing now. I know it’s rare to make this kind of dramatic career change, but it has worked for me.”

A former Briarcliff Manor resident who now lives in Pawling, Stone is still involved with music, however, offering a “Music and Moods” concert at the hospital this month.

“I play a piece on the piano and then get the audience to talk about the mood the music conveyed to them. Participants fill out a sheet that describes their mood after each piece and then a lively discussion takes place.”

Jeremy Stone will offer “Music and Moods,” a piano recital and discussion, at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Westchester Division.

The free concert takes place in the second-floor auditorium of the Center Building, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains. For more, call 914-997-5779.

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Saying goodbye

BY GEORGETTE GOUVEIA

Mary Gardner, DVM, with Serissa, one of the Samoyeds she loved and lost.

Photographs courtesy Lap of Love.

L

AP OF LOVE IS A NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF VETERINARIANS WHO HELP PEOPLE CARE FOR THEIR BELOVED PETS AT THE END OF LIFE. Recently, WAG caught up with Mary Gardner, who with fellow veterinarian Dani McVety, founded the service, which has a Westchester County presence.

HOW DOES LAP OF LOVE DIFFER FROM A PEOPLE’S HOSPICE?

“Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice differs from human hospice in that everything is done within the home. There is no facility or hospital to visit. Although some people experience hospice care from home, it is just one viable option available to them. The other major difference is that when the family and veterinarian feel the pet’s quality of life is no longer sustainable and the pet is suffering, we can perform humane euthanasia. Otherwise, the two concepts are similar: Both veterinary and human hospice are centered on quality of life for the patient and

support for the family. It’s about caring when we can’t cure.”

HOW DOES THE SERVICE WORK? “All of our veterinarians travel to the family’s home. This allows us to evaluate the pet in their own environment, which is crucial to appropriate treatment and long-term care. Seeing how the pet navigates in their home, interacts with the humans and furry housemates, where and how they are fed, where they sleep, how they sleep, etc. all help us come up with a hospice plan. Usually visits are once and the veterinarian develops a hospice plan, prescribes medications or exercises for the pets and then checks in frequently with the family to see how the pet is. This can be done via phone or email. Occasionally families want us to return for multiple visits to reevaluate the pet.”

WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS KIND OF VETERINARY PRACTICE? “Veterinary hospice is definitely not for everyone. Just like human hospice is not for every doctor or nurse. But I love it. The last few weeks and days are so meaningful to the owners, and it is the precious human-animal bond that drew me to this niche. Allowing owners to care for their pets when they are usually so hopeless gives me a great sense of fulfillment. If I can make the final memories good ones, then I have done my job well.”

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN VETERINARY MEDICINE?

TELL US ABOUT THE SERVICE’S ORIGINS.

“Actually, the death of my own dog in my 20s is what drew me to veterinary medicine. Her passing was very impactful in my life and I wanted to help people who loved their pets as much as I did. I knew I wouldn’t be able to save every pet and cure every disease, but I can still care for pets. I think that is also why end-of- life care is so meaningful to me.”

“Lap of Love started in Tampa in 2010 and has since grown to 42 locations in 21 states with over 60 veterinarians helping thousands of families each year.”

I THINK ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES IN LOSING A PET IS THAT THERE ARE FEWER AVENUES FOR GRIEVING THAN THERE ARE

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH PET LOSS. “The first pet I remember losing was Snow White. She was a Samoyed and she died when I was 29. She was my first dog and I got her when I was in high school. She is the reason I became a veterinarian. I have since lost two dogs and two cats — all in different ways. My Doberman Neo died when I wasn’t home. That was horrific. So many of us want them to ‘die in their sleep,’ but I wanted to be there for him, to tell him how much I loved him and to make sure his death was a good one. I didn’t get that chance.

I lost a cat, Herbie, to lung cancer. I euthanized him myself. Then I lost my second Samoyed, Serissa, last October. I promised her that I would not let her die alone and scared. I said goodbye to her on a good day, surrounded by love, good food and good friends. I also euthanized her myself. Most recently, I lost my cat Goldie to a coyote. This has been hard for me, because she is just gone. I didn’t get to hold her, to make a paw print and to make sure she didn’t suffer. But with all the loss and tears, I can’t imagine my life without them all. Each was a beautiful chapter in my story. And I will always continue to have pets. I couldn’t imagine my home without one.”

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE PET OWNERS FACE AT THE END OF THEIR BELOVED PET’S LIFE?

Mary Gardner with Neo.

WHEN YOU LOSE A PERSON. IS THERE LESS COMPASSION TOWARD ANIMALS AND THOSE WHO LOVE THEM? “I actually disagree. There are the same avenues for grief when it comes to losing a pet. Some people question God and their religious belief system after losing a pet. Some people fall into deep depression and have even committed suicide after losing a furry child. However, the social aspect is different. There is still a large population of our country that thinks dogs and cats are ‘just a dog’ or ‘just a cat.’ They can’t understand why people grieve so much over them. The social aspect can be challenging to owners. They may feel like no one understands what they are going through; their friends/family may not be there to support them; or they feel like something is wrong with them for caring so much.

“Luckily, pet loss support groups are growing around the country.

There are even wonderful hotlines to help people who need to speak with someone who understands. I’ve been in some situations where the pet is the last reminder of a spouse that had passed, or even the pet of a child that had passed. That tie to the lost human is strong and when they lose that pet, it is like losing the person all over again. I don’t know if there is less compassion towards animals. I feel we live in a society where the majority of us have compassion for animals. But the bonds we have with our pets do vary. It is important to respect someone’s path through the grieving process and not judge their feelings.”

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“Deciding ‘when is time.’ That is the most common question we hear and there is no black or white answer. That time is dependent on the pet’s ailment, how they are dealing with their ailment, the pet’s personality and the owner’s belief system. My goal is that all pets pass peacefully, with dignity and on ‘good days.’ It is difficult for me to watch the pets that are suffering and the owner’s still aren’t sure if it is time. I do my best to help guide them during this difficult time.”

SHOULD PEOPLE WHO ARE LOSING A PET IMMEDIATELY ADOPT ANOTHER? “Some should. It really depends on what’s going on in the family’s lives.

Some need a new love right away. Some need time. There is no right or wrong time to adopt a new one. I euthanized Serissa after four months of hospice. It took a toll on me caring for her at the end. I physically was not ready for a new pet. Often, owners are up late, their pet is panting/pacing/barking at night, the owners are worried and anxious and physically exhausted. It’s OK to take that time to get yourself back into a good place.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE GRIEF-STRICKEN PET OWNERS/READERS? “You’re not alone. Many of us — including myself — grieve over the loss of a pet. They are not ‘just a dog’ or ‘just a cat’ — they are our co-pilots, our companions, our best friends and they leave paw prints on our hearts.

It may help to make a scrapbook or a memorial of your pet or even a donation in their name. One day, thoughts of your pet will only bring a smile to your face. And thank you for loving a creature so much. I’m sure they love you just as much.”

For more, visit lapoflove.com. And for WAG’s complete interview with Mary Gardner, visit wagmag.com.

OCTOBER 3 4 10 11 17 18 24

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WITH NATURE

BY COLLEEN WILSON

Exterior view of the River Building. Courtesy of Grace 32 and WAGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2015 Farms SANAA.

SAVE FOR THE DULL HUM OF THE OCCASIONAL CAR DRIVING BY ON ROUTE 123, GRACE FARMS IS SERENE. The 80 acres in New Canaan is mostly a grassy expanse dotted with trees, ponds, paths and meadowlands. But there’s a courtyard in which you can barbecue and old horse barns — flanked by the original paddocks — that have been transformed into learning and office facilities as well as a rehearsal space and lounge.

Most prominent, however, is a serpentine glass building that undulates with the land and is sure to become one of the most iconic pieces on the property. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of the Tokyo-based firm SANAA, the River Building, as it’s known, is an 83,000-square-foot space,

whose transparency harmonizes with nature as it lets nature in.

The space has five distinctive zones — a 700seat sanctuary for faith services, concerts and events; a library with an adjoining conference room; a common room with furniture to accommodate study, reading or conversation; a pavilion that houses a welcome center; and a gymnasium bordered by computer rooms.

“Grace Farms is truly a place for everyone,” says Sharon Prince, president of the Grace Farms Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns the site that is set to open Oct. 9. “We hope it becomes a place where diverse communities join together for good, creating unexpected outcomes.”

Before the foundation bought the property of the former Windsome Farms equestrian fa-

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Prince says.

One of the first of these events will be an anti-child trafficking initiative Nov. 5-6, as part of a bigger project by Krishna Patel, the director of justice initiatives, who joined the foundation in July after leaving the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut where she worked for 15 years.

Combating human trafficking, Patel says, encompasses a lot of multidisciplinary areas that the foundation looks to support while providing a platform for groups committed to ending that crime.

The foundation has also joined forces with a number of organizations that also overlap with the five initiatives, including the Domestic Violence Crisis Center and the music and art therapy group Arts for Healing, Prince says.

“With an engage-as-you-choose approach, we not only open our doors to our neighbors in Connecticut and New York towns but extend the invitation nationally and globally as well.”

For more, visit gracefarms.org.

“

The foundation has designed its space to be a platform for certain components that will become fixtures of the estate.

Grace Community Church has a permanent home at the site and will hold weekly services in the sanctuary.

“

cility, it had been parceled into 10 lots for development. Since 2007, the acreage has been bought piecemeal in an effort to preserve the land. Grace Community Church first bought 48 acres and gifted it to the foundation — started in 2009 — which eventually bought the rest of the property.

The foundation has designed its space to be a platform for certain components that will become fixtures of the estate. Grace Community Church has a permanent home at the site and will hold weekly services in the sanctuary.

There are also five initiatives the foundation wants to facilitate — nature, arts, justice, community and faith.

The foundation hopes to engage the public and organizations to use the space for events, lectures and think-tank work in addition to personal time.

“To foster collaborations for the greater good, we’re providing nonprofit organizations with space grants to help them advance their mission, while also providing a place for peace,”

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DIVINE design EXHIBITION SPOTLIGHTS A TRIO OF GARRISON LEGENDS

BY MARY SHUSTACK PHOTOGRAPHS BY BOB ROZYCKI

n quietly elegant galleries steps away from the banks of the Hudson River, a pair of exhibits puts the spotlight on three 20th-century pioneers in the worlds of craft and design.

Though all are now gone, these Garrison residents spent their lives doing work that continues to influence not only the region but also the world.

Those legacies are most artfully explored and celebrated in “The Vision of One — The Power of Two: Champions of Millions,” which continues through Nov. 8 at the Riverside Galleries of the Garrison Art Center.

A SINGULAR VISION

“The Vision of One” is a compact survey of the accomplish-

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ments of Aileen Osborn Webb (1892-1979), who was a leading force in the world of crafts. It is curated by Geoffrey Platt with consultation from Paul Smith, director emeritus of the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), and with assistance from the American Craft Council staff.

Born in Garrison, Webb was raised by an art collector father and philanthropist/social reformer mother. Throughout her privileged life, she carried a sense of wanting to give back, which she accomplished most famously through her passion for crafts. She discovered and was dedicated to promoting the work of skilled makers that she found locally — her Depression-era formation of Putnam County Products enabled artisans to have a viable source of income — but would go on to a much broader platform.

Early drawings by Mary Einstein Wright are featured in “The Power of Two” exhibition at the Garrison Art Center.

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In 1940, Webb founded New York City’s America House, which would both help sell and exhibit fine craft creations, eventually leading to the founding of the American Craft Council, the School of American Craftsmen and the World Crafts Council. The opening of the Museum of Contemporary Crafts, now MAD in Manhattan, would remain, perhaps, Webb’s most noted effort.

A testament to Webb, she was the subject of this past winter’s exhibition, “What Would Mrs. Webb Do? A Founder’s Vision,” at MAD (and featured in WAG’s January issue).

A PAIR MOST POWERFUL

“The Power of Two,” curated by Carinda Swann and Maryann Syrek, continues the Garrison celebration, presenting a look at the partnership of Mary Einstein Wright (1904-1952) and Russel Wright (1904-1976).

For many in the region, the couple’s legacy is most visibly represented through Manitoga: The Russel Wright Design Center. The nearby National Historic Landmark today is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the home, studio and garden of the Wrights.

Russel Wright, the iconic industrial designer, might be the one more familiar to many, as Russel Wright creations were a part of most every mid-century household.

Here a collection of his early illustrations and costumes for the theater are unveiled along with rare examples of his better-known tableware and home accessories, but the exhibit also shines a particularly strong, and overdue, spotlight on the contributions of Mary Wright. A treasure trove of examples here clearly presents her as an incredibly talented artist herself. The exhibition takes a visitor from her earliest sketches to her own designs for items such as creamers, platters and casserole dishes.

“The thing about Mary’s work is it’s super rare because it wasn’t mass-produced,” says Swann, also the center’s executive director.

From those intricate early pen-and-ink drawings — a copy of a letter from Alfred Stieglitz to her aunt praises Mary’s work, “… How well I knew that they were not to be looked at casually!

The drawings are astounding. The paintings extraordinary.”

— through her design and then marketing work with her husband, we get a glimpse into this figure that history has too long overlooked.

Spend time looking at illustrations and tableware, books and drawings. Travel with the Wrights from their early days — Mary’s in New York City and Russel’s in Cincinnati — to their time together at the Maverick Art Colony in Woodstock and

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Curator Carinda Swann examines Russel Wright illustrations at the Garrison Art Center.

then, a life first in New York City and later, Garrison.

Together, the duo’s collaborations, which included writing the iconic “Guide to Easier Living,” broke new ground in mid-century America, efforts propelled by Mary’s unwavering dedication.

“It launched an astonishing level of lifestyle branding,” Swann says. “They were the first, and Mary’s marketing was what did that.”

The exhibition draws on generous loans from Ann Wright and Laura and Gary Maurer as well as consultation with Allison Cross, director of Manitoga.

Ann Wright says the exhibition that serves as debut for so many of her mother’s earliest drawings — stored for some 90 years and never before displayed — has proven successful in her eyes.

“I think it’s great. I don’t know exactly what I envisioned because it was the first time we had taken a risk on Mary.”

But, she adds, glancing over the gallery space, it “exceeded” any hopes she had for the show.

“It’s very powerful.”

The Garrison Art Center is at 23 Garrison’s Landing. For more, visit garrisonartcenter.org.

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Carolee’s Top of the Rock Collection not only taps into fall’s trends – brown hues and mixed-media elements – but also supports the work of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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charitable endeavors

BY MARY SHUSTACK PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CAROLEE NEW YORK

WHEN IT COMES TO GIVING BACK, CAROLEE NEW YORK LEADS BY SHINING EXAMPLE. The Stamford-based fashion jewelry wholesaler has a long history of offering designs that raise funds for nonprofit organizations.

Year after year, the purchase of a selection of the company’s necklaces and earrings, pins and bracelets secures not only fashionable accessories, but also helps charitable efforts at home and abroad — from breast cancer to clean water to helping those whose lives have been disrupted by natural disaster or domestic violence.

And these charity partnerships are integral to the mission of the company founded in Greenwich in 1972 by jewelry designer Carolee Friedlander.

Karen O’Brien, Carolee’s vice president of marketing, offered WAG some comments recently, giving insight into these efforts.

“They’re fundamental,” O’Brien says. “Part of our mission statement reads: ‘Share the success of our company by partnering with charitable causes.’”

And it’s been that way for a very long time.

“Over the years Carolee has developed programs with charities including the Susan G. Komen foundation (Race for

the Cure), Wildlife Conservation International (Save the Elephant), VH1 Save the Music, Literacy Partners, AmeriCares, and now, with Water.org and Stand Up To Cancer,” she says.

“Through product donations Carolee has also supported many charities large and small to help them fund-raise, including the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation, JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), St. Jude Children’s (Research) Hospital, Kidsave and The American Heart Association, plus local chapters and schools everywhere.”

Friedlander sold the company to The Brooks Brothers Group in 2001, but the good work has continued.

Today, with a Fifth Avenue showroom in Manhattan and state-of-the-art headquarters and a 40,000-square-foot distribution center in Connecticut, the company offers classic, modern and trend-driven jewelry featuring fashion pearls, crystal, glass and semiprecious stones. The designs are sold in major department and specialty stores in more than 40 countries and online, while Carolee also designs and distributes licensed jewelry for fashion brands, including Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Chaps, ABS by Allen Schwartz, French Connection, Trina Turk and Brooks Brothers.

The charitable work, O’Brien says, is both integral and well-considered. The organizations’ work, for example, must

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affect the lives of Carolee customers and employees, she says, and the groups must operate at the “highest level of effectiveness and integrity.” In addition, they should be good marketing partners to ensure the collaborations are effective.

Once the partnerships are formed, the process continues in intensity.

“We bring our design team into early discussions with the organizations to learn about their aesthetics — their colors, logos, symbols, etc. — and what they are trying to communicate through them,” O’Brien says. “Our designers then go to work making sketches that interpret the organization’s own visual ideas into beautiful and marketable jewelry.”

This fall, Carolee is introducing the results of the latest partnerships to join its ongoing efforts.

The Water Drop pendant, which made its debut in mid-September, is inspired by the achievements of Water.org. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, the organization bills itself as doing work that “pioneers innovative, community-driven and market-based solutions to ensure all people have access to safe water and sanitation — giving women hope, children health and communities a future.” Carolee is donating $10 from the sale of each

piece ($150) to the organization.

Carolee has also worked with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) since its 1993 inception as a charter fund-raising partner. The Top of the Rock collection, which debuts this month, is all about fashion. Its pieces tap into the fall trends of colors and materials, with faceted gold, topaz and brown glass beads, chocolate and gold glass simulated pearls, white crystal pavé and gold-tone metal designs. Carolee will donate $5 from the sale of each piece — the collection ranges from $30 to $125 — to the BCRF. An ongoing design, the Hope Bangle, also raises funds for the BCRF, with Carolee donating $5 from the sale of each $60 bracelet.

Next month, the Stand Up To Cancer pendant featuring a carnelian charm debuts, with Carolee donating $5 from the sale of each $45 necklace to that organization.

And, to note, the company will continue to donate 60 percent of the sale price of the AmeriCares jewelry collection through the end of the year, supporting its Stamford neighbor’s continu-

Carolee is donating $5 from the sale of each piece from the Top of the Rock collection to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

ing work in Nepal.

Across the board, Carolee’s efforts have had an effect.

“We know that through donations raised by product sales, product donations and marketing efforts Carolee has provided, we have helped raise millions of dollars for charities,” O’Brien says. “For a relatively small company like ours, we think that’s a big achievement, and it makes us very proud.”

For more, visit carolee.com.

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Le Farm, Bedford NY This 25 acre gentleman’s farm offers privacy & tranquility in a stunning equestrian setting. The thoughtfully renovated 5 BR main house is perfectly sited on the property, overlooking a pond, paddocks, & rolling lawns. French doors beckon guests to the terrace & pool, while large windows frame idyllic views. The heart of the home is a luminous great room w/a vaulted ceiling & stone fireplace, while formal living & dining rooms offer venues for more traditional entertaining. The west wing master suite & adjacent oak-paneled study offer the perfect setting for quiet repose. Another 3 family BRs and 2 BTHs reside in the south wing of the home, & an additional guest suite occupies its upper level. In addition to the pool/pool house & terrace, the grounds offer a tennis court, 2-BR guest cottage, garage space, & a greenhouse.

The equestrian facilities include a 5 stall barn, outdoor arena, 6 paddocks, & direct access to the Bedford riding lanes. MLS#4526323 Price Upon Request

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Sited on 34 bucolic acres of open fields, lush woodlands and within walking distance of the 4700 acre Pound Ridge reservation is this classic 6 bedroom, 6 1/2 baths colonial. This traditional home melds relaxed country living with generously proportioned rooms for elegant entertaining. The property includes a strategically situated pool, an artfully planted terrace and tennis court. This home offers a remarkable lifestyle in a picturesque setting! MLS# 4532852 Price: $3,398,000

Enter a half mile driveway to this spectacular 68 acre secluded equestrian estate surrounded by 200 acres of conservation land on historic Baxter Rd. The distinctive 6 bedroom, 7 bath stone/clapboard home features a spacious master suite with his and her bathrooms, a wine cellar and a luxurious indoor pool. The 8 stall barn includes a tack room, feed room, wash stall and full hay loft with a 2 bedroom Groom’s apartment above. Adjacent to the barn is an 80 x 180 ft. indoor riding arena plus an outdoor ring and large flat grass paddocks. Numerous garages for the car enthusiast. All in turn key condition.

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An equestrian estate at the gateway to Millbrook. Just 90 minutes from NYC, this 53.45 acre property is the perfect gentleman’s farm.

An impeccably restored Federal/Italianate 6-BR manor house overlooks paddocks & open fields. The grand entertaining spaces evoke Gilded Age style, featuring antique fireplaces, European tile, oversized windows & quarter-sawn oak flooring. The chef’s suite includes a restored butler’s pantry w/marble countertops, 2014 renovated kitchen w/ professional grade appliances, French doors to the terrace, & an open concept office/playroom. The grounds include a 3BR cottage, carriage house w/ apt, garage & restored ice house.

The equestrian features include an outdoor ring, 11 stalls in 2 barns, & 6 paddocks. Well-kept trails for riding & walking throughout.

Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the pristine trout stream that borders the grounds. Surrounded by mature gardens & specimen trees.

MLS #4530510 Price $2,595,000

Beautiful colonial, on prestigious Hook Rd. in the heart of the estate area. This original antique was renovated and expanded to include 5 BRs & 5.1 Baths. The gourmet kitchen includes granite counters, custom cabinets, a gas/electric cook-top & Subzero refrigerator and opens to a finely appointed family room/living room. Window wrapped Breakfast room. Details throughout include hardwood floors, built-ins and accents of molding. The property is 2 level landscaped fenced acres with a gated entry, heated pool, stone patio and charming covered porch. An additional 1,734 sq ft. basement with high ceilings is suitable for finishing. All privately situated but close to Bedford Village and convenient to train station.

MLS# 4541249 Price: $1,795,000

This 5 BR, 4.5 bath Colonial home boasts high ceilings, hardwood flrs & moldings. The gourmet kitchn features warm cabinetry, & granite countertops. The breakfast area opens onto the patio. The home includes a FDR, LR w/ views of the Hudson Valley, den & a comfortable office w/screened porch. The large MBr has a fplc, & a screened porch. 3 additional BR’s on the 2nd floor, 1 en-suite & 2 connected by a shared bath. Completing the 2nd floor is a bonus room. The home’s lower level includes a guest suite and a gym area. The equestrian amenities include the 4 stall barn, outdoor arena & 2 paddocks.

Short ride to the NS trails. The grounds feature lawns, mature plantings, gazebo, & pool. Stone patios offer flexibility for outdoor dining. MLS#4537579 Price: $1,450,000

Blind FAITH RUNNER STAYS ON COURSE WITH SPECIALIZED GUIDE DOG

Running Guides instructor Jolene Hollister with Richard Hunter and Klinger.

Photograph by Mark Liflander, courtesy of Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

44 WAGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2015

BY GEORGETTE GOUVEIA

RICHARD HUNTER WAS A U.S. MARINE INTENT ON MAKING THE CORPS HIS CAREER WHEN HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA, AN INHERITED, DEGENERATIVE EYE DISEASE THAT ULTIMATELY LEADS TO BLINDNESS. “I was numb,” he says. “It took me a year before I could think long term. I had worked hard to earn an ROTC scholarship to Oregon State University. In June of 1989, I was commissioned as a second lieutenant at the age of 22. Then in a matter of months, my vision degenerated.”

He was honorably discharged in 1990.

Today, he likens his sight to looking through a toilet paper roll whose opening is covered in wax paper. “I can see high contrasts.” Ultimately, he will go blind. Back then, “It was a big shocker, time for do-over number one.”

That involved working with emotionally disturbed children and running a group home. The Folsom, Calif., resident became a school psychologist and taught part time at California State University, Sacramento until he could no longer see well enough to drive.

“By the time I left my job as a school psychologist I was a father. I wanted to be a model for my (three) daughters — that one can be blind and still be relevant.”

Time for do-over number two, and that’s where Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights comes in. As program coordinator for the United States Association of Blind Athletes’ National Marathon Championships, Hunter would play a key role in Guiding Eyes’ Running Guides pilot program — as its first graduate this past summer.

“I had run for exercise and running a marathon had been on my bucket list,” Hunter says. After leaving his career as a school psychologist, he started training using sighted volunteer partners. To date, he’s run 11 marathons, including three Boston Marathons, though he qualified for five. He did the Ironman triathlon — a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run — in 11 hours and 55 minutes, the second visually impaired man to complete the race in under 12 hours.

At the Boston Marathon last year, Hunter asked Guiding Eyes President and CEO Thomas A. Panek — himself

a visually impaired runner — what he thought about running with a guide dog.

Panek brought that challenge back to his staff in Westchester.

“When he posed that question, we had to check our belief system at the door,” says Ben Cawley, class supervisor at Guiding Eyes. “We have a blanket policy that we don’t recommend running with a guide dog even though we knew people who were doing it under the radar. (The dogs are) not trained for that.

They guide at a walking pace.”

But Guiding Eyes decided to see if it could be done safely. The team re-evaluated the harness to give a running dog more shoulder room and consulted veterinarians, who pointed to the Iditarod, the 1,000-mile sled-dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.

Now the organization needed to find the right dog, which it did in Klinger, a German Shepherd who went through Guiding Eyes’ Canine Development Center. Even before meeting Hunter, Klinger had more than 200 miles of training as a running guide, which he achieved three times a week over six months, working with Cawley, instructor Jolene Hollister and Nick Speranza, a member of Taconic Road Runners. (Cawley and Hollister coached Speranza as a running partner for Klinger by blindfolding him and riding behind him on a bike.)

On Aug. 22, Hunter and Klinger graduated from Guiding Eyes’ Running Guides program and their future together looks bright. They’re back in Folsom where Klinger has become part of the Hunter family. He won’t accompany Hunter during all his training for the California International Marathon in December. A dog can only run so much. But he can help him to train safely and effectively on the shorter runs. (Klinger runs a mile in 9 minutes.)

Hunter will still need a sighted twolegged running partner and to that end became a leading force this year behind United in Stride, a North American online database that brings blind runners together with sighted human guides.

Says Hunter: “I just want people to act on their own inspirations.”

For more, visit guidingeyes.org and unitedinstride.com.

la bottega salon IT’S MORE THAN A HAIRSTYLE, IT’S A LIFE STYLE

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WAGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2015

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Gimme shelter

BY GEORGETTE GOUVEIA

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A paintings done in Ouattara’s workshops at the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester.

Photograph by Andria Patino.

BOB KREEK HAS HAD A LONG, SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN TELEVISION. HE WAS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF FILM ACQUISITION FOR HBO IN THE LATE 1970S BEFORE BECOMING COO OF FOX’S TV GROUP AND FOUNDING CEO AND PRESIDENT OF COMEDY CENTRAL. “But you get to be a certain age,” the Bronxville resident says, “and you and the entertainment industry are out of sync. It was time for me to do something different.”

That something different was the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester (YSPW), founded by a group of local judges some 40 years ago as a rehabilitative alternative to our punitive penal system for certain qualified offenders.

“New York state is only one of two states that treats 16- and 17-year-olds as adults,” says Kreek, president of the YSPW board of directors. (The other is North Carolina.) The 16- to 21-year-olds in the program are not hardcore criminals. Adds Kreek, whose management style has always been “compassion with a dollop of ruthlessness”:

“These are good kids who screwed up. There but for the grace of God go I.” The young men are housed in a 12-bed facility in Mount Vernon that has a strict regimen.

They’re taught table manners and given an opportunity to complete their GED, or high school equivalency, as well as time with career counselors and social workers. And while there are occasional forays to concerts, the Bronxville Public Library and jobs with local chefs and animal shelters, the program is a lockdown situation.

It’s one that works, says Kreek, who joined the YSPW board in 2009.

“The recidivism rate is very low,” he adds, for the hundreds of offenders who have completed the three- to nine-month program. “They generally stay out of the prison system.”

This past summer was a special one for the program’s selectees. They had an opportunity to take part in four workshops with the neo-impressionist painter Ouattara Watts, known as Ouattara, a protégé of the graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat — thanks to support from ArtsWestchester, the Katonah Museum of Art and the Pelham Art Center. The resulting works,

Bob Kreek. Courtesy of Griswold Home Care.

along with boldly colored paintings by Ouattara, Bradley Theodore and other artists, were exhibited last month at The Rye Arts Center to benefit YSPW. “The work being done is so valuable,” Kreek says, “that I think we have a responsibility to expand the program.”

For more, visit ysow.org.

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WAGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2015

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Shaun Maher

Under his wing SHAUN MAHER BRINGS GOLF – AND HOPE – TO KIDS BATTLING CANCER

F

BY MARY SHUSTACK PHOTOGRAPH BY BOB ROZYCKI

OR MANY, A DAY OFF IS A CHANCE TO HANG OUT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, CATCH UP ON ERRANDS OR MAYBE JUST KICK BACK AND NOT DO MUCH OF ANYTHING.

For Shaun Maher, an assistant golf pro at Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, his day off finds him heading to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to teach a bit of golf to young cancer patients.

Maher, you see, wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“It’s the best thing I’ve done as a golf professional,” he says of the Monday afternoons he spends offering golf-themed activities to children undergoing treatment.

It’s all the work of Bluebirds 2014 Inc., a nonprofit that Maher founded and officially launched in December.

Bluebirds 2014, as its mission states, was “formed for the charitable purpose of creating a positive diversion for children and young adults with cancer, their families and friends, while providing hope and happiness through the game of golf.”

As Maher explains, “A bluebird symbolizes hope and happiness.”

EARLY DAYS From the start, Maher’s enthusiasm attracted attention.

The company that designed his logo, LT Creative in Wallingford, was impressed by 48

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his vision and, he says, donated its services.

It seems Maher makes a strong impression wherever he goes, even at his gym.

Kent MacWilliams, a co-owner and coach at CrossFit Valkyrie in Irvington, says the management at CrossFit connected with Bluebirds right away.

“At its core, Bluebirds’ mission is to provide a positive vibe… for young folks though sport. By itself, that is a worthy cause to support, particular for a business like ours.

But the real reason we love to show our support is the raw passion Shaun has for the program. He’s a modest guy, but once you get him talking about Bluebirds it’s clear that this is something special for him.”

And clear it is.

Maher, who grew up in Cromwell in Connecticut’s Middlesex County and has worked in Florida and along the East Coast, has been involved in golf since his teenage years.

“I started working at a golf club when I was 15, when I was a junior in high school,” he says. He was thinking of landscape architecture as a career but was encouraged to be a golf pro.

“Now, 20 years later, I’m still in the golf business,” he says.

He says he comes at golf more from the business end, having attended the PGA Certified Golf Management Program at Methodist University in North Carolina, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business management.

He would go on to be an assistant coach for the nationally ranked University of North Florida golf team for two years and was elected to the PGA membership in 2009. Maher’s a past president of the Connecticut PGA Assistants’ Association, was the 2011 Connecticut PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year — and most recently was nominated for the 2013 Golf Teacher of the Year for the Connecticut PGA Section.

“I have a passion for golf, obviously,” he says. “I always had a passion for giving back.”

He says cancer has had an effect on his family and working with children, especially those dealing with illness, just struck a chord.

“Kids, they don’t have a say in what happens to them.”

THE PROGRAM Bluebirds has continued to evolve.

After intense medical screening — “They make sure you’re pretty healthy because of the kids’ immune systems” — Maher began his work with the Manhattan hospital.

“I actually teach the children while they’re seeking treatment.”

He uses scaled-down clubs with plastic heads and special balls.

But it’s not about competition or completion.

“What I envisioned my program being — and what it actually is — is two different things,” Maher says. “I had a very structured plan.”

But he soon learned to adapt. If the kids want to throw a ball instead, Maher says, “I let them do it.”

It’s still exercise and engaging them as they work on coordination skills and get a little respite — but it’s no free-for-all.

“Safety is very important to me,” he stresses. He also sees the program offering a chance to bond and gain a sense of empowerment for children during a time when they are in a situation where they have so little control.

“Some of the kids I just taught would show the other kids” how to putt. “They’re like ‘Shaun, I got this.’”

At the end of the day, he says, “It’s more about laughing, about having fun.”

FROM THE START Maher is quick to point out all the help he has received along the way.

“Dr. Julia Bender was instrumental in getting my program in the door at NY-P,” he says of the associate professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center and medical director of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation Developmental Therapeutics Program. “I was teaching her daughter Abby golf when the connection was made

of myself trying to get my Bluebirds program into NYP. Dr. Bender helped immensely to speed along the process and introduced my program to Sonia Lugo, Child Life Services director.”

And from there, it seems, Maher’s path was clear.

Lugo, of the Child and Adolescent Oncology and Hematology Center at NewYork-Presbyterian, was immediately impressed.

“When I first received the information about Shaun from one of our attending physicians, I immediately loved the idea — because it was something novel to offer children who are in clinic often for more than four hours a day receiving treatment,” she says. “We have arts and craft activities and entertainers who are regularly scheduled but not a sports activity. The kids love it.”

It makes a very real difference, she adds.

“The program gets kids out of their infusion chairs (the chairs where they receive treatment, including chemotherapy) and out and about in the clinic.”

She’s seen the effect firsthand.

“It has been especially helpful for a particular patient who was in our pediatric intensive care unit for many months,” she says. “Because of that long hospitalization, he lost a lot of muscle mass. Physical therapy worked with him daily to rebuild the muscles, especially leg strength he lost but this child is not very

motivated to exercise because he’s so weak. Shaun met with the child and with the approval of the medical team, has this patient walking around (although slowly), but he is still walking around playing a round of golf with Shaun, which has been a gift.”

FUTURE PLANS Maher realizes, he says, that what he’s doing is “not just golf.”

It’s about family bonding, offering hope and more.

In his first four months, Maher estimates he’s worked with nearly 60 people including patients, most of them ages 5 to 8, and their families.

Though Maher has not lost any patients, he quickly realized it’s a possibility. At the start, staffers asked about letting him know if a child doesn’t make it.

“It kind of took me off guard,” he says. “They kind of asked me, ‘Shaun, how would you like to find out?’”

It’s not something he dwells on.

“I don’t feel (it) when I’m there. I’m more focused. I do think about it sometimes on my way home. I’m on the Henry Hudson going home and sometimes it hits me, what they’re going through.”

And that’s what keeps him going, having recently expanded the program to Gilda’s Club in Manhattan and its Noogieland center for children touched by cancer.

With plans to go to New York University to learn more about nonprofits as he moves Bluebirds 2014 ever forward, Maher is committed to the program for the long haul.

“I volunteer my time to do it. Any money that I raise or fund-raise goes right back to the kids.”

For Maher, the rewards are not monetary.

It’s a smile, or a gesture like the painting made for him by a young patient that he quickly framed.

That, Maher says, “meant a lot to me.”

For more, visit bluebirds2014.com.

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Harry Waizer

Triumph over horror 9/11 SURVIVOR RECOUNTS JOURNEY FROM TRAUMA TO RECOVERY

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY REECE ALVAREZ

ON SEPT. 11, 2001, HARRY WAIZER OF SCARSDALE WAS RIDING THE ELEVATOR BETWEEN THE 78TH FLOOR LOBBY AND HIS OFFICE AT CANTOR FITZGERALD’S HEADQUARTERS IN THE NORTH TOWER OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER WHEN THE FIRST PLANE HIT THE TOWER. “…What I experienced was just a rocking, a sudden movement of the elevator, then a plummeting,” he says. “The elevator started falling and then it burst into flames.”

Waizer survived with burns over 45 percent of his body. Following a seven-week induced coma in New York-Presbyterian Hospital, he would go on to three intensive months at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, where he recently shared not the horror and pain of his trauma, but the joy and triumph of his healing during an intimate talk.

“I took some valuable lessons from 9/11 — from my personal aftermath. I have a deeper appreciation for the unpredictability of life, for the incredible medical caregivers we have that help us through the aftermath of whatever personal experiences we may have,” he says. “There is much in our lives we can’t control, but what I learned here at Burke is how to focus on the things that I could control.”

Under a team of specialists, including Dr. Richard Novich, director of Burke’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program and occupational therapist Corina Waldrup, Waizer made what he describes as a full recovery.

“I live a normal life. The other stuff is just stuff,” he says.

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But he is not unscathed. Waizer lives with significant scarring on his face and body as well as damage to his vocal chords and can still have minor difficulty with some basic motor functions.

“I was angry. I had moments of despair. I had moments of apathy,” he says. “There are so many things you do every day that you take for granted. Try buttoning a shirt with fingers that aren’t really working. I was 50 at the time and suddenly a toddler again, fumbling, straining to perform the simplest of tasks but lacking a toddler’s naturalness and the confidence it is all going to get better.”

Waizer was recovering at Burke with fellow Cantor Fitzgerald employee Lauren Manning, a senior vice president and partner with the financial services firm at the time of the attack.

“I used to refer to her as the Energizer Bunny,” he says. “I would be on the treadmill for 20 minutes and there she was two treadmills over doing 30 minutes at a higher pace. But that was OK. You work at your own pace.”

While Manning was much farther from the point of impact, she was engulfed in a fireball that descended down the building in an elevator shaft and suffered burns on more than 85 percent of her body.

“Harry beat the odds and so did Lauren,” Novich says. “It was a very remarkable thing that we as caregivers went through to have them here and to see them survive. It was one of the more memorable things in my career. It was very profound from my point of view. We had two patients from 9/11 who were burned who had families, and two who were single, and I saw a very big difference in the recovery.”

During their recovery, Manning and Waizer, along with their families, celebrated New Year’s Eve together with a Chinese dinner in Burke’s cafeteria.

“It was a little bittersweet,” he says. “It was making the best of a difficult situation.”

Each day presented an option of either approaching the day with joy or misery, Waizer says.

Sometimes he would have to find the humor or hope in the little things, like asking his rabbi to give him a shave or appreciating books as gifts even though he couldn’t turn the pages.

“How could you not laugh, how you could feel anything but good after a moment like that,” he says. “It is all those little efforts at caring, at helping, that wouldn’t allow me to stay in my despair.”

On Feb. 13, Waizer left the hospital for his home, but his rehabilitation would continue physically as an outpatient and mentally as a survivor of 9/11.

“Leave-taking was emotional,” he says. “There is no way to adequately thank the people who have helped you. Whatever you say is just inadequate, but that is what you have to do.”

The experience was emotional not only for the immense gratitude he felt for the staff, but also for the challenges that remained for him and his family as he continued his recovery.

“I felt I would be coming home a diminished man.” He says. “I couldn’t open a jar.

I couldn’t feed myself.”

Eager to regain the confidence that comes with productivity, Waizer pushed through his recovery and partially resumed working at Cantor Fitzgerald in 2004 where he continues to work today.

Cantor lost more than two-thirds of its workforce (more than 650 people) during the terrorist attacks, and reminders of those close friends and colleagues still haunt Waizer at times, he says.

Some of his physical injuries will never fully heal, but he tries to remain grateful for what remains in his life, not what’s been lost.

“I am a child of Holocaust survivors, which I think gave me a very different perspective on 9/11. As terrible as 9/11 was, I came from a family that had experienced a horror that dwarfed it. So I brought that perspective to it. I was never bitter,” he says.

“For those of you who are, or may someday become patients at a Burke or other place, I just want to share the knowledge that there is life after and it can be a very good life despite whatever challenges may remain.”

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Triple Crown winner American Pharoah creates his record-setting Moneigh.

BY GEORGETTE GOUVEIA

AT FIRST GLANCE, THEY LOOK LIKE ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONIST PAINTINGS — ALL BRIGHT COLORS AND BOLD SHAPES. But they’re actually more paddock than Pollock.

They’re called Moneighs — paintings on paper by

“

Each one is different.

Some horses just go to town.

They try to nibble and lick the paper.

Their ears are pricked.

“

Show me the Moneigh

many of the top racehorses of our time — to help their less fortunate retired brothers and sisters with a different three Rs, rescue, rehab and retraining for new careers.

The woman who assists these special four-legged artistes — including American Pharoah, whose Moneigh recently sold for $7,104 on eBay — has strong Connecticut roots. Dawn Mellen grew up in Trumbull and Shelton and her family still owns Town Fair Tire Centers throughout Connecticut. These days, though, Mellen is a Southern California horse owner and founding president of After the Finish Line, which funds organizations that help retired racehorses. (It’s one of two Moneigh beneficiaries, the other being ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption.) She’s also, for the last 10 years, the “artists’” assistant.

“I help the horses put their expression on paper,” says the woman who knows “the backside.” And by that we don’t mean the rear end of the horse (though maybe that, too.) Mellen knows the behind-the-scenes world TV racing fans don’t necessarily see. She speaks the language of jockeys, grooms and trainers, which is no doubt why they’re comfortable trusting her with

— Dawn Mellen

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Kentucky Derby runner-up Firing Line admires his Moneigh. Photographs by Ally Irons Morris, courtesy ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption and After the Finish Line.

a California Chrome or a Zenyatta. She in turn is grateful to teams like that of American Pharoah — owner Ahmed Zayat, trainer Bob Baffert, assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes, jockey Victor Espinoza — who were happy to saddle up for charity.

“Saddle up” may be the wrong choice of words here. Mellen says she doesn’t visit her artists in their workplace, the racetrack, but rather at home, in their stalls. And just as not every human is crazy about arts and crafts, the more than 200 racehorses that have participated, including Cigar and Stormcat, have varying attitudes toward painting.

“Each one is different,” Mellen says. “Some horses just go to town. They try to nibble and lick the paper. Their ears are pricked.”

Mellen lets the horse get comfortable with the paper and sniff the children’s nontoxic, water-based paints. With the groom standing by, she then applies paint in the colors of the horse’s silks

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to his or her chin.

“I like it when it gets into the horse’s whiskers, because it makes a feathery line.”

Mellen holds the paper under the horse’s chin — vertically or horizontally — and as he moves, he makes an abstract design. (So far, none of the horses have gone in for Photorealism.) Black paint is then applied with a sponge to one of the horse’s racing plates — or racing shoes, the equine version of Nikes — so the horse can “sign” his work. The trainer and jockey sign, too. A bit of tail hair is added, tied with a ribbon in the color of the animal’s racing silks. The works are stamped with ReRun, matted and embellished with a plaque that says “Original Moneigh” and the horse’s name. Voilà, a masterpiece fit for eBay, where Moneighs in total have fetched six figures. Some are available as prints and notecards, like the turquoise and yellow work by American Pharoah.

Mellen was thrilled to work with America’s newest star, who she calls “a big, magnificent creature with a magnificent coat and shiny coloring — a happy horse. He knows that on the track, he’s on the job. He’s got his game face on. But in his stall, he’s just American Pharoah.

“He was lovely,” she added. “He was a gentleman.

He gave you his attention. His ears perked up. His eyes were focused on you. He was agreeable. He never backed up. He was fine with the painting.

There are horses that take things — no pun intended — in stride. He’s like ‘American Pharoah, can you do this? Sure, why not?’”

You sense that Mellen is the same way.

“It’s just nice to be with the rock stars of the racing world,” she says, who are in the end merely “horses helping horses.”

For more, visit rerunottb.com, afterthefinishline.org and stores.ebay.com/The-ReRun-Shop.

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Bernie Williams 56

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KING of diamonds (and hearts)

BY EVAN FALLOR PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN RIZZO

ON THE FIELD, FORMER NEW YORK YANKEES CENTER FIELDER BERNIE WILLIAMS WAS KNOWN FOR ROBBING HITTERS OF EXTRA-BASE HITS AND STEALING THE OCCASIONAL BASE. Off the field, the classically trained musician is known for giving back to the community — through his musical performances and programs, appearances and partnerships throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties.

That aspect of the multifaceted Williams was evident Aug. 30 during his annual charity softball game and guitar performance, featuring his All Star band, at the Ridgefield Playhouse.

Teams for the game were organized by Ridgefield Playhouse Executive Director Allison Stockel, and included Ridgefield residents — friends of Williams as well as several lucky area residents who won the chance to play

through a contest by radio station WHUD, the event media sponsor.

The day began with the 1 p.m. game, which pitted a squad featuring Williams and his teammates against what could be seen as a group of underdogs, who pulled out a walk-off 17-16 win.

Several hundred folks, many wearing No. 51-inscribed jerseys or pinstripe gear, lined the perimeter of the East Ridge field to watch him cover first base, a far departure from his days in the outfield. Still, the day was more about charity than it was about a game.

Stockel says the day’s events raised more than $20,000, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Playhouse Arts for Everyone Program, which makes the performing arts available to the disadvantaged youth of Fairfield County.

“Having him come here every year is great because he’s

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“

Having him come here every year is great because he’s such a charitable guy. He’s a great guy and intense with commitment to his music but very approachable and personable.

“

— Allison Stockel

such a charitable guy,” she says. “He’s a great guy and intense with commitment to his music but very approachable and personable.”

A portion of the proceeds raised from game tickets and auction items — including hats and other memorabilia signed by Williams — also went to Hillside Food Outreach, the Pleasantville-based nonprofit that delivers food to the needy in Westchester, Putnam and Fairfield counties.

Williams has been a supporter of the nonprofit for 14 years, and the organization plans on honoring him Nov. 7 at its annual gala and dinner auction. He was the guest speaker when the organization opened its Danbury office in September 2011 and performed at Hillside Food Outreach’s gala in January 2014.

Hillside Executive Director Kathleen Purdy says the event raised more than $5,000, and added that the organization would not have been able to expand as much as it has without Williams’ help.

“It’s very difficult for us to get support, especially in this area,” adds Purdy, whose son and grandson played against Williams in the August softball game. “People for whatever reason in these affluent areas don’t understand there are a lot of people going hungry. Bernie sees the need and is very diligent in helping us. His name has helped us tremendously in getting the word out.”

The partnership began after Purdy spoke at the Fountain of Eternal Life Church in Mount Kisco, and Williams came up to her after the event and said he wanted to get involved in the food delivery efforts.

A former Armonk and White Plains resident now living in Fairfield County, Williams began his work with the organization doing food deliveries in Westchester and now mainly does fundraising and serves as an honorary board member.

When he’s not helping feed the needy, Williams is taking his musical knowledge and imparting it to area youth. Earlier this year, he was selected to be a mentor-artist at Jettie S. Tisdale School in Bridgeport, where he works

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with students to introduce them to music.

In 2010, he was given the “Big Man of the Year” award by Little Kids Rock, a national nonprofit that works to provide underserved children with access to musical instruction. To celebrate the award, Williams donated guitars to a public school in the Bronx and performed with students in classrooms.

He learned classical guitar at an early age growing up in Puerto Rico and has proven that he is equally adept in the concert hall as he is on the diamond. His sounds combine elements of jazz with pop rhythms true to his Latin roots.

Since trading in a baseball bat for a guitar, Bernie has released two studio albums, “The Journey Within” and “Moving Forward,” which earned him a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Album in 2009.

“When I stopped playing baseball, I knew that I would become more dedicated to my music,” he said at the time of his Grammy nomination.

Stockel recognizes the dedication he puts in.

“Some people like to say, ‘I like to play music and guitar,’” she says. “He ac-

Bernie Williams, center, performs at Ridgefield Playhouse.

tually went to school and got a degree in music, then went back to school after baseball. He works as hard at his music as he did with baseball.”

Play-by-play announcing during the softball game was done by WHUD morning personality Mike Bennett, who has worked with Bernie and attended his annual dinner for more than 12 years.

He says this year’s crowd at the charity softball game was twice as large as last year’s.

“It’s extraordinary, the way he plays a game for charity then straps on a guitar,” Bennett says. “He has an incredible heart.”

The two shared a humorous dialogue during the game, in which Bennett asked Williams how many naps he was planning on taking between the conclusion of the game and the concert slated to begin just five hours later.

He flashed a quick “two” with his index and middle fingers.

But the swarm of fans — both gray-haired and baby-faced — mobbed Williams after the game, hoping for a photo or an autograph.

For each autograph he signs, he also signs the letters, “SDG” underneath his name. True to his unselfish nature, Williams says the acronym stands for

“Solo a Dios la Gloria,” which translates to “Only to God the Glory.”

He’s always been one of the Yankees’ most beloved players, both during his playing days and since his last game in pinstripes in 2006. (Though he did not officially sign his retirement papers until this past April.)

It may be due to his clutch postseason hitting, his Gold Glove-caliber fielding in center or his four-syllable name that lends itself to a Yankee Stadium chant (“Ber-nie Will-iams *clap, clap, clap, clap, clap*).

Or it may be his cool personality and active presence in the community that makes him a fan favorite.

He spent his entire 16-year career in pinstripes en route to four World Series titles, an American League batting title and five All-Star game appearances. His No. 51 was retired in Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park in May. Williams showed flashes of the bat that won him the batting title in 1998, including a hard-hit single to left field in the seventh inning that sparked a brief rally.

“When you see him play softball,” WHUD’s Bennett says, “you’d swear he could go out there and continue playing baseball.”

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Heart to heart

A GREENWICH NONPROFIT TOUCHES LIVES

BY DANIELLE RENDA

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Claudia Maria Sarai Tujab. Photographs courtesy HeartCare International.

The 21-year-old nonprofit provides critical heart services to children in underdeveloped countries — visiting Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Peru and saving more than 1,000 young lives.

In late September, the HeartCare team left for Giapas, Mexico, one of the country’s most poverty-stricken states. Once again, the organization sent 35 to 45 pediatric cardiac professionals with donated supplies, medicine and equipment for two-to-three-week tours. Most of the supplies come from organizations such as AmeriCares in Stamford, but if not enough are received, HeartCare purchases the materials. The team will then screen children who are in need of critical care and provide them with necessary treatment.

“When we come down, it’s basically soup to

nuts, everything you need to conduct one of these mission trips to save these children’s lives,” says Amy Weinstein, marketing/operations consultant for HeartCare. “We bring down supplies and, if there are extra supplies, we leave everything with the host country.”

The work has several aspects — meeting with local officials, conducting life-saving surgeries and educating the host countries’ professionals to ensure continued care.

HeartCare first makes a commitment to a country by meeting with medical workers, government leaders, clergy and other nonprofits so that they are aware of future financial responsibilities. If they agree, then HeartCare makes a minimum five-year commitment to provide medical treatment and educational training for the host country.

“Our goal is to train the medical profession-

ay Parties Cafe ctivities Birthd and Sto ms and A re a r g o r P y l i Hands-On Exhibits Da

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

“

It takes pediatric heart care to a whole new level. Once again, more children will be saved. Their lives will be changed.

“

GREENWICH’S HEARTCARE INTERNATIONAL HAS A HEART — IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE.

— Amy Weinstein

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Robert Michler is teaching medical students at the bedside.

als,” Weinstein says. “One way is that we go down there for a number of weeks out of the year and stand side-by-side with professionals to show them what we’re doing and train them. Another way is we host a lecture series. We have our professionals training and educating their medical professionals. We’ll have nurses, for example, come in and train 25 times, in all aspects of the highest nursing quality care.”

GETTING STARTED In underdeveloped countries, children born with heart defects are unlikely to receive the treatment to prolong their lives.

“Because there’s so many remote regions in these countries and because there is so much poverty, there are so many children who succumb to (death) each year,” Weinstein says.

HeartCare was founded in 1995 by Robert Michler, MD after he traveled to Guatemala to perform heart surgery a year prior. (He is the surgeon-in-chief of the health care system, chairman of the Department of Cardiographic and Vascular Surgery, chairman of the Department of Surgery and the Samuel I. Belkin-endowed chairman and director of New York’s Montefiore-Einstein Health Center.)

“We serve and our mission is to educate and trade,” Michler says.

“So I went to Guatemala with a team of nurses, doctors, surgeons and respiratory therapists who operated on 25 children, and it was a great success.”

After Michler came back, he received requests to return to Guatemala for extended work. Soon after, HeartCare was born.

“What an impact it had seeing Dr. Michler standing over this tiny infant performing intricate surgery,” says Christopher Combe, a member of the organization’s board of directors. “After four hours, Dr. Michler would come out of the operating room and would tell the parents of

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these children that their child was now going to live a normal life because of these surgeries.”

More than 100 volunteers make up the HeartCare International team, including heart surgeons, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, perioperative nurses, pediatric intensive care unit nurses, respiratory therapists and an administrative staff. Members donate their vacation time to participate in these unpaid missions, coming from hospitals all over the country, including Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

HeartCare is also developing a program known as Vision 20-25 for the medical communities in underdeveloped countries to communicate with professionals in the U.S. “The infrastructure is all online and it’s the technology that we’re going to communicate with the host countries — the process for getting the scans, the MRIs, the records,” says Weinstein. “All the medical records are very cumbersome and with the Internet and the eve of communication, we are developing a technology infrastructure to develop a fluid way for partners to upload the information to a fluid place. Medical professionals from this country are able to monitor what’s going on with the patients, 24/7, 365 days.”

This technology will be in the form of a user-friendly system, linking medical professionals on all cases.

“If they don’t have the technology, we’re going to help them get it,” Weinstein says. “It takes pediatric heart care to a whole new level. Once again, more children will be saved. Their lives will be changed.”

A LIFE FOREVER CHANGED In its second year of work, HeartCare touched the life of Claudia Maria Sarai Tujab, a now 26-year-old Guatemalan woman. Born in 1989 with a heart defect, her life expectancy was only a few years. In 1995, HeartCare traveled to Guatemala and Tujab was one of the many children who received surgical care.

Recently, she was reacquainted with the HeartCare team.

“We brought her to the United States a year ago in June to meet a lot of the HeartCare medical professional team that had helped her,” Weinstein says. “She was so engaging and charismatic, she asked if she could become a member of the HeartCare team, so she came with us to El Salvador in May.” Tujab acted as a liaison between the parents of infants undergoing care and would comfort the parents with tales of her own personal story.

“She would pray with them and hold the parents’ hands and she would act as a social worker to help these people during the time when their children were being operated on,” says Weinstein. “It’s truly remarkable.”

For more, visit heartcareintl.com.

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PRINCE WILLIAM HAS PRINCE HARRY, SNOOPY HAS SPIKE – YOU KNOW, THE BAD-BOY BABY BRO WHO’S A CHUNK OF CHARM AND A TON OF TROUBLE. That’s what WAG Weekly is to WAG. In our e-newsletter, we let down our hair (and occasionally, our grammar) to take you behind behind-the-scenes of the hottest parties and events, offer our thoughts on the most controversial issues of the day, share what couldn’t be contained in our glossy pages and tell you what to do and where to go this weekend – all while whetting your appetite for the next issue.

If you can’t get enough of WAG — or you just want to get WAG unplugged — then you won’t want to miss WAG Weekly, coming to your tablet each Friday a.m.

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WELL

1

2

Neiman’s is hip to HIPCHIK

BY GEORGETTE GOUVEIA

3

1. A necklace of Dumortierite beads and wood rondelles mixed with rhinestones in a wrap style with a brown suede tassel 2. A necklace of pyrite and lava beads mixed with rhinestones in a double wrap style with a chunky leather tassel.

3. A necklace of pyrite, agate and Tibetan zebra like beads mixed with rhinestones in a lariat-style with a sliced agate pendant.

4. A necklace of dumortierite beads and pyrite rondelles mixed with Dumortierite carved blue beads and rhinestones in a plain double wrap style 5. A necklace of pyrite, agate and Tibetan zebra-like beads mixed with rhinestones in a lariat style with a leather tassel.

4

IT WAS A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR AGO THAT WAG’S MARY SHUSTACK BROUGHT YOU A STORY ON DESIGNER ANDREA ROSENBERG, whose line of “Boho-chic necklaces and bracelets…featuring crystals, agate and rhinestones have become go-to accessories, scooped up by everyone from the savvy patrons of The Hampton Classic Horse Show to the fashionistas who seek out her work at the boutiques that count among Rosenberg’s 100-plus vendors.” At that time, Rosenberg was expanding her brand to include home design with an Armonk store.

We’re delighted to report that the HIPCHIK — as Rosenberg herself has become known — is at it again. HIPCHIK is among the newer lines in Neiman Marcus Westchester. And Rosenberg couldn’t be happier.

“I love being a part of a store I personally shop

5

at,” she says. “It makes designing that much easier.”

It’s also further validation of the direction taken by the Armonk resident, who was born in Uruguay and then went to Miami, where she studied merchandising and design.

“Being part of Neiman brands reiterates that HIPCHIK Couture designs are classy, hip, sophisticated and fun,” she says, “just like the store itself.”

The entrepreneurial Rosenberg is always percolating.

“I come up with new things and ideas 24/7,” she says. “It’s the only way to keep the line exciting and keep myself ahead of the game. I’m always one step ahead.”

But she’s also in step with the needs of others.

Rosenberg, who did a trunk show at Neiman’s last

All images courtesy Andrea Rosenberg/ HIPCHIK

month, returns to the store next month for an event to fight Rett syndrome, a rare genetic, neurological disorder that hinders the intellectual and physical development of the children affected, who are almost exclusively female.

“A dear close friend has dedicated endless hours raising money for her childhood friend’s daughter,” Rosenberg says. “Her dedication is admirable, and it gives me total pleasure to be able to help out in any way I can.”

You get the sense that there is nothing Rosenberg can’t do.

“My future plans don’t end,” she says. “I’m developing my brand into clothing and looking for a second retail location. The sky is the limit.”

HIPCHIK Home is at 381 Main St. in Armonk.

For more, call 914-273-4600 or visit facebook. com/hipchikhome.

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Laura Rossi. Photograph by Margaret Fox.

The Westchester Community Foundation

T

helps the givers

BY LAURA ROSSI

he fall giving season is upon us, beginning with the national 9/11 Day of Service and leading up to Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1) and the end-of-year holidays. Many of us will soon be receiving requests from friends and nonprofits for donations to support causes big and small. If you are like most, you want to be sure that your gift of any size is truly making a difference. Here are six quick tips to help you sort it through:

1. Start with knowing what is important to you and your goals for charitable giving. There is an endless list of needs and issues. Know what

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resonates with you and where you feel the most passionate about making a difference. We recommend you narrow your giving to five to 10 areas and be sure to include local needs.

2. Before you write a check, get to know the cutting-edge approaches to the causes you care about. There is a wealth of resources available to help you learn the landscape and delve into current research on what’s working. Researchers are developing best practices and fresh approaches to seemingly intractable problems such as poverty and climate change.

3. Select a charity that uses evidence-based practices and emphasizes measurable results.

Effective nonprofits identify the causes of the issues they seek to address and keep asking themselves whether they are having an effect. Read their websites, newsletters and annual reports to determine how they measure and track results.

4. Don’t stop there. Research outside sources for ratings and reviews, such as GiveWell and Charity Navigator, to determine how they use their resources and be confident that your donation is having an effect.

5. Get hands-on. There is no better way to know whether you are truly making a difference than volunteering. This can be tailored to what works for you, such as once a month days of service (a great way to involve children and grandchildren) or through longer commitments such as board service. The closer you get to an organization, the better you will know that your time, talent and money are making a difference.

6. Stay current and ask questions. The field of philanthropy, including foundations of all sizes and individual donors at all giving levels, are deploying exciting new approaches to solve ageold problems. It’s also a field characterized by collaboration and knowledge-sharing to ensure that efforts are effective. Want to learn more? The Westchester Community Foundation is a great local resource to help you become more confident in your giving. A nonprofit itself, the Westchester Community Foundation promotes informed, responsible philanthropy. We know that anyone can be a philanthropist and are here to help you get started.

Laura Rossi is executive director of the Westchester Community Foundation. For more, visit wcf-ny.org.

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WAGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2015

Gifts and new products ideal for any occasion COMPILED BY MARY SHUSTACK

NEVER TOO EARLY Sure, it’s only October, but the holiday season will be here soon enough. Start your shopping early with “The Hope of Christmas.”

The CD from MCG Jazz features Ann Hampton Callaway, Croton-onHudson’s multi-platinum and Tony Award-nominated recording artist and composer, singing the lyrics of two-time Emmy Award winner William Schermerhorn. From the title track to “One Star” to “I Believe,” the musical selections will kick off the season on just the right note.

Proceeds from the recording will benefit the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild and its mission to preserve, present and promote jazz. Pre-order ($17.99) in advance of the Oct. 9 release.

For more, visit annhamptoncallaway.com or mcgjazz.org.

Photograph by Bill Westmoreland.

Ann68 Hampton Callaway WAGMAG.COM

OCTOBER 2015

RIGHT FOOT FORWARD In 2009, Oliberté started off as a small footwear company partnering with factories and supplies in Africa. By 2012, it had gained enough momentum to launch its own factory, securing its position as a responsible lifestyle brand that supports its workers’ rights. Oliberté makes every single pair of shoes at this factory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, out of premium quality products with a lifetime warranty. In September 2013, Oliberté became the world’s first Fair Trade Certified-footwear manufacturing factory. Support the effort with its varied options, which include, from top, the men’s Anbesso in brown yellow pullup ($110) and Bokoroo in brown yellow pullup ($140). For women, choices include Volita in wine nubuck ($130) and Aduni in mocha suede ($110).

For more, visit oliberte.com.

Photographs courtesy of Oliberté.

BAGS LOOK – AND DO – GOOD Angela Roi, which sells its synthetic leather/vegan bags online, has released the Fall/Winter 2015 hues of its popular Morning Cross-body Handbag ($95).

The company is not only known for its modern classics but also its philanthropic approach. For each handbag purchased, it donates 5 percent of the sale to an associated cause, determined by the color of the bag. Mud-gray and dark green, now join the line of these compact saddlebags to bring the collection up to seven options. These new additions benefit the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston (mud-gray), left, and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (dark green). Choose your color, choose your cause.

For more, visit angelaroi.com.

Photograph courtesy of Angela Roi.

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WANDERS

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Doormen at La Mamounia.

Courtesy of La Mamounia.

Indulgent Marrakech

BY JEREMY WAYNE

OF ALL MOROCCO’S GREAT CITIES — TANGIER, MEKNES, RABAT AND FEZ, AMONG THEM — IT IS MARRAKECH RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY THAT HOLDS THE TRAVELER ESPECIALLY IN THRALL. Its bone dry desert climate is in part responsible, and so, of course, are its heart-stoppingly lovely, picture-postcard views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. You come to Marrakech to stimulate your senses, to breath its pure desert air, to smell jasmine and gardenia in its alleyways, to take in the color and the chaos of the souk, to eat chicken and lamb tagines rendered almost heady with saffron, lemon and dates and, not least, to tan your pallid Northeast, sun-deprived wintry skin.

Marrakech is thus one of the world’s great healing cities, and certainly the greatest in Africa (with Cape Town a contender for runner-up). It’s therefore not surprising that a great spa and wellness culture — I hesitate to use the word “industry” — has grown up here, too, in recent years, using to good purpose the city’s natural attributes and resources.

At La Mamounia, Marrakech’s most renowned hotel — where Churchill was a frequent visitor and where even today the dashing, tarbooshed doorman has a smile so winning it could make respectable women, and, for that matter, men blush — the unique treatments at the newly renovated spa are formulated around local plants and products. There are argan oil massages, amber honey scrubs, almond powder body rituals and “rose” body wraps.

Argan oil, by the way, is the cure-all elixir that Morocco has given to the world — it’s as good for cooking as it is for your skin — and roses are as synonymous with Marrakech as bagels are with New York.

Essential too, to any treatment, is the hammam, or Turkish bath, the ceremony of which the Moroccans have elevated to levels of refinement. All treatments at La Mamounia can, and probably should, begin with a traditional hammam, in which your own personal attendant washes you down in the steam room. Men attend men, women attend women and modesty is carefully observed, but the experience is nevertheless and, almost by definition, a fairly intimate one.

If treatments at La Mamounia are deeply indulgent and pampering, the experience at Le Spa Royal Mansour, situated just a few blocks away, is on a par, but perhaps with a more remedial edge.

A no-holds-barred massage in the hammam from the spa’s in-house bodybuilding sadist, er,

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Spa pool at La Mamounia. Courtesy of La Mamounia

therapist, had me almost screaming in agony, but I certainly felt the beneficial effects of this and the cold and warm water scrubs in the days following.

A phyto-cosmetology facial, meanwhile, restored the quality of my skin, at least temporarily, to a squeaky-clean, glossy, prepubescent standard.

Bliss.

Owned by King Mohammed VI and opened in 2009, the elegant Royal Mansour may lack the overt showiness of La Mamounia, with its exquisite Art Deco public rooms, camel skin-covered elevator

walls and the most beautiful hotel swimming pool in North Africa, but what you get in exchange is total privacy — should you require it. Accommodations are in private riads (typical Moroccan townhouses) dotted around the vast estate, each with its own roof terrace, and the Mansour’s three restaurants, under the directorship of French chef Yannick Alléno, are world-class.

Privacy is taken seriously, too, at Palais Namaskar, the opulent hotel in the Palmeraie, the vast palm grove district of Marrakech on the outskirts of the city. As well as its exceptional Earth & Health nutrition program, shiatsu and yoga are offered by a yoga master (with seven years training in Japan) and the staff at the hotel’s vast fitness center has been personally trained in Paris by the gym guru Abdoulaye Fadiga.

This fall, Mandarin Oriental, too, is launching in the Palmeraie. This top-tier hotel group is no slouch

in the spa and wellness department, and its arrival in the “Paris of the Desert” can only raise the already exceptionally high spa bar Of course, much beside the body can be healed in Marrakech. Minds, hearts and spirits find restoration here, too. Walking out of La Mamounia on a recent visit, down dusty Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid, I was accosted, as one invariably is in Marrakech, by a poor man hoping for some change.

Realizing I had nothing on me but an inappropriate 100 dirham note, I was about to ignore him, or hurry across the street, when I remembered the advice of the writer, Barnaby Rogerson. When faced with the question of what to give to beggars, Rogerson quotes the Prophet: “Give what you can, and if you cannot give anything, then at least speak kindly.”

It’s as good a maxim for Manhattan as for Marrakech. I smiled warmly at the man and greeted him but excused myself on this occasion, showing empty pockets. He smiled and greeted me in turn.

In the city of healing arts, this simple exchange may have been the most healing moment of all.

For more, visit mamounia.com, royalmansour.com and palaisnamaskar.com.

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Triple layer chocolate cake and apple turnover.

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Not many restaurants are like Infusion in Pelham. The founding partners have backgrounds in human services, not food, and they focus on how the restaurant can benefit local charities.

Delores Lulgjuray (also known as Dr. D) and Jack Mungovan opened a restaurant to extend their charitable efforts because it is a natural gathering spot. It gives anyone the opportunity to help a charity, says new partner Alex Zuluaga.

Last year, Infusion invited those in need to a free Thanksgiving meal, treating them as well, if not better, than a paying customer, Zuluaga says. Infusion will do it again this year. Other future plans include donating 20 percent of the revenues to charities every Tuesday. One Tuesday a month Infusion will also host an event dedicated to an organization, which receives the donated space, food and labor.

The restaurant on Pelham’s main thoroughfare, Fifth Avenue, is a former biker bar transformed into an urban-style spot. Rough elements like exposed brick remain, with a cool but welcoming vibe provided by the chocolate brown seats and cozy lounge.

Being charitable goes down easy with planned live jazz fundraisers, an extensive drinks list and tasty American tapas dishes.

I sat down for drinks and a sampling of the dinner menu with Zuluaga, who was eating his first meal at the restaurant after becoming a partner in July. Zuluaga started as a busboy at Infusion two years ago when he was contemplating a career change. He had finished law school and worked on Wall Street but realized he didn’t want to be a lawyer. Inspired by the restaurant’s mission and his father, who was maître d’ at Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant & Inn in Chappaqua for 40 years, he took the opportunity to buy into the restaurant.

Now he runs the day-to-day, curating small batch wines and overseeing the menu and the customers, while the founding partners run the charitable side of the business, planning ways to infuse the food with their mission.

Lulgjuray and Mungovan have worked at Mount Kisco-based Community Living Corp., a financial

assistance nonprofit for disabled adults, and Creative Escapes, which plans trips all over the world for disabled adults. Infusion chefs have cooked food for Creative Escapes’ trips.

Infusion has also assisted Helping Hands and Advocates for the Disabled. Zuluaga says that one of the restaurant’s goals is to boost lesser-known charities.

Still, the restaurant doesn’t toot its own horn.

There’s no mention of Infusion’s compassionate mission on the menu or spiel from waiters or donation cards slipped in with the bill.

On an evening in early September, I chose to sit on the outside patio, a charming spot nestled between two buildings surrounded by flowers. A grapefruit mojito muddled with fresh mandarin oranges in a large wine glass was a perfect way to start my meal. It had the taste of end of summer — and the strength to wake me up at the end of the day.

The dishes were nicely dressed up. A flavorful dense crab cake was topped with a vegetable-shaped flower and a plate of tuna tartare appetizers was sprinkled with a garnish of herbs.

The chefs tried a few variations with the tuna — one with quinoa, another with guacamole and the third wrapped in zucchini. They were on the salty side, but I appreciated the creativity and showmanship.

In another tapa, I had Infusion’s version of a quesadilla, this one filled with bacon, tomato and avocado. It lacked cheese, but the crispy tortilla, reminiscent of a fried dumpling, gave it an edge. It all worked dipped in the sweet chili sauce.

A colorful lime-seasoned fruit salad topped a juicy, savory steak. These complemented a rich, fruity glass of Katherine Goldschmidt Cabernet.

I moved on to a dessert Port to sip alongside a flaky apple turnover with ice cream. It got much more of my attention than the triple layer chocolate cake, which could have been more decadent.

Zuluaga says there are many directions in which he can take Infusion, but he is working slowly to develop the restaurant, making sure he gets the food completely right. This month look for a new menu and more fundraising events in Pelham’s charming, charitable restaurant.

For more, visit infusionny.com.

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WINE & DINE

Italian vintners Raffaele Boscaini of Masi Agricola and Emilia Nardi of Tenute Silvio Nardi each donate some profits to the arts.

Choose a label, choose a cause STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY DOUG PAULDING

PAUL NEWMAN ONCE SAID OF NEWMAN’S OWN, HIS CHARITABLE FOOD SERVICE ORGANIZATION, “IT STARTED AS A JOKE AND GOT OUT OF CONTROL.” Newman’s Own food line began at holiday time with Newman making vats of salad dressing and bottling it as gifts for friends. Virtually everyone agreed this was an easily marketable product. A bit of research, a bit of putting a food service infrastructure in place and Newman’s Own was off to the races.

I know when I shop, if I have an opportunity to buy a great product and help a charity, as opposed to supporting corporate profits alone, I will support the charity. Newman’s Own, born in 1982, has to date contributed more than $400 million to various causes. The product line now includes pizza, salsa, popcorn and cereal, among other foods. The recipients are philanthropic organizations, including environmental, pediatric research, nutritional and empowerment groups.

When I think of compassion and wine, it usually

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involves opening something special for some special people. They might have had a tough day and need to hit the reset button. Or they might have had a great day and are looking for a “liquid high five.”

Throughout the world, wineries have been paying attention to the environment, considering themselves stewards of the land, protecting and preserving it for future generations. Some wineries commit to donating a small percentage of sales for a fixed amount of time to support some specific cause. But there is a new breed of wineries out there that are changing the way some people shop and order wine.

Vintners Charitable Cooperative pairs up with a couple of wineries, such as Chappellet in California.

VCC donates up to 50 percent of the profits to various charities. Benefit Wines (benefitwines.com) is an organization that sources Chilean wines, and you can click on any of hundreds of links for various causes — from wild animals to veterans to specific diseases — to donate much of the profits. Lookout

Ridge winery in northern California sells premium wine retailing for more than $100 per bottle. But for every bottle sold, it will donate a wheelchair to someone in need. The wheelchair donation costs Lookout Ridge more than the bottle price, an accountant’s nightmare but a worthwhile one.

Most everyone has been affected either personally or through a friend by some significant disease or situation, or is passionate about some specific issue, such as large cat protection. Shopping for wine used to be just picking your region, the grape, the price and the producer. Simple. But now you can support virtually any cause you can imagine. Google your issue, your cause or your passion and add “wine” to the search and something will appear. The wines of the world have never been better with so many lovely and affordable options.

Today you can open up something good and support your cause. One more reason to keep that corkscrew handy.

Write me at doug@dougpaulding.com.

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ZUPPA Is it soup yet?

There is a chill in the air and fall is coming. But this soup is sure to warm you and your loved ones. It’s so delicious — a favorite with all my cooking class students. Buon appetito!

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons finely chopped fennel 3 garlic cloves thinly sliced ½ onion finely chopped 2 cans of plum tomatoes, roughly chopped 1 cup torn basil 4 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon chopped parsley Salt and pepper to taste Pinch of ground nutmeg and oregano 1 pound of day old Italian peasant bread (torn in 1 inch pieces)  3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

 Heat olive oil and sauté fennel, garlic and onion for 3 minutes.  Add chopped plum tomatoes and their juices and bring to a boil.  Using a wooden spoon, add the bread chunks and then the chicken broth.  Season with salt and pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg and oregano.  Stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and simmer about 30 minutes. Add basil and parsley when done.

Optional: Add a thin slice of mozzarella when ready to serve.

          

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TOMATO AND BREAD SOUP

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WELL

Treating FROM THE HEART

BY GEORGETTE GOUVEIA PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN RIZZO

WHEN YOU THINK OF PARK AVENUE PLASTIC SURGEONS, YOU THINK OF GLAMOROUS DOCTORS AND THEIR EQUALLY GLAMOROUS PATIENTS — MOVIE STARS AND MODELS VISITING THE OFFICE ON THE QT, SOCIALITES SEARCHING FOR THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. But while Dr. Lopa Y. Gupta — with offices on Park Avenue in Manhattan and Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains — is an un-

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doubtedly glamorous woman (that glistening dark hair, those flashing dark eyes, that generous smile); one with a strong sense of aesthetics (architecture and interior design are two passions), there’s a side to her that’s a world away from Park Avenue.

“Not everyone has a lot,” she says. “If you do, you have to give back.”

In 2001, when she was pregnant with her third child, Kasmira,

Dr. Lopa Gupta

Gupta went off to Bhopal, India, to offer her services to the afflicted and destitute, her two older children — 7-year-old Sarina and 5-year-old Dilan — watching and learning right behind her. Gupta felt it was necessary for them to understand the importance of serving others early on. Those experiences led the Scarsdale-based family to create SaDilKa Foundation, named for the first two letters of each child’s name (Sa for Sarina, “serene” or “peace”; Dil for Dilan, “dil” meaning “heart” in Hindi; and Ka for Kasmira or Mount Kasmir, “reaching new heights”).

SaDilKa is dedicated to the Four Ts — Treating the suffering around the world free of charge; Teaching youngsters not only about preventive medicine but the need for education; Training doctors; and Testing in the sense of researching new treatments. As a facial plastic surgeon with an emphasis on eyelid surgery, Gupta has treated trachoma and other eye infections as well as tumors in her work in India, China and Africa. Her husband brings to SaDilKa his expertise as a urologist with a specialty in kidney stone procedures.

For Lopa Gupta, the seeds for giving were planted in Mumbai, where she mostly lived during the first eight years of her life. At age 5 she visited an uncle who practiced medicine out of his home, where lines formed outside. “(The people) looked subdued as they waited in line,” Gupta says, “but had smiles plastered on their faces as they left. And I thought, ‘Oh my, this guy is a magician.’ It made me feel that I wanted to do the same thing.”

Growing up in Wyomissing, Pa., about 45 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Gupta was fast-tracked in Northwestern University’s six-year honors program in medical education, receiving her MD with the highest distinction.

“I went to medical school to be a neurosurgeon,” she recalls. “I had interned with a neurosurgeon in high school. But then I realized I would start work at 4 in the morning and end at midnight. I wanted a family.”

At Northwestern, she met and fell in love with Mantu Gupta, who, like his future wife, had been a high school valedictorian fast-tracked in the hon-

ors med program. It was Mantu who suggested that Lopa switch her area of concentration from the brain to the eye because of its close proximity. She went on to do research in retinal diseases and her residency in ophthalmology at Stanford University.

Gupta further refined her specialty during a fellowship with Dr. Orkan G. Stasior in Albany, mastering eyelid surgery.

Gupta has performed more than 6,500 eyelid surgeries, using the CO2 laser and radio waves interchangeably. (Radio-wave surgery, she says, is more current and uses a smaller machine.) It’s evident that the pride she takes in this work is equaled by her pride in the seeds sown by SaDilKa. Sarina, now premed at McGill University, has worked in an ob/gyn clinic in Africa and taught children with cerebral palsy in China. Dilan, studying math at Columbia University, tutors kids in Harlem.

“There’s not a greater joy as a parent,” Gupta says about philanthropic lessons learned. “This is the real stuff.”

For more, visit sadilkafoundation.org and drlopagupta.com.

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Forward thinking women

BY GEORGETTE GOUVEIA

Leymah Gbowee. Courtesy of Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa.

SSOULINE’S “VISIONARY WOMEN” ($50, 165 pages) offers readers 20 inspirational tales ripped, as they say, from the headlines — and history. They are as familiar as the stories of Helen Keller, who with teacher Anne Sullivan overcame blindness and deafness to become a writer and lecturer, and Marie Curie, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist who with husband Pierre discovered the radioactive elements radium and polonium.

And the stories are as fresh as that of Leymah Gbowee, the Nobel Prize-winning peace activist who cut across ethnic and religious lines to found the Women in Peacebuilding Network in her native Liberia; and that of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenager who captured the world’s heart when she braved a Taliban bullet to the head in pursuit of an education.

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There are two stories, however, that will particularly resonant with local readers as they are set in part in Westchester County — those of entrepreneur/philanthropist Madam C.J. Walker, whose Irvington estate Villa Lewaro was a salon for the likes of opera star Enrico Caruso, and aviator/women’s rights activist Amelia Earhart, who lived in Rye with her husband, publisher George P. Putnam.

At a time when women — particularly women of color — had few rights, let alone opportunities, these two trailblazers showed that you could achieve the summit while lifting others with you.

The first free-born child of freed slaves, Sarah Breedlove McWilliams Walker (1867-1919), better-known as Madam C.J. Walker, would become the first female self-made millionaire, Angella M. Nazarian writes in the book.

“I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South,” Walker told the National Business Leaders Foundation in 1912. “From there I was pro-

moted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the kitchen. And from there, I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations.”

She did it as a widow to support herself and daughter A’Lelia, the child of her first marriage.

(Her second marriage was to Charles J. Walker, a successful salesman.) But Walker also created beauty products to help women like herself who had lost their hair through a combination of illness, damaging treatments and poor nutrition.

She sold her homemade hair-growing products door-to-door. She canvased churches and women’s clubs. She established Lelia College in Pittsburgh to train beauticians. She expanded her company to the Caribbean and Central America.

She invested in real estate, including a townhouse on 136th Street where A’Lelia would host “one of the most legendary salons of the Harlem Renaissance.”

But Walker didn’t stop there. She used the framework of the National Association of Colored

Women’s Clubs to organize her saleswomen into Walker Clubs and then organized national conventions to inspire these women to become entrepreneurs.

Sadly, she didn’t have time to enjoy the fruits of her labors fully, dying from complications of high blood pressure only a year after moving into Lewaro, the white neoclassical manse on Route 9 that is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Earhart (1897-1937), in contrast, had a far more privileged upbringing in Kansas. But she, too, longed to slip the bonds of the limited life that had been set out for females. She found the vehicle for her dreams when she moved to California to be with her parents in the summer of 1920. Flying was all the rage, and, encouraged by her father, Earhart took off.

She continued to pursue flying as a hobby while working in Boston for the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union, which helped women find their place in the work force. In Boston, Earhart met G.P. Putnam, who had published Charles Lindbergh’s account of his historic solo transatlantic flight and was now looking for a woman to

fly across the Atlantic — as a passenger. Earhart did just that in 1928, becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic four years later. By then, she was a writer, lecturer, a designer of women’s active wear, a founding stockholder and vice-president of what became Northeast Airlines and a women’s rights activist.

“I may have to keep some place where I can go to be myself now and then,” she wrote to Putnam on the morning of their wedding (Feb. 7, 1931) at his mother’s house in Noank, Conn., “for I cannot guarantee to endure at all the confinements of even an attractive cage.”

Six years later, she and navigator Fred Noonan vanished in the Pacific as they attempted to circumnavigate the globe. Was she captured by the Japanese? Did she secretly return to the United States to assume the identity of a New Jersey housewife (an unlikely scenario)? Or did she and Noonan die as castaways on Nikumaroro Island, where a piece of her plane was found last year?

We’ll never know. But thanks to this book, she, Walker and other “Visionary Women” continue to take flight.

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WHEELS

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

From a seed of an idea…

BY GEORGETTE GOUVEIA

IN 1988, FRANK CABOT — CREATOR OF STONECROP GARDEN IN COLD SPRING — TOOK A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA WITH HIS WIFE, ANNE. Already he had begun thinking about forming a national organization to preserve America’s exceptional gardens. But the idea crystallized when they saw the marvelous variety of cacti and other succulents in Ruth Bancroft’s garden outside San Francisco and heard her concerns about the garden’s future once she could no longer care for it.

“As we drove away, I said to my wife, ‘We have to find some way to help this woman.’ And she said, rather facetiously, ‘Why don’t you start a garden conservancy?’”

That quote comes from the glorious new book “Outstanding American Gardens: A Celebration” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $50, 272 pages), which is helping mark the silver anniversary of The Garden Conservancy in Cold Spring.

“The Garden Conservancy chose the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, California as our first project because of its artistry. Fast forward 25 years to the current West Coast drought, and the educational value of preserving a model dry garden such as this becomes even more compelling,” says Jenny du Pont, president and CEO of The Conservancy and a WAG cover subject (May 2014). “The book features eight of our Preservation Gardens — a small sampling of the many we have helped save for future generations to enjoy. There are also 42 examples of privately owned gardens that have opened their gates to communities through Open Days, our national garden visitation program.”

The local Preservation Garden included in the book — which is edited by Page Dickey, with photographs by Marion Brenner — is Rocky Hills in Mount Kisco. Created in the mid-1950s by William and Henriette Suhr 90

WAGMAG.COM

OCTOBER 2015

— a Frick Collection art conservator and an interior designer respectively who knew nothing about gardening initially, but everything about aesthetics — Rocky Hills is best known for its spring flowering plants.

“Thousands of bulbs — snowdrops, crocuses, and wood hyacinths — carpet the landscape, together with clouds of pale blue forget-me-nots,” the book observes. “The collections of rhododendrons and azaleas include rare varieties seldom seen in the area.”

Both Fairfield and Westchester counties are well represented in the larger “Private Gardens, Open Days” section of the book. Among the creations here is Redding’s In Situ, eight acres of open fields, woods and small creeks that serve as a backdrop for its mission.

“Its owner offers it as a setting in which art, fashion, music, and culinary arts companies can stage charity events; the resulting funds help provide college scholarships to underprivileged art students.

With that mission in mind, landscape designer Richard Hartlage has created a series of garden spaces, or ‘rooms,’ that each offer a sense of surprise and celebrate the softly rolling land.”

In Ridgefield, Ken Uhle — a landscape architect for the Westchester County Parks department — presents visitors with a one-acre sanctuary of lily ponds, shrubs and small trees threaded by paths and a rocky stream.

Other Connecticut spaces include Lee Link’s Sharon place, known for its greenhouse; and the Falls Village garden of interior designer Bunny Williams, which combines her requisite formality and randomness in a series of sunken outdoor rooms that frame an elegant Federal manor house with a conservatory.

Back in Westchester, Ed and Vivian Merrin’s Cor-

Garden Conservancy President and CEO Jenny du Pont with The Conservancy’s new book, “Outstanding American Gardens: A Celebration.” Photograph by Willow Buscemi. Background, from the book: Duck Hill, the home of Page Dickey and Bosco Schell in North Salem. Photograph by Marion Brenner. Both courtesy of The Garden Conservancy

tlandt Manor garden offers a stumperie created by the Hurricane Sandy felling of a giant oak. The White Garden in Lewisboro, studded with neoclassical sculptures, features Japanese mosses and water effects.

Dick Button’s Ice Pond Farm in North Salem spotlights figure skating touches as befits the two-time Olympic gold medalist, while at neighboring Duck Hill, owned by editor Dickey and husband Bosco Schell, boxwood balls prevail, drawing the eye hither and thither.

Geometric terraces and a contemporary house are softened by grasses and perennials in another Westchester garden, designed by Oehme, van Sweden & Associates, while some 1,500 visitors, many of them children, relish the red, yellow, orange and purple tapestry of Japanese maples at Iroki, the Mount Kisco garden of Judy and Michael Steinhardt.

These speak to the infinite variety of the gardens — and their generous owners.

“Gardens stimulate all five senses. They bring beauty, spirituality, and solace into daily life,” du Pont says. “Over the course of 25 years, we have found that anyone — or any community — has the potential to build and sustain wonderful gardens that can be enjoyed for years to come.”

For more, visit gardenconservancy.org.

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For leasing information contact Glenn Walsh, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank (914) 881-1096 Visit www.simdev.com

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

A TRUE PERENNIAL

BY GEORGETTE GOUVEIA

“AUTUMN IS A SECOND SPRING WHEN EVERY LEAF IS A FLOWER,” FRENCH EXISTENTIALIST ALBERT CAMUS OBSERVED. The White Plains Beautification Foundation must share that sentiment for it holds its annual gala in October, perhaps the best month in New York’s best season.

“We thought about having it in the spring, but it seems as if there are so many things going on then,” says Barbara Vrooman, a past president of the foundation and chairman of its Adopt-APark program, which helps underwrite the gorgeous displays that residents and visitors experience citywide in spring, summer and fall.

Vrooman, along with organization founder and first president Brian Wallach, former president Beth Wallach (Brian’s wife) and late board member Robert Pollack, will be honored Oct. 8 at the 50th anniversary gala, which returns to its old haunt, the historic C.V. Rich Mansion, home of The Woman’s Club of White Plains.

(The gala had been held at Westchester Hills Golf Club in recent years.)

In a sense, the October event — which will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, live music, a raffle and a silent auction — is a metaphor for the foundation itself, which always seems to be in bloom. Fifty years ago, insurance executive Brian Wallach — a well-known fixture in White Plains as founder of the Brian Wallach Agency and a sightless avocational swimmer at the YMCA — got together with several residents and set about beautifying a city that had a treeless main thoroughfare, Mamaroneck Avenue.

They knocked on doors and took to the phones to raise $2,000.

They planted, weeded, mulched and watered. Today more than 60 gardens and parklets grace the city, thanks to the foundation, which now hires three local landscape companies to do the

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Barbara Vrooman

planting and maintenance — Amodio’s Garden Center, Nursery & Flower Shop, Gedney Farms Nursery and Ridgeway Garden Center, which were honored at last year’s gala. The foundation raises $130,000 for the landscaping mainly through Adopt-APark and its gala, with the landscaping companies providing a total of $75,000 in services.

“We receive no government funding,” says Vrooman, a distinctive presence at foundation events in her floral picture hats. “It’s all through the goodness of the hearts of individuals, businesses and corporations.”

The seeds for Adopt-A-Park, which began in 1986, were planted two years earlier with the dedication of the graceful Michaelian Gazebo — designed by architect Pollack — in Tibbits Park. The foundation raised $20,000 for the gazebo and decided to keep the fundraising ball rolling.

It is among the city treasures for which the foundation is responsible. They include the Triantafillu Fountain, also in Tibbits Park; some 200 Kwansan cherry trees that spark the Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Turnure Park; Bradford pear trees; three clock towers; and the 18-by-9-by-9-foot Basket created by Rudy Nabel of the now-defunct Nabel’s Nurseries and funded by Barbara and Richard Dannenberg.

“When you think of all that’s been accomplished in 50 years,” Vrooman marvels, “and all because of a great group of civic-minded people.”

For more, visit wpbf.org.

DOCTORS of DISTINCTION

Saluting those who go beyond the diagnosis

2015

AWARD PRESENTATION

A distinguished panel of judges will choose a winner in each category, all of whom will be awarded at the elegant reception and ceremony below.

Thursday, October 29, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Bristal at Armonk, 90 Business Park Dr., Armonk, N.Y. SPONSORS

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WAGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2015

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PET OF THE MONTH

Quiet, reserved, Cindy WHAT A MIRACLE LOVE IS. IT CAN MAKE YOU BLOSSOM LIKE A FLOWER. WITNESS CINDY, A GORGEOUS SPANIEL MIX WHO CAME TO THE SPCA VERY SHUT DOWN AND SCARED OF THE WORLD. But she’s gotten a lot of TLC and training since arriving so she is slowly coming out of her shell.

Still, she needs a nice quiet home with at least one other dog, as being around dogs gives her confidence. There is, as they say, safety in numbers. And strength, too.

To meet Cindy, visit the SPCA of Westchester at 590 N. State Road in Briarcliff Manor.

Founded in 1883, the SPCA is a no-kill shelter and is not affiliated with the ASPCA. The SPCA is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. To learn more, call 914- 941-2896 or visit spca914.org.

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WAGMAG.COM

OCTOBER 2015

PET PORTRAITS

FASHIONABLE COUPLE: Robin Colner, CEO of the digital and social media marketing agency DigiStar Media — who was featured in WAG’s Best-Dressed Women’s issue in 2008 — holds her Cavapoo, Ozzie, dressed for a night on the town.

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We’re there for the moments that matter most.

E X C E P T I O N A L C A T E R E R S Serving Fairfield, New Haven and Westchester Counties

Events@DavidsCatering.com

203.324.5724

DavidsCatering.com

OCT. 1

OCT. 4

“GO FOR PINK,” a day of shopping

The Hoff-Barthelson Music School ex-

and events taking place all around

plores the sounds of Senegal and the

Greenwich, dedicated to Breast Can-

Congo with “Music of Africa.” Perfor-

cer Awareness Month. 9 a.m. kickoff at

mances feature Ngor Hallow and Nku-

Greenwich Town Hall. bcagoforpink.org

mu Isaac Kataly. 2 p.m., Hoff Barthelson

WHEN & WHERE

School, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale; 914-

OCT. 2 THROUGH 4 Rhinebeck Arts Festival – Enjoy live

723-1169, hbms.org

music, interactive art experiences, craft

OCT. 6 THROUGH NOV. 21

demonstrations, family activities, gour-

To mark its 50th Anniversary, Arts-

met specialty foods and more. 10 a.m. to

Westchester is partnering with The

5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday

Journal News to present “Through the

and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dutchess

Decades: Picturing 50 Years in West-

County Fairgrounds, Route 9, Rhine-

chester,” an exhibit featuring archival

beck; artrider.com

and crowd-sourced photographs. Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and

OCT. 3 Kellylee Evans in concert. The Canadian

noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays, ArtsWestchester Gallery, 31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, artsw.org/decades

singer/songwriter earned a Juno Award for “Best Jazz Vocal Album” for her impassioned tribute to Nina Simone. 8 p.m.,

OCT. 6 THROUGH 24

Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mama-

Westport Country Playhouse stages Ar-

roneck; 914-698-0098, emelin.org

thur Miller’s “Broken Glass,” celebrating

KELLYLEE EVANS OCT. 3

CHARITY MASQUERADE GALA OCT. 16

the playwright’s 100th birthday. At the time of Kristallnacht (The Night of Bro-

Randy Jurgensen, a retired New York City

“Travel: A Daily Journal of the World.”

ken Glass) in Nazi Germany, a Brooklyn

homicide detective turned author, actor

8 p.m., Westchester Community Col-

The Village of Ossining hosts its second

Jewish couple’s marriage begins to shat-

and producer, who appeared in the film.

lege, Technology Building, Room 107,

annual “Chalk It Up Festival.” Visitors are

ter. Jason Robards Theater at WCP, 25

7 p.m., free admission, Dobbs Ferry Pub-

75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla; 914-827-

invited to enjoy a day of music, crafts and

Powers Court, Westport; 203-227-4177,

lic Library, 55 Main St., Dobbs Ferry, 914-

5353, WPSphoto.org

food alongside amateur and professional

westportplayhouse.org

693-6614, dobbsferrylibrary.org

OCT. 4

artists painting Ossining’s sidewalks with chalk pastel. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission, corner of Main and Spring streets,

OCT. 7

914-941-3554, villageofossining.org/economicdevelopment

OCT. 8

OCT. 10

The 17th annual Gayle K. Lee Women’s

The

Lockwood-Mathews

Screening of the film classic “The French

Health Awareness Luncheon,

with

Museum Gala marks the opening of

Mansion

Connection,” followed by a Q & A with

featured speaker Dr. Elisa Port, chief of

the Servants’ Quarters to the public

breast surgery and co-director, the Du-

for the first time in the museum’s 49-

bin Breast Center, Mount Sinai Medical

year history. The event features a reen-

Center. 11:30 a.m., Westchester Country

actment performance by writer/actor

Club, 99 Biltmore Ave., Rye; 914-777-

Drew Denbaum, a preview of two new

2777, cancersupportteam.org

exhibitis, a black-tie dinner and silent and live auctions. Lockwood-Mathews

OCT. 8 THROUGH 28 “In My Element: Photographs by Lynda

Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave., Norwalk; 203-838-9799, lockwoodmathewsmansion.com

Shenkman Curtis,” presented in conjunction with the annual series “Focus on Nature,” in the Jane Peck Gallery on the

OCT. 11

third floor of the Jacob Burns Film Cen-

The seventh annual Yorktown Festival

ter, 405 Manville Road, Pleasantville; 914-

and Street Fair – A day of food and fun

773-7663, burnsfilmcenter.org.

featuring musical entertainment, 250 vendors, motorcycles on display, a dog cos-

‘THE FRENCH CONNECTION’ OCT. 7

OCT. 9

tume contest and parade, pet tricks and the fest’s first hotdog-eating contest. 11

Westchester Photographic Society pres-

a.m. to 5 p.m. along Commerce Street and

ents Pulitzer Prize-winning photogra-

Veterans Road, 914-245-4599, yorktown-

pher, Essdras Suarez, in a program on

festival.com

OCT. 23 AND 24 A Giant Tag Sale to benefit Hudson

OCT. 11

Chorale featuring high-end items, an-

The Greenburgh Nature Center Fall

tique furniture, collectibles, jewelry,

Festival – Scarecrow building, pump-

appliances, housewares, books, etc., 9

kin carving and painting, cider-making,

a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine, 107 Bedford

animals, scavenger hunts, tractor rides

Road, Pleasantville; 914-769-9309, hud-

and more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Greenburgh

sonchorale.org

Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale; 914-815-8280, greenburghnature-

OCT. 27

center.org

The Business Council of Westchester Annual Dinner presents “The US

OCT. 14

Presidential Election: The Candidiates,

The Artist’s Way Sacred Circle is a

Campaigns & Predictions.” The event

spiritual workshop aimed at freeing par-

features guest speaker Mark Halperin,

ticipants’ creativity. Facilitated by Peter

a presidential campaign historian and

Flierl, founder and CEO of Broccoli Soup.

political analyst who also serves as man-

1 to 3 p.m., G & B Cultural Center, 21 New

aging editor of Bloomberg Politics and

St., Wilton; 203-544-0056

host of Bloomberg TV’s “With All Due Respect.” 5:30 p.m., Hilton Rye Town, 699 Westchester Ave., Rye Brook, 914-

OCT. 16 Gullotta House Inc. hosts its inaugural Charity Masquerade Gala with proceeds going to Westchester County families

948-2110, thebcw.org

TACONIC OPERA OCT. 17 & 18

OCT. 28

facing hardships. Guests will be treated

The Women’s Leadership Institute at

to a night of music, hors d’oeuvres, des-

Manhattanville College holds a daylong

serts and prizes for best costume, masks

OCT. 18

and more. 8 to 11 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, 455 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; 914-5250744, gullottahouse.org

OCT. 17 The Run Walk for Health & Hunger to

workshop as part of its Women’s Leader-

The Westchester Philharmonic season

ing auction, fashion show and luncheon

ship Certificate Program. “Lead with Dis-

opens with a program featuring Chris-

features guest speaker Andrea Mitchell. 11

tinction” assists women in overcoming

topher Theofanidis’ “Dreamtime Ances-

a.m., Hyatt Regency Greenwich, 1800 W.

business and leadership challenges. The

tors.” Jaime Laredo conducts with cellist

Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich, 203-861-

program starts at 10 a.m. Manhattanville

Sharon Robinson as the soloist. 3 p.m.,

0014,

College School of Business, 2900 Pur-

The Concert Hall at The Performing Arts

fit2015

weblink.donorperfect.com/bene-

chase St., Purchase, 914-323-7325, community.mville.edu/msb

Center, Purchase College, 735 Ander-

❖❖❖

son Hill Road, Purchase; 914-682-3707,

The Food Bank for Westchester pres-

❖❖❖

westchesterphil.org

ents its 25th annual “An Evening in

The UJA-Federation of New York West-

sea Piers Connecticut, 1 Blachley Road,

Good Taste,” a fundraising gala featur-

chester Business and Professional Di-

Stamford. After the Run Walk, partici-

ing a selection of the county’s top chefs

vision offers its Fall Breakfast. Meet

and restaurants. The reception starts

professionals in the Westchester business community and learn about the

benefit The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County starts at 8:30 a.m. at Chel-

pants are welcome to attend the Stam-

OCT. 21

ford Hospital Health Wellness & Sports

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the

at 6 p.m. 1133 Westchester Ave., White

Expo 2015 at Chelsea Piers from 9 a.m.

Greenwich Medical Skincare and La-

Plains; 914-418-5205, foodbankforwest-

work of UJA-Federation. The event

to 4 p.m. The free event includes compli-

ser Spa with a fundraiser to benefit the

chester.org

features guest speaker Lee H. Perlman.

mentary health screenings for adults by

YWCA Violence Against Women charity.

Stamford Hospital, activities for children

The event includes light refreshments,

and more than 90 exhibitors. 203-531-

raffles for BOTOX, CoolSculpting, Ul-

OCT. 23

therapy and Juvederm, and various

The Mental Health Association of West-

giveaways. 6 p.m., $25 donation re-

chester presents “Imagine, An Eve-

quested, 1285 East Putnam Ave., River-

ning of Celebration,” its annual benefit

OCT. 31 and NOV. 1

side, RSVP to (203) 637-0662 by Oct. 16.

to create and cultivate essential men-

Crafts at Purchase, Westchester County’s

Taconic Opera opens its 18th season

tal health services in the community.

only indoor fine craft show, is set on the

with with “Pagliacci” by Leoncavallo and

Awards will be presented to exceptional

stage and in the lobbies of the Performing

individuals who have made a difference

Arts Center at Purchase College and is a benefit for the venue. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat-

3047, hws-expos.com

OCT. 17 AND 18

7:45 a.m., Willow Ridge Country Club, 123 North St., Harrison; 914-761-5100, ujafedny.org/bp-fall-breakfast

“Trial by Jury” by Gilbert and Sullivan. 8

OCT. 22

p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, York-

The 20th annual Breast Cancer Alliance

to MHA and the field of mental health. 7

town Stage, 1974 Commerce St., York-

Luncheon & Fashion Show – This year’s

p.m., CV Rich Mansion, 305 Ridgeway,

urday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 735

theme is “Celebrating 20 Years: Honor.

White Plains; 914-265-7511, mhawest-

Anderson Hill Road, Purchase; 845-331-

Recognize. Embrace.” This year’s fundrais-

chester.org

7900, artrider.com

town Heights; 855-886-7372, Taconicopera.org

Tickets on sale now! (203) 438-5795 THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE for movies and the performing arts

RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG 80 East Ridge • Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877

Non-profit 501 (c) (3)

Paul Reiser October 17 @ 8PM The Mad About You star returns to his comedy roots!

15th Anniversary Gala

Smokey Robinson

October 10 @ 5:30PM Gala, 8PM Show

Michael McDonald October 20 @ 8PM With hits "I Keep Forgettin'," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "What A Fool Believes" and more!

The Hit Men

Former Stars of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

November 13 @ 8PM

Don’t miss this MOTOWN legend!

“Oh What a Night (Dec. 63),” “Who Loves You,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You,” “Sherry,” and more!

Peter Frampton Raw: An Acoustic Tour

A Darlene Love Christmas: Love for the Holidays

October 19 @ 8PM

Frampton plays acoustic only sets for the first time ever!

Spyro Gyra October 22 @ 8PM The prolific smooth jazz-fusion band combining elements of R&B, funk & pop!

The Kinks’ Dave Davies October 27 @ 8PM

“You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” “Come Dancing,” and “Tired of Waiting for You.”

November 22 @ 7PM

Singing her classic hits and the music of the season!

The Irish Rovers Holiday Show

December 5 @ 8PM

A Christmas celebration in honor of their 50 Years of Music!

Wizards of Winter December 9 @ 8PM

Former members of Trans-Siberian Orchestra performing the greatest hits (“Christmas Eve in Sarajevo,” “Queen of the Winter Night”) plus music from their original rock opera.

Buddy Guy

Echoes of Sinatra

A titan of the blues who will grace the Playhouse

December 12 @ 8PM

November 8 @ 8PM stage for the 7th time!

Featuring Steve Kazlauskas Celebrate the 100th Birthday of Old Blue Eyes.

WAGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2015

Join the Backstage Buzz - Text RPlayHouse to 71441 for special info.

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WATCH

A BIG DRAW

Polo players Joaquin Panelo and Santino Magrini, seated atop two gorgeous polo ponies, greeted guests outside Shreve, Crump & Low’s Greenwich Avenue store to help kick off the East Coast Open High-Goal Polo Tournament at Greenwich Polo Club.

The club, the United States Polo Association (USPA) and Piaget co-hosted the launch, which featured an official draw to decide each polo team’s placement in the tournament.

The 20-goal Open (played on a handicap level) was contested over three weekends in late August and early September with NBC Sports Network presenting the final, in which Audi edged White Birch, 14-13.

2

Photographs by Chi Chi Urbina 1. Avril Graham and Nic Roldan 2. Peter Brant leads the charge 3. Juancito Bollini and Mariano Aguerre 4. Joaquin Panelo and Joao Paulo Ganon 5. Team Audi faces off against Team K.I.G. 6. Mariano Aguerre 7. Luke Wilson shakes hands with Nick Manifold 8. Miguel Novillo Astrada, Nic Roldan, Juancito Bollini and Marc Ganzi 9. Action on the field

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WATCH

SUPPORTING WOUNDED WARRIORS

More than 150 guests gathered at Knollwood Country Club in Elmsford on Sept. 11 for a catered dinner and auction benefiting Wounded Warrior Project. Items auctioned included New York Yankees and Rangers memorabilia, round-trip airline tickets, country club gift certificates and an espresso machine. All proceeds were donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, which serves disabled veterans. Billy Losapio, co-chair of the event, said he was “honored” to organize the evening and hoped the inaugural event would continue for years to come.

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Photographs by Evan Fallor.

1. Kim DiNunzio and Denise Avolio 2. Billy Losapio and Neil Johnson 3. Armando Rodriguez, Nelson Soracco, Phil Vallone and Danny Amicucci 4. Food was provided by restaurants throughout Westchester County and the Bronx.

5.The event drew participants to Knollwood Country Club.

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OCTOBER 2015

GOLDEN

It was a great day for the Irish as Richie Moloney of Ireland captured the $215,000 American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm in North Salem with a flawless ride aboard Carrabis Z in the jump-off.

American Laura Kraut, riding Deauville S, was second, with Daniel Bluman, aboard Conconcreto Sancha LS, finishing third. Moloney’s countryman, Conor Swail, riding Viva Colombia, took the style award.

Irish eyes must be smiling.

Photograph by Rebecca Walton, Phelps Media Group .

1. Peter Lutz Photograph by the Book LLC: 2. Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z Photograph by Rebecca Walton, Phelps Media Group: 3. Daniel Bluman and Conconcreto Sancha LS Photographs by the Book LLC: 4. Laura Kraut and Deauville S 5. Victoria Colvin and her new Pomeranian 6. Mario and Lucy Deslauriers 7. Richie Moloney 8. Riders sign autographs for eager fans.

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WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL’S

NEW PATIENT TOWER Is Now Open exceptionaleveryday.org

WAGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2015

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WATCH

LOVE ALL

This US Open had it all — blazing sun, biblical rain, stunning upsets (Andy Murray, anyone?) a new dynamic duo (Nick Kyrios and Eugenie Bouchard) and two players who almost won the Grand Slam — one who took home a US Open singles title (Novak Djokovic) and one who didn’t (Serena Williams).

Katrina Adams — president, CEO and chairman of the board of the White Plains-based United States Tennis Association and WAG’s August cover subject — presented trophies to Djokovic (August 2013 WAG cover), who defeated Roger Federer, and Flavia Pennetta, who defeated Roberta Vinci.

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Photographs by USTA/Ned Dishman.

1. Katrina Adams presents the Tiffany-made trophy to Novak Djokovic 2. Roberta Vinci, Katrina Adams and Flavia Pennetta 3. Roger Federer

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A HOME RUN

The celebrity golf and tennis classic for the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation was held recently at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Scarborough. Ali and Joe Torre were the hosts of the event, which supports the foundation’s efforts to educate, end the cycle of domestic violence and save lives.

Photograph by Joshua Sailor Photography.

4. Ali and Joe Torre

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MAKE YOUR GIVING MATTER MORE. Establish a donor advised fund or a permanent fund with the Westchester Community Foundation and bring your philanthropic legacy to life.

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To learn more, please contact Laura Rossi at (914) 948-5166 or lrossi@wcf-ny.org.

210 North Central Avenue Suite 310, Hartsdale, NY 10530 www.wcf-ny.org

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A WHOLE MESS OF FUN

More than 1,500 guests attended the third annual Muddy Puddles’ “Mess Fest,” held at Camp Kiwi in Mahopac.

Attendees enjoyed a day of fun, laughter and mud in honor of children who are battling (or passed away from) pediatric cancer. Parents, friends, volunteers and, most important, kids participated in several activities, including a mud pit, food fights, zip lining, splatter paint and more. The event raised more than $75,000 for the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation in support of pediatric cancer research.

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Photographs by Jane Haslam Photography.

1. Bouncing higher than ever on the hydraulic trampoline.

2. The Muddy Puddles’ Mess Fest wouldn’t be complete without the Dirty Dunk.

3. This little girl was happy to get a pie in the face.

4. Bubble Soccer didn’t slow down these champs.

5. Jumping into Camp Kiwi’s lake 6. Food fight madness 7. Kids having fun on the slip n’ slide.

8. Fun in foam

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Family Owned Since 1957

203-869-2299

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FIGHTING HUNGER

The Food Bank for Westchester recently joined with its partner agencies, government officials, supporters and staff to announce its “Go Orange to End Hunger” campaign, a major component of the Food Bank’s calendar of activities designed to encourage people to fight malnutrition during the month of September, Hunger Action Month.

1. Andrea Stewart-Cousins 2. Michael Murphy, Maria Bronzi and Joe Pizzimenti 3. Nita Lowey, Ellen Lynch and Rob Astorino 4. Sherrille Shabazz, Taylor Douglas and Chris Hendricks

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SAIL ON

Recently, the annual Leukemia Cup Regatta made its return to the picturesque waters of the Long Island Sound. The Connecticut/Westchester Hudson Valley Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society presented its annual event for sailors of all ages, combining the joy of boating with the important task of raising money to fight blood cancers. The post-race party held at the Larchmont Yacht Club included music, auctions and raffles, all in support of a worthy cause.

5.Dennis Chillemi, Emily Genzlinger, Tina Marcinko, and Devon Marcinko 6. Wyatt Bischoff 7. Spinnaker boats out on the water 8. The Race Committee boat 9. Team Ebisu

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THERE’S STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR 2015-2016 TOURS

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Travel with us in small group photo tours and Workshops to: ETHIOPIA, MYANMAR, LAOS/CAMBODIA, TANZANIA AND INDIA Working in the field, learn photojournalism, portrait photography, location lighting, editing and workflow with new topics daily and personal attention. Updated 2015 dates, itineraries, testimonials and tour fees are posted online at www.johnrizzophoto.com SHWEDAGON PAGODA, YANGON “As the Director of the Foreign Press Association, I have worked with many photojournalist, but none have measured up to the outstanding work done by John Rizzo. I first met John after Sept. 11th and his photos of that disaster attest to his remarkable skill and sensitivity to the subject. He is an artist in his field.”

— Suzanne Adams, Director Foreign Press Association, New York

“John Rizzo has brought some of the most dazzling photographs to the pages of WAG. He’s an artist who brings the vanishing cultures of the world to our eyes” -Dee Delbello, Publisher, Westfair Communications & WAG Magazine

“Being a student of John Rizzo has been one of the greatest learning experiences in my life. I am glad I got to learn from John as the quality of my work has grown leaps and bounds because of his guidance.”

— Allen French, New England School of Photography

John Rizzo Photography | 624 White Plains Rd. #144, Tarrytown, NY 10591 | (646) 221-6186 worldwide mobile | www.johnrizzophoto.com

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HELPING FURRY BUDDIES

Friends, family and colleagues gathered at the annual gala for the Yonkers Animal Shelter recently to honor WAG Publisher Dee DelBello, News 12’s Janine Rose and Hair Dimensions Salons co-owner Vanessa Osso. The event, which took place at The Riverview in Hastings-on-Hudson, recognized their work and dedication to the new Building Hope Yonkers Animal Shelter. Throughout the evening, speakers representing Yonkers and the shelter attested to the women’s commitment and determination to provide a safe haven for animals in need.

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Photographs by José Donneys.

1. Steve Samson and Vincent Volino 2. Jose Francisco and Vidya Shah 3. Janine Rose 4. Mauro Adornetto, Lia Grasso and Karen Pinto 5. Dee DelBello, Kay PistoneCarucci and Vanessa Osso 6. Carol Wilkinson 7. Janine Rose, Lisa Salvadorini, Debbie Best-Smith, Nicole Best and Jenna Russo 8. Pat Fallon, Michelle Haag, Erika Murphy, Anne McArdle and Nancy Clarke 9. Angela Cobelli, Rita Lashley and Margo Klimas

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HOW HAVE OTHERS SHOWN COMPASSION TOWARD YOU?*

WIT WONDERS:

Suzy Abuza

Pat Alexander

Liz Navarra

Patricia Polk

Robert Applebaum

Paula Robasco-Donchez

Jeryl Davis

Rachyl Sloan

Peggy Forrest

Roberto Toran

*Asked at Iron Horse Pleasantville, the American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, the Wounded Warrior Project fundraiser at Knollwood Country Club and around Dobbs Ferry.

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