WINTER 2018-2019
SeniorVoice WESTCHESTER
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TAKE HOME
CONNECTING BOOMERS AND SENIORS TO THE BEST LOCAL INFORMATION
Making Winter Fun Again Exploring Our Ancestry
Smart Ways to Bequeath Your IRA westchesterseniorvoice.com
Turning 65? Retiring?
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winter 2018-2019
Enjoy a Mini Vacation in Scarsdale
For over 25 years, Tranquility Spa has been a destination location in Westchester for a calming, life-enhancing experience – an ideal place for guests to relax their bodies, focus their minds, improve their moods, increase their sense of well-being, and get away from the stresses of daily life. For seniors, Tranquility offers a number of treatments to help manage fine lines, lighten age spots, relieve dry skin, and help correct sun damage that may have occurred during the Summer.
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WINTER 2018-2019
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features 22 SEXpert Advice on How to Nurture Intimacy 24 Great Ways to Celebrate Winter in Westchester 28 What's in a Name? Exploring Your Ancestry columns and departments 9 worth noting 11 nutrition: the oil dilemma 12 health & wellness: diet and arthritis 14 legal matters: bequeathing IRA accounts 16 insurance: rental car insurance 19 vital living: better holiday gifting 32 medicaid advisor 34 money matters: selling your life insurance 36 entertainment and community calendar
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our advertisers/sponsors who make this magazine possible: 23
afc urgent care
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agewell new york
46 healthy kitchen: secret vegetarian
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bethel springvale inn
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mvp health care
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bruce museum
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my second home
and more . . . 13 livestrong at the rye ymca 15 t'ai chi master 20 look your best
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burke rehabilitation hospital
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caremount medical
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concept care
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connect hearing
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crickett care
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scarsdale medical group
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dorot westchester
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seniors helping seniors
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edgehill
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stepwise now
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empire city casino
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susan parker, esq.
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firstlight homecare
30 mending sibling relationships
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Westchester Senior Voice connects boomers and seniors to the local professionals, organizations and businesses that serve them. Within these pages, we aim to inspire, inform, engage and entertain our readers in an embracing, respectful and Inclusive way.
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millenium medical and rehab music conservatory of westchester
performing arts center phelps hospital-northwell riverspring healthhebrew home
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giannasca & shook, pllc
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vna of hudson valley
home again transitions
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vns westchester
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king street rehab
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wartburg
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the knolls
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waveny lifecare network
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maplewood senior living
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westchester county
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medicaid solutions
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winter 2018-2019
bee-line
Vitality at Phelps Hospital
Activities for older adults We invite you to enjoy our educational programs, activities and social gatherings to help keep you connected to your peers.
Powerful Innovation, Compassionate Care
The Breakfast Club Senior Steps Mind Games Fall Prevention Program Holistic Pain Support Program Osteoporosis Education & Support Tai Chi Spirituality Elder Law Series
For information contact Ellen Woods at (914) 366-3937 or email ewoods3@northwell.edu
SeniorVoice WESTCHESTER
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Susan E. Ross publisher@westchesterseniorvoice.com 914.380.2990
ADVERTISING SALES Lindsay Sturman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susie Aybar n Angela Ciminello Gail Goodman n Michael Iachetta Kim Kovach n Lynn Lavender Ronen Marmur, MD n Daryl F. Moss Janie Rosman n Laura Rotter Susan G. Parker n Colin Sandler
The righT comPaNioN makes good days brighTer aNd Tough days easier! Finding the companion you can relate to means the difference between getting by and enjoying aging at home. Only Seniors Helping Seniors matches your needs, interests, and schedule with senior-aged skilled, care providers – all over 55 years old – who understand firsthand the changes that come with aging. Whether you need a little assistance or full-time help, our compassionate companions can provide a full range of at-home services: light housekeeping, meals, transportation, medication reminders, social outings and more. keeP your coNNecTioN To The life you love.
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To our readers: We are able to publish and distribute this magazine through the support of our advertisers. Please let them know you reached out to them because of Westchester Senior Voice. Opinions expressed in articles appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Publisher is not responsible for errors in advertising or claims made by advertisers. We do not knowingly accept any advertising that violates any law. Opinions, articles and advertising appearing in this magazine should not be construed as endorsement by the Publisher of any product, service, or person.
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Volume 3.5 WINTER 2018-2019 Copyright © Voice Media LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Westchester Senior Voice Print ISSN 2469-5203 Online ISSN 2469-5211 Publishing Quarterly plus an Annual Guide and the Booming BETTER Expo We reserve the right to publish all letters to the editor and/or publisher without approval of the sender.
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winter 2018-2019
VOICE MEDIA LLC WESTCHESTER SENIOR VOICE PO BOX 301 WHITE PLAINS, NY 10605
HEALTHY FEET = ACTIVE SENIORS Good foot health is important in order to be active in your senior years. Healthy feet can increase your comfort, reduce your risk of potential foot issues and keep you active and mobile. Proper foot care is necessary to reduce your risk of potential foot problems and falls. Our board-certified podiatrists treat common foot problems for seniors, including: - Dry skin - Hammertoes - Corns and calluses - Heel pain - Arthritis - Ingrown toenails - Bunions - Medicare DM shoe program Regular check-ups are important to maintain foot health. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY. ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. CALL (914) 723-8100
www.scarsdalemedical.com/podiatry winter 2018-2019
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publisher's note Where to start with so many goodies inside these pages? How about with winter fun? We've got a slew of out-of-the-box ideas on ways to fill those sometimes dreary winter days with sunshine, exploration and even creativity, for those so inclinded. Whether it's ballroom dancing, finding your inner Sherlock Holmes, spinning clay or crafting, or building a snowgirl with friends and family (hats on for our cover), we think these suggestions will make for a brighter season. Writer Michael Iachetta explores his ancestry with some help from the DNAtesting sites. This was of particular interest to me as I recently climbed on board the 23andMe wagon, and was promptly contacted by my dad's 93-year-old first cousin, whom he hadn't seen in nearly 80 years (resulting from a family falling out over some business interests). Looking at how my dad's family was
forever broken apart (so many cousins I don't know and will never know), it feels especially timely during this holiday season to have a professional mediator from Talking Alternatives discuss sibling discord and how we may repair relationships gone sour. We also take a look at sex and intimacy in this issue, with the help of several experts in the field. I'll hold off on saying any more and simply let you read the piece. I would be remiss if I didn't share that
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in the writing of this, I took some time out to get two very important vaccines. They left me with sore arms for a few days, but are well worth that price of admission. The new shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is recommended for ages 50 and older, comes in two doses, and is 90 percent effective at preventing shingles - a huge improvement over the prior vaccine. For anyone who has had shingles or for those of us who have simply heard the horror stories, consult your physician - sooner rather than later - to determine if you should be getting this vaccine. I also don't brave the winter without the flu shot. I went to my local CVS where they administered both vaccines on a walk-in basis. Could not have been easier. As always, wishing us all love and peace, Susan E. Ross Publisher and Certified Senior AdvisorÂŽ publisher@westchesterseniorvoice.com
winter 2018-2019
worth noting SHARING LIFETIME STORIES Everyone's attention was focused on Sonya Pushkina as she spoke about life as a young girl in St. Petersburg, Russia during the Siege of Leningrad. In Fifty Years Until I Love You, Merle Winokeur shared her story about coming to America from Quebec, weathering a tumultuous marriage, following her dreams, and the time spent with her former husband during his last days. Another "student" wrote Advice to My Teenage Self, while yet another shared with My Grandmother's Kitchen. These stories and essays are all part of Lifetime Arts' Creative Aging program in Westchester, made possible with the support of The Westchester Community Foundation, to help develop the creative capacity of older adults and to foster lifelong learning through the arts in community-based programs. Led by teaching artist and Mohegan Lake resident Cindy Beer-Fouhy, at Mount Kisco's Fox Senior Center, participants started by writing snippets of their memories such as recalling a first kiss or their first time away from home. Together, their writings became Stories of Our Lifetime, which also showcased the workshop members' diverse backgrounds from growing up in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the U.S.
From bathing to bandaids to backgammon this is home care. At FirstLight™ the care we provide goes beyond the basics of bathing, house cleaning and medication reminders. If you or your loved one want to listen to music or play a game of backgammon, we’re there. We care for seniors, people with disabilities, and those recovering from illness, injury or surgery. Call us to learn the many ways we can help you or someone you love.
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NY State Licensed Homecare Services Agency
According to Mrs. Beer-Fouhy, who also teaches at the prestigious Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, the workshop became something of a cathartic experience for its participants. "As a group, we laughed, shed tears, and applauded each other's accomplishments in life and on the page." Asako Saour, talking of her experiences as a child growing up in Japan during World War II said that, "I learned that many people experienced more difficult and scary times than mine, such as the persecution by Nazis and experiences of the Holocaust." Beer-Fouhy, who started teaching after discovering her own mother's journal, said workshop participants had been courageous and honest with their words, and had written from their hearts. She is excited the program will be continuing, thanks to support from Liz Dieter, the Mount Kisco Center's recreation director. winter 2018-2019
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NOTICING CHANGES IN HER MEMORY? It could be normal aging, or it could be something else
Burke Rehabilitation Hospital’s Memory Evaluation and Treatment Service provides comprehensive assessment and treatment of memory disorders. Our evaluation can determine if memory issues are normal aging or the first signs of diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. For more information regarding the Memory Evaluation and Treatment Service, please call (914) 597-2307 or email mets@burke.org.
785 MAMARONECK AVE. WHITE PLAINS, NY 10605 (888) 99-BURKE WWW.BURKE.ORG
GET BACK TO THE LIFE YOU LOVE AT BURKE REHABILITATION HOSPITAL, our mission is to help patients get back to the life they love after they’ve had a life-changing illness, injury or surgery. Our • Inpatient Rehabilitation expert teams of medical and • Outpatient rehabilitation specialists Therapy utilize the latest technology • Outpatient and personalized care plans Physicians to ensure your maximum recovery. 785 MAMARONECK AVE. WHITE PLAINS, NY 10605 888-99-BURKE BURKE.ORG
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winter 2018-2019
nutrition
Turn Up the Heat on Oils By Daryl F. Moss
RECENTLY, ONE OF MY CLIENTS SHARED THAT SHE WAS CONFUSED ABOUT ALL THE COOKING OIL OPTIONS IN THE SUPERMARKET SHE FREQUENTS. "I don’t understand the difference! Are all olive oils the same? What does refined mean? Which one should I choose?”
and smell, but that doesn’t help us before purchasing. If you don’t think it smells or tastes the way it should, return the oil.
Well, it depends. What are you cooking? Is it a salad or a stir fry? And what does the latest research say about oils?
Another caveat: while olive oil is considered the healthiest oil, it can break down with time and substandard storage and handling. When purchasing, make sure to check the “best before date” on the bottle. Keep your oil in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet that is away from the stove.
Up until now, we've followed the thinking that certain oils should be used at room temperature, as they break down with heat. However, a 2018 study done by Modern Olives Laboratory Services, an Australian olive nursery and advisory company, shows that in contrast to what was previously thought, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) actually holds up best at higher temperatures. That's important news since EVOO has the highest levels of antioxidants and contains other important nutrients as well. Good to know, but this is not the end of the story. As reported on 60 Minutes and written about in Forbes, all olive oils are not what they seem. Turns out there is a lot of corruption in the olive oil world. Extra virgin olive oil should be from the first pressing of the olives. Nothing added. This means it is not refined and, therefore, better for your health. Some less reputable olive oil producers from Italy and several other countries are mixing their oils with lower quality olive oils from nearby countries or with other kinds of oils. According to the Forbes' article, depending on where you live, 50 to 80 percent of the EVOO on supermarket shelves is adulterated. Inexpensive extra virgin olive oil is a sign that you may not be getting the real thing. The ultimate test is taste
Back to cooking. You can use the EVOO for salads, cooking on the stove, and in the oven. Being a mostly dairy free person, I cook my eggs in olive oil and they are delicious. What about other oils? When cooking with heat, coconut oil comes in a close second to olive oil in the Australian study. Canola oil, so popular in the United States, does not hold up at high heat; neither do the other seed oils (sunflower seed, sesame seed, grape seed, etc.). Why cook with anything other than EVOO? Taste and other health benefits. Olive oil has a distinctive taste. Depending on what is for dinner, you may or may not be looking for that flavor. Coconut oil has just a hint, not a strong taste, of coconut. I use it in curries as well as in some soups and other foods. Coconut oil may not have the same antioxidant level as EVOO, but it has many other important qualities such as immune and hormonal system support, as well as antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.
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Not to confuse things, but the Australian study only tested non-animal sources of oils. If made with organic butter from grass fed cows, ghee (clarified butter) is another healthy fat and cooking oil. I steer clear of margarine, canola, and shortening. I do use avocado oil on salads if I don’t have any ripe avocado, but it's very expensive so I don't use it for cooking. When making something that calls for sesame oil, I add a few drops after cooking and just before serving. The food still absorbs the flavor and tastes great. Using the right oils in your uncooked and cooked foods means you get their health benefits without compromising on taste. n n n
Daryl Moss, a Certified Holistic Health Coach, has been helping people feel better since she started coaching almost 10 years ago. She works one on one with most clients: in person, over the phone, or via Skype, as well as doing group programs and cooking workshops. She is also co-creator of the Synergy3 Cleanse and Wellness Program. www.missiontowellness.com; 914-468-4604 or Daryl@missiontowellness.com
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health & wellness
The Impact of Diet on Arthritis By Ronen Marmur, MD, PhD
THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED BY MULTIPLE STUDIES THAT REINFORCE “WE ARE WHAT WE EAT.” In the field of rheumatology, there is growing recognition of the importance of diet and its impact on tissue inflammation and the composition of healthy bacteria which play important roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. What you eat impacts your joints more than you think. The following diet and lifestyle adjustments can help you fight inflammation, strengthen your bones, and boost your immune system.
oranges and peppers, which are rich in carotenoids.
WEIGHT CONTROL Obesity may be associated with increased joint pain and accelerated osteoarthritis in the hips and knees. Fat tissue releases hormonal factors that cause an increase in joint pain and damage. Weight loss is the only known medical intervention that decreases joint damage and the progression to joint replacement. Numerous studies show that patients undergoing bariatric surgery leading to significant weight loss may have decreased joint pain and therefore a decreased need for joint replacement.
VITAMIN D Vitamin D, which our bodies absorb naturally from sunlight, plays an important role in calcium metabolism and bone health. Low vitamin D is associated with accelerated osteoarthritis, increased tissue inflammation and increased bone fragility. If you’re not getting enough sunlight, vitamin D can be taken as a supplement. The recommended daily dose by the Institute of Medicine is 400 to 800 units per day, with doses to up to 2,000 units per day considered safe. Vitamin D levels can be measured through a simple blood test. Levels should be between 30 ng/dl to 60 ng/dl.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS This fat, contained in fish and some vegetables, has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on joints. Certain types of fish, such as sardines, salmon, tuna, herring and anchovies, are rich in inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, two inflammatory proteins in the body. Other sources of omega-3 include flaxseed, green leafy vegetables such as kale, and nuts.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Studies show that consuming a Mediterranean diet is beneficial for its antiinflammatory effects. Fish, as mentioned above, combined with a diet rich in vegetables and olive oil, is shown to have protective qualities for our joints. Olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, antioxidants and oleocanthal, a compound known to reduce inflammation and pain. Choose colored fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins,
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SUPPLEMENTS Dietary supplements derived from cartilage and bone have been used as a folk remedy for arthritis since ancient times. A modern adaptation of this approach is through the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, found in supplements for joint pain. The use of these supplements is supported by scientific studies, but the evidence is weak. We recommend ingesting these supplements only if it helps to reduce pain and increase mobility. However, keep in mind these supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. FOODS TO AVOID: Foods containing high levels of saturated and trans fats, such as processed, packaged snacks (e.g. chips, cookies), high concentrations of fructose, as well as sugar and artificial sweeteners should be avoided. Consumption of these foods increases risk of obesity and inflammation. Be good to your joints! Eat healthy and enjoy high fiber, low calorie, nutrient-rich foods. Also remember that weight control and exercise are important factors leading to decreased joint pain and inflammation. n n n
Dr. Ronen Marmur is a rheumatologist with CareMount Medical practicing in the Mt. Kisco and Carmel offices. He is board certified in rheumatology and internal medicine. Dr. Marmur has received numerous awards including Top Doctor Award by Westchester Magazine, Castle Connolly Top Doctor, American Top Doctor and Hudson Valley Magazine’s Top Doctor. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Purchase and his MD and PhD degrees from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. www.caremountmedical.com
winter 2018-2019
RYE YMCA'S LIVESTRONG FOR CANCER SURVIVORS
ARE YOU A CANCER SURVIVOR - OR DO YOU KNOW ONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN JOINING A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY WITH THE GOAL OF HELPING PARTICIPANTS LIVE STRONGER, HEALTHIER LIVES? Then the place to turn may be the Rye YMCA, where adults going through cancer treatments, as well as those who've completed treatment, can go free of charge to build strength, reduce therapy side effects, improve energy and self esteem, and gain a feeling of community with other cancer survivors.
When Urgent Care isn’t an option, a Virtual Visit is.
Operating at the Rye Y since 2011, the LIVESTRONG program here has already served over 500 participants. Certified instructors, who basically serve as personal trainers during the sessions, supervise a variety of exercise activities: from Pilates and yoga to aquasize and weight training. There are even lectures by nutritionists along with other special sessions. All of this is absolutely free: a three-month Y membership; two free 75-minute classes each week; and full access to the Y seven days a week.
Register today and be prepared at caremountmedical.com/247
Enrollment is based on recommendations from area hospitals, but any cancer survivor can apply for admission based on a doctor's recommendation. Typically, LIVESTRONG at the Rye Y is not filled to capacity so participation in this lifechanging program is within reach. One thing they will ask: commitment to attend all classes.
Access is just a click away.
Contact livestrong@ryeymca.org for more information about the program. winter 2018-2019
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legal matters
Keep Tax Deferral Going:
Leaving IRAs To Children OFTEN, IRAS REPRESENT THE LARGEST ASSETS IN AN ESTATE. THEY ARE MORE THAN JUST A STASH OF CASH. They carry the gift of tax deferral. If things are done right, this deferral can continue for your child’s life. If things are not done right, your child can lose out on the rare opportunity for taxadvantaged growth.
According to a recent study, over 90% of people who inherit an IRA will cash it out. We don’t want your children to be in that group. A financially savvy child will smartly withdraw what’s needed to pay off college loans or buy a home for his growing family, and leave the rest invested. An inherited IRA is truly a gift that keeps on giving. SOME BACKGROUND An IRA beneficiary is subject to income tax on a distribution. A 10% penalty can also apply to distributions taken prior to attaining age 59½. A 30-year-old child who inherits the IRA is not subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty. In fact, the early withdrawal penalty doesn’t apply to beneficiaries. IRA owners must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs), based on their life expectancy, the year after they turn 70½. The concept of RMDs also applies to IRA beneficiaries. CHILDREN AS BENEFICIARIES You can name a child as your IRA beneficiary on a form provided by the financial firm or bank. You can name one or more children. Each beneficiary can take a lump sum distribution and close out the IRA. However, your children will have three better choices, all of which
afford some tax deferral: 1) They can begin RMDs in the year after the IRA owner’s death, based on their own life expectancy, as calculated based on their age. This yields maximum tax deferral. 2) If the IRA owner dies after age 70½, the child also has the option to calculate RMDs based on the IRA owner’s life expectancy. This enables a child to withdraw more funds earlier. 3) If the IRA owner dies before reaching age 70½, a child can opt to take the distribution over five years, which ends no later than December 31 of the fifth year following the IRA owner’s death. MULTIPLE CHILDREN AS BENEFICIARIES One IRA left to several children can be divided into separate shares no later than December 31 of the year following the IRA owner’s death. RMDs will be based on each child’s life expectancy. If the IRA owner was due to take a RMD in the year of death and didn’t, it must be paid to those who inherit the IRA. Failure to do so results in a 50% penalty on the RMD amount.
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By Susan G. Parker, Esq.
An IRA can also be left to children in an IRA trust, which must be irrevocable and have identifiable beneficiaries at the time of the IRA owner’s death. A class such as “my living children” names identifiable beneficiaries, whereas a class such as “my grandchildren” may not. For an IRA trust, additional paperwork confirming the trust terms must be given to the IRA custodian no later than October 31 after the year of the owner’s death. An IRA trust can limit distributions to RMDs and is a good idea for children who can’t manage their money. SOME POINTERS Only trustee to trustee transfers can be made to transfer the owner’s IRA to the beneficiary. Once IRA funds are paid to a beneficiary, they are taxed. They cannot be put back in an IRA. Note too that your child’s creditors can reach assets in an inherited IRA. FINAL ADVICE The inherited IRA rules are so complicated that frontline employees in a bank or investment firm often do not know them. You can avoid costly mistakes by having a knowledgeable investment advisor, accountant or attorney on your team who can shepherd your children to make the best decisions. n n n
Susan G. Parker specializes in estate planning, probate, elder law and business planning. She is licensed to practice law in New York and Florida, and maintains a practice in Westchester County. She has authored four books on elder law and estate planning. 520 N. State Rd., Suite 301A, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510; 914-923-1600; susan@susanparkerlaw.com; www.susanparkerlaw.com
winter 2018-2019
MASTER YANG YANG At a recent New York Medical College conference in Valhalla, Aging In Place: Multidisciplinary Perspectives, the lithe and compact Master Yang Yang, Ph.D., coaxed everyone to their feet and asked them to follow along with his moves. Within minutes, the roomful of attendees were practicing the Rising Dragon exercise. A renowned academic and T'ai Chi trainer, Dr. Yang shared how routine meditation and gentle stretching movements can improve sleep, balance and strength; lessen anxiety; and cultivate tranquility and an overall sense of well-being. Dr. Yang, founder of the Center for Taiji & Qigong Studies, has been practicing T'ai Chi since his boyhood in China. With 30 years of experience teaching this subset of Qigong, Yang has taken the best of traditional Chinese practices and blended them with Western learnings. As Yang instructed the conference group in a few simple, potentially life-improving exercises for all ages, he challenged everyone to keep smiling as they exercised and to think, "I am five years younger." With a few more repetitions, he empowered attendees to believe, "I am seven years younger." Evidence-based studies confirm that T'ai Chi improves balance and, as a result, enables people to more safely age at home. Yang tells us, aging at home is the only option for the people of China, so they embrace the practice. The exercises improve "core" strength - what the Chinese have, for centuries, called "the center of energy." Yang insists that a few minutes of these exercises each day can transform lives. We believe him. winter 2018-2019
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insurance
Do You Need It or Not?
Rental Car Insurance YOU'RE PLANNING THAT LONGAWAITED, WELL-DESERVED VACTION. You’ve researched the itinerary, booked the airfare and hotels, and even made some restaurant reservations. Nothing left to do but arrange for transportation to the airport. Right?
Wrong. There is one more important decision to make before you leave for your trip. You will need to determine if you should pay an additional fee for insurance on your rental car. Here's what you need to know in order to decide: UNDERSTAND YOUR EXISTING CAR INSURANCE COVERAGE. This should already include liability coverage, which pays for another person’s medical bills or property damage if you cause an accident; it may include comprehensive coverage to repair your vehicle if it’s damaged by an event other than a collision, as well as collision coverage to repair damage from a collision. In many cases, this coverage will extend to your rental car as well as your own vehicles. If your vacation plans are taking you overseas, your existing car insurance will not cover your rental car. Note that many countries require you to have an international driver’s license, and some countries (including Greece and Ireland) have an upper age limit of 75 or 80 in order to rent a car. Check online for any
By Laura I. Rotter
specific restrictions of the country you’ll be traveling to. UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR CREDIT CARD OFFERS. Many credit cards offer free rental car insurance that kicks in automatically when you use the card to pay for the rental. That being said, the amount of the coverage can be limited to a relatively small dollar amount and is often secondary coverage that pays out only after your primary insurance has been exhausted. Read the fine print on your credit card agreement to understand what is being offered. UNDERSTAND WHAT THE CAR RENTAL AGENCY IS OFFERING. Similar to your existing coverage, the insurance being offered should include liability coverage, in the event you injure someone or damage their property while driving. Though the rental car company may recommend supplemental liability insurance, you are likely adequately covered by your existing car insurance, as well as your umbrella insurance policy. Collision/damage waivers will cover the cost of any damage caused by a collision or if the car is stolen. Though you may already pay for comprehensive and collision coverage, you will need to cover the deductible before you receive any proceeds to cover the cost of an accident while on vacation. In addition, existing insurance will not cover any fees charged by the rental car
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company for loss of rental income while the car is being repaired. It may make sense to purchase this waiver, which gets you off the hook for any damage or theft of the car. Be sure to read the fine print to understand all potential charges if you were to damage the rental vehicle. You may also be offered Personal Effects Coverage, to cover any personal items stolen from the rental car, as well as Personal Accident Insurance, to cover any medical bills resulting from an accident. This coverage may duplicate coverage you already have from your homeowner’s insurance, health insurance or car insurance. Insurance offered by rental car companies is expensive and often duplicates policies you already have in place. Avoid a rushed, uninformed decision at the rental car desk by researching your existing car, homeowner’s and medical insurance coverage before you leave as thoroughly as you research your itinerary! n n n
Laura I. Rotter, CFA, MBA and CFP certified, is founder of True Abundance Advisors, a fiduciary, fee-only financial planning firm. She works with clients remotely or in person to help them clarify their goals, and develop an integrated plan to achieve those goals. Call her at 914-222-0832 or email Laura@trueabundanceadvisors.com to schedule a free initial consultation.
winter 2018-2019
Get to Know Maplewood With unrivaled services and amenities,Maplewood Senior Living communities provide assisted living and memory care options to area seniors. From a dedicated, highly trained team of associates to social and cultural events, 24/7 on-site licensed nursing and gourmet, farm-to-table dining, our communities cater to your unique lifestyle. Visit us today to see for yourself. MaplewoodSeniorLiving.com
203.557.4777 | MaplewoodSeniorLiving.com Locations in Bethel, Danbury, Darien, East Norwalk, Newtown, Orange, and Southport (Opening 2019)
Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans Get information about your Medicare and $0 or Low Cost Plan Premiums 718-696-0206
Medicaid coverage and learn about plan options right for you.
TTY/TDD 800-662-1220 • agewellnewyork.com
THE WAY TO AGE WELL IN NEW YORK AgeWell New York, LLC is a HMO plan with a Medicare and Medicaid contract. Enrollment in AgeWell New York, LLC depends on contract renewal. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-586-8044 (TTY: 1-800-6621220). ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-586-8044 (TTY: 1-800-6621220). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-866-586-8044 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220)) Assistance services for other languages are also available free of charge at the number above. AgeWell New York complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of races, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. AgeWell New York cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. AgeWell New York 遵守適用的聯邦 民 權法律規定，不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、殘障或性別而歧視任何人。 H4922_Cultural4002_M Accepted 09042018 winter 2018-2019
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Live Your Best Life Our continuing care approach means families trust Wartburg to be there — how and when they need us to be.
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One Wartburg Place Mount Vernon, NY 10552 914-699-0800 Wartburg.org
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vital living
Better Holiday Gifting By Angela Ciminello
THE GIFT GIVING SEASON IS UPON US ONCE AGAIN. So you may be asking yourself, “What am I going to get for the special people in my life?” Here are a few suggestions to help manage the gift-giving conundrum.
in Morse Code with dot and dash beads on a necklace or bracelet to create a distinctive gift. Another option is a customized saying or word in Braille. Etsy. com is a good place to begin your search. Prefer an experience as a gift? Well then it’s fortunate we live next to the Big Apple. Give the art lover in your life the EMPTYMET TOUR at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. View the museum’s most famous exhibits without having to navigate around hoards of people. For 90 minutes before opening to the general public, your gift recipient will have a VIP tour led by a museum guide. It’s an experience to remember.
Knowing that most of us splurge on food during the holidays, help your gift recipient get back to better eating with a gift of convenience and good health. MEAL KIT services such as Blue Apron and Sun Basket deliver all the ingredients to make a delicious meal, right to your door in recyclable, insulated containers - making it a breeze to prep, cook and enjoy. If they are interested in adding homegrown veggies to their dish, a GARDEN TOOL gift set will come in handy. Most sets include a convenient carrying tote, gloves and up to six garden tools. To help protect knees and backs, include a GARDEN KNEELER to make tending those veggies fun again. Flip the kneeler over to convert it into a comfortable seat. For the gift that keeps on giving, a subscription to a MONTHLY BOX CLUB is a wonder-
ful option. Each month, your gift recipient will receive a package and remember your thoughtfulness. My club of choice is Explore Local Box (explorelocalbox.com), which features locally made food and products from a different U.S. city each month. Delivered right to your door, it's like a national food tasting tour without leaving town!
For the man in your life, try the 5-IN-1 TOOL PEN. This handy gadget features a screwdriver, capacitive touch stylus for smart devices, an integrated bubble level, ruler, and pen with clip. Easy to use, easy to store and convenient for the man on the move. With these gifts, fear of re-gifting will all but disappear. Happy Holidays!
For the woman who always appreciates a piece of jewelry, why not gift a CUSTOM BRACELET or necklace. Spell out a saying or a word (Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend)
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Angela Ciminello is the Vice President of Development & Marketing at Wartburg, a senior residential and healthcare provider in Westchester County.
Wartburg’s licensed home care agency provides temporary or ongoing assistance – on a daily or live-in basis –serving Westchester and the Bronx Call 914-513-5656 or visit wartburg.org
PERSONAL CARE/DRESSING • MEAL PREP • HOUSEKEEPING PT/OT/SPEECH THERAPY • COMPANION SERVICES SPECIALIZED ALZHEIMER’S & DIABETES CARE • CAREGIVER RESPITE
We are hiring experienced Home Health Aides. Call us to find out more. winter 2018-2019
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Look Your Best
Advice From Dr. Joon Lee garding dermal fillers. If it's overdone, these collagen based fillers can look unnatural. Sculptra is better for people who prefer a natural look; it usually entails two to three treatments, four weeks apart. The results show gradually over six months and last for over a year. Sculptra helps the face create its own collagen, increases volume, and smooths the whole face gradually. Dr. Lee says that this product has subtle results and gives a person a much more natural look than fillers do.
To Reduce Wrinkles: NEUROTOXINS
Dr. Joon Lee, Medical Director of Scarsdale Aesthetic Medicine, wants to help people achieve beauty from “the inside out.” She has been providing non-invasive cosmetic skin treatments to help people look younger and rejuvenated since 2006, always offering the latest anti-aging treatments.
To Restore Volume: DERMAL FILLERS
“When people age, their cheeks start to sag which can make you look sad, tired and worried,” says Dr. Lee. “Dermal fillers can enhance your contour and restore fullness to your cheeks instantly. It is a non-surgical mini face lift. ” By stimulating production of the body’s natural collagen, SCULPTRA (PLLA), RESTYLANE and JUVEDERM (hyaluronic acid fillers) replenish subcutaneous fullness in the face. Juvederm or Restylane takes only 15 to 20 minutes to administer, with almost no recovery period and immediate results. Fillers can also be used to make lips look fuller or in the hands to make them appear younger and smoother. Results usually last six to nine months. “Less is more,” says Dr. Lee re-
Dr. Lee believes neurotoxins give a patient “the best return on your investment.” Neurotoxins come from purified Clostridium botulinum bacteria. They are typically injected into muscles in the face to reduce the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles. The effects last three to six months. They help maintain the elasticity of facial skin and facial muscles, and prevent aging. Neurotoxins can also be used for medical conditions such as migraine headaches or excessive sweating. When a neurotoxin is placed right under the facial skin (intradermally), it reduces oil production and also reduces acne.
To Brighten and Tighten: LASERS
PICOSURE is a laser skin rejuvenation procedure delivered in pico-seconds. It can get rid of sun damage, acne scars, brown spots, and wrinkles on the face, neck and hands. It can be done monthly and produces a naturally youthful look. This is a miracle laser with no down time and amazing results. INTENSE PULSE LIGHT (IPL) is a skin brightening light therapy that can get rid of redness, sun damage, brown spots and rosacea. It can also be done monthly to keep your face clean and bright. Learn more and meet Dr. Lee in person at the May 5, 2019 Booming BETTER Expo at Manhattanville College in Purchase.
What About Sagging Skin? NON-INVASIVE FACELIFT
ULTHERAPY is a FDA-approved and non-invasive face lift treatment. It uses ultrasound energy to heat tissue under the skin and create collagen production. After one or two treatments, a person will see the gradual effect over three to six months. Dr. Lee says this is good for tightening up the lower face and neck, losing the double chin, or getting an eyebrow lift without the "botox look." She advises, however, that people with very thin faces not use this treatment. “THREADING is the best lift short of surgery.” During this 15 to 30-minute procedure, Dr. Lee inserts small threads into the skin that are used to tighten skin, lift a sagging jawline, and improve smile lines. A 'barb' lift gives more dramatic and rapid results. An injection of hyaluronic acid into the jawline, MESOTHERAPY helps with double chins, “turkey neck,” and sagging jawlines.
To Lose Weight and Have A YOUTHFUL BODY:
Says Dr. Lee about losing weight, "Our MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM is safe and effective for all ages. We offer detailed diagnostic testing to uncover imbalances and plan out individualized treatment. Balance your body, balance your life!" SCULPSURE is a FDA-approved body contouring laser that helps eliminate unwanted fat in your belly and love handles. Looking young never gets old. n n n
Dr. Joon Lee / Scarsdale Aesthetic Medicine is located at 2 Overhill Rd., Suite 260, Scarsdale. Call 914-722-9440 to set up an appointment; www.scarsdaleaestheticmedicine.com
SPONSORED CONTENT
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Booming BETTER
SM
LEARN, ENGAGE, CELEBRATE YOUR AGE
DATE! E H T 9 1 SAVE 0 2 , 5
Y ADMISSION A M , Y SUNDA:15PM FREEnville College M-5 hatta 11:00Aeid Castle/Man ase, NY
Booming BETTER is a production of Westchester Senior Voice magazine.
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Presenting Sponsor
A variety of informative and engaging talks, workshops plus vendors designed especially for ages 55 and over. Choose from fifteen 45-minute workshops all day and ALL FREE.
Call 914-380-2990 for vendor info; www.boomingbetter.com
Sex at Our Age By Janie Rosman
According to Iris Krasnow, a women's studies professor at American University in Washington, D.C. and author of several books including Sex After…, “Sex remains important at every age and stage, and intimacy matters until the day we die." That's a thought many of us would agree with, even if our kids and grandkids cannot imagine or don't want to think that sex is still a part of our lives. And while it's true that sexual activity does taper off with age - a function of biological factors and partner status, research shows that Americans do stay sexually active well into their 70s and older. SO HOW CAN WE CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE PLEASURES OF SEX AS WE AGE? “We need to expand our notion about what pleasurable sex is, and not define it as just intercourse,” says Joan Price, author of The Ultimate Guide to Sex After 50: How to Maintain – or Regain! – a Spicy, Satisfying Sex Life. Price believes we need to think of ‘real sex’ as all the ways to give each other sensation and pleasure. Author and sex educator Walker J. Thornton concurs, suggesting that we redefine pleasure and give up the idea that an orgasm is the main reason we have sex. Krasnow adds that hugging and holding are the framework to intimacy and can continue regardless of physical limitations. WHAT CAN COUPLES USE TO ENHANCE THEIR SEX LIVES? Since it becomes more difficult to get aroused as we age, our experts encourage the use of sex toys, as well as lubricants for dryness. Price whole-heart-
edly supports the use of a "well-chosen, well-placed" vibrator to aid arousal. Romantic Depot in Elmsford is accustomed to welcoming older couples into the store, though buying online is also an option. Bella Appleton Davis, the store's general manager, says, “Sex toys are enhancements, like women putting on makeup; a stimulating lubricant can help [with arousal] or a massage oil or sexy underwear.” She also notes that Kegel balls used with a water-based lubricant can help women strengthen their pelvic floor muscles and enhance sexual sensation. Another recommended product is their hand-held supercharged wand that can be used on the body and as a vibrator to help couples relax and stimulate each other. “There is no generic answer as to how couples feel about using sex toys,” says Krasnow. “People need to be open with each other about exploring their sexuality.” “Romantic Depot is a safe environment to come into, especially as a couple,” assures Davis. They can ask questions, “Plus, seniors get a 20 percent discount!” DO WE NEED PROTECTION? “I suggest using condoms or be tested,” advises Thornton. “STDs [sexually transmitted diseases] have been on the rise [with older adults] during the past 10 years. Have the conversation with a partner prior to having sex,” she says. “If a man doesn’t respect a woman’s request for him to wear a condom, then he’s not respecting her well-being and concern.”
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CAN WE BE FRIENDS "WITH BENEFITS"? Price acknowledges, “It’s not a committed relationship or all-encompassing, but it can be satisfying. ‘We are friends and we have sex’ is the premise. We have to unlearn what we were taught about what a relationship is or is not and go after what works for us at this time in our lives.” “True intimate connections between couples come from a far deeper place than body parts,” Krasnow maintains. “Look to your own self and soul and your own partner’s needs and what works for you.” WHAT MIGHT AFFECT DESIRE? Desire can ebb and flow, and we need to accept that. A woman may feel less desire due to stressors in her life, whereas men tend to go through phases, which can be work- or emotionally-related, notes Thornton. "It only becomes an issue if couples stop having sex for a while and it has to do with communication.” Krasnow encourages people to be open to discussing how they wish to explore their sexuality as a couple. “Discussing and listening to the other person is key in all aspects of building a successful intimate relationship, in and out of the bedroom.”
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Photo by Seth Harrison
Connect or be Connected Join DOROT’s community of older adults and volunteers
Friendly Visiting, Holiday Package Deliveries, Intergenerational Chess, and more
For more information, visit us at dorotusa.org/westchester or contact our DOROT Westchester Director, Cippi Harte at 914-573-8906 or pcharte@dorotusa.org
WESTCHESTER BTHL-101 New Print Ad_WInter_7.5X4.75.qxp_Layout 1 10/11/18 2:25 PM Page 1
WELCOME TO THE KNOLLS! Enjoy an ideal retirement lifestyle in Westchester! Visit Westchester’s most full-service retirement community and discover: ● Maintenance-free living—no yard or housework ● 30 acres of stunning natural beauty ● Big, bright apartments in a variety of floor plans ● Amenities for socializing, hobbies, wellness and more ● A full spectrum of on-campus healthcare should you need it
Visit The Knolls today. Call 914-721-0855 to arrange your personal tour! It’s time to
55 Grasslands Road • Valhalla, NY 10595 914-721-0855 • TheKnolls.org
enjoy more of what you live in Westchester for!
The Knolls is a Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC sponsored by Bethel. WSV
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Great Ways to
Celebrate Winter Winter. We know it's arriving
in Westchester
By Kim Kovach
and there is nothing we can do about it. But instead of gluing ourselves to the sofa and
PUZZLE PARLOUR ESCAPE ROOM ADVENTURES on Court Street in White Plains offers a host of challenging elements to solve clues and work together with a group. Find your way out of The Surgery, The Heist, Alien Conspiracy or the Vampire interactive adventure escape rooms. Open seven days, the Puzzle Parlour is a fun indoor experience for grandparenting adventure, team building with co-workers or date night. www.thepuzzleparlour.com; 914-368-8222.
bemoaning the shorter days and cold temperatures, let's flip that switch and embrace a positive attitude by indulging in new experiences, creativity and nature this season. With so much still to discover in and around Westchester, the winter months can be a joy!
challenge
your inner sleuth and test
HOUR TO EXIT ESCAPE GAMES in New Rochelle gives players the adrenaline rush of solving puzzles, deciphering hints and finding clues to exit locked rooms including Pandora’s Box or Elude the Illusionist. Take family bonding and team building to a whole new level! Open seven days a week. Gift vouchers available for all occasions. www.hourtoexit.com; 914-355-4272.
your problem solving skills by finding your way out of one of these escape rooms within the time limit! Exercise your critical thinking skills at ESCAPE SCARSDALE, with a real life escape from the locked Prison Break or Gamers Challenge rooms. Invite a few friends and create your own reality adventure. Open Thursdays through Sundays. www.escapescarsdale.com; 914-722-8358.
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You can also put your team to the test at TRAP'T ESCAPE ROOM ADVENTURES in Stamford, Ct, where you'll find Time Chasers, Museum Mayhem and Tremors on the Tracks, among others; www.traptct.com; 203-569-0011.
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discover
your inner artist this winter with hands-on drawing, painting and sculpting classes. Play with color, get your hands dirty and express yourself on paper, canvas and in clay. The PELHAM ART CENTER offers classes in painting, drawing, mixed media collage and digital arts for beginner and experienced levels. Check out their special drop-in evening workshops and ongoing classes. The monthly Creative Consciousness workshops sound intriguing! Gift certificates available. www.pelhamartcenter.org; 914-738-2525. At KATONAH ART CENTER’S new Mount Kisco location, adult classes in oil, acrylics and watercolor painting, portraiture and still life, drawing and painting with a live model, pottery wheel, and jewelry making offer the opportunity to stimulate your inner artist. Special evening workshops include Mud & Merlot (pottery) and Pinot & Paint (still life). Enjoy creating art in a social setting for celebrations, friends night out or book club field trips! Gift certificates available. www.katonahartcenter.com; 914-232-4843.
NURTURE
your inner chef or confectioner with hands-on cooking classes and candy making workshops. Nothing warms the soul (or stomach) like creating delicious dishes and confections and then eating them! At ZWILLING COOKING STUDIO in Pleasantville, learn new culinary skills in their hands-on cooking classes. Individuals, couples and small groups can sign up for ethnic cooking (and eating!) classes to learn how to prepare Italian cuisine, a Moroccan feast, a Mexican fiesta or Indonesian dishes. The knife skills classes are very popular with home chefs. Gift certificates are perfect for birthdays and anniversaries. www.zwillingcookingstudio.com; 914-385-3499.
Zwilling Executive Chef Bernard Janssen demonstrates knife skills.
Chocolate, please! BLUE TULIP CHOCOLATES in Rye offers candy and truffle making workshops and chocolate tastings from around the world. Join in a workshop or sign up with a group of friends to create and decorate hand-crafted confections made with superb Belgian chocolate. Gift certificates are available for the 90-minute chocolate candy workshops. www.bluetulipchocolates.com; 914-481-4840.
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encourage
your inner musician in private or group lessons. If you haven’t played the piano since fourth grade or always yearned to pick up an electric guitar and shred, winter is the perfect time to hunker down and learn how to play an instrument. music conservatory of westchester
SCHOOL OF ROCK in Bedford utilizes a performance-based curriculum with weekly private lessons and group band rehearsals. Guitar lessons for adults are available for all levels. Lessons in piano, bass, drums and vocals are also offered. www.bedford.schoolofrock.com; 914-234-0418. (Locations in Mamaroneck and White Plains, too.)
tap
into your inner dancer during the winter months ahead. Move those feet (and hips!), stay active, meet new people and dance! How about friends, fitness and fun with the FRIENDLY SQUARES DANCE CLUB in Katonah? Individuals, couples and families are welcome at the free Fun Nights on January 28 and February 4. The 15-week beginner square dance course starts February 11. To register, call 914-433-2919.
The MUSIC CONSERVATORY OF WESTCHESTER in White Plains inspires and challenges adults of all ages: whether “trying a new instrument for the first time or dusting off the instrument you played in high school.” Individual or group instrumental lessons in piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, harpsichord and organ, as well as music theory classes are available for all experience levels. www.musicconservatory.org; 914-761-3900. Calling all singles and couples. ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO in White Plains offers group and private lessons in salsa, tango, cha-cha and more. A family-owned business here in Westchester since 1957, started by his parents, Michael Powers says their studio is full of empty nesters and retirees looking to socialize. As he describes it, dancing is a together sport and more popular than ever. "When you dance together, you both win." So put on those dancing shoes and head on over. www.arthurmurraywhiteplains.com; 914-948-5929. (Locations in Mt. Kisco and Yonkers as well.)
Interested in Irish Step Dancing? Sign up for the January to March winter session of beginner or advanced Irish dance classes at O’ROURKE IRISH DANCERS in Valhalla. www.orourkeirishdancers.com or email the director at Luann614@optonline.net. Need more ideas? How about beginner adult classes in tap, ballet or Israeli folk dancing at the JCC OF MID-WESTCHESTER, where you can stay in shape while having fun! www.jccmw.org; 914-472-3300 ext. 320.
Hone your stand-up comedy routine at the Comedy Open Mic nights at LUCY’S LAUGH LOUNGE in Pleasantville on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.lucyslaughlounge.com or call 914-200-4812 to sign up for improv workshops for aspiring performers of all levels.
unleash
your inner comedian and have fun presenting your own material and learning from the pros.
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You can also attend weekly adult improv classes at CROTON ACADEMY OF ARTS in Croton-on-Hudson. The 90-minute classes are taught by professional actors and comedians, providing in-class exercises on acting techniques, building characters and using imagination. Have fun, laugh a lot and de-stress! www.crotonacademy.org; 914-862-0988.
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ROCKEFELLER STATE PARK PREWARD POUND RIDGE RESERVATION SERVE in Pleasantville offers miles of hiking in Crossforested River is ahills winter andTake crossa trails through andhiking valleys. country skiing destination. Open year round winter walk on the scenic 1 ½ mile loop around from 8 a.m. to dusk, this is Westchester County’s Swan Lake.
INDULGE
largest park with 4,315 acres and miles of wooded trails and varied terrain. For a complete list of all Westchester County parks, visit www.parks. westchestergov.com.
your outdoor nature enthusiast with a variety of wonderful trails for hiking and cross country skiing expeditions. The EDITH G. READ WILDLIFE SANCTUARY on the shores of the Long Island Sound in Rye is another wonderful winter hike. Bring your binoculars and camera as you pass the 85-acre salt and freshwater lake, and amble along the trails through forests and fields. The sanctuary is recognized as an “important bird area” by the National Audubon Society of New York.
Curious about the winter phenomenon of ICE FISHING? Look no further than Northern Westchester. Participants and spectators alike will enjoy learning more about this rugged sport from the friendly And when those white flakes start experts at the Cross River Bait & falling from the sky, summon your Tackle Shop on Route 121 in Cross inner child by challenging friends, family River; 914-763-6083. There are six or neighbors to a SNOWPERSON popular ice fishinglocations where BUILDING CONTEST. Hey, the anglers can test their skills (and kids don't have to have all the fun! fortitude!) once more than four inches of solid ice has accumulated for safe accessibility. Thanks to the New York State Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, the weekend before President’s Day (February 16-17, 2019) is designated as a free ice fishing weekend. Fishing license requirements are waived for that weekend only. Ice fishing is permitted at the Cross River Reservoir (East of Katonah), Amawalk Reservoir (East of Yorktown Heights), Muscoot Reservoir (Somers/Katonah), Titicus Reservoir (Purdys), Mohansic Lake (Yorktown), and Wampus Pond (Armonk). winter 2018-2019
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What's in a Name? My Journey with 23andMe By Michael Iachetta
That link is part of a deceptively simple chain of events. Because your saliva contains DNA from cells in your mouth, the 23andMe lab is able to process and analyze the genetic data present in your cells. Within eight weeks, an email let me know my reports were ready in an online account. I just had to log in and start discovering what my DNA had to say about me. Lots, it turned out.
IT STARTED AS SOMETHING OF A LARK WITH ME SPITTING IN TO A TUBE. IT TURNED OUT QUITE DIFFERENTLY. That spit took me across oceans, continents, and generations - reminding me of my mother's Neapolitan proverb, "If you spit into the sky, it falls in your eye." It made me wonder anew about what it must have been like for my forebears: coming to America from Italy and beyond in the early 1900s knowing no one, having nothing and not speaking a word of English. It made me think about what makes America great and all that goes into that greatness: melting pot ingredients like the blood, sweat, tears, hopes and dreams of immigrants who helped make life easier for succeeding generations. Those thoughts came to mind after I contacted the Mountain View, California-based 23andMe, a human genome research company that enables users to discover their ancestry, genealogy and inherited traits. Named for the 23 pairs of chromosomes in a normal human cell, the writer in me was curious. Especially about their claim, "Your DNA
tells the story of who you are and how you're connected to populations around the world." So I contacted them and chose the less expensive offering ($99 for ancestry, compared to $199 for health and ancestry). The instructions said the saliva collection kit typically arrives within three to five days. It did. All I had to do was spit in to the tube that came in the mail, then send it back in the pre-paid package. From there, 23andMe goes to work, starting from the premise that human DNA is about 99.5% identical from person to person. But there are small differences that make each person unique. These differ-
ences are called variants, based on the DNA passed down from your parents and their parents and so on. In my case, that meant my DNA travelled from Italy's Cervinara, Naples and Bari - whence my grandparents came to the Little Italy section of the Bronx, where they were destined to meet, marry, and create a new generation - speaking a new language in a new country. But geographical and language distances and differences aside, their DNA and their variants came with them. And those variants can be linked to certain health conditions, traits and ancestry groups.
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But first, I had to wait for the response. And while I did that, I checked out 23andMe, which had been started in 2006 by, among others, current CEO Anne Wojcicki: married, at the time, to Google co-founder Sergey Brin. The saliva-based direct-to-consumer genetic testing business was named Invention of the Year by Time magazine in 2008. It is now sold in retailers such as Best Buy, CVS, Target, Walgreens and Walmart, and has more than five million users in 48 countries. Says Wojcicki, "I started 23andMe with the belief that by getting people learning about themselves and participating in research, we would all benefit." I couldn't agree more. Albeit for reasons that were more emotional than scientific. The
23andMe findings shook out my family tree in ways that were both expected (that I was mostly Italian) and not so expected (my lineage was also part Balkan, Ashkenazi Jewish, Western Asian and North African). An internet search of other sites - including myheritage, familytreeDNA, CRI Genetics, DNA Fingerprints - provided me with unexpected information about my heritage. For example, the name Iachetta dates back to the Middle Ages in Tuscany's Florence (Firenze). Early notables with the Iachetta name ranged from Giacomo, a 13th century Franciscan poet and philosopher in Verona, to Giuseppe, also a poet/philosopher in Hungary in the mid-1800s. On a more current earthly plane, it turns out there are roughly 115,365 others worldwide last-named Iachetta, according to ancestry.com. Each has their own story: from Luigi, a plumbing and heating contractor from Ipswich in England, to Dino, one of the principals in Iacchetta Builders, Inc. in lower Delaware, to independent Iachetta contractors in Knoxville. (Building seems to be in the blood. The Iachettas helped build the church near my ancestral home in Cervinara from the ground up.) Closer to home, the story becomes a lot more personal. My late father Michael won a baseball scholarship to Fordham University, but had to drop out to help support his family during the great Depression, when his father (Pellegrino) was crippled in a work-related accident in those pre-workers' compensation days.
Lefty Mike, as my father was known, pitched against major league legends like Hank Borowy and Johnny Murphy, married a neighborhood girl named Martha Caiati, buried his baseball dreams, and became a furniture salesman in her family's Little Italy, Bronx business. My father eventually started his own furniture business in the Bronx, in a converted building that used to be a movie theater, around the same time that the nearby, sprawling Co-Op City rose out of the marshlands. I became a writer and bylined stories from all over the world, almost as though my tangled blood lines kept beckoning me to explore whence I came. I am now 81, long retired, still writing, still learning. Along the way, my wife Stephanie (Peterman), a College of New Rochelle grad and ex-IBMer, and I built our own four-bedroom home for under $40 thousand in Scarsdale with blueprints from a 95-cent paperback called How to Buy and Build a House. We raised our four children there before selling, as empty nesters, and moving to a waterfront Rye condo. There's more, lots more, but by now you get the idea that you may get a lot more than you bargain for when you spit into a bar code-labeled tube. For me, that included hearing the voice of my late mother saying, "If you spit into the sky, it falls in your eye."
Short Term Rehabilitation Orthopedics | Cardiac | Diabetes Management | Wound Vac IV Therapy | Respiratory | Tracheostory | Ostomy Neuro-Recovery | Pain Management | Hospice Care Palliative Care | Respite Care
Long Term Care Alzheimer’s & Dementia | Memory Care Complex Medical Care
Admissions & PT/OT Speech Therapy 7 days a week!
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Michael Iachetta, of Rye, is a former nationally syndicated writer, columnist, editor, arts critic and more with The N.Y. Daily News, now retired and still writing for regional and national publications. winter 2018-2019
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For More Info Contact
914.937.5800
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By Gail H. Goodman
Repairing Sibling Relationships
You've likely seen a movie with this storyline: the cast of characters descend on the family home as the holidays near. Tensions rise over certain relationships oftentimes, with siblings.
Unfortunately, these scenes are all too familiar in real life. And while maintaining sibling relationships is easy for some - an extension of good times together, it can be a challenge for many of us. No, we can’t pick our family, but there are good reasons to continue to share our lives with our siblings. Siblings are our longest lasting contacts and connections to our past. Shared time starts in our youngest years and usually continues after our parents are gone. Even our oldest friends are unlikely to have been around for that duration. Sisters and brothers contribute to making us who we are. The interaction we experience growing up in the same household influences our behavior, values and personality. Continuing these lifelong relationships can add substantially to our life as we age. They are part of our ‘safety net’ of people who we can count on to care about us, be there for us, and share memories with us. Something often overlooked is how siblings maintain the continuance of family. When we lose our sibling relationships, we are also depriving our children of the caring comfort of their family. A couple of years ago, a brother and sister came to me inquiring about mediation services for their parents and an aunt and uncle who had a falling out. They no longer had Thanksgiving and other holidays together and these
young adults missed occasions with their cousins. People often try to substitute friends at holidays but find the experience lacking family traditions, history, and reminiscences that only generations of family can provide.
For those who have fractured or strained relationships, restoring them is difficult but not impossible. It takes work, a conscious effort, and needs perspective. For one, you no longer live together. Some of the behavior and issues that made it hard to live together are lessened by distance. If you can let go of past disagreements, you give yourself the opportunity to forge new bonds and positive experiences that can distance the past ones. As adults, it may be too late to work out what has festered over decades; this is the time to move forward and create an adult sibling relationship. First, accept your brother (or sister) for who he is; that is what you must work with. Part of your reconciliation planning is to recognize his good traits. If you do not deal with acceptance of who he is, you will only be setting up the next explosive situation. If a long time has passed since your last contact, getting in touch can be intimidating. Start with a heartfelt, written invitation to avoid either of you reacting during a call. A woman I know invited her sister to an event where she was performing with a choir. She told her sister how much it would mean for her to be there. She was pleasantly surprised when her sister accepted. The evening required just the right amount of interaction for her
westchesterseniorvoice.com
to express delight that she came while not leaving enough time for a discussion of the past, making it easier to meet the next time. If your outreach is rejected, perhaps a get-together with other family members might work. Just trying a few times might be enough to convince your sibling of your sincerity. If you feel more comfortable calling, have a list of former trigger points to stay away from. You are now adults and have different life experiences that you can share, such as parenting, grandparenting, or careers. Make sure the conversation does not devolve into a competition but is kept to kindly sharing parts of your life. If a subject is touched on that provokes an emotion, ask her why she feels that way? Asking indicates caring and is more likely to elicit a positive response. Dwelling on the past only defeats the present and the future. Did you both share a favorite movie growing up or have a teacher in common that you really disliked? That’s an icebreaker. Focus on that memory and experience, and laugh about it. Once you have that first conversation, schedule another one and make it a routine. Make the renewed contact an active part of your life. Remember, your siblings are not just your relations. Give yourself and your immediate family the gift of family and creating memories. n n n
Gail H. Goodman is founder of Talking Alternatives, a family mediation firm specializing in Parent/Teen and Elder and Adult Family Mediation. She can be reached via www.talkingalternatives. net or by email, Gail@talkingalternatives.net
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medicaid advisor
Straight Talk On Aging By Colin Sandler
THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! The time for extended families and loved ones to get together. It's also a good time to start the conversation between generations on some sensitive topics. Here's what you should be asking and discussing: IS A POWER OF ATTORNEY IN PLACE? If so, where is it located? Are the powers broad enough to enable your agent to make
critical decisions? A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important planning tools you can have. It protects you in case you become incapacitated. If you do not appoint someone, your family may need to seek a guardianship and a stranger could be appointed to make decisions for you. WHAT ABOUT A HEALTH CARE PROXY? Have you discussed whether you want life-sustaining treat-
Need help paying for home care? Know your options • Protect your assets and income
• Medicaid eligibility planning • Maximize benefits and services • Medicaid application filing • Pooled Income Trusts filing Call me to see if you qualify for financial assistance to reduce the cost of long term care Colin Sandler,
MEDICAID
SOLUTIONS Advice for Aging
lcsw, ccm Senior Care Counselor and Medicaid Specialist
colin@medicaidsolutions.com
914.924.2566
2127 Crompond Road, Suite 105 Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
www.medicaidsolutions.com
ments? Are you confident the person you have chosen feels capable of following through on withholding treatment if this is what you wish? This is a critical part of the conversation, especially if you have strong feelings about limiting life-sustaining treatments in certain situations. DO YOU HAVE A LONGTERM CARE POLICY? If so, where is the policy kept? Does your family know what it covers? How long before benefit payments can be collected? What's the daily payment cap and the maximum amount of coverage? DO YOUR LOVED ONES KNOW ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION? If you suddenly become incapacitated, your POA may need to take over in a hurry and they need information! If you aren't ready to disclose your finances to your children or loved ones, you can still create a list of all your financial institutions with account numbers, contact information for your financial planner if you have one, life insurance policies and policy numbers, sources of income, etc. It's also helpful to have a list of regular bills that you pay, along with your online user names and passwords in case your family needs to step in unexpectedly. Whether or not you are ready to share this information or your POA with
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your loved ones, you can still be prepared. DO YOUR LOVED ONES KNOW WHERE TO FIND YOUR DOCUMENTS? I'm referring to birth certificates, passports, marriage license, deeds to property or burial plans, power of attorney papers, wills, etc. Getting these items all in one location - and making your family aware of that - can make life a lot easier in the event of a crisis. If you keep these items in a safe deposit box that only you can access, no one will be able to retrieve your important paperwork! I recommend that you be proactive! An experienced social worker or certified care manager can help facilitate these discussions, put you at ease, and reduce the pressure on everyone involved. Proper planning will give you and your family peace of mind. It may also allow you to have much more control over how and where you age. n n n
Colin Sandler, LCSW, CCM, is owner of Medicaid Solutions, 2127 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt Manor, NY. She has been providing advice on aging to seniors and their families for over 20 years. Email her at Colin@Medicaidsolutions. com or call 914-924-2566; www. medicaidsolutions.com To find more articles by Colin on this topic, go to WestchesterSeniorVoice.com and enter "medicaid" into the search box on the right hand side of the page.
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money matters
A Time to Buy and a Time to Sell
Your Life Insurance Policy By Lynn Lavender
A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, I BEGAN WORKING WITH A COUPLE WHO LIVED IN MANHATTAN. At the time, Gregory was 55 and a highly compensated executive at a mid-sized corporation. Janice was 13 years younger and worked as an illustrator for a children’s magazine. There was a sizable difference in their incomes as well as their ages.
After providing the broker with some health information and details on the policy, I presented Gregory with several offers, the best of which was $175,000. He accepted immediately and had a check within a few weeks.
Gregory purchased life insurance to ensure that, when he passed on, Janice would be able to continue the lifestyle they enjoyed. Two years later, Janice was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Over a period of time, she became increasingly debilitated and needed more and more care. Care costs significantly impacted their investment portfolio as paid caregiving was the only option available to them.
Most people are unaware that their life insurance is an asset and can be converted to cash just like any other asset. The sale of life insurance is called a Life Settlement. Usually, the purchaser is a large company or an institutional buyer that pays the policy owner, on average, three to eight times the cash surrender value of the policy. (Term policies with no cash value and group insurance may also be sold.) In return, the buyer takes on the premium payments and, ultimately, will be paid the death benefit.
After Janice passed away, Gregory contacted me about surrendering his life insurance policy. He was then in his late 70s and had developed his own health issues. There seemed to be no reason to continue paying his life insurance premiums. I contacted the insurance company and learned that if Gregory surrendered his $750,000 universal life policy, the insurance company would issue him a check for $38,000 - the cash surrender value (CSV).
The proceeds from the sale of life insurance are subject to capital gains taxation. The capital gain equals the proceeds of the life settlement less the cost basis. The cost basis is equal to the total of premiums paid minus the cost of insurance. These numbers can be gotten by requesting a tax quote from the insurance company.
I also contacted a life settlement brokerage company to see what his policy would fetch on the secondary market.
If the purpose of the life settlement is to pay for long term care, a trusts and estates attorney may be able to create a
westchesterseniorvoice.com
plan by which the capital gains tax would not be triggered. For many people, life settlements have become an unexpected source of cash they can use for any purpose: additional retirement income; the joy of gifting to grandchildren now rather than later; ability to age in place or choose an upscale retirement home; or pay uncovered medical costs. Life settlements are most appropriate for people over the age of 75 who have policies in excess of $100,000. Selling one’s policy instead of letting it lapse can be a welcome source of funds. Seek a life settlement quote if you cannot afford the premiums, no longer have need for the insurance, or just want the cash. TIP: Make sure your agent has a life settlement license (a requirement in New York State), is working with reputable companies, and provides you with more than one offer. n n n
Lynn Lavender, CLTC, is Principal at GuideINS and has been handling the insurance needs of individuals and businesses for over 20 years. She can be reached at: LLavender@GuideINS.com or 914.478.7640; www.GuideINS.com.
34 winter 2018-2019
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westchesterseniorvoice.com
winter calendar
COMEDY, TALENT, SPECIAL EVENTS
Burger, and on the series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; 914-7390039; paramounthudsonvalley.com
WEDNESDAYS: 12 & 2PM OLDIES, BIG BAND, SWING
Take an afternoon break and head on over for the best oldies, bigband, and swing music in the area. Free in the Entertainment Lounge. Empire City Casino, Yonkers; www.empirecitycasino.com
DECEMBER 14: 8PM LOUIE ANDERSON
Experience one of the country’s most recognized and adored comics, deliver his inimitable brand of humor and warmth, live on stage. Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098; emelin.org
DANCE, MUSIC, THEATER & FILM
JANUARY 18: 8PM THE BOOK OF MORON
Are you craving some satire that cuts with a clever intelligent edge? Then buckle up for a hilarious joy ride over the pot-holed highways of cultural hypocrisy DECEMBER 5-22 with Robert Dubac’s The Book of THE PIANIST OF Moron. The Palace Theatre, 61 WILLESDEN LANE Atlantic St., Stamford, CT; 203Grammy-nominated pianist and 325-4466; palacestamford.org storyteller Mona Golabek shares the gripping, biographical tale of FEBRUARY 1: 8PM her mother’s escape from Vienna VIC DIBITETTO DECEMBER 22: 8PM Back after a sold-out show in in 1938. When the young Jewish A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS 2017! An incredibly powerful per- piano prodigy finds her dreams A holiday entertainment block- former, comedian Vic DiBitetto threatened by the looming war, buster set to dazzle audiences churns energy, honesty and hu- she escapes to England on the of all ages. Featuring the best manity into nonstop laughter. Kindertransport. Ms. Golabek talent from around the globe, A He’s been called a cross be- tells an incomparable true story Magical Cirque Christmasthis tween Rodney Dangerfield and while interweaving the music of show has it all – jaw-dropping Ralph Kramden.Ridgefield Play- Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Demagic, breathtaking circus acts, house, 80 East Ridge, Ridge- bussy, and even a little Gershwin and the most angelic voices field, CT; 203-438-5795; ridge- in this elegant and beautiful prosinging your favorite Christmas fieldplayhouse.org duction. Westport Country Playcarols with live musicians on house, Westport, CT; 203-227stage. The Palace Theatre, 61 4177; westportplayhouse.org Atlantic St., Stamford, CT; 203325-4466; palacestamford.org BEFORE HEADING OUT TO AN EVENT LISTED ON ANY CALENDAR PAGE, PLEASE CONFIRM THE DATE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND THE OCCASIONAL ERROR MAY OCCUR. DECEMBER 28: 8PM SINBAD
Sinbad has starred in two Comedy Central specials and four HBO comedy specials, has been featured in films such as Jingle All the Way and Good
WEDNESDAYS DEC. 12; JAN. 16 & 30; FEB 13 & 27 COMEDY NIGHT
DECEMBER 6: 8PM LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM
Buckingham is one of the great guitar players and songwriters Laugh out loud with the funniest of our time, a Rock and Roll Hall performers from across the na- of Fame inductee, 3-time Gramtion. Tickets start at just $5 for my winner and Fleetwood Mac Empire Club members and come producer, guitarist, vocalist and with a free beverage. Get your songwriter. Paramount Hudson tickets night-of at Empire City Valley, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; Casino, 810 Yonkers Ave, Yon- 914-739-0039; paramounthudkers; www.empirecitycasino.com sonvalley.com westchesterseniorvoice.com
This talented bluegrass band delivers old favorites that gets the whole audience moving. Parmley's soulful voice leads this veteran ensemble of top flight musicians. Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck. 914-6980098; emelin.org
SUNDAYS: 8PM LATIN NIGHT
Enjoy some of the hottest Latin and Salsa bands in the metro area. Free in the main floor Entertainment Lounge. Empire City Casino, Yonkers; www. empirecitycasino.com
TIME AS SOME EVENTS ARE
DECEMBER 7: 8PM DAVID PARMLEY & CARDINAL TRADITION
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DECEMBER 8: 5PM ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Music by the tragically shortlived Hans Rott gives a tantalizing taste of a rising star admired by Bruckner and Mahler; British cellist Steven Isserlis, whose playing navigates a dizzying spectrum of unabashed emotions in C.P.E. Bach’s Cello Concerto in A Major.Purchase College Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Rd. Purchase; 914-251-6200; artscenter.org DECEMBER 9: 7:30PM CHRISTMAS WITH THE CELTS
This holiday show features a mix of lively traditional Irish music and instrumentation with American pop music and their own originals, along with ancient Irish and Scottish carols and traditional Christmas favorites. Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT; 203438-5795; ridgefieldplayhouse.org DECEMBER 14-30 MR. DICKENS TELLS A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Recreates Charles Dickens’ own performances of the classic tale that brings the travails of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim alive. Taken from Dickens’ original script, the well-loved tale is performed as guests travel throughout the main floor of Lyndhurst mansion “meeting” the different spirits and characters. Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; 1-888-7184253 opt. 1; lyndhurst.org
The Dawn of Modern Medicine: Selections from the Medical Artifact Collection of M. Donald Blaufox, MD, PhD November 24, 2018–April 7, 2019
BRUCE MUSEUM www.brucemuseum.org
December 1 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center 1 Jazz at The Center: Joe Lovano plays Bernstein 2 Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia The Rainbow Fish 8 Orpheus Chamber Orchestra | Steven Isserlis, cello 9 Boston Brass Christmas Bells Are Swingin’ 14 The Rob Mathes Holiday Concert (also on Dec 15) 16 Westchester Philharmonic Winter Pops! January 19 Gina Chavez 26 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center February 2 DIAVOLO: Architecture in Motion® 10 Westchester Philharmonic Friends and Family 16 Robin Spielberg March 2 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center 10 Trusty Sidekick Theatre Company Shadow Play 16 Aspen Santa Fe Ballet 23 Portland Cello Project Homage to Radiohead 30 Jazz at The Center Spectacular with Cyrille Aimee
Plus plenty more in 2019, the season runs through May. Tickets for senior citzens (age 65+) are always 10% off!
www.artscenter.org 914.251.6200 winter 2018-2019
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calendar (continued from prior page)
DECEMBER 14: 8PM A BRONX TALE
Chazz Palminteri performs his one-man stage version of the hit movie and recent Broadway musical A Bronx Tale. Based on his childhood memories of working men and gangsters in the ItalianAmerican neighborhood where he grew up. Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown; 914.631.3390 ext.100; tarrytownmusichall.org
DECEMBER 14: 8PM CAROL OF THE KING
Featuring Irish dancers and musicians, Carol of the King brings an original Christmas story of love and salvation to life - transporting audiences to a mystical time and place of heroes and redemption. The dance troupe performs fast hard shoe rhythms and soft shoe jigs to an original orchestral soundtrack. Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; 914-739-0039; paramounthudsonvalley.com
for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart. Bethel, NY; 866-7812922; bethelwoodscenter.org
from American Ballet Theatre and NYCBallet.. The Palace Theatre, Stamford, CT; 203-325-4466; palacestamford.org
DECEMBER 14-15: 8PM ROB MATHES HOLIDAY CONCERT
Originating the role in the Broadway phenomenon, Hamilton, Jackson is a Tony nominated actor, Grammy and Emmy award winning songwriter and composer. Starred in numerous Broadway productions including Lion King and now in the CBS drama, Bull. Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098; emelin.org
This annual celebration featuring Mathes, plus his all-star band, choir, and special guest stars, is a high-energy evening of rock, jazz, and blues – original tunes and holiday classics that will put you in the spirit of the season. Purchase College Performing Arts Center; 914251-6200; artscenter.org DECEMBER 15 & 16: 1 & 5PM THE NUTCRACKER
Join Clara Stahlbaum as she travels with her Uncle Drosselmeyer thru the Land of the Snowflakes to the Land of the Sweets and back. Along the way, she meets exciting characters danced by the professional Connecticut Ballet corps de ballets and finally, the Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Cavalier danced by guest stars
DECEMBER 15: 8PM CHRISTOPHER JACKSON
DECEMBER 16: 3PM MEMORIES & PREMONITIONS
Sounds and spirits of the past often inhabit the music of the present. The ghosts of Wolfgang Mozart, Johannes Brahms, klezmer, ragtime, Peruvian folk music, and Hindustani vocal music hover over works by William Albright, Gabriela Lena Fand and 2012 fellow Reena Esmail. Copland House, 1538 Washington St, Cortlandt; 914788-4659; coplandhouse.org
DECEMBER 16: 3PM WINTER POPS
The exuberant maestra and Rockland native Rachael Worby has been Music Director of the Pasadena Pops, Wheeling Symphony, Carnegie Hall's Young People's Concerts, guest-conducts around the world. Joining her will be Time for Three (violists Nicolas Kendall and Charles Yang, bassist Ranaan Meyer). Westchester Philharmonic, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College; 914682-3707; westchesterphil.org DECEMBER 16: 3PM SYMPHONY OF WESTCHESTER
All Baroque Program: Johann Sebastian Bach - Air; from Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 in D Major; Brandenburg Concerto no. 3, BWV 1048 in G Major; Antonio Vivaldi - The Four Seasons. Alexander Abayev, violin. Murphy Auditorium, Iona College, New Rochelle; 914-654-4926; thesymphonyofwestchester.org DECEMBER 17 & 18: 1 & 8PM HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Las Vegas’ number one impersonators- your favorite legendary Superstars come alive in Christmas with The Stars. Sonny & Cher, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Tom Jones, and many many more all in one show. All live vocals. Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford; 914-592-2268; broadwaytheatre.com DECEMBER 22: 8PM A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS
Jaw-dropping magic, breathtaking circus acts, and the most angelic voices singing your favorite Christmas carols with incredible live musicians on stage. Be transported to the golden age of entertainment by The Bruce Museum's Lifetime of Looking is an art appreciation program the mind-blowing talents, stundesigned for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, as ning costumes, comedy and more.. The Palace Theatre, well as their caregivers. The program uses objects and artists' materials Stamford, CT; 203-325-4466; related from the Bruce Museum's art collection and exhibitions to palacestamford.org
Lifetime of Looking At the Bruce Museum
DECEMBER 14: 8PM JUDY COLLINS HOLIDAY & HIITS
Judy Collins, now 76, is as creatively vigorous as ever - writing, touring worldwide, and nurturing fresh talent. She is also an accomplished filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker
encourage participants to engage in reflection and meaningful dialogue THRU DECEMBER 23 about art, science, and their own personal experiences. Join us on ThursA CHRISTMAS CAROL day, December 13, 1 – 2:30p.m. for our next Lifetime of Looking program, This new musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens Classic fea“Realistic and Imaginative.” Registration required; please contact tures an original score as well Kathleen Holko at kholko@brucemuseum.org or 203-413-6741. westchesterseniorvoice.com
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as many of the traditional carols we love to sing. See Scrooge and Tiny Tim and all of the timeless characters we’ve all grown to know and love, including a surprising new twist and lots of dancing! Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford; 914-5922268; broadwaytheatre.com FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS: 6PM THRU DECEMBER 25 THE MERRY CAROLERS
Stop by the casino’s valet entrance and watch The Merry Carolers perform your favorite holiday tunes for free every Friday and Saturday through Christmas. Empire City Casino, Yonkers; www.empirecitycasino.com DECEMBER 21-JANUARY 31 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Showcasing spectacular costumes and scenery, this show is based on the Academy Award-winning animated Disney feature, with songs including “Be Our Guest”, “Gaston” and of course “Beauty and the Beast.” White Plains Perform-
ing Arts Center, 11 City Place, 3rd flr, White Plains; 914-3281600; wppac.com
temporary playwrights and read by professional actors. Greenwich Arts Council, 299 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT; 203293-8729; jibproductions.org
DECEMBER 27-JANUARY 27 PHANTOM
Based on Gaston Leroux’s love story, Phantom tells the story of how Erik became the tortured figure underneath the Paris Opera House. Told with passion, emotion, and luxurious music, Phantom reveals the heart of this disfigured musical genius and his love for Christine, the Opera’s beautiful ingénue. Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford; 914-592-2268; broadwaytheatre.com DECEMBER 28: 8PM MOONDANCE
A tribute to Van Morrison, featuring classic tunes like Brown Eyed Girl, Moondance, Domino, It Stoned Me, Tupelo Honey, Wild Night, Into The Mystic, Caravan Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown; 914.631.3390 ext.100; tarrytownmusichall.org
JANUARY 18: 8PM LUANN DE LESSEPS COUNTESS & FRIENDS
JANUARY 16: 1PM TO CATCH A THIEF
Starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. To keep a wave of thefts from being pinned on him, a reformed jewel thief living in high style on the French Riviera must ferret out the true culprit. Oscar winner for Best Cinematography. Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; 914-747-5555; burnsfilmcenter.org JANUAARY 16 & 17 AND FEBRUARY 14: 12 NOON PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD
Enjoy a gourmet buffet lunch and then settle in for a program of clever, provocative one-act plays by both classic and con-
Countess Luann is a reality television star, author, actress, singer and mother. An original cast member of Bravo’s hit TV show The Real Housewives of NY, Luann just finished filming her tenth season. Most recently Luann appeared in her first cabaret show #Countess And Friends at Feinstein’s 54 Below. After rave reviews, demand grows for more shows as they continue to sell out. Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown; 914.631.3390 ext.100; tarrytownmusichall.org JANUARY 19: 8PM CHAMBER MUSIC
The program features the musicians of The New Choral Sociey orchestra in an intimate setting. Conducted by Dr. John T. King, the music is sure to warm on a
FOREVER g
n u o Y
WEDNESDAYS
Empire Club Members 55+ earn 10 Empire Points playing slot machines to receive $10 Free Play & Free Valet Enjoy live music in the Entertainment Lounge 12pm & 2pm Must be 18 years of age or older to play New York Lottery games or wager on horses. Please play responsibly.
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calendar (continued from prior page) cold winter's night. Hitchcock Presbyterian Church, 6 Greenacres Ave., Scarsdale; 914-7251678; newchoralsociety.org
JANUARY 19: 8PM GINA CHAVEZ
A multi-ethnic Latin pop sensation, Chavez is a nine-time Austin Music Award winner — including 2015 Musician of the Year and Album of the Year for her sophomore release, Up.Rooted, a passionate collection of bilingual songs traversing cumbia, bossa nova, vintage pop, reggaeton, and folk. Chavez’s songs take audiences on a journey through the Americas, expertly blending sounds with tension and grace. Purchase College Performing Arts Center; 914-251-6200; artscenter.org JANUARY 26: 8PM LEADING LADIES OF BROADWAY
An all-new concert event created exclusively for the Emelin featuring such Broadway singers as Rona Figueroa (Les Miserables; Miss Saigon), Sara Jean Ford (Phantom; Cats; How to Succeed in Business), Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Anika Larsen (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; RENT) and Kissy Simmons (The Lion King). Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098; emelin.org JANUARY 31: 7:30PM WESTCHESTER CHORDSMEN
This event features the renowned Westchester-based a cappella group, founded in 1953. Their musical repertoire extends beyond its barbershop style roots to Broadway show tunes, doo-wop, traditional, gospel and contemporary songs arranged in four part a cappella harmony. Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck. 914-6980098; emelin.org
JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 24 AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'
The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and '30s comes to life in this three-time Tony Award-winning musical revue. Experience the heart and soul of Harlem where the onset of swing joined ranks with the rhythms of ragtime and the passions of jazz, creating an explosive musical movement through the timeless music of Thomas “Fats” Waller. Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford; 914-592-2268; broadwaytheatre.com FEBRUARY 2: 8PM DIAVOLO: ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION
Leaping, flying, and falling, this contemporary dance company utilizes trust, teamwork, and imagination in large, surreal architectural playgrounds to create metaphors of life through dance and movement. Their awe-inspiring works explore how we are affected emotionally, physically, and socially by the spaces we inhabit. Purchase College Performing Arts Center; 914-251-6200; artscenter.org
his unique and acclaimed artistry to the Phil for an unforgettable afternoon of music, tap dance, and the fireworks! Westchester Philharmonic, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College; 914682-3707; westchesterphil.org FEBRUARY 7: 7:30PM LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
FEBRUARY 14: 8PM ABBA DANCING DREAM VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT
The group sings from a traditional music called Isicathamiya (Is-cota-ME-Ya), which developed in the mines of South Africa. Ladysmith has recorded with Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, Melissa Etheridge, and many others. Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098; emelin.org
The Dancing Dream tribute band electrifies audiences of all ages with the best ABBA hits "Mamma Mia", "Dancing Queen," "Take a Chance," "Fernando" and more. Beautiful harmonies, elaborate costumes and exciting choreography. Westchester Broadway Theatre, Elmsford; 914-592-2268; broadwaytheatre.com
FEBRUARY 10: 3PM FRIENDS & FAMILY CONCERT
FEBRUARY 15: 8PM FRANK SOLIVAN & DIRTY KITCHEN
The incomparable Savion Glover, who first gained notice as the Tap Dance Kid, created and starred in the Broadway smash Bring in Da' Noise, Bring in Da' Funk, and is the human dancing force behind the animated motion picture Happy Feet, will bring
Part of the Bluegrass Series, this award-winning band brings astounding instrumentals, sky high vocals and a towering stage presence. Solivan has a bluesy edge to a repertoire of modern bluegrass along with reimagined traditional favorites. Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098; emelin.org FEBRUARY 16: 8PM ROBIN SPIELBERG
Treat your Valentine to a romantic ”Piano Parlour Soiree” with Steinway Artist Robin Spielberg. Performing music from her vast repertoire of popular American melodies and original favorites, Robin's concerts intertwine captivating music with stories that inspire and make us laugh. Purchase College Performing Arts Center; 914-2516200; artscenter.org
2018-2019 at The PAC
Get ready to experience world-class performing arts! Familiar favorites anchor The PAC’s 2018-2019 season, complemented by expanded cabaret, world music, and family programming and ground-breaking work that crosses boundaries and blends genres. With discounts for seniors, groups, and children, ample parking, and a convenient location on the campus of Purchase College, there is no better place in Westchester to enjoy an afternoon or evening of performing arts. The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College www.artscenter.org 914-251-6200 westchesterseniorvoice.com
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FEBRUARY 23: 8PM 1964 THE TRIBUTE
Rolling Stone Magazine has called 1964 The Tribute the “best Beatles tribute on earth.” 1964 is an accurate re-creation from the live songs, voices, instruments, suits, and even haircuts. Choosing songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era, he show recreates an early 60’s live Beatles concert, with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles, and onstage banter. The Palace Theatre, Stamford, CT; 203325-4466; palacestamford.org
FEBRUARY 28: 7:30PM NEW ORLEANS PIANO NIGHT
It’s Piano Night as Westchester musicians Kristina Koller, Todd Nocera, Dinah Vero and more, celebrate Mardi Gras and the spirit of New Orleans. Come for an evening of blues, jazz, and maybe a wee bit of funk. Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck. 914698-0098; emelin.org THURSDAYS: 8 & 10PM TRIBUTE BAND THURSDAYS
DECEMBER 1: 10AM-4PM HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE AT WAINWRIGHT HOUSE
This festive annual event features fun and activities, including; crafts for children, a Holiday Boutique for gift shopping, Christmas carolers, and musical entertainment. Free adm. 260 Stuyvesant Ave, Rye 914-9676080, Ext. 110; wainwright.org
Over 30 fair trade arts & crafts vendors, hot lunch and homemade baked goods for sale, live music throughout the day. Memorial United Methodist Church, 250 Bryant Ave., White Plains; 914-949-2146; memorial4all.org
FAIRS, FESTIVALS, MARKETS, EVENTS
In the spirit of Christmas, this will be a festive original experience and include cookies and carols! Get in the mood for the holidays with this show, bring family and friends! Schoolhouse Theater, 3 Owens Rd., North Salem; 914-277-8477; schoolhousetheater.org
Enchanting model trains zip through a display of more than 175 NY landmarks, each re-created with natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Showcases Lower Manhattan - featuring the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and making their debut this year are One World Trade Center and the historic Battery Maritime Building along with two vintage ferry boats. BAR CAR NIGHTS: Grab a drink and set out to explore. Relax and warm up around the fire pits in the Leon Levy Visitor Center, watch art emerge from giant blocks of ice during live ice-sculpting demonstrations. Adv. ticket purchase recommended. NY Botanical Garden, Bronx. 718-817-8700; nybg.org
Adult Student Performances Instrumental & Vocal Ensembles
DECEMBER 1: 10AM-4PM FAIR TRADE FESTIVAL & CRAFTS SALE
Brings the sounds of musical legends to the Entertainment Lounge twice a night. From Abbey Road to Hotel California to a NY State of Mind, Tribute Band Thursdays offers free, classic entertainment for guests of all ages.Empire City Casino, Yonkers; www.empirecitycasino.com
DECEMBER 1, 7, 8, 21, 22, 28, & 29, 2018; JANUARY 5 & 12, 2019: 7-10:30PM BAR CAR NIGHTS THRU JANUARY 21, 2019 HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
Private Lessons & Group Classes
Scholarships Available Open 7 days a week
Enroll Now!
914.761.3900 musicconservatory.org
DECEMBER 13: 8PM A CROTON FALLS CHRISTMAS
216 Central Ave White Plains, NY 10606 Ask about our NEW Musical Masters Lecture Series - Coming Spring 2019!
THRU DECEMBER 24 GRAND CENTRAL HOLIDAY FAIR
Forty vendors take over half of the historic Vanderbilt Hall to sell artwork, clothing for all ages, men’s/women’s accessories, children’s clothing/toys and home goods. A range of products and price points guarantees that shop goers will find something for almost everyone on their list. Vanderbilt Hall, GCT, 89 East 42nd St., NYC; grandcentralterminal.com/events DECEMBER 16: 10AM-5PM HOLIDAY MARKET
Holiday showcase featuring local and regional, artists and makers, hand-crafted goods, indie pop-up shops. Tarrytown Music Hall; 914.631.3390 ext.100; tarrytownmusichall.org winter 2018-2019
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calendar (continued from prior page) ART, MUSEUMS & HISTORICAL EVENTS NOVEMBER 30 & JANUARY 25 SENIOR SOCIALS
DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
Drink, Dine and Dance into 2019! You don’t have to choose between dinner, a live band, and a late night DJ because you can have it all! Between the Entertainment Lounge, Good Time Room, Alley 810, Nonno’s Trattoria and Dan Rooney’s, and the gaming floor, enjoy the best of all worlds as your last stop in 2018. Empire City Casino, 810 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers; www.empirecitycasino.com
Enjoy an afternoon of art viewing and socializing. Led by an expert docent, participants stroll through the galleries, learn about the exhibition on view, then mingle with other like-minded art enthusiasts over coffee and treats. Free with adm. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street - Route 22, Katonah; 914-232-9555; katonahmuseum.org
DECEMBER 11-JANUARY 1 GRAND HOLIDAY ILLUMINATION
The Walled Garden will be covered with thousands of sparkling lights, music from many
Explores the artist’s iconic approach to his subject matter through prints, photographs, and multiples both from the Neuberger Museum of Art’s own collection as well as those of the other Warhol x 5 collaborative New York museums. Neuberger Museum of Art at Purchase College; 914-251-6100; neuberger.org
FEBRUARY 9 & 10 VALENTINE'S WEEKEND
Stroll through the Haupt Conservatory, talk to guides about the many aphrodisiac plants that can be found at the Garden, and have a custom love poem penned for you - included with an All Garden Pass. NY Botanical Garden, 2950 Southern Blvd., Bronx, Watson Room 102; 718-817-8747; nybg.org
An immersive, site-specific exhibition that explores the geology and topography of the Hudson River and effects of climate change. Maya Lin was first introduced to international audiences at age 21 with the 1982 Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914-963-4550; hrm.org
THRU JANUARY 27 OUTRAGEOUS ORNAMENT
KMA presents provocative work by internationally renowned artists which expand the boundaries and our understanding of personal adornment. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street - Route 22, Katonah; 914-232-9555; katonahmuseum.org
THRU APRIL 7 THE DAWN OF MODERN MEDICINE
JANUARY 27: 10AM-7PM THE CHOCOLATE EXPO
Event with all things chocolate, plus activities, celebrity chefs, specialty foods, Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ; thechocolateexpo.com
THRU JANUARY 20 MAYA LIN: A RIVER IS A DRAWING
THRU DECEMBER 23 ANDY WARHOL: SUBJECT AND SERIALITY
JANUARY 19 MLK JR. DAY OF SERVICE
A community wide event for families and volunteers of all ages inspired to pay tribute to the life and message of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and give back on #MLKDay. 914-948-4452; volunteernewyork.org/MLK
cultures (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian) will be playing, and on weekends there will be free hot cocoa. The holiday lights will be on from dusk, roughly 5pm, till 8pm every night. Admission is free. Untermyer Gardens, 945 N Broadway, Yonkers; 914-613-4502; untermyergardens.org
Big Game Viewing Party At Empire City Casino - February 3
Catch the Big Game on the big screens at Empire City Casino for football’s biggest night of the season on Sunday, February 3. Hosted by a former professional football player, Empire City’s Big Game Viewing Party offers pre-game festivities, autograph and photo opportunities, and plenty of food specials to dine on as guests cheer on their team in the Empire City Casino Entertainment Lounge. Seating is firstcome, first-served. More info at www.empirecitycasino.com westchesterseniorvoice.com
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This exhibition will showcase approximately one hundred artifacts, ranging from surgical tools to quack patent medicines to early x-ray tubes, telling the story of how various branches of diagnostic and therapeutic medicine evolved.. Bruce Museum, Greenwich, CT; 203-8690376; brucemuseum.org BEFORE HEADING OUT TO AN EVENT LISTED ON ANY CALENDAR PAGE, PLEASE CONFIRM THE DATE AND TIME AS SOME EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND THE OCCASIONAL ERROR MAY OCCUR.
TALKS, CLASSES, LEARNING & LIBRARIES DECEMBER 5: 2PM MIND GAMES FOR FUN
Group games and puzzles using memory skills, visual recall, focus and speed. Board Room/ C Level at Phelps campus, 701 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; 914366-3937 or email ewoods3@ northwell.edu to register.
DECEMBER 12: 11AM TINY TERRARIUM GIFTS
Learn to make a tiny terrarium to give as a living gift. Supplies provided. Please register as space is limited to 10 participants. Riverfront Library, Yonkers. Reg: 914-3757966; ypl.org DECEMBER 13, JANUARY 10 & FEBRUARY 14: 8:30AM THE BREAKFAST CLUB
software. Participants will have the chance to design an original object and print it out in physical form, to be collected at a later date. Call to confirm location. Located in the Edge Media Lab at the library. White Plains Central Library, 100 Martine Ave.; 914-422-6999; whiteplainslibrary.org DECEMBER 19: 6-8PM JAZZ JAM WITH ART BENNETT
Join musician Art Bennett in the cafe for an evening of jazz. Bring your instrument and any tunes you want to work on, or just bring your ears to relax and listen. All musical skill levels are welcome. Art likes to run a workshop-style event, where you get a chance to see how musicians who have never played before work together to create! An electric piano and a PA will be available. White Plains Central Library, 100 Martine Ave.; 914-422-6980; whiteplainslibrary.org
JANUARY 16: 6:30PM WINTER FILM SERIES
The film being shown in this series is titled "Julieta" by Pedro Almodovar. 99 minutes. Spanish, The Budarz Theater, Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave.; 914-941-2416; ossininglibrary.org JANUARY 27: 11AM-2PM BEESWAX CANDLES
The soft light and honey-like aroma from beeswax container candles create a warm, romantic atmosphere. In this handson workshop, you'll learn the basic science and history of candle-making, while creating a container candle to take home. NY Botanical Garden, Bronx, Watson Room 102; 718-8178747; nybg.org FEBRUARY 5, 6, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27: 10AM-3PM AARP TAX AIDE PROGRAM
AARP volunteers will be available to help low- to moderateincome taxpayers, especially those 50 and older. Volunteers
are trained to assist you in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. Offered in partnership with the AARP Foundation; White Plains Central Library, 100 Martine Ave., Room B; 888-227-7669; whiteplainslibrary.org JANUARY 31: 6:30PM MAKING MISO
High in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals, miso has played an important nutritional role in Japan for centuries. Explore the science behind making miso— both with soy and without, why it's good for you, and how to prepare it yourself. New York Botanical Garden midtown Manhattan center: 20 West 44th St.; 800.322.NYBG (6924); nybg.org
Caring for You & Those You Love, in Home & Hospital Settings
Free breakfasts with presentation by guest speaker and light exercise program. Please call to confirm dates and time. Phelps Hospital, 701 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, Cafeteria, G Level. 914-366-3937 or email ewoods3@northwell.edu to register. DECEMBER 14: 1-2:30PM SING MEMORABLE SONGS
Come and join us as we sing Memorable songs. New and seasoned singers welcome as well as listeners. Spread the joy of music and singing! Free and open to the public. Yonkers Library - Crestwood Branch, 16 Thompson St., Yonkers; 914779-3774; ypl.org/crestwood DECEMBER 19: 11AM 3D PRINTING FOR ADULTS
Come and learn about 3D printing and design using free
Concept: CARE
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...bringing health care home
www.conceptcareny.com | 50 Main Street, White Plains NY 10606
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FEBRUARY 6: 6:30PM LAYERED SAND & SUCCULENT TERRARIUM
A delightful oasis garden tucked into a glass vessel, author of Terrariums: Gardens Under Glass Maria Colletti will show you how to create your own mini-ecosystem with layers of different colored sand and plump succulents, thick moss, and smooth stones.. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, Watson Room 102; 718-817-8747; nybg.org FEBRUARY 10: 10AM GROW GOURMET MUSHROOMS INDOORS
Mushrooms have been utilized for thousands of years for medicinal and edible purposes. John Michelotti, owner of Catskill Fungi, will show you how to cultivate gourmet mushrooms at home using safe and simple techniques. Using cardboard and coffee grounds, create your own oyster mushroom starter (Pleurotus ostreatus) to take home. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, Watson Room 102; 718-817-8747; nybg.org MONDAYS: 1:30PM ADULT COLORING GROUP
Coloring has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Come and be creative and meet new friends, all while listening to tranquil music.Coloring sheets and materials will be provided. Bronxville Public Library, 201 Pondfield Rd.; 914-337-7680; bronxvillelibrary.org MONDAYS: 7PM COMPUTER HELP
Individual, one-on-one computer help on Monday evenings. Sign up at the Reference desk or call to make an appointment. These classes are free and open to the public. Or sign up for a one-hour individualized session with a Warner Library staff member on a library technology issue including email, downloading e-Books or audiobooks, and using online library resources and databases, such as Ancestry.com, Morningstar, or NY Newspapers. Warner Library, Tarrytown; 914-6317734; warnerlibrary.org
WEDNESDAYS: 1PM CANASTA
YEAR ROUND BALANCE TRAINING
Everything from tai chi, line dancing, zumba, chair yoga, ballet for balance, pilates and private sessions. See ad in this issue for one free class. StepWise Now, 325 S Highland Ave., Suite 109, Briarcliff Manor; 914292-0602; molly@stepwisenow. com; stepwisenow.com TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS: 8-10AM MALL WALKS & TALKS
Window shop as you get and stay in shape with indoor walks. Special guest speaker first Friday each month at 9am (on Level 1 Nordstrom E-bar seating area). Adm. and parking free for members of mall walk program. Sign up at horse fountain near Crate & Barrel, Level 2, Tues and Fri mornings during program. Westchester Mall, White Plains. Info: 914-231-4645. TUESDAYS @ DORRY'S: 6-7PM WEEKLY TABLE TALK
Weekly informal table talk. Order your food from Tracy and Gina, prepared by Chef Jeff, and enjoy the discussion and company. No reservations req. Coordinated by Dorry’s friends at Memorial United Methodist Church and Congregation Kol Ami, and brings participants from a crosssection of our communities. Dorry's Diner, 468 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains; 914-6820005; juliedc@igc.org 1 WED./MONTH: 1:30PM BROWN BAG BOOK GROUP
All adult library patrons are welcome to join the group and experience the joys of discussing and sharing adventures in reading. Take turns picking book favorites to discuss during the monthly meeting. Call Martha Iwan for more info: 914-864-0136; Mount Kisco Library, 100 East Main St., Mt. Kisco; mountkiscolibrary.org
Everyone familiar with the game of canasta are invited to drop in and play on Wednesday afternoons. Beginners are encouraged to register for Friday morning tutorials. John C. Hart Memorial Library, 1130 East Main St., Shrub Oak; 914-2455262; yorktownlibrary.org
FRIDAYS: 4:30PM MINDFULNESS CLASS
This weekly mindfulness series has two alternating formats. The meditation format relaxes the mind and body and the In Daily Life format looks at practical ways to reduce stress, improve health, and overcome fear and anxiety. The class also covers tips on how to problem solve and use techniques. Ossining Public Library, 2nd flr conference room, 53 Croton Ave.; 914-941-2416; ossininglibrary.org YEAR ROUND VARIOUS LOCATIONS/TIMES DEMYSTIFYING MEDICARE COVERAGE WORKSHOPS
WEDNESDAYS: 12:15PM LUNCHTIME MEDITATION
A weekly meditation program. Brief beginning instruction will be followed by meditation. No experience or special equipment needed. A guest instructor will lead the program the first Wednesday of each month. White Plains Central Library, 100 Martine Ave.; 914-422-1496 or cdeschamps@whiteplainsny. gov; whiteplainslibrary.org THURSDAYS: 10AM-NOON DROP IN QUILTING AND NEEDLEWORK
Drop in and join us. Bring your quilting or needlework project. All welcome. John C. Hart Memorial Library, Community Room, Shrub Oak; 914-2455262; yorktownlibrary.org
Topics include Part A and B coverage, Medicare Advantage, supplemental and drug plans, and cost-saving programs. These upbeat, free workshops run by the Westchester Library System in single sessions at the Ossining, Eastchester, Montrose, Pleasantville, Irvington, Yonkers, Pelham, Shrub Oak, Harrison, West Harrison, Lewisboro, Katonah and Armonk libraries, as well as Phelps and community centers in Ardsley, Mount Kisco, and Croton. See the full listing at https://www. westchesterlibraries.org/westchester-seniors-out-speaking/. Pre-registration requested at 914-231-3236, but walk-ins welcome.
CHEF PETER X. KELLY TEACHING KITCHEN
FRIDAYS: 10:30AM-12:30PM COLORING BOOK CLUB
Relax, color, socialize - all for free! Materials are provided, or bring your own colored pencils and coloring books (recommended.) Registration is not required. Somers Library Conference Room, Route 139 & Reis Park; 914-232-5717; somerslibrary.org
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Cooking classes held throughout the year. Recent classes included Mediterranean Meals for Heart Health and One Pan Dinners. Some feature recipes for a gluten-free diet, and are co-hosted by physicians from the NY-Presbyterian Medical Group Hudson Valley and Chef Emilie Berner. These classes are free while others cost $15. Dempsey House Teaching Kitchen, 1992 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. 914-7343780; nyp.org/hudsonvalley
cation about the challenges and unique issues facing "well" spouses. Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Billings Bldg #4/ Room 202; 785 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-9494936; burke.org/community/ community-calendar DECEMBER 11: 12 NOON HOLISTIC PAIN SUPPORT
SUPPORT GROUPS DECEMBER 3: 7-9PM OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS
Provides support to individuals suffering from osteoporosis as well as information to those interested in learning ways to decrease their risk of their disease. Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Billings Bldg #4/ Rosedale Room, 785 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-725-5229 or susanisworking@hotmail.com; burke.org/community/community-calendar DECEMBER 3 & JAN 7: 1-3PM WELL SPOUSE SUPPORT GROUP
Provides peer support and edu-
For people suffering from chronic pain, providing comprehensive pain management services including exercise, psychological support and complementary medicine practices. Phelps campus, 755 N Broadway building, 4th flr; 914366-3937 or email ewoods3@ northwell.edu to register. DECEMBER 12 & 26; JANUARY 9 & 23: 10-11:30AM ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVER GROUP
Encourages caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical and emotional health as well as optimally care for the person with dementia. In addition, they may provide a needed break from care giving
responsibilities. Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Billings Bldg 4/ Room 204; 785 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. Registration req.: 800-272-3900 DECEMBER 13: 10:45AM OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT
For people with osteoporosis, providing education on nutrition, exercise, and activites of daily living.Phelps campus, N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, Board Room/ C level; 914366-3937 or email ewoods3@ northwell.edu to register. DECEMBER 18: 10AM SENIOR STEPS HEALTH SCREENINGS
Free Health Screenings for seniors. Call for specific programs which may include Balance Screening, Cognitive Screening, Swallowing Screening, among others. Appt. required. Also check for building location. Phelps Hospital, N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; 914-366-3937 or email ewoods3@northwell.edu for more information and to register.
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DECEMBER 14: 10AM ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
Supporting family caregivers with a loved one with Alzheimer's disease - you don't have to go it alone. Phelps campus, N. Broadway, 755 Building, Room 545, Sleepy Hollow; 914-3663937 or email ewoods3@northwell.edu to register. DECEMBER 19 & JANUARY 16: 4-5:30PM STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Information, speakers, supportive environment and a chance to meet others experiencing similar life changes post stroke. Participants will learn ways to help problem solve, cope, and understand more about stroke and recovery issues, including lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of stroke and promote a healthy life. Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Outpatient Bldg #8/ 2nd Fl. Conference Room; 785 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-907-7482; burke.org/community/community-calendar
healthy kitchen
Secret Vegetarian Original recipes from Synergy3
CARROT GINGER SOUP
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups chopped onions 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil sea salt (optional) 11/2 lbs chopped carrots 2 tsp freshly grated ginger 1/2 tsp cumin 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 5-6 cups vegetable stock, low sodium garnish: a favorite fresh herb
DIRECTIONS: 1. Heat soup pan, then add olive oil. When hot, sauté onions with a sprinkle of salt until they are translucent. 2. Add chopped carrots and season with ginger, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt to taste. 3. Cook for about 2 minutes and then add stock. 4. Cook until carrots are tender. 5. Reserve some soup to adjust consistency after you blend. 6. Use an immersion blender, regular blender or food processor to blend until smooth. 7. Garnish each serving with a fresh sprig of parsley or other herb.
ZUCCHINI PASTA INGREDIENTS:
2 medium zucchini, julienned (or use the Good Grips spiralizer) 1 bunch collard greens, kale, spinach, bok choi or your favorite greens - washed and spin dried 10 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced 3 Tbsp olive oil sea salt (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
1. If using kale or collards, roll up several leaves at a time, cut away the bottom thickest part of the stalk, and cut the rest in thin strips. 2. Heat sauté pan over medium heat and also bring a pot of water (with steamer insert) to a boil. 3. When sauté pan is hot, add oil. 4. When oil is hot, add garlic and stir. When garlic starts to brown, add greens. Cook until greens have wilted and softened. 5. When water boils, steam zucchini for one minute. 6. Serve "zucchini" pasta covered with greens. Sprinkle with salt (optional). Note: Zucchini noodles can be topped with any of your favorite sauces like pesto, lemon, parmesan cheese, etc. Recipes provided by TheSynergy3.com, which runs cleanse and wellness programs throughout the year; thesynergy3@gmail.com; 914-620-2110 westchesterseniorvoice.com
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Westchester Bee-Line System Riding is easier than you think!
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The Bee-Line System offers safe, reliable and economical bus service to travel destinations in and around Westchester. Riding is easier than you think!
With over 60 bus routes, find your ride to recreation, shopping, parks, entertainment and more. Enjoy fully accessible buses for easier boarding and exiting. Use the Senior Reduced Fare MetroCard for half fare and free transfers for savings.
Welcome Aboard the Bee-Line. Find your ride today! Learn more call (914) 813-7741 or visit Westchestergov.com/beeline bus
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Where ‘Main Street’ is Memory Lane. The Village at Waveny provides award-winning Assisted Living and a therapeutic approach to memory and dementia care. Just across the state line in New Canaan, Connecticut, our world-renowned indoor “Main Street” is a bustling site for meaningful interaction, fun activities and fulfilling programs for seniors. Discover more about everything we have to offer, including long-term care and short-term overnight respite stays for caregiver relief, by calling 203.594.5302, dropping by, or visiting waveny.org. Enjoy long-range confidence knowing all Village residents have priority access to Waveny’s entire nonprofit continuum of care, including Waveny Care Center, our 5-star Medicare and Medicaid accredited skilled nursing facility, should their personal or financial needs ever change. A nonprofit continuum of care that’s planning ahead for you.
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ust a stone’s throw from New Canaan’s vibrant town center, The Inn offers supportive senior living that celebrates independence, wellness, dignity and choice. All residents at The Inn enjoy priority access to Waveny LifeCare Network’s entire continuum of care, including personal care services through Waveny at Home, and our 5-star skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, Waveny Care Center. Call 203.594.5302 or visit us at waveny.org to discover more about life at The Inn. Schedule lunch and a tour, and come visit us today.
73 Oenoke Ridge New Canaan • Connecticut