"Home Together" Rivertown December 2020

Volume 21, Issue 12 • December 2020

Welcome to Our Winter Wonderland!

AMAZING SAVINGS ON OUR INCREDIBLE SELECTION OF CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, FRESH-CUT & ARTIFICIAL TREES!

Our Christmas Store is now open and stocked with one-of-a-kind Christmas decorations, fresh-cut and artifi ficcial trees, poinsettias and live goods, unique Christmas collectibles, and everything you need to make all of your holiday wishes come true!

SAVE AN EXTRA 10% ON ALL PURCHASES WITH OUR FOUR SEASONS MEMBERSHIP CARD! 1040 Rte 45, Pomona, NY 10970 | 845-354-8500 | Open 9am-8pm - Sun ‘til 7pm | DTELIVING.COM WE CARE ABOUT YOUR SAFETY. To keep our shoppers comfortable and safe we are now offering curbside pickup, and socially-distanced, one-way traffic throughout our showroom. Masks are required by all staff and guests while on premise. We are taking additional measures to sanitize the counter tops and other surfaces often (carts included) and leaving our doors open so customers do not need to touch the door handles.

FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Rivertown Family of Readers & then some…

D

ecember is the last month of 2020. A year, for so many reasons, we wish we could forget.

December, the darkest month of the year, is brightened by our families and friends who gather to share the warmth of our relationships. This issue will focus our attention on “coming together,” while the other themes of this issue are the traditions, sentiments, and celebrations that we usually share with friends and family, during this season.

Many traditions identify the last two weeks of the year as the “Season of Lights.” The twinkling of lights and flickering of candles convey warmth and intimacy, that also comfort and assure. Unfortunately, the peace of this season is often sacrificed to the hustle and bustle of holiday preparation.

Make this year different. Our forebears have experienced difficult Decembers in depression and wars, times of great uncertainty, and sacrifice. And, yet, they have reached deep down to rise above the anxieties of the moment to celebrate each other.

Here at Rivertown, we wish all of our readers the joy of “coming together,” sharing, caring, and loving.

Sincerely, Mike Grottola Managing Editor

WHAT’S INSIDE 19 COLOR ME AT HOME #DecemberColorMeRT

20 LETTERS OF LOVE To Our Heroes, From Our Neighbors

24 AUTUMN IN SPARKILL The Poeticism of Fine French Dining

26 GEARED UP FOR WINTER! Hit the Slopes in Style with Ski Barn

28 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 5 HOLIDAY SPIRITS 2020 Cheers! To Rivertown’s Gin, Wine & Beer Picks

10 THE NUTCRACKER A New Norm for R.Y.D.E. & Local Theater-Goers

12 RIVERTOWN RETAIL In Holiday Style with Jeannine Deramo

14 IT TAKES A VILLAGE Twelve Local Charities to Give to This Season

16 COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Huddle Around the Hearth and Break Out the Popcorn!

2 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Shop the Holidays at Down to Earth Living

30 CALL ME CRAZY With Phil Bunton

32 JL BLESSINGS Locally Providing Relief & Awareness for Homelessness

36 THE SULTANS OF SOLD The “Ask Adam” Answer

44 DELIVERING BIG ON BOUTIQUE Behind the Dynamic Real Estate Duo of Sandy Glazman & Jennifer Lucas

46 ASK YOUR REALTOR With Frank Mancione

47 ASK THE LENDER Educated Predictions for the 2021 Housing Market

48 THEY GOT WHAT?!

October 2021 Home Sales in the Rockland County Rivertowns

50 NURSING HOME HEROES Nyack Ridge Prioritizes Precaution, Safety & Protection for Their Residents

52 RIVER HOOK Natural Sanctuary in Upper Nyack

54 GOOD THINKING AND

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

deMoya & Associates, P.C.

56 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Rekindle Your Heart’s Fire with These Winter Activities

59 THE RIVERTOWN GUIDE Your Concierge to the Community

Volume 21, Is sue 12

ABOUT RIVERTOWN MAGAZINE Rivertown Magazine is Rockland County’s #1 local print magazine, published monthly by Moon Media Group, LLC. With a readership of over 100,000, it is distributed free at 650+ locations throughout Rockland County, the Hudson Valley and Bergen County, New Jersey.

Sign up for weekly emails on local events, exclusive content, photos, special offers and more at rivertownmagazine.com.

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Founder Phil Bunton Managing Editor Mike Grottola Production Editor Jessica Choi Creative Director Derek Oscarson Art Director Brian Keenan Communications, Social Media Reed Tighe Reporters Linda Garzia, Samantha Finch, Tom Riley Contributing Photographers Samantha Finch, Yanina May Goldstein Columnists Phil Bunton, Jeannine Deramo, Scott Forman, Frank Mancione, Donna Cox Advertising Executives Jennifer Perez, Tatyana Ganeli, Tom Riley Webmaster WebCorrectly

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

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Social Media @rivertownmagazine Advertising Opportunities Call (845) 521-5277 or email sales@rivertownmag.com Submissions To submit photos, press releases, and letters to the editor, email info@rivertownmag.com

Rivertown Magazine™ is a trademark of Moon Media Group, LLC. All materials are the property of Rivertown Magazine and Moon Media Group, LLC and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers. Copyright 2020.

RivertownMagazine.com / 3

BOOKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

by Judith Peck, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus of Art Signed by the author if desired

Sculpture as Experience How to create projects in clay, wire, wax, plaster, paper, wood and found objects.

Smart Starts in the Arts Fostering Intelligence and Creativity in the Early Years.

Artistic Crafts: Inventive Creations from Cast-Offs

Free shipping Now through 12/24/2020

Naked Under the Lights A Novel

“A fascinating look at the world as artists perceive it.”

Bestselling author Janet Burroway

Select these and other books here: www.iapbooks.com

A unique dining experience in the beautiful Village Town of Piermont.

We want to thank you for your support during these unprecedented times and offer 15% discount towards cash only on all takeout and pick up orders from December 1st - March 31st, 2021!

BASQUE TAPAS BAR & RESTAURANT boasts a richly varied selection of Tapas influenced from the northern regions of Spain from Galicia to Cataluña and the Basque country.

Fall/Winter Hours: Mon & Tues: Closed Wed-Thurs: 5-10pm Fri: 5-10:30pm Sat: 1-10:30pm Sun: 1-9pm Hours subject to change due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Calling in advance is suggested.

4 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Come Eat! 587 Piermont Avenue Piermont, NY (845) 395-3100 basquetapasbar.com Reservations required for tables of 6 or more guests.

Parking available, valet parking on Friday & Sat.

ith annual holiday parties happening in a slightly different fashion, this season, there will be more focus on what we’re drinking at the dinner table. What follows is a nice variety of celebratory libations our resident holiday spirit nerds are drinking this year.

W

RivertownMagazine.com / 5

May Your Holidays Be Isolation Proof

T

wo and a half years ago, I was in the middle of a career in commercial advertising when I began to feel like I was spending too much time on screens and needed a shift to something more meaningful.

My wife Catharine and I purchased property in the Catskills to spend more time in nature, waking up with deer and turkeys in the yard. As we spent time up there, the wheels began turning inside my head about what I could do with the ample local resources. We asked ourselves, “What if we started a distillery in the barn?”

It would leverage our combined interests in mixology, cooking, and working with our hands. So, I began training with local distillers. Fortunately, the craft distillery industry is very generous and open to sharing information. We settled on making gin—it has a rich and fascinating history, it requires very little time for aging, and we were able to create unique botanical flavor profiles that distinguishes our gin from any other on the market. Between myself, my wife Catharine, my partner Sam Blackman and his wife, Imogen, over a weekend, we conceived our brand.

The name is not about drinking alone. It is about what it means to be isolation proof. It’s about the importance of connection. When we set out to make great spirits, what surprised us is that the product we made ended up connecting us to the community and customers, in ways we couldn’t imagine.

Drawing from the spring water behind the barn, we ran dozens of 750 ml tests on our tiny little still—one botanical at a time, trying out different combinations until we landed on the perfect recipe.

Our goal was to try to take a slow food approach with spirits. Moving ahead, we will be distilling our original gin year-round and developing seasonal gins, according to what ingredients are available and in season—such as locally foraged botanicals and fresh honey from my wife’s beehives. Keep an eye out for Isolation Proof gin and future special small batches at your local spirit shop.

– Jake Sherry, Owner/Distiller Isolation Proof, 365 County Highway 5 Bovina Center, NY

6 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

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Bottles of Joy F

or a smashing holiday dinner with the family, here are a few things to help you ease into the mood or to get you through an arduous evening with that uncle you’ve not seen since 2010.

1. Square, Plumb & Level Pinot Noir (2017) Libra Vineyard, Williamette Valley, OR This little gem of a wine is not what you’d expect from Willamette (rhymes with Dammit).

But global warming and unique wine-making combine to make this wine sing—with lush dark plum fruit and whiffs of strawberries and lengthy spice in the mid-palate. Great with turkey, lamb, or a spicy vegetarian tofu stir-fry.

It’s hard to beat for $24.99.

2. Cabernet Sauvignon (2018) Gabrielle Ashley, Alexander Valley, CA This hot climate cabernet sauvignon is a massive fruit bomb. But in the best possible way. It has hints of chocolate, cassis, and dark roasted fruit. Don’t forget the oak. It’s what everyone is looking for when they are asking for the quintessential Cali Cab. This wine goes 8 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

with a Christmas dinner of roasted goose, standing rib of beef, or any food that needs a big juicy, oaky wine. $19.99. Winner winner chicken dinner. Oh yeah that too.

and powerful, it has plenty of acidity to balance off the fruit. Wines without a proper acid balance have a tendency to taste flabby.

Not this wine. $18.99 all day.

3. Scout’s Honor Napa Valley Red Wine (2018)

5. Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo (2017)

Venge Vinyards, Calistoga, CA This monster of a wine is all Santa needs to warm his frozen tukas when he gets out of his sleigh. When people come in and ask for “The Prisoner” I hand them this and dare them to tell me the difference. The only difference is the price. At $36.99, it saves at least 10 or more dollars. This big layered wine has Zinfandel, Charbono, Petite Sirah, and Syrah in just the right blend to make you sing socially-distanced carols way off key. Or when you’re assembling that easy bake oven at 2:30 in the morning wondering why it looks nothing like the picture. Just shoot me? No, have another glass of Scouts Honor. You will love it! Dare I say?

Scouts Honor.

4. Gilgal Cabernet Sauvignon (2017) Golan Heights Winery, Israel A fantastic kosher wine. Kosher wine-making in general has improved substantially in the years I have been in the wine business.

This super smooth and ripe wine has a lush dark undertone of cooked blackberries and cocoa. But unlike so many wines this upfront

Gianfranco Alessandria, Piedmont, Italy This wine from the area near the Barolo region in Piedmont has bright ripe cherry and rose petal notes and is silkier than you’d expect in the finish. The tannins are present but drift off nicely. It’s a great wine to have all by itself or by yourself. But be careful as it goes down quickly and easily. You’ll need a bodyguard to protect you from yourself. It also pairs well with duck or pasta with red sauce because of the acidity. All this for $21.99.

Crack open any of these wines for a great time with or without food. You’ll be rewarded with every sip. Happy Hollandaise from your friends at The Grape D’Vine. Santa-Approved.

– Joe Printz Owner, Blurred Visionary, Recovering Chef The Grape D’Vine Wine & Spirits, 6 Depot Square Sparkill, NY

To Ale, a Good Night. ver the river and through the woods, to the bottle shop we go! Times of uncertainty demand certainty in our beer consumption.

Pair these heavy winter beers with your charcuterie, and pair the lighter ales with your meal. So turn off your brain, and let us select your holiday brews. Some are local, some regional, and some seem to have been brewed above the Arctic Circle. And of course, there are the obligatory IPAs.

O

Lighter Fare

Long Winter's Night Darks

Local IPAs

Christmas Bomb American Imperial Stout 13% ABV Prarie Artisan Ales McAlester, OK

Anchor Christmas Ale 7% ABV Anchor Brewing Company San Francisco, CA

N’Ice Chouffe Dark Brown Winter Ale 10% ABV Brasserie d’Achouffe Achouffe, Belgium

–Derek Oscarson, Rivertown’s resident Beer Nerd

Maine Lunch West Coast American IPA 7% ABV Maine Beer Company Freeport, ME

Industrial Arts Wrench Hazy Northeast IPA 6.8% ABV Industrial Arts Brewing Company Garnerville, NY

Photosynthesis Hazy Double IPA 8% ABV Drowned Lands Brewery Warwick, NY

Brix City Grateful Jams Hazy Northeast DIPA 8.5% ABV Brix City Brewing Company Little Ferry, NJ RivertownMagazine.com / 9

Imagine: it’s late December.

Clouds cast a soft veil over the moonlight.

Street lamps illuminate the last trailing flurries of the evening. Before heading inside, you kick off the snow that’s been stuck in the crevices of your boots.

Once inside, you carefully place freshlychopped wood in the fireplace, feel the warm embers on your frost-nipped toes, and breathe in the familiar scent of slowburning oak. You finally settle into place with your family and face the entire brighteyed cast of The Nutcracker waiting to perform in the comfort of your living room.

“How can this be?” you ask.

Well, although this may sound out of the ordinary, the Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble has pulled together quite a treat for this December.

In celebration of their 41st anniversary of The Nutcracker, Alison Frankel, Associate Artistic Director of the Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble and Coupé Theatre, teamed up with Marta Renzi, director of numerous festival-featured dance films, to piece together a viewing experience that evokes the wonder of a live performance— all through the convenient and safe vessel of your screen at home.

Despite the mandate to shut down theaters across the country and the world, the Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble figured out a way to rise above these circumstances and bring people together in a different way. I sat down with Alison on a step just outside the Nyack mansion set to discuss COVID protocol, creative process, and all things performance.

“Last year was the big 40th anniversary of our Nutcracker, and because of the pandemic, we knew we wouldn’t be able to perform in a theater with an audience this year… And suddenly, a thought came up: Well? Why don’t we do a movie version of it?” Alison exclaimed.

Although the idea seemed a simple solution to this new-age problem, it was anything but. “We decided to do it and held auditions the weekend after Labor Day,” she 10 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

continued, “but we wondered: would enough children audition? Would parents want to commit? How would we keep everybody safe during rehearsals?” With these questions in mind, Alison knew the exact professional to call upon. “I knew that Marta was the expert with movies and dance. So I called her, we met, and she happened to have a friend who had an empty mansion,” she chuckled.

“We connected with the real estate agent and got the ball rolling for what became the perfect venue for our film version of The Nutcracker.”

The first issue they tackled was establishing and maintaining proper COVID-19 protocol. Alison stated, “Being protected was our number one priority. We ended up having about 120 children audition, assigned the roles, and began building the choreography.” They established that all rehearsals would be done with masks on and that they would maintain as much social distancing as possible. Additionally, the usher committee that was once in charge of ticketing became the safety committee, keeping records of everyone’s temperatures and COVID test results. Everybody, including Head of Costumes Charlene Yan, Head of Backstage Emily Antione, and Head of Security Erika Fonseca had a hand in protecting the cast, crew, and parents. They also reduced the number of dancers in the space. “Instead of having sixteen flowers during the quarter ballet part, we cut it down to eight, adapting the choreography to make it work within our limits,” Alison explained, “which was actually very exciting.”

This excitement grew further, as the team took these so-called pitfalls as artistic challenges. Generally, performing in a proscenium theater requires dancers to face forward. But with a threedimensional mansion to work within, Alison and Marta strived to create the essence and drama of a proscenium with the dynamic space they had.

Lucas Ruderman, the cameraman

and Director of Photography, used his experience to help. Alison stated, “That was really exciting, because I’ve done the last 20, 30 productions of The Nutcracker, and even though each year is different, this version still has the same theatrical drama as a proscenium theater, and then some.” Additionally, Gene Meienhofer, an Emmy-nominated lighting director, was “exacting” and “meticulous” when it came to designing the scenes. The production even had their own “moonlight” shining in through a window, bringing realism to the already beautiful set.

The set was also vitalized by personal belongings, lent and donated, by the volunteering parents. “[They enhanced] the setting of the show with tables and chairs, lamps, rugs, vases, oil paintings, and glassware, bringing life to the once empty mansion,” Alison said with admiration.

The best thing though was upon filming, when Alison got to see the children’s happy, smiling faces.

“That is why we’re doing this,” she declared, “for these children who love to come and do this with us. It is an experience that we will never forget.”

Special thanks to Diane Frankel, Artistic Director, Julie Schwartz, Executive Producer, and Gil Giannini, Chairperson.

To find out more information about how you can stream or purchase the DVD, visit rocklandyouthdanceensemble.org and their Facebook page.

The film will be ready to view sometime between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. More details and opportunities to donate to offset the production costs will also be available on the Coupé Theatre Studio website, coupedance.com.

You’ll be able to cherish this film for not only this holiday season, but for many to come. So fill up your fireplaces, boil some tea, and dust off the snow—for the Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble’s holiday magic is here to stay.

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HOME TOGETHER

T

hough the 2020 holiday season is destined to look different, we invite you to embrace the comforts of home and the joy of family. May your days be merry, bright, AND safe! S

Mindy's Munchies (201) 664-1650 | 215 Rivervale Road, Rivervale, NJ Mindy’s Munchies has been creating decadent chocolate-dipped treats for over a decade.

Mindy’s goodies not only make a thoughtful holiday gift, but they are also ideal for those cozy nights at home with the family. Choose from one of Mindy’s pre-packaged sets or customize your own!

For more fashion and lifestyle tips, visit jeanninederamo.com 12 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Art Café (845) 353-4230 | Artcafenyack.com 65 S. Broadway, Nyack, NY Visit Art Café to experience their passion for high quality coffee and fresh organic Israeli-inspired dishes. A selection of inventive, hot drinks (think Apple Chaider or Lavender Latte) are perfect for those chilly holiday nights or a post-snowball fight warmup. Venture to Nyack, or utilize Art Café’s convenient online ordering and pickup.

*Buffalo Check Holiday Set (Top/Bottom), $54 each

Alder WIllow (845) 348-9899 | Alderwillow.com 39 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY Snuggle up on the couch for your favorite holiday movie or snack in these cozy pajamas. Top and bottom are sold separately or buy as a set for the ultimate in comfy winter jammies. Stop by the Alder Willow shop or order online for free shipping.

D'ercole Donuts (201) 768-0360 | dercoledonuts.com 489 Tappan Road, Northvale, NJ Conveniently located side by side, D’Ercole Donuts and D’Ercole Farms & Garden Center is your one-stop shop for yuletide joy. Browse the lush and wintry evergreen Kissing Balls or traditional wreaths with frosted pinecones to adorn your holiday home. Then, follow the aroma of fresh donuts next door and pick up some festive treats.

Grove Collaborative grove.co If you are looking to keep your home naturally clean and safe this holiday season, look no further than Grove Collaborative! This subscriptionbased company offers some of the best all-natural and eco-friendly hand sanitizers and cleaning products on the market. Don’t want a recurring order? No problem. Grove Collaborative’s userfriendly website and superb customer service representatives make it simple to cancel before the next billing cycle (but, we doubt you’ll want to!).

Bath and Body Works 75 West Route 59, Nanuet, NY | 1652 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY bathandbodyworks.com The quintessential comfort of home is found in the warm glow and inviting fragrance of the perfectly selected candle. Bath and Body Works and The White Barn Shop offer a multitude of seasonal scents such as Peppermint Sugar Cookie, Spiced Apple Toddy, or Eucalyptus Snowfall. Don’t forget to check out the coordinating hand soaps, lotions, and room sprays from your favorite scent profile. Choose between two convenient locations: The Shops at Nanuet or The Palisades Center, or for those snowbound days, shop online, as well.

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12 Charities to Give Back to this Winter

by Linda Garzia

Although now may not be the best time to give your neighbor a big hug, you can reach out to a multitude of charities and spread warmth among your whole community. Not sure where to start?

Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Here is a list of 12 nonprofit organizations located right in the heavy heart of Rockland.

14 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County Headquartered in New City, Big Brothers

CANDLE

Big Sisters of Rockland County serves over 500 children annually by creating strong relationships through community mentoring and fun, interactive site-based programs.

Community Awareness Network for a Drug-Free Life and Environment, Inc. (CANDLE) provides prevention education and resistance strategies to youth and their adult allies, and support programs for young people at risk for substance use issues.

bbsofrc.com

candlerockland.org

Nyack Homeless Project Ltd.

The Nyack Homeless Project distributes food and warm clothing donated by our community, for our community, and along the way, teaches young volunteers the importance of giving back.

Rockland County YMCA The Rockland County YMCA meaningfully impacts the community by nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to their neighbors.

nyackhp.org

rocklandymca.org

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland County Cornell Cooperative

Center for Safety & Change

Extension is a national leader in creating positive change with the help of families. They bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York State and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

Located in New City, Center for Safety & Change is the only victim-centered nonprofit organization in Rockland, offering free and confidential life-changing programs and services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes.

rocklandcce.org

centerforsafetyandchange.org

Child Care Resources of Rockland

ARC of Rockland

Child Care Resources of Rockland believes, “It takes a community to raise a child.” They support Rockland County’s residents, businesses, nonprofit, and forprofit agencies—all who strive to provide quality goods and services to our children and families.

Founded by a small group of dedicated parents in 1954 as the first nonprofit organization of its kind in Rockland County, the ARC of Rockland provides support and services to more than 1,200 children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

childcarerockland.org

arcofrockland.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Keep Rockland Beautiful

An association we can always depend on, NAMI Rockland remains committed to ensuring that people with mental health conditions and their family members have the information and support they need to weather these uncertain times.

keeprocklandbeautiful.org

Keep Rockland Beautiful leads efforts to clean, protect, and beautify Rockland’s environment by educating and empowering people to share in the care and stewardship of our communities.

namirockland.org

Venture Foundation Ltd. & Camp Venture, Inc. The Venture Foundation, Ltd. spreads public awareness around individuals with developmental disabilities and a safe, happy place in the sun with thoughtful, professional, and personalized care to persons across the intellectual/ developmental disabilities (ID/DD) spectrum at Camp Venture in Stony Point. venturerockland.org

SCORE Mentors Rockland County SCORE is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals through expertise in education and mentorship. rockland.score.org.

Are you involved with a nonprofit organization and want to get the word out? Send us an email at info@rivertownmag.com RivertownMagazine.com / 15

Com pilied by Der ek Oscar son

16 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Considering how quiet people are (supposed to be) in a movie theater, a strong bond is formed through our silence.

That bond is not testament to the power of Hollywood, but to the power of the company of people.

Once upon a time, not so long ago, we stepped out of our hectic realities, and into our local movie theaters.

The local theaters that survive this pandemicwill certainly find themselves a small minority.

With that in mind, it is more important than ever to find our best ways to re-experience togetherness.

Remember those nights when the entire family sat down to enjoy each other over a weekend afternoon or a late-night movie?

We don’t either.

Really, no thanks—(but thanks?) to the new norms of these times, getting the entire family into one room—even if it’s for just two hours—is now possible.

Here are 25 Christmas movies to keep the family entertained and spending time—at home together.

1. A Christmas Story (1983) 2. Elf (2003) 3. Home Alone (1990) 4. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) 5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) 6. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) 7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) 8. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) 9. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1967) 10. White Christmas (1954) 11. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) 12. Little Women (2019) 13. Frosty The Snowman (1969) 14. Die Hard (1988) 15. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) 16. Gremlins (1984) 17. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) 18. Frosty The Snowman (1969) 19. Scrooged (1988) 20. Trading Places (1983) 21. The Polar Express (2009) 22. A Very Murray Christmas (2015) 23. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) 24. Bad Santa (2003) 25. Santa Clause (1994) RivertownMagazine.com / 17

Color Me RT!

Home Alone Together We’d love to feature your work.

Thank you, Rachelle Je-Sun Choi, for contributing this coloring page to Rivertown Magazine.

18 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

RivertownMagazine.com / 19

LETTERS

to our heroes, from our neighbors

OF LOVE

HERO TEACHER PIONEERS THE HYBRID CLASSROOM Every day, through trial and error, innovation, and ideation, teachers are trying to provide intellectual nourishment and normalcy to children living in a world turned upside down for an unknown interval.

by Bill Batson

F

or close to a quarter century, roughly half her life, Marisol Diaz, the love of my life, has risen hours earlier than her biological clock appreciates—in order to teach.

I have been told that she was a natural from the start, but through thousands of classroom hours, hundreds of hours of professional development, an advanced degree, and her innate, insatiable curiosity, she has become a master art teacher. For that alone, she is a hero to me and in the eyes of many others.

But since March of 2020, she has summoned all of those decades of experience to pioneer a new form of teaching necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic: the hybrid model.

Initially, hybrid teaching imagined that instruction could be home or classroom based. But now, in order to keep the classroom census to a number that allows social distancing, and to keep students moving through the curriculum at the same time, she is being asked to simultaneously teach students at home AND in the classroom.

This photo illustrates the technology, logistics, and performance that each class requires. She must coordinate the aiming of cameras, in her classroom, and in the homes of her students, so that she can concurrently see the pupil and their artwork. Students also need to see her face, (behind mask) so that she can give instruction—and her hands, so that she can lead by example.

Speaking of leading by example, Marisol is a player and a coach, assuming the responsibilities of chairing her department on top of her classroom duties. Not only does she need to ensure that she has the equipment and pedagogy for her students, she is leading a half-dozen colleagues through the brave new world of unprecedented education reality.

The necessity of providing education during COVID has turned the classroom into an experiment. Every day, through trial and error, innovation, and ideation, teachers are trying to provide intellectual nourishment and normalcy to children living in a world turned upside down for an unknown interval.

Migraines, body pains, insomnia, and anxiety are common among the ranks. So are early retirements.

It is an understatement to say that the 23rd year of her career is the toughest. But it’s not just the challenges of teaching during the pandemic, it’s her commitment to go above and beyond what is expected, even when every aspect of the job has changed and gotten more complex. It would be as if weight was added on his 20 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Marisol Diaz

rock and Sisyphus rolled it up a steeper slope, faster.

Marisol has inspired legions of young artists who will enhance the word with the tools she has provided. And when she takes her bow and trades an academic gown for a long-desired studio smock, that creative momentum that plowed through the obstacles of the COVID classroom will serve her well. You see, on top of all I have described, Marisol has never put down her own creative instruments. Watch out world, once this hero teacher pivots to full-time maker, school will be in session, for real.

Marisol, I admire your dedication to teaching and the lengths to which you go to teach your students at Dwight Englewood.

I appreciate all the time you spend making sure those around you are okay.

I respect who you were when we first met, who you are today, and who you will become in the future.

Love, Bill

You’ve worked hard to achieve success. You deserve financial advisors who work as hard for you.

William C. Munn, CFP®, ChFC®, APMA® Private Wealth Advisor • Ameriprise Chairman’s Advisory Council, 2005 - 2020 • Barron’s® Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2018 – 2020 • Ameriprise Circle of Success, 2002 - 2020 • Ameriprise Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2012

Munn & Associates A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC 201.226.1780 80 E Route 4, Ste 390 Paramus, NJ 07652 seth.r.courtwright@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/team/ munn-associates

Barron’s listings are based on data compiled by many of the nation’s most productive advisors, which is then submitted to and judged by Barron’s.

Key factors and criteria for each award include: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory and compliance record, and years of professional experience. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones, L.P.; all rights reserved. This award is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the ranking.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. (11/20)

RivertownMagazine.com / 21

WINING & DINING RESTAURANTS The Greekish 8 N. Broadway, Nyack (845) 353-1200 thegreekish.com

The ‘76 House 110 Main Street, Tappan (845) 359-5476 76house.com

Alain’s Bistro 88 Main Street, Nyack (845) 535-3434 alainspetitbistro.com

Amici Restaurant & Pizzeria 303 Route 59, Nyack (845) 353-1650 amicinyack.net

Autumn 623 Main St, Sparkill, NY (845) 836-3398 autumnsparkill.com

Basque Tapas Bar Restaurant 587 Piermont Avenue, Piermont (845) 395-3100 basquetapasbar.com

Banchetto Feast 75 W. Route 59, Nanuet (845) 624-3070 banchettofeast.com

Bellissimo 12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. Montvale (201) 746-6669 bellissimonj.com

Bongo’s Fries 917-806-9063 bongosfries.com

Broadway Bistro 3 South Broadway, Nyack (845) 353-8361 3broadwaybistro.com

Brookside Tavern 107 Route 303, Valley Cottage (845) 268-8797 brooksidetavern845.com

Bunbury’s Coffee Shop 460 Piermont Avenue, Piermont (845) 398-9715

BV’s Grill at The Time Nyack 400 High Avenue, Nyack (845) 675-8740 bvsgrillny.com 22 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Confetti Ristorante & Vinoteca 200 Ash Street, Piermont (845) 365-1911 confettiofpiermont.com

Crossroads Gastro 724 W Nyack Road, West Nyack (845) 512-8185 crossroadsgastro.com

Del’Arte Restaurant 20 Mountainview Avenue, Orangeburg (845) 365-2727 delarterestaurant.com

El Cuñao Deli 233 Main Street, Nyack (845) 405-9086

Grub Asian 724 W Nyack Road, West Nyack (845) 535-3580 rocklandgrub.com

Hudson 303 116 NY-303, Tappan (845) 848-2441 hudson303.com

Mumbai Dreams 9 Ingalls Street, Nyack (845) 643-8333 mumbaidreamsnyack.com

Nanuet Restaurant

Roost 2 Union Street, Sparkill (845) 359-6700 roostinsparkill.com

Sear House 411 Piermont Road, Closter (201) 292-4612 searhouse.com

Sonoma Grille 100 Thiells Mount Ivy Road, Thiells (845) 354-8900 sonomarockland.com

Sparkill Steakhouse 500 Route 340, Sparkill (845) 398-3300 sparkillsteakhouse.com

Sushi & Kimchi 328 NY-59, Nyack (845) 535-3800 sushi-kimchi.com

The King & I 93 Main Street, Nyack (845) 358-8588 kingandinyack.com

The Nyack Seaport 21 Burd Street, Nyack (845) 353-3200 nyackseaport.com

Two Henry’s at Hilton Pearl River

211 Main Street, Nanuet (845) 623-7177 nanuetrestaurantny.com

500 Memorial Drive, Pearl River (845) 735-9000

Organica Natural Foods

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

246 Livingston Street, Northvale (201) 767-8182 organicanaturalfoods.com

Vibes Cafe

Vicolo Ristorante

145 S. Main Street, New City (845) 708-5554 peteywheatys.com

216 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan (201) 497-8777 vicoloristorante.com

Pier 701

Y’s Lounge

Petey Wheaty’s

701 Piermont Avenue, Piermont (845) 848-2550 pier701ny.com

296 NY-17, Hillburn (845) 357-4270 mtfujirestaurant.com

Quinta Steakhouse

Zarrilli’s Italian Seafood

24 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River (845) 735-5565 quintasteakhouse.com

Raku Sushi 138 Main Street, Nyack (845) 358-3222 rakusushiny.com

580 Route 303, Blauvelt (845) 848-2260 zarrillisitalianseafood.com

CATERERS Jason’s Kitchen (917) 656-0456 jasonskitchen.net

Regency Banquet & Conference Center 425 E. Route 59, Nanuet (845) 512-1615

Town & Country Caterers 922 Route 9W. Congers (845) 268-9291 townandcountrycaterers.com

CAFES, DELIS, BAKERIES Caked Up 40 Main Street, New City (845) 499-2929 cakedupcafe.com

The Cake Fairy 88 La Roach Avenue, Harrington Park (201) 660-7897 thecakefairyllc.com

Dean’s Coffee Co. 39 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River (845) 920-8043 deanscoffeeco.com

The Outside In Cafe 249 Ferdon Avenue, Piermont (845) 398-0706 theoutside.in

Patisserie Didier Dumas 9163 Main Street, Nyack (845) 353-2031 didierdumas.com

1 Woodvue Court List Price: $515,000 Valley Cottage, NY. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath Ranch with a unique floor plan, flooded with natural light through seven skylights strategically placed throughout the home. Freshly painted with beautiful hardwood floors, a new kitchen floor and new family room carpet, plus easy care tilt in windows. The master bedroom has a huge Palladian window, cathedral ceiling & half bath. The lower level has a family room & flexible additional room, great for a home office, plus an oversized two car garage. This great home is located near public transportation, NYS thruway, The Palisades Mall, Rockland Lake, Congers Lake, Clarkstown Recreation Pool, Dog Park, Tennis and so much more! Welcome home.

Let's Eat. Our mission is to delight every single guest with the most remarkable dining & hospitality experiences that will keep you returning.

To reserve a table (845) 836-3398 autumnsparkill.com

RivertownMagazine.com / 23

AUTUMN

by Linda Garzia | Photos by Samantha Finch

24 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

U

pon asking chef Denis Whitton what inspires him the most, he paused to consider it, because the reply just wasn’t so simple. Not only does his vast collection of cookbooks, creative quips among friends and colleagues, and the changing colors of the leaves inspire him, this Sparkill chef is moved by the street he grew up on, the pure joy of bringing people together, and the spices of life that each season carries.

These aspects of love can be found here at this fine-dining restaurant he and his wife, Vicki, own—simply named: Autumn.

This French technique cuisine with an American touch is a lovely spot for an evening with a special friend, a romantic date, or for a family celebration. As soon as you walk up the steps, the restaurant waxes poetic. The railings are adorned with warm, copper tones, and as you open the door, a hand-built oak host stand welcomes you with its authentic anatomy.

Candles flickering an orange hue invite you to the bar where it feels like a French farmhouse at dusk.

This tantalizing setting has actualized Denis Whitton’s restaurant dreams.

Training as a French technique chef for the past 29 years, Denis started at the self-proclaimed “school of hard knocks,” by beginning to work in the industry at the age of 13.

Ever since, he has done nothing but build his career tenfold, continuing on at a plethora of acclaimed, local, and New York City restaurants, such as Gascon, Chez Madeleine, the Metropolitan Opera, Radio City, and the U.S. Open.

But now, he is thrilled to be able to go back to his roots, with his lovely wife and the host of Autumn, Vicki, who has also been in the restaurant business for over 30 years.

“It feels great to finally be back working on my French cuisine. Especially during this time of year, I have access to a lot of wild game. Last week, we served kangaroo; this week I’ll have venison, and next week I’ll have ostrich. Even though these animals aren’t all necessarily French, preparing them with the French technique in mind allows me ultimate creativity while keeping the flavors balanced,” he explained behind his mask.

And Denis isn’t the only culinary mastermind at this establishment.

Behind the bar is Kate Bauersachs, the creative engineer of Autumn’s cocktail menu.

“The restaurant opened actually on the autumnal equinox, which was September 22, 2020,” Kate reflected. “I believe that each season has its own Autumn, when the intensity fades away, just enough to notice that change.” The beauty of

French cooking follows the essence of the seasons.

We discussed the effect the pandemic had on opening.

Denis noted, “We made sure that tables were over six feet away from each other. People seem to feel very happy and comfortable here.” Mask on, Kate shakes up delicious concoctions, from the most popular French Blonde Martini to the gut-warming Apple Pie Moscow Mule and perhaps the most risky—the Chocolatey Campfire Bliss.

“It’s one of my favorites to make, because I get to play with fire,” she grinned. “Denis gives me the opportunity to be as creative as possible. He recognizes when people appreciate the industry, and he wants to see you grow.”

Denis also plans to experiment further with flavor profiles from countries such as India, Japan, and Thailand. You will find that, at Autumn, the winter months will bring heartier, creamier specials, while the summer months focus more on herbs, fruits, fish, and light flavors.

This December, warm up to the pot au feu, the bouillabaisse provençal, and of course, French onion soup.

“One of the biggest compliments I can get from our customers, here, is that they can’t find a menu like this, elsewhere.”

Autumn Restaurant 623 Main Street Sparkill, NY (845) 836-3398 autumnsparkill.com

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I

f you are planning to head to the slopes this winter, or even if you’re not, now is the perfect time to gear up at Ski Barn!

Ski Barn is the region’s top-rated, familyowned ski, snowboard gear, and apparel shop since 1971. They carry a HUGE selection of the best brands and the hottest styles of gear and apparel you will not find everywhere else. Brands like Arcteryx, Bogner, Burton, Canada Goose, Cordova, DC, Descente, Fire + Ice, Goldbergh, Kuhl, Miller Fur, Nils, Northface, Oakley, Obermeyer, Parajumper, Patagonia, Post Card, Quicksilver, Rossignol, Roxy, Spyder, Skea, Volcom, and more!

Their fashion experts choose the hottest styles in quality outerwear you will cherish. Browse their website or come in and let the staff guide you through their extensive selection to create a style you will love!

Season-long equipment rentals are available too! All of Ski Barn’s rentals come with a size and performance satisfaction guarantee. If you love taking your kids to the mountain but don’t want to buy gear they’ll grow out of, seasonal rental gear is the perfect solution. Ski Barn’s

26 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

trained staff will make sure your kids are comfortable and fitted with the best-suited equipment for their needs. All ski and snowboard rentals come with a season-long fit guarantee and exclusive resort passport with over $1,000 in savings!

There is nothing quite like a family outing and spending time together. Ski Barn’s rental program allows for the flexibility of growing families—so get out there and enjoy! Kids’ ski packages start at just $109 and snowboard packages start at $129.

Ski Barn’s success lies in their tremendous staff. Their ski and snowboard boot fitters are legendary, and Ski Barn is certified as one of “America’s Best Bootfitters” by the Masterfit University Training Centers. With almost 50 years of experience, Ski Barn knows the importance of properly fitting ski and snowboard equipment, so you can be sure that you will get the best fit possible. Best fit = Best performance. Ski Barn’s Top Notch Snowboard Shop features the highest-rated brands, selection, and expertise by their veteran Snowboard Staff.

Ski Barn’s expert boot fitters provide the

proper fit, footbeds, and custom heatmolded liners all designed to increase your comfort and optimize your performance.

“If our employees are selling a particular product, they’ve skied on it,” says owner Ray Fallon.

Already have skis or snowboards? Treat them to a top quality tune-up with Ski Barn’s own Crystal Glide Finish machine

by Montana of Switzerland that will bring your equipment back to near-new quality.

The professional technicians at Ski Barn will ensure that your gear is installed and tuned to perfection!

Ski Barn’s motto is “Live Life Outside” and that means enjoying the fun of the outdoors in the summer too. In the spring and summer, you’ll find all four showrooms filled with a wide selection of premium outdoor furniture, grills, firepits, dining sets, umbrellas and more. Custom orders, FREE at-home consultation and free local delivery are available.

If you’ve never been to Ski Barn, we encourage you to check it out any season.

You’ll be very pleased with the selection, quality, and unmatched service. S

Ski Barn 846 Route 17 North, Paramus, NJ (201) 445-9070 795 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ (732) 945-3900 1308 Route 23 North, Wayne, NJ (973) 256-8585 2990 Brunswick Avenue, Lawrenceville, NJ (609) 530-1666 skibarn.com

RivertownMagazine.com / 27

Home for the

Holidays at Down to Earth Living

Story by Down to Earth Living | Photos by Risa Hoag

“

H

ome for the holidays” takes on a whole new meaning this season as most people will be quite literally at home for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa celebrations.

All the more reason to go all out on home décor, seasonal displays, and good cheer.

For the past 50 years, homeowners across the tri-state area have flocked to Down to Earth Living on Route 45 in Pomona, for its vast selection of plants, outdoor living furnishings, gifts, and accessories. In fact, last year, the center was voted Best of Hudson Valley for home décor. Their 10,000 square foot showroom normally filled with an incredible selection of contemporary, classic, traditional all-weather dining, and deep seating furniture, has once again been converted to a winter wonderland through the first week in January.

“Among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we entertain,” notes a spokesperson for Down to Earth. “People are looking forward to decorating for the holidays perhaps more this year than in any year past, and our enormous selection of holiday décor offers something for everyone. So even if families are staying home for the holidays, they 28 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

will be able to add a festive feeling to their environment this year.”

Guests will enter through the cozy Christmas-themed porch and walk through the woodland-themed area of the showroom and can then meander through the other themed areas where they’ll discover life-sized Santas and reindeer, gnomes of all shapes ad sizes, cardinals, owls, foxes, and Mark Roberts fairies. The entire showroom has been decorated to allow more space for visitors to shop safely.

Guests can view the wide variety of live and artificial trees, hundreds of unique ornaments, garland and lights in a variety of colors, unusual tree toppers, an array of wreaths, smaller shelf-size reindeer and Santas, and a myriad of other holiday décor. Whether you are looking for statues and sculptures, candles and lighting, place settings, vases, or anything else, Down to Earth Living is sure to have something that strikes your fancy for the holidays. Home delivery or curbside pickup is available for most purchases.

Of course, Down to Earth Living has plenty of live trees for all size rooms. If you are in the market for a fresh tree, you’ll love the unique way Down to Earth displays their live trees, standing upright so you can

walk all-around and see how they would look in your home, eliminating any guess work. All Down to Earth trees are Fraser firs, which are guaranteed not to drop their needles before Christmas. Fraser firs are wonderfully aromatic and have strong branches, which allows for the hanging of larger ornaments without sagging. The salespeople are on site to help you carry the tree to the cutting stand, where a fresh cut will be made. Then, the tree will be wrapped and tied to your car. The service is unmatched in the county.

The holiday showroom is open seven days a week 9 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 9 AM to 7 PM. For value, selection, and friendly, knowledgeable service yearround, visit Down to Earth Living–Your Source for Gracious Outdoor Living and everything Christmas, located on 12.5 acres at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona. They can be reached by phone at (845) 3548500. Visit their website at dteliving.com to see hundreds of holiday items that you can find in the showroom. S Down to Earth Living 1040 NY-45 Pomona, NY (845) 354-8500 dteliving.com

RivertownMagazine.com / 29

with Phil Bunton

I

grew up—like most of my readers— dreaming of white Christmases.

In Scotland, where I was born, white Christmases were the norm. And they’re pretty common in Rockland County, as you all know.

But now Candice and I have moved down to Florida, and—whoa what a difference!

Yesterday, the TV weatherman warned that we were facing a shocking cold spell. Turned out the temperature was going to plunge to around 77 degrees. Brrrr! Get out the anoraks.

Florida is so much different from the REAL world.

There are a lot of old ladies down here—mostly widows.

30 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Sometimes we play the game: Spot the Old Lady.

That’s the one where you see an apparently empty Cadillac speeding down the highway. It’s only when you get alongside the car that you see there’s a little old lady crouching beneath her giant steering wheel. She really needs a periscope to see where she’s going.

Then she comes to a traffic light. It’s green. But, she slams on her brakes, just in case.

The good news is that these old folks are mostly in bed before the bars open.

When I took my car in for service recently, there was a big sign saying that I should remove any concealed weapon from the glove compartment.

Fortunately, all I had in my glove compartment were old candy wrappers. Concealed—so my wife doesn’t know I’ve been guzzling on the highway.

The last time there was snow in Florida was back in 1977. The white stuff—as the local weathermen like to call it—dusted trees from Miami to West Palm Beach. The local papers went bananas. Giant headlines, the lot. Of course, the snow vanished overnight.

Never to be seen again. Never!

Many years ago, when I worked in Florida, I used to laugh when I’d see my colleagues come to work wearing thick winter sweaters to guard against the chills of 75 degrees.

On Christmas Day, if the palm tree sees its shadow, it means another 52 weeks of warm weather.

So here are a few Florida winter jokes to keep you warm this month: • Florida is so hot that when old people retire and move to Florida it’s because they want to start practicing for Hell.

• Florida is so hot that when you die and go to Hell, you wake up in Boca Raton.

• Whenever I hear a scientist say Jupiter is uninhabitable I always just assume they’re talking about the city in Florida, which is just up the road from us.

• My friend Bill told me this one: Sure, I’ve gotten old. I’ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees...I’ve fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I’m half blind, can’t hear anything quieter than a jet engine, and take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts.

I have bouts with dementia, poor circulation, hardly feel my hands or feet anymore, can’t remember if I’m 85 or 92, but...thank God, I still have my Florida driver’s license!

So what are we going to do for Christmas down here?

Hang out on the beach and drink until the sun goes down. And check if the temperature is in the eighties still. And we’ll make a few phone calls to our friends up north. We’ll try to be sympathetic if your temperature is below freezing. L

Happy Holidays to all my friends, clients, new friends and new clients.

May your Holiday Season be filled with joy and your New Year bring you all the best for 2021!

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/ REALESTATEBYFRANKMANCIONE OR VIEW MORE ADS IN THE NEW YORK TIMES AT NEWYORKTIMES.COM/REALESTATE

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

Nyack • For Sale • $535,000

MLS 6068689. 301 Front St. This Nyack charmer has much more property than neighboring homes. Features include large Master BR with cathedral ceiling, skylights and walk-in closet, new heating system, built-in bookcases and china cabinets, newer roof, 2-car detached garage, deck and covered porch. A must see!

Nyack • For Sale • $335,000

MLS 6081259. 103 Gedney St., #6R Riverfront living at its best! This top floor apartment has the best views and largest terrace in the building to go along with renovated bath, hardwood floors and No Stairs! Amenities at this elevatored building include riverfront pool, workout facilities and community room. Boat slips can be rented. What are you waiting for?

Piermont • SOLD • $750,000

MLS 6051823. 208 Harbor Cove. Magnificent panoramic views from Piermont to Westchester from this 2BR/2BA end unit condo in Piermont Landing! Large apartment style unit w/ updated kitchen, renovated Master BA w/jacuzzi tub & shower, large 4-season waterfront sunroom and concierge service in this elevatored building. Only 20 minutes to Manhattan!

YOUR HOME COULD BE FEATURED HERE, OR BETTER YET,

Valley Cottage • For Sale • $441,999

MLS 6044321. 54 Lake Road. Historic 1780’s colonial with later additions! Features include custom gourmet kitchen with soapstone counters, wide plank floors, enormous Master BR, living room w/fireplace, enclosed/heated sun porch and perfect country garden for entertaining. Possible 4th bedroom on main level. A very special and unique home!

Nyack • For Rent • $2,400/month

MLS 6081215. 118 High Ave. Very well maintained spacious 2BR/2BA ground floor apartment close to the commercial district in Nyack. Comes with 2 parking spaces and laundry in unit! Won’t last!!

South Nyack • SOLD • $510,000

MLS 6050476. 4 Livingston Place. One of the more unique and private homes of its size you’ll see! This 1880’s colonial features inlaid h/w floors, dining room with wood paneling, pocket doors and coffered ceiling, rocking chair front porch, romantic Master BR with lots of closet space and paver walkways through lush perennial gardens with fountain. Special!

UP ON TOP! CALL FRANK TO HAVE YOUR HOME EVALUATED!

Valley Cottage • UNDER CONTRACT• $679,000

MLS 6054323. 241 Old Mill Road. Classic farmhouse colonial c.1870 and detached studio – renovated, yet maintains its old-world warmth and charm! Features chef’s kitchen, all updated baths with marble flooring, Master suite with cozy fireplace, detached 2-car garage and art studio all on nearly an acre of peaceful, park-like property bordering Lake Deforest!

Congers • UNDER CONTRACT • $394,000

MLS 4921338. 18 Waldberg Ave. Charming 3+ BR Arts & Crafts / Cape Cod-style home w/ magnificent enclosed wrap-around porch. Features include newer roof and windows, original wall moldings, hardwood floors, updated heating system and generator on nearly a quarter acre lot. Close to Rockland Lake State Park!

Piermont • UNDER CONTRACT • $701,800

MLS6044327. 507 Devries Ct. Absolutely spectacular views of the Hudson and bridge from every room in this 3BR/3BA condo at Devries Point, in gated Piermont Landing! Features 4 private terraces, herringbone hardwood floors and Master BR suite with large walk-in closet and private atrium style terrace. Amenities include heated indoor pool, tennis courts, garage parking and elevator access.

Nyack • For Sale • $375,000

MLS 6080513. 50 No. Broadway #17. Fully renovated duplex condo perfectly placed in the center of Nyack at Victoria Mews. Features new kitchen w/stainless appliances, open living/ dining room plan w/ cozy fireplace and hardwood floors throughout. Amenities include garage parking, elevator from garage and private patio in beautiful courtyard setting. Pets allowed!

Nyack • For Rent • $1,925/month

MLS 6081213. 78 So Broadway. Come make this terrific 2 bedroom apartment in Nyack your new home. Minutes from the bridge and all mass transit. Steps outside of the heart of Nyack and just 1 block away from the river. This apartment has it all. Hop on a bus and you’re in Manhattan in under an hour.

32 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

O

n Sunday November 15th, Tony Osso, founder of JL Blessings, and a group of volunteers, took to the streets of Piermont to raise awareness for a growing problem throughout the U.S.—and here in the Hudson Valley: homelessness. With the masks in place, signs in hand, and “just love” in their hearts, the group of volunteers marched throughout town. Throughout the March, they would stop and ask residents and visitors of the town to consider donating backpacks filled with “Bare Essentials,” such as nonperishable foods, blankets, soap and toothpaste.

They encourage you to MAKE IT YOUR OWN…WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THEM TO HAVE? For more information on JL Blessings and how to get involved, please visit jlblessings.org.

RivertownMagazine.com / 33

Tony Osso, Founder of JL Blessings

34 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

See more photos from the march at rivertownmagazine.com RivertownMagazine.com / 35

“ASK REED” TIGHE “ASK RYAN” PAIGE

The Sultans of Sold

ASK ADAM’S RYAN PAIGE, REED TIGHE, ADAM BLANKFORT, AND—WITH A BIG WELCOME BACK—BRETT THOMPSON, MAKE BIDDING WARS THE NEW NORM.

36 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

HOME + DESIGN POWER BROKERS

“ASK ADAM” BLANKFORT

“ASK BRETT” THOMPSON

With over $25M in recently closed sales, a New York City office, listings averaging less than two weeks on the market, patented lead technology, a continuously growing buyer database of 70,000+ clients, the highest list-to-sale price in the county, plus an upcoming spring appearance on Million Dollar Listing New York, it is no wonder why nearly every property the Ask Adam team touches sells for a premium, in record time.

RivertownMagazine.com / 37

HOME + DESIGN COMING SOON

LISTING AGENTS Adam Blankfort: 845.641.3255 Amy Wilhelm: 845.500.0059 William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

“Riverwinds”

Cornwall-on-Hudson 9 Taft Place 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 1.2 acres 10,577 sf, riverviews, indoor pool $2,195,000 Photo Credit: Pedro Sousa © 2020

38 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

“Riverwinds” Art Deco inspired 10,000+ SF Hudson River contemporary mansion on 1.2 acres provides the ultimate staycation. Walls of glass and balconies galore act like a perpetual mural, taking full advantage of one of the most iconic Hudson River landscapes artists often paint: direct views of historic Bannerman Island and Castle, Hudson Highlands State Park, the famed Anthony’s Nose and Breakneck Ridge mountain climbs, Mount Beacon, Newburgh-Beacon Bridge and Storm King Mountain. Living here, with an indoor pool, jacuzzi and bridge (modeled after a resort), is like living inside your own hotel in the epitome of the Hudson Valley; complete with 6+ bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 4+ car garage, 3 fireplaces, spa, media room, second kitchen, all gated and private, just awaiting your modern cosmetic touches.

Complete with National Blue Ribbon Schools and surrounded by world class hiking, with easy access to the Cornwall Yacht Club, Storm King Art Center, West Point and the historic Newburgh Waterfront. Only 60 minutes to New York City and 20 minutes to Beacon and Metro North Train Station—if , you ever had a need to leave this coveted compound…

RivertownMagazine.com / 39

HOME + DESIGN spotlight Pomona 20 S Ridge Road 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, .92 acres $975,000

LISTING AGENTS Adam Blankfort: 845.641.3255 Ryan Paige: 845.825.4778 William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

“MoMa in the Mountains”

Mind and body immersed in solitude, perched high above the world, with panoramic views of the Hudson Valley mountains in this contemporary masterpiece. Artfully designed with an open floor plan, each room is uniquely shaped, each window precisely positioned, offering astounding natural light and dramatic views of sunrise, sunset, and nature; like living inside a perpetual mural that changes by the season. With vaulted ceilings, double-sided fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple balconies, a 3 car garage, and 6,000 SF of living space (including the finished lower level), this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath oasis is the perfect canvas for a Feng Shui-inspired lifestyle. With a master bedroom that takes your breath away, including a meditation/yoga loft and views for days, it’s hard to imagine you are waking up only 30 minutes north of New York City. Bordering 47,527 acres of Harriman State Park, with close proximity to the Hudson River, connecting with Mother Nature promotes endless possibilities...

40 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

HOME + DESIGN spotlight Upper Nyack 3 Riverton Drive 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, river views $899,000

LISTING AGENTS Adam Blankfort: 845.641.3255 Ryan Paige: 845.825.4778 William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

“Riverton Romance”

Just 27 minutes north of the G.W. Bridge, your new lifestyle awaits at this premier 4,000+ SF Upper Nyack river view gem. This luxurious energy-efficient home was built by a premier builder; it will be like living in new construction, with a flexible floor plan that offers abundant natural right, dramatic Hudson River and Hook Mountain views, expansive deck perched high above the Hudson Valley, and an abundance of space to create the ideal live/work environment. With plenty of room for further expansion between the partially finished walk out basement and oversized attic, this home can offer close to 6,000+ SF of living space. The river view chef’s kitchen features stainless appliances with breakfast nook and opens into a family room with gas fireplace. With hardwood floors throughout, this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home boasts a formal living room, library and home gym. It neighbors the quaint Village of Nyack, filled with exquisite restaurants, shops and cafes, boating on the Hudson River, and hiking/biking in Hook Mountain, with miles of trails along the water­—all at your disposal within minutes…

RivertownMagazine.com / 41

HOME + DESIGN JUST LISTED

LISTING AGENTS Adam Blankfort: 845.641.3255 Ryan Paige: 845.825.4778 William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

LISTING AGENT Reed Tighe: 845.548.6280 William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

LISTING AGENT Amy Wilhelm: 845.500.0059 William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

Turn-key and painstakingly maintained, 27 Lapin Lane offers 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and 3200+ SF of functional living space, culminating in the ideal work from home residence, affording endless possibilities for the entire family. Situated on a half acre corner lot, within the award winning South Orangetown School District, only 30 minutes from New York City...

Blauvelt 27 Lapin Lane

Arriving in Palisades, just 15 minutes north of New York City, you’re instantly immersed in what some consider to be the Hudson Valley’s finest zip code, 10964, where the conveniences of suburbia are always within reach... Nestled in a park-like setting, sits this 1200 SF ranch ready to be molded to fit any lifestyle.

Palisades 8 Horne Took Road

Imagine enjoying iconic Hudson River views from your nearly 3000 SF one level condo every single day! Premium location on the top floor of an elevator building offering privacy and views in every direction. Enjoy luxurious amenities including direct water access for recreation, riverfront pool, indoor parking, storage, tennis and basketball.

42 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3,200 SF $599,000

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, .43 acres

$448,000

Newburgh 2 Park Place 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, waterfront

$549,000

HOME + DESIGN ART OF THE DEAL

JUST SOLD

JUST SOLD

$36,000 OVER ASK!

$11,000 OVER ASK!

New City || 2117 Prince Street Upper Nyack School Street

Upper Upper Nyack Nyack || 117 117 School School Street Street

Listing Agents: Adam Blankfort: 845.641.3255 | Ryan Paige: 845.825.4778

Listing Agents: Adam Blankfort: 845.641.3255 | Ryan Paige: 845.825.4778

William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

SELLING OVER ASK!

SELLING OVER ASK!

Nyack Multi-Family 25 School Dickinson Avenue Upper Nyack | |117 Street

Palisades | 696 Oak Tree Road Upper Nyack | 117 School Street

Listing Agents: Adam Blankfort: 845.641.3255 | Ryan Paige: 845.825.4778

Listing Agents: Adam Blankfort: 845.641.3255 | Ryan Paige: 845.825.4778

William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

SELLING OVER ASK!

SELLING OVER ASK!

Orangeburg | 50 Mount Nebo Road Upper Nyack | 117 School Street

West Nyack Nyack || 117 26 East Avenue Upper School Street

Listing Agents: Adam Blankfort: 845.641.3255 | Ryan Paige: 845.825.4778

Listing Agents: Adam Blankfort: 845.641.3255 | Ryan Paige: 845.825.4778

William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

RivertownMagazine.com / 43

HOME + DESIGN DYNAMIC DUOS

DELIVERING BIG ON BOUTIQUE HOW ONE REAL ESTATE DUO GETS THE JOB DONE IN WARWICK’S LUXURY MARKET AND BEYOND. From high-end equestrian and luxury home markets right down to the little guy, this real estate team has got amazing props—and your best interests at heart, as demonstrated by a recent impressive sale in Warwick, New York.

M

Story by Amie Butchko | Photos by William Raveis Baer & McIntosh

eet Sandy Glazman and his colleague, Jennifer Lucas. They are two esteemed agents at Warwick, New York’s distinguished William Raveis Baer & McIntosh’s office in the quaint historic village.

It is not surprising that a few years ago, they spoke over coffee—at an artisan java bar in town, about the level of service they wanted to provide to not only discerning clients, but every client. On the table: how they could best meet individual needs, whatever that may be.

“This was an issue because, here in eclectic Warwick, this can certainly range with properties including both an extreme luxury 44 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

market and smaller, sleepy bedroom townhomes,” says Sandy. The formula for a boutique delivery of service was percolating even then; and lucky for their many clients, it is a winning recipe.

Curating the Brand The boutique experience is a focused effort to build strong relationships in the community, to provide professional and personalized service, and to handle every client and transaction uniquely. “Being such a diverse place, we knew our approach to real estate in Warwick could benefit from such pointed attention

and care, determined uniquely for each listing. By growing our networks in all our markets and even offering ourselves as goto’s in the community for local information, we can expand how we can address our clients’ needs. We run events and also offer aggregating lists of service partners for our clients to utilize (and, yes, even contacting them ourselves). In doing so, we draw on resources for them with increased effectiveness,” says Sandy.

With the boutique real estate movement making changes in how homes are sold in an evolving market, the team is glad to be on board. “In boutique real estate, you consider the personal preferences of your clients, their lifestyle, and their personal needs and you draw no lines between personal and professional assistance. You deliver whatever convenience is needed to the client, highly personalized like a service that would be found in any boutique shop. It is small town real estate but with high value,” states Jennifer.

Terra Hills Farm–SOLD This month, Jen and Sandy will deliver big for one of their clients at beautiful Terra Hills Farm, as they close on a sale. As with many properties in Warwick, this unique equestrian farm was not the usual listing an agent might encounter, and it posed its unique challenge. A luxury home including a riding and training business with elite offices, a no-expense-spared barn, a 42-acre property with premium paddocks, out sheds, and Olympic-sized riding circles certainly required some heavy-hitting and finding just that appropriate buyer.

Because Jen and Sandy had grown their expertise in the equestrian market as part of their boutique experience here and after leveraging contacts across social platforms nationwide, they

Jennifer Lucas William Raveis Baer & McIntosh Licensed Real Estate Agent Jennifer.Lucas@raveis.com (845) 820-1687

were ever more equipped to provide stellar services to these clients and deliver on their needs. They were the best photographers and even produced marketing videos of the property. They went all out.

“Because of the unique nature of this beautiful area, with roving landscapes, and exceptional recreational locations, luxury properties including horse farms, historic estates, and milliondollar homes on scenic land present themselves quite often. We know stakes are high on these properties, and we have cultivated a broad and diverse arena of resources as we seek to move them most effectively. This beautiful horse farm is just one example of how we are always thinking ahead and bettering ourselves for our clients, present and future,” says Sandy.

Working for You Thankfully, Wiliam Raveis provides its agents with the tools necessary to rise to occasions such as the sale of the horse farm. As well-experienced agents in this niche, Sandy and Jen can offer their expertise toward handling a market’s competition, winning bids for their buyers, and negotiating the best price for their sellers.

These are the things they wrote on their napkins that day in town, and this is what will be delivered every day if you enlist them to sell for you.

Check out Jen’s latest property at 25 Points of View. Jen boasts, “From its beautiful mahogany porch to a massive gentleman’s hunting themed home office, it is a luxury country home worthy of kings!” And she’s at it again. Call today for a showing, here, in rustic Points of View, or to enlist this winning team to market your special place; furthermore, they can find you a great one, here in ours.

Sanford Glazman William Raveis Baer & McIntosh Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker Sanford.Glazman@raveis.com (201) 394-0169 RivertownMagazine.com / 45

HOME + DESIGN from the experts

Question: I’ve been searching area homes on websites, like Zillow and others, and don’t understand why in many cases the property taxes given turn out not to be accurate. In some cases, the values they give are way off! Can you explain how this happens–it’s very frustrating!

Answer: I’ve heard this from many people over the years.

This information is important not only so that a buyer knows what he or she is up against with regard to future expenses, but also because it’s one of the important pieces of information a mortgage banker uses in qualifying a buyer for a mortgage.

Imagine what would happen if a purchase contract is signed and this error comes to light several weeks or more afterwards–DISASTER! When making a purchase, a buyer should ALWAYS ask their realtor to obtain copies of the tax information for a property.

There are usually multiple tax bills which come due at different times of the year for any property, such as school tax, town/ county tax and sometimes a village tax. All of these have to be obtained and added together to come up with an accurate number for the total taxes.

46 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Some websites draw tax information directly from local tax records; however, that doesn’t mean what is drawn in is correct or complete. Sometimes the information in the records shows what the owner PAID and not what they OWED. It also happens that sometimes the information drawn into the website includes some portion of the total tax but not the village tax (for example).

Other times, the owner owes taxes at a lower amount than would normally be the case, due to special exemptions that they have.

For example, a person who is a veteran may qualify for one or several different tax exemptions, or a person may qualify for a tax reduction because they are elderly and have low income.

There are also school tax exemptions in NYS which apply to homes that are owned as primary residences that a person may or may not have applied for, as well as higher exemptions for people aged 65 or over.

So you can see, the tax amount for a given property needs to be fully researched to determine first: what the total tax amount is with no exemptions (this is what a bank uses to qualify a buyer), and second, what the amount would be for a given individual or family. Tax values provided in many websites cannot be assumed to be accurate–ask your realtor!

from the experts HOME + DESIGN

ASK THE LENDER

SCOTT FORMAN DIVISIONAL VICE PRESIDENT WHERE ARE RATES AND THE HOUSING MARKET HEADED IN 2021?

Although we can make educated predictions, the future is unknown.

Here are our educated predictions for the housing market in 2021.

SCOTT FORMAN is a Divisional President for CrossCountry Mortgage,

POSITIVE FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN BUYING OR REFINANCING IN 2021 1. The U.S. housing market is incredibly strong. Mortgage rates should remain low.

2. Tremendous government support: the federal reserve has committed to doing everything it can to pump money into the economy during this global pandemic.

3. The increased desire to invest in what many people consider to be a very stable asset class.

4. A permanent surge in the work-from-home trend. With more people staying at home, the value of a home goes up. The recent rise in home renovations has increased dramatically as well as the desire to move to larger homes.

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

5. The desire to get busy living now. If the global pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Therefore, there will be a large demand curve shift with renters looking to finally buy a nicer place to live.

NEGATIVE FACTORS TO CONSIDER 1. Double-digit unemployment rate.

2. Delinquency rate: when the unemployment rate was surging, the delinquency rates on auto loans, credit card loans, and mortgages were also surging. A higher delinquency rate makes banks more hesitant to lend as losses mount.

3. Tighter lending standards.

4. Open houses are not really open yet. Once shelter-inplace began in mid-to-late March 2020, open houses were shut down. Even in October, open houses are mostly by appointment only.

5. People are saving more and want to hoard cash.

Come Spring 2021, we do anticipate there will be more inventory. Due to the rise in unemployment, people will sell their homes that did not regain employment, or their business unfortunately shut down. In addition, the forbearance homeowners applied for in spring 2020 will be over, and the payments will resume. We foresee people will take advantage of the financial relief that selling their home will provide.

With much uncertainty during these difficult times, please remember we are here for you and available to answer any questions you have.

Thank you to everyone who has sent in their questions!

If we pick yours to answer, we will send you a $100 Home Depot Gift Card.

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

RivertownMagazine.com / 47

HOME + DESIGN market report

Cell: (845) 641-8613

THEY GOT WHAT?!

O

ur river villages are amazing all the time but are simply magical during the holidays. When holiday shopping, remember our wonderful local businesses. Now more than ever, our local businesses need our support. And by shopping local, the money we spend keeps our businesses thriving, and that impacts home values. Our store owners thrive on personal attention and have a wealth

by Donna Cox of Howard Hanna Rand Realty

of ideas for the perfect gift for everyone on your list. From clothing, jewelry, and home furnishings to craft supplies and sweet treats, we have it all here in the rivertowns. Also, remember our local charities. People to People, the Nyack Center, Soup Angels, and many other organizations need our help to make the holidays special for our neighbors in need. I wish you all the happiest of holidays and a joyful, healthy, and prosperous New Year. With that, here are the homes that sold in the rivertowns in October.

October 2020 Home Sales in the Rockland County Rivertowns Style

Location

Address

BR

BA

List Price ($)

Sale Price ($)

CAPE COD

C. NYACK

26 W BROADWAY

3

2

399,000

400,000

COLONIAL

U. NYACK

75 W BROADWAY

2

1.1

399,000

106,000

BI-LEVEL

C. NYACK

502 CAMBOAN RD

3

2

479,000

465,000

COLONIAL

NYACK

5 BACHE ST

4

2.1

689,000

684,500

COLONIAL

NYACK

116 SICKLES AVE

4

3.1

679,000

690,000

CONDO

NYACK

1 MAIN ST #4303

3

2.1

669,000

647,500

COLONIAL

NYACK

6 CHARLES ST

3

2.1

649,000

654,000

TOWNHOUSE

NYACK

48 VILL AGE GATE WAY

2

3.1

499,000

475,000

CO-OP

NYACK

103 GEDNEY #6L

2

2

459,900

459,900

COT TAGE

NYACK

132 5TH AVE

3

1

385,000

383,000

CONDO

NYACK

107 HIGH AVE #208

1

1

279,999

275,000

CONDO

NYACK

300 HIGH AVE #J1

1

1

169,900

160,000

CONTEMPORARY

S. NYACK

123 PIERMONT AVE

3

3.1

1,995,000

1,950,000

RANCH

S. NYACK

6A ROSS AVE

2

1

299,000

285,000

ESTATE

U. GRANDVIEW

67 T WEED BLVD

4

6.1

3,950,000

3,800,000

CONTEMPORARY

U. GRANDVIEW

970 RT 9W

4

3.1

1,299,000

1,230,000

VICTORIAN

U. GRANDVIEW

1111 RT 9W

4

3.1

1,225,000

1,184,500

COLONIAL

U. GRANDVIEW

1028 RT 9W

3

3

449,000

430,000

CONTEMPORARY

GRANDVIEW

243 RIVER RD

4

3.1

1,475,000

1,375,000

CAPE COD

GRANDVIEW

191 RIVER RD

2

2

727,000

703,000

COLONIAL

GRANDVIEW

113 RIVER RD

2

1.1

650,000

555,000

CONDO

PIERMONT

102 HARBOR COVE

2

2

999,000

960,000

TOWNHOUSE

PIERMONT

104 GAIR ST

2

3.1

725,000

705,000

COLONIAL

PIERMONT

33 FRANKLIN ST

4

2

699,000

699,000

CONDO

PIERMONT

208 HARBOR COVE

2

2

649,000

750,000

TRI-LEVEL

PIERMONT

25 ASH ST.

3

2

629,000

600,000

CAPE COD

PIERMONT

15 HIGHL AND AVE

3

2

397,700

396,000

CONDO

PIERMONT

26 GAIR ST

2

2

370,000

365,000

COLONIAL

PALISADES

667 OAK TREE RD

5

3.1

2,195,000

2,000,000

Single Family

Q1-2019

Q1-2020

Change %

Q2-2019

Change %

Q3-2019

New Listings

48

52

8.3%

95

71

-25.3%

64

95

48.4%

Sales

33

30

-9.1%

36

30

-16.7%

44

55

25%

Average Sales ($)

$778,712

$619,947

-20.4%

Condos

Q1-2019

Q1-2020

Change %

Q2-2019

New Listings

23

19

-17.4%

29

Sales

10

9

Averages Sales ($)

$484,300

$324,098

48 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

$745,831

Q2-2020

$624,493 Q2-2020 16

-16.3% Change %

$650,745 Q3-2019

Q3-2020

$789,464 Q3-2020

-44.8%

16

29

Change %

21.3% Change % 81.3%

-10%

8

14

75%

12

14

16.7%

-33.1%

$335,644

$344,707

2.7%

5

3

-23.3%

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THE NYACK RIDGE REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER Heroes in Prioritizing Precaution, Safety, and Protection of Their Residents.

O

n an overcast Thursday—October 22, 2020—I sat down with three important figures of the Nyack Ridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center: the kind and accommodating administrator Barry Weinberger, assistant administrator Michael Lefkowitz, and owner Michael Braunstein on the tranquil patio of the Nyack Ridge—each of us distanced further than usual, for a conversation among professionals.

Residents once took respite on this patio in large groups, together as a family, surrounded by foliage and the occasional doe with her fawns. I looked around and observed the lines of blue painter’s tape that defined resting spaces, visually establishing safer boundaries during what we could consider one of the most uncertain times in recent decades. Barry brought a table closer to me, for my pen and paper, and remained standing while explaining his staff’s depth of effort and dedication.

“Although many of the staff tested positive for COVID-19 [in waves], everybody rose to the occasion and their number one priority was keeping the residents safe,” Mr. Weinberger stated.

50 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

The staff at Nyack Ridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center have made certain that their top priorities remain unchanged: safety and transparency.

Staff communicated with each residents’ families every week by establishing a “buddy system” in which each department was assigned a group to provide them with as much information as possible. This helped to keep families in the loop and stay in touch in one of the only ways that were safe. But it wasn’t only families who were asked to keep at a distance.

“We had to cancel all outside entertainment,” Mr. Lefkowitz said, “but our activities staff really put in a valiant effort for [the residents].”

In lieu of the entertainers and normal fun and games, the activities staff donned full PPE, including face masks and shields, and provided socially distanced games such as doorway Bingo, a comforting hot cocoa rolling cart, FaceTime appointments with loved ones, and sheer joy. Additionally, the nursing department went above and beyond by working overtime and being ever-dependable, serving tenaciously on the front lines with poise, and acting

Story by Linda Garzia Photos by Yanina May Goldstein

as an anchoring force of support for the residents and staff.

The ownership and management, too, were in daily contact with the clinical managers in the nursing team, constantly prioritizing their safety.

Prior to the Department of Health giving executive orders on how to handle COVID-19, the owners took matters into their own hands. Not only did they provide hazard pay from the very beginning, but they made gathering proper PPE in advance an absolute priority. The owners, including Michael Braunstein, helped greatly in gathering PPE by driving directly to Christopher Jensen, the hazardous materials coordinator of Rockland County’s Office of Emergency Management, himself.

“I would drive there, pop open the trunk, load in the boxes, sign a form, and be on my way,” noted Mr. Braunstein. “There was very minimal contact.”

This initiative established by the owners made an significant impact on the staff, putting them at ease about protecting themselves as well as the residents and keeping the virus from loved ones at home.

Also, the Nyack Ridge was one of the first nursing facilities to provide antibody

testing which allowed them to focus on what they were there to do: to protect and provide respite for the residents and maintain a sense of positivity while promoting healing. Despite the tremendous expense of the equipment, the owners did not hesitate if it meant protection and peace of mind to their residents and employees.

The Nyack Ridge also lent itself as an anchor to the community at large, as they provided the staff of the Nyack Hospital catered lunches. Their friends at Valley Cottage Cares also brought lunch and ice cream to fuel comfort and a sense of

normality at the Nyack Ridge. This fluidity of community support allowed the staff and the owners to focus.

All while adjusting their budget to prioritize gathering PPE, hazard pay, and antibody testing, they continued making cosmetic renovations to the third floor of the building. “No matter what happens in the world, we never want to stop improving the facility for our residents,�

Mr. Braunstein explained.

Not only is the Nyack Ridge always improving, but they are always one step ahead of the game.

Despite the common concerns in the

news about nursing homes, the Nyack Ridge has received two Deficiency Free Infection Control Surveys from the Department of Health, who arrived prequarantine and established that proper precautions were being taken. The owners acknowledge the difficulty of the tasks given to them. Despite their expenses, financially and emotionally, they value most importantly the protection of their residents, their staff, and take pride in their response from the entire facility. No matter what happens in the world, at the Nyack Ridge, you are family. R

Nyack Ridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center 476 Christian Herald Road Valley Cottage, NY (845) 268-6861 | nyackridge.com RivertownMagazine.com / 51

An Amazing Future for

RIVER HOOK

by Mike Hays

I

magine a time beyond COVID-19 when people can once again freely get together. The Friends of River Hook have done exactly that, producing a vison of potential enhanced public uses at River Hook: The Hester Haring Cason Preserve, a 12-acre space acquired by the Village of Upper Nyack. Populated by a 1930s estate house, a high-peaked stable made of native field stone, a brick cottage, several meadows, a brook, and woodlands, the preserve offers a new opportunity for the environmental, education, and artistic needs of the Nyacks. “Over the past two years since the purchase of River Hook, the Village has held many meetings to discuss what the residents of Upper Nyack wanted from a property like this,” said Karen Tarapata, Mayor of Upper Nyack. “Overwhelmingly, they wanted a place for connection to nature and to each other.”

Walkers and cyclists already enjoy the stunning seasonal views of the Hudson River and Hook Mountain on a path open from dawn to sunset winding through the property between N. Broadway and N. Midland Ave. With the help of volunteers, the Friends of River Hook have done some clean up of the property, but, more importantly, they are now inviting the public to engage with a new design vision plan that sets out a number of eye-popping visions of what the preserve might become.

Friends of River Hook The Friends of River Hook was formed this year as a nonprofit group for the charitable purpose of revitalizing and enhancing River Hook. Volunteers worked with the Village to fence in the preserve’s garden, clean up around the property, start the native meadow restoration in the east meadow, create a logo, and renovate and plant a circular flower bed in front of the estate house. The Friends secured funding to create a new master plan to stimulate public thought and comment and to serve as a source document for grant proposals and public donations. “The design vision was a welcome gift from the Friends of River Hook to the Village of Upper Nyack,” said Mayor Tarapata. “Any projects that arise from the plan are subject to approval by the Village Board.”

Defining New Spaces

Andrea B Swenson Photography

52 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

The master plan takes advantages of the existing structures and natural spaces at River Hook to identify eight distinct spaces, each with a unique public purpose.

The plans are meant to be aspirational and not an exact roadmap to the future. Each individual space draws on its unique history and environment with sustainable construction and environmental rehabilitation as needed to fulfill a new purpose. Eight different scenarios build on existing zones within the preserve, maintaining environmental integrity while providing new spaces for the local community to gather for events, plays, picnics, yoga, art shows, and music. Two re-imagined examples, the Clearing and the Hester Haring House and Patio, demonstrate some of the ways the preserve can be reconfigured with sustained effort and funding.

The Clearing Taking advantage of a quiet, natural, flat clearing surrounded by a grove of mature trees, planners envision a loose circle of mowed grass that can be used for yoga classes, meditation, picnics, bird watching, and reading on a blanket. Paths would wrap the area offering walkers new ways to experience the flow of the seasons, light, and shadow in a wooded setting complemented with art installations and sculptures.

Haring House

The Clearing

The estate house built by the Haring family in 1934 was designed

by Julius Gregory, a noted Manhattan architect of the early 20th century. The property’s main structure has fallen into disrepair, but its neoclassical design begs for a 21st century makeover. The master plan envisions a renovated interior that would open up the first floor as a meeting room or café and the second floor as an educational space. Most stunning would be an enlarged patio on the eastern side overlooking the Broadway meadow with views of the Hudson River and Hook Mountain. The expanded plaza will interconnect with both the stable and the meadow and provide a setting for large and small gathering or relaxation.

Next Steps The envisioned spaces have a real “wow” factor. Some might react, that is impossible, that it is too much. The Friends of River Hook answer, “Yes, we can.” The final result may not look exactly like what is in the master plan, and it may take a long while to phase in River Hook’s renovation. One of the most important qualities of River Hook is that it is a community place where villagers can interact. Already through the Friends of River Hook, neighbors have met each other for the first time and shared their ideas and energies. A vision is just that, but with continued public support through volunteer work, donations, and public engagement, families of the future will look back at what was accomplished with amazement and thanks.

The Haring House

As an added incentive to achieve River Hook’s future, all donations up to $100,000 before August 2021 will be doubled thanks to a generous matching grant by Ray Wright, nature photographer and former owner of Wright Bros. Real Estate.

To learn more or make a contribution, visit riverhook.org

Amphitheater Stage

North Midland Entrance RivertownMagazine.com / 53

DE MOYA & ASSOCIATES, P.C.­ THE LEGAL TEAM YOU CALL FOR DIVORCE/FAMILY LAW, BANKRUPTCY, AND IMMIGRATION SOLUTIONS Story by Tom Riley | Photography by Samantha Finch

O

“

ur motto at de Moya & Associates is ‘Good Thinking and Practical Solutions.’ We advocate for our client’s rights, however we’re very realistic and acutely aware of the emotional, mental, and financial toll litigation has on our clients.

Our firm is here to help, not bury our clients in legal fees, or make an already difficult situation worse. That’s why, in addition to our free divorce and bankruptcy consultations, we offer affordable payment plans. Ninety percent of our clients are referred by existing or former clients. I attribute our thriving practice to listening well, and legitimately caring about our clients. We provide personal and professional counsel to every client, taking the time to build a strong relationship in order to understand their specific legal needs and objectives. Our goal is to become your family attorney, the lawyers you turn to when a legal issue arises,” said Desiree de Moya, Esquire.

The five attorneys who are part of the expanding team at de Moya & Associates P.C. include de Moya, who has been practicing law for 25 years, Irene Martinez, Amanda Casella, Ivon Anaya, and Alexandra Bisesi. Martinez specializes in divorce/family law, criminal law, and immigration law. “I joined de Moya & Associates in 2015, a couple of years after graduating from Pace Law School.

Since then I have helped hundreds of clients through stressful divorce and family law proceedings, and guided clients facing deportation and the complexities of the immigration laws. One of my priorities is to form a strong relationship with my clients—their case is as important to me as it is to them. I take pride in the work I do for my clients whether it is a divorce or family or an immigration matter. These are life-changing events and that is how I approach them,” said Martinez.

Casella assists the divorce/family law and immigration law teams.

She is a graduate of Western New England University School of Law where she participated in a family mediation clinic assisting clients in resolving custody, visitation, and support disputes. “For more than a year I worked within the NYS Senate, assisting constituents in matters involving children and family issues. I am fully committed to advocating for my clients through personalized and dedicated legal representation, and I look forward to beginning my legal career at de Moya & Associates,” noted Casella.

Anaya practices bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and immigration law. “I received my master’s degree in law (LL.M) from Pace Law School, where I volunteered in the predatory lending and mortgage foreclosure defense program. I was also involved in the HUD-certified agency HDSW, which is where I gained extensive experience in foreclosure defense; bankruptcy was a natural extension of my practice. I am committed to zealously assisting my clients, and I pride myself on being sensitive to their needs. I approach each legal issue diligently, efficiently, and realistically,” stated Anaya.

54 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Desirée de Moya: “We offer affordable payment plans.”

Bisesi is the senior associate at the firm. She is an integral part of the divorce and family law team and also handles some of the criminal law and traffic violations/DWI cases. “We support each other and brainstorm about our cases all the time. In this office, we offer a continuum of care from a legal perspective. There is a lot of excitement, passion, and motivation to do the right thing for our clients and to get them everything to which they are entitled under the law,” said Bisesi. An elected officer of the Rockland County Women’s Bar Association and a member of the Advisory Committee for the Rockland County Courthouse Child Care Center, Bisesi continues, “I bring energy, enthusiasm, and a fresh, practical perspective to every case I handle. I advocate zealously on my client’s behalf to achieve their goals.”

“In addition to divorce/family law, bankruptcy, and immigration, we handle just about any individual legal problem a person might have via our legalhousecalls.com service. Legalhousecalls.com allows us to offer our clients legal services that include, but are not limited to criminal, personal injury, nursing home abuse, dental and medical malpractice, workers compensation claims, Social Security disability claims, and negligence claims (motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, and slip-and-falls),” said de Moya. R

Left to Right: Ivon Anaya, Esq., Irene Martinex, Esq., Desiree de Moya, Esq., Alexandria Bises, Esq., Amada Casella, Esq.

de Moya & Associates, P.C 163 South Main Street New City, NY (845) 639-4600 | demoyalaw.com RivertownMagazine.com / 55

DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS Inside the Artist’s Studio with Mary Ting DECEMBER 8

Mary Ting is a visual artist working in installation, drawing, sculpture, and community projects that examine cultural history, grief, nature, environmental and social justice.

Her varied work reflects on our stories—our devotions and desperations.

Rockland Center For the Arts Virtual, 6PM, $10

DECEMBER 3 An Artwalk “Retrospective” Live Panel Discussion and Q&A with Artwalk Poster Artists Virtual, 7PM DECEMBER 5 Valley Cottage Library Holiday Craft Fair Virtual, 10AM—4PM Rockland County Online Holiday Shopping Expo Hosted by the Rockland Business Women’s Network Online DECEMBER 8 Inside the Artist’s Studio with Mary Ting Rockland Center For the Arts Virtual, 6PM, $10

DECEMBER 12 Let There Be Light: Drive-through Art & Light Show Virtual, 5PM—9PM, $25-35 DECEMBER 21 Bach to Rock Winter Music Camps Bach to Rock Music School Nanuet 9AM—4PM

ON-GOING EVENTS EVERY THURSDAY, YEAR-ROUND Nyack Farmers Market Nyack, NY, 8AM—2PM

December 5—24 Holiday Kid’s Market Paramus, NJ

DECEMBER 9 Garavelli Trunk Show at Metal & Stone Fine Jewelers Virtual, 11AM—8PM

Visit rivertownmagazine.com for the rest of the calendar events.

Also, while you’re there, be sure to check out Celebrate! The City, our curated guide on NYC activities.

West Gate Inn Nyack Home of the Blue Ribbon Cheesecakes!

Long Term Rates Group Discounts 26 Route 59 Nyack, NY 845-358-8100 westgateinnnyack.com westgaterestaurant.com

56 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

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RivertownMagazine.com / 57

NEXT STOP: RIVERTOWN www.rivertownmagazine.com

58 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

SHOPPING & BUSINESS GUIDE See our full list of Rivertown approved businesses at RivertownMagazine.com

ACUPUNCTURE

AUTOMOBILES & MOTORBIKES

CLOTHING

New City Acupuncture & Wellness Center 125 South Main Street, New City 845-579-2428 newcitywellness.com

Advanced Limousine Service 294 Harrington Ave, Closter 201-768-7900 advancedcarservice.net

Dusty Rose 70 S Main Street, Suite 2, New City 845-638-1133

ART CENTERS Bell-ans Center of Creative Arts 4 Bell Lane, Orangeburg 845-596-0870 bellans.com Penguin Rep Theatre 7 Cricketown Rd, Stony Point 845-786-2873

ASSISTED / SENIOR LIVING Artis Senior Living 146 Red Schoolhouse Road Suite D, Spring Valley 877-385-6725 theartistway.com/rivertown Dowling Gardens 190 Kings Highway, Sparkill 845-365-1662 Dowlinggardens.org Nyack Ridge 476 Christian Road, Valley Cottage 845-268-2712 845-268-6861 nyackridge.com Promenade at Chestnut Ridge 168 Red Schoolhouse Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-620-0606 promenadesenior.com Promenade Senior Living at Blue Hill 582 Veterans Memorial Drive, Pearl River 845-735-6846 promenadesenior.com

ATTORNEYS DeMoya & Associates 163 S Main Street, New City 845-639-4600 demoyalaw.com Gary Lipton, Esq 55 Old Turnpike Road, Suite 304, Nanuet 845-624-0100 garyliptonlaw.com

Audi Nyack 127 Route 59, Nyack 845-689-3399 audinyack.com Clarkstown International Collision 95 Route 304, Nanuet 845-627-3100 cicautobody.com Kevin’s Ace Repairs 52 Main Street, Nyack 845-358-4975

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

BEAUTY SKinCo 200 East Eckerson Road Suite 280, New City 914-980-4701 skincobeauty.com

Letitia’s Bridal 730 NY-304, New City 845-425-3330 letitiasonline.com Maria Luisa 77 S Broadway, Nyack 845-353-4122 marialuisaboutique.com

COMPUTER EagleTech Computers 62 S. Main Street, Pearl River 845-735-1381 eagletechcomputers.com

CONFERENCE CENTERS HNA Palisades Premier Conference Center 334 Route 9W, Palisades 845-732-6000 hnapalisades.com

CONSTRUCTION

BED AND BREAKFAST

APEX Contracting and Remodeling Solutions Inc 457 North Liberty Drive, Tomkins Cove 914-262-7077

Bricktown Inn 112 Hudson Avenue, Haverstraw 845-429-8447 bricktowninnbnb.com

Empire State Builders & Contractors 18 West Route 59, Nanuet 845-425-0003 empirestatebuilders.com

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

CHIMNEY CLEANERS Pete’s Chimneys & More 845-267-3333 petesrooftop.com

CHURCHES/SYNAGOGUES

Mediation Associates of NY & NJ, LLC 877-666-9601 starrmediation.com

Tappan Reformed Church 32 Old Tappan Road, Tappan 845-359-6506 tappanreformed.rcachurches.org

Starvaggi Law Offices 845-589-9456 starvaggilawoffices.com

The Reform Temple of Rockland 330 N Highland Avenue, Upper Nyack 845-358-2248

Frank Fuchs Construction Garnerville 845-893-5448 frankfuchsconstruction.com

COUNTRY CLUBS Edgewood Country Club 449 Rivervale Road, Rivervale 201-666-1200 edgewoodnj.com Falkirk Estates 206 Smith Clove Road, Central Valley 845-928-8060 falkirkestate.com

DANCE STUDIO Coupe Theatre Studio 430 Market Street, Nanuet 845-623-2808 coupedance.com

RivertownMagazine.com / 59

Studio Jacked Dance Company 149 Main Street, Unit K, Nanuet 845-623-5225 studiojacked.com

DENTISTS / ORTHODONTICS Dental365 2195 S Main Street, New City 845-354-6969 godental365.com Pavone Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Anthony G. Pavone, DDS, MD, FACS 2 Medical Park Drive, Suite 6, West Nyack 845-675-8008 pavoneoms.com Ramapo Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgery 84 Rt. 59, Suffern 845-357-2070 ramapomaxsurgery.com Rockland Smile Builders 1 Mariner Way, Monsey 845-362-7645 rocklandsmilebuilders.com Smile More Dentistry 140 Oak Tree Rd, Tappan 845-675-1512. dentist-tappan.com Stony Point Dental, PC 32 S. Liberty Drive, Stony Point 845-942-1600 stonypointdental.com Smile More Dentistry 140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan 845-675-1512 dentist-tappan.com

DOCTORS Clarkstown Pediatrics 35 Smith Street, Nanuet 845-623-7100.

200 E Eckerson Road, New City 845-352-0527. Stony Point 845-786-5776. clarkstownpeds.com Clarkstown Medical Care 301 North Main St. New City 845-638-0400 Dr. Igor Elman, DO 7-C Medical Park Dr., Pomona 845-846-8209 mdvip.com/igorelmando Gramercy Pain Management 67 S. Main Street, Pearl River 845-368-0800 gramercypain.com Hudson Valley Audiology Center 11 Medical Park Drive, Suite 205, Pomona 845-406-9990 hudsonaudiology.com Hudson Valley Wellness Associates 16 Liberty Sq., Stony Point 845-429-3100 rocklandweightloss.com

60 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Steven M Sockin M.D.,PC: Allergy and Asthma Care 500 New Hempstead Rd #C, New City 845-362-3222 Rockland Ear, Nose & Throat Assoc 2 Strawtown Road, West Nyack 845-727-1340 rocklandent.com Walk-In Medical Urgent Care 236 South Main Street, New City 845-678-3434 urgentcareofny.com Dr. Jeffrey Wechsler 153 Franklin Tpk, Mahwah 201-529-5999

EDUCATION Nyack Head Start of Rockland 845-358-2234 Spring Valley Head Start 845-352-6671

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING Hush Electrical Contracting 14 Wayne Street, Haverstraw 845-942-4874; cell: 845-721-3476. hushcorp.com

ENTERTAINMENT Pine Ridge Dude Ranch 30 Cherrytown Rd, Kerhonkson 866-600-0859 pineridgeduderanch.com New City Bowl & Batting Cages 90 N Main St., New City 845-634-4977 Nyack Boat Charter 845-535-1675 nyackboatcharter.com

FINANCIAL ADVICE Chestnut Investment Group 4 Executive Boulevard, Suite 204, Suffern 845-369-0016 chestnutinvestment.com O’Brien Capital Management 48 Burd Street, Suite 209, Nyack 845-358-4930 obriencm.com Wells Fargo Advisors 17 Squadron Boulevard, New City 845-638-4400 home.wellsfargoadvisors.com

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS / EQUIPMENT Bullet Security 400 East Route 59, Nanuet 845-627-0300 bulletsecurityinc.com Inter County Alarm Systems 200 Route 303, Valley Cottage 845-268-8900 intercountyalarm.com

FLOWERS & PLANTS Amaryllis Event Décor 35 Industrial Parkway, Northvale 201-750-3327 amarylliseventdecorators.com

FUNERAL HOMES Sorce Funeral Home 782 West Nyack Road, West Nyack 845-358-4433 sorcefuneralhome.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Arlene Levine Design 3 Main Street, Nyack 917-312-7002 arlenelevine.com The Artist’s Palette 52 Omni Court, New City 845-721-9529 theartistspalette.com

GUTTERS Gary’s Gutter Service 4 Gala Court, Congers 845-450-1006 garysgutterservice.com

HAIR & NAILS DSZ Barbers Inc. 140 Main Street, Nyack 845-348-1500 dszbarbersinc.com Euphoria Hair Gallery 740 W. Nyack, Nyack 845-512-8961 euphoriahairgallery.com G.C. Hair & Co. 8 First Street, New City 845-499-2552 gchairco.com Hair by Andrea 908-391-7704 hairbyandreanyack.com Maureen’s Hair Studio 646 Main St. Sparkill 845-365-3257

HEARING Advanced Audiology of NY 102 E Route 59, Nanuet 845-501-7337 advancedaudiology.com Hudson Valley Audiology Center 11 Medical Park Drive, Suite 205, Pomona 845-406-9990 hudsonaudiology.com

HEALTH & FITNESS Mind.Body.Massage 1 South Broadway, Suite B, Nyack 914-772-4176 christeycurran.massagetherapy.com

JCC Rockland 450 W Nyack Road, West Nyack 845-362-4400 jccrockland.org Nyack CBD Boutique 48 Burd Street,#204, Nyack 917-863-2084 Nyack YMCA 35 S Broadway, Nyack 845-358-0245 rocklandymca.org Rosemary Narcisi Anne Penman Laser Therapy Center 99 Main Street, Nyack 845-675-7900 annepenman.com nyacknyannepenman@gmail. com Varsity House Gym 337 Blaisdell Rd, Orangeburg 201-767-1305 varsityhousegym.com Wholeness Center 7 New Lake Road, Valley Cottage 845-268-7532 wholenesscenter.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT Beckerle Lumber 219 Route 303, Orangeburg 845-359-4633 Blauvelt Wallcoverings & Fabrics LLC. 583 Route 303, Blauvelt 845-359-6355 Maye’s Painting & Powerwashing 845-735-1001 Nyack Wide Plank Floors 48 Burd Street, Nyack 845-358-3566 wideplankflooring.com Westrock Pools 21 N. Middletown Road, Nanuet 845-367-9377 westrockpools.com

HOME INSPECTION Lighthouse Home Inspections 11 Clifford Court, Nanuet 845-596-4353

HOME & FURNITURE Furniture Medic 382 Route 59 Tall Pines Industrial Park, Airmont 845-674-2329 furnituremedic.com The Outside In 29 Ferdon Avenue, Piermont 845-398-0706 theoutside.in

HOTELS

LAWN & GARDEN

PEST CONTROL

DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton 425 E Rt. 59, Nanuet 845-623-6000, ext. 7020 hilton.com/doubletree/nanuet

Danny Clapp Landscapin 59 Schriever Lane, New City 845-638-3614 dannyclapplandscaping.net

Pest Shield 51 Wayne Avenue, Suffern 845-357-4105 wekillbugs.net

West Gate Inn Nyack 26 Route 59, Nyack 845-358-8100 westgateinnnyack.com

Majestic Lawn Care 424 Buena Vista Road, New City 845-708-2988 or 845-627-3880 majesticlawnandlandscape.com

Time Nyack Hotel 2400 High Avenue, Nyack 845-675-8700 thetimehotels.com

Steve Weiss Landscaping & Snow Plowing 137 NY-303, Valley Cottage 845-358-0817 steveweisslandscaping.com

Woodloch 109 River Birch Ln, Hawley, PA 1800-966-3562 thelodgeatwoodloch.com

INSURANCE Bauer-Crowley 643 Main Street, Sparkill 845-359-4114 bauercrowley.com Emerald Medicare 15 N Mill St, Nyack 845-358-1220

INTERIOR DECORATING Apex Contracting & Remodeling Solutions 914-262-7077 California Closets 83 South Main Street, New City 917-592-1001 californiaclosets.com

INVESTMENT BROKER J. Christopher Haera - Wells Fargo 17 Squadron Blvd, New City 845-639-7238 home.wellsfargoadvisors.com

JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES Barry’s Estate Jewlery 295 Route 304, Bardonia 845-624-7100 barrysestatejewelry.com

KENNELS Musbro Kennels Ranch House 183 NY-303, Orangeburg 845-359-4550 musbrokennels.com

KITCHEN & BATH EZ Kitchen & Bath 301 W. Route 59, Nanuet 845-501-7123 ezkitchenbath.com Grande Central Showroom 575 Chestnut Ridge Road Spring Valley 845-573-0080 centralplumbingspec.com

Wickes Arborists 11 McNamara Road, Spring Valley 845-354-3400 wickesarborists.com

LIGHTING & REPAIRS Lites Plus 210 E Rte 59, Nanuet 845-215-9903 litesplusonline.com

LIQUOR, WINE, BEER STORES Nyack Wine Cellar 43 S. Broadway, Suite 1, Nyack 845-353-3146 nyackwinecellar.com

LOCKSMITHS A. & N. Rappaport Lock & Alarm Inc 31 New Main Street, Haverstraw 845-429-8400 rappaportlocks.com

MEDICAL SERVICES Montefiore Nyack Hospital 160 N. Midland Avenue, Nyack 845-348-2000 montefiorenyack.org

MORTGAGES CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc 102 Chestnut Ridge Road Suite 200, Montvale 201-505-0843 formanteam.com Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 50 Main St., White Plains 914-286-4911 wfhm.com

MOVING SERVICES Slattery Moving & Storage 845-727-1800

PAINTING Maye’s Painting & Powerwashing 845-735-1001

PHARMACY Koblin’s Pharmacy 96 Main Street, Nyack 845-358-0688 mygnp.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Samantha Finch 845-492-7739 photographybysamanthafinch.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY Joint Movements Physical Therapy 34 West Ramapo Road Garnerville 845-271-4785 jointmovements.com

PLASTIC SURGERY Glassman Plastic Surgery 978 NY-45, #5, Pomona 845-354-7878

PROPERTY TAX CONSULTANT Richard O’Donnell 914-779-4444 retiredassessor.com

PSYCHOTHERAPIST Dr. Sally Nazari 845-236-5612 drsallynazari.com

REAL ESTATE “Ask Adam” Blankfort 97 S. Broadway, S. Nyack 845-641-3255 adam.baerhomes.com Howard Hanna Rand Realty 46 South Broadway, Nyack 845-358-7171 19 E Central Avenue, Pearl River 845-735-3020 Debbie Blankfort - William Raveis Baer & McIntosh 97 S. Broadway, S. Nyack 914-522-5426 Donna Cox - Howard Hanna Rand Realty 46 S. Broadway, Nyack 845-641-8613 donnacox.com Ellis Sotheby International Realty 76 N Broadway, Nyack 845-353-4250 ellissothebysrealty.com

RivertownMagazine.com / 61

Frank Mancione - Lydecker Realty 914-953-0494 Friedberg Properties 213 Rivervale Road, River Vale 201-666-077 friedbergproperties.com HBC Landmark Realty 3 W. Cavalry Drive, New City 914-447-0714 Margo Bohlin -Howard Hanna Rand Realty 268 S Main St, New City 845-304-4140 margobohlin.com Susan Jackson - William Raveis Baer & McIntosh 12 Maple Ave, Warwick 845-987-2000 Mark Dari - Howard Hanna Rand Realty 268 S. Main Street, New City 914-772-1471 mark.dari@randrealty.com Noemi Morales Barile Coldwell Banker 845-494-5015 noemimoralesbarile.com R2M Realty, Inc. 8 Piermont Ave, Nyack 845-535-4195 ready2mov.com Rand Commercial Services 268 S. Main Street, New City 845-770-1205 randcommercial.com

Rockland County YMCA Nursery School 35 S Broadway, Nyack 845-358-0245 rocklandymca.org Rockland County YMCA Summer Camp.

35 South Broadway, Nyack rocklandymca.org Rockland Music Conservatory 45 South Main Street, Pearl River 845-356-1522 rcmny.org RCT Music Group 267 C. Main Street, Nyack 845-358-1236 rctmusicgroup.com The Lindgren School & Camp 211 Irvington Avenue, Closter 201-768-3550 lindgrenschool.com

SECURITY SYSTEMS Bullet Security 400 E. Route 59, Nanuet 845-627-0300

Nyack Basics at the Nyack Farmers Market 845-353-7062 nyackbasics.org

62 / Rivertown Magazine December 2020

Ski Barn 846 Route 17 North, Paramus 201-445-9070 skibarn.com

TAX & ACCOUNTING Berard & Donahue, CPA’s P.C. 44 Park Ave, Suffern 845-357-5668 berardcpas.com

WAC Travel 85 S. Broadway, Suite 1, Nyack 845-535-1300 italygreece.com

VETERINARIANS Pearl River Animal Hospital 19 S. Pearl Street, Pearl River 845-735-3213 pearlriveranimalhospital.com Valley Cottage Animal Hospital 202 N. Route 303, Valley Cottage 845-268-9263 valleycottageanimalhospital.com

WEDDING VENUES

SHOWER DOORS & MIRRORS

THEATERS Antrim Playhouse 15 Spook Rock Road, Suffern 845-354-9503 antrimplayhouse.com

Paramount Country Club 160 Zukor Road, New City 845-634-4626 paramountcountryclub.com

Cook’s Glass Work 15 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt 845-359-9339 cooksglass.com

SOLAR ENERGY

SPECIALTY SHOPS

New City Jewish Center 47 Old Schoolhouse Rd, New City 845-638-9600 newcityjc.org

A&J Arms 304 Route 304, Bardonia 845-501-7200 or 845-825-0079 AandJArms.com

Memory Queens, Cruise Planners 201-218-4410 memoryqueenstravel.com

Falkirk Estate and Country Club 206 Smith Clove Road Central Valley 845-928-8060. falkirkestate.com

Robin A. Miller 845-596-0459

Amazing Grace Circus 130 First Avenue, Nyack 845-721-5059 amazinggracecircus.org

SPORTING GOODS

Magic 2 Go Travel, LLC. 201-768-2417 magic2gotravel.com

Inter County Alarm Systems 200 Route 303, Valley Cottage 845-268-8900

Solstice Community Solar 866-826-1997 solstice.us/ny

SCHOOLS, CAMPS & DAYCARES

The Center for Safety and Change(formerly Rockland Family Shelter) 9 Johnsons Lane, New City 845-634-3391 centerforsafetyandchange.org

TRAVEL AGENCIES

Joseph A. Lux, CPA 4 Francis Avenue, Nyack 845-358-1929 joelux.com

Riso Realty 15 N. Mill Street, Nyack 845-729-1179 risorealty.com

Terry May - Howard Hanna Rand Realty 845-729-3030 terrymayrealtor.com

Rockland Business Women’s Network 845-729-9497

Sanctuary 60 S Broadway, Nyack 845-353-2126 sanctuary-home.com

SPECIAL SERVICES Foundations Recovery Community Center 25 Smith Street, #108, Nanuet 845-215-9788

Penguin Repertory 7 Cricketown Road, Stony Point 845-786-2873 penguinrep.org

THRIFT SHOP Nyack Hospital Thrift Shop (New To You) 42 Main Street, Nyack 845-358-7933 montefiorenyack.org

WINDOW TREATMENTS Beacon Interiors 19 New Street, Nyack 914-589-9270 Westrock Windows 30 Lake Road, Congers 845-268-0463 westrockwindows.com

MUSBRO KENNELS

Sparks of Life - Jewish Center for Parkinson’s SPARKStudio 845-300-4511 sparkstudiony.net

SPECIAL ORGANIZATIONS Historical Society of the Nyacks 845-418-4430 nyackhistory.org

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More than ever before, Americans need to be reminded of what unites us.

Debates over monuments, the national anthem, the persistence of the confederate flag strain our indivisibility.

But, majestically, the bald eagle flies above the fray.

There has never been a lack of consensus over this national symbol.

Although, if symbols could talk, I imagine our eagle would be angry— disappointed by the disunity she’d discover when she lands, shouting, in my sketch: “What part of e pluribus unum do you not understand?”

— Bill Batson

RivertownMagazine.com / 63

25

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