FOOD + BEVERAGE SHAKE UP YOUR SUMMER! MUST-HAVE MEGA MILKSHAKES
ARTS + CULTURE
MUSIC SUPERSTAR ROB THOMAS
AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER JULIE BETTS TESTWUIDE
COLE SIMON A BUZZWORTHY BUSINESS WITH BACKYARD BEGINNINGS
SHOPPING
THE INSIDE SCOOP! OUR TOP KIDS SHOPS
Our August issue is dedicated to the cutest members of our community: kids and pets. Both have a way of making us feel special, and their loyalty and sense of wonder are delightfully refreshing.
As we fully relax into summer and the carefree days of slower morning routines, it’s a pleasure to spend time adventuring outdoors. Northern Westchester is home to beautiful parks and opportunities to experience music and art for the whole family. Hiking, picnicking, bicycling....it seems the simple pleasures of summer never get old.
In celebration of our theme this issue, we’ll introduce you to our cover star, Cole, a 17-year old high school junior building a dynamic beekeeping business (and educating other kids in our communities!). We’re also spotlighting music superstar Rob Thomas and his Sidewalk Angels Foundation that’s devoted to animals and no-kill shelters in need, as well as renowned photographer and artist Julie Betts Testwuide, whose ethereal equine photography is inspired by her passion for horses around the world.
As summer comes to a close, I encourage you to take time to slow down and enjoy it with the ones you love. As for me, I’ll be welcoming crisp, late August nights by the outdoor fire alongside friends and family, indulging in s’mores season!
August 2023
PUBLISHER
Dana Cifone | dana.cifone@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Barbara Accetta | barbara.accetta@citylifestyle.com
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
DANA CIFONE, PUBLISHER @BEDFORD.CITYLIFESTYLE
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
As industry leaders in Restoration, Reconstruction and Cleaning– our vision is to continue providing strategic Consumer & Business Solutions while upholding our commitment to exemplary customer service and white glove workmanship. We work alongside our insurance partners as well as in the private sector to handle claims and home improvement projects. With our exclusive use of cutting-edge equipment and technology, our fully certified staff is capable of handling projects of any magnitude or complexity.
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Dr. Stacy and Dr. Emily keep kids' smiles healthy and looking good! Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group's specialty is treating children from infancy through adolescence, including the medically and physically compromised. Their travel-themed office visually transports its patients around the world, room by room! Kids love the fun atmosphere and comfortable experience, and parents love the top notch dental care.
For more than thirty years, Chris Carthy’s Armonk-based Pools of Perfection has won the respect, trust, and friendship of its customers by providing courteous, prompt, and expert service. Along with its uncompromised design and construction standards, Pools of Perfection offers professional guidance for a safe, funfilled summer of swimming and outdoor entertaining around the pool.
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With an impressive background in entertainment and marketing, Lissy Carr is an award-winning event producer with 20 years of experience leading the conceptualization and execution of private, corporate, and fundraising events. Praised by clients as “the glue keeping it all together”, Lissy’s creative approach, vendor relationships, and impeccable organization puts planning at ease to make your dream event a reality.
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Photography Lissy Carr Events“TO LIVE AND SHARE MY CHILDHOOD DREAM WITH MY KIDS HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL RIDE.”
Say hello to Skye, a lovingly restored 1972 VW bus and the ultimate party hopper. The bespoke beauty of Marissa Mitchell, a Somers mom of two, Skye was the inspiration behind VW Picture Bus, a traveling photobooth and movie theater cruising through Westchester County and beyond.
“I grew up riding in my dad’s VW bus and have loved them ever since,” said Marissa. “When I discovered Skye, I felt like I needed to persuade my husband, Mike, to bring her home, so I came up with the idea for VW Picture Bus. Luckily, he’s an adventurer at heart and needed no convincing,” she laughed.
With professional backgrounds in the TV industry, both Marissa and Mike used their knowledge to build a state-of-the-art photobooth on the interior of Skye while maintaining the vintage charm of her
baby blue exterior. It was a winning combination. VW Picture Bus launched in 2018 and was immediately in demand for weddings, birthdays, and graduations. Two years later, Marissa and Mike faced a serious challenge when the pandemic hit, so they changed course and offered at-home drive-in movie nights. It became one of the most sought after experiences of 2020, and has remained a summer specialty ever since.
“VW Picture Bus is more than owning a vintage bus and bringing her around," explained Marissa. "We’re in the memory making business. Not only are we fortunate to make our own memories as a family, but we have the privilege of creating them for others.” @vwpicturebus | vwpicturebus.com
We’re sharing three of our top local shops for fun finds.
Mount Kisco @alltogethernowkids
This thoughtfully-curated shop stocks the best in gifts and toys, among other things, and an impressive selection of books. Lining the book boutique shelves you’ll find board books and memory books, sticker books and activity books, classic kids literature and indie favorites, and books that tackle sensitive subjects in today’s society, kiddo style. Owner Robin Bucco, a mom of two young girls and a popular kids photographer, and her staff are pros at helping pick the perfect present.
Bedford @bedford_candy_bar
This easy-to-love shop is a wonderland of sweets for the young and the young-atheart. Indulge in the nostalgia of retro candies and the temptation of hard-toresist favorites. There are also fresh cakes and cookies, as well as gourmet chocolates and Longford’s ice cream, plus slushees, shakes, and sodas - oh my! Owners Jim and Jennifer Vellano of G.E. Brown even pop fresh popcorn on the daily. Top off your visit with a ‘just because’ toy for your tots, from fidgets to craft kits.
Katonah @andjameskatonah
Since the day & James opened in 2014, it became the “must-shop” boutique offering trendy brands for newborns to tweens. New items arrive weekly, from fun gifts to unique accessories to cool apparel, and products often sell out faster than you can say, “I’ll take it.” Owner Jessica Harris has an eye for style, so you’ll always discover the latest and greatest for your kiddos. Inside tip: wrap your gifts in-store; the coveted & James sticker adds a special touch.
The power that lies within a Julie Betts Testwuide photograph is so encompassing that it can leave one speechless, for one doesn’t simply view her photography, yet instead looks right through it to the soul of the subject. Julie’s astute eye and intuitive vision translate to her art, giving every piece a depth that pulls you into the most breathtaking moment, as if you were beside her to capture it. Beyond the magic of her work is the magic of Julie herself, whose whimsy and wonder have led her around the world photographing the animals she most loves: horses.
“I begged for a horse as a young girl and began helping at a stable in exchange for riding at age 13,” said Julie. “In 1985, my husband and I bought our first horse from the pet section of the Pennysaver.” Julie later owned Icelandic horses on her idyllic farm in Katonah, one of which became a therapeutic riding horse for veterans with PTSD and autistic children. “The spiritual essence and untamed beauty of horses are palpable in their presence, and it’s been the experience of my life to photograph their intimate world.”
Explore more: www.juliearts.com |
@juliebettstestwuide
From an early age, Cole Simon felt connected to animals. “I’ve fostered frogs, turtles, ducks, a bearded dragon.…my parents turned down my request for an animal sanctuary,” he said with a grin. “We have a house cat, two dogs, a chinchilla, a fish, and my bees.” Cole manages four hives at his family’s Bedford home, which he shares with his parents and five younger siblings. His interest in beekeeping began in 2020, when he learned the art of hives and harvesting.
Cole operates 11 residential hives throughout Bedford, all of which he installed, stocked, and harvests. He also spearheaded a beekeeping club at his school alongside its Science & Technology Department Coordinator, Mr. Paul Firsch. “I donated two hives to start and the school provides beekeeping suits for the students,” said Cole. His goal is to bring beekeeping to schools throughout the district, and West Patent Elementary has brought in two hives under Cole’s guidance. Now that’s something to buzz about!
An outspoken animal advocate and pet parent alongside his equally passionate wife, Marisol, together they established Sidewalk Angels Foundation in 2003. Animal shelters across the country are in crisis, and the foundation provides critically needed finances and vital resources to help no-kill shelters and animal rescues overcome insurmountable obstacles, including the rescue of unwanted and abused animals. Its funding and resources have provided assistance in massive rescue operations, from stray dogs suffering in poverty stricken countries to the transport of death row animals to rescues and forever homes.
Since its inception, Sidewalk Angels Foundation has provided over 1 million dollars toward animal adoptions and rescues, proper medical care, low cost spay and neuter programs, safe shelter facilities, and even programs that teach children kindness and compassion toward animals to break and prevent abusive cycles and fight against breed discrimination. The foundation also works with homeless shelters to ensure that families in dire need are not forced to give up their pets.
Rob and Marisol are dedicated to the growth of the foundation and are often hands-on at many of the shelters it supports. “Our hope is to help twice as many organizations in the coming years, while continuing to make real change on behalf of those who are unable to speak for themselves.” Discover how you can make a difference alongside Sidewalk Angels Foundation at www.side walkangelsfoundation.org | @sidewalkangels
With a legendary music career spanning almost three decades and 80 million record sales worldwide, celebrated singer-songwriter
Rob Thomas uses his voice for more than radio hits.
A milkshake does a body good, or something like that.
ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MT. KISCO DINER
At Mt. Kisco Diner, “you want fries with that shake?” isn’t an old-school pickup line, it’s a valid question. The milkshakes aren’t old-school, either, and ordering one guarantees all eyes on you.
I’ve been frequenting Mt. Kisco diner since my early twenties. I lived in a small apartment on Main Street and spent many evenings in its cozy booths. I was there in October of 2011 when an epic snowstorm knocked out power right after I ordered a hamburger deluxe; I was there picking up chicken noodle soup in my pajamas whenever I had so much as a sniffle; and I was there when there was nowhere else to go because the diner was open every day, year-round. Decades later, as a mom of two young girls, I value strong wifi at kid-friendly restaurants serving good food they’ll actually eat (the struggle is real), so I take my daughters to the diner often.
Our most recent mommy-daughters diner visit was for a late weekend breakfast after glitter mani’s at the
nail salon. The girls begged to deviate from their typical healthy meals to Oreo Cookie Pancakes and M&M Pancakes. Did I mention Mt. Kisco Diner has a menu category called Instagram Favorites? Parents, if your children can read, be prepared for this because they’re going to want it all. Lucky for my girls, I was feeling all I’m-not-a-regular-mom-I’m-a-cool-mom that day, so I said yes to the crazy pancakes. They ate 3 bites each but it made them happy, and I was the “best mom ever” for a record-breaking 30 minutes.
Since we’re in the summer months, the girls like to pop into the diner for a milkshake, which is a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the treat of the season. And much like my kids, the diner doesn’t mess around when it comes to milkshakes. While milkshake traditionalists will be happy to see classic flavors on the menu, the rest of the milkshake offerings require some serious decision-making.
Whether you’re a Fruity Pebbles fanatic (**10-year old me raises her hand**), a Captain Crunch connoisseur, a Fruit Loops loyalist, or a Cinnamon Toast Crunch craver, the diner dares you to think outside the bowl and try your cereal blended with vanilla ice cream, with lots more cereal sprinkled on top. It’s the best way to eat cereal, like, ever. If you’re ready to live on the edge, the diner’s Mega Shakes make a mega scene, so order these when you’re ready to show off your pro skills. You’ll need to work your way around a delicious tower of toppings, from slices of cake and mounds of whipped cream to piled-high cookies and candies. Mega Shake flavors include Birthday Shake, Salted Caramel, Candyland, Blackout Shake, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake (WHATTT ), Oreo S’mores, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chocolate Chip Cookie.
So take your kids, or take yourself, but take my word for it: you DO want a shake and you DO want fries with it. I’ll see you there! @mtkiscodiner
“The diner’s Mega Shakes make a mega scene, so order these when you’re ready to show off your pro skills.”
Kitchenique prides itself in quality service including consultations, design services, measurements, and free estimates all with the help of our friendly team! Meet Ardiana, Ylli, and Sonny. Their artistic abilities and eyes for new and unique designs allow our customers to feel welcomed at Kitchenique! Our team merges new ideas, our client’s needs, and wants into the heart of their homes. “We will help guide you in the right direction when designing your kitchen! We love a challenge and finding creative solutions for your space!
Bring joy back into the kitchen.
Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @dennistheprescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationally-renowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s
most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on.
Originally an aspiring musician, Canadian-born Dennis Prescott’s journey began while in university with a single invitation from another solo musician who asked him to tour with him around the US. This eventually took him to Nashville where they began making records and pursuing their musical dreams.
In the midst of all of this eating take out, dollar menus, etc, had become a way of life for Dennis. A friend stressed that he needed to start taking care of himself, and the advice was simple: “You need to start eating better.” He knew his bad eating habits weren’t good for mind, body or spirit, but he didn’t know where to begin to make changes. However, Prescott thought to himself, “I KNOW good food because I have literally traveled all over America, all over Canada, and into Europe with my music, eating great food and learning what I like.”
“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you.
Dennis went to a nearby library and borrowed three books only to have his friend ask why he chose those in particular. Dennis remembers saying verbatim, “I don’t know? The guy on the cover looks kinda good looking, and I feel like I could probably pull these recipes off, and he seems really happy too!” As it turned out they were three books by Jamie Oliver; it’s just that he had no idea who Jamie Oliver was at the time.
Flash forward and Dennis’ first dinner-hosting experiment was made up of twenty people from the music studio, all sitting in camping chairs with beer koozies and makeshift tables in his apartment.
“I remember at the time this moment of, okay, the food is on the table, it’s a stressful thing, and then everybody tucks in and they take their first bite, and there’s a moment of hush that kind of came over everyone; it got really quiet just for a second, and then everyone started talking and getting into it and I fell in love with food right there at that moment. I didn’t realize that you can create these beautiful experiential moments at the table in the same way that I did playing someone’s favorite love song. Knowing that that was a thing to me was the most fascinating thing in the world.”
Dennis even got to the point where he was cooking so much that he started to forget what recipes he had successfully made, so he began a photo journal and started taking photos of all his completed dishes. And so it began like it does for most; Dennis began posting food photos to Instagram for the next few years.
“All of that was initially with no agenda, no intentionality; I just loved it and I wanted to share. I fell in love with feeding people.”
Regarding social media, Dennis’s professional advice is to check your DMs. A person who worked at Food & Wine Magazine at the time sent him a DM, asking if he would do recipes for the magazine, which turned into writing a monthly column. That experience helped him land a cookbook deal, which led to a wealth of TV and media publicity and Dennis feels he owes a lot of his success to that first opportunity with Food & Wine Magazine. Oh, and did we mention he is a self-taught photographer who now does all of his own food shots? This guy has drive.
His drive and innate talents ultimately led him to the opportunity of a lifetime via another DM. This time, it was a Netflix executive producer who offered him the chance to work for two seasons on Restaurants on the Edge, a show where “three food and design experts travel the world to revive failing restaurants by connecting them to the local culture beyond their gorgeous views.“
What followed were 13 episodes over nine months where they traveled to and filmed restaurant revivals that included three in Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland.
If I can inspire more time as a community at the table, then that’s a win.”
“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”
Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.
“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”
One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start? I don’t know how to get going, so I just don’t.’
Rather than overcomplicating it, Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there.
“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”
Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.
The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.
Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?
First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.
Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.
Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.
Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.
Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.
All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor. Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.
Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor
run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.
Want to go the fancy route?
Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com
Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.
Certain breeds of chicken are also known to be great with kids. There are literally hundreds of breeds of chickens, and each is unique in their own way. Here are ten breeds of chickens that have been found to be good for children.
1. GOLDEN COMETS
2. BUFF ORPINGTON
3. BRAHMA
4. PLYMOUTH ROCK
5. COCHIN
6. AUSTRALORP
7. SILKIE BANTAM
8. POLISH
9. EASTER EGGER
10. WYANDOTTE
Concert in the Park: Sun Kings
LEONARD PARK, MT. KISCO | 7:00 PM
Beatles tribute band Sun Kings will play tunes from one of the most influential musical acts of our time. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of fun. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Kids are welcome and the playground will be open for their enjoyment. Rain or shine. FREE courtesy of The Village of Mount Kisco. @sunkingsabeatlestribute
AUGUST 9TH
SOUTH SALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT | 6:00 PM
The Annual South Salem Fire Department Carnival kicks off with an exciting parade (7pm) and commences with a night of fun and games, including a raffle. The carnival runs through 10pm on August 12th. $30 wristbands per person for unlimited rides or purchase tickets in various quantities. southsalemfire.com | @southsalemfire
AUGUST 12TH
PLAYHOUSE LAWN, BEDFORD | 8:00 PM
The 4th Annual KCSFF welcomes children and adults to experience an evening of short films from all over the world. Bring a picnic or purchase concessions, including soft drinks and adult beverages, for this special night on the Playhouse Lawn at Bedford Playhouse. Tickets can be purchased at bedfordplayhouse.org and start at $20 for children and seniors. katonahclassicstage.com | @katonah_classic_stage
AUGUST 17TH
THE READING ROOM, KATONAH | 12:00 PM
Author, Dietician, and Founder of Westchester-based Eating Healthy 4 Life, Elizabeth Pecoraro will lead a community conversation at The Reading Room. Elizabeth is a mom of two children with multiple food allergies, and counsels children and adults in her private practice. Open to all. Upstairs at The Reading Room. Food and beverages may be purchased on site. katonahreadingroom.com | @katonahreadingroom
AUGUST 27TH
Broadway in Bedford: Disney
PLAYHOUSE LAWN, BEDFORD | 5:00 PM
Your favorite songs from your favorite Disney films! An exciting evening for the whole family featuring stars from the stages of New York City and conducted by music director Dan Micciche from Wicked. Presented on the Playhouse Lawn. Bring your own refreshments or purchase from the Playhouse. 90 min. Tickets for the public start at $30, available at bedfordplayhouse.org. @bedfordplayhouse
AUGUST 31ST
VILLAGE CENTER LOT, MT. KISCO | 5:00 PM
A day of fun and discovery for people of all ages! Explore various types of trucks and emergency response vehicles, as well as police equipment such as motorcycles and even a helicopter, courtesy of Westchester County Police and numerous community sponsors. Free ice cream, food, music, raffles, and inflatable amusements. @wcpdny
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bedford
The Byram, a premiere 16 unit, predominantly 55+ condominium community, embodies fine craftsmanship, premium finishes and luxury on every level. Our spacious two bedroom, two bath en-suite units include an open floor plan, large great room with fireplace, a den/office, powder room, gourmet kitchen equipped with Viking appliances, security system, central vacuum, private patios or balconies and much more. The Byram also offers beautiful common areas such as a Meeting Room, a Fitness Center, a Grand Lobby, and inviting outdoor spaces with fire pits and relaxed seating areas.
For more information, call or text 914-393-2681 or visit us at www.byramarmonk.com, 585 Main Street, Armonk, New York
