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FEMALE POWER Gina Cappelli: Making health care painless

Stephen Morton’s ‘body’ of work • Jackie Ruby: ‘Sauce-y’ Realtor • ArtsWestchester’s ‘hat’ trick • Women: Still the No. 1 art (and sex) object

february 2014 | wagmag.com

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bad girls just playing to the crowd? • 12 half the sky • 14 photo buff • 16 hat trick • 20 bodies of work • 24 kiss and tell • 28 blast from the past • 30 romancing the clay • 34 it’s all about ‘the bag’ • 36 history on the palette • 38 a sunny forecast • 41 make no bones... • 44 power-packed dynamo • 47 fab feb. fashion • 55 a most ‘engaging’ menu • 65 the sweet smell of (chocolate) success • 68 Chic choices • 74 sex: it’s complicated • 80

Photograph by Stephen E. Morton.

february 2014

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8 Waggers 10 Editor’s letter Cover photograph by Bob Rozycki.

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a writer at heart, also opens her heart to small children as a pediatric nurse. She graduated from Fairfield University with degrees in English and nursing. A dancer since age 4, she has delighted metroarea audiences in “The Nutcracker” and “Sleeping Beauty.” In her spare time, she’s in the kitchen baking up decadent and sometimes not-so-decadent desserts. She is a lover of all things chocolate and cannot go a morning without a caramel macchiato from Starbucks.

Robin Costello ERIKA SCHWARTZ

Mary Shustack

Audrey topping

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joins Westfair and WAG after 25-plus years in scholarly publishing. A lifelong Westchester resident, she has a keen interest in the history and culture of the area. As for her downtime, she says, “There’s something so gratifying about ending each day with a beautiful sunset over the Hudson. It’s like a reward for a day’s hard work.”

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February – what a fascinating little month. Only 28 days (reportedly because the Emperor Augustus wanted more time for his month, August), but boy, those 28 days pack a wallop. You’ve got your Black History Month, your Groundhog Day, your Lincoln’s Birthday, your Valentine’s Day, your President’s Day and your Washington’s Birthday. Then you throw in all the movable feasts, so to speak – your Super Duper Bowl (Feb. 2 this year), your Winter Olympics (starting Feb. 6), your Oscars (oops, March 2 this year to avoid Olympic gridlock) and your Mardi Gras (March again, the 5th. February, stop dumping all your dates on March.) We’re exhausted and we haven’t even started. But whatever else it’s known for, February is both our anniversary (we launched in February 2011) and the month of lovers, which gives us a good excuse (like we need any) to write about one of our favorite things – sex. This is our power year and so we thought for February “the power of sex, the power of the sexes,” but along the way it morphed into the power of the female sex. Take cover gal Gina Cappelli. Sure, she comes from a family that’s like the modern equivalent of the Medicis. But Gina – warm and savvy – is also independent-minded and she’s striking out on her own with the new Formé Urgent Care and Wellness Center in White Plains, which she hopes will help close the loops in the health care system. Then there’s Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester, petite but packing a cultural punch. She’s turned the former Westchester Arts Council into a flagship organization with a dynamic outreach. Herein you’ll also meet Greenwich’s Florence Suerig, whose sculptures of the female body are a kind of sensuous dance, and painter Betsy Podlach – familiar to fans of the Lionheart Gallery in Pound Ridge – whose Matisse-like canvases embrace the male and female nude. From palettes we turn to palates with Mary’s portrait of Jackie Ruby, “the Cooking Realtor,” a woman whose dishes and personality are larger than life. But you know us ladies: We can’t resist our men. As I always say, they’re like pepper: A little goes a long way, but we need

them to spice things up. And so we have Stephen E. Morton (Mary again) who combines his painterly and photographic skills into portraits of body art (the body though being female). Andrea, our resident foodie, visits with Jeff Marron and Mimi McLaughlin of Saugatuck Grain + Grape, who are partners in both their professional and personal lives. Meanwhile, Ronni profiles Raphael Miranda, the sunny News 4 New York meteorologist who’s also out and proud. By sheer but happy coincidence, we also have a feature on his mother, Susan Picosa, author of “Susan’s Bedtime Stories,” a frank memoir of her own search for sexual fulfillment. Dr. Erika, too, weighs in on female sexuality and its greater fluidity. But it may be that culture as a whole is moving toward a greater fluidity in which people can define themselves as gay, straight, bi, male, female, transgender or none of the above. It’s one of the issues that will be discussed during “The Newer Normal,” Sarah Lawrence College’s 16th annual Women’s History Conference (March 1). Writing about the conference reminded me of a story I once heard on the radio: A woman wanted to come out to her mother, but she was anxious about being rejected as a lesbian daughter. She ended up being both relieved and somewhat surprised that her mother thought it was no big deal. Rather, the mother said, “Oh, honey, there’s so little love in the world. You have to take it where you find it.” Here’s to all of us finding love along our way. (Editor’s note: With this issue, we bid a fond farewell to Alissa Frey, our pet whisperer Sarah Hodgson and Dr. Michael Rosenberg, who have done such a great job for us, and welcome Olivia Stumpf and Robin Costello, who’ll be working on different features. So in the words of The Beatles’ song, “Hello, Goodbye.”)

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Bad girls just playing to the crowd? By Georgette Gouveia

According to various year-end lists, the most Googled word in 2013 was twerking, thanks in large part to Miley Cyrus’ appearance at the MTV Video Music Video Awards in August. With her punk-short blond hair twisted atop her head to resemble two devil’s horns and her tongue thrust out, the bikini-clad Miley presented her butt to singer Robin Thicke with a few low thrusts. That, my dears, is twerking (a hip-hop combo of the words twist and jerk). By any name it seemed to signal to many that Miley, the former folksy Hannah Montana, was on the road to Britney/Lindsay/Paris-ville – the road to Bad Girl-dom, a place as old as the myth of Medea and the cult of Cleopatra.

Perhaps these ladies have figured out that it’s more fun to play a bad girl than to be one.

Let us spare the reader the tedious, oft-times tragic trajectory and summarize: Girl starts out as a fresh-faced talent and/or beauty, acclaimed for a hit TV series/pop song/movie. Girl makes a misstep or two (a wardrobe malfunction here, a marijuana joint there) and immediately proclaims her a. innocence or b. contrition. But then, Girl is seen partying with the wrong crowd and begins missing gigs, rehearsals, etc. And it’s not long before Girl is arrested for DWI or having a meltdown; in Betty Ford, court or a psychiatric facility; caught shoplifting; annulling a 55-hour Vegas marriage; getting beaten up by a boyfriend; and/or reduced to parodying herself or flirting with pornography. (For the bad girl, sex and her sexuality always cut like a knife.) What’s sad – particularly in the case of Lindsay, once a brilliant actress and real beauty who did not seem at all a stretch posing as Marilyn or playing Liz – is that at 27 she looks 47, her face as hard as a ceramic doll. She calls to mind the line that bad girl Yvette Mimieux delivers to good girl Dolores Hart in the 1960 film “Where the Boys Are” – “I feel so old.” Now before we head any farther down the tear-stained road to Bad Girl-dom, let us note that Miley’s twerking, provocative music videos and out-there fashion choices are a long way from psychiatric collapse (her idol Brit), addiction and incarceration (Lindsay) or even an injudicious sex tape (Paris). But there is concern among the Twitterati (and, let’s face it, that concern is mixed with plenty of snark and schadenfreude). Yet in Miley’s case, should there be? Contrast her behavior with that of another erstwhile squeaky clean child star who has also been going through growing pains – Justin Bieber, he of the low-riding pants, obscene gestures, reckless driving, paparazzi assaults and on-again, off-again relationship with Selena Gomez. Yet the Biebs mostly gets a pass. Pourquoi? Elizabeth Wurtzel, author of “Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women” (Doubleday, 1998) wondered as much 12

Britney Spears performing “Freakshow” at “The Circus Starring Britney Spears” (2009).

about another bad girl – rocker, actress, reformed addict (and Kurt Cobain widow) Courtney Love – in what seems like another lifetime. “It’s not that Courtney Love should not be encouraged to grow up and outgrow a junkie existence of wardrobe by Salvation Army,” she writes, “but both Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando have won Oscars and commanded artistic respectability while behaving in ways that are completely outside the system.” So why, Wurtzel was saying, should Courtney have had to sacrifice her individual edge to attain Hollywood respectability? (And yes, we realize that phrase is an oxymoron.) Because people are hypocrites, life isn’t fair and women post-feminism are still expected to maintain a standard of decorum while men continue to receive the boys-will-be-boys treatment. Look, all it took for Rush Limbaugh to label Sandra Fluke a slut was her advocacy of birth control, and she was a Georgetown Law School student making a legal argument. Imagine what Limbaugh would do with the twerking Miley. Indeed, you don’t have to. Here he is getting mileage out of a Miley video: “The full weight of the evil of Obamacare is going to end up being a wrecking ball so big, not even Miley Cyrus would ride it.” Does she deserve such ridicule? Already there is a backlash to the Miley backlash, a movement that notes she is just a young woman feeling her oats onstage. And in this she might be following the example of two women who

seem to confine their bad girl ways to their professional rather than personal lives – Madonna and Lady Gaga. Nothing Miley has done is new under the sun to Madonna, she of the burning crosses and “Sex” book. But offstage, Madge has maintained a scrupulous exercise regimen, written children’s books, served a variety of charities, flirted with British manor living during her Guy Ritchie period and presented herself as a devoted if strict mother. She’s as much a modern matron as any woman living in Greenwich or Bedford. Lady Gaga in turn can be just as sexually outrageous in performance and persona. But she’s also been lauded for her work on behalf of the LGBT community and her own Born This Way Foundation, a youth empowerment organization named for one of her irresistibly catchy songs. Why even Britney is taking a page out of the Madonna/Gaga playbook, confining her antics (angels, vampires and dominatrices, anyone?) to her new “Britney: Piece of Me” at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and talking about retiring and having more kids at the end of the show’s two-year run. Wanna bet she becomes the bad-girl answer to Celine Dion? Just to bring things full circle, Brit’s opening-night crowd included Miley, the sometimes naughty Katy Perry and the Biebs’ ex (?) Selena – all bopping to the music and having a great time. Perhaps these ladies have figured out that it’s more fun to play a bad girl than to be one. n

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Half the sky Chinese women have

come a long way, baby By Audrey Topping

“The successive movement of yin (feminine) and yang (masculine) is called the Way. What issues from it is good, and that which brings it to completion is the individual nature. The man of humanity recognizes it and calls it humanity; the wise man recognizes it and calls it wisdom. The people use it daily and are not aware of it, for the Way of the gentleman is but rarely recognized.” – “The Book of Changes”

Gabrielle Xuan Chen, 27, is typical of thousands of beautiful, highly educated and ambitious women in China who are rapidly claiming “half-the-sky.” She is general manager of Purity Honey Farms and one of six youth ambassadors appointed by the Government of Chongqing. Photograph courtesy Peter Ronning.

Woman power is a rising global force increasingly spurring world development and economic growth. This is exemplified by Janet Yellen, who will become the next chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank. She is characterized by many experts as the most powerful person in the world. Manpower has been the dominant defining force for 5,000 years of recorded history in Eurasia and for some two centuries in the United States. Constant warfare, extreme gaps in the economic welfare of segments of humanity, pollution and poverty are the undeniable evidence that management of our planet is now out of balance and urgently needs to be recentered. It is past time for women, in Mao Zedong’s celebrated summons, to claim “half the sky.” Neuroscience shows that women see the world through a different lens and in turn do things differently – not necessarily better, but differently. This is reflected in the kinds of businesses women entrepreneurs are focusing on, whether it’s in China, India, the Middle East or Africa, not just in the Western world. In this respect, the women of China have made more strides forward in the past century than women in any other country. When my missionary grandmother founded one of the first schools for girls in the interior of China in 1892, subordination, obedience and deference to men was the lot of most women regardless of their place in society. Educating females was a revolutionary idea in old China. The sages stressed the danger of educating women or letting them go freely about lest they gain the upper hand. Women, they contended, were necessary only for the proliferation of the species, but otherwise inferior. Two of their old sayings are revealing of the attitudes at that time. “At the bottom of every trouble there is a woman” and “If women take to learning, what will men do?” Marriages in China were seen as having nothing to do with love. The mere idea of a woman choosing her own mate was anathema to the traditional Chinese way of life. Marriage was a contract of two families for the benefit of both and the children were there to add continuity to the power of the family and tend its ancestors’ graves. In officialdom as in families, young women were used as pawns. The welfare and reputation of the state and family superseded the feelings of individuals. At the core of this belief was the Confucian concept of filial piety. Like the emperor in his palace, the father in his home was the ultimate authority. Beggars, servants and peasant girls often lived more freely than upper-class women, who had to have their feet broken and bound at age 10. Married women could be

divorced if they dared venture alone on the streets. Without her husband, a woman had to ride a mule with an escort or travel in a curtained sedan chair carried on the shoulders of two bearers, who reported her every movement to their master. If she was accompanied by her husband, she was obliged to walk three paces behind. The status of women in China has taken a total turn in the last half-century. Women have made it to the top in all areas of business, the arts, sports and science. Although gender roles in these fields are changing rapidly in China, women’s participation in politics lags far behind most other countries. Even Chinese men who profess to be liberal seem to have deep-rooted biases when it comes to governing, perhaps because of their ancient Confucianbased value system, which holds men to be superior leaders. There are only a few female members in political roles and none in the ruling Standing Committee of the Communist Party. The Politburo, which selects the Standing Committee, is chosen by and composed of men. While China lacks an organized women’s liberation movement, the country has many of the top self-made female entrepreneurs in the world. Eleven of the top 20 wealthiest women are Chinese. Many of these remarkable professionals come from the generation that experienced the Cultural Revolution. They were toughened by poverty and hardships. In the 1980s, when the country’s leader, Deng Xiaoping, uttered his famous quote – “To get rich is

glorious” – while guiding China on the path of free market economic development, the women of China were ready. They seized the opportunity. The leading example of this is Zhang Xin, a female real estate mogul who today is richer than Donald Trump or Oprah. Zhang Xin, 47, grew up in poverty and at the age of 14 worked in a toy factory. In 1995, she formed SOHO China and became China’s largest real estate developer with prime developments in Beijing and Shanghai. Now, according to Forbes, she is the seventh richest self-made woman in the world, worth $3.6 billion. Her rags-to-riches story mirrors that of China’s rapid transition and the fulfillment of the Chinese Dream that is now being pitched by President Xi Jinping. While Zhang’s story is incredible in any country, it is not so unique in China. Of Forbes’ 2013 list of 24 female billionaires, six are from China. In my grandmother’s time, it was only in science fiction that space travel was mentioned. But China now has two female astronauts. In June 2013, Wang Yaping joined two male colleagues on the Shenzhou X missions. From the Tiangong 1 orbital module, she delivered a live lecture of aerospace science, making her China’s first ever “teacher in space” to more than 60 million Chinese students. Not to be outdone is China’s first lady, Peng Liyuan, who has become an international fashion icon with her chic sense. Peng’s high profile standing at the side of her husband defies a tradition among Chinese top leaders who,

with the exception of Nationalist China’s Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, have always been reluctant to parade their wives in public. But now, as President Xi deals with affairs of state, his wife is also making waves at home and abroad. In May, Forbes ranked Peng as 54th on its 2013 list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. In August, she made Vanity Fair’s 2013 International Best Dressed list. She also holds a position at the United Nations World Health Organization as a goodwill ambassador in campaigns to eliminate tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Peng’s popularity has helped to further China’s soft power and its international image. She stands in stark contrast to Mme. Mao Zedong who became one of modern China’s greatest political pariahs. Jiang Qing, a former actress, was the leader of the Cultural Revolution Group later known as The Gang of Four. When the group launched the Cultural Revolution in 1966, she banned the classics and began to promote “revolutionary model operas,” restrictive and highly stylized socialist-realistic productions purged of all “questionable” content. When The Gang of Four fell in 1976, Jiang Qing was blamed for all the chaos and crimes committed during the “10 disastrous years.” She was sentenced to death at a trial and hanged herself in a prison hospital in 1991 where she had been confined, suffering from cancer. This is the first of two parts. The second will appear in next month’s WAG. n

Photo buff Julia Juliati reveals her power of transformation By Andrea Kennedy Photographs by Juliati Photography

Julia Juliata photographs spotlight the beauty of women.

In our last February issue, I wrote of burlesque dancers – those brave and sultry performers, women (and men) who take to the stage in their skivvies or pasties or less. Unlike their predecessors of the 1940s, today’s performers care significantly less about fame and significantly more about sexual self-expression, a value that’s manifesting mainstream in a notable rise in boudoir photography. Taken wearing lingerie – or nothing – the shots capture women in bedroom attire as the French term implies. But don’t confuse boudoir photography with Playboy. These portraits tell a pinup tale that’s teasing yet tasteful. Still, it begs the questions: What would it take for you to remove your clothes in front of a camera? For many local ladies, it’s Julia Juliati, a White Plains-based Russian photographer whose perceptions extend beyond the lens. “I also have a psychology degree,” she says. “Combining (that and photography) actually gives me a power of transformation.” We’re not talking the kind of transformations that comes from Photoshop, but rather from the way women view themselves. Beyond taking stunning and sexy images, Ju-

liati aims to rid women of their self-doubt. “When a woman comes to my studio, she wants to create something beautiful, but she’s unsure; she’s shy,” Juliati says. “But when she gets the final images, they’re fully transformed; they’re loving themselves; they’re feeling beautiful, feeling special. Their self-esteem is jumping through the roof. That’s why I do it. I love this whole transformation.” To ignite the change, Juliati begins with a consultation, a conversation that’s part icebreaker and part creative brainstorm. “We talk about everything, her likes, what she loves to do,” she says. “I customize each session for the person in front of me. If she wants to go more glamour, we’ll go there. If she wants to go more nude or fine art, we go there. If she loves to dance, we incorporate dance with the shoot. I just go with the client.” Women are photographed in their pearls, painting at easels, in masks and feathers, draped in sultry fabrics and gracefully mid-air in a (well-supported) leap. “If we’re combining glamour and boudoir, we’re doing beautiful sexy dresses and ending up in lingerie. If we’re combining

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boudoir and nude, we’re starting with lingerie and then I add different beautiful fabrics, and I do completely nude as well.” In fact, she says, most of her boudoir clients opt to bare all. “I explain to them that I do a lot of nudes, and if they’d like to go that way, we can do (that), or we can concentrate on something else,” she says. “Once they talk to me and once they feel relaxed and comfortable, many of my boudoir clients will pose nude as well.” Exposing just enough skin and emphasizing the eyes – a key to boudoir, she says – each portrait also shows Juliati’s characteristic drama and classicism. “My style is nude fine art,” she says. “When you look at my style of nude photography, I hope you get a sense of classic portraiture and nudes.” Her penchant for recognizing and capturing beauty is in her blood. She picked up camerawork from her father, also a photographer. And though she photographs for all types of clients – couples, mothers and daughters and more – she’s honed her work with boudoir and artistic nudes (shots you won’t find on her website) over the past six years. Her artistry not only shows in the quality of her images but the visible ease of her clientele. “I feel that my clients feel very relaxed with me, that’s why I can create these beautiful images,” she says. “That’s the most important. You have to feel comfortable with your photographer.” Juliati, who is also a tango dancer, notes that throughout the shoot, it’s vital not only to compliment the woman’s body, but also the character, the whole woman, to enhance her confidence and comfort. “Everybody who comes to the studio has some kind of self-consciousness,” she says. “We just don’t concentrate on that. They just need to come and enjoy themselves. That’s my job to make them look and feel beautiful.” She encourages shoots for women of all body types and ages. Her younger clients in their 20s and 30s tend to take photos as sexy gifts for their partners. But Juliati is partial to working with women of a certain age who come to the studio for an even more empowering experience. “From ages 40 and up, women come to me to do boudoir for themselves. And I love that. This is my favorite,” she says. “I think this should be the main goal, and the gift, of course, is secondary. The whole transformation and experience is for the woman.” And just when you think you’re too old for boudoir, take note: Juliati’s oldest client is in her 80s. “When these women come to my studio, I don’t even have to turn on the lights,” she says. “They are shining. They’re glowing. I love that!” Juliati Photography is at 151 E. Post Road, Suite 108, White Plains. Photo sessions start at $275. To schedule a consultation, visit juliati.com or call (914) 484-8444. n 18

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Hat trick Tipping ours to a cultural powerhouse By Georgette Gouveia Call it “When Harry Met Janet.” There Janet T. Langsam was, an NYU student journalist interviewing former President Harry Truman. “I don’t remember a lot about Truman,” says Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester in White Plains. “I remember a lot of security, the fuss.” And one thing more: She punctuated her look with a hat and gloves. While people don’t regularly wear hats anymore, she says, “(a hat) is a completion of an outfit.” That notion stayed with the woman who enjoys finding millinery treasures at antiques shows and flea markets. Years later when Langsam was attending one of the councils of Americans for the Arts, she visited a history museum that featured an exhibit of stunning hats worn by African-American women. “I came back (to Westchester) and said, ‘I want to do a hat show.’” Ultimately, she enlisted the help of Kathleen Reckling, ArtsWestchester’s gallery director; Tom van Buren, its director of folk arts and performance programs; and board member Judith S. Schwartz, a professor in the Department of Art and Art Professions at New York University who also happens to have a millinery degree. Along the way, the Milliners Guild joined in. The result is “HAT-titude” (Feb. 11-April 12), featuring some 160 hats – ethnic, artistic and everyday. There will be Satellite a re-creation of a hat shop as well as some tilt hat. Courtesy hats for sale. And those attending ArtsWestof Jasmin chester’s April 4 luncheon at the Westchester Zorlu. Marriott in Tarrytown are invited to wear their best chapeaux. The guests may want to doff them, though, to the petite Langsam, who nonetheless packs a wallop, turning ArtsWestchester into a cultural powerhouse and the flagship arts council in New York state (with an annual operating budget of about $3.5 million). It’s not a career she consciously planned, she says over a tasty, leisurely lunch at Hudson Grille, just down the street from the Arts Exchange, ArtsWestchester’s headquarters. (More on that in a bit.) Langsam, a honey blonde whose pixie cut is accentuated by her trademark round glasses, is the perfect lunchtime companion, answering questions thoughtfully but also posing them as well – a habit no doubt honed during her early career as a journalist. She was a copy editor for House Beautiful, a reporter for the Long Island Press and did a stint for the New York Post. Even now she blogs on ArtsWestchester’s website. But journalism is not where her heart lay either, at least not for long. Growing up “a kid from the Far Rockaways” in Queens, the daughter of a teacher and a velvet merchant in the Garment District, all young Janet knew was that she didn’t want to be a teacher (like her mother) or a nurse – the only professions other than secretary that were generally open to women at that time. Not because she didn’t respect nurses or teachers, but because “I didn’t want to do the only things allowed to women.” As for journalism, she says, “I got tired of writing about other people … doing great 20

“Silverlake” by Anya Caliendo Couture Millinery Atelier, “Sanctum” Collection, 2012, Photographed by Ed Hafizov.

Volendem Hat by Jasmin Zorlu. Photograph by Rudy Martinez.

Janet Langsam. Photograph by Cathy Pinsky.

things. Why couldn’t I be the one doing great things?” After a sojourn at a public relations firm that represented everyone from actress Polly Bergen to Edward Fields’ carpets, she took herself off to The New School and became an artist of large, abstract canvases. By then she was the wife of a supportive AT&T executive and mother of two daughters. She exhibited her work, sold her paintings through a gallery in SoHo and held art classes, including those in the nude figure, in her Queens home. But life had yet another twist. Langsam got involved with her local planning board. This led her to help found the Queens Museum of Art, a jewel in Flushing Meadows Corona Park that she’s justly proud of and to a career in New York City government – first as a district manager, or community organizer, for Mayor John V. Lindsay, whom she found to be personable, engaging and ahead of his time in many ways. Under the subsequent administration of the down-toearth Abraham Beame, Langsam became First Deputy Commissioner of Cultural Affairs and helped establish the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs as a separate agency. For the “larger than life” Ed Koch, she used federal stimulus money so cultural organizations could withstand the city’s fiscal crisis and pioneered the conversion of vacant city-owned property into cultural sites and artist housing. Early on in her city government career, Langsam was both a token female and one of the guys, who didn’t dare take a day off if one of her daughters was sick (though she kept careful tabs on them by phone). Her time in city government made her realize that if there was one thing that has threaded her life, it is that “I’m very much about community” – and the community of artists. It was this civicmindedness and love of the arts that she brought to her tenure as president and CEO of the Boston Center for the Arts, a complex that houses the Boston Ballet, among other organizations and in 1991, to ArtsWestchester, formerly the Westchester Arts Council, which she has transformed along with part of the White Plains cityscape. Perhaps her most significant accomplishment has been the acquisition of a former Chase bank at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. (at the corner of Martine Avenue) as ArtsWestchester’s home. “I guess the real estate thing is in my DNA,” she writes in a follow-up email. Not only has she drawn on her experience with artist housing during the Koch administration but her memories of her childhood home, “a 13-room, 100-year-old, white elephant Victorian house, which had been boarded up for years before my folks bought it, thinking they could restore it to its former elegance.” Langsam and her full-time staff of about 20 have turned the nine-story former bank (whose mortgage Chase generously forgave) into a fully occupied Arts Exchange that not only houses ArtsWestchester’s administrative offices, exhibits, lectures and performances but various arts-related professions from architects to graphic designers. Under Langsam, ArtsWestchester has spearheaded public art programs and partnered with other organizations to develop arts education. ArtsWestchester has received two $1 million federal grants to train art teachers in the Mount Vernon public schools and to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) there through the arts. Langsam has her critics, including those who say that she has set up her organization to rival others in the county, siphoning off state and federal monies. But she is passionate about her mission. Asked if she thought being a woman made her a different arts administrator, she says, “What I bring isn’t female or male, but a combination of experiences that relate to how the arts contribute to the world we live in.” For more, visit artswestchester.org. n

Bodies of work

Painting the ‘ultimate canvas’

By Mary Shustack Photographs by Bob Rozycki and Stephen E. Morton

Stepping into Stephen E. Morton’s Greenburgh home on a recent morning, you quickly realize the typical suburban-family living room has blurred into the background of a makeshift art studio. The transformation has been completed with professional lights, a selection of cameras, a pitch-perfect backdrop and most dramatically, a model clothed in body paint and perched on a pedestal. It’s not the everyday occurrence here, but instead the professional photographer’s demonstration of his latest creative outlet, combining body painting and photography to create stunning visual works. “You work at something 30 years and you have a whole new avenue,” he says. Morton, also a lifelong art lover, draws on both interests for this new work he eloquently describes in his artist’s statement. “I use the natural body as my dimensional canvas, which allows me the freedom of expression, color and design. I then use my lighting and photographic skills to transform my canvases into unique works of art. I take pride in my ability to mix two artistic skills and create pieces that cross over the traditional mediums of art.” Indeed, those finished works – interspersed with more traditional Morton shots (think orchids at the New York Botanical Garden) – are scattered throughout the main floor, turning the home into a gallery of sorts.

Stephen E. Morton works with model Rebecca Lawrence in his Greenburgh home.

At first glance, many of the body-paint creations appear to be abstracts in, perhaps, oils, but a closer look yields their true medium – and subjects. The scenes are discrete and anonymous though the subjects’ universal – and artistically powerful – imagery is one any viewer will recognize. “Most of my work has no faces on it,” Morton says. “I’ve always wanted to keep it anonymous for a reason. They can dream on if they’d like.”

A NEW AVENUE

By his usual workday, Morton specializes in fine art, public relations, corporate events, stock and campaign work. “I’m a traveling photographer,” he says. “I do most of my work on location. I do a lot of executive portraiture for a lot of corporations … politics.” He’s known for capturing a subject’s personality, whether for a personal commission or a magazine shoot.

Born in White Plains, Morton graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in photography and cinema. From there, he returned to New York and started out in fashion photography. Over the years, Morton has earned awards and exhibited his fine-art images across the country. This new venture has found him connecting many of his talents in this new “passion” that he’s been developing the past few years. “For the first couple of years I practiced with a lot of friends,” he says. “A lot of friends volunteered for me.” Once he “got up the confidence” and felt his work was moving in the right direction, “I went for the Rebeccas” or professional models. Rebecca Lawrence, a full-time professional model from Brooklyn, is in Westchester for another session with Morton on this particular day. “I don’t do body paint as often,” Law-

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rence says, before adding with a laugh: “He’s one of my favorites, because he keeps it warm.” And that means both the room temperature and the paint itself. Over the next hour or so, their banter will keep things moving, Morton painting and creating patterns and colors. “One of my favorite things to do is talk,” Morton says. “I’m a gabber. I love talking to the models.” A typical session, Morton says, will take about three hours for painting and photography, “give or take how much I talk.” Or tickle. “Everybody has a spot and when you hit that spot ‘Ay!’” he says with a laugh, having just set Lawrence off.

THE PROCESS

Morton relies on Mehron body paint, a professional product he first encountered being on movie sets in his earlier days. “When I started painting myself, I remembered all this,” he says. “It’s basically what they use in Hollywood for movies. It’s what they use in theater.” Over time, he says, he has developed a style that simply works for him. “It makes me feel good. I think it’s different than a lot of the other body painters.” Morton thinks a lot about a project before he starts. “I initially have a whole idea of what I want to do with the colors. Will it end up that way? It’s a whole different thing.” It often evolves as the work is done. “It’s the model, the emotions when I’m working.” And the discovery process is the best part. “I can start painting with an idea of how 26

I’m going to light,” he says. “What I think fascinates me is this is a 3-D canvas.” Morton is always open to change. “When you create something I didn’t start out with, I love it,” he says. Once the painting is done, it’s time for the photographs. The images capture designs and colors, moods and textures as models strike classic poses that reflect Morton’s vision of the human body. Even then, Morton can also make a quick adjustment as he does here, putting down the camera and picking a paintbrush up again. “The bonus about being the photographer and the painter. You see a spot and …” Morton takes pride in his ability to blend the paints with light to create abstract art on what he calls “the ultimate canvas.” And as every body is unique, so too is the art. The finished work is all that remains of the experience. A quick shower and it’s gone. “That’s my favorite part,” Lawrence, the model, says. “It’s beautiful to see it washing down the drain.” Morton doesn’t like to manipulate his images. “I try to get as much in the camera as possible. With lights and camera techniques, I can get the feel and the mood I want to.”

THE PAINTINGS LIVE ON

Some works are commissions but others are done for exhibition and ideally, purchase by collectors. Morton has already begun exhibiting his body-paint photographs working with the See.Me Gallery and Lambert Fine Arts in Manhattan.

“I’ve sold a few pieces to art investors, which makes me feel good that they’ve invested in my work.” Over time, his models have ranged from ages 18 to 55, primarily women. Morton says he has painted and photographed men, but says we’re still in a “period of time” where works featuring the male body aren’t as sought after. The reactions of his subjects really buoy Morton, he says, mentioning one particular woman who shared a story with him. “Her daughter was like ‘Mom, you’ve got a piece of art that goes on forever,’” he says. Morton’s artistry – and art in general – is a big part of life in the Morton family. His wife, Donna, is in marketing so lends a hand on the business side of this endeavor. The couple, parents of boys ages 5 and 8, also take frequent family trips to museums, and their boys are already budding artists developing a savvy eye. Morton talks proudly of his older son examining a painting. “He’ll come back to me and say ‘Daddy, why is the shadow on one side?’” Morton clearly delights in sharing the impact art has had on him. “I’ve had a lot of painters who I’d say have influenced me with my photography,” he says. And now, he’s drawing on that knowledge in this new work. “There were times when I was running around here throwing paint like Jackson Pollock. Other times I would think about how I’d light it and think about Rembrandt and van Gogh.”

THE TRULY PERSONAL

Getting into this newest direction has raised at least a few eyebrows, Morton ad-

mits. Everyone wants to know if he gets in trouble at home. “The number one question. We laugh… Everyone says ‘What did your wife say?’” Donna, on hand for the morning demonstration, clearly is at ease with her husband’s work, noting she has seen him “more inspired” here as he has both complete artistic freedom and serves as his own boss. Such support, Morton says, is invaluable. “It’s wonderful having a wife who’s so behind you. It means the world.” And for the art itself? Some people will appreciate the artistry of it and others just never will. “It’s always beauty in the eye of the beholder,” Donna adds. But Morton is confident his work is finding an audience. “Here in Westchester we have a lot of people who are really into the arts. They favor the arts. They take their sculpture seriously, what they put on their walls.” So the question must be asked – has Donna ever posed for her husband? Accompanied by a hearty laugh, Morton says: “She’s on the top of my bucket list.” But true to form, even if she does pose, the anonymous image that might result will never give up its secret. That’s the beauty of his work, Morton says. “You can stretch the imagination, and I like the idea of letting people stretch the imagination.” For more details, visit stephenEmorton.com or email Morton at list@stephenemorton.com. n

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Kiss and tell New book chronicles sexual journey of Westchester woman By Georgette Gouveia

“By now, he was breathing so heavily. He had me hold the receiver to my ear, and an answering machine came on. It was his personal answering machine at his office. As I clutched the phone to my ear, we continued our wild embraces. We left the phone off the hook and continued our lovemaking, every moan, every word, every joyful moment, sexual expletives, cries of passion, everything recorded remotely, the entire time that he was having sex with me in the booth.”* Well, it’s fair to say that not since Clark Kent stepped into one has a phone booth proved to be so transformative. But that’s “Susan’s Bedtime Stories” for you. The erotic memoir by Westchester resident Susan Picosa chronicles her sexual odyssey across a sea of men – police officers, jazz musicians, contractors and actors in colors ranging from cream to deep chocolate, well-endowed and not so, domestic and imported, but all willing to share one woman’s journey to reclaim her authentic sexual self. And now that journey is going to be made into a movie or TV series by producer Lucas Foster (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”), the result of Picosa having attended an event sponsored by Author Solutions, the parent company of a group of self-publishers. The event, “Pitch Book to Film,” drew 150 authorparticipants. Picosa was one of only two winners. “I’m shocked, I’m thrilled, but I deserve it,” she says. “It’s a one-of-a-kind book.” She is like that – a self-possessed woman with a directness and confidence that you sense is more pronounced for being hard-won. She’s also passionate and expressive, generous in her praise of others and willingness to help. (Indeed, the last line of her book is “I love you.”) But Picosa didn’t always feel loved. Her quest for emotional and sexual fulfillment is one that may resonate with other women, particularly those of a certain vintage. Picosa is 71 and wants you to know it. The Forest Hills native graduated from the Parsons School of Design and worked as a graphics designer. You can see her handiwork on the covers of her book, which depict a bed with a voluptuously carved headboard and rumpled sheets on the front and cascading pearls on the back. She also designed the eve28

ning coat that Elinor Burkett (the Academy Award-winning documentary “Music by Prudence”) wore to the Oscars in 2010. You may remember Burkett, who became embroiled in a lawsuit over the documentary, interrupting the acceptance speech of producer-director Roger Ross Williams in what was regarded as the “Kanye Moment” of that year. Anyway, Picosa married, moved to a farm in Patterson in Putnam County and eventually to Bedford Hills. She had a big house and an adored and adoring son – WNBC weatherman Raphael Miranda, profiled in this issue – but she wasn’t happy. “My 24-year marriage wasn’t fulfilling my many needs,” she says. “It wasn’t appreciating me the way I am and have become more so. I woke up and said, ‘Who am I kidding?’” Picosa acknowledges that she never read more than three books in her life – Toni Morrison’s “Beloved,” Khalil Gibran’s “The Prophet” and James McBride’s “The Color of Water” – but always wrote poetry. She began recording her thoughts and “found I have a way with words.” While women have long used words to explore eros – Anaïs Nin, anyone? – it wasn’t until the age of the Internet,

The cover of “Susan’s Bedtime Stories.” Inset, Susan Picosa. Courtesy Susan Picosa.

which ironically has afforded women a degree of anonymity, that they have felt comfortable to do so in large numbers, particularly on websites devoted to fan fiction inspired by romantic fantasies of movie stars, athletes and TV series. “Fifty Shades of Grey” began online as “Twilight” fan fiction. In “Susan’s Bedtime Stories,” the names of lovers and places have been changed to protect the passionate. Picosa itself is a nom de plume. And while Picosa’s family and close friends are proud of her book – before she died at age 95, her mother pronounced the memoir “a winner” – there are friends and lovers who are not pleased. “It might’ve tapped into things they were going through,” she says. “Some didn’t have the courage to acknowledge that they were living a lie.” Picosa is all about that courage. She makes no bones about enjoying her age, her Rubenesque figure and sex with many men – though she stresses that

you should always practice safe sex. Generally, her partners are younger men, belying the notion that after a certain age it’s all over for a woman sexually or that men aren’t attracted to older women. She finds the younger man appealing, because “he hasn’t been there and done that. He acknowledges that you’ve made a difference in his life and helped him grow. For me, they see me as a nurturer and a guide but also, they’re more concerned with me as a woman. They appreciate that I care … that I’m playful and sensuous with good legs and easy to talk to. “I think things are changing for men and women and that women are finding that freedom matters, being true to yourself,” she adds. “If you can’t be true to yourself, who can you be true to?” *Excerpt from Susan Picosa’s “Susan’s Bedtime Stories” (iUniverse Inc.) Available at amazon.com. For more, visit susansbedtimestories.com. n

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Costume designer Michael Wilkinson with some of the looks he created for Columbia Pictures’ “American Hustle.”

Blast from the past 30

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Lynn Ahrens Based on the novel “RAGTIME” by E. L. Doctorow

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Directed and co-written by Mamaroneck High School graduate David O. Russell, “American Hustle” is a critical darling of the current awards season, a must-see movie with a powerhouse cast anchored by Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Set in 1978 and loosely based on the real-life FBI Abscam scandal, the film is a raw, enjoyable caper about con artists, crooked politicians and undercover agents. It also features some of the most unforgettable, eye-popping costumes to hit the big screen in the past year, earning one of the flick’s 10 Oscar nominations, which also include nods for Best Picture, Best Director and the four lead actors. Nominated costume designer Michael Wilkinson created an outrageous, Studio 54-worthy wardrobe that highlights the sexiest, slinkiest styles of the 1970s, complete with plunging necklines, second-skin silhouettes and plenty of glitz and glamour. Yet Wilkinson – an Australian-born industry veteran who previously worked on “Man of Steel,” “Tron: Legacy” and “300” – has done more than give a nostalgic salute to the disco era’s most over-thetop fashions. His designs are carefully crafted and calculated, intended to express the film’s theme of reinvention visually. Because in “Hustle,” all of the larger-than-life characters are remaking themselves, from Adams’ Sydney, a small-town girl turned big-city grifter, to Cooper’s Richie, an over-permed G-man who still lives with his mother. Wilkinson examined magazines, advertisements, TV shows and movies from the ’70s for inspiration, and he and his team rummaged through vintage boutiques, thrift stores, flea markets and costume rental houses to collect real pieces from the past. They were given access to Halston’s archive vault, too, and allowed to borrow original garments like the deeply V-necked, apricot silk blouse that Adams wears in the opening sequence. The designer wasn’t a slave to the period, however. “When you’re working with David O. Russell, there’s this encouragement to be wholly unique and to avoid clichés and to create a cinematic universe which is original – as original as the characters that he’s writing,” Wilkinson recently told The Huffington Post. “So, at a certain point, I think I cut myself free of the absolute need to be 100-percent authentic and it was more about telling the story using the clothes.” The result? Ensembles that feel as fresh today – Bale’s much-discussed comb-over and furry chest hair notwithstanding – as they did 35 years ago.

Adams, especially, is a modern throwback, with more than 40 costume changes to mark her journey throughout the film. Her fashion evolution consists of vintage Bob Mackie and Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses (both with stunning, navel-grazing décolletage); oversize Christian Dior sunglasses; platform Charles Jourdan pumps; and fur-collared coats, as well as a classic gold horsebit necklace and a python-and-bamboo Lady Lock handbag from Gucci. But Wilkinson had many pieces made for Adams from scratch and the most memorable leave little to the imagination. The actress turns heads in a come-hither, macramé swimsuit and a sheer, sequined gunmetal evening gown in two key scenes. In Vanity Fair’s January cover story, Adams said that she needed two things to pull off her mostly bra-less attire – confidence and “sort of a laissezfaire attitude about what your breasts are doing.” As Rosalyn, the unpredictable wife of lead hustler Irving (Bale), Lawrence had to adopt a similarly brash attitude – even if her well-toned assets weren’t displayed quite as often. The actress sports sloppy velour sweat suits and oversized muumuus when Rosalyn is hanging around her Long Island home. But at a casino party, she’s a showstopper in a clingy white rhinestone number that Wilkinson purposely had made a size too small. “Rosalyn is a master of emotional manipulation. She really knows how to work a person over, and she uses her sexuality to push her agenda,” Wilkinson says in the film’s production notes. “At the same time, we had to balance that against the fact that she lives this totally boring existence in the suburbs.” That doesn’t mean the men are overlooked when it comes to the movie’s style. Bale’s signature look involves ascots and contrasting vests, and Jeremy Renner’s New Jersey mayor is outfitted in palecolored suits much like those the Rat Pack wore back in the day. Cooper, though, has the biggest sartorial shift, a transformation that Wilkinson has said was influenced by John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever.” The star dons cheap polyester suits and tacky ties at the beginning. But once his character falls under the influence of Irving and Sydney, he starts to wear silk scarves, gold medallions and leather jackets. Ultimately, Wilkinson believes his costume choices reflect the self-assured philosophy of the time. “It’s an era when ideas were big and people lived large and took risks, both in their lives and with their fashion choices,” he said in Elle. “They didn’t give a damn. That’s a healthy message for people today.” n

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Florence Suerig’s “Windsong” (2011), porcelain. Courtesy of the artist. Photograph by Howard Goodman.

Romancing the clay By Georgette Gouveia

lorence Suerig reads The New York Times’ sports pages carefully every day. But it’s not because she’s a fan of any particular sport or team. “I love to see the angles of the body, the contortions people make,” she says. That’s because the Greenwich resident is a sculptor of the human form, specifically the female form. Suerig’s porcelain figures – which she has exhibited everywhere from the Silvermine Arts Center in New Canaan to the Blue Door Gallery in Yonkers – present the female body in all its voluptuousness and mystery. Pieces like “Awaken,” “Secrets” and “Windsong” – all from 2011 and pictured on her website – open and close like flowers, revealing and concealing. “Attitude,” also from 2011, has the proud bearing of a flamenco dancer, her hands on her hips. But it also suggests Picasso’s ceramics, with several different perspectives being realized all at once. If “Attitude” captures many different perspectives, it also seeks to crystallize many different time periods, as if the work were layers of archaeological strata. “Some of it was the way you were at 10,” Suerig says. “Some of it the way you were at 15, having reached puberty. Some of it was the way you were at 20 when you were the most beautiful, but didn’t think so.” All of it is female. While the male body may excite her sexually, the male nude doesn’t thrill her aesthetically as the female nude does. “I don’t think the male body is as beautiful,” she says. “It doesn’t have the curves of the female body, the S curve that is the standard of beauty.” For Suerig, molding that S curve from breasts to buttocks becomes a dance, a duet (an idea that recalls the scene in the movie “Ghost” in which Demi Moore’s potter reunites sensually with her late husband through a medium – and the medium of clay). “The interesting thing is that when I used other art forms, what excited me was color,” says the Stamford native, who has been an interior designer, a fiber artist and an abstract quiltmaker. “Once I touched clay, the exciting thing became the material. It’s a sensual material. There’s kind of romance between me and the clay.” That romance is carried out in a small building on her

property, which includes a picturesque Japanese garden. Suerig doesn’t work from maquettes, or models, but rather freeform from ideas of shapes and sizes that develop in her mind. Because her kiln is small, she fires her figures in pieces, then stacks them, one curve fitting into another as in a jigsaw puzzle. The sculptures remain unglazed. “The porcelain is white, very white.” Though the shapes are modern, the color suggests something ancient, classical or at least neoclassical. Those works that do not sell – Suerig’s sculptures are in collections ranging from that of Greenwich Hospital to that of the International Appraisal Company in New Jersey – find their way into her garden, where they are marked by time. Her husband, Karl, suggests cleaning them. But Suerig likes them that way. Indeed, the sculptor – a warm, empathetic woman who brings an artist’s imagination to conversation – has a way of looking at life and art that runs contrary to the usual notion that while life is short, art is long. For her, it’s all about impermanence. “My works won’t exist forever, because nothing exists forever,” she says. The tension between that impermanence and yet our desire to make our mark in and on this world is the subject of her latest project, “Marks, Here and Now,” which combines drawing, sculpture and tai chi. In this proposed work, which has the support of Silvermine and for which she is seeking funding, there will be an 8-by-8-foot projection of the sculptor making a calligraphic mark as she does tai chi. A video will show her working on a sculpture, with the calligraphy projected onto it. Suerig shares further thoughts on this in a mission statement that is in the form of a poem: “Some people make a lasting mark, mine will likely be fleeting. As I go, so will my mark, my voice, my name. It is amazing to realize that my being here matters not to all but to me, my voice, my name, my mark. The only Mark we truly have is with the people we leave who care that we were here, our mark, our voice, our name….” For more, visit florencesuerig.com.n

it’s all about ‘the bag’

Story and photographs by Patricia Espinosa

erhaps no other handbag has been coveted more than the Hermès Birkin bag, not just for its fine craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail but for what wearing it symbolizes. As Samantha Jones – who in one episode of “Sex and The City” attempted to hoodwink her way into getting a red one – famously tells her friend, “Oh, honey, it’s not so much the style. It’s what carrying it means.” Twelve years since actress Kim Cattrall uttered those words on the HBO series, the must-have accessory’s allure shows no signs of abating.

Named after the British actress Jane Birkin, the French luxury retailer’s vaunted handbag delivers a message of power and influence in a particularly female vernacular.

“It’s the iconic status symbol. The Birkin says, ‘I have money and I want people to know it,’” says Kori Malandrino, social media and web director for Penny Pincher Consignment Boutique in Bedford Hills. And it’s the crown jewel of Penny Pincher, which despite the name isn’t your run-of-the-mill consignment shop. Since owner Melinda Arkin opened its doors 24 years ago, Penny Pincher has grown into the largest consignment shop in Westchester County. Wholly handcrafted by a single artisan and embellished with a discreet padlock, keys and hardware, the eternal “it” bag – which starts at $10,000 and can run as high as $150,000 for the limited editions made of crocodile or ostrich or encrusted with diamonds – has a waiting list that can span years. This might explain why a secondary market like Penny Pincher has seen an explosion since the bags were first introduced in 1984. For Arkin, the talisman of style symbolizes understated chicness: “It’s for a very powerful woman who’s very understated and doesn’t need to be flashing Louis Vuitton, Chanel or anything with logos hanging off it. I mean, if you turn the bag around and if someone weren’t a savvy shopper, they wouldn’t know it was Hermès.” Penny Pincher store manager Michele 36

Kori Malandrino, social media and web director, with the Hermès Birkin handbag. Inset, Penny Pincher owner Melinda Arkin

Cunningham adds, “Very rarely does a man come in here to buy a Birkin bag for his wife or girlfriend. It’s usually the woman who has made a conscious decision. She makes enough money. She does her own thing. She’s her own woman, and she comes in and plunks down the $15k for the Birkin bag. It’s not like, ‘Oh, my husband’s buying me a bag.’” Naively, I ask the bevy of saleswomen who work at Penny Pincher, including the store’s Hermès specialist and eBay director, Lisa Dorset, if the famed waiting list includes one for the basic black Birkin, which evokes howls of laughter among the women. “No, you’ll never get the black bag,” says Arkin with a smile on her face. “That’s the coveted one. The black with the gold hardware in a 35cm is what every woman that walks in here wants, regardless if we have five or six others in beautiful colors,” Cunningham explains. “Hermès has their high-end customers that can walk in and get anything they want, but they’re few and far between. You either have to be a very good customer of Hermès or get on a list and wait,” Arkin says matter-of-factly. With access so limited, Arkin says stores such as Penny Pincher – which boasts the most extensive selection of Hermès bags in this area – have become invaluable to the fashion-conscious woman of means who doesn’t want to wait for the nearly unattain-

able and obscenely priced handbag. But Penny Pincher is so much more. “I try to make sure that there’s something for everyone here,” says Arkin, who started out small, selling clothing, before integrating designer jewelry, other accessories and furs. “You really do not leave empty-handed. We put in costume jewelry for that reason and we put ‘fillers’ throughout the store to make sure there’s always fun gift ideas.” Also on display is an extensive mix of high-end clothing, J. Mendel furs and accessories from designers such as Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton. The newly expanded jewelry department offers a stunning assortment of new and estate pieces. “From Tiffany to Van Cleef, you’re not going to find these things in any other consignment shop or even online, because a lot of times we get things that are custom-made,” Cunningham says. “Many things are old and you’re not going to see them in a run-of-the-mill store. A lot of people come here first before going to a jewelry store or to the Diamond District when they’re looking for those special pieces.” And if all that merchandise weren’t enough, there’s an eclectic mix of antique, contemporary and decorative home furnishings in the rear of the store. The brick-and-mortar store began selling on eBay 10 years ago, servicing clients all over the globe, including royalty. (Arkin won’t name names). Last month, the store launched its companion online e-commerce site where it will continue to

cater to a legion of loyal customers while expanding its reach with the click of a mouse. A lot of business is also done through word of mouth. “We have a very large wish list. People go on a wish list when they are looking for a very specific item and we call them when we get it,” Arkin says about the personalized service. It’s no wonder that she adds, “We’ve had to move every five to seven years, because we’ve needed a larger location.” She says this casually of the sprawling 4,000-squarefoot space the store occupies. “Melinda is very modest,” Cunningham says about the petite blonde, who is impeccably dressed, not unlike the women who buy her Hermès handbags. In the notoriously fickle fashion business, Penny Pincher has not only endured, it’s flourished. “I think the fact that she’s been in business for 24 years is a testament to her great reputation, because in this business it’s a trust issue,” Cunningham says. That trust, Cunningham says, is what drives customers to bring in a $20,000 diamond necklace or a $15,000 handbag to sell, because, “they know Melinda’s going to number one, take care of it; number two, sell it; and number three, get them the best price she can for it. People know her and trust her. ” Penny Pincher is at 184 Harris Road in Bedford Hills. For more information, visit pennypincherconsignment.com or call (914) 241-2134. n

“Intimacy” by Betsy Podlach. Courtesy of the artist and The Lionheart Gallery.

history on the palette By Georgette Gouveia

There’s something Matisse-like about the nudes of Betsy Podlach. Perhaps it’s the flat shapes of saturated colors that evoke Japanese woodblock prints. Or the dancing quality of the figures. Or the primal sense that you are looking at something that happened a long time ago. “A lot of people say that,” Podlach observes of comparisons with the Fauve master. “You can’t escape his genius.” Nor can you escape the genius of others in her work. “Titian is a major influence for the way he uses the body and paint,” she says. Viewers may also see a touch of Pierre Bonnard in the intimacy of the domestic vignettes she creates (“The Pink Room,” 2006); or Cézanne and Renoir in her sunbathers

(“The Beach,” 1998); or Manet in her diners al fresco au naturel (“Lunch,” 2007). What art lovers may not see is the effect of the Abstract Expressionists, who used bold colors and forms to convey thought and emotion in their paintings and to make New York the capital of the art world in the middle of the 20th century. Unlike Podlach’s, however, the canvases of the Abstract Expressionists, who were also known collectively as the New York School, were not representational. Still, she says, “It’s an American thing. Those were our heroes. They were the masters when I graduated (from Harvard with honors) in 1987.” Indeed, her mentor was Nicolas Carone, a member of the New York School and a founding faculty member

of the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting & Sculpture in Manhattan, which Podlach attended along with the International School of Art in Umbria, Italy, before receiving a master of fine arts degree in sculpture from the New York Academy of Art in 2001. The Abstract Expressionist connection is not as remote as you may think. Artists like Jackson Pollock spent hours copying El Grecos and Michelangelos in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in part because the figure is the basis of all art. It is the basis of Podlach’s art, where the Surrealist painters’ love of symbols, psychology, literature and especially Greco-Roman mythology also comes into play. “I love novels,” says Podlach, who also studied literature at Harvard with Mexican novelist and essayist Carlos Fuentes. “I started listening to ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘The Iliad,’ and I’d have these dreams of these characters, and I started imagining their lives.” There’s Diana, the severely chaste goddess of the hunt, with her bow and quiver of arrows and one breast provocatively bare; Mercury, the mischievous messenger-god, with his golden-winged feet; and Mars, the petulant god of war, taking a rest from his destructive labors with his helmet on his furry lap. As Mars sleeps, a dove watches him – from a safe distance. Podlach’s painting of “Cupid and Psyche,” in which Psyche watches her love-god hubby as he sleeps while “Woman With Pearls” by Betsy Podlach. Courtesy of the artist and The Lionheart Gallery.

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You can view Betsy Podlach’s nudes at The Lionheart Gallery in Pound Ridge. “I love it,” she says of the recently renovated space. “The light is gorgeous. You can see the layers of paint. And I love Susan,” she adds of gallery director Susan D. Grissom (featured in the June 2013 issue of WAG). The feeling is mutual. “Betsy Podlach’s paintings are enchanting, depicting an intimacy with one’s own self,” Grissom says. “It is like being a voyeur when one looks at a Betsy Podlach painting and takes a glimpse into a rich, metaphoric artist life.” For more on the gallery, visit thelionheartgallery.com. And for more on Podlach’s work, visit betsypodlach.com.

Top, the artist herself and, right, as one of the characters she creates on canvas. Courtesy of the artist.

Inside the Artists’ Studios: Lori Nix (American, b. 1969) Lori Nix Studio, 2013 Mixed media Courtesy of the Artist and ClampArt Gallery © Lori Nix

Small-Scale Views

December 14, 2013 – March 9, 2014

Bruce MuseuM Greenwich, connecticut 203 . 869 . 0376 brucemuseum.org

holding one of his phallic arrows, is not only reminiscent of any number of Renaissance and Neoclassical masters for its subject and treatment. It allows the viewer to consider Podlach’s mastery of the male and female nudes. “It’s more exciting to do a male nude, only because I’m not a guy and it’s not as easy to access every single angle of the male body,” she says. “We talk of the beauty of the female body, but the male body is beautiful, too, the way the torso meets the legs.” Does she think this is a post-feminist moment in which women can express themselves sexually, as her male and female nudes suggest? “I hope so, but I’m not sure,” she says. “I remember Cosmo(politan magazine) when I was growing up was all about having orgasms. Now it’s all about multiple orgasms.” But it’s “ridiculous” to think that women haven’t always tapped into their physical, erotic natures, she adds – especially if those women happen to be artists. “The thing about painting is that it’s so physical,” says Podlach, who also spent years painting in Paris. If so, then Podlach leads a very physical life, for she paints “every day and as long as I can at all hours” in the studio of her home in Hampton Bays near Southampton, N.Y. She takes a break by swimming in the bay and the ocean, gardening and playing with Malcolm, her sweet Bernese Mountain Dog/Labrador Retriever mix. Podlach stretches her own canvases,

which are made of Belgian linen and range in size from about a couple of feet in width and length to six feet. She preps them with a gesso made of rabbit-skin glue, then builds forms and layers with oils and egg tempera, a technique that is used in fresco painting. “It’s very matte. It’s the oils that make it glossy.” Podlach, who’s exhibiting her paintings at The Lionheart Gallery in Pound Ridge, says in her artist’s statement, “My images of women and men start by observing my own reflection in a mirror, a man I know modeling for me, or photos of women and or men from other eras.” She elaborates for WAG, “I started out painting other people – friends, not models. Eventually, people have real lives. They got older.” So like Vincent van Gogh, she began painting herself. But it would be a mistake to think of her female nudes as portraits of the artist. Rather, Podlach views the nude the way the art historian Kenneth Clark did, as a kind of performance. These are characters, much as Cindy Sherman’s cinematic photographs of herself are character studies and a type of performance art. What Podlach’s work also conveys is the sensuousness of the human body – male and female. “We have this physical power,” she says. “We have this hope. We have this potential.” n

A sunny forecast Out and proud, Raphael Miranda loves his life By Ronni Diamondstein

atching Raphael Miranda on WNBC’s “Weekend Today in New York” deliver the weather with panache and engage in friendly banter with co-anchor Pat Battle about flurries that she claims she saw that were not on the radar, you would never know that he felt like an “odd puzzle piece” as a child. But for this charismatic meteorologist – who grew up in northern Westchester County, where his passion for weather began – the journey to his dream job has been a mix of clouds and sunshine. “I am living a life I never could have imagined,” says Miranda, who joined WNBC as a weather intern in 2007. “I get to work with my love of weather and have fun.” Miranda, who received an Emmy in 2011 for his coverage of Hurricane Irene, says that the most challenging forecasting

event for him was Hurricane Sandy the following year. “Trying to forecast something we had never seen before in our lifetime and beyond our imagination and to figure out how to present it to the public was a challenge.” He and the Storm Team 4 meteorologists had to find a delicate balance. “We were freaking out about the storm surge numbers. You want everyone to be safe and want to inform viewers without sounding panicky.” Miranda – affectionately known as Raffi to the News 4 team – is one of the most stylish men on air. So it should come as no surprise that he worked at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent after graduating from New York University with a degree in Spanish. He also speaks Portuguese and a little French. But fashion didn’t quite suit him. (Pun intended.)

Raphael Miranda. Photograph courtesy of NBC Universal.

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“I didn’t feel connected to retail as a career.” Then in 2004 a life-changing illness set him on a different course. “I was hospitalized with meningitis and spent more than a month in bed, which gave me time to reflect on what I was doing in my life, and I had an epiphany.” Miranda reached out for advice to a meteorologist he knew, Craig Allen. “He encouraged me to go back to school, so the illness was a blessing in disguise.” Miranda went on to receive degrees in broadcast journalism and geosciences/meteorology from Brooklyn College and Mississippi State University. He is a member of the American Meteorological Society, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association. Truth is a word that resonates in Miranda’s life. “Being true in my career and in my personal life has led me to the place I am now.” Not only did he struggle with being gay as a youth, but he also had other identity issues. “Since I didn’t grow up in a diverse community, I was ‘other’

and different. With a Hispanic immigrant father, Jewish mother and name ‘Raphael,’ it was hard for me to fit in.” Miranda says his mother – the author Susan Picosa, who is also profiled in this issue – is his role model and greatest influence. “She always taught me to dream and that I could do anything. This key concept became my reality. She taught me to create my own rules and not to worry about being ‘normal.’ That’s how I’ve found my own way.” Miranda uses his celebrity to help others find theirs. He has served as honorary chair for Live Out Loud’s “Pride in the Hamptons” and supports the Cancer Research & Treatment Fund Inc. as well as Green Chimneys, a Brewster-based organization for children with emotional, behavioral and social challenges. In the spring of 2012, Miranda spoke at Fox Lane High School in Bedford with members of the Gay Straight Alliance as part of The Homecoming Project, Live Out Loud’s campaign to encourage members of the LGBT community to share their personal journeys with the next generation.

“It’s important for me to be visible as a member of the gay community. It’s a choice I make to be publicly out there and proud. I can’t imagine trying to hide any aspect of myself. It’s easier to be open and honest.” With his mother at his side, Miranda spoke candidly with the students. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have gay and lesbian people to look up to, or any role models and examples. That had a lot to do with my struggles in accepting my gayness.” Meeting the Gay Straight Alliance kids, who are now out in high school, was an amazing experience for him. “I saw real people going through real problems. It was a fantastic interaction and gave me even more momentum to keep up what I’m doing to help young people as much as I can.” Miranda remembers coming out at age 19: “That process made me stronger. It’s made me more of a fighter. I’ve had to fight myself to learn how to accept myself and how to come out and ask other people to accept me. I never thought I would come out. I had a whole other chance at life, which was

liberating and has made me more empathetic.” Miranda says his most noteworthy accomplishment is being married for 10 years to Doug, with whom he lives in New Jersey, along with their two cats, Spanky and Zippy. Miranda also goes to numerous schools to speak to kids about weather. “I feel it’s a part of being on television to make yourself available to the public. Kids ask tons of questions, and I hope to spark an interest in them to be a meteorologist.” Last spring in my role as a school library media specialist, I invited Miranda to White Plains to speak to a group of second-graders who had been studying weather as a nonfiction research unit. Miranda captivated their imagination and entranced adults for nearly an hour answering their thoughtful questions about such weather phenomenon as waterspouts and tornadoes. So what’s in the forecast for Miranda? He lives in the moment and loves his life. “I am open to whatever the future brings. I haven’t planned this so far so I won’t plan now.” n

Pasture to Pond:

Connecticut Impressionism March 22 — June 21, 2014

Childe Hassam (American, 1859–1935) Old Indian Trail to the Sea, 1906 Oil on canvas, 22 x 24 in. Private Collection

Bruce MuseuM Greenwich, connecticut 203 . 869 . 0376 | brucemuseum.org

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

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Make no bones … This doc powers patients back to mobility By Jane K. Dove In today’s world, most of us know someone who has had joint replacement surgery. Be it hip or knee, the procedure has proliferated over the past four decades, offering blessed pain relief and freedom of motion to millions. Douglas E. Padgett, a Harrison resident who is chief of Adult Reconstructive and Joint Replacement Surgery at Manhattan’s Hospital for Special Surgery, has been at the forefront of many of the major advances that have taken place in the field. “In the world of joint replacement surgery, the Hospital for Special Surgery is ground zero,” says Padgett, who’s been chief for six years and with the hospital for 19. “It’s what we do and we have the greatest collection of medical professionals in the world under one roof. We are the go-to place in this field.”

This is a tremendous advance.” Like hips, knees have seen a vast improvement in excellent surgical outcomes. “Even into the l980s, knee replacement prostheses were very simplistic,” Padgett says. “The first generation came in only three sizes – small, medium and large. There were difficulties with getting a good fit and good function.” Today there have been major advances in the design of knee replacement prostheses. “We now have a much better understanding of how the knee functions and the old-fashioned designs are gone,” Padgett says. “The improvements in knee implant design have been dramatic and resulted in a high success rate.”

After the surgery

Evolution

Total joint replacement surgery involves the replacement of arthritic or diseased bone with implants that restore proper pain-free function to the joint. All joint replacements have potential problems but today successful outcomes are in the vast majority. Patients who have good reason to expect excellent results. “Modern hip and knee surgery took hold in the 1970s and moved ahead throughout the 1980s,” Padgett says. “Prior to that it was very rudimentary and was used primarily for extremely painful arthritis.” As changes took place, the Hospital for Special Surgery led the charge. “We pushed forward as the years went by, always being in the forefront of advances that were made,” he says. “I was fortunate to be under the tutelage of Dr. John Insall, Dr. Chit Ranawat and Dr. Philip Wilson. They were pioneers and my personal mentors, forming the basis for modern techniques in joint replacement. “Hip replacement surgery has made amazing strides forward,” Padgett says. “In the old days, prosthetic hips were usually cemented into place. Today, the cement is used less frequently and we currently use techniques that permit the hipbone to biologically bond itself to the prosthesis. We no longer have to worry about glue breakdown. By the end of the 1990s, implant loosening was an infrequent occurrence.” But surgeons were not out of the woods just yet. “The new problem became prosthetic 44

Douglas E. Padgett, a Harrison resident, is chief of Adult Reconstructive and Joint Replacement Surgery at Manhattan’s Hospital for Special Surgery. Photograph by Bob Rozycki.

surfaces wearing out,” he says. “We experimented with combinations of medical grade plastics, polished metal and ceramics. Each had its good and bad points. For example, ceramics are brittle and can break. Ceramic implants can also squeak and cause friction. Some metal-on-metal components would produce metal debris inside the joint, and metal on metal began falling out of favor.” Padgett says improvements in medicalgrade plastics saved the day. “These were much better and highly resistant to wear and tear. After 12 years

of follow-up, we have decided that a ball of highly polished metal or ceramic and a socket of medical-grade plastic give the best result.” The use of robotics in joint surgery is another advantage for doctors and patients. “The key to long-term performance is having a good ball and socket,” Padgett says. “But they must be put in the optimum position. We now have new technologies, including robotics, to assist in the implantation of devices. I now routinely use robotic techniques for implants.

Padgett says that along with improvements in implant design and surgical techniques, the approach to recovery from joint replacement surgery has also taken big strides forward. “Long-term in-patient rehabilitation for joint replacement is on the wane,” he says, “and we do much more with preoperative patient education. We have also taken a long look at pain management and changed our approach. We use a combination of different medications that reduce nerve, bone and inflammatory pain. And postoperative hospital stays have also shortened dramatically. “Two days in the hospital is now standard for hips and two to three for knees,” Padgett says. “We urge our patients to resume their regular lifestyles – within reason, of course – as soon as possible. I have patients who are playing tennis and jogging a few months after surgery, even though we encourage people to avoid loading up on these types of high-impact activities. I tell them we don’t know the long-term effects on their new joints and caution them to use common sense.” Padgett is gratified at the advances in his field. “In the early 1980s, there were only a few hospitals in the world performing joint replacement surgery,” he says. “In 2014, all major hospitals do it. I have watched the story unfold and it is very rewarding. Seeing my patients pain-free and back to their usual routines is great. Today we have 98 percent good outcomes. It is that two percent that keeps me awake at night. We still need to crack the code with surgical methods that will make this operation the best it can possibly be for all patients.” n

wear Cupid, take note These pieces lead our Valentine’s Day wish list By Georgette Gouveia

Well, we shopped till we dropped in December. Then we had a little lull in January to recover our strength. And now we are ready to take the plunge again as Valentine’s Day approaches. For a few helpful hints on what we ladies should be asking for this year, we turned to Win Betteridge, director of business development for the jeweler that bears his family name. On a bone-rattling winter’s day, we were warmed by Win’s Win-some charm, the Greenwich Avenue store’s cozy elegance – all bottle greens and masculine wood paneling and leather – and some truly hot rocks: 1. We know, we know: We wrote all about rubies in our December WAG “Gems” issue. But Win says, “Around Valentine’s Day, everyone goes for rubies,” like this ruby and diamond wide band ring, centering on an oval-shaped Burmese ruby weighing 2.83 carats, with pavé old mine cut diamonds, mounted in a tapering platinum setting. $26,000 2. This antique seed-pearl chain necklace with a tassel of ruby beads evokes the Mughal Empire and the Art Deco period all at once. Win suggests wearing it close to the throat with the seed-pearl chain spilling down your voluptuous upper back, à la Jennifer Lawrence’s 2013 Oscar look. $30,000. 3. Though we associate February with the color red, its real color is purple, as in amethysts. But for those who prefer their stones to be precious, Win loves this 5.58-carat pink-purple sapphire ring, brimming with offbeat charm. This Paolo Costagli creation is set slightly off-kilter in a crisscross band of roundcut diamonds and 18-karat white gold embedded with Paraiba tourmaline goodies. The purple hue is purer and more subtle than you’d find in an amethyst, Win says. $55,000. 4. For those who simply must have amethysts to celebrate the month, Win favors a pair of cushion-cut Goshwara amethyst earrings in 18-karat yellow gold with pavé diamond surmounts. Together, they represent 67.60 carats of amethysts. “They’re perfect for February birthdays,” he says. $6,500. 5. Nothing says glamour quite like this cushion-cut 36.90-carat rubellite brooch with its radiant diamond spray, from Verdura’s Hollywood Collection. Think Garbo and Valentino. The brooch, which contains 320 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing a total of 11.33 carats and mounted in platinum, will certainly put the Madeleine Albright in your life into a state of deep lust. $125,000. 6. For the woman who believes that architect Louis Sullivan was right when he decreed that “form (ever) follows function,” Win has just the ticket – Cartier’s new Tank Américaine watch, small model, quartz, in 18-karat rose gold. The original owes its inspiration to the American tanks that liberated Paris during World War II, Win says. The new version has a longer rectangular case, and the rosy links conjure something reptilian – but in the sexiest, most opulent way. $25,600; (with diamonds, $38,700). Also available at Cartier boutiques nationwide. For more information, call (800) CARTIER or visit cartier.us. For more, visit Betteridge Jewelers at 117 Greenwich Ave. in Greenwich or at betteridge.com. n

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Photographs courtesy of Betteridge Jewelers.

Power-packed

dynamo Gina Cappelli wants to make sure you stay well By Georgette Gouveia Photographs by Bob Rozycki

ina Cappelli has a name that needs no introduction. Her late, beloved father, Luca A. Cappelli Jr., was the founder of Cappelli Development. Her adored big brother, the Valhalla-based real estate developer Louis R. Cappelli, is the man behind the renaissance of much of White Plains, including City Center, Trump Tower and The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester. But while family-minded, Gina Cappelli is very much her own woman. “I always wanted to do something apart from the family,” she says. The result is a business designed to heal the human body, particularly when you don’t know where else to turn. Formé Urgent Care and Wellness Center in White Plains, which opens soon, is a “boutique, one-of-a-kind” facility, Gina says, for “when you can’t see your doctor or after hours.” (It will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 365 days a year.) The $1.8 million, 6,700-square-foot facility – which has an additional 3,000 square feet for specialty medicine – will offer everything from treatment for flu-like symptoms to injections for overseas travel to physical and occupational therapy. “We can’t do OR or in-patient care,” Gina says. And there won’t be an orthopedist or neurologist on site. (Formé will be providing referrals for those.) But the center will be handling just about everything else, under the medical direction of Drs. Angelo Baccellieri and Robert H. Meyer, who are both board-certified in critical care emergency medicine. They’ll be working closely with Elsa M. Delille, the main nurse practitioner. Among the specialties Formé is embracing are anti-aging, dermatology – including minor cosmetic procedures – endocrinology, pain management, podiatry, pulmonology and urology. There will be both a psychologist and a dietitian on staff. And ultimately, there will be another 1,800 square feet for a class B operating room for gastroenterological and ear, nose and throat procedures involving moderate intravenous sedation. Nowadays, other centers also address the needs of those who are sick and injured, but not in such dire straits that they need a hospital emergency room. What makes Formé different is Cappelli’s determination to “close the loop in medical care.” If you need a hospital ER, Formé will stabilize you and call 911. If you don’t have a primary care doctor and need one, Formé will help you find one. And Formé will be following you medically using a paperless, electronic system. (The center accepts most forms of insurance.) To that end, everything is state-of-the-art, including

the blood and X-ray labs, the soil and clean rooms and the nine treatment rooms. There’s separate air flow for the sick area. The drug closet has a triple locking system. (Formé can dispense medicine for you to take on site, but is not a pharmacy.) Even the sconces are the requisite number of inches away from the wall as prescribed by the New York state Department of Health. (Formé is licensed as an Article 28 facility, which means it’s subject to the same scrutiny that any medical center is under state public health law.) The center isn’t a spa, Gina says. It just looks like one. The colors are a soothing espresso; the counters, quartz, which is nonporous and easier to clean; the cabinets, custom-made; the walls, herringbone-patterned paper; the floors, wood-like vinyl. “We’re hoping for people to get that ‘Wow’ factor,” she says of the design. The space was created by architect Kathleen Hennessy, but Gina, who adds that design is not her thing, also relied on Formé Vice President Nanci Gunthert, her right-hand woman. The Formé team also includes Paul Garbuio, director of operations. “Without Nanci, I would not be able to accomplish all that I do,” Gina says. She believes strongly that just because you’re sick doesn’t mean you should be in cold, clinical surroundings. Indeed, I can remember rehabbing an injured ankle at the erstwhile Formé Rehabilitation on Central Avenue in Greenburgh. Not only did the expert therapist help me to heal my ankle, but she redesigned my exercise program, all in sensuous surroundings that included plants, sculpture and prints of Michelangelo drawings. “That was after a trip to Italy,” Cappelli says of the Renaissance influence. What it also demonstrates is the two sides of Gina’s nature – the business side, which she gets from her father, Luca, and the nurturing side, which she gets from her late mother, Concetta. Gina is the youngest of their four girls, bookended by boys – Louis and baby brother Michael. Over a just-usgirls lunch at Gaucho Grill Restaurant – up the street from Formé – with Nanci and publicist Christina Rae of Buzz Creators, Gina remembers the parents who were so instrumental in shaping her life. Her father, who began in general contracting, was a man in love with the solar system, she says. His businesses included Luna Electric, Saturn Construction, Jupiter Supplies and Earth Equipment. That turned into real estate and development, with Louis getting involved. “Louis is an amazing person, especially to his family,” Gina says, adding that he has taken over as patriarch since

Nanci Gunthert and Gina Cappelli

their father passed away on Feb. 9, 2011. Their mother died on Aug. 11, 2012. He in turn couldn’t be happier for his sister’s accomplishments. “I’m extremely proud of Gina and all that she has accomplished in her career. In opening the new Formé Urgent Care and Wellness Center, Gina will be taking urgent care to the next level. Formé will be offering services and specialty medicine way beyond what other centers can provide. I know that our parents, Luca and Concetta, are shining down on her with so much love and pride, the same way the rest of our family is – especially me. ” Gina – who graduated from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in accounting – learned a lot from her father. “He always worked hard, but he played hard, too. He lived life to the fullest.” His baby daughter, who fondly recalls Florida trips, knows how to let down her caffe latte-colored curls. To celebrate the launch of Formé, she threw a fab party com50

plete with steak, pasta, dancing and a DJ spinning oldies at 42 The Restaurant, atop The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, where she cut a shapely figure in a little black dress. But she’s also a disciplined woman, ordering salad and unsweetened ice tea for lunch and forgoing a family trip to the Bahamas over Christmas to attend to her new “baby.” Gina’s a maternal woman, which she says she gets from her mother, some of whose jewelry she wears as a reminder of the bond they still share. During an emotional moment at the Gaucho’s luncheon, she reaches out with a reassuring hand. As befits a woman with a strong maternal instinct, Gina has lots of babies. Her real baby, of course, is daughter Erica, studying to be a nurse practitioner at the Pace School of Nursing. “They never stop being your babies,” Gina says of children. Another “baby” is Jake, the rescue Dachshund/Chihuahua mix who shares her White Plains home. But Gina also takes a personal approach to her em-

ployees and has ever since she ran the family’s real estate business. When the Cappellis sold it to the Reckson Corp., she got involved in personal training, opening the Formé on Central Avenue in 1998 with personal trainer Peter Montpelier. (Gina closed it to open Formé in White Plains. Formé Rehabilitation in Eastchester, which opened in 2003, is still going strong.) Gina notes that she filed Formé with the state as a woman-owned business, which makes the center eligible for 20 percent of the work the state farms out. She’s also filing Formé as a woman-owned business with the federal government, which opens up certain kinds of funding. But it isn’t just about business. It’s about being a woman who while proud to be part of one of Westchester’s first families is also pleased to be on her own, making a contribution to the critical field of health care that begins with establishing a bond with the patient. “And we’re going to keep that bond to make sure the patient doesn’t get lost in the system.” n

way

Waterside allure STORY BY HOULIHAN LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHS BY WARREN JAGGER

Presented by Houlihan Lawrence

KIRBY POND at a Glance • Rye • 11,531 square feet • 1.157 acres • Bedrooms: 6 • Baths: 7 full, 3 half • Amenities: Mahogany bar, billiards room, elevator, fireplace, three-bay garage plus courtyard parking, high ceilings, master bath, media room, mirrored gym, glass-wrapped indoor pool with large lap pool, spa, waterside balcony, sauna and steam shower, privacy, waterfront, wet bar, 2,000-bottle wine cellar. • Price: $13.6 million

Architecture and landscape combine to dramatic effect at this superb waterfront manor that captures the ultimate luxury lifestyle in a premier locale. On scenic Kirby Pond, a tranquil protected inlet that opens to the sparkling blue waters of Long Island Sound, the 1.15-acre setting is beyond compare. The majestic residence is equally extraordinary. Set high on a crest, the home seems to float over the water yielding a sense of peace and privacy that is simply irresistible. In fact, the serenity of this spot is so complete that it is surprising to find that both Rye and Greenwich are just minutes away, and New York City is within a 35-minute drive. Inside, no detail was overlooked in the creation of this sophisticated home. A dynamic mix of fine traditional architecture and the latest 21st-century luxuries, the interiors offer a level of craftsmanship and quality that is truly remarkable. Custom millwork, rich woods, soaring ceilings, gorgeous fireplaces and abundant French

doors refine the living areas, which all open to terraces and the astounding water vistas that never cease to delight. View-filled formal rooms, a tour-deforce kitchen, vastly scaled family and recreation areas and a spectacular indoor pool are among the many other special highlights. Outside, the beautifully planted landscape has been designed for the utmost in privacy. Offering plenty of space for outdoor recreation, including a childrenâ€™s playground, the grounds take full advantage of the substantial private waterfront where swimming and boating can be enjoyed. A modern-day masterpiece offering a truly extraordinary backdrop for living and entertaining, this special estate stands as one of Ryeâ€™s most exceptional offerings. For more information, contact Candace Steiner at (914) 262-8678 or csteiner@houlihanlawrence.com or Joan Oâ€™Meara at (914) 329-5329 or jomeara@houlihanlawrence.com. n 53

Fab Feb. fashion By Olivia Stumpf

February, the month that is home to Valentine’s Day, is always a good time to talk hot, hot, hot fashion trends. And that’s just what WAG did recently with Hannie Sio-Stellakis of Neiman Marcus at The Westchester in White Plains. A great friend to WAG, Hannie gave us a sneak peek at the store’s Resort Book, featuring top designer collections:

Hannie, where do you find new fashion inspiration each season? “Outfit inspiration is my own style, but I do read all the top fashion magazines and like reviewing the runway shows each season. We also have a great assortment to pull from at Neiman Marcus, which makes it easy.”

You mentioned proportion play. What are tips to keep in mind to use this successfully? “Long under short is the styling message. Longer length tops, blouses and shirting often with hi-lo hems worn under shorter jackets. You will see longer hemlines on dresses and skirts often worn with a cropped top. Cropped pants are very big and a mini is a must. Mid-heel shoes become Resort’s great equalizer, making longer and shorter lengths look perfect.”

What are some of the hottest mid-heel shoes? “Valentino rock-stud sandals or Gucci.”

With Valentine’s Day coming up, what would be your top party “Pink, white with black, pops of color picks for a V-Day celebration?

What’s trending for this month?

like yellow, patterns and prints, backpacks, mid-heel shoes and proportion play.”

Which trend is your favorite? “White with black. I think it’s a very chic, modern and sophisticated look.”

It’s always a popular color combo. What are your top white and black picks?

“A great classic piece from The Row is always a good go-to or a fun and flirty frock from Stella McCartney is key.”

In creating an outfit that looks sexy but tasteful, how bare do you dare to go? “Accentuate one feature, whether it be waist, legs or back. Showing too much skin isn’t the answer.”

“A great graphic pump or clutch from YSL or edgy pieces from Alexander Wang and Helmut Lang.”

What’s your best advice for men shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts for their significant What about pink, which, of others? course, is very appropriate for “Surprise her by picking out somethis month. thing thoughtful or something that she “Pink is a major color message from pastels to brights. Pink is everywhere. Add a pop of color by updating your accessories with a great pump or designer handbag. Also trending in jewelry are pink gemstones.”

has been wanting for a while that shows that you are attentive to what she says.”

What do you think would be the perfect fashion-oriented Valentine’s Day gift? “A great accessory, like a designer

Speaking of accessories, do you handbag or pair of shoes, to complehave a favorite way to accessorize ment her current wardrobe or a fabulous with an edge during the winter piece of jewelry.” months? “I love scarves and layering. I also ap- What is one style rule all wompreciate a great statement necklace, and a en should break this season? fabulous handbag is a must.”

Which patterns and prints can we expect to see in February? “Anything from polka dots to palm trees, paisleys to animal prints and abstract painterly brush strokes.”

“Get comfy chic. The sporty look continues, from the couture sweatshirt and baseball jersey-inspired tops to fluid jog pants, trainers and sneakers. These all say, ‘Game on.’” For more on February fashion trends, visit neimanmarcus.com. n

wear

AERIN Evening Rose. Courtesy Estée Lauder.

Bond No. 9 New York Oud. Courtesy Saks.com.

Chanel No. 5. Courtesy Saks.com.

FENDI L’Acquarossa. Courtesy Saks.com.

ESCADA Born in Paradise. Courtesy PR Consulting.

Gucci Guilty Stud. Courtesy PR Consulting.

Tory Burch Eau de Parfum. Courtesy Estée Lauder.

love potions Take it from Marilyn: Scents are all the wardrobe you need By Andrea Kennedy

Among the senses, your eyes may deceive you, but the nose never lies. A scent can arise out of nowhere, catch you off guard and, before you exhale, transport you to a distant memory – a kitchen, a beach, a rooftop, a lover. The power of scent – like sex – is not lost on the commercially minded. Last year, two “nosey” sisters started 12.29, the first olfactory branding company, and one famed fragrance campaign even raised the dead. (Read on.) Globally, fine fragrances comprise upwards of $2 billion, no doubt with February’s love holiday bringing in lots of the bacon (which – let’s face it – is definitely my favorite smell). In honor of Valentine’s Day, and in homage to The Clovers’ sensuous 1959 ditty “Love Potion No. 9,” here are nine intoxicating fragrances to outfit you this month: • No one did the perfume wardrobe better than Marilyn Monroe. She’s been a candle in the wind for more than 50 years, but Chanel recently resurrected the icon to revive the scent she made iconic. Audio footage from 1960 reveals Miss Monroe in all her sweetly intoxicating coyness admitting, “It’s the truth” that all she wears to bed is her Chanel No. 5. The association between Chanel No. 5 and the classic sex symbol has persisted longer than the star herself. So even if you’ve never worn Chanel No. 5 before, a bottle may just bring out the Marilyn in you. • For the scent of a modern diva, the queen of pop has a new fragrance out this month to add to her Heat and Pulse lines. Capping off 2013 – what pop news called The Year of Beyoncé – Queen Bey announced her third monosyllabic scent, RISE. It’s “sexy and sophisticated” Marsha Brooks, Coty Beauty’s vice president of global marketing, says in a press release, and “about female empowerment and finding the inner strength that makes women so beautiful.” Though everyone likes an inspiring narrative, I think the real selling point behind RISE will be its top notes of Italian bergamot, golden apricot and iced basil sorbet. Not to mention its glam gold bottle. • Speaking of flacons, another showstopper in gold – this time accenting smoldering red enamel – is the sultry FENDI L’Acquarossa. In fiery colors, the geometric design seeks to pay tribute to the Roman monuments. The fragrance, equally divine, opens with tangerine and plum, with latana flower at the heart and red cedar, musk and patchouli at the base. In this the season of all things intriguing and feminine, there’s no better time to sip “The Red Elixir of Passion.” • Also a timely find is the just-released Gucci Guilty Stud, a limited edition his-and-hers set that’s covered in more than 400 metallic studs. The redesign reinvigorates

two hugely popular scents from 2013. According to the NPD Group, Gucci Guilty Pour Homme was the most popular men’s fragrance of the year while its counterpart ranked third on the women’s list. Released globally last year, Stud is finally available stateside. • Another favorite gets new life with Calvin Klein Endless Euphoria. The descendant of the original Euphoria, and with a pretty pale-peach visage, the latest version hitting the market is “lighter, fresher” and, yes, even “sexually provocative,” says Steve Mormoris, the Coty senior vice president for global marketing. Think cherry blossom, mandarin and heart of violet. • Tory Burch Eau de Parfum, a fan favorite at Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus, is also a newer addition. The brand’s first fragrance hit the market with notes of grapefruit, peony, jasmine and sweet alyssum. Its anchors are cedar and sandalwood, which Burch says is a nod to the “dynamic” and “unfussy” vetiver-based cologne her father wore. (For some there may be no richer romance than that of a father and daughter.) Built with modern Tory Burch styling, the angular atomizer features her signature fretwork and hues of orange and gold. Users have called the spirited scent “friendly” and a “pick-me-up” that takes you from the city to the suburbs. • Whether or not your V-Day plans take you jet-setting to the nearest warm white sands, one new scent is sure to transport you to a tropical hideaway. (Faster, too.) Inspired by the luscious piña colada, ESCADA Born in Paradise whisks you to beachside bliss with notes of coconut and pineapple, watermelon and guava. The spring scent is on shelves now. • If your romance narrative is more Hamptons than French Polynesia, waltz into a spray of AERIN Evening Rose. One of Aerin Lauder’s five fragrances topped with a gem-like stone (this one lavender), it pairs rose with blackberry and Cognac. The scent, she says, is “sensuous and luxurious” and “imparts soft warmth, like a lingering memory of an unforgettable evening.” If that’s not enough allure, the pattern on the packaging – an AERIN for Lee Jofa design – is called “Hither.” • And ringing in at number nine, try Bond No. 9 New York Oud. For you romancers who prefer a richer, woodier fragrance, oud is a trending scent big in the Middle East (even in the region’s 100-plus temps) that’s building traction among U.S. luxury fragrances. This velvety, earthy scent, which is not for delicate nostrils, gets a makeover as its signature splashy flacon goes subdued in sexy gunmetal. For you Bond, James Bond, girls. n

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PACKING TIPS

for a Romantic Getaway PACK SOME SEXY STYLE. I always bring a little kimono for getting ready, for lounging in the room, and for over a bathing suit. So much sexier than those bulky robes in hotel rooms. Get extra mileage from what you pack by re-wearing it differently; Try a pair of palazzo pants for the flight, so comfy yet you arrive in style. Then wear them as a dinner or roaming outfit another day, then again, over a bathing suit or while relaxing in your room. Bring a great silky long dress to wear one evening to dinner then over a bathing suit one afternoon. Re-think shorts as an evening outfit with heels and a cropped jacket or beautiful blouse. I like to pack with a color palette so I only need one purse, one pair of heels and one pair flip flops. I like to pack lightly and save space for finds made on my trip.

Babe Rizzuto of ROAM 19 West Elm St. Greenwich FB/Shop.wheninRoam

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Country charmers… Kate Liegey’s Vintage Heartland lingerie is not just frills and thrills

By Mary Shustack Photographs by Sean-Micah Siegel and courtesy Vintage Heartland

Furthering Kate Liegey’s vision, the Vintage Heartland lingerie catalog was shot with “real” models and on the grounds of Glynwood, a sustainable farm in Cold Spring.

ate Liegey has combined her love of all things country with more than 20 years in the fashion industry to introduce Vintage Heartland. And the lingerie line launched just weeks ago is designed to do much more than just look sweet and pretty – though it does that quite well. As customers are quickly learning, there’s plenty of meaning behind the obvious charms of the new collection from the designer who spent part of her childhood in Stamford. “I spent all my summers on Shippan Point,” she says. And Liegey, who today splits her time between Manhattan and Nashville, has fond memories of those days. “Stamford was a small town,” she says. “We ran around and left our doors open. I was brought up with that small-town mentality.” Liegey, who attended School of the Holy Child in Rye and still has family in Stamford, also has ties to North Carolina. Her time in both regions, she says, led to her forming a devotion to small-town life and the country way. “It’s a very diverse genre as far as who loves country, what it’s all about” – and it’s far beyond the music, she says. It’s affected her very outlook, which includes strong support for American workers, farmers and all-around integrity. During her earliest days in North Carolina, she says she remembers seeing factories closing. “I watched them go away and disappear and it was heartbreaking. I saw this struggle from a really young age.” But it was an event that played out in the big city that set Liegey, who originally wanted to be a lawyer, on her course in life. She was shopping at Macy’s in Manhattan with her father when a serendipitous meeting with a business bigwig led to Liegey being suggested for the department store’s training program. After studying textile design and merchandising at Marymount University in Arlington, Va., Liegey did indeed join that Macy’s program and would also go on to

work for J.C. Penney, eventually traveling the world and over the years, helping develop a number of celebrity brands. “I loved the business and the industry and mostly that I could travel,” she says. And she would be on the road, from Haiti to the Dominican Republic, from India to China. Over time, “I manufactured for everyone, from Tommy Hilfiger to Ralph Lauren.” Eventually she had her own consulting business. “I was a big proponent for compliance in factories,” she says. “It was a real fight for me to keep integrity in the industries.” With all her experience, Liegey had a clear vision when it was time to design her own line of lingerie – and it had nothing to do with trends. “I wanted to take all the pads out,” she says. “I was just so tired of seeing these young girls exposing the big boobs … I wanted to have a brand that was realistic to young girls.” To that end, she used emerging and amateur models that included a singersongwriter, an accountant and several students for her catalog. “I used real girls,” she says. “We did not use any Photoshop on their bodies.” She wants to be known for sending a positive message, “not have a T-shirt that says ‘Sleep with me.’” Those who wear Vintage Heartland, she hopes, will be promoting a clear message – “Hey, I can be pretty and feminine in this lingerie and not be slutty and sleazy.” The line, with most pieces selling for less than $50, is described by Liegey as “tastefully nice, sweet and pretty.” She passed on offers that would require her to change her image. Launching Vintage Heartland has reminded Liegey of her early days in the industry, when she was able to exercise her creativity and explore. “I would go to my boss and say ‘I heard there’s a new flea market in Paris,’ and he’d say ‘OK, go over there for a long weekend.’ “Every time I went there I would pick up a piece of lace, an old shawl, a doily,”

Liegey says. “I probably have $200,000 in vintage samples that I’ve collected over 30 years from around the world.” She would equally be inspired by pieces of jewelry in India or art from Haiti. “All these things were just my imagination running wild.” Having an affinity for China, Liegey decided to go back there to teach when she lost her last job in fashion. “I would get on a plane and go to a Third World country and teach and come back and use that money,” she says of the way Vintage Heartland came about. “It’s an unbelievable labor of love.” And while in China, Liegey says she was making a splash. “I really became an advocate in China,” she says, both for factory safety and for breast-cancer awareness (a cause close to her heart as a survivor). “I kind of became this celebrity over there known as ‘Country Girl,’” she says. “What I also learned while I was over there were programs, how to automate a factory,” she says. She wants to reverse the order of things, help sell her – and other American – products back to China. “That’s how my concept called Sprout

Concept Factory came about.” The mobile setup needs just 5,000 square feet and is something that could come into a town and, Liegey says, turn the local economy around. She is determined to have the first one built in Nashville. Helping spread the Kate Liegey word is a YouTube hit called “Bringing It Back to America.” “Within a week, I had 140,000 hits on it,” Liegey says. The song, written and performed by Stephanie Urbina Jones, has been used to help introduce the idea of the Sprout factory and what it can mean for American manufacturing. “The public still has the perception that ‘Made in America’ is going to cost more,” Liegey says. It may, she says, cost a nominal amount more – but the benefits far outweigh the pennies.

Vintage Heartland has been Liegey’s focus the past few years. “I’ve been on this quest of building my own brand,” she says, doing it all from the design to overseeing the manufacturing. Despite her years in the lingerie industry, it was still tough to get the company off the ground. Backing was hard to come by. “Nobody wants to come in and help a woman do a startup, especially at 50 years of age,” she says. Rejections, though, fueled her further. “In a sense all these guys really pushed me to the finish line.” She says she finally found an “angel” in Dallas who contributed the final amount to get it all in place. “I think that’s an incredible testament to the power and strength of women,” she says. “I’m not sitting here patting myself

on the back. I want women to understand they can.” And Liegey certainly does. Her commitment to her ideals is evidenced in every aspect of Vintage Heartland. She even had her catalog photo shoot at Glynwood, a sustainable farm in Cold Spring. “We give back to the farming community,” she says. Next delivery will be “Buy Local,” a line of American-made T-shirts with proceeds to support American Farmland Trust’s No Farms No Food campaign. Vintage Heartland is already gaining attention, having been selected for the gift bags at the American Country Awards in December. In the next two years, Liegey hopes to expand to sleepwear, jeans, a full range of T-shirts and shoes. She wants to put the unemployed – especially veterans – back to work. As Liegey says, “That’s really my mission of what I have done in Vintage Heartland.” And that’s pretty sweet. For more, visit vintageheartland.com. n

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wares

Mirror, mirror on the wall… By Ronni Diamondstein

People have been fascinated by their reflections for millennia. Narcissus – the mythic Greek hunter from whom we get the word “narcissism” – pined away for love of his own reflected loveliness, while wealthy Romans built fantastic mirrored rooms for their orgies. Mirrors have long been erotic symbols in the history of Western art, from the paintings of Venus by Titian (“Venus with a Mirror”), Rubens (“Venus at Her Toilet”) and Velasquez (“The Rokeby Venus”) to the more modern “Girl Before a Mirror,” painted by Picasso. These works reflect sensual ideals of womanhood. In 17th- and 18th-century Europe, a mirror was a mark of refinement, power, wealth and self-confidence. For French royalty and aristocracy in particular, ornate mirrors were a measure of status in society. Louis XIV set the example when he installed the spectacular Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. The Hall – where the peace treaty ending World War I was signed in June 1919 – has inspired many, from Peter Stuyvestant, the last director-general of New Netherland (New York), who created the first House of Mirrors in the New World for his entertainment; to E. L. James, who used the Hall of Mirrors as a honeymoon destination in her “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy.

As “Grey’s” Christian and Anastasia would no doubt concur, today’s hot mirror is the “selfie,” the Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year for 2013. This 21st-century digital mirror captures our culture’s obsession with the self, even for public servants like Pope Francis and President Barack Obama. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the selfie is worth a couple – “vanity” perhaps, or maybe “self-possession.” “It takes a lot of confidence to post a selfie and like a mirror it is very revealing,” says Samantha Knapp, a former broadcast journalist who joined her family’s business, Tiger Lily’s Creative Design Studio in Greenwich, as creative director in 2009. “But mirrors in your home are not necessarily about vanity. “ Rather, if you want to spice up a space in your home, mirrors can be the answer. They are both functional and decorative. Knapp often suggests starting with a mirror when you decorate a room. “The bigger the better. It shows you have ownership in a room.” A mirror can make a statement in a room and be a focal point, she adds, “It’s a grounding force and can be as powerful as a rug or a sofa.” As such, she says, mirrors can be a unifying, neutral accessory. “You can mix them

Baroque rectangular mirror, Thomas Boog, Maison Gerard, $32,000. (212) 674-7611, maisongerard.com. Next page, Damask mirror with electric sconces, Tiger Lily’s Greenwich, $2,300. (203) 629-6510, tigerlilysgreenwich.com.

up with other décor, like centering one with a pair of sconces.” Knapp likes to add mirrors to a montage of photographs on a wall. “They bring the viewer into the collection. And I love them in the most unexpected places – the top of a table, in cabinetry and behind a bookshelf.” A mirror can open up the space in a room, making it look twice the size or add some coziness. “The right mirror in the right spot can change the way the size of a room feels,” Knapp says. They also provide another opportunity to bring in a new texture, element or color in the room with materials like metal, snakeskin or upholstery. And you can shake it up with a different style mirror, she says. “If everything in a room is all square, bring in a circle.” If you can’t find just the right mirror for a space in your home, Judy GilmartinWillsey – owner of Framings in Armonk and a member of the Gilmartin family of picture framers – recommends designing your own. “Very often when people are looking

for a mirror for a room, they may find something they like, but it may be the wrong size. So in lots of cases it works out to be much easier and more creative if we just make a mirror from scratch using custom materials.” GilmartinWillsey designs huge mirrors that stand on the floor in a bedroom. “Three-sided hinged mirror frames like a department store dressing room are a big part of our business,” she adds, “so you can see the rear view.” Knapp says that the current trend in mirrors is to repurpose materials. “People are using one-of-a kind, custom and refurbished materials that are surprising, like the yoke of an ox or a

horse collar.” Whatever the material, she adds, “If you want quality and the feel of luxury, I like a beveled edge.” So does Kelly Leonard. In 2004, the digital marketing specialist picked up a mahogany-framed mirror with beveled edges and gold leaf trim at a public auction when Park Avenue’s Hotel Continental was undergoing renovations. “I imagined the mirror hung in a public space perhaps near an elevator on a guest floor,” she says, “or maybe the lobby sitting area where it returned humanity’s gaze as guests and visitors came and went over the years – brides, grooms, tourists, business travelers, lonely hearts, hopeful new arrivals to the city.”

A historic mirror can be a conversation piece. Just ask the folks at Crabtree’s Kittle House and Inn in Chappaqua. Their mid-19th century bar with its patinated mirror was a gift from Ziegfeld Follies songbird and comedian Fanny Brice (the inspiration for “Funny Girl”) to Dutch Schultz. The looking glass spent many years at Schultz’s New York speakeasy before it found its home at the Kittle House in the 1970s. For some, though, the mirror has an ironic face. What was the newspaper editor Horace Greeley thinking when he tipped his hat to his reflection in the dark wood-framed mirror as he left his home in Chappaqua for work at The New York Tribune? As New Castle Town Historian Gray Williams says the only problem with this tradition is that Greeley apparently didn’t pay much attention to what he saw in mirrors. He was a notoriously careless dresser. A friend commented that he always looked as if he had dressed in the dark. Still, this kind of whimsical gesture was also typical of Greeley. He had a self-deprecating sense of humor. n

wear When French women wore cashmere

n the Paris of the 1950s, Monique Lévi-Strauss and her anthropologist-husband, Claude, would stroll through the Paris Flea Market, “lured,” she writes, “by our love of the unusual. “What a marvellous time that was: when we could eat our meals off a dinner service made at Creil-Montereau a century earlier but that cost no more than new china; when I used to wrap a cashmere shawl (once the pride and joy of a nineteenth-century aristocratic lady) around myself like a cloak in the evenings.” Claude Lévi-Strauss (1908-2009) – one of the foremost thinkers of the 20th century, who promulgated the idea of our binary approach to language and perception (young/ old, male/female, etc.) – drew his wife’s attention to shawls. “He was amazed to note that shawls worth a fortune a century before had, for the moment, lost all their value,” she tells WAG. “He encouraged my research and shared my pleasure every time I made a ‘discovery’ in my documentation or whenever I found a piece that I could identify. “I cannot pretend that I apply my husband’s working methods to my research. But I will gratefully admit that he taught me to think with rigor and to verify and cross-check before making any statement or identification.” Among the fruits of such intellectual vigor is Lévi-Strauss’ “Cashmere: A French Passion, 1800-1880” (Thames & Hudson Inc., $80, 320 pages, 298 illustrations, 285 in color), which plumbs a nation’s fascina-

By Georgette Gouveia

tion with a fabric and one of its most fabled uses. Cashmere originally comes from Kashmir, the lush valley nestled beneath the foothills of the Himalayas that has been fought over by India and Pakistan. There the soft down shed each spring by the wild goats of Tibet and Central Asia was sorted and spun by women – but woven on handlooms by men assisted by young children – into shawls so warm and yet so light they could be threaded through a ring. These cream-colored shawls – almost 6 feet long and about 4 feet wide, with decorative borders on either end that were about 1 foot in height – became all the rage in France thanks to Napoleon’s campaigns and the mercantile efforts of the East India Company. Stunning and costly, the shawls were a prized status symbol, as seen in the firstrate paintings of the neoclassical, or Empire, period that are among the great pleasures of this book. These include Antoine-Jean Gros’ 1809 portrait of “The Empress Josephine,” which shows Napoleon’s wife in a dress made of a shawl with a red, blue and green pine, or paisley, border. A red shawl is wrapped around her waist and thrown over her left shoulder for contrast. As the appetite for these treasures increased, French manufacturers undertook their creation, using a technology that resulted in richly patterned, textured shawls that resembled abstract paintings and elaborate landscapes. “The use of the Jacquard mechanism, which consisted of a series of punched cards that was commanded by a pedal under the weaver’s foot, allowed the weaving of larger and larger patterns,” Lévi-Strauss writes in an email interview. “Beginning in 1834, the design of one pattern could occupy one quarter of the surface of a square shawl. Ten years later, in 1844, one single

design could spread over half the surface of a long shawl. ...” But as with many a passion, the fashion waned. “The use of the bustle came into fashion around 1868. This cushion in the shape of a crescent was worn in the back, under the waist, and was meant to underline the smallness of the waist. A lady wearing a long shawl over the new silhouette created by the bustle might look like a camel. The shawl and the bustle were simply incompatible. “The ladies, nevertheless, remained sentimentally attached to a shawl they had received as a wedding gift from their future husbands. Some turned their shawl into a coat or a dressing gown. Others hung it as a door curtain or used it to cover their piano. “Nowadays, the textile industry produces lovely woven or printed shawls with cashmere motifs. They cannot compare with the past masterpieces,” Lévi-Strauss adds of the works in her book, which may be worth anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000. “But (the new shawls) do give us great pleasure and comfort.” While Lévi-Strauss praises cashmere for being “soft, light, warm and sensuous,” noting that “a cashmere textile draped around your shoulders enhances your looks,” she does not collect shawls today. “My incentive was not to possess shawls but to have them handy at home in order to study them, to verify on them every hypothesis that came to my mind while doing my research.” Though her memory has weakened and her step slowed, Lévi-Strauss is still reading and writing. “I read books in French, English and German,” she says. “I write my memoirs for my grandchildren. I enjoy cooking and meeting people of all ages. I believe I am a lucky person.” n

Background, detail, lower half of a long shawl with a deep border, typical of the style vegetal, or floral style, circa 1850. Woven au lancé, trimmed on back, cashmere. Paris, author’s collection, no. 26. Inset, Monique Lévi-Strauss. Courtesy of Thames & Hudson Inc.

A most ‘engaging’ menu Jackie Ruby puts romance on the table By Mary Shustack Photographs by Bob Rozycki

Photograph courtesy Jackie Ruby.

Spend any time with Jackie Ruby and you’ll likely come away entertained, educated and certainly well fed. WAG was recently invited into the sunny-and-spacious Waccabuc kitchen of the woman known as “The Cooking Realtor” and all proved to be more than true, particularly on the well-fed front. Ruby is a vibrant personality – warm and personable, funny and insightful. And she was only too happy to share a few of her kitchen tips to help WAG readers prepare a Valentine’s Day meal that she says, with her trademark raucous laugh, “will get you that ring.” When two guests step into her charming home on a recent day, Ruby’s enthusiastic greeting yields to a view of the lunch-party table. It’s a study in red, white and heart-shaped flair. “It’s Deco Fusion,” Ruby says of her spin on the Val-

entine’s Day theme. “The Stork Club in the city used to set tables like that.” Ruby, a New Yorker – “native, 107th and Amsterdam, then we moved to Woodside” – had her love of food nurtured from an early age by her grandmother: “Every Sunday, 12 o’clock dinner and be home by 5.” In cooking circles, Ruby may be best known for her signature tomato sauce that she bottles with a label called “Let’s Get Sauced.” She’s also famed for the gourmet cooking classes she’s been offering the past few years out of this very kitchen. And it’s easy to see why it all adds up. “This is one of the reasons why I bought this house,” she says. “I love my kitchen. When I do my cooking classes, I line everybody up around the island.” Indeed, there is ample space for the students she welcomes every couple of months to spread out adjacent to

the Vulcan commercial stove. “The classes sell out right away,” she says. Ruby, you see, is a force in the kitchen, with a confidence that lets visitors know she’s in charge but also with a manner that’s far from intimidating.

AIRY, EAT-IN KITCHEN

A Westchester real-estate veteran now a licensed real estate salesperson with William Raveis Real Estate, Ruby got her start in the field some 15 years ago when living in Edgemont. She puts her own riff on the “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere” phrase – saying she learned the real estate ropes in the tough market that is Scarsdale. And as any good salesperson will do, Ruby is all about networking, which translates to her cooking as well. She has a Facebook page where she not only shares

cooking tips (“Essential Tools for Your Kitchen” and “Delicious Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Feast”) but showcases some of her available properties and past sales. For a long time, Ruby was serving her dishes to friends, family and colleagues. (She notes that her daughter, Kristen, a marketing and social-media maven, may help her develop her business, but it’s son Brian who got the cooking gene). “All the Realtors said, ‘You have to do cooking classes,’” she says. Sessions might feature selections such as three different sauces (basic pesto, a Bolognese and a vealcrumble sausage in white wine). Like a true chef, Ruby has her own way. “I do it all by eye, making the recipe up.” Her own thirst for knowledge means she owns countless cookbooks and cooking magazines, endlessly watches cooking shows and is a student of many classes herself. Food, she says, is a big part of family life. She and her husband, Douglas, who is in financial planning with Morgan Stanley, travel the world, savoring local foods and wines from Tuscany to California. “We went to Napa. Oh my God. I had so much fun. It was wild,” she says. It’s just the Ruby way. After all, this is a woman who when asked for birthday-present ideas suggests a trip to Arthur Avenue, a woman who takes a suitcase to the Chelsea Market. “Am I a tourist? No, I’m shopping,” she says, letting another wild laugh rip. The travels, though, do stop for one thing, as her husband has found out. “He knows don’t book anything the end of August.” There is one weekend that month when her kitchen is turned into a factory of sorts, eight to 10 bushels of tomatoes being turned into her signature sauce. “That’s what August is all about, the ripest tomato.” As expected, Ruby says she loves to entertain. 66

“I do very elaborate dinner parties.” But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t enjoy going out. “I love a good restaurant,” she says. “I go crazy. My thing is to get into the kitchen with the chef.” When it comes to the local dining scene, Ruby can direct you to a transcendent pasta fagiola in Bronxville or suggest heading to Rye for the best cowboy rib eye. “That’s what I like to do. I go all over. What’s the best of the best?” And she’s a tough critic. “I’m telling you, when I go out to a restaurant, I send it back,” she says of her exacting standards. “I’m not a trained chef, but I have a trained palate.”

FOOD = LOVE

As WAG settles into Ruby’s casual kitchen, she begins to prepare a menu designed to impress. Tequila-infused watermelon with pepper and honey will begin the meal, followed by filet mignon in red-wine reduction with mushrooms and lemon-basil red potatoes. As if that weren’t enough, what follows is truly decadent, a cherry, walnut and chocolate tart. Ruby says food is a comfort – and a sign of love. She remembers the time she had her wisdom teeth out and could barely touch anything. A few

Filet mignon in red-wine reduction with mushrooms.

Cherry, walnut and chocolate tart. Jackie’s Valentine’s Dayinspired table setting.

spoonfuls of sauce made her feel better. “The world could be falling apart and I could eat some sauce,” she says. While Italian style cooking is Ruby’s signature, she is a fan of other cuisines. “I like Asian-fusion, also, I like Spanish.” And watching Ruby cook is a crash course in itself, as she throws out tips with abandon. “If you’re organized in the kitchen, it’s very simple,” she begins. “Everything is about ingredients, and olive oil is crucial,” she says, talking about her favorite brand from France. “It’s grown next to artichokes so it’s infused with that taste. I can never be without this.” And there are the shopping tips. “Whenever you’re out, look for great honey,” she says. Or pick up some dry porcini mushrooms and “put them in a coffee grinder and they become a powder. Poof.” She pulls out a box and asks if you’ve seen cut spaghetti? “It’s perfect when you’re not feeling well,” and proceeds to boil some up for her from-scratch chicken soup destined for delivery to a friend recovering from an operation. Ruby says she is constantly inspired. She can see a dish on television or taste it in a restaurant and be able to recreate it in her kitchen, as she did once with a soup. “My husband’s amazed,” she says. “I make him take me to the A&P at 11 o’clock at night. Anything that was open. And I made the soup and he was amazed.” As she picks up the filet mignon, she shows how she’s cut into each piece. “When I’m cooking steak, I always make a cut,” she says. That way, she

has a window into its cooking status. “It’s always about the sear on the meat,” she says, adding that meat should be brought to room temperature before cooking begins to ensure evenness. And let it “rest” for 15 minutes before serving. The mushrooms now have her attention: “Don’t put salt on them until they’re done. Otherwise they get soggy.” And she likes to spice things up. “You should always buy unique spices wherever you go, because you’re going to be shocked at how you use them,” she says, opening doors to show she follows her own shopping advice quite well. Her table is set with Wolfgang Puck knives. Her pans are by Todd English. “They’re stainless steel with ceramic over them, so they really do cook evenly.” Equipment is key. “Tongs,” she says, holding up a pair. “You never need a spoon or a fork.” And even on keeping a clean kitchen, Ruby has advice. “I find if you clean up as you go, there’s really no cleanup.” Presentation is also key. “Plating is also very important,” she says. “There’s nothing casual in my house… A barbecue? I’ve never done hot dogs and hamburgers in my house.”

A LITTLE ROMANCE

Valentine’s Day is all about spoiling the one you love, so Ruby has chosen to make a special meal. “Most men love meat, and to me, filet mignon is the best of all.” And the dishes she’s preparing this day, she says, are designed to impress a fellow and perhaps even lead to a marriage proposal. “It’s a hit,” she says of her menu. “She’ll be getting that ring one day. ‘Oh, she can cook.’” Her husband, she says, enjoys her approach to food,

from the most elaborate to the very basic. “He likes the way I pair everything together,” she says, and talks about how the couple might make a simple Friday night special with a selection of wine and cheeses. Ruby has plans to take her cooking to a wider audience, though her audition for a cooking show actually led to her being tapped by the same production company for a real-estate program (side-by-side talent?) Finally, it’s time for dessert, with Ruby uncorking some bubbly. “Did you ever have hibiscus flowers?” she asks. Soon, she has dropped one, in syrup, in the bottom of a flute she is filling with Prosecco. “Now that flower’s going to open up. Tell me that’s not impressive.” Though meticulous, Ruby is far from pretentious. If you show interest in a dish, she will send you the recipe – and ask you to let her know how it turns out. It’s simply the way she is. She says she gets “great joy” when she’s able to help someone say, “I can do this.” And, she says with a laugh, some meals can prove pretty successful. Taking our Valentine’s theme to heart, Ruby suggests calling this piece the “How to get the ring meal.” “Want that huge rock? Follow this recipe,” she says, breaking into yet another laugh. And, she says, guys can cook this just as easily as the gals. “He can impress a girl. He can cook. She’ll have to get him a ring.” Before WAG heads off, Ruby suggests one final thing. “You should put a note. If you get engaged, call Jackie.” You heard her… For more details, including information on upcoming cooking classes, contact Jackie Ruby at (914) 4171005 or jacquelineruby@hotmail.com. For recipes of the dishes prepared by Ruby, visit wagmag.com. n 67

The sweet smell of (chocolate) success Story and photographs by Olivia Stumpf

he sweet smell of chocolate and freshly baked pastries fills the air at Chocopologie in South Norwalk. But it’s not just the smells that draw you in. The rugged hardwood floors creek charmingly as founder Fritz Knipschildt greets customers. The lighting is low and the tables, wooden, creating a warm, inviting, picturesque at-

mosphere. Growing up in Denmark, Knipschildt says, his first experience in the culinary arts was as a 13-year-old filling in for his sister as a dishwasher at a restaurant. Knipschildt recalls falling in love with the hustle and bustle of the kitchen – the many cooks in close quarters, the enveloping steam, even the constant clink of the dishes. At Chocolpologie, visitors are able to have a similar experience as they watch pastry chefs prepare spiced hot chocolate or a grilled goat cheese sandwich made with ham, mushrooms and caramelized onions. The most popular item on the menu, the chocolate truffle beignet, is a fried fluffy pastry that oozes with Knipschildt’s homemade chocolate truffles. “It’s like a chocolate explosion,” he says. The “chocolate love” is the ultimate sharing dish, though. It’s a sampler, including a molten chocolate cake, warm baked cookies, ice cream and chocolates. “People order a lot of different desserts and then share,” he says, “which is the way I like to eat.” Knipschildt trained in his native Denmark and worked as a chef in Spain and France in the 1990s before coming to the United States, where he studied hotel management at The New School in Manhattan. With the chocolate industry beginning to flourish and a background in savory cooking techniques, Knipschildt began experimenting with the sweet, infusing chocolate with spices and palatable decadence. “It felt good to be a pioneer in modern chocolate making and bring new spicy-sweet experiences to people,” he says. In 2000, he opened Knipschildt Chocolatier in East Norwalk. Five years later, he moved the business to South

Norwalk as Chocopologie. Although well-known for his truffles and desserts, Knipschildt takes pride in his light-fare menu. Consisting of a few select soups, salads and sandwiches, the menu demonstrates thought and ingenuity. “Life is all about focus. You know, if you do too many things, it’s not perfection. … I want to be known for a place that makes awesome baked goods and chocolates, so that’s what the focus is. As a trained chef, pastry chef and chocolatier, my dream always was to one day be cooking with chocolate.” And Knipschildt does, making Lauren, Chantal, Eleanor and Michelle – a few of his signature truffles, named after friends and family. Each consists of an array of special ingredients. When one of the chocolatiers was asked which one was her favorite, she, of course, replied with the truffle named after her – Valentina. Made with burnt caramel, infused with lavender Provençal and molded in 71 percent dark Ecuadorean single-bean chocolate, the truffle is one delicious example of how Knipschildt takes chocolate above and beyond the familiar milk, dark and white. Sprinkled with chocolate shavings and trays of truffles in every corner, the kitchen invites chocoholics inside during monthly truffle-making classes. Demonstrating the art of being a chocolatier, Knipschildt explains how the chocolate is churned and filled with flavor before being turned into delectable shapes. He even shares a few of his experiments, like a fun tie-dyed truffle or empty truffles waiting to be filled with fusions of caramel, apri-

cot, basil or peppercorn. “I want to make Chocolpologie a household name,” Knipschildt says. Selling his truffles to Whole Foods and Balducci’s, he seems to be on the right track. Knipschildt hopes to focus on wholesale items, delving into cookie and cake mixes along with chocolate powders. While waiting for their orders, Chocopologie-goers are encouraged to take a look at the café’s gallery. Paralleling the open kitchen, the gallery is filled with bright photographs of Knipschildt’s desserts. Viewers can’t miss the display of awards resembling Oscars lining one of the displays. Pretty soon Knipschildt will have a new addition to the gallery – his first book. “Chocopologie” chronicles his culinary story, offering readers a chance to make their own Chocopologie favorites with original recipes, including coconut truffles and new delights like summertime grilled bananas. Noting a mirrored specials menu on the way out, you catch the words “chocolate martini.” Or caramel lovers may notice the chocolate caramel and sea salt cocktail. Whether it’s an enticing beverage or the truffles themselves, Chocopologie offers consistent favorites along with a constantly changing truffle assortment, making every visit a new experience and each bite a mystery. When asked what his favorite truffle was, Knipschildt laughingly replied, “I don’t have one.” But then, does a parent have a favorite child? For more, visit Chocopologie at 12 S. Main St. in South Norwalk or at chocopologie.com. n

wonderful dining

The spirit of love Saugatuck beverage boutique sprung from romance By Andrea Kennedy Photographs by Bob Rozycki

SG+G’s Jeff Marron adds some romance to your Valentine’s Day with his Little Darling cocktail.

Little Darling

1 1/2 oz. Absolut Citron 3/4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 oz. simple syrup 1/3 oz. Grenadine Cava

• Add Grenadine to a highball or Tom Collins glass and fill with ice. • Add vodka, lemon and simple syrup to a shaker. • Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled. • Double strain over fresh ice in the highball glass. • Top with Cava. • Garnish with a lemon peel and maraschino cherry. 70

I hate liquor stores. I can’t help but cringe when I walk into a musty, cramped hovel with a shopkeep stationed behind the register and stacks of uninspired bottles. I yearn for more direction (and décor) than their neon signs scribbled with Sharpies (and fake grapevines) can offer. Lucky for folks like me, Saugatuck Grain + Grape is everything those spots are not. “Before we opened, we made a conscious decision to not look like any other liquor store out there,” says Jeff Marron, who runs Saugatuck Grain + Grape with Mimi McLaughlin. “We wanted to be more like your living room.” Or, perhaps, more like their living room. Marron and McLaughlin have been a couple for more than three years. They opened Saugatuck Grain + Grape together in 2010, filling it with not only choice wine, beer and spirits but also reflections of themselves, their relationship, their living space. “We marry our interests together,” McLaughlin says. “We both love to go antiquing and we just keep adding stuff to it over time. It is very sort of homey.” A 1973 cornflower blue bicycle greets guests as they walk in the door and a red ’62 model sits in the window with a basket full of wine bottles. A vintage washing machine gets packed with ice and oldschool beer cans in the summer while oldfashioned stoplights are posted around the shop (a gift from Marron’s father, who

was a Darien cop). Vignettes and tableaux around their roomy shop feature the couple’s own goods, from copper vessels and candles to quirky cocktail shakers and a copy of “The Wine Bible.” A full-wall chalkboard mural by Manhattan graffiti artist Enrico Miguel Thomas depicts the Westport Metro-North station just across the street. There’s room to look, to walk, to breathe, to admire, to chat and, of course, to drink. “Most people say it feels like coming to a personal cocktail party,” McLaughlin says. “People just like to hang around here – a lot.” A bar it’s not, but Friday nights SG+G, as it’s known, holds weekly tastings, often tapping into McLaughlin’s wine expertise and Marron’s spirit smarts for bourbon, beer, bitters and barrel aging. A more than 20-year industry vet, Marron creates his own concoctions and shares “Musings + Recipes” on the SG+G blog (complete with Monty Python references). “It’s about knowledge and education,” McLaughlin says. “That really transcends the store, which makes us even better. We’re all about personal service – really touching the customer.” Marron runs the liquor and suds part of the shop, keeping it feeling “cool and funky” like “controlled chaos.” Instead of lining up inventory status quo, he displays bottles spread out, on pedestals and at different heights, like the collector he is. “This is kind of like an extension of my liquor cabinet really. I have 450 bottles

Jeff Marron and Mimi McLaughlin. Photograph by Andrea Kennedy.

at home,” he says. “[The layout] makes people sit and stare at the shelf longer, and they’re always going to find a gem.” Good design is one thing – and McLaughlin ensured that by tapping into her 30 years of experience in fashion and interior design – but the clincher at SG+G is their singular selection. “We spend a lot of time cultivating a portfolio that’s about the smaller grower,” McLaughlin says of her wine inventory. “Yes, there will be recognizable brands here, but we intersperse them mostly with things that you won’t find anywhere else.” Off-the-beaten path Italians are one of their strong suits, McLaughlin says, like Claudio Mariotto’s Pitasso, which comes from the ancient Timorasso vines in the Piedmont region. The winemaker has been awarded nationally for his eco-friendly practices. “And we have a really, really kick-ass Pinot Noir section,” McLaughlin says. “We pride ourselves on that.” Marron calls out Arterberry Maresh Juliard Vineyard Pinot Noir, Lioco Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir and Handley Cellars Anderson Valley Estate Pinot Noir as winning “brands you’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere else.” Just as their inventory can be hard to find, so are couples who manage to work together – and still finish each other’s sentences – like Marron and McLaughlin do. “Working together always impacts a relationship,” she says. “We’ve worked really hard to try and keep the relationship on solid ground.” Their story begins not-too-distant from where there are now – working in the beverage industry. “You tell it better than I do,” Marron nods to McLaughlin. She obliges: McLaughlin was running

the wine program at Bill Taibe’s leFarm in Westport. (She developed an interest in wine collecting while working fashion and later took sommelier courses.) One fateful day in 2009, in walks Marron, who worked for Drinks Unlimited at the time, on a run with a liquor rep. As many 21st-century romances go, a matchmaking mutual Facebook friend got the ball rolling. “I texted the friend we had in common and said, ‘Oh, he’s really cute,’” McLaughlin says. “And I guess he did the same.” With shared passions from wine to antiquing, the match practically made itself. The following year, they took the leap – into business. “I knew this place was available and we decided, well, romance and business make a lot of sense,” McLaughlin says, glancing at Marron as the two erupt in laughter. Though her cup of sarcasm runneth over, the two can’t deny their extraordinary shared experience of transforming Westport’s former Liquor Depot into a bona fide beverage boutique. “We did this together,” McLaughlin says. “We each brought all of our talents to this store. You can see every part of us here.” Marron adds that “our strengths complement the other’s weaknesses. It’s important to know that. I’m not going to pretend to be the wine expert when I’m the spirits guy. I look to Mimi for her expertise in that field. If you don’t have that, you’re going to be a lopsided store, and we’re pretty well-rounded.” Any other secrets to their success? “Yeah,” McLaughlin says with a smile. “I like him.” Saugatuck Grain + Grape is located at 40 Railroad Place in Westport. For more, visit saugatuckgrainandgrape. com or call (203) 557-9120. n

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wine

& dine

A wine adventure for the two of you By Doug Paulding

ebruary. Valentine’s Day. Recognizing your lover with some extra attention, some gifts and some romance for a day. It seems woefully inadequate that in the course of a year, a mere 24 hours is given to honoring what should be our most precious gift. Indeed, a month is given each for glaucoma awareness in January and for condom awareness in February. Weeks have been awarded for healthy weight awareness in January and for root canal awareness in March. But for our chosen life partner, confidante and lover, a mere 24 hours of recognition is the accepted norm. It comes as no surprise that people in successful relationships share many avocations, hobbies and dreams. I want to challenge you to make this Valentine’s Day memorable by upping your game, extending the celebration to a month and enhancing your wine awareness collaboratively with your special one. My first serious wine-learning experience was a 20-session, five-month sommelier training course offered by the Sommelier Society of America. It cost more than I wanted to spend but in retrospect, it was probably the best $900 I ever spent. I have friends who have committed to 100 consecutive days of working out and others who commit to a three-day, 270-mile bike ride fundraiser. What if you and your special one committed to a monthlong pursuit of wine knowledge expansion in a do-it-yourself format? It need not be consecutive days,= as life in Westchester and Fairfield counties often requires other obligations. But for 30 days, open up a different bottle, savor it, discuss it, improve your palate and descriptive vocabulary and enjoy each other. Start by downloading an aroma wheel (winearomawheel.com). An aroma wheel has concentric circles with radial divisions. Near the center are broad wine descriptives, and as you move toward the perimeter you will find more finely tuned adjectives to describe a wine. I’ve heard people say, “Why is this important? Can’t I just enjoy it”? If you can describe flavors that appeal to you, it makes it much easier for a sommelier or a wine store representative to steer you toward your desires. 72

Nicole Villari with a bottle of Crémant de Bourgogne to share.

Now download vivino.com into your smartphone. Open the vivino.com app and snap a photo of a wine label and it will tell you virtually everything you might want to know about a wine, from tasting notes, growing conditions, winemaker’s style and number of bottles produced. It will also keep a record of the wines you have enjoyed and where to find them. Many wine bottles today come with a QR code on the back that will give you all this information as well. And some wine consortia, such as Franciacorta and Chianti Classico, provide labels with serial numbers for their member wineries. You can go to their website, key in the unique number and retrieve all this information as well. Two books that everyone interested in improving their wine awareness must own are Kevin Zraly’s “Windows on the World Complete Wine Course” and Mark Oldman’s “Brave New World of Wine.” Zraly’s book is an excellent, comprehensive step-by-step course that will guide you, complete with question-and-answer sections. And Oldman’s book attempts to break people out of old and dull wine choice habits. The books guide readers by asking what they have enjoyed in the past. With this information, lots of suggestions are offered, many from far-flung, lesserknown regions and often at a fraction of the cost. And now for the wine. I would begin this affair with something playful, fes-

tive and bubbly. Look for bubblies that are made in the méthode champenoise or traditional method, as is done in the Champagne region, with the secondary fermentation occurring in the bottle, requiring much more skill and labor. These wines and their bubbles are far better than those made by the bulk tank-made charmat method, such as Prosecco. Try some sparklers from different places and don’t overlook a good sparkling Rosé. Obviously, Champagne must be on the list. Try a Franciacorta from Italy, a Cava from Spain and maybe a Gloria Ferrer (a great value) bubbly from California. I prefer regular white wine glasses over flutes for sparkling wine, which allows them to open up quickly and to express their flavor profile. The bottle should be opened very carefully and never with a pop. The opening sound should be no more audible than a gentle, whispery “pfffft.” Rosés might have to be explored later as the weather warms. I prefer these wines on a boat or on a beach. These wines can also be festive, with colors ranging from salmon to bright, translucent red with fruit-driven flavors that should be delicious on a summer day. Try a few. They are typically inexpensive. The Navarra region, in northern Spain, makes Rosés tasting of strawberries, cranberries and/or raspberries. Simply lovely. Next move on to lighter whites from

around the world. Albariño, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc and Grüner Veltliner are all wonderful lighter wines worthy of exploration. Chardonnay oaked and unoaked, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling could make up the next flight. Rieslings can show so many different flavor profiles that it is important to try several to fine-tune your preferences. Lighter reds would be next in the progression. Check out Pinot Noir, Gamay from Beaujolais Crus, some Sangiovese and some less expensive Bordeaux blends. Heartier and robust reds are easy to find ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot and aged Pinot Noir from Burgundy. The final grouping is likely to be the most expensive, the most unusual and the most fun. Often known as dessert wines they can be savored at other times. These are not the sweet wines of the 1960s and ’70s, such as Blue Nun and Liebfraumilch, which did much to tarnish the German wine industry in general and Riesling wines in particular, by offering up a saccharine, awful wine. These new dessert wines are wonderful, with many flavor profiles. Essentially, flavors are concentrated in any number of ways to make a sweet wine. Grapes from the Sauternes region in Bordeaux are attacked by the botrytis fungus. Ice wines from Canada and Germany and other countries are made from frozen grapes on the vine, which fractures the grape skin spilling some of the liquid and intensifying flavors. Amarones and Reciotos from Italy are picked and sun- or air-dried prior to pressing also to concentrate flavors. Vin Santo from Italy and Greece are barrel-aged for many years. Barrel-aging evaporation concentrates the flavor. All these wines are delicious and are usually quite costly. So ladies and gentlemen, there is your challenge. Embrace the concept of taking this wine adventure together. Obviously it’s not necessary to finish each bottle. Some of them could be recorked for later or used for cooking. Taste some wine together analytically, enjoy a meal, share some evening entertainment, touch each other, hold each other, caress each other. Wine will bring you together. Contact Doug Paulding at Doug@ dougpaulding.com. n

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chic choices Gifts and new products ideal for any occasion compiled by mary shustack

Stress be gone Is stress getting the best of you? Or maybe you have a case of the winter doldrums. Either way, there’s a product designed to perk you right up. It might seem futuristic, but PSiO is the name of audiovisual stimulus glasses that play synchronized sound and light stimulation programs. All programs are on MP3 files and use music, beats or voice narration to aid in personal development. The programs are designed in four categories: balance, wellness, performance and entertainment/music. Each takes you, as promotional materials explain, to a “common, pyschosomatic therapeutic state on the edge of sleep.” The WAG family members who tried the product out said it was indeed relaxing, and isn’t that what we’re all after? $399.99. For more, visit psiousa.com.

Photograph by Bob Rozycki.

chic choices Surround yourself in style

Holiday sparkle

Photographs courtesy Tiffany & Co.

Just in time for V-Day, the folks at Tiffany & Co. – who put the “engage” in the engagement ring – have refreshed their Enchant Collection. A bangle with a 74.27-carat oval morganite and diamonds in platinum and 18-karat rose gold dazzles. (Price upon request.) But we also love the sedate pleasures of Tiffany’s new, rosy Rubedo metal in a scrollwork pendant with hidden hearts ($975) and in heart-shaped earrings ($450). For more, visit tiffany.com. — Georgette Gouveia

Photograph courtesy Farrow & Ball.

Farrow & Ball, that noted paint and paper company, has just unveiled four new wallpaper patterns. The venerable company, profiled in WAG in 2012, remains a favorite of designers and discerning homeowners around the world. All the products are made by hand in a small factory in Dorset, England. The new collection is a nod to both nature and timeless style, integrating a touch of the rustic while putting contemporary twists on classic designs. There’s the drama of Chromatic Stripe (pictured), while a bit of the tropics is interpreted in Jasmine. Parquet offers a contemporary interpretation of a classic, while Samphire draws inspiration from a wild plant that thrives on the British coastline. For more, visit the Farrow & Ball showrooms in Greenwich or Manhattan or farrow-ball.com.

Photograph by Bob Rozycki.

Springtime beauty Mid-February marks the launch of three new products for spring by Dolce&Gabbana – and they are destined to be in the cosmetic bags of stylish women everywhere. The Shaping Eyebrow Pencil ($45) was conceived to enhance the shape of the brow and highlight the natural definition of the eye. The shades, among which are chestnut, soft brown and stromboli, are presented in mechanical pencils with an angled tip to allow precise application of the formula said to last for up to 12 hours. The Perfection Veil Pressed Powder ($60) creates a natural-looking radiance, offering a flawless finish and brightening skin while reducing dullness and shine. It made its debut backstage at the Dolce&Gabbana SS14 runway show in September. And finally, the company reintroduces its Classic Cream Lipstick ($33) collection. An improved formula features 21 new colors to finish the D&G palette of 43 shades. For more, visit saksfifthavenue.com.

Romance in a bottle Lalique has just introduced “Deux Paons,” a 2014 Limited Edition Crystal Flacon Parfum that is destined to become both a favorite scent and a true collectible. The bottle’s stunning design is inspired by a drawing of the “Deux Paons (Two Peacocks)” (1897-1898) pendant by René Lalique and sourced from the private collection of Shai and Shuxiu Lin Bandmann. And the elaborate signed and numbered bottles showcase a scent that celebrates a trio of flowers – a fruity rose, a heady jasmine and a delicately powdered iris. These are expertly blended with a handful of complementary ingredients to create something most memorable. $1,800 for a 100ml/3.3ounce flacon. Photograph courtesy Lalique. For more, visit lalique.com. 75

chic choices Island dreamin’ Just the name is evocative – Hawaii Sea Spirits L.L.C. The familyowned company is based in, you guessed right, Hawaii. And its Ocean Vodka, which is handcrafted on Maui, is named after one key ingredient. Hawaiian deep-ocean mineral water – sourced 3,000 feet below the Big Island – is said to deliver “refreshing and more flavorful cocktails.” In addition, the liquor is USDA-certified organic, 100-percent gluten free and made from organic sugar cane for a smooth, crisp taste. And to top it off? Proceeds from the sale of Ocean Vodka ($32.99) go to support ocean conservation. Raise a glass. For more, visit oceanvodka.com.

Photograph courtesy ELEMENT.

Seemingly sinful We’ve all had those late-afternoon cravings. Lunch is a distant memory, and it’s hours until dinner. Instead of hitting the vending machine and grabbing candy or chips (or both), keep some ELEMENT rice or corn cakes on hand. These made-inItaly products – featuring pure Italian chocolate and yogurt – are designed to be a snack you can feel good about. The treats contain no GMO, gluten, hydrogenated fats, trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, yeast, preservatives or vanillin. What they do have is plenty of satisfying flavor – we love the sweet orange rice cakes – and are low-calorie to boot. $27 for a box of six six-packs. For more, visit store.elementsnacks.com.

Photograph by Bob Rozycki.

Brown-bag it in style Packing up lunch can spark memories of elementary school cafeterias, television showthemed lunch boxes and peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches. While those memories may hold retro charm, they really don’t contain much flair. And today’s lunch-carriers of all ages have plenty more options. SoYoung’s cooler bag and lunch box collections are among the choices. It’s a line already carried by the offspring of such tastemakers as Heidi Klum and Photograph courtesy of SoYoung. Rachel Zoe, so you know they’re hitting the mark. Distinctive in a coatedlinen finish, they contain a leak-proof insulated insert, are versatile (strap on a stroller handle or wear one crossbody) and are also PVC-, Phthalate- and BPA-free. Imagery ranges from a red beet to a pink fawn, a green dinosaur to a blue bicycle, a purple dandelion to a gray robot. From $29.99. For more, visit soyoung.ca. 76

Photograph by Mary Shustack.

On-the-go energy

If a trip to the islands is on tap for this month, there’s a snack ideal to pop into your beach bag. GoBites is a portion-controlled snack – even considered a mini meal – that is jam-packed with nutrient-rich, organic and all-natural ingredients from around the world. This isn’t your everyday packet of granola. Options range from pineapple coconut mix to Eastern Promises, tropical chocolate mix to Mayan Treasure and Path to Tibet to one of those we sampled and enjoyed, Ceylon spice mix. A subscription service allows you to choose frequency of delivery. Selection is by your choice, or simply complete a short questionnaire so the GoBites team can customize a package for you. $1.99 each (sold as a box of 14 for $27.86). For more, visit gobites.com.

R wanders

IO By Cappy Devlin

Brazilians embrace the spirit of Carnival. Photograph by AgĂŞncia 78 Brasil. Inset, Viviane AraĂşjo.

Rio de Janeiro is a study in contrasts, a city of the sacred and the profane. Christ the Redeemer – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – presides above. But Carnival, its dancers and the sensual beaches filled with Girls from Ipanema in mini-bikinis reign below. Years ago, I was fortunate to know a Brazilian journalist who showed me all the sights and sounds of Brazil, especially Rio. Known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (“Marvelous City” in one of the native languages, Portuguese), Rio boasts one of the most beautiful settings in the world. It’s ideally located on the Atlantic Ocean, with paradisiacal beaches, azure skies, lush, verdant mountains and a tropical climate that make it perfect year-round. No wonder it’s a dream destination for any traveler and Brazil’s No. 1 tourist spot.

A day in the life

Rio de Janeiro has long been regarded as the Carnival Capital of the World, which is no doubt why it served as the setting for “Black Orpheus,” the haunting French-Portuguese retelling of the Greek myth. The celebration, which draws 500,000 revelers annually, begins Feb. 28 this year and finishes up on Fat Tuesday (March 4), with Ash Wednesday (March 5) signaling the beginning of Lent, during which you’re supposed to abstain from all bodily pleasures. After Carnival, you may just have to. It’s five wild days of people singing, dancing, partying and in general having tons of fun. The start of each year’s Rio Carnival begins with the crowning of the Fat King (King Momo), who is presented with a giant silver-andgold key by the city’s mayor. At the end of the festivities is the Rio Carnival Parade, also known as the Samba Parade, in which you can see groups of people dancing the samba in the streets and showing off their extraordinary costumes.

On the beach

One of the things to do in Rio by the sea-o is hit the beaches. They are among the best in the world, with a couple like Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Beach appearing on everyone’s list of best Brazilian beaches. Copacabana Beach has more than 2½ miles of pristine, white sand to relax on. However, it can get very, very crowded. Still, it’s worth it. I experienced all sorts of activities on Copacabana, including futevolei (foot volleyball), water sports and all-night partying.

A little farther along the coast from Copacabana, Ipanema Beach has a reputation for being a little more sedate. Although this is known as the “family beach” among Brazilian beaches, it is nonetheless the beach to go to if you want to see the girls parading the latest designs in tropical swimwear. Ipanema Beach is the home of the “tanga” – the mini-bikini. (Who knows? Maybe you’ll see “The Girl From Ipanema” in one.) Ipanema’s outstanding, soft, white sand and cool blue water make this beach very popular for those who wish to do a little swimming with their sunbathing and parading.

Mountain high

You can enjoy a private half-day tour traveling up Corcovado. The mountain, whose name means “hunchback” in Portuguese, sits in the middle of the city and is crowned by Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), a 130-foot Art Deco statue. To get there, you board a mountain train for a scenic trip through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. At the bottom of Corcovado, you join another train that climbs up the beautiful mountain where the statue overlooks the city. Upon reaching the top, 2,300 feet above sea level, you’ll see spectacular 360-degree city views. The highlights of Rio are many – the Maracaña Stadium, the Sambodromo, the parade area, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. But you’ll also want to take a two-stage cable car that brings you across to the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain, where you’ll enjoy postcard views of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and Christ the Redeemer.

Bending it, Rio style

Rio gets in on the action for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which takes place all over Brazil June 12 through July 13. Roadtrips is an excellent company that we work with to put together match packages. The Rio packages offer custom options with accommodations in the famous Copacabana Beach area, including the Copacabana Palace Hotel, and the five-star JW Marriott Hotel. You may want to plan another roadtrip, so to speak, for August 2016. That’s when Rio hosts the Summer Olympics. For more, visit Cappy’s Travel at 195 N. Bedford Road, Mount Kisco. Call (914) 241-0383 or email Cappy@travelby-net.com. n

In Greek mythology, Hermaphroditus, the child of Hermes and Aphrodite, was both male and female. Second-century Roman copy of a Greek work from the second century B.C., Borghese Collection, Musée du Louvre, Paris.

Sex: it’s complicated By Georgette Gouveia

Transgender. Queer. Nonbinary. Welcome to the new normal. Or what Rona L. Holub, director of the Women’s History Graduate Program at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, calls “The Newer Normal.” It’s the title she’s given to the college’s 16th annual Women’s History Conference, this one exploring global perspectives on sexuality and gender. The conference, which takes place March 1, will include panel discussions on such topics as law and gender identity, transgendered children, the evolution of gendered language, health and gender identity, genderqueer and nonbinary identities, transgender activism and the history of sexuality and gender. Among the featured participants is Scott Turner Schofield, a performer and transgender activist. “‘The Newer Normal’ is about the evolution, revolution that will change the face of how we perceive gender and the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) movement,” Holub says. It comes at a time when gays and lesbians have made significant civil rights gains. There are 18 states in this country that now allow same-sex marriage, for example, and that has led to a cultural shift. Gay couples are commonplace in the “Vows” column of the Sunday New York Times – a fact that was alluded to as no big deal on a recent episode of CBS’ “Blue Bloods,” about a family of Irish-Catholic cops. Talk to parents with teenagers, and they’ll tell you that the upcoming generation is equally ho-hum about whether their peers are gay, straight, bi, male,

female, transgender or none of the above. The reality, however, is not so rosy, globally or locally. The “Kill the Gays” law in Uganda, so-called because it originally called for the death penalty for homosexuality; Russian President Vladimir Putin’s anti-gay crackdown prior to the Sochi Olympics; the string of homicides against gay Iraqi teenage boys who dressed in a Western, punk (or “emo”) style – all these suggest that the world is not ready to accept gender and sexual differences. In this country, 32 states still ban same-sex marriage. Closer to home, a Sarah Lawrence student was physically attacked off-campus by a motorist hurling anti-gay slurs. “There’s new violence when things change,” Holub says. She understands that these are challenging times even for people of good will and part of the challenge begins with understanding the language and the etiquette. What, for example do you call your son’s same-sex partner upon marriage? Are they partners still? (That might imply business partners.) Are they husbands? Spouses? What about your daughter’s same-sex partner upon the wedding day? Are they wives? Do we just wait to follow their cues? And what about the terms? What does it mean to be transgendered? Nonbinary? Queer? Holub knows these are loaded words. It used to be that transgendered meant only transsexual, “someone like Christine Jorgensen or Renée Richards, who wanted to alter their

bodies to be the opposite sex,” Holub says. Nowadays, to borrow from Ira Gershwin, it ain’t necessarily so. “It’s very complex,” she adds. Some transgendered individuals want to change part or all of their bodies to conform to the gender they perceive themselves to be. Others don’t. What is clear, Holub says, is that “the transgendered are making people think about gender in a transformative way.” Indeed, she adds, “What if one doesn’t choose to be either?” That’s where the term “nonbinary” comes into play, for those who opt out of considering themselves male or female. And what of queer? It used to be a pejorative term exclusively and is still used as such. But Holub says queer – as in the Q that sometimes now appears at the end of LGBT – stands for “questioning. It embraces all of the people who don’t fit the norm, the people who cross the lines of what’s expected of them.” In that sense, she says, Sarah Lawrence has always had a queer identity as an academic institution willing to challenge conventional behavior, establishing the first women’s history program to offer a graduate degree, in 1972. But it’s not your grandmother’s women’s studies program anymore. “It’s a very significant time,” Holub says, “with things changing overnight, and it will be interesting to see what happens.” For more, click on to slc.edu//womens-history/conference. n

Where love is more than a score t h e g a m e s m e n p l a y. c o m

G E O R G E T T E

G O U V E I A

well French women don’t get face-lifts? Er, not so fast By Michael Rosenberg, MD

Mireille Guiliano, the woman who taught three million of her readers that “French Women Don’t Get Fat” (Alfred A. Knopf), was back at her computer with her latest work, “French Women Don’t Get Facelifts.” Her thesis is that all of us should accept aging like French women do with style and attitude, and the book is filled with advice on how to achieve this end. If you need any convincing that her thesis is correct, she points to Catherine Deneuve, who at 70 remains as vivacious as she was in many of her starring roles. Although her claims about French women and plastic surgery are not factually correct, she does give us much to think about in our own attitudes towards aging and the role of plastic surgery, and in challenging our assumptions her ideas are worth our consideration.

Apparently, there was strong reaction in the Parisian plastic surgery world to the claims in her book. In 1926, one of the pioneers of cosmetic surgery in France, Dr. Suzanne Noel, wrote a book, titled “Aesthetic Surgery,” in which she advised her readers to “Do it, don’t talk about it,” and that attitude has persisted. Much of the research underlying a major breakthrough in face-lifting, the defining and lifting of the SMAS (the firm tissue underlying the fat in the cheek and neck) was performed in an anatomy laboratory located on the West Bank in Paris. A good friend of mine at Columbia University trained with one of the most famous craniofacial plastic surgeons of his day, Dr. Daniel Marchac. Marchac was also well-known for the beautiful face-lifts that he did. As for Deneuve’s timeless beauty, a French friend of mine

familiar with Guiliano’s work commented that Deneuve doesn’t represent the typical 70-year-old French woman, just as Sandra Bullock is not your average 49-year-old American woman. Clearly French women undergo plastic surgery procedures as much as anyone else, so what can they teach us about our own attitudes towards the art? Cosmetic surgery should not be about changing one’s appearance, or dialing the clock back to a different age. At its best, plastic surgery procedures, from Botox injections to body contouring to face-lifts, are about self-image and confidence. When the motivation for a cosmetic treatment is about improvement and enhancement rather than dramatic transformation, the results are most satisfying. In consultations with my cosmetic surgery patients, I try to focus on

the features they have that make them unique and improve and rejuvenate their appearances within those terms. Looking natural and comfortable is always the goal, avoiding an “operated-upon” look. When a face-lift patient comes back and tells me his or her friends and family remarked on how rested or vigorous he or she looks, I take the greatest satisfaction. In the end, it’s about giving people the confidence to feel better about themselves and age gracefully, which is the real message of Guiliano’s book. Learning to accept what we actually are – that’s truly aging with attitude. Sometimes we can benefit with a little help along the way and that’s where plastic surgery is at its most effective, whether you’re French, American or anything else. Please send any questions or comments to mrosenberg@nwhc.net. n

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well The fluid sex By Erika Schwartz, MD

A few years ago, a patient came to see me who told me a story unlike anything I had ever heard before. The patient, in her mid-40s, was very sexual. Indeed, sex had always been very important to her. As a young woman she went to an all-girl college and while initially not sure she had made the right choice, quickly adapted and promptly fell in love with a girl down the hall in her dorm. A brief but torrid love affair with the woman made her decide she was a lesbian, and she immediately told her parents. More short affairs with women followed. By the time college ended, the patient told me, the blush of excitement over sex with women had faded and she proceeded to go to graduate school where she met her future husband. She had two children with her husband and was happy for at least a decade with the

sex and marriage. But as time passed, she started to become bored in her relationship with her husband and while being sexual was still very important to her, she no longer found her husband attractive. Enter the next phase of her life, in which she started to lust for her best girlfriend. As she was trying to figure out what to do with her newfound passion for her girlfriend, she also started to doubt the need for her marriage to continue. Her husband figured out his wife was having fantasies about her girlfriend and promptly took himself and his wife to a marriage therapist. The therapist told the couple that women had much more of a fluid perspective on sexuality than men. According to the therapist and to much biological and psychological research on sexuality, women don’t need to identify themselves as straight, lesbian or

bisexual. Unlike men, many women just move between loving a man or a woman with ease. Gender is a lot less important to some women than the person. Men instead are very much connected to one type of sexuality throughout their lives. It usually takes specific genetic and environmental input to get men to determine their gender perception, which then rarely changes. The patient I was telling you about was unique, not only because she perceived her sexuality as fluid, but also because she was so clear about it and lived her life without fear of repercussions or disapproval from her peer group. As she aged she decided to start another sexual relationship with another man. That affair was so strong and so timely that eventually the man moved in with her and her husband, raising the kids as an extended albeit unconventional family. The end of this story is a lot happier

than many others I know in which too many men and women give up their sexuality and age lonely and sad. Both men seemed OK with the arrangement, and my patient described a very gratifying, sex-filled life with the two men she loved dearly. As she aged, she didn’t go back to love affairs with women but always had close and very loving though asexual relationships with the women in her life. This woman’s story may be strange to you, but there is a lot of research going on looking at sexual fluidity and what it means and how it affects our constantly evolving culture. Maybe the lesson here is that love and lust are about people, not about labels – and that can only be a good thing. For more information, email Dr. Erika at Erika@drerika.com. n

when

& where Through MARCH 23 “Oysters, Pearls of Long Island” – The exhibit features hands-on interactive displays, videos and historical objects that appeal to all ages. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich; (203) 869-6786, Brucemuseum.org.

“Fabien Cousteau Lecture” – This spring, the grandson of famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau will lead an expedition of his own, Mission 31, in the Aquarius, the only undersea marine habitat and lab in the world. Preview this scientific adventure in his special lecture. At 8:00 p.m., The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water St.; (203) 852-0700, maritimeaquarium. org

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 “All You Need Is Love – A Beatles Tribute Concert” – More than 20 Beatles tribute musicians celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ arrival in America. 8 p.m. At the Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge Road; (203) 438-6517, Ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

THROUGH APRIL 26 “Cover Story: The New Yorker in Westport” and “Can’t Tell a Book by Its Cover...” – The Westport Historical Society shares the covers and the stories-behind-thestories of this influential magazine. 25 Avery Place; (203) 222-1424, westporthistory.org.

THROUGH MARCH 23 “Cleve Gray’s Threnody: 40 Years” – To celebrate the big 40, the Neuberger Museum of Art presents “Threnody” (a classical song of mourning) by American Abstract Expressionist Cleve Gray. Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase; (914) 251-6100, neuberger.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 “The Day the Music Died” – Rest in peace Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper, who died in an airplane crash this day in 1959 at the height of their popularity.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 The Avon Theatre Film Center presents “Documentary Night: First Position.” Follow six young dancers as they prepare to enter the world of professional ballet at the Youth America Grand Prix. 7:30 p.m., 272 Bedford St., Stamford; (203) 967-3660, avontheatre.org.

FEBRUARY 6 THROUGH 23 Calling all armchair athletes… NBC’s prime- time coverage of “The XXII Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russia” begins. There will be 98 events in 15 winter sports.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 “Masters of Illusions LIVE” – A touring magic show based on the award-winning TV series. At The Palace, Stamford Center for the Arts, 61 Atlantic St.; 7:30 p.m. (203) 325-4466, stamfordcenterforthearts.org

“Food, Love, Wine” – A Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting Dinner. Enjoy a five-course gourmet dinner, wine raffle and live auction to benefit the Food Bank for Westchester. 6:00 p.m., Tappan Hill Mansion, 81 Highland Ave., Tarrytown; (914) 923-1100, foodbankforwestchester.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 “The Big Brew NY Beer Festival” – A gathering of craft beer enthusiasts (and foodies), with more than 200 tastings from breweries all over the world, will have its inaugural New York launch. 4 p.m., Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; (973) 927-2794, bigbrewny.com. “Bring a Friend” – Marcy B. Freedman, known for her interactions with members of her audience, invites “twosomes” (friends, lovers, siblings, parents and children) to chat with her about the nature of their relationships. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Black Cow Coffee Company, 4 Old Post Road, Croton-on-Hudson; (914) 271-5891, mbf@ bestweb.net

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 “Hudson Valley Wine & Chocolate Festival” – Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes this wine and chocolate event. Come sip wine and sample chocolate from all across our region and buy some goodies from local craft vendors to treat your Valentine. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Putnam County Golf Course, 187 Hill St., Mahopac; (845) 2787272, ext. 2287, PartnerswithPARC.org. “Metropolitan Opera Live in HD: Dvorak’s Rusalka” Renée Fleming returns to one of her signature roles. 12:45 p.m. to 5 p.m., Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge; (203) 438-6517, Ridgefieldplayhouse.org. (Visit metoperafamily.org for more venues and tickets.) “Art and Sex- Part II: 19th Century to 21st Century with David Dunlop” Join Emmy Award-winning painter, art historian and teacher David Dunlop as he discuss everyone’s fave topic, as it applies to art. 4:30 p.m., Silvermine Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Road, New Caanan; (203) 966-9700, silvermineart.org

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 “Mary, Mary” – A Script in Hand Play reading of a romantic comedy that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. 7:00 p.m., Westport County Playhouse, 25 Powers Court; (888) 927-7529, westportplayhouse.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 “The Harlem Globetrotters 2014 ‘Fans Rule’ World Tour” – 7 p.m., Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; (914) 995-4050, countycenter.biz.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday – “Honest Abe,” our 16th US President, was born on this date in the wilderness country of Hardin County, Ky. in 1809. Pop in a DVD of your fave Abe movie.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 It’s Valentine’s Day! Grab your sweetie and head over to the Jacob Burns Film Center for a showing of one of the most classic love stories to ever hit the big screen, “Casablanca,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. This might be the start of a beautiful friendship. 1, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45 and 10 p.m. Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville; (914)747-5555, burnsfilmcenter.org. “Love’s Fire: Shakespeare, Dinner & Dancing” – The Continuum Company, a consortium of professional actors, writers and directors, will present the Bard’s greatest love stories during an evening of dinner and dancing. 7 p.m. to midnight, GARNER Arts Center, 55 West Railroad Ave., Garnerville; (845) 947-7108, garnerartscenter. org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 “Krasnoyarsk National Dance Company of Siberia” – A blend of folk dance, athleticism and energetic music. 8 p.m., Academic Arts Building, SUNY/Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla; (914) 606-6600, sunywcc.edu/ smartarts “Dr. John” – Preview Mardi Gras with his Crescent City Funk. 8 p.m., The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase; (914)2516200, artscenter.org.

FEBRUARY 15 THROUGH MAY 18 “The Art of Video Games” – One of the first major exhibitions to explore the 40year evolution of video games as an artistic medium Organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the exhibit’s stop at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers is its only New York appearance. 511 Warburton Ave.; (914) 963-4550, hrm.org.

FEBRUARY 15 THROUGH 17 Run away and join the “The Royal Hanneford Circus” – Grandma the Clown headlines a cast that includes international circus stars, tigers, performing bears, even cavorting camels. Tickets at Westchester County Center box office or Ticketmaster. Daily shows at 10 a.m. and 2 and 6 p.m., Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; (914) 995-4050, countycenter.biz.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 President’s Day – Although most often associated with Lincoln and Washington, whose birthdays are in this month, President’s Day is a day set aside to honor all those who have ever served in the office. Hail to the chiefs!

FEBRUARY 21 through 23 “The International Gem and Jewelry Show” – Exhibitors from around the world offer a selection of jewelry, including loose gemstones, fine and fashion jewelry and beads at discounts of 20 to 40 percent off of regular retail prices. Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; (914) 995-4050, intergem.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 “Night at the Museum” – This familyfocused benefit will feature a big-screen movie, craft activities, silent auction, full dinner buffet and open wine bar. Children are invited to come dressed in their pajamas for an evening of fun for all. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich; (203) 8690376, jbernstein@brucemuseum.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 “A conversation with Fran Lebowitz” – Author, journalist, social observer, purveyor of urban cool and witty chronicler of the “Me Decade,” Fran Lebowitz remains one of the foremost advocates of the Extreme Statement. On-stage interview followed by a 60-minute audience Q&A. 7:30 p.m., Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge Road; (203) 438-6517, Ridgefieldplayhouse.org. George Washington’s Birthday – We cannot tell a lie: The Father of Our Country was born this day in 1732 in Westmoreland County, Va.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 “2013 Wine Tasting Celebration of Hope” – Enjoy fine wines, hors d’oeuvres, music, raffles, door prizes and more at this fundraising event sponsored by the New York Huntington’s Disease Society of America. 5 to 8 p.m., Vino 100, 171 E. Post Road, White Plains; (585) 643-5239, hdsa.org.

EXPERIENCE SOMETHING REAL THIS F E B R UA R Y GARRICK OHLSSON FEBRUARY 7 • 8pm

GARRICK OHLSSON, piano

Prize-winning pianist and Westchester native presents a program of Beethoven, Schubert, Griffes, and Chopin FEBRUARY 9 • 3pm

THE CROSSROADS PROJECT

Fry Street Quartet A multi-disciplinary event featuring live music, visual art, and compelling science FEBRUARY 15 • 8pm

DR. JOHN

Just in time for Mardi Gras, thoroughly hypnotic and unforgettable Crescent City funk

FRY STREET QUARTET

FEBRUARY 22 • 8pm

UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE TOURING COMPANY

Live on stage for one night only; the very best of improv, standup and sketch comedy FEBRUARY 23 • 3pm

KIM KASHKASHIAN, viola

hosted by WQXR’s Bill McGlaughlin One of the most accomplished chamber musicians of her generation FEBRUARY 18• 7pm

HARLAN JACOBSON’S TALK CINEMA

Foreign or indy ﬁlm preview. What future hit will you see?

DR. JOHN

TICKETS:

www.artscenter.org

914-251-6200 or in person at the box ofﬁce. Box ofﬁce hours: Tues-Fri noon to 6pm Major Sponsorship for the season is provided by The Vivian and Seymour Milstein

Endowed Fund. The Great Orchestras and Chamber Music Series are made possible by

UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE

KIM KASHKASHIAN

generous support from The Tanaka Memorial Foundation. Special thanks to Corporate Sponsors Steinway & Sons and Pernod Ricard USA.

w’reel deal

Fatal distraction Sam’s a sucker for a deceitful dame in distress By Sam Barron Nothing beats watching a movie with a great femme fatale. My first introduction to the world of femme fatales was when I took a film class in high school and we screened “Double Indemnity.” The movie quickly became one of my favorite films. It had everything you would want in a classic film noir – crackerjack dialogue, a hard-boiled crime story and shadowy cinematography. And of course, “Double Indemnity” has one of the most iconic characters of all time – Barbara Stanwyck (subject of a buzzed-about new bio by Victoria Wilson) as Phyllis Dietrichson. Phyllis uses her sexuality to persuade Fred MacMurray’s hapless insurance agent, Walter Neff, to murder her husband on a train, taking advantage of the double indemnity clause in his life insurance policy by making it look like suicide. Fun fact: I got life insurance last year. The life insurance agent hated me after he asked if I wanted double indemnity, and I flipped out, telling him I was worried my mom, my beneficiary, would proceed to murder me on a train. Hapless Life Insurance Agent: “Well, they have laws against that now.” Me: “That didn’t seem to stop Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck. You ain’t killing me.” Suffice it to say, I didn’t get the double indemnity and the agent started looking for a new line of work. Back to “Double Indemnity,” the movie. What makes the film work is just how seductive Stanwyck is and how alluring she comes across. She’s smoking, see, and I’m not just talking about cigarettes. You can totally see why MacMurray instantly falls under her spell. She’s the perfect femme fatale, so bad she’s good, and you end up rooting to see the depths she’ll sink to in order to ensure her plan works. Making “Double Indemnity” even more remarkable is the heat generated by Stanwyck in her scenes with MacMurray. “Double Indemnity” was released in 1944 when the Motion Picture Production Code (also known as the Hays Code) was still in full effect, forcing films to do more tell than show. As someone who has been a tireless advocate for less is more, I applaud “Double Indemnity” for taking full advantage of that approach, making the film even hotter. The sexual tension is just palpable. “Double Indemnity” is easily one of the sexiest films out there. And MacMurray has one of the best voices. There’s no one I’d rather hear spit out the rat-a-tat back-and-forth dialogue than MacMurray. Hollywood needs more leading men like him. Another one of my favorite femme fatales is Uma Thurman in “Pulp Fiction.” As Mia Wallace, she oozes “man trouble” in every frame. While “Pulp Fiction” is not a classic film noir, it combines many elements of the genre from antiheroes to its Los Angeles setting to, of course, the femme fatale. We initially hear about Mia in a discussion between hit 86

Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace, one of my favorite femme fatales in one of the most iconic film images of all time (from “Pulp Fiction”). Photograph courtesy of Miramax.

men Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson). We know she’s trouble, because her husband is a feared crime lord. Vincent is set to take her out on a date but doesn’t feel too comfortable when he finds out the last man who took her out, Tony “Rocky” Horror, was thrown out of a fourstory window for giving Mia a foot massage. According to Jules, he now speaks with a speech impediment. When Mia finally appears, she’s ready to seduce Vincent and she’s seducing the audience. From the moment we see only her lips as she speaks through an intercom, we know there’s something about Mia. She’s a throwback to the classic film noir and Thurman’s performance would do Stanwyck proud. Mia has a reel-to-reel tape player, that intercom and has Vincent take her to an odd 1950s themed restaurant, Jackrabbit Slim’s. She also calls him Daddio, (Vincent responds by calling her Kitty Kat) and tells Vincent not to be a square while air drawing a rectangle. (When they did a callback to this in “Kill Bill,” me and all the Tarantino nerds who went to the midnight showing completely lost it). Despite not being under the Hays Code and featuring one character high on heroin and one character high on coke, the seduction at dinner is remarkably PG. Mia and Vincent make awkward chitchat as they flirt back and forth and share a $5 milkshake. Whenever I order a shake that costs $5, I always call it a $5 shake, but no one gets this reference.

And then it’s time for the dance sequence. It’s been parodied so many times that it’s become clichéd (which can describe a lot of “Pulp Fiction,” to be honest). But man, the twist has never looked hotter than in “Pulp Fiction.” Another fun fact: Contrary to popular belief, Vincent and Mia do not win the dance contest. In a scene later in the movie, you can hear someone talking about the theft of a trophy at Jackrabbit Slim’s. Like Phyllis Dietrichson, Mia eventually leads Vincent down a bad road, though in this case completely unintentionally. As Vincent realizes the situation he’s about to get into and gives himself a pep talk in the bathroom, Mia notices his stash of heroin and snorts it, thinking it is cocaine. We’ve been all there, and it has very dire consequences. Vincent speeding through Los Angeles screaming at his drug dealer as his life flashes before his eyes is one of my favorite scenes in the movie. Unlike “Double Indemnity,” the Mia-Vincent story has a somewhat happy ending. A convulsing Mia is stabbed in the heart with a needle (Don’t try this at home. It doesn’t work in real life), and Vincent and Mia decide never to speak of this incident again. Unfortunately for Vincent, he doesn’t learn his lesson about bad things occurring when he goes to the bathroom. Though “Pulp Fiction” and “Double Indemnity” were made 50 years apart, they show the enduring taste for women who get what they want – and the men who still want them. n

COMPREHENSIVE HIGH-QUALITY TREE CARE AND DEER TICK CONTROL ARTISAN-STYLE ATTENTION TO DETAIL ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE CONTACT

Doug Paulding at dpupatree@aol.com or (914) 533-2255 or (203) 966-6767 and visit www.eagerbeavertreeservice.com for more information.

wagging Doing it doggy style By Sarah Hodgson

Stop right there. Do not let your imagination run wild. This article contains nothing X-rated or kinky, however disappointed you may be. A quick check of the byline and you’ll see it’s me, the dog-training lady, here to report on the sexual cycles of your pet, and the growing controversy surrounding spaying and neutering as they are performed in the United States. First the biology: A dog’s anatomy is similar in many respects to our own. The male dog, known as the “stud,” has a penis and two cylindrical testosterone-producing testicles. The female dog, professionally referred to as the “bitch,” possess two ovaries and a double-horned uterus that links to the cervix. The cervix extends to the vagina, which opens into the vestibule. When dogs mate, the vestibule enlarges, as does the rest of the reproductive cavity, and voilà! Life is on the cusp of renewing itself. You get the picture, though there are a few canine peculiarities that you may not know about: • On average, dogs reach sexual maturity between 6 to 12 months of age. • Male dogs are the only mammals that possess a bulbous gland at the base of their

penises, which swell with blood upon penetration. This forcibly locks the pair until the mating is complete, which takes about 30 minutes. • Female dogs have two reproductive cycles a year, lasting up to three weeks. During the first stage of a cycle, about nine days, there will be a notable swelling of the vaginal tissue and a clear discharge. During the final phase, a bloody fluid discharges, indicating that eggs have been released and it’s party time. During this seven-to-10-day period, she will welcome any stud’s advances. • Female dogs may mate with several different partners. A litter may be the product of more than one stud. You go, girl! • Pregnancy lasts 56 to 58 days, although female dogs can give the appearance of being pregnant when they’re not, which is known as pseudopregnancy. This hormone-induced condition can result in nesting behavior and even milk production. • Dogs do not experience menopause, although an aging dog’s heat cycles can become more irregular. Wow. That’s a lot of potty talk. My 5-year-old son would be proud. Now on to the controversy.

I’ve always pushed my clients to spay and neuter their dogs – as in always, always. I’ve been pro-animal rescue, lending my voice to the initiative for early surgical de-sexing. That is until now. I am on the cusp of a re-evaluation, even as I write this article. While I still support the shelters’ attempts to rein in pet overpopulation, I’ve spent the past months researching the adverse health effects that result in the traditional spay/neuter surgeries as performed in the United States and Canada. I’ve learned that there are other sterilizations procedures available and commonly performed that are equally reliable and far less invasive. Our current practice of altering our pets surgically removes all reproductive organs and corresponding tissues. It has long been touted as reducing mammary and testicular cancers and behavioral frustrations with little adverse affects. However, there are few studies that support these claims. The past decade has gradually presented a different picture. As Dr. Karen Becker, D.V.M. reports (drkarenbecker.com), there is now irrefutable evidence that this

elective surgery shortens a dog’s life, increases cancer rates and cases of Cushing’s disease (which affects many organs) and inhibits bone growth and development. So where does that leave you and me? As a trainer who routinely works with aggressive or behaviorally challenged dogs – many who mark, mount or destroy their homes – I still believe that sterilization can ease their frustrations. But can you sterilize dogs without removing all of their reproductive organs? Yes, you can. There are several procedures, which are common for people in this country, including a vasectomy, hysterectomy and ligation that would sterilize a pet without deforming him or her. These common procedures are performed on pets in Europe and are used in Third World countries as a public service to street dogs. Why aren’t these procedures commonplace in North America? I wish I had the answer. The only one I’ve gotten is that it’s not taught in veterinarian schools. That doesn’t sound like a good enough answer to me. For more from Sarah, visit whendogstalk.com. n

Pet of the Month Brittany is all set for Valentine’s Day with a red Wacoal bra and panties ($27 each), pink-lace leopard-print panties ($12) and a satin box of Godiva Chocolates ($50). All goodies courtesy of Bloomingdale’s in White Plains.

In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Helena says of her friend – and rival – Hermia: “And though she be but little, she is fierce.” The same might be said of Brittany. Though this adorable 2-year-old Chihuahua-terrier mix is small, she is fierce – in the best sense of that word – with a playful, big-dog personality. Brittany, who was rescued from a high-kill shelter, has an endearing little under bite that will melt your heart. Her spunk means she can run with the best of them. She would love a family that will treat her like the little princess she is. To meet Brittany, visit the SPCA of Westchester at 590 N. State Road in Briarcliff Manor. Please note: The SPCA does not accept deposits, make appointments or reserve animals for adoption even if it has spoken about a particular dog or cat with you. It’s always first-come, first-served among applicants, pending approval. The SPCA is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. To learn more, call (914) 941-2896 or visit spca914.org.

Swing into Spring Fashion Show

Silent Auction & Luncheon Sunday, April 6, 2014 Hyatt Regency, Greenwich 11:30 am - 2:30 pm All proceeds to benefit

For tickets call (203) 622-7998 or visit www.communityanswers.org

Featuring: Brooks Brothers; Lilly Pulitzer; Stella Mâ€™Lia; and moreâ€Ś

Corporate Sponsors: Cummings & Lockwood, LLC Exclusive Media Sponsor: WAG Serendipity

Benefit Committee: Sonal Khichadia, Chairperson Shalini Ahmed Radhika Patel Brooke Bohnsack Chitra Shanbhogue Nipa Kumar Liane Tel Meera Kurup

watch Poetry and music

Area residents raised more than $40,000 for the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at the 11th annual “Music for Parkinson’s” concert held recently at Rye Country Day School. This year the chamber music concert featured performances by the Attacca Quartet, clarinetist and event cofounder John Stine, pianist Gena Raps and poet Robin Morgan. 1. Robin Elliott, Robin Morgan and David Eger 2. Rhona Johnson 3. Denny Jacobson, Naomi Stine and Martin Mintz 4. Andrew Yee and Steve DeWitte 1

Park and recreation

The Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve saluted Bernadette Castro, former commissioner of New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, recently at the Rockefeller Playhouse. Former New York state Gov. George E. Pataki was the special guest. Honorary chairpersons for the event were David Rockefeller, Lucy Rockefeller Waletzky and Ann Rockefeller Roberts. Proceeds from the gala went to carriage roads maintenance and other special projects of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Photographs by Margaret Fox.

5. George Gumina, Clare Pierson and Carol Lyden 6. Lucy Rockefeller Waletzky 7. Dr. Peter Guida, Bernadette Castro and Bill Cunningham 8. George and Libby Pataki and Dr. James Watson

All identifications are left to right unless otherwise noted. 90

Truth to power

What makes a woman powerful? Being authentic, understanding that perception – of herself and others – is key to success and finding the balance that is joy in whatever she does. Those were some of the thoughts gleaned at Westfair’s “Powerful Women in Finance” event held Jan. 16 at The College of New Rochelle. Suni Harford, a managing director and regional head of markets for North America for Citigroup; Carla Harris, vice chairman, global wealth management, managing director and senior client adviser at Morgan Stanley; and Peyton R. Patterson, president and CEO of Bankwell Financial Group had the audience of 300 mulling, applauding and questioning. Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, a partner in the advertising and public relations firm of Thompson & Bender, was once again the expert moderator. Photographs by Bob Rozycki. 1. Suni Harford, Judith Huntington, Carla Harris and Peyton Patterson 2. Tanya Thomas and Kim Bianca Williams 3. Peg Conover and Pat Kinsey 4. Keyes Clemmer and Maria Valente 5. Gaby Dioguardi and Hope Salley 6. Danielle DiMartino and Christina Rae 7. Jami Weill, Alisa Kesten and June Burkee 8. John Ritacco, Rick Rakow and Sue Cole 9. Marni Robin, Laura Keuhn and Doris Braun 10. Allison Williams 11. Dr. Scott Newman, Kerri McPhillips, Velislava Kirilova and Jessica Vespertino 12. Delon Turpin, Nakita Gibbs-Springer and Petronella Phillips

watch

Star-studded lineup

Midtown Manhattan was all aflutter recently with the opening of NYY Steak, a three-story flagship steakhouse at 7 W. 51st St., which is a collaboration of Hard Rock International and Yankee Global Enterprises. On hand for the opening were current and former baseball stars Mark Texeira, David Cone, Roy White, Dwight Gooden and Mickey Rivers. Bernie Williams (former centerfielder) and his All Star Band performed to the delight of the crowd. Kris Jenner, Jason Binn, Ava Mullen, Christina Milian, Delaina Dixon, Jill Zarin, Michael Cartellone, Mark Messier, John Wernke and James Lipton came out to support the new rookie in the Manhattan dining lineup. 4. Bernie Williams 5. Elliott Lopez and Christina Milian

Hollywood heartthrobs at the Burns

Two of Hollywood’s hottest actors stopped by the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville to promote their recent film releases. New York Times’ critic and Burns Center President Janet Maslin interviewed Jake Gyllenhaal and Bruce Dern after screenings of their acclaimed new movies. Gyllenhaal, star of “Prisoners,” joined screenwriter Aaron Guzikowski for a Q & A discussion of their new thriller, while Bruce Dern shared insights into his Golden Globe-nominated film, “Nebraska.” Both actors graciously signed movie posters after these popular events. Photographs by Lynda Shenkman Curtis and Ed Cody. 1. Aaron Guzikowski 2. Jake Gyllenhaal 3. Janet Maslin and Bruce Dern

Not going by the Wayside

To celebrate the season, the Junior League of Central Westchester hosted a holiday open house at historic Wayside Cottage at 1039 Post Road in Scarsdale. Attendees enjoyed homemade desserts and hot apple cider. New JLCW members and children dressed up in colonial costumes and treated guests to tours of the cottage which was decked with authentic Colonial holiday decorations. 6. Colonial revelers celebrate the season at Wayside Cottage.

B’way comes to Stamford

More than 800 were in attendance for Stamford Hospital’s ninth annual “Dream Ball” held recently at the Tully Health Center. Jeff Rosen, national investigative correspondent for NBC’s “Today” show, served as emcee. The evening’s events included a paddle raise for additional neonatal ICU equipment, a silent auction, dinner, dancing and entertainment by The Doo Wop Project, which features cast members from Broadway’s “Jersey Boys.” The more than $700,000 raised will support patientcentered care and other vital programs at the hospital.

La dolce vita

Recently Neiman Marcus welcomed Ippolita CEO Joe Cavalcante to its Westchester location. Cavalcante introduced an exclusive enhanced trunk show collection of Ippolita jewelry and was on hand to work with customers throughout the afternoon. Guests savored biscotti and other Italian cookies along with cappuccinos straight from the Ippolita cappuccino bar in the store.

1. Ginny Landle, Carol Fedele, Patti Sheinbaum, Lisa Molinaro, Maddy Cohn, Rose Mongillo, Susan Gulliver, Andrea Bass, Beth Weiss and Jamie Krug 2. Darrell Harvey, Brian Grissler and Peter Sachs

3. Joe Cavalcante and model Krystle 2

Supporting arts education

Record Champagne ball

Phelps Memorial Hospital Center recently held its 26th annual Champagne Ball at the Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor. Lucy Engelhardt – former vice president of nursing, with 27 years of service – was this year’s honoree. The event raised more than $565,000 and welcomed a record number of guests (425). Fund-a-Cause donations exceeded $215,000, which will be used for the purchase of the Steris Real View System for the new Surgi-Center now under construction at the hospital. 4. Keith Safian, Lucy Engelhardt and Richard Sinni 5. Laurie and Bud Zimmerman 6. Pam and Paul Terracciano

Surrounded by a roomful of delighted Yonkers’ schoolchildren, Cathie Schaffer, president of First Niagara bank’s tristate region, and Melissa Marcopoto, vice president and relationship manager for business banking, presented Jeffrey Haydon, CEO of the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah, with a check for $5,000 for its Underserved Youth Arts Initiative. 6

7. Jeffrey Haydon, Melissa Marcopoto and Cathie Schaffer

watch Party in the sky

Thompson & Bender, the public relations, advertising and marketing agency, held its annual holiday event at the Sky Lounge, 42 The Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester in White Plains Dec. 19. More than 150 business leaders, as well as local officials and dignitaries attended, including Westchester Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. Photographs by John Vecchiolla. 1. Judith Huntington 2. Steve Magneson, the Rev. Craig Chapman, and Seth Mandelbaum 3. David Buchwald 4. April Langus, Katy Coppinger and Dee DelBello 5. Marge Schneider and Michael Schiliro 6. Dan Conte, David Leftwich and Jeff Dziak 7. Jerry McKinstry, John Ravitz and Matt Richter 8. Kevin Plunkett with Elizabeth BrackenThompson and Geoff Thompson 9. Michael Smith 10. Eliza Oâ€™Neill and Willa Brody 11. John Sullivan and Anne Pollard

Want to be in Watch? Send event photos, captions (identifying subjects from left to right) and a paragraph describing the event to hdebartolo@westfairinc.com. 94

SEASON BEGINS MAY 3 AT WESTCHESTERâ€™S PREMIER CULTURAL ATTRACTION!

Kykuit

HISTORIC HISTORIC

HUDSON HUDSON

the Rockefeller Estate

Stunning architecture, spectacular gardens, world-class art... spend the day here and find inspiration around every corner.

Buy tickets in advance...

hudsonvalley.org

tickets + info online or call 914.631.8200

Open Seasonally for Guided Tours

Visitor Center at Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow

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wit wonders: When have you felt most powerful?

bedder

campagna

colaco

daly

eggleston

epstein

fleming

mcturner

moses

ramos

schlientz

straub

“When I feel confident I feel most powerful.” – Christine Bedder, chief of staff, 42 The Restaurant, Bethel resident “Crossing the finish line at the New York City Marathon, November 2005, my first of nine marathons to follow. At that very moment crossing the finish line, I knew unequivocally, having just run 26.2 miles, I could do anything. I was strong. I was powerful of mind and body.” – Nancy Campagna, director of Community Relations at The Bristal, Bronxville resident “When I gave birth to my children. With my youngest child, I looked down and saw him. That’s pretty powerful.” – Maria Colaco, blogger, The New York Mom, Long Island resident “Taking the concepts of my events and watching them come to fruition. Being that I have planned thousands of events – including fashion shows and charitable and corporate programs – I realize those make a difference and help others, which in turn makes me feel good. To know that what I am doing has raised funds to benefit a nonprofit organization or others in need is amazing.” – Denise Daly, manager, public relations, Bloomingdale’s in White Plains, Armonk resident “At the end of the evening when the kids are in bed, my job is accomplished and I’m relaxing with a glass of wine, I feel pretty powerful.” – Lenore Eggleston, director of marketing and development, Westchester Philharmonic, Norwalk resident

“I have felt powerful when I was naive enough to think I had control over that which none of us really do. I felt good, really great if I caught an early melanoma or made people feel better about themselves with a little bit of cosmetic work. I have felt amazing when I did something of benefit for my children or husband. But feelings of power come in time-limited bursts.” – Wendy A. Epstein, MD, Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Grand View-on-Hudson resident “For me, it was after the whole breast cancer thing. Once I was past treatment and surgery and really starting to feel better and get back to work, I realized my whole outlook changed in such a positive way. Everything I do, I do with joy, because I’m so thankful to be alive.” – Lisa Fleming, marketing director, The Look, New Rochelle resident “I feel most powerful when I use my boutique to give back. We do charitable events like our Holiday Benefit Fashion Show. A portion of the proceeds went to My Sister’s Place. To be able to cut a check to that organization made me feel at my best. I still get chills thinking about it.” – Louisa McTurner, owner of WeezieD., Yonkers resident

“I feel most powerful when I’m able to assist someone getting into school or securing viable employment.” – Miguel Ramos, director of Graduate Admissions, The College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle resident “I work with college students for The College Media Advisors’ Convention….When we offer information about the different industries they can go into, that’s when I feel most powerful. I feel I made an impact on their lives.” – Katie L. Schlientz, founder of the food blog Intoxikate.com, Tarrytown resident “I feel most powerful when I provide information and connections to our nonprofit members so that they can efficiently and effectively fulfill their missions and make Westchester a great place to live, work and do business. For example, our recent Resource Forum gave nonprofits access to many free and inexpensive resources that they didn’t know about – free legal services, training opportunities, volunteer connections, and more.” – Joanna Straub, executive director of Nonprofit Westchester, Croton-on-Hudson resident

“When I was a New York Post reporter and my presence made powerful bullies nervous.” – Peter Moses, president, Moses Communications, White Plains resident

Compiled by Georgette Gouveia. Contact her at ggouveia@westfairinc.com. 96

@RPlayhouse

80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT • (203) 438-5795

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CELEBRATE A DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY!

"All You Need Is Love" A Beatles Tribute Concert Friday, February 7

ROCK SERIES

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of band arriving at idlewild Airport (now JfK) on the exact day! hear the iconic album love album live, note for note, all 26 tracks.

Golden Dragon Acrobats presents “Cirque Ziva” Sunday, March 2 the newest show from producer and world renowned impresario Danny Chang!

Fran Lebowitz

Clannad

Saturday, February 22

Thursday, February 6 WORLD BEAT SERIES

the most successful band in the Celtic music genre! with their new album Nádúr.

Now’s your chance to talk to Fran!

entertAining entertAining ConverSAtionSSerieS SerieS ConverSAtionS

Delta Rae

Gin Blossoms

With Special Guest Tommy and the High Pilots

Change to with hits “hey Jealousy,” “Allison road,” “found out About you” and many more!

ROCK SERIES

they are one of the hottest acts performing at Bonaroo, voodoo festival and many others! vh1 hand selected them for their "you oughta Know" Artist of the Month program. with their hit “if i loved you” and more!

Wednesday, February 12

A new twist on the after work "happy hour" - Come hang out, have a drink, meet new people and hear some really awesome music by an up and coming musician! each ticket holder gets a free glass of wine!

Thursday, March 6

ROCK SERIES

Join us for a rare performance as the band performs the trinity Session in its entirety.

Cheap Trick

Tartan Terrors

Join us for a dessert reception, giant chocolate fountain, free glass of champagne with every raffle ticket purchased and a rose for every woman and a great show by CheAP triCK!

With Special Guest The Mighty Ploughboys

Friday, March 7

Wednesday, February 12

A wild celebration of Celtic song and dance!

ROCK SERIES

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Dickey Betts & Great Southern Saturday, March 8

Saturday, February 15 ROCK SERIES

with their hit song “Ain’t nothing wrong with that” and many more! one of rolling Stone’s 100 greatest guitarists of all time!

Angélique Kidjo

With Special Guest Chris Berardo & The Desberardos ROCK SERIES

with hits Ramblin’ Man, Jessica, Blue Sky and more!

Matt Schofield Thursday, March 13

Thursday, February 20

grammy award-winning music recording artist deemed "Africa's premier diva" by time Magazine. Known for her dynamic and uplifting music!

ROCK SERIES

Cowboy Junkies The Trinity Session

Jay Nash

ARTIST SERIES

Join us for a live on-stage interview followed by a 60-minute audience Q&A. fran’s topics range from politics to life in nyC, Andy warhol to literature and her opinions on everything!

Thursday, February 27

Saturday, February 8

LEAF EMERGING

GREAT SHOWS!

With Special Guest Carly & Eliza Doyle Coffin ArChiteCture Singer Songwriter SerieS

LEAF EMERGING ARTIST SERIES