wagmag June 2011

June 2011

Cindi bigelow ‘steeped’ in family history for broadway’s Weisslers Life is more than a stage

merica A

Treasures in katonah Garden antiques in Barbara Israel’s backyard

Rooted in

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June 2011

rooted in america 11 BORNE BY THE RED,

WHITE & BLUE 13 LIVING THE THIRD ACT 16 NO GNOMES ALLOWED 20 SCENT-UAL PLEASURES 24 IRVING’S SPANISH ODYSSEY 26 TELLING IT LIKE IT WAS 28 The road to antiques 33 The original

Antiques ‘Road’ Show 34 ACCENT ON THE ECLECTIC 40 MANLY MAINTENANCE 47 THE REAL TEA PARTY 60 Personal Journey 74 CIGARS:

THE GREAT EQUALIZER 78 LEAVING THE WORLD

IN THE DUST Broadway producer Fran Weissler in the formal garden of her spectacular waccabuc home.

See page 13.

Rooted in America 2

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June 2011

Features

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Sittin’ pretty.

38 wares

Mélange à trois (or more).

44 wear

Well-suited.

46 whims

Flirty footwear.

51 way

Living with history.

55 wear

Natural resources.

58 wear

Milliner on a mission.

66 well

The paths to great skin.

67 well

Make the leap from good to great.

68 well

Beyond the pale.

70 hotblocks

Everything old is new again on Ridgefield’s Main Street.

76 wheels

Muscling in on Ford and company.

80 wise

Euro import, Yank ingenuity.

82 wine&dine

Zin-fully American.

83 weekend

Take a day trip back in time.

86 time

Upcoming events.

87 worthy

Antiques shops.

88 watch

We’re out and about.

95 class & sass

With Martha Handler and Jennifer Pappas.

96 wit

We wonder: What brings out the Yankee Doodle in you?

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Rooted in America 4

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straight talk.

PUBLISHER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dee DelBello FOUNDING PUBLISHER Mary Ann Liebert EDITOR IN CHIEF Georgette Gouveia EDITOR Bob Rozycki

) ,

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ART DIRECTOR Caitlin Nurge

SENIOR STAFF EDITOR Kelly Liyakasa

,

)

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, ,, , , , , , , , , ,

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY David Bravo

CLASS & SASS COLUMNISTS Martha Handler • Jennifer Pappas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Ryan Doran • Bob Rozycki MEDICAL SPECIALISTS Dr. Michael Rosenberg • Dr. Erika Schwartz

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FINANCIAL SPECIALIST Scott Weinfeld FEATURES ADVISER David Hochberg

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STYLIST Patricia Espinosa CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jane K. Dove • Bill Fallon • Geoff Kalish, MD Emily Liebert • Jené Luciani • Barbara Nachman Dana Ramos • Dr. Julia Sabetta • Mary Shustack PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Alison Kouzmanoff RESEARCH DIRECTOR Alissa Frey CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Sylvia Sikoutris DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Susan Barbash DIRECTOR OF SALES CONNECTICUT Marcia Pflug

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SALES REPRESENTATIVE Jed Wilson WAG A division of Westfair Communications Inc. 3 Gannett Drive, White Plains, NY 10604 Telephone: (914) 358-0746 Facsimile: (914) 694-3699 Website: thewagonline.com Email: ggouveia@westfairinc.com All news, comments, opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations in WAG are those of the authors and do not constitute opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations of the publication, its publisher and its editorial staff. No portion of WAG may be reproduced without permission.WAG is distributed at select locations, mailed directly and is available at $12 a year for home or office delivery. To subscribe, call (914) 694-3600, ext. 3020. All advertising inquiries should be directed to Susan Barbash at (914) 358-0746 or email sbarbash@ westfairinc.com. Advertisements are subject to review by the publisher and acceptance for WAG does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service. WAG (Issn: 1931-6364) is published monthly and is owned and published by Westfair Communications Inc. Dee DelBello, CEO, dd@thewagonline.com Marie Orser, Chief Financial Officer Barbara Hanlon, Associate Publisher Anne Jordan, Sales Manager Caryn McBride, Executive Editor Bob Rozycki, Editor

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waggers DAVID BRAVO

JANE K. DOVE

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Bill fallon

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GEOFF KALISH

KELLY LIYAKASA

JENÉ LUCIANI

BARBARA NACHMAN

Jennifer pappas

Dana Ramos

MICHAEL ROSENBERG

ERIKA SCHWARTZ

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Scott weinfeld

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Classy, sassy waggers Martha Handler and Jennifer Pappas.

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Rooted in America 8

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ur theme this month is Rooted in America, which allows us to cut a wide swath across our landscape – gardens, antiques and most important, history.

The gardens enable us to interpret the motif literally. We visit one of the great public gardens in the country right in our own backyard –The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, where science, history and art intersect and where a 50-acre first-growth forest lets you experience nature as our native forebears first saw it. We meet Katonah’s Barbara Israel, the gentleman farmer’s daughter whose love of gardening led her to become one of the doyennes of garden antiques. And Dana Ramos chats with Broadway producers Fran and Barry Weissler – nominated for 12 Tony Awards for “The Scottsboro Boys” – whose Waccabuc gardens include an amphitheater that brings new meaning to the phrase “home entertainment.”

But even our garden stories hold the seeds of other subjects. From garden antiques, we branch out to antiques of all kinds as Mary Shustack takes us on a tour of many of the region’s premier shops and home-design businesses, including United House Wrecking in Stamford, and files a reporter’s notebook on her bus-capade to the antiques market in Brimfield, Mass. Meanwhile, Patricia Espinosa shows us how to Refresh our décor with antique, vintage and retro pieces.

While the Weissler story reminds us that musical theater was born in the U.S.A., “Rooted in America” can also mean an import that has become one of our own. Geoff Kalish – our own Yankee Doodle Dandy, born on the Fourth of July – tells us how Zinfandel, made from grapes originally grown in Croatia or Italy, was introduced here in the early-19th century.

Now it’s red, white and Zinfandel. The stock market is another example of a Euro import given an American spin, as our “Wise” guy, Scott Weinfeld, explains.

Then there’s our luminous covergal, Cindi Bigelow, who presides over the company that bears her

family’s name and that is the number one producer of specialty teas in America. Her savvy leadership enables tea lovers to think of the U.S. of A. in the same breath as England, China, India and Ceylon.

She’s just one of the businesswomen in this issue – Barbara Israel, Fran Weissler and Eastchester milliner Barbara Whitworth are others – who embody the American entrepreneurial spirit. That they happen to be women reflects the changing face of the American economy, in which women are now the primary breadwinners. That, too, is Rooted in America.

But as the movie “Amistad” noted, “Who we are is who we were.” Ultimately, this issue is about history, a subject that live-for-the-moment, forward-thinking Americans are not supposed to be good at or with.

Americans, former President George W. Bush said, don’t like looking in the rearview mirror. Yet, as Waccabuc documentarian Philip Kunhardt (page 26) knows, history is not the past. It’s the story of the past. And everyone, Shakespeare said, has a story.

We tell a lot of stories here – of spas that give the guys equal time and itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny swimsuits, muscle cars born of childhood dreams and auto racing that satisfies the American thirst to streak across the landscape of time.

It’s the kind of stuff that reinforces the very American notion, encapsulated in the Kander and Ebb song, that “It’s Not Where You Start, It’s Where You Finish.”

And it reminds us that the history of our country, our culture, our very selves is always alive to us – to comfort and inspire – whether we’re stopping to smell the roses or leaving the competition in the dust.

Rooted in America

Borne by the red,white & blue

By Georgette Gouveia

W

hen President Barack Obama visited Ground Zero May 5, he placed a wreath there made out of red roses and blue and white hydrangea by Flowers of the World, a shop that once stood in the World Trade Center.

Red, white and blue have always been the colors of America’s most resonant moments.

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center after 9/11, for instance, was festooned only with red, white and blue lights. But how red, white and blue got to be America’s primary colors is a slippery story.

The Stars and Stripes were said to be modeled on the Grand Union Flag that George Washington used at the beginning of the American Revolution. It contained 13 red and white horizontal stripes and a Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom, in the field where the stars now shine. The Grand Union Flag was similar to the flag of the British East India Company, whose colors were, of course, red, white and blue.

There are those who think that Old Glory may have also been inspired by the Washington family’s coat of arms, with its red stars and stripes on a white background.

In any event, on June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing a national flag with 13 horizontal red and white stripes, representing the original colonies that defied England and a group of 13 stars on a blue backdrop. The number and constellation of stars would change as states entered the union. Today we set aside June 14 as Flag Day. The Continental Congress made no provision as to the meaning of the flag’s

colors. But when it adopted the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776, it did authorize a committee to devise a seal for the new nation, which did not come to fruition until June 20, 1782.

And the red, white and blue of the Great Seal did have special meaning, according to Charles Thompson, the secretary of the Continental Congress: “White signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue, vigi-

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lance, perseverance and justice.”

For years, the flag and its colors were untouchables in popular culture. That began to change in the middle of the 20th century with Jasper Johns’ flag paintings, icons of Abstract Expressionism that nonetheless foreshadowed the Pop Art movement. In the ’60s, the flag and flag motifs became symbols of rebellion, cheek and experimentation.

Remember the flag on the back of Peter Fonda’s motorcycle jacket in “Easy Rider?”

Today flag motifs and red, white and blue designs turn up in everything from bikinis to Martha Stewart’s home furnishings to Lynyrd Skynyrd songs.

In the words of “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean:” “Three cheers for the red, white and blue.” n

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Living the third act The Weisslers, like their shows, must go on

By Dana Ramos Photographs by David Bravo

Reflecting pool on the Weissler estate in Waccabuc.

Open-air ampitheater where the Weisslers’ have hosted performances.

“I’m beside myself, did you hear the news?” Fran Weissler is breathless on the phone from her New York City office. “We just got 12 Tony nominations for ‘The Scottsboro Boys.’”

The Broadway musical, one of a long list of shows produced by Fran and Barry Weissler, tells a true story of Jim Crowera racial injustice using the provocative format of a minstrel show. Although critically acclaimed, it closed last fall due to disappointing box office.

Now with the multiple nominations, the Weisslers have the incentive to bring the show back to New York even as they prepare to tour it.

“We are stunned,” she says. “To get 12 nominations on a closed show? One maybe, but this is unheard of. But, it’s also revalidating.”

Tony awards have become something of a regular occurrence for the Weisslers, who last year won their sixth for the hit revival of “La Cage Aux Folles,” which starred Kelsey Grammer as the cabaret owner and Douglas Hodge (best leading actor in a musical) as his lover, the “chanteuse” Albin/Zaza.

“I don’t really like the word, ‘revival,’” Fran says. “There’s a sort of negative connotation to it. I mean, when someone stages ‘Macbeth,’ no one calls it a ‘Shakespeare revival.’ When a musician plays Mozart, it isn’t 14

referred to as a ‘revival.’ We create productions of wonderful originals as well as classics, which are very important for the public.

It would be awful if no one had the opportunity to see shows like ‘My Fair Lady.’”

Call it what you will – a restaging, a fresh production, a new presentation –revivals have been very good to the Weisslers, who have been married 42 years. They began humbly with small companies and productions until they struck gold in 1982 with a Broadway production of Shakespeare’s “Othello,” starring James Earl Jones and Christopher Plummer. From there they went on to over two dozen shows, most on Broadway, including revivals of “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Grease,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Gypsy.” But the one that was – and is – their longtime cash cow is their 1996

production of “Chicago,” which won six Tony Awards and is the record-holder for the longest-running musical revival on Broadway. And it’s still running.

The Weisslers can certainly stake a claim on theater history.

I meet them on a Saturday at their weekend home in Waccabuc. (There is also a home in the city and another in Palm Beach.) Fran looks 20 years younger than her 83 years and has the energy and enthusiasm to match. She is trim and casually elegant – a portrait in black – and greets me warmly with apologies for having run a little late for the interview.

“We did a run-through of the touring company of ‘Chicago,’ and we meant to get here earlier. We’re so sorry, sweetheart, please come sit down.”

I soon understand that this is just the

way their lives are: Bustling, creating, doing – and not just for shows, but also for their family, friends and nonprofit organizations they care about.

Barry is 11 years younger than Fran.

Wearing a blue-jeans jacket and fashionable graded sunglasses, he looks cool enough to ride a Harley or headline a rock band. He joins us on the patio, where the couple poses for photographs on this fantastically beautiful day. Pink blossoms are on the crabapple trees and the sun nudges aside cotton-puff clouds. It almost seems as if a set designer worked to create a perfect outdoor scene and lighting.

Beyond the patio and lush gardens, you can glimpse the striking outdoor amphitheater, where the Weisslers hold private benefit concerts featuring well-known performers. Designed as a “land sculpture”

Arch of greenery focuses eye on sculpture.

by artist Beverly Pepper, it looks like something you’d find on Easter Island, with dramatic, geometric concrete-based slabs that form the seating, stage and backdrop.

Barry announces that he has to run off. Since he is the one who manages the business, along with being involved in the creative aspects, I ask him what is Act 3: Where is theater going and what does he think the future will hold?

“There are 33 houses all filled with shows and two or three backed up waiting to get in. The future is already happening, everything is as busy as it could be right now.

There’d be even more shows on Broadway if we had more theaters to put them in.”

With that emphatic proclamation, he makes his exit.

The Weisslers started out as out-oftown tryouts: Fran was born in Utica and raised in Boston; Barry in Jersey City. It is surprising to learn that Fran never had a background or even any interest in theater until “I married into it. Maybe I saw one or two shows. But I never took a drama class or anything. Nothing.”

But she discovered, after working with Barry, that she had creative talent and instinctive know-how. She is highly involved in the entire process of making a show come to life from attending auditions and creative sessions to hiring writers, actors, directors and choreographers.

“It all starts with the producers,” she says. “Then getting the right directors and creative team is very important. Also knowing when to back off and let others do their thing. And there is always a big element of luck in anything with showbiz. We’ve been very, very lucky – 27 shows and all but a couple of them have succeeded.”

Fran also feels lucky to have two children— and four grandchildren—that she “absolutely adores.” The kids have no interest in show business at all, which makes her happy.

“Too stressful, too risky. I’m glad they are both working in other fields.”

Her son is a businessman; her daughter is involved in family social work.

What’s waiting in the wings?

“We’re in the talking stages of putting on ‘Zorba the Greek,’ with a major star in the lead. I think that’s going to happen. In London, we’ve been working on a production of the Roald Dahl children’s book ‘Matilida.’ We’re working on an adaptation of ‘Waitress’ — did you ever see that film? It’s wonderful. And another completely new and original musical for Broadway.”

That’s a lot of work for two people who would normally be retired by now.

“We’ll never stop. Never. This is how you stay young and healthy. Keep busy, keep working, don’t stop.”

Like the show, the Weisslers must go on. n

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Rooted in America 15

Hebe in Barbara Israel’s allée of bluebells.

16

No gnomes allowed Barbara Israel brings whimsy to gardens without the clichés

By Georgette Gouveia Photography by Bob Rozycki Barbara Israel likes to talk to and about her statues. At her five-acre weekend home in Katonah – which serves as the showroom for Barbara Israel Garden Antiques – there’s a 19th-century French garden sculpture of Princess Marie Adélaïde of Savoy, mother of Louis XV, dressed as Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt.

Israel loves everything about the work – the dynamic drapery of Diana’s tunic; the articulation of the smallest details, like the goddess’ fingers and irises; the curl of her faithful dog’s tail.

Near her is another Diana-like figure, a sleeker 1970s bronze. It, too, depicts a goddess and her dog. The way they are placed, however, suggests that the older Diana is eyeing the younger one.

“She’s giving her a nice look,” Israel says conspiratorially. “She’s jealous.”

And knowing the intrigue of the French court, Israel adds, “I’m sure Marie Adélaïde was jealous, too.”

This imaginative approach to garden sculpture and history is part of what makes being with Israel such a tonic, although the setting alone would be enough. On a crystalline spring morning, the dance between nature and culture is thrown into sharp relief. Sensuous female embodiments of the seasons, studly nudes of the gods Bacchus and Mercury, fierce Foo dog sentinels and playful turtle and frog fountains dot a landscape that is also graced by perennial gardens, Japanese maples, dogwoods, azaleas and an allée of bluebells.

Israel herself looks as crisp as the day in creamy corduroys that match her white-blond hair and pearl studs, her pale blue sweater mirroring the color of her eyes.

On a side lawn, there is an absolutely massive tree root – 11 by 7 feet, 14,000 pounds – dating from 1700 that Israel imported from Dorset, England. From a nearby tree, a wooden swing hangs, leading the eye to the 1830 columnar white clapboard house just beyond. It’s enough to make you want to plunk down on the front porch and dream awhile.

Enhancing the busman’s holiday is the dollop of whimsy that Israel adds to her work. She once dressed up a statue of a dryad, a wood nymph, to celebrate the New York Giants’ 2008 Super Bowl victory, complete with an Eli Manning jersey and a football in the nymph’s raised hand. (She did the same when the Jets were in the playoffs, proving she’s an equal-opportunity fan.)

On another occasion, she put a broom in the hand of a male nude from the early 20th-century.

“I don’t know if it’s important,” she says of her sense of humor. “But I bring it anyway.”

Her playfulness belies a profession that requires painstaking research into garden history.

“That’s our favorite thing,” she says of a team that includes Sylvia Falcón, Charlie Johnson and Eva Schwartz.

“One of the things we want to know is what these pieces are. Our customers want to know.

“It’s why I wrote the book,” referring to “Antique Gar-

A 1970s bronze Diana figure, part of Barbara Israel Garden Antiques.

17

den Ornament: Two Centuries of American Taste” (Harry N. Abrams, 1999), which brings together fountains, urns, statues, sundials, seating, fencing and other objects from 1740 to 1940.

When Israel got into the game in 1980, “there wasn’t a lot of research, because (garden ornamentation) was not respected. I’d go to a (design) show and they’d look at you as if to say, ‘Oh, you’re bringing in that wooden thing.’ But it’s what kings and princes loved.”

It’s what Israel loved from the time she was a child, although she may not have known it then. She grew up on a farm in Far Hills, N.J., where she and her sister discovered a pair of Foo dogs, or Chinese guardian lions, lying about the property. The Foo dogs now guard her Katonah home, while a pair of reproductions “roam” the gardens.

In her book, Israel recalls sneaking around Blairsden in Peapack, N.J., a Louis XIII-style house and garden that “more than any other playground had an irresistible attraction for me.”

The Roman emperors she encountered as she peeked through the trees at Blairsden’s formal garden would serve her well when she and husband Thomas, a private equity investor, bought their Katonah home in 1980. An avid flower gardener, she was invited to attend an estate sale on Long Island featuring outdoor sculpture. She bought all 40 pieces.

Here Israel mimes the fateful phone call

to her husband: “Honey, guess what?”

Suddenly, she was in the antique garden ornament business. It must’ve been kismet. She arranged for a show and broke even the first day.

Today Barbara Israel Garden Antiques is composed of hundreds of pieces, mostly from England, dating from the Middle Ages to the 1940s, though she wouldn’t pass up a great find like the 1970s Diana.

(Reproductions, grouped under the name Garden Traditions, make up a small part of her business.) The works range in price from a few hundred dollars to $100,000plus, for the jealous Diana. Her clients are mainly landscape architects and professional designers, though she does have private clients and makes new connections at events such as the splendid 19th annual Antique Garden Furniture Show at The New York Botanical Garden.

Among her pieces, Israel is partial to classically inspired women like Diana – the swirling movement of the drapery and hair, the character in the faces and stances.

But she gives her men equal time. She can’t for the life of her understand why her early 20th-century bronze male nude – the one she adorned with a broom – hasn’t had any feelers.

“Isn’t he cute?”

For more information about Barbara Israel Garden Antiques, call (212) 7446281 or visit barbaraisrael.com. n

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Scent-ual pleasures Botanical Garden is a perennial that keeps on giving

By Georgette Gouveia

The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.

Photograph from Mark Pfeffer.

20

T

he New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is a place where science, history and art happily meet.

That’s because it is, in the words of its president, “a classical botanical garden.”

“First, it’s about the horticulture and beauty of the garden in a setting that is a national historic landmark,” Gregory Long said.

“Secondly, it’s about public education, from the school kids who visit to the Ph.D.s in plant science.

“And thirdly, it’s about plant research and conservation, including plants for medicinal use.”

The inspiration for this three-pronged approach sprang from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London. In 1888, Nathaniel Lord Britton, a Columbia University professor of botany and geology, and his wife, Elizabeth Gertrude Knight Britton, a scholar of mosses, traveled there and admired the way Kew Gardens blended a museum, an educational program and a research facility. When they returned, they launched a public campaign to create a similar institution here.

On April 28, 1891, the New York state Legislature incorporated The New York Botanical Garden, directing founders and successors alike to establish

The new Azalea Garden at The New York Botanical Garden. Photograph by Ivo M. Vermeulen.

and nurture “a public botanic garden of the highest class” on 250 acres in the northern part of New York City “for the collection and culture of plants, flowers, shrubs and trees, (and) the advancement of botanical science and knowledge … and for the entertainment, recreation and instruction of the people.”

That mandate is vividly on display in one of the most romantic exhibits ever to come to The New York Botanical Garden – “Spanish Paradise: Gardens of the Alhambra” (through Aug. 21), which captures the sights, sounds and scents of the Alhambra, the iconic fortress of al-Andalus, or Islamic Spain (7111492), that still gleams like a ruby over the city of Granada. The world of al-Andalus, which comprised all of modern-day Spain and much of Portugal, was a golden age of culture, sophistication, erudition and religious tolerance. It ended when the royal Roman Catholic couple Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon drove the Muslims out and expelled the Jews in 1492 – the same year Columbus came to America.

But though the Jews and Muslims were driven from the Iberian Peninsula, they could not be driven from the Iberian soul. Their cultures survive in the melismas of the Spanish flamenco and Portuguese fado, in the intoxicating perfume of imported Mid-

dle Eastern flora and the intricate geometric design of the architecture, with its filigree embellishment and delicate, scalloped arches.

On April 28, 1891, the New York state Legislature incorporated The New York Botanical Garden, directing founders and successors alike to establish and nurture “a public botanic garden of the highest class” on 250 acres in the northern part of New York City.

The New York Botanical Garden evokes the fountains, arcaded courtyards and especially the vegetation of the Alhambra at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the Victorian glasshouse that is one of the Botanical Garden’s signature buildings.

“We’re very interested in the history of garden design,” Long said. “Spain has not only a very strong Middle Eastern influence but also that of ancient

21

Rome with its villa gardens. Before the Muslims arrived in the eighth century, Spain was a Roman colony.”

So conservatory visitors will find a summer garden filled with Mediterranean touches – fragrant citrus, lavender, jasmine, rosemary and roses; burbling basins, pools and fountains.

As befits such a multifaceted institution, the conservatory show is just one part of the Botanical Garden’s Alhambra salute. The William D. Rondina and Giovanni Foroni LoFaro Gallery in the LuEsther T. Mertz Library offers “Historical Views: Tourists of the Alhambra,” which charts the course of Lord Byron, Scottish painter David Roberts and other cultural adventurers who captured the Alhambra of the imagination. Among them was Tarrytown author and onetime American minister to Spain Washington Irving.

(See related story.) With more than a million catalogued items, the elegant celadon and white Mertz Library is the biggest botanical library in the world, one that is open to everyone, although the small circulating portion of 3,000 to 4,000 volumes is only available to

Botanical Garden members.

The final aspect of the Alhambra homage is a Poetry Walk along Perennial Garden Way containing 16 boards filled with the sensuous words of Federico García Lorca, a son of Granada who was shot to death by Fascists during the Spanish Civil War. Readings of his work, tastings, gardening demonstrations and flamenco performances complete the Alhambra experience.

The García Lorca poetry boards should entice visitors to explore the Botanical Garden. Not that they need much encouragement. There’s the new 11-acre Azalea Garden; the 50-acre Thain Family Forest, an uncut forest that provides you with a glimpse of what Native Americans first saw; and various native-plant, rock, children’s and family gardens.

These are just some of the myriad offerings that contribute to a sense of well-being at the Botanical Garden, visible in the smiles of workers and staffers alike and in the children who flit through the picnic areas, sporting paper hearts like butterfly wings.

“It is,” Gregory Long said, “a place of many pleasures.” n

“Distant View of the Sierra Nevada,” an 1833-34 lithograph by John Lewis, part of The New York Botanical Garden show “Historical Views: Tourists of the Alhambra.” Courtesy The Hispanic Society of America.

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Sunnyside gardens. Photograph by Bob Rozycki.

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irving’s spanish odyssey

H

e was perhaps the quintessential American author, one who put a fledgling United States, and New York in particular, on the cultural map. And yet, he was the consummate cosmopolitan, at home in the capitals of Europe.

Washington Irving – who gave us “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle” and popularized such New York-isms as “Gotham” and “Knickerbocker” – spent seven key years in his adult life in Spain.

He figures prominently in “Historical Views: Tourists at the Alhambra,” part of The New York Botanical Garden’s salute to the signature Islamic Spanish fortress in Granada. (See related story.)

It is somewhat ironic that such an American writer should be so closely associated with a foreign country. This, after all, was the native New Yorker who as a boy of 6 met his namesake, President George Washington, in New York City, our nation’s first capital. (A watercolor of Washington patting the child on the head still hangs in Sunnyside, Irving’s charming “snuggery” of a home in Tarrytown.)

This was the writer whose satirical “A History of New York” (1809), written under the pseudonym Dietrich Knickerbocker, and “The Sketchbook” (1820) helped Americans to understand something of themselves, says Dina Rose Friedman, site manager of Sunnyside.

At the same time, Irving – who published on both sides of the Atlantic simultaneously to avoid copyright infringement – also served notice to the Europeans.

“He was the first American to earn his living as a writer,” Friedman said.

Up until Irving, she added, Europeans did not think Americans capable of that kind of intellectual and cultural endeavor.

But Irving was capable of that and more. He had to be. Faced with his family’s failing trading company, he headed to Europe to earn a living in 1815 and stayed there for 17 years.

Several of those years (1826-1829) would be spent in Madrid, where he worked on four books on the conquest of Granada and the life of Christopher Columbus.

“Spain appealed to Irving,” she said.

“There was a sense of the romance of the place. He was interested in its folklore, its legends, the sheer beauty of the landscape.”

By Georgette Gouveia

An 1830 oil portrait of Washington Irving by Gilbert Stewart Newton. Gift in memory of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Jr. by her children. Courtesy of Historic Hudson Valley, Tarrytown.

Seeking fresh inspiration, Irving spent the early summer of 1829 living in the Alhambra, long past its golden Moorish prime. Yet his subsequent “Tales of the Alhambra” (1832) is redolent of the romance he sought and imagined, with soft moonlit nights filled with gypsy strains and bougainvillea.

“It appears to me like a dream,” he wrote to friend Henry Brevort of the Alhambra, “or as if I am spellbound in some fairy palace.”

The Botanical Garden’s “Historical Views” show, which draws on the rich collection of the Hispanic Society of America in Manhattan, plumbs Irving’s Iberia with a display of his Spanish diary, a first edition of the “The Alhambra” and a notebook in which he practiced the Arabic alphabet and Arabic script.

In addition, Historic Hudson Valley in Tarrytown, which administers Sunnyside along with five other Westchester and Dutchess counties properties, has lent one of the Spanish daggers and Irving portraits from his home.

The claims of duty would soon break the fairy spell of the Alhambra and Irving found himself at a diplomatic post in London before returning to New York in 1832. He bought the Tarrytown property in 1835, christening the renovated site “Sunnyside” in 1841.

However, diplomacy would bring him back to Spain a year later, this time as U.S. minister.

Four years later, he returned to Sunnyside, where he completed his five-volume life of George Washington before dying there Nov. 28, 1859 at age 76.

Spain never forgot the enchanted American. Friedman was pleased to see Irving’s Spanish odyssey featured at the Alhambra when she visited there 10 years ago.

The master of Sunnyside was also, it seems, a man of Granada.

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Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s home. Photograph by Bob Rozycki.

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Telling it like it was Philip Kunhardt is drawn to influential lives of past

By Dana Ramos

P

hilip Kunhardt’s family history is about history itself.

Going back to great-great grandparents, his forebears have been passionate about documenting and studying the lives of great Americans, particularly that of Abraham Lincoln.

“My father was a writer and eventually became the managing editor of Life magazine. He was interested in the interplay of photos and stories and applied that to history.”

Kunhardt’s father also co-wrote one of the most famous books on Lincoln, with his mother, Dorothy Meserve Kunhardt, “Twenty Days: A Narrative in Text and Pictures of the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln.”

Although she was a serious scholar and historian, Dorothy Meserve Kunhardt is best-known for her 1940 creation of one of the most enduring and popular children’s books – “Pat the Bunny.”

“Six million copies and still selling,” Philip laughs, amazed that his family has this particular fame attached to it. “She essentially invented the genre of interactive books. And they just released an iPhone app of ‘Pat the Bunny,’ which is currently the number-one downloaded app.”

Kunhardt can chart his family’s love of history even further back, to his greatgreat grandfather, William Neal Meserve, who fought in the Civil War and wrote a memoir that was eventually illustrated but never officially published until the 1980s. Meserve’s son, Frederick, treasured that memoir and began collecting original photos from the Civil War, including those of the most famous photographer of the day, Mathew Brady, who is credited with being the father of modern photojournalism.

Kunhardt shows me a large pine box with “Brady’s Originals” engraved on the top. Although the box is now empty, it still has the dividers that once separated and protected glass negatives of albumen prints, which were used in Civil War-era photography.

“This was Frederick’s. He became a well-known photography expert and collected over 200,000 photographs.”

Many of those photographs are now part of the collections of the MeserveKunhardt Foundation (mkfound.org), which Kunhardt helped establish with his brother Peter and their father. They’re now housed at the Purchase College Library.

We’re in Philip Kunhardt’s colonial

26

style house in Waccabuc, where Kunhardt and his wife, Margie, have raised four children. The living room is cozy, with muffled acoustics created by hundreds of books lining built-in shelves and lying on nearly every available surface – a coffee table, a piano top and a chair. In addition to photographs, Frederick Meserve passed down quite a few historically significant publications – most of which were donated to Vassar College, though his descendants have kept some. In addition to the old books, Philip has amassed many more of his own.

“I have books all over the place and at least a thousand in boxes.” A peek through the kitchen and into the den confirms that the house is indeed a bookworm’s domain.

Abraham Lincoln must be in the Kunhardt family DNA because of the intense interest that has been passed down through the generations. Philip’s brother Peter is also a highly acclaimed scholar and documentarian. The two have collaborated on books and films for PBS and other networks on the lives of many American presidents and historical persons. Philip has also appeared in lectures and on TV programs, such as “Today”

“We are still working on becoming what we want to be. We have a flexible system, and it’s capable of improving. The democratic spirit is good.” ... (On the architecture of america)

and “Larry King Live.” Lincoln has been the center of much of his work.

“2011 is the 150th anniversary of the start of Lincoln’s presidency and the beginning of the Civil War,” he reminds me, and shows me two of his co-authored books on the great man. “‘Lincoln Life-Sized’ is my most recent work. But the one I consider the great labor of love in my life is ‘Looking for Lincoln,’ which is coming out in paperback in the fall. Through pictures and words, it tells the story about how the public came to understand Lincoln after his death.”

In addition to carrying on the family tradition of historical research, Kunhardt has also become an educator, bringing boundless enthusiasm and passion to sig-

nificant figures and events in America. He is currently serving as distinguished scholar in residence in the humanities at New York University, where he teaches classes on Lincoln, of course, but also on other transformative figures, such as suffragist Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King Jr. and Frederick Douglass — an abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman.

“Our young people often get just one line in a history book– not even a whole paragraph – about these incredible people like Douglass. And yet, reading and learning about these amazing historical figures has the power to inspire and influence a person’s entire life direction. Like it did with me, when I first began to read about Lincoln.”

But history has to be taught properly, Kunhardt insists, and this is where he shines, bringing deeper meaning, connection and understanding through the art of storytelling while eschewing the recitation of dry facts and dates.

“There is history and there is the meaning of history. That something occurred on a certain date is irrelevant unless it relates to what is happening today. I have a responsibility to demonstrate why history is significant, to put everything in context.”

Kunhardt rises to grab a book, then sits, switches chairs and stands again.

“I hope what I do will inspire others to realize that they – like the great figures of the past – can transform their own lives and the lives of others.”

With enthusiasm comes energy. Kunhardt has added yet another ambitious project – creating and founding the Center for the Study of Transformative Lives at NYU. “The center will foster research, teaching and education on the lives of influential individuals,” he says. “The advisory board has a healthy list of prominent philanthropists and scholars, which will surely help bring this center to fruition.

But like all startups, they could use more investment, and are planning star-studded fundraisers.”

How does Kunhardt view the future for America? How will our history read?

“I’m fairly optimistic. We have a powerful founding core that can grow and adapt. It’s not always played out properly.

We are still working on becoming what we want to be. We have a flexible system, and it’s capable of improving. The democratic spirit is good.”

Kunhardt is available for lectures and can be reached at PhilipKunhardt.com. n

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the road to antiquities Forget the GPS, this trip requires legwork

By Mary Shustack

W

Artwork on display at Briggs House Antiques in Mamaroneck.

28

hen it comes to shopping for antiques, the venues are often as diverse as the antiques themselves.

There are those quirky little places where you have to squeeze and duck, maneuvering your way past vases and scooting around armchairs.

There are also vast warehouses where you see row after row of offerings, spread out like a furniture showroom or encased in glass display cabinets that echo the feel of a museum.

Then there are the old-fashioned multi-dealer shops, where individual booths offer as much variety as the classic shopping mall.

No matter the setting, though, antiques lovers are always ready for another quest.

And luckily, the cities, towns and villages of Westchester and Fairfield counties step up to the challenge. There is no shortage of places to shop for antiques or collectibles, sometimes very close to home, sometimes a bit farther afield.

In the end, though, it’s all about the piece you find and its story – what you got, where you got it and how it fits into your life.

At Briggs House Antiques in Mamaroneck, co-manager Jennifer Lamb says the shop, a 25-year-veteran of

#158 WAG MAG JUNE 2011_Layout 1 5/19/11 9:51 AM Page 1 Left, detail of a lamp base and right, a pair of fanciful porcelain plates at Blithewold Home in Mount Kisco.

the Sound Shore area, is all about offering “things that people really use.”

Owner Loraine Bauchmann’s 15,000 square feet on Boston Post Road are filled with substantial items, for the most part, making the shop a favorite among decorators.

“We provide those big pieces they need,” Lamb says. Much here has a simple silhouette. “It’s harder to find simple stuff.

It really is. It’s easier to find something that’s carved to death.”

A recent afternoon visit saw the shop’s inventory range from an 1810 bookcase from Wales to a Victorian round mirror to a delicate pair of 1925 Collingwood tea cups from England. The space also included industrial furniture from France, a wealth of Art Deco prints and a George III oak rack, circa 1820 England, lined with 1940s French enamel plates.

It’s all brought in to serve the customers’ goal, Lamb says: “They’re furnishing houses.”

But, there’s always room for the idiosyncratic, from an oversize chalkboard hanging with a cat theme to a post-office desk with countless compartments.

Cap a trip to Briggs by popping over to Mamaroneck Avenue to continue the hunt. Whether it’s chandeliers, chairs, paintings or glass, the offerings at Chatsworth Auction Rooms & Furniture Studios delight the senses. The shop has that truly vintage feel, from the wooden floors that creak to the pressed-tin ceilings.

Across the street, at Den of Antiquity, colorful wine glasses, ornate chandeliers and elaborate statues crowd the window, beckoning you inside to take a better look.

If you’re in the mood for a dose of Shabby Chic, the look popularized by Britishborn California designer Rachel Ashwell, head to Cottage Antiques in South Salem.

Lisa Miller’s shop is found within Gossett Brothers Nursery, and shoppers will relish finds ranging from vintage vases to quilts to costume jewelry. There’s also painted furniture with a rustic edge, from an antique cottage door to a vintage vanity.

Nearby, The Yellow Monkey in Cross River has an understated elegance. Heidi Johnston’s helmed the 40-year-old shop the past dozen years or so, offering an eclectic mix of furniture and decorative pieces with a definite point of view.

Just the diversity of 19th-century finds is indicative of Johnston’s searching to bring the unusual into her shop. Shoppers will wander the space and see everything from an English farm table to an oak barley-twist candle stand. Other offerings include a Swedish painted clock, mercury glass candlesticks, French lyre-back chairs, carved gilt mirrors and a Dutch pine chest of drawers. And don’t miss the vintage pond boat that stands more than 5-feet tall.

“I started to just mix it up, because I don’t feel everyone lives with a room full of precious antiques,” Johnston says. “The antiques are the thing that grounds it.”

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Owner Heidi Johnston (and shop mascot Scout) at The Yellow Monkey in Cross River.

Johnston knows customers associate Yellow Monkey with antique farm tables.

“I’m always looking for one that’s a little bit different,” she says. “I’m hoping that I’m offering something oneof-a-kind.”

A farm table might be a traditional pick, but Johnston shows how a recent customer surrounded hers with chairs reupholstered in lime-green leather. Talk about pop.

With decorating services and a workroom, Johnston can help a customer fit pieces into his own décor.

That’s also the goal of Sandra Saiger, who has owned Blithewold Home in Mount Kisco for 18 years. Antiques, she says, help people connect with history.

Saiger points to some wonderful children’s prints from France, explaining how she found a first-edition Babar book and framed the individual pages.

“They are really fantastic, because you never get the color you have in the original printing,” Saiger says of the collector’s items.

Throughout the jam-packed shop, there are lamps and porcelain plates, wicker chairs and bar accessories.

Items, many of them hand-selected on buying trips to England, France and Belgium, combine function with style.

All, Saiger says, are selected for “somebody decorating an elegant but very comfortable home.”

And when it’s time to decorate the garden, stop by Fleur, also in Mount Kisco. This cozy space is filled with garden ornaments and antiques along with decorative accessories, with some wares showcased in an outdoor area enlivened with wisteria. After a swing through Mount Kisco, poke around Bedford or Pound Ridge, as well.

Sadly, there are many places that were once known

as antiques destinations, but times have changed. That doesn’t mean they are no longer worth a look. Just think of Nyack, where longtime shops such as Remembrances or Towne Crier Antiques remain, as does the Franklin Antique Center. Same goes for Tarrytown, which has seen a number of shops come and go in recent years. Going strong, though, is Pretty Funny Vintage on Broadway, where two floors of a Victorian home are filled with “antiques & curious goods.” This is the place to pick up a vintage typewriter, a one-of-a-kind dress or dive into the table overflowing with costume jewelry.

Some shops are specialized, such as Sallea Antiques in New Canaan, where more than three centuries of boxes, from tea caddies to desk accessories, are featured along with porcelains, brass finds, paintings and books.

Silversmith Inc. in Greenwich is another specialized shop where Mark Fakundiny oversees the family business that began in 1967. While a destination for silver repairs, the shop is also the go-to place for “mostly antique and estate silver,” he says.

Collectors also stop by to check out the selection that ranges from Georgian (late 1700s) to mid-century American and Arts and Crafts pieces.

The tiny shop’s cases glisten with candlesticks and platters, napkin rings and pitchers, frames and gravy boats.

Styles range from fanciful filigrees to simple stateliness.

While specialty shops are plentiful, make a point to keep tabs on consignment and thrift shops. By nature, the selection varies, but antiques, from furniture to estate jewelry, can often be among the mix. Some reliable sources include Penny Pincher in Bedford Hills, Accents on Antiques in Pelham and Silver Lining in Ridgefield, to name just a few. Auctions, of course, are another prime

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source for antiques.

When a full day of antiques is sought, make a bit of a road trip. Meander along Route 7 in Connecticut, stopping here and there or head right out to Westport to see if anything tempts.

Woodbury even calls itself “the antiques capital of Connecticut,” with some 30 dealers clustered in historic homes in and around Main Street.

Back in New York, check in with what’s happening along another Main Street – in Putnam County’s Cold

Spring (a perennial favorite for day trippers) or see what’s going on up in Columbia County’s Hudson, which came to fame as a designer’s paradise.

For those who simply don’t know what they want – or want to be dazzled – head to Stamford.

Within a few blocks near the harbor, in a warehouse district clustered around John, Canal and Dock streets, are a handful of antiques shops and centers where variety abounds.

Leave plenty of time, as you won’t want to rush.

Take the Connecticut Antiques Center on Canal Street. It’s got a stylish feel, with visitors first seeing things like vintage Valentino sunglasses, Judith Leiber bags and the like. Delve farther into the space to see Winston Churchill memorabilia, a shelf of colorful, collectible beer steins and plenty of pictures depicting ocean and ship scenes.

Hidden Galleries on John Street boasts 350 dealers showing in more than 47,000 square feet. Yes, it feels like an airport hangar if you look up. If you look straight ahead, you’ll be amazed. A handful of display cases is a tiny tease to the massive showroom beyond, where shoppers can spend hours looking at everything from circa 1910-20 French doors to a delicate perfume bottle or an offbeat collection of 100 antique wooden tops, playing days now over and displayed in a custom-made shadow box.

Herb Hauser of John Street Antiques Center says visitors won’t be disappointed at his welcoming space, either.

After all, it’s the hunting ground not only for decorators and collectors but also movie stylists in search of props.

It’s easy, after all, to outfit an entire room with the variety of chairs, lighting, art and accent pieces found throughout this laid-back space that has its own charm.

“As it comes in, we just put it some place,” Hauser says.

That is, until it goes home with yet another customer scoring a find.

As Hauser says, Stamford’s offerings – much like the rest of the region – are deep and diverse.

“This area right around here is the mecca,” he says.

“We get people from all over the world.”

And lucky for us, it’s all close to home. n

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32

the original antiques ‘road’ show

By Mary Shustack

Brimfield has been called the world’s largest antiques show. But that’s just part of its allure.

To really understand what makes the famed antiques market in Brimfield, Mass. so special, you really have to make the road trip to the event that traces its roots from the 1950s.

I didn’t make my first visit until 2007 but have been back every chance I could since, including a sunny Thursday last month.

For six days every May, July and September, some 5,000 dealers from around the world gather. They set up shop – or in most cases, tent – in one of more than 20 fields that stretch for a mile of Route 20 in this small town.

The shoulders become the walkways, as shoppers lug, wheel or pay a porter to deliver their treasures while cars, pickup trucks and buses snake along the two-lane road that cuts through the activity.

This time, I headed to a field I’d not seen before, Mahogany Ridge, to start my day.

Some vintage hats on funky mannequin heads lured me into one booth.

Next thing I knew, I was talking to Marcia Sklar, a dealer from (of all places) Yonkers – here I am, hours from home and meeting

Left, vases of all time periods and styles and right, an array of Windsor chairs at Brimfield, Mass.

up with a local.

But then again, Brimfield is all about serendipity and surprise.

Sklar, whose booth was filled with vintage hats, clothes and more, told me she was selling by necessity: “I’m just an obsessed collector who needs to let go of some things, except for my poodles.”

And with a chuckle at that, I was off for six hours of exploring as many fields as I could manage before my dusty shoes told me it was time to stop.

I’d look at Windsor chairs and 1940s vases, a stately 1931 Lincoln touring car and 1950s kitschy tablecloths. There were French porcelains and grandfather clocks,

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Art Nouveau pendants and old barn equipment.

Most dealers were friendly, willing to chat and share stories about what’s filling their booths.

Carol Mataruso of Newport, N.H., drew me in with her Tin Hearts creations, quirky characters the artist fashions out of found objects such as doll heads and vintage tin cans, while Jeff Cotton of Decatur, Ga., took the time to tell me about the breathtakingly gorgeous 1895 Bradley & Hubbard lamp base with an original Victorian shade recovered in vintage fabrics.

Martin Greenstein of Manhattan, who shows locally at the Hamptons Antique Gal-

leries in Stamford, was another dealer having a good show. His booth was filled with Art Deco and mid-century Modern pieces, from a Danish console to an Eames chair to art glass and silver objects.

“The activity’s been fabulous,” Greenstein said. “There’s been more dealers here, more buyers here.… There’s just a lot of enthusiasm.”

And that’s the heart of Brimfield: People are excited by what they see. It might be something you’ve been searching years for.

It might be something you didn’t know existed.

Sure, the economy has hit the antiques world, like everything else. Sales might not be soaring. Collectors may be a bit more careful with their purchases.

But whether you come home with a bit more of vintage costume jewelry (I plead guilty) or enough furnishings for an entire room, a trip to Brimfield is, Greenstein said, “always worth it.”

Agreed.

The 2011 season of Brimfield continues July 12-17 and Sept. 6-11. The fields are operated on individual schedules. Admission to most fields is free; some charge (approximately $5) on opening days. For more details, visit brimfield.com n

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accent on the eclectic The Lodato family finds the treasure in salvage

By Mary Shustack Be careful pulling into the parking lot at United House Wrecking in Stamford.

Your eyes are going to stray from the task at hand – parking – as they dart to and fro.

The scene would cause anyone to pause for its sheer randomness alone, its elements ranging from a bank’s stately clock tower to a reindeer statue that seems to pull an Amish buggy, from stone seahorses to a giant toy soldier.

In between, you’ll notice elegant patio furniture, water features, colorful bursts of flowers and all kinds of outdoor sculpture and salvage pieces.

United House Wrecking (UHW) is like no other shopping destination. And for those who haven’t been in awhile, they’re in for a surprise.

The eclectic exterior is just a hint of what’s inside the barn-like structures that make up the showrooms and design center.

The family-owned and operated company, with roots reaching back to 1954,

United House Wrecking owners, from left, Ross Lodato and his brother, Mario Lodato, along with their cousin and general manager Andy Cunningham.

has done nothing but expand, so much that it’s no longer solely an antiques destination.

“Over the years it’s changed,” says Ross Lodato, who owns UHW with his brother, Mario Lodato. “It’s evolved.”

And that’s completely by design.

“The purist is not going to be happy with this store,” Ross Lodato says.

So while you’ll still find plenty of antiques and salvaged architectural gems,

you’ll now also see contemporary finds, from decorative accents to custom furniture.

The spirit of the store – where you never know what’s around the next corner – remains intact, though. And you can wander its 2.5 acres to discover it all.

There’s a children’s furniture gallery and a rug gallery. There are thousands of options for custom upholstery and window treatments.

Rooted in America 34

But you’ll also find a classic phonograph or an old Coca-Cola advertising sign, a vintage gaming table or lamps with fanciful bronze bases.

Lodato admits the scale of the place might overwhelm some and could frustrate others.

That’s why he’s very aware of not wasting people’s time. If you want to wander for hours – and you certainly could – fine.

But if you’re looking just for a mirror, he says he’s put his “20 best” in one area.

Same goes for stained glass or mantels, which are mostly grouped together.

It all adds up to being a place that causes a tourist on a recent morning to exclaim, “If I lived here, I’d be in trouble.”

That’s what Lodato likes to hear, since he wants to keep people coming back.

“The whole store changes all the time,” Lodato says.

His ability to bring in such diverse merchandise is based on years of work, cultivating sources both in America and abroad.

Sometimes, though, things just hap-

pen. He shares the tale of how a working children’s carousel came to UHW, to the delight of visitors of all ages.

Lodato saw something about it online, got a feeling and flew down to Virginia.

“When you find something like that, you’ve got to act real fast.”

And while he’s had inquiries about price, for now, it’s staying put.

“I’m using it to make little kids happy.

It’s a part of nostalgia. It’s art.”

And it’s the latest in a long history of acquiring special things in unusual ways.

Lodato tells of interrupting a family vacation in Colonial Williamsburg to make a short trek that wound up in a load of 19th-century mantels and chandeliers.

“I ended up spending $40,000 in 40 minutes. But it was the right place in the right time.”

Then there’s the Amish buggy that’s in the parking lot. It was bought at auction.

“We were actually bidding against the Amish, because it’s road-worthy,” he says.

Lodato, who grew up in Riverside and lives in Greenwich, says the business is all about family and service.

The company was started by the Lodato brothers’ father and his brothers and brother-in-law. At first, it really was a wrecking company (hence the name) that took down houses as Interstate 95 was being built. Soon, the salvage from these homes, from bricks to doors, was being

sold to others and then by the Lodato family.

But the history goes beyond the basics.

“He left us a legacy of how to treat our customer, how to treat our staff. He planted the seeds, and all I’m doing is taking care of that. Putting on a little MiracleGro.” And that growth is seen through the wealth of bars and game tables, lamps and figurines.

There are filigreed iron gates ready to become a headboard, wall hanging or room divider.

Turn another corner to see an oversize boat carved out of jade or a stately Sicilian bookcase.

“A lot of the stuff we sell right off the floor,” Lodato says. “People want that instant gratification.”

Over the years, the quirky finds just kept coming, from vintage ballpark or

theater seats to porcelain street signs from New York City.

“I remember my dad used to have us up putting them in alphabetical order,” Lodato says with a smile.

The company has been at this site for 22 years, having moved from its original space across town.

“A lot of people say, ‘I remember the old days,’” he says, when it was all about the salvage.

But UHW can’t be trapped in the past.

“I buy things people are going to purchase. I can’t become a museum.”

Lodato says customers seem to like how easily a vintage piece can work in their home, from a door with a delicately etched panel to a carved newel post that anchors a staircase.

At UHW, there are so many pieces to spark your desire to decorate (or use the in-house design services) that several visits might just be necessary.

At the end of the day, Lodato just wants people to be happy with what they buy from him.

“You either have the passion for this business or you’re not going to make it.”

And clearly, the Lodato family has that passion.

United House Wrecking is open daily at 535 Hope St. in Stamford. Call (203) 348-5371 or visit unitedhousewrecking. com. n 35

sittin’ pretty

By Patricia Espinosa

he not-so-humble garden stool is part of the fascinating evolution of the outdoor space in home design.

From colonial times, Americans have championed the ancient tradition of bridging home and nature with such a space. Early front porches were simple columnar affairs, like those found at the Square House in Rye and Wayside Cottage in Scarsdale, among the earliest buildings in our country.

As houses grew in size and ornamentation, so did the porches, which became extensions of the parlor, particularly in the South. Out on the porch, homeowners could sit a spell and feel a part of their communities, all while displaying their good taste and status.

With the development of Modernism’s sleek lines in the early 20th century, the front porch temporarily went the way of all flesh. But not the need for outdoor living. It just shifted to the side or back of the house, particularly after World War II, when Americans began flocking to the suburbs. Patios, screened-in porches, terraces and balconies became home staples, along with the nautically inspired deck.

Today, anything goes when it comes to outdoor space. It just depends on the style of the house and the lay of the land, contractors say.

The trend is to maximize the living space outdoors. That might explain why so many people are adding fire pits, fireplaces and even kitchens.

There are many ways to integrate new and interesting furnishings into your outdoor space.

But one of my favorite ways is to enhance it with a stylish garden stool.

Ceramic drum-shaped garden stools have been used in China for more than 1,000 years. The West has been importing these versatile stools for 300 years. They have been gaining popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Outdoors, these accent pieces – which now come in a variety of shapes, patterns and colors – are perfect for additional seating, as a footstool, or as a side table to rest a drink on. Place a few around the pool to create a stunning look.

For double the pleasure, invite these gems into your screened-in patio, dressing room, den, living room or powder room.

For those who can’t resist a bargain, Crate & Barrel and Target offer nice selections. But if you want to splurge, why not consider some of these treasures? n

36

Handcrafted porcelain cherry blossom garden stool, $295, Gump’s. (800) 284-8677, gumps.com

Nineteenth century antique-inspired interlocking rings made of sturdy cement composite, $199, Wisteria. (800) 320-9757, wisteria.com.

Hand-glazed pumpkin spice Chinese linked fortune garden stool, $645, Hoagland’s of Greenwich, 175 Greenwich Ave. (203) 869-2127, hoaglands.com

White Sunbrella upholstered drum stool detailed with nickel-finished nail heads, $645, Mariani Gardens, 45 Bedford Road Armonk. (914) 273-3083, marianigardens.com

Ceramic drum-shaped garden stools have been used in China for more than 1,000 years. The West has been importing these versatile stools for 300 years. They have been gaining popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Outdoors, these accent pieces – which now come in a variety of shapes, patterns and colors – are perfect for additional seating, as a footstool, or as a side table to rest a drink on. Place a few around the pool to create a stunning look.

The Affordable Closet Experts Ancient Asian tribe-styled drum made of stripped and bleached wood with forged iron hardware, $479, Wisteria. (800) 320-9757, wisteria.com.

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2.

mÉlange À trois (or more) Mixing it up on the home front

S

ince World War II, home ownership has become part of the American dream. That ideal has evolved from the basic necessity for shelter into an all-consuming passion for creating the ultimate home. In recent years, that dream has taken a beating, although in this neck of the woods, many of us are fortunate enough to be able to spend more time feathering the nest.

Home decor can be a terrific way to create a unique look that reflects your individual style. After all, expressing ourselves has long been the bedrock of American culture. That individualism is perhaps what has given rise to many technologies, inventions and cultural movements that have made our country great.

One of the hottest trends today in home decor is the eclectic mix of decorating with antiques and collectibles and combining them with new pieces.

Technically, an antique is anything at least 100 years old, a collectible 50 years old or more, and vintage is just plain old.

Retro refers to old designs made new.

Modern and contemporary designs are often used interchangeably. But in actuality, they are distinct from each other. Modern refers to the style that evolved in Germany in the 1920s as a response to the ornateness of Victorian design. It is characterized by spare angularity. Various styles sprouted within the Modern movement, such as 38

By Patricia Espinosa Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern. Contemporary design is known for its sleek lines and futuristic element. It is present-day.

Buying a reproduction can make sense, especially if you don’t have the budget to spend on pricey antiques.

According to The Federalist, a Greenwich store specializing in manufacturing reproduc3. tions, buying replicas allows people to own the very best styles of antiques in perfect condition, but without the hefty price tag. More and more antiques stores are carrying new pieces. As one antiques dealer told me, “I sell what my customer wants to buy,” and these days, more and more people tend to want new things made to look old.

Antique wardrobes and dressers have fall-

en out of favor, perhaps because of the trend to build walkin closets with built-in dressers. Hardest hit have been the more frilly and ornate designs typical of the Vi c t o r i a n era. Midcentury Modern is sizzling hot right now and Art Deco seems to be making a strong comeback.

Part of the reason for their high demand can be attributed to how well each mixes with other period pieces.

The truth is, it really doesn’t matter how old the furniture or decorative piece may be. What’s important is to show the juxtaposition of old with new. That’s what makes it interesting.

If your house is filled with antiques, maybe it’s time to refresh your decor with 20th-century accent pieces. Perhaps your home is contemporary and you’ve just

inherited antique furniture from your grandmother. Don’t keep it in storage, dust it off and mix it in to create a dramatic and chic look.

There is no right or wrong way to decorate. But there are guidelines to consider when trying to achieve a balanced interior.

The first, and most important step is to assess whether you want a modern space with antique accents or a traditional space with contemporary accents. It’s all about what you like and what feels authentic to you. Once you’ve made that decision, you can begin to create a space that is harmoniously infused with old and new.

If your design tendencies lean more to modern, take your cues from the modern pieces you love and look at their details. Is it their streamlined quality that you’re attracted to or the materials used? Perhaps you prefer antique furniture. Are you drawn to curvy lines or the colors and textures?

Whatever the reason, look for those same attributes in the accent pieces you use.

One way to combine old and new is to use a common thread like repetition in color, shape and origin. Be mindful of proportion. Try to look for pieces that are more or less the same size.

Get rid of the clutter In order to achieve a balance of integrated styles, you must present it in a clean, uncluttered way. This applies to both homes that are predominately antique and those that are mostly contemporary.

Make sure to choose furniture with superior design, because good design never fades or loses its patina.

Decorating isn’t an exact science, but one thing that holds true is that the more opposing in detail two items are, the more they will stand out from one another to create a counterpoint that works. So don’t be afraid to make a statement. It’s time to start trusting your instincts.

See how these Fairfield and Westchester homes create a fused sensibility: 1) A unique Belle Haven study gains sophistication with its multilayered look.

Drawing from a wide range of styles, this elegant space is a perfect blend of antique and 20th-century design.

A cream-colored antique couch is flanked by two 19th-century burgundy velvet spool reproduction chairs made

by Ralph Lauren. A Karl Springer 1970s Lucite coffee table offsets the darkness of the exceptional 1940s Dorothy Draper black lacquer chest. An antique Federalist gilded gold mirror above the couch breaks up the apricot-colored wallpaper and adds brightness to this sensational room.

2) A stunning Shope Reno Whartondesigned shingle-styled home on the water in Rye acts as a counterpoint to the midcentury furniture, resulting in a glamorous look. Contrasting light with dark colors give this living room added drama.

The Art Deco octagon glass mirror reflects light into the already sun-drenched room.

Zebra upholstered mid-century replica chairs flank the fireplace and a collectible Lucite bench face bronze Art Nouveau andirons. On the mantel a Lucite stand with animal skull and horns is linked both to the animal skin upholstered chairs, and bench. A vintage wooden nude helps balance the mantel Resting on the opposite end, a beautiful gold and black vase with tulips gives a surprise color to the blackand-white space. All 20th- century pieces provided by Glen Leroux of Westport.

3) Not everyone has the courage to juxtapose a 19th-century gilded gold mirror with a contemporary concrete wall table, but that’s exactly what one Old Greenwich resident did in the foyer of her home. The modern lamp and collection of antique cricket boxes complete the mélange.

4) A Chinese antique carved wooden sideboard is cleverly used as a bar in this Riverside living room. The sizable contemporary landscape painting that hangs above stands out against the antique.

Contemporary glass and ceramic vases pull from colors in the painting, while the Christofle asymmetrical silver tray and pitcher and mercury glass-ribbed candlesticks brighten up the darkness of the wood. All sideboard accessories and decorative art provided by Hoagland’s of Greenwich. n

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Manly maintenance Spa and wellness services are groomed for guys, too

By Kelly Liyakasa From hot springs to public baths to five-star spas, the act of submersing the body in water has long been relished for its healing attributes and/or social status.

The ancient Greeks and Romans regularly took the plunge. So did the ancestors of our Native Americans. Even American golden guys George Washington and Alexander Hamilton took time out from forging a new nation to restore mind, body and spirit at Saratoga Springs, upstate New York’s own Fountain of Youth.

So it’s not surprising that this notion of wellness has taken firm root in America. The latest findings from the International Spa Association (ISPA) reported that American spas raked in $12.3 billion in 2009.

Today, the American spa is geared to gents as well as the ladies.

“There is clearly a trend for more men to avail themselves of these services,” said Dr. Joseph Sozio of SkinCentre Advanced Medical Aesthetics in Hartsdale. “It’s definitely more accepted now. A lot of times, it is motivated by a wife or a girlfriend. But when they realize this stuff works, they often come by themselves. It’s a ‘break the

ice’ kind of thing.”

This trend is reflected in a more intimate spa design that is moving toward gender parity, said Mark Keiser, vice president of luxury development at Starwood Hotels and Resorts World Wide in White Plains.

“The design is less focused on the female traveler today in the U.S.,” Keiser said at a recent New York Spa Alliance Symposium at the Hilton Rye Town. “More men are going to the spa. On the flip side, in Asia, spas used to be geared toward men. You’re seeing more gender neutrality.”

At The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, Spa Director Christian Davies concurs.

“We’re in the process of redoing our entire menu. But on our current menu, we do have something called ‘The Chairman of the Board,’” he said. “It’s three-and-onehalf hours priced at $370, which includes a 90-minute sports therapy massage, 60-minute custom gentleman’s facial and a 60-minute Ritz-Carlton signature pedicure.”

Sports therapy and massage have been major marketing tools for the spa and wellness industry.

“Men are always coming in for massages,” said Bruce Schoenberg, owner at

Oasis Day Spa in Manhattan and Dobbs Ferry. “They want deep tissue or they just want a relaxing Swedish massage, and we have specific services that target men who may have sports injuries.”

At this time of the year when spring meets summer, Oasis sees a large group of golfers booking appointments to help ease any pain incurred while out on the green.

The popular Muscle Meltdown costs $155 for 90 minutes of strategic heat placement all over the body to boost circulation and ease muscle tension.

“And another thing at this time of year, men are getting a lot of waxing, because they’re going to the beach,” Schoenberg said. “From a skin-care point of view, we have facials targeted at men who may have more irritation because of shaving. We’ve seen a big uptick with men’s services.”

Davies said the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester Spa has recorded a 7 to 10 percent increase in spa-service demand from the guys within the last two years.

Men constitute about 35 to 40 percent of the spa’s customer base, he said.

Besides the Ritz-Carlton’s featured Gentleman’s Club packages, there are total body and wellness services rightfully named “Fresh Beginnings,” “Art of Well” and “Ultimate Indulgence.”

Holistic lifestyle and wellness community O2 Living in Cross River has seen such strong demand from northern Westchester clients that it just opened a second lifestyle center at The Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco.

One of its signature menu items is the raw-food juice cleanse, an art of detoxification that fostered celeb-fans ranging from Justin Timberlake to Salma Hayek.

“We’re seeing such a need for this because of the toxins that build up in us over the years,” said Rosemary Devlin, founder of O2 Living. “We would like to see guys drinking a real protein drink from almonds and not just the powder stuff.”

O2 Living offers everything from deeptissue massages to oxygenated facials.

“We have a huge attendance on the weekends from men,” Devlin said. “There has been a big increase in attendance of yoga

classes, in particular. I have five sons and my husband is a golfer. He does practice (yoga) at home. I feel it really helps him focus, slows his heart rate and helps with flexibility.”

Summer skin care secrets

Listen up, gents. Even if your name isn’t McDreamy – and you weren’t responsible for making Marlena’s temperature rise à la Robert Pattinson in “Water for Elephants” – you can still look like a million bucks this summer when the air gets steamy.

Skin-care expert Dr. Joseph Sozio offers some insider tips to help keep your dermis glowing during the Dr. Joseph Sozio warm summer months: • Stop squinting. “It creates fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes,” the doctor warned. “It’s good to think about Botox (and fillers) to prevent the lines and wrinkles, which are usually worse on the left side, because the sun hits your eye on the left side when you’re driving.”

• S tay out of the sun when possible and use sunscreen appropriately.

• Don’t smoke. And if you do, stop.

• Consider laser hair reduction. Men who shave often can get irritation on the face, especially during the summer months when heat and exercise can worsen the problem. Laser hair reduction is an option for men interested in eliminating the need for frequent shaving.

•E xfoliate and cleanse frequently to prevent clogged pores. “Initially, if you have acne and you get some UVrays, it improves your skin. But because of the stimulation of secretions, it can get worse.”

Dr. Nilay Shah, medical director at Holistic Med Spa & Laser in Mount Kisco, noted the importance of moisturizing despite your skin-type. “Even if you have oily skin or patches of oily skin, it’s important to use a daily moisturizer,” he said. “Always use an SPF 15 to SPF 25, which you can mix right into your moisturizer.” n

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wear

Well-suited From covered up to barely covered

By Dana Ramos Americans of both sexes love taking dips and plunges – in the water and in the attire we wear for it. Our cultural sensibilities regarding swimwear have evolved drastically and appear to be coming full circle back to the original and natural bathing suit – bare skin. Serious athletic swimmers still insist on suits that fit well and securely or enhance performance. But the rest of swimwear mostly serves as sexy fashion and status statements.

Indeed, whatever you want – with as much or as little coverage as you need – you can find in stores or online.

Two American companies, both of which still manufacture all their suits in the US of A, cover all the bases. Ujena Swimwear, one of the largest swimsuit manufacturers in the world, carries styles for every body type and taste, from the conservative to the ultra-sexy. For women who want to be hip, but not hippy, Carol Wior has the highly successful trademarked Slimsuit, which features stylish suits that help minimize flab and drooping and enhance the bustline with inner construction and underwires that smooth and lift the buttocks and torso.

“Bright jewel tones are really popular now, especially emerald,” Wior says. Sandy Hapoienu, a Westchesterbased stylist agrees and adds, “Metallics and animal prints are really hot.”

While the classic one-piece style will always be popular (low risk of “oops” in the waves or when diving) and is more flattering for many women, Stacey Schumer, coowner of Soleil Toile in Westport, says, “We’re seeing the return of the string bikini with triangle tops, and many companies are addressing the need for sexy and adorable swimwear for women with fuller cup sizes.”

Most popular in America right now for men are the board shorts — long and loose-fitting and hanging to the knees.

Once the domain of young surfer dudes, board shorts have moved into the unisex arena, and we see them paired frequently with bikini tops on girls. A more body-hugging 44

version of board shorts, made with Lycra or other synthetic material and called “jammers,” has expanded its popularity from the bike to the beach. There is a huge variety of solid and print jammer styles available at SwimOutlet.com.

The “modern” swimsuit was invented (and rented at beaches) for the purpose of modesty in the Victorian era, as men and women began to swim together instead of separately. Men wore “skivvies” or long underwear that covered their entire bodies, while women put on heavy wool bloomers or pantaloons or lighter versions of long dresses, with long black stockings, hats and lace-up bathing slippers – all of which became dangerously weighted when wet and therefore posed drowning risks.

In 1920, Vogue magazine told its readers: “The best thing for the sea is a jersey bathing suit as near a maillot as the unwritten law will permit.” People were shocked soon after when young women began wearing body-hugging wool jersey sleeveless tank suits, although they were terribly unflattering with the cutoff at mid-thigh and looked more or less like what men were wearing. From the 1930s through the ’50s, suits were cut higher and made of cotton and Lastex (a latex-based fabric) in colorful prints, with a straight-cut “apron” or skirt to mask the crotch. The new look was often paired with bathing caps covered in petals to add style and flair.

Wall paintings and other pictorial evidence show that women wore two-piece suits around the Mediterranean thousands of years ago. But leave it to two Frenchmen – Jacques Heim and Louis Reard – to invent the modern version of the two-piece in the mid-1940s. Reard patented it, naming it after the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, because the impact was likened to the atom bomb tests there. While some pinup and movie stars were photographed in two-pieces, it was still considered too explosive for the average woman.

In 1957, Modern Girl magazine wrote, “It is hardly necessary to waste words over the so-called bikini since it

is inconceivable that any girl with tact and decency would ever wear such a thing.” Three years later, a song about a shy girl wearing one for the first time, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” sung by Brian Hyland, became a smash hit. When good-girl former Mickey Mouse Club star Annette Funicello wore a bikini in the 1963 movie “Beach Party,” the two-piece not only lost its scandalous nature but became almost de rigueur for stylish young women.

So what would shock us next? Revolutionary designer Rudi Gernreich’s topless swimsuit in the ’60s and the thong bikini in 1974. Gernreich, who was born in Austria but became a U.S. citizen in his teens, also brought us the monokini, and the pubikini—a bikini with a window in front to reveal the woman’s pubic hair (which never caught on).

There is some argument over whether American women were the first to wear thongs, because brazen Brazilian women were also heating up their beaches in what they called tangas — sometimes spelled tongas. No matter who was the first, the Brazilians own title to a painful process used to prepare the body for baring. The necessary “Brazilian” wax removes all hair down there, sometimes leaving what is referred to as a small “landing strip,” or “racing stripe.” There are also barely there men’s tangas that require the daring wearer to do his share of hair removal. The, er, bottom line: If you don’t wax, cover your cracks.

There isn’t a whole lot of room left for making suits skimpier, unless someone starts selling waterproof pasteons to cover just the nipples and crotch and decides to call them Pictured (next page) “swimwear.”

• American Flag Bikini: Don’t be OhCheri.com shocked if that turns up on the • Men’s One Piece Armani Swimsuit: EmporioArmani.com beaches in the not-too-distant • Midnight Blue Tonga suit: Ujena.com future. n

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whims Flirty Footwear

By Jené Luciani

T

he sandal, that most contemporary summer staple, actually has quite a history. The oldest known sandals (indeed, the oldest known footwear) dates from what is now the state of Oregon at least 10,000 years ago, according to carbon dating of their material, sagebrush bark. Much later, the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all wore sandals. (Hello, gladiators.)

The footwear, then, is seemingly eternal, and just about every woman has a few pairs in her closet. With Americana our theme, patriotism at an all-time high, given recent world events and the impending holidays (this month’s Flag Day, next month’s Independence Day), showing your stars and stripes is more popular than ever. Here are some fun ways you can hoof it around town in your red, white and blue (or with just a little sparkle), all inspired by important cultural moments in history. Oh, and don’t forget the pedicure.

Gladiators

These strappy sandals with the stiff soles are ancient histoJimmy Choo ry – litDaphne Gladiators, e r a l l y. $895, Nordstrom, White Plains. (914) 946-1122, Roman jimmychoo.com fighters wore them and in recent years, gladiator sandals have re-emerged with fashionable fervor. Whether you’re off to fight the crowds at the area’s hottest restaurants or heading to the beach, this beaded python pair by Jimmy Choo is perfect.

Heels

24 Post Road East • Westport, Connecticut • 203.454.8688 44 Elm Street • New Canaan, Connecticut • 203.966.2887

46

cial pecking order by the size of a person’s stiletto, we do know high heels can work wonders for a woman’s legs, making them look longer and shapelier. Nowadays, high heels can range anywhere from 3 inches to a towering 8 (yes, 8) inches. For a practical approach, we found an easy-to-clean fabric and rope-wrapped pair by Via Spiga that’ll boost your stature almost 4 inches.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles first emerged in popular culture on the feet of hippies who loved the shoe’s earthy, natural feel. This Burch stripe elastic espadrille, taller take on $175,Tory Tory Burch Boutique, Greenwich and White Plains. (203) 622-5023, the trend by toryburch.com Tory Burch is the epitome of polished, all-American style, paying homage to our nation’s colors. Pair with white skinny jeans for a look that pops.

Platforms

Travel back to the 1970s when disco divas danced on shoes like the sparkly 4-inch platforms by Christian Louboutin. They’re a fun nod to a decade in which the height of the shoes expanded with the recession.

Wedges

Wedges have been around since the 1930s and are always a popular style, offering both height and comfort (unlike those high heels). A shortage of leather and rubber during World War II reportedly prompted Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo to create the platform-style shoe with a wood base. We love this pair by Tuleste that features luxe patent-leather detailing in, of course, red, white and blue. n

Women of shorter stature (and even some who aren’t) have long considered high heels a fashion necessity.

Victorians believed that the high heel emphasized the instep arch, which was thought to be symbolic of a woman’s curves. High heels also represented a person’s stature in society, and having that covetable higher instep meant you were an aristocrat. In current times, while Claudia wedges, $395, LV2BFIT, you can no longer determine the so- Tuleste Armonk. (914) 765-0555, tuleste.com

The real tea party

Cindi Bigelow spearheads an American classic

By Georgette Gouveia Photographs by David Bravo

47

f Cindi Bigelow were a kind of tea, she’d be the perfect blend of strong and soothing flavors.

As the president of the Fairfield-based company that bears her family’s name – one that has made the specialty tea as American a product as Pepsi – Cindi would be the first to tell you that she is an exacting boss. Woe to those Bigelow team members who come to the decision-making process unprepared.

“The team has to come in with its A-game,” she says matter-of-factly.

She has a directness and warmth that strike you the moment she takes your hand and looks you in the eye. The more than passing resemblance to Caroline Kennedy – honeyed hair, clear-cut features – enhances the impression. So does the casual elegance

of her attire – pink floral-print jacket, creamy-yellow slacks and blouse and gold-hued, pointy Prada slipons. Meeting Cindi Bigelow is like watching the sun break over a hill.

Yet, during the photo shoot for this story, her radiance takes on a softer focus as she bonds with photographer David Bravo’s 6-year-old, helping him pour loose tea into yellow and green bowls. This is more than a display of parenting skills honed as the proud, devoted mother of a college student and another who is college-bound with an A+ average. It is an illustration of a savvy leader who understands that people, like Bigelow teas, come in many varieties.

The smart manager is multifaceted enough to adjust accordingly.

“You have to match your skills to each individual.”

Rooted in America

48

This is a particularly important lesson in a challenging economy, she says, in which women have become the primary breadwinners and are moving up in the management ranks.

“There are wonderful opportunities for women today. But I always ask women to be more reflective. …

You have to work on yourself.”

This attitude – optimistic and other-directed – has no doubt helped make Bigelow the No. 1 producer of specialty teas in America, with yearly sales of $140 million. That represents more than 1.5 billion tea bags annually, of everything from Pomegranate Pizzazz to White Chocolate Kisses. The most popular of Bigelow’s approximately 120 brands? Green Tea. “We can’t make enough,” says Ed Hill, maintenance and facilities manager.

American teatime

When you think of tea – which dates from 2700 B.C. China and then spread to Japan circa A.D. 600 – you don’t automatically think of the United States.

The only tea plantation in North America is the one in Charleston owned by the Bigelow company that produces its American Classic brand. Nonetheless, we Americans have made some important contributions to tea, according to David C. Bigelow’s “My Mother Loved Tea” – and we’re not just talking Boston Tea Party here either.

The first American innovation was the tea bag, a felicitous accident that occurred when a merchant decided to send samples in small gauze bags to customers, who promptly plunked them into their tasting pots.

The second was iced tea, created amid the stifling heat of the St. Louis World’s Fair in the summer of 1904.

Today, 85 percent of all tea consumed here is iced.

When it comes to tea, the U.S. remains the only country where ice is twice as nice.

Statistics are only one indication of Bigelow’s success. As she strides quickly and purposefully ahead of you through the 107,000-square-foot plant, redolent with mint, citrus and other herbs and fruits, she reflects the warm greetings she receives from employees, like the group of women in hairnets who are about to go on a break.

Maybe that’s why when asked how many employees she has, she says, “We have 330 families,” at three manufacturing facilities. The other two are in Boise and Louisville, although the Fairfield headquarters is the only plant that blends the teas.

Among the company’s families is that of Al and Kathleen Pangrac. The chatty Al – who along with Ed Hill takes the reporter on a tour of the immaculate, high-security plant – is the blending manager.

He met wife Kathleen, who’s in consumer services, at the company.

Bigelow, then, is both a family company and the company of one particular American family. Its story began in 1945 with Cindi’s paternal grandmother, Ruth Campbell Bigelow, an interior designer looking to get into the food business as the demand for decorating services declined during the Depression.

After she and husband David Sr. experimented with Chinese seasoning and forays into the tapioca market, Ruth turned her attention to her first love, tea.

“She did not feel that in our country, there was a variety of tea,” Cindi says. “There was just plain black tea.”

Ruth would remedy this with a Southern colonialinspired blend of fine tea flavored with orange peel and sweet spice that she called Constant Comment, for the buzz the piquant brew caused among friends and acquaintances.

Ruth is everywhere at that Fairfield plant, from the name on the building, R.C. Bigelow; to the framed

black-and-white photos of her with her son, David C., and daughter-in-law, Eunice, Cindi’s parents, who ran the company for 50 years and are now cochairs; to the autographed copies of David C.’s “My Mother Loved Tea” that adorn employees’ desks; to the antiques from her New Hampshire farm that now grace the hallways. As Cindi passes by one, she touches it lovingly. It’s the cast-iron fireplace by which her father studied as a child.

But perhaps Ruth is nowhere more apparent than in the entrepreneurial spirit of her granddaughter, who has spearheaded the company’s green-building initiatives and latest products, including Black Tea with Pomegranate, Decaffeinated Green Tea with Pomegranate and Decaffeinated Green Tea with Wild Blueberry & Acai.

She also founded the annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge, a 5-kilometer road race, walk and kids’ fun run that has to date raised $600,000, all for local charities.

Clearly, she is no rich girl who waltzed in to be handed the keys of the kingdom. Though Cindi says she had always wanted to run the company – as an 8-year-old she would plead with her father to let her do it – she served a long apprenticeship. After graduating magna cum laude from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing and earning an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, she did a stint at the Seagram Co. before joining Bigelow full-time in 1986.

There she wound her way through finance, customer service, materials planning, operations and sales and marketing before becoming company president in 2005.

“My father knew what he was doing,” she says of his bringing her along slowly. “I learned the building blocks of the organization.”

She also put in the hours, often working until 9 or 10 p.m. It helps, she says, to work with people like Jenned Serrano, her executive assistant and community relations coordinator, who sits outside her sunny corner office and with whom she communicates in an intuitive staccato shorthand.

The first American innovation was the tea bag, a felicitous accident that occurred when a merchant decided to send samples in small gauze bags to customers, who promptly plunked them into their tasting pots.

The second was iced tea, created amid the stifling heat of the St. Louis World’s Fair in the summer of 1904.

But ultimately it comes back to the woman herself, who always seems to be one step ahead of you literally and figuratively. How does she manage it all – the company, the husband who has his own business, the kids, the extracurricular projects?

“I do have good capacity for excess information.

I’ve always been comfortable with a lot of balls in the air.”

Then she’s off to another meeting, leading the way as usual.

“God gave me a lot of energy, that’s all I can tell ya.” n

49

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ROBERT YOUNG, PRINCIPAL, AIA, MURDOCK YOUNG ARCHITECTS, NEW YORK, NY

325 Post Road West l Westport, CT 06880 l Phone: 203.227.8215 l Fax: 203.227.0408 Website: www.wrightbuild.com l Email: info@wrightbuild.com CT Contractor’s # 519933 Westchester Lic. # 06178-H94

way

Living with Dobbs Ferry couple take leave of their Arts and Crafts home 51

Presented by Houlihan Lawrence

52

David Schmerler and Garrett Glaser

W

ith sweeping Hudson River views stretching from the New Jersey Palisades north to the Tappan Zee Bridge, One Ogden Park, at the bottom of Chestnut Street in charming Dobbs Ferry, sits serenely in a magnificent private enclave imbued with local history.

“My partner David Schmerler and I were very attracted to this property from the very first time we saw it,” said Garrett Glaser of their perfectly restored 1905 Arts and Crafts home.

“The fact that it was built by one of America’s first female MDs and had a rich past was of great interest to both of us. We made a quick decision to buy it and have been very happy living here.”

The history of One Ogden Park is indeed rich.

The all-stone house, along with two adjacent structures in the same Arts and Crafts style, was built as a family compound by a wealthy doctor, Elizabeth Ogden Bradley-Bystrom. She graduated from the University of Paris in 1887, and became one of the first women in the Northeast to practice her profession. She

By Jane K. Dove married Swedish pianist and musicology professor Ernst Bystrom in 1892.

Bradley-Bystrom was the daughter of Dobbs Ferry Village President D. Ogden Bradley. Their ancestors were among the earliest settlers in the area.

In addition to a home for herself, Bradley-Bystrom also built nearby residences for her two sisters, all on land that was once Ogden Park, an Eden of carriage paths, walkways, gardens and towering trees directly on the banks of the Hudson.

During the construction process, Bradley-Bystrom bought some prominent classically flavored decorative elements from exhibits at the St. Louis World’s Fair that still remain. They include Ionic columns, caduceus symbols, a Helios symbol and two decorative stone reliefs.

Today, Ogden Park’s original land has been whittled down and is now best-known for the twin stone columns at the entrance to the property. The Ogden family crest has been etched into the northern column and when Bradley-Bystrom died, her ashes were placed in the southern column. One was engraved with her name while the other bore a message in English and Latin: “Although I am proud, I do not boast.”

Schmerler said he and his partner started doing historical research on the house

as soon as they bought it in 2003.

“We contacted the Dobbs Ferry Historical Society and others, including neighbors, to find out everything we could.

With Garrett taking the lead, we found information in bits and pieces and put it all together. It was like a treasure hunt.”

One of the things they discovered was that both Bradley-Bystrom and the house became witnesses to history July 11, 1905 as the doctor observed a terrible boating accident just down the hill from her new home. Three people were killed.

The two ships involved were a steampowered yacht, the Normandie, and a tramp steamer, the Volund. Bradley-Bystrom was called as a witness at the criminal trial, which was covered by The New York Times.

Complete restoration

Glaser said that when they bought the nine-room, 3,100-square-foot house, it was in “very run-down condition.”

“The previous owners were a Radio City Rockette and her stage-manager husband, who lived there for quite a while,” he said. “Unfortunately, the place eventually became a rooming house and was in horrendous shape. Many beautiful original details were painted over and we first set to work stripping walls and floors, doing a lot of the work ourselves.”

He and his partner focused on restoration, rather than renovation.

“We wanted to be faithful to the architecture of the original home,” he said. “We didn’t change the footprint and only took

One Ogden Park At a Glance • • • • • • • •

Dobbs Ferry Square footage: 3,100 Acres: one-half Rooms: 9 Bedroms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 full; 1 half Amenities: 1905 three-story stone home in private enclave with sweeping Hudson River views Price: $2,350,00

Rooted in America

53

Million-dollar view of the Hudson River.

down a wall or two here and there.”

They restored and/or replaced all of the original windows, restored all wood trim, door surrounds and moldings, installed period-appropriate light fixtures, restored the original Arts and Crafts balustrade in the front hall and the coffered ceilings and created an entirely new kitchen and a master bedroom suite, among dozens of other tasks.

Outside, they installed a new roof with copper flashing, put a 10-foot-high retaining wall along the full river-width of the property that creates a large, level lawn overlooking the Hudson and added extensive plantings, including evergreens and perennial gardens and a new gravel driveway.

“The major part of the restoration took two years. But we worked on many other details after that,” Glaser said.

“We are very happy with the results. We have created a tranquil retreat that both of us find very relaxing. It was a lot of work. But we immediately saw the potential, and the view is just wonderful. “ Glaser, a former newscaster and now a media trainer, said he and Schmerler, an entertainment attorney, often spend warm-weather afternoons after work on the terrace or sit side-by-side in their comfortable Adirondack chairs facing the Hudson and the sunset.

“We watch the boats go by, hear the muted sounds of trains and see eagles soaring on the wind. It’s like ‘Wow.’ We have been truly blessed.”

Inside and out

Stepping inside One Ogden Park reveals interiors with exceptional period detailing, including deep moldings, five-panel doors, polished brass hardware, heart-pine 54

floors, coffered ceilings and many diamond-paned windows, some with original glass.

The main rooms have multiple exposures, providing commanding Hudson views.

The entrance hall, with adjacent powder room, has built-in cabinetry and a bench; a coffered ceiling of American black walnut and an Arts and Crafts balustrade in the Chinese Chippendale style.

The living room features another coffered ceiling, a bay window and a deep window seat. A terrace outside the living room, complete with a frog fountain, offers river views that can also be enjoyed from the spacious dining room with stone fireplace, which doubles as a family room.

The adjacent kitchen, with butler’s pantry and walk-in food pantry, blends period details with the latest amenities, including GE Monogram and Bosch appliances, a large work island, custom cabinetry and stainless steel counters. The kitchen opens to a side porch with a yearround barbecue station.

The second level has a master suite that includes an ample bedroom with many windows, a large custom-fitted, windowed dressing room and a spa bath with twin pedestal sinks and oversized shower. Two additional bedrooms, each with river views and characteristic period detailing, a full bath and a laundry room complete the second level.

The third floor has two spacious bedrooms, one with a sitting area and a full bath with a vintage restored tub.

A full-sized basement with a high ceiling offers plenty of room for storage and work, with easy access to the onecar attached garage.

Other amenities include three-zone central air conditioning, invisible pet fencing, an outdoor sprinkler system, security and fire alarm system and CAT 5 wiring for Internet/cable/telephone capability.

Dobbs Ferry is 21 miles north of midtown Manhattan, but has a quaint downtown reminiscent of an earlier era.

The home is a few minutes walk to both the Metro-North train station and “downtown,” with many small shops, galleries and some of Westchester’s best-reviewed restaurants.

Back to the future

Both Glaser and Schmerler said they had pangs about leaving a home they loved, but are looking forward to their next renovation challenge outside of the city. ”This house was about 100 years old when we bought it. Maybe we will now look for a 200-year-old house,” Schmerler said.

Glaser, who grew up on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, agreed another historic home is in order.

“I don’t think we would have purchased One Ogden Park if it were not for the very interesting history attached to it. I hope it goes to others with an appreciation of the past who will love it as much as we do.”

For more information, contact Janet Griffin at (914) 3296882 (mobile) or (914) 591-2700, ext. 300. n

wear Natural resources

By Georgette Gouveia Photography by Bob Rozycki

I

f you saw Colin Firth’s wife, Livia, on the red carpet during the Oscar season, then you know she’s among the growing number of fashionistas who favor eco-friendly couture, often made from recycled pieces and with an eye to ethical working conditions.

Eco-friendly can also mean natural luxury fabrics. In this sense, there are few more eco-friendly designers today than Eskandar, whose flowing silk, linen, cotton and cashmere sweaters, tunics and jackets – along with tie-dyed scarves and Brazilian seed necklaces – are sold exclusively in this area at Neiman Marcus in White Plains.

“Eskandar designs are versatile, timeless and highly collectible,” says Beth Sharkey, vice president and general manager of

Neiman Marcus in The Westchester.

Eskandar’s inspiration derives from the natural world. An indigo floral-print silk tunic with a white background ($995) suggests a burst of nocturnal blooms.

Another floral-print tunic ($1,295) – this with a pewter backdrop – evokes the cherry blossoms of spring.

A cotton/linen bateau-neck sweater ($750) and matching scarf ($320) in foam mirror the azure of the sky and the sea and remind you that his ceramic home-ware line also uses the palette of the natural world.

Perhaps most unusual of all, however, are Eskandar’s jarina and paixubao seed necklaces ($335-$350), which look like so many kidney beans strung together and offer the wearer a striking monochro-

Ksusha models examples of Eskandar’s flowing, organic line at Neiman Marcus in White Plains.

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55

Ksusha in Eskandar at Neiman Marcus in White Plains.

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matic, textured look.

The fluid lines of Eskandar’s clothes and specific pieces like the Persian linen jacket in petrol ($870) conjure his Persian roots. Eskandar Nabavi was born in 1963 to an English mother and a Persian father and raised in Tehran, where he became aware of both the cultural traditions and functionality of clothing at an early age. No doubt it

In this sense, there are few more eco-friendly designers today than Eskandar, whose flowing silk, linen, cotton and cashmere sweaters, tunics and jackets – along with tie-dyed scarves and Brazilian seed necklaces – are sold exclusively in this area at Neiman Marcus in White Plains. also helped that he traveled frequently to Europe and the Far East with his parents and that his grandmother taught him to knit when he was a boy.

For a couple of years, his collections were only knitbased, with tailoring added in 1995.

Now with his collections sold in more than 60 stores worldwide and Eskandar shops in New York, London, Paris and Milan, the designer has knitted himself a career that blends East and West, old and new, the manufactured and the organic. n

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57

Milliner on a mission

By Georgette Gouveia

Hats off to milliner Barbara Whitworth, who creates stylish chapeaux with the idea of keeping women – and men – healthy as well as fashionable.

Whitworth’s densely woven yet comfortable straw hats are designed to repel 98 percent of UV rays and free radicals and protect the oft-forgotten scalp and neck as well as the face. (The hats, which are rated UPF 50 ++, have been given the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval.)

For Whitworth, the mission to block harmful rays and thus lessen the chances of skin cancer is a personal one: She has a family history of cancer, including melanoma.

But the milliner’s designs are not merely functional. They’re beautiful as well, making the wearer feel as if she were ready for a garden party, if not a royal wedding. The Fashion Institute of Technology graduate studied under Rose Cory, milliner to the late Queen Mother.

Whitworth thinks that the recent marriage of Kate Middleton (now Catherine,

Duchess of Cambridge) to Prince William has piqued American interest in the head-toppers. But, she notes, even in England – the Shangri-La of chapeaux – hats are pieces d’ occasion.

Nonetheless, Americans are apparently now fascinated by fascinators, like the beige architectonic creation that Princess Beatrice wore for the wedding.

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Whitworth makes these, too, including a pink feather charmer that looks as if a bird decided to alight on the wearer’s head. But her bread and butter are actual hats for every season that she makes by hand for private clientele in the studio of her lovely Tudor home in Eastchester.

“I have a passion for and an obsession with hats,” says Whitworth, who

has the look of a Disney princess – large blue eyes, clear-cut features, creamy skin and long, thick chestnut hair. “I just love hats. Growing up in northern New Jersey, I collected hats.”

She started out in the accessories industry, learning all aspects of the business before incorporating Whitworth Hats in 2008.

“I’m glad I didn’t start out as a designer. Lots of kids get into designing.

But they don’t know anything about the business.”

Hat-wearers are equally in the dark, she says, ignorant of fit and often at the mercy of people selling hats that are not a custom-fit.

“Fit is huge,” Whitworth says, particularly as American head sizes have grown from an average 22½ inches to 23.

For a hat to work, it must sit on the head properly.

“Please come see me and I’ll help you with hats.”

Whitworth Hats start at $175. For a consultation, call (917) 435-5076.

You’ll find more information by writing whitworthdesigns@aol.com. n

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Personal journey My brother, my leader, my nature nurturer

I

t was late May, and I was standing on a hillside in Yellowstone at dawn as a light spring snow fell, hoping to spot wolves and their pups as they emerged from their winter dens. I was shivering slightly and suffering from eyestrain, which made looking through the sensitive scopes focused on wolf dens a mile away extremely difficult. I stepped back and began to jump up and down to rev up my circulation and give my eyes a much-needed break. Glancing around, I noticed that in the time it had taken us to unload, set up our gear and spot the dens, about 70 or so others – ranging from junior-high school explorer groups to those well in their 80s – had arrived and set up on surrounding hillsides. Even in their heavy-winter gear, I could see that we were quite a diverse group, and I began to wonder what had brought each of us to that spot at that moment. What had motivated us to wake up well before dawn, don layers of clothing (apparently in my case, not nearly enough), drive 80 or more miles into the park and then stand in snow for hours at a time hoping to spot wary, elusive wolves? Was it simply in our nature or had we been nurtured to love nature?

For most people, I would guess that answer is not so easily discernible and the truth probably lies somewhere between the two. But I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that my love of nature comes solely from my brother Scott’s nurturing.

Scott is seven years my senior and I followed him around, first on hands and knees and later on foot, as if he were the Pied Piper and I his mesmerized rat. Nature was always where he shone most brightly. Blessed to grow up surrounded by acres of dense woodlands in 60

By Martha Handler Illinois, which we aptly named the “Enchanted Forest,” we traipsed around for hours, no matter the season or the weather, discovering intricate mysteries that would no doubt have been missed by less keen eyes or less adventurous souls.

Led purely by instinct, Scott had an uncanny ability to locate a fox den or a tree that harbored a nest of spectacularly colored eggs. Spring road kill, common and unremarked-upon by most, potentially meant there were babies nearby who needed tending. Scott would locate them even if it meant searching through the night when their cries would be more audible.

Often I was recruited to build a nest for baby rabbits or chicks from a shoebox filled with grass and cotton balls. Carefully cradling them in my hands, Scott would employ an eyedropper to feed them – a painstakingly laborious and often unsuccessful task. One of my favorite rescues involved seven baby goslings that Scott had found huddled on the side of the road after a motorist had hit and killed their mother. Since he was working full time and I had no set summer plans, I was recruited to be their surrogate mother. Dutiful in my responsibilities, I barely left their side 24-7. And my diligence paid off handsomely. In just a few days they’d imprinted on me and I was able to roam our neighborhood, proud as can be, with my goslings following behind me in perfect alignment. Quite an accomplishment for an 8-year-old!

Each trek with Scott was an adventure and an education. Among other things, I learned about the interconnectedness of species – “Just accept that you’re part of the food chain. That mosquito that just bit you will probably be a trout’s supper tonight” – the value of having a balanced ecosystem and the virtue of patience and silent observation.

Today our lives are as different as could be. Scott stayed in Illinois and hunts exclusively and responsibly for the meat he feeds his family (and mine, too, when I’m lucky). While I, who couldn’t imagine holding a gun much less killing anything, moved west to attend college, majored in environmental conservation and worked for years as an environmental consultant before recently becoming president of the nonprofit Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem. And yet, each of us, in our own unique way, is a staunch environmentalist who does his part to promote balanced ecosystems.

So I do understand why I flew thousands of miles to stand on that lovely hillside in Yellowstone, freezing my butt off while praying for a glimpse of a few wolves that appeared no bigger than ants.

But I still wonder about all those other people.

Endangered species

There are two species of wolves in North America – the gray wolf and the red wolf. The gray wolf once inhabited most of the available land in the northern hemisphere, while the red wolf was found only in North America. Due to the destruction of their habitat and persecution by humans, wolves now occupy only 3 percent of the continental United States. Red wolves are listed as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act while only certain populations of gray wolves share this same status. The Species Survival Plan (SSP) was developed in 1981 to manage and conserve typically threatened or endangered species. The Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, along with a handful of other centers across the United States, is a participant in SSP programs for both the gray and red wolf. n

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Rooted in America 62

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65

well

The paths to great skin

By Michael Rosenberg, MD

(First in a series) The cosmetics industry reported cumulative sales worldwide of more than $290 billion in 2007. Add the revenues generated by medical spas, estimated at more than $10 billion in the United States last year, as well as professional skin care in doctor’s offices and you get a sense of the amount of time, effort, and resources we spend on improving the appearance of our skin. Focusing on the professional medical component provided by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and other medical personnel, a recent post on Spa Business Solutions Skin Inc. (skininc. com) pointed out that “the signs of recession of the global market for professional skin services is coming to an end.”

While much of this time and money is well-spent, some of it is not. In my next few columns, I will focus on many of the treatments that are currently available, how and why some of them work, and where to go to get these treatments if you want to do so. Some of the treatments include muscle relaxants such as Botox and Dysport, fillers such as Juvaderm, Radiesse, and Restylane, injectables such as natural fat, stem cells and Sculptra, various laser treatments and skin care treatments and products.

To begin with, makeup, in the form of various cosmetic products, works. While the fundamental structure of the underlying skin is not changed – and the effect is washed off by cleansers and waters – good makeup can temporarily hide a multitude of lines, wrinkles and age spots. I will never forget a scientific presentation I heard at a national meeting of my professional organization, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The presenter was speaking about a new cosmetic procedure that made all his patients look significantly younger. He showed us a series of slides of before and after photos of his patients.

We all waited breathlessly for the secret of his procedure and were shocked to learn it was makeup and photography. All 10 “patients” had no surgery or procedures.

The results were achieved by illusion.

Arguably, the most significant medical breakthrough in improving the appearance of aging or damaged skin was the 66

recognition that muscle relaxants, properly used and in safe dosages, could remove natural skin lines and creases. Certain areas on the face, such as the brow, glabellar area (base of the nose) and eyes, which are susceptible to crow’s feet, are all in fact the result of hyperactivity of the muscles of facial expression. Generally not critical for function, these muscles help animate our faces and are used in expressing feelings and emotions. When these muscles are hyperactive, the overlying skin forms creases or lines at right angles to the action of the muscles. For many of us, these chronic lines make us appear tired, angry or older. The muscle relaxants, such as Botox and now Dysport, cause the activity of the treated muscle to weaken for about three months. The overlying skin creases soften or disappear and so with a quick injection, the skin appearance can be significantly improved. Treatments are done in a doctor’s office and take 10 to 20 minutes to complete. We use a topical anesthetic at the injection site and tiny insulin syringes for the injection, so there is minimal discomfort during the procedure and almost none afterwards. Patients can resume their normal activities later that day and can return in about three months for another injection if they choose to repeat the procedure.

To date, we have not seen loss of efficacy with time and repeat treatments and in fact, anecdotally, some of our patients are requiring less frequent treatments to maintain the same result. As with all medical procedures, there are risks involved, including temporary drooping of the eyelid. My advice is not to trivialize the procedure. As opposed to stories of “Botox parties” and “mall injections,” a doctor’s office with sterile equipment is where I would send my friends and family. The cost of the treatment depends on the number of areas you wish to have treated.

In general, treatment of the eyes, forehead or glabellar area will cost between $300 to $400 for each.

Let me close by noting that the relaxants will not treat all facial lines. Next month, I plan to write about the fillers (Juvaderm, Radiesse and Restylane) and the role they play in skin care. n

well

Make the leap from good to great

By Erika T. Schwartz, MD

When I think “American diet,” hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, CocaCola, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, barbecues, canned foods, frozen dinners, ice cream and other fast foods come to mind.

Of no surprise: It’s exactly what we ate and fed our kids in the 1970s and ’80s.

Margarine, artificial colorings and chemical preservatives were not considered dangerous to our health. They were just regular food ingredients. We never questioned if processes that allowed perishables no longer to perish might possibly make us perish instead.

In the 1990s, I was the school physician for the Irvington school district and vividly remember a life-size poster of the food pyramid in the nurse’s office facing me each time I came into the school to do physicals.

Heavy in starches and sugars, meats and dairy, the food pyramid was and still is to a limited degree the standard of what the American diet consists.

Over the past two decades, our awareness has shifted and many of us have made the connection between food and health.

We now know that the healthy American diet has to be high in vegetable protein and unsaturated fats like avocadoes, beans, vegetables, olive oil, fruit and fish. These foods have anti-inflammatory qualities and provide antioxidants that remove toxic waste from our cells, keeping us healthy and thin, full of energy regardless of age.

That’s all good. We know when we order in a restaurant or buy food at the supermarket which foods are good and which aren’t.

We make informed decisions and live with their consequences.

What is a little less obvious is where we should go next. Once we have a good diet, what do we need to do to create and secure a better diet, a great life?

Bad to good, we understand; good to great, we need a few more lessons in.

Here is some advice on how to make the jump from good to great once you are following our new American diet.

• Limit the portions. Calorie restriction is the only scientifically proven way to extend lifespan. Use small plates instead of dinner plates. You’ll feel full faster, enjoy food better and of course, live longer.

• Shop only the outer aisles of the supermarket. That’s where vegetables and fruit are. Do not go into the middle aisles unless you are buying olive oil. The canned products contain chemicals and preservatives. You already know them to be dangerous to your health.

• Add exercise to your daily routine.

The way you improved your diet and eliminated toxic foods, improve your life by strengthening your cardiovascular system, maintaining flexibility and increasing your muscle mass and strength.

• Sleep at least eight hours a night.

With age, we need more sleep. It renews and rebuilds our resources. Our adrenal glands and all other hormone production occur at night. Hormones in balance translate into a healthy you.

• Limit stress in your life. While we all have to deal with stress, we don’t have to bring stress into our bodies and souls. Train yourself to relax, meditate and de-stress. Alcohol or drugs do not relax you. They knock you out, make you age prematurely and increase your risk for Alzheimer’s, accidents and chronic illnesses.

• Take supplements. Add Vitamin C 1000 mg, Omega-3 fish oils 2000 mg, vitamin D 3000 IU, L-carnitine 1000 mg, Coenzyme Q10 100 mg to your regimen.

Finally, the new American diet and our way of life are works-in-progress. Keep your mind open to learning new ways to eat better and lead a better, kinder life. With this mindset, you’ll enjoy every minute. n

67

well

beyond the pale

By Julia Sabetta, M.D.

B

eautiful skin has always been treasured. Some skin rituals have stood the test of time. Some seem silly to us now, while others (just like some today) were downright dangerous.

In the 19th century, pale skin was the standard of beauty and considered a sign of wealth. As a tan indicated someone who worked outdoors, usually in a menial job, it was disdained. Clothing styles were more protective than nowadays, and hats and parasols were pervasive.

And then came Coco Chanel, who in the ’20s made tanning fashionable.

A tan became associated with prosperity and the accompanying free time for outdoor leisure pursuits and recreation.

The myth of the healthy tan was born.

By the middle of the 20th century, doctors began to realize that sun exposure had significant adverse health effects.

We now know any tan is unhealthy.

Studies show that sunlight causes squamous cell skin cancer and its precursor, actinic keratosis; increases the number of moles; is the principal cause of the unsightly skin changes associated with aging; and is a major factor in the induction of melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer. Studies suggest that UVB light, the traditional sunburn rays, may trigger melanoma. Even wavelengths not directly absorbed by DNA, such as short visible wavelengths, may participate in melanoma formation.

But most important, it is UVA light

(which is also emitted in a tanning bed) that is implicated as the cause of melanoma development. It comes as no sur-

anoma. In fact regular sun-bed use can increase one’s chance of melanoma development by a whopping 75 percent.

And then came Coco Chanel, who in the ’20s made tanning fashionable. A tan became associated with prosperity and the accompanying free time for outdoor leisure pursuits and recreation. The myth of the healthy tan was born.

prise therefore that tanning-bed use is associated with an increased risk of mel-

The incidence of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer has reached epi-

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68

demic proportions. To subvert this epidemic, some things will need to occur.

Sun avoidance when feasible, hats and clothing that cover must become a habit. Sun avoidance is vital for a couple of reasons. Firstly, current sunscreens have their limitations and may not protect from all the sunlight wavelengths and features involved in melanoma formation.

Secondly, people generally use only 25 to 50 percent of the proper amount of sunscreen and skip spots. Sunscreens, although not a panacea, are a useful tool if they are used properly. For best results, daily use of an SPF 30-45 sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA light is recommended. Apply it in the a.m. before any sun. Frequent reapplication is needed – every two hours of exposure and more often when swimming, perspiring heavily, or if there is rubbing that would remove the product. Finding a sunscreen you enjoy using is also key: If you like it, you’ll use it. Plus, there are now tinted sunscreens

for an elegant makeup look.

Despite the undeniable link between UV and tanning beds and melanoma, young women in particular are still not heeding the message of “no more tan.”

A third of Caucasian girls between 14 and 22 surveyed used a tanning bed, and a quarter of those did so weekly.

Meanwhile, 81 percent said they tanned outdoors frequently or occasionally in the past year.

The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Dermatology support legislation prohibiting access to artificial tanning devices by children under 18. New York state is trying to ban tan-bed use by minors. Connecticut Bill 972 proposes that a parent or guardian be required to read and sign the waiver for indoor tanning by a minor.

Let’s get real about protecting our kids: Don’t allow yours to use a tanning bed. Tell them how it ages their skin prematurely and causes skin cancer.

Let’s be smart. And in this case, as in most, smart is beautiful. n

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69

hot blocks Ridgefield’s roots run deep

By Mary Shustack

S

pend any amount of time walking Main Street in Ridgefield and you’ll be convinced that the spirit of old-time America is alive and well.

It’s implicit in the majestic, mature trees that line the wide sidewalks. This is no sapling-lined stretch fresh off revitalization.

It’s proudly displayed by a golden eagle perched atop the entrance to the impressive Town Hall as well as the historic markers and cultural highlights posted throughout the downtown.

And it’s made boisterously clear most weekday afternoons when dozens (and dozens) of just-dismissed, middle-school kids walk, trot and giggle their way to the pizza shop or to buy cupcakes from a bake-sale table.

Yes, there is a definite small-town vibe.

But it’s coupled with a modern approach that keeps both locals and weekend visitors coming back.

Ridgefield, which traces its roots from

Michael Principi sells gourmet hot dogs at Chez Lenard.

Summer dresses beckon shoppers to the Parker East boutique.

1708, is a regional draw with noted cultural attractions ranging from The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum to The Ridgefield Playhouse. A visit to these destinations, though, would not be complete without a

jaunt along Main Street to soak up that mix of old and new, traditional and adventurous.

Where else would you meet a hot-dog vendor whose menu is in French and who boasts about appearing on “The Martha Stewart Show?” Not to mention boutiques filled with Native-American art, designforward home accessories, one-of-a-kind antiques and yes, an old-fashioned bookstore, Books on the Common, where a silver bowl out front invites dogs to take a slurp of water.

It all fits, says Ernie Wells, manager of Rockwell Art and Framing.

“It’s a great community,” he says. “There’s an arts environment here.”

And that arts appreciation extends to antiques, which are found among other more contemporary treasures at Silver Lining Consignments, a must-see shop for those with an eclectic eye.

Wander the space for everything from a formal silver tea set to a shimmering collection of glass vases to quirky and colorful “knock-downs” from a carnival game of old.

Joann Walsh of Pound Ridge is the owner there and says Ridgefield changes depending on the day, much like her inventory.

“Monday through Fridays and then the weekends: We’re talking two different towns.”

Most every day this time of year, though, anyone on the street is sure to see the tropicalthemed chef’s hat of Michael Principi, a Ridgefield native who runs Chez Lenard. It’s a simple hot-dog stand on first glance, until you read the menu of this “sidewalk café de Ridgefield” where toppings include everything from cheese fondue to spicy horseradish sauce.

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70

the hot-dog man,” he says, before serving up some dogs to Maria and Ralph DeLucia, who have come over from New York for a bite and a bit of shopping.

South Salem, where they’re from, just doesn’t compare, it seems.

“This is like my town,” Maria DeLucia says. “This is the big town.”

Filling the blocks are places like Touch of Sedona, which is both boutique and “spiritual center.” Owner Marge Courtney says customers come in for her assortment of Native-American jewelry and art, along with crystals, books, drumming circles and readings.

Specialty shops are also devoted to clocks and home décor, such as the T.L. Bennett Home Collection, where Terri Bennett offers European decorative accessories and linens. New, though, is a collection of allcotton throws made in Maine on antique shuttle looms.

At Parker East, owner Katra Showah says she’s filling the shop with “summer dresses, fun colors, lots of fun stuff,” while Olley Court, a destination for “exquisite objects for the home,” finds a place to highlight American-made goods such as the trays and bowls from Hudson Beach Glass in Beacon, N.Y. Shoppers know what they want, says Susan Buzaid, who owns the elegant Olley Court with Robin Curnan.

“They’re a very well-traveled, sophisticated customer,” Buzaid says.

If the shopping whets the appetite, settle into an outdoor table at Bissell House where dinner choices can range from grilled Angus hanger steak to seared soft-shell crabs.

Just across the street it’s time for a treat, with homemade chocolates from Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe. At the Perennial Chef, a gourmet shop, customers find their fare, whether it’s a pastel-hued French macaroon or tasty shrimp pad Thai, accompanied by plastic utensils wrapped in a napkin tied with a bright stretch of orange raffia.

The Town Hall even gets into the act, with historic displays featured in its lobbies on a rotating basis. Holiday events and seasonal decorations, such as flower baskets, make the town a perennial attraction.

Marge Goral, who says she has a “ringside seat” to the Main Street happenings from her desk just inside the Town Hall entrance, says in Ridgefield, it’s all about giving a bit more.

“It’s that little extra touch that makes it nice.” n

Rooted in America

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74

Cigars: The great equalizer

By Bob Rozycki

ohn Starks used to light up the courts nationwide with moves polished from years of playing basketball in Tulsa.

Now he lights up cigars in a lounge on Research Drive in Stamford with his partners Gary Basciano, Howie Cerino and Santo Romano.

But this isn’t your run-of-the mill lounge with a pool table, dartboard or floors sticky from spilled drinks. The former New York Knicks guard wouldn’t approve of that, Basciano says.

These are tony environs, befitting successful men who love cigars. Rich, dark-paneled walls are filled with art chosen by Starks, as well as flat-screen TVs for sports-viewing from the comfort of plush leather chairs. Though no alcoholic drinks are sold, you can BYOB (bring your own beverage).

A cigar smoker is a different breed, Basciano and Starks agree.

He’s looking for camaraderie, looking to talk, looking to network.

“Have a nice conversation and smoke a nice cigar,” Basciano says.

“Like when you’re playing golf. Your head clears and you just concentrate on that little golf ball. When you’re in here, you smoke a cigar, your head clears and you’re in a tranquil state of mind.”

The list of those seeking such tranquility as members of the lounge is private but includes TV showmen, CEOs and sports celebrities.

“From a business standpoint, it’s definitely good, because there’s interaction with all kinds of business people who come in here,” Stark says. “Our clientele is upscale.” But, he adds, “We welcome anybody.”

The one unique thing about this lounge is that all the cigars are made specifically for it. No brands other than E. Zarzuela Cigars are sold.

“We do not sell any major brand cigars,” Basciano says. “We make a boutique cigar. It’s a real fine cigar.”

While the lounge opened in September, the idea was born a few years ago when Basciano and Starks were doing charity work in the Dominican Republic. The two have been friends for 20 years, meeting through mutual friend Eddie Lee Wilkins, who was a backup center for the Knicks in the mid-1980s.

Starks has The John Starks Foundation, and Basciano has The Children of Eros Foundation. As Basciano tells it, the two had been going down to the island nation for about 11 years, giving out baseball equipment and school items that had been collected in the U.S., packed up and sent down by ship.

“John would come down to help out with my foundation, and I would help John out with his up here. Basically, we’re down there and John’s an avid cigar smoker. He says, ‘Hey, we’re in the middle of tobacco land here, we need to make a connection. See who has a factory, and we can learn a few things.’”

The owner was gracious, and Starks got to roll his own cigars.

Some time passes and the owner – Eddie Fontana Zarzuela, who lives in Atlanta – was looking for a partnership.

Long story short, “John has two creations of his own, two blends that he made…with his No. 3 (label) coming soon,” Basciano says.

The 31 members pay $100 a month to belong. But that $100, Basciano quickly points out, is basically a $100 credit: “I give them back a hundred dollars worth of cigars or water or soda.”

He invites any cigar lover to stop by. You never know who you will run into.

“The commonality between a 10-dollar, five-dollar cigar, whether rich or poor, you’re still equal when you come in here and have nice conversations. That cigar brings people together.” n

wheels

Muscling in on Ford and company

By Bill Fallon

A

merica didn’t invent the automobile. But it might as well have.

George B. Selden’s 1879 patent for a fourwheeled car machine, Henry Ford’s early20th century championing of the assembly line and creation of the simply revolutionary Model T: All were American innovations.

As mass production of the auto revved up, so did the American appetite for speed and power – the ne plus ultra of performance. That destination proved to be the muscle car of the postwar era.

In a sense, both the muscle car and stock-car racing were born of Prohibition (1920-1933). Lips that touched liquor would never touch theirs, the temperance ladies and the times decreed. Which meant that the menfolk would have to modify their vehicles if they wanted to outrun the law with their homemade moonshine. The Model T, redlining at 45 mph, wouldn’t do.

Soon these “moon runners,” which could reach 120

mph, were part of weekend races. Stock-car racing had arrived, along with the ever-increasing obsession with acceleration.

Thousands of midnight peel-outs later, Chris Kraft opens his garage door to reveal what the fruits of Prohibition hath wrought – a 1955 custom Chevy that goes 165 mph.

When Kraft’s machine roars and the checkered flag falls at the Daytona 500, both are direct links to the moon runner’s safe return home – after satisfying the sour-mash needs of parched neighbors – and to the Hot Wheelsfueled boyhood dreams of the Carmel resident, who can still name several of his Mattel toy hot rods – “the Snake and the Mongoose” – and who says in the plainspoken argot of the American garage, “It’s all about the speed.”

For a time, speed was available only to those with money like William Vanderbilt II, grandson of Cornelius, who privately built Motor Parkway on Long Island so he could race without stopping at intersections.

Rooted in America

76

A 1951 custom Ford convertible owned by Carmen Moretti.

Speed got a huge push in 1932, however, when Ford introduced its flathead V-8. The flathead made horsepower affordable, and accordingly, in 1938, New York state took

“If it came to the point where I had to sell all my equipment and belongings, that (1965 Corvette) would be the last item to go.”

— Fred Durante

over Vanderbilt’s parkway for public use. The Vanderbilts would have to sweat in traffic like the rest of us.

After World War II, as America shifted from an agrarian to an industrial society, the fascination with speed

Girls and hot cars have always gone together like Julie Max with Fred Durante’s 1965 Corvette. Photograph by Bob Rozycki.

kept pace. Musician Charlie Ryan summed up the ethos in his 1950s song “Hot Rod Lincoln:” “Got safety tubes.

But I ain’t scared. The brakes are good, the tires fair.” In the world of muscle, this was not necessarily a bad thing.

The speed-lust found greater traction in 1953, when Chevy rolled out 300 prototype Corvettes. Ford responded two years later with its ’55 Thunderbird. Those classics, along with the 1964 Mustang and Plymouth’s savage-looking Barracuda, would become the definition of power and performance. More followed, like the Dodge Charger, the Pontiac Firebird and the Chevy Camaro, all born in 1966, and all now-classic muscle cars. (There are those, however, who consider some of these epitomes of the pony car, less testosterone-fueled than the muscle car.)

Though a systems administrator for Curry Automotive in Scarsdale, Donald Foldes remains a boy at heart regarding the cars he fell in love with in his youth – “Mustangs, Firebirds, GTOs, Cougars, Chevelles.”

A year and a half ago, he bought a 1965 Chevy Impala Super Sport with a 327-cubic-inch power pack: “The car I’ve always wanted,” he said, buffing its sparkling teal finish. While he works on the Super Sport – “I’m slowly accumulating parts. The Internet is wonderful” – Foldes drives a modern iteration of Ford muscle – a 2006 Mustang GT with a Cobra cold-air induction package (a “scoop” in the vernacular poking through the front hood.

Kraft’s Chevy has one, too).

Fred Durante, a Greenwich businessman, owns a 1965 Corvette Coupe. His feelings sum up the philosophy of the “muscle” men: “If it came to the point where I had to sell all my equipment and belongings, that (1965 Corvette) would be the last item to go.” n

77

The Trade Manage pit team readies its Porsche Boxster at the Monticello pit.

Leaving the world in the dust

By Ryan Doran

“Racing burns like a fever inside me.”

– Steve McQueen From childhoods filled with Matchbox Mustangs, many of us count the days until we are finally tossed the keys and given our first taste of freedom on the open road. Much like birds flying south for the winter, Americans have an inborn urge to accelerate on asphalt, to test the limits of our machines and to leave the world in our dust.

It is that adrenaline-satiating scenario, with human lives dipping and edging at 200 mph, which has made car racing the No. 1 spectator sport in the country.

And it is that need for speed that only a few years ago gave birth to the gem of New York racetracks at Monticello Motor Club.

American automobile racing is a century-old tradition propelled by human ingenuity and characterized by deep rivalries. The allure of the racing world has led iconic American figures like the late, great Paul Newman, an obvious talent in his own industry, to win several national championships as a driver in Sports Car Club of America road racing and sustain a race team that won several championships in 78

A 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X.

open-wheel IndyCar racing. at Monticello. The club’s membership Some motor teams are born of big is populated by racing enthusiasts such purses, checkered flags and sophisti- as comedian Jerry Seinfeld and TV percated engineering, while others would sonality Marc Summers as well as names prefer to leave the Champagne cel- synonymous with the top of the racing ebrations to the young and take to the world like Jeff Gordon and Chris Dyroad as gentleman drivers, enjoying son. “At heart, everyone here shares a the sounds and smells of a streaking very strong love for automobiles.”

Straus is one of four owners of the auto while considering how mechanical invention has fortuitously created a Monticello Motor Club, a private raceculture rooted in escapism. Monticello track 90 miles northwest of Manhattan, often described as a racer’s resort. has both.

“We have what we call our gentlemen The four-year-old race club is a dream drivers all the way up to our profes- come true for him, John Barker, Bill sional drivers who compete at the high- McMichael and Paul Queally, each est level of auto racing in the country,” successful business owners and entresaid Ari Straus, president and partner preneurs in his own right.

Rooted in America

“Just like most guys, we were all car nuts, have been since we were young,” McMichael said. “What guy growing up didn’t want to jump into his car, take it on the road and see what it could do? There is absolutely a sense of freedom associated with racing.”

Since its start, there was no question of the quality of driving that would go on at Monticello. The 4.1 miles of race-grade asphalt track that lies on the former Monticello Airfield was christened with an inaugural lap in 2007 by American racing legend Mario Andretti, one of only two men to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR. Though the track has not yet hosted a national race event, it has that capacity and its owners are acutely aware of the potential for that element in the future.

Track pros at Monticello, Jason Holehouse and Sam Schultz, are both professional race car drivers and give instruction and training to membership, a necessary element of control and safety in a sport with an everthrilling sense of danger.

“There’s no comparison to what we do on the racetrack. It pushes the

bounds of what you can experience in an automobile,” said Steve Goldman, driver and owner of Trade Manage Racing, which uses Monticello as its home practice track. “Once you’ve done this and leave here, there’s no point in speeding on the interstate. There’s no comparison. Racing is not an inexpensive hobby.

But it is one of the greatest thrills I know.”

Goldman said he and his team, who race Porsches in Grand-Am Road Racing, use Monticello because of its staff as well as its professionally designed track. The track features 450 feet of elevation changes, 1.5 miles of breakout straight and has 22 gut-wrenching turns.

“This track is enough to keep the most experienced driver on his toes,” Goldman said.

Monticello is designed with multiple layouts incorporated into the full track, enabling the course to accommodate three sets of racers at once. The entire complex includes two separate pit facilities in addition to a skid-pad area. The design is the first combined effort of Brian Redman, British driving champion, and Bruce Hawkins, the preeminent architect of next-generation racetracks.

“The road course at Monticello is among the best in the world, with turns and challenges that will excite drivers of all levels,” Redman said.

When members of Monticello aren’t strapped in and burning rubber around the testing turns of the track, they are scattered around the world as A-class professionals, contentedly cruising at the speed limit to their respective vocations, with an irremovable smile that is a testament to the knowledge that a trip to the track is in their future. n

Monticello Motor Club co-owner Ari Struass enjoys the day in a Lotus 2-Eleven.

©2011 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times. Optional equipment shown is extra.

Monday through Friday is usually reserved for family time and emergency meetings at the office. But, on weekends, with the Porsche 911 GT3RS at your disposal the only respectable way to spend your free time is at the track. With its relentless 3.8 liter 500 horsepower engine, lighter components and wider body all summoning over 60 years of racing heritage you’ll come up with all sorts of excuses.

Spend time alone with a loved one.

The 911 GT3RS now at Danbury Porsche.

Danbury Porsche 23 Sugar Hollow Rd. Danbury, CT 06810 (203) 744-5203 danbury.porschedealer.com

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wise

euro import, yank ingenuity

By Scott M. Weinfeld

W

ould Bruce’s “Born in the USA” have been as big a hit if he instead sang a tune called “Rooted in America”? Baseball, jazz, Facebook and, of course, the stock market, are supposedly all things born in the USA – or are they? The stock market is often referred to as a cornerstone of America and its history.

However, contrary to what we all might think, it did not originate here in the U.S. While the New York Stock Exchange dates from 1792, the Venetians began trading securities in the 1300s.

Belgium boasted a stock exchange as far back as 1531, dealing primarily with promissory notes and bonds. In the early 1600s, an exchange in Amsterdam began trading shares on paper.

It was there that funds were raised to finance the Pilgrims’ trip to America. In 1773, brokers in London began trading shares of stock-issuing companies at various coffee shops. Subsequently, a group of wealthy traders decided to construct a dedicated building named The Stock Exchange.

It was just a matter of time before our brand new country would organize a system of formal bond and stock trading. From 1785 until 1790, New York City was the U.S. capitol and the original Federal Hall was on Wall Street. George Washington was inaugurated on the steps of that building.

In 1792, New York City’s population was around 34,000, and Wall Street was the center of commerce. (A century earlier, Dutch settlers had built a wall there to protect themselves from pirates, Native Americans and various other dangers, hence the name.)

Not yet paved or lined with cobblestones, the street had warehouses for furs, coffee, tea and other goods from all over the world. Wealthy businessmen, along with their ordinary course of business, would sell lottery tickets, bonds and shares of stock in newly formed banks. The hottest trading and speculation at the time was in

treasury bonds issued by the Bank of the United States.

After several years of trading, this newly formed exchange was having trouble due to the declining value of the Bank of the United States and turmoil stemming from bonds issued to finance the Revolutionary War. The first stock exchange in America had actually been founded in Philadelphia in 1790 and in the winter of 1817, the New York merchant group sent observers down to Philadelphia to try and learn the secrets of their thriving exchange. Upon their return, the New York Stock and Exchange Board were formally organized. In the spring of 1817, a seat on the exchange cost $25.

The Bank of New York is credited with being the first publicly traded company on the exchange. By 1800, there were 20 companies trading. By 1835 that number had ballooned to 121. The NYSE faced very little competition here in America for nearly 200 years. The burgeoning American economy helped the exchange become the most important and prestigious stock market in the world. Late in the 20th century, the first-ever completely electronic stock market would emerge.

Instead of having buyers and sellers consult brokers to determine prices, the NASDAQ Stock Market created a massive, computerized listing of all stock prices and fluctuations in realtime.

The NYSE, while technically not the oldest, remains today the most well-known of all the American stock markets. The NYSE has grown from the original two dozen stockbrokers and 20 publicly traded companies to listing more than 2,800 companies with total capitalization of nearly $20 trillion. While not technically born in the USA, the stock market is certainly rooted in America.

Signature Securities Group Corp. is a registered broker-dealer, investment adviser, licensed insurance agency, member of FINRA/SIPC. n

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wine&dine

B

Zin-fully American

ecause almost all of it is produced in this country, Zinfandel (red and “white”) has emerged as America’s most uniquely distinctive wine. Owing its heritage to grapes originally grown in Croatia and/or Italy’s Apulia region, Zinfandel was introduced here in the early 19th century. And while even the best reds made from this varietal were until quite recently criticized as too heavy and one-dimensional and the “blush” wines (white Zinfandel) as insipidly sweet, quality has vastly improved. In fact, sales continue to increase and Zinfandel now accounts for more than 10 percent of U.S. wine consumption – with more than a few well-made brands perfect for summertime sipping alone or as harmonious mates to a wide range of popular American fare, like hamburgers, pizza, grilled salmon and steaks and barbecued chicken and ribs.

While certain factors, like quality and ripeness of the grapes used, as well as fermentation and aging techniques vary from producer to producer, red Zinfandel is made much like other red wines. The grapes are harvested, crushed, with yeast added for fermentation of sugar into alcohol and water. Next the skins and yeast are removed over time by various fining and clarification methods and the resulting product is aged and bottled.

On the other hand, white Zinfandel is made by the process for producing a white wine from red grapes, long used in the Champagne region of France to make blanc de noir sparklers.

After the grapes are crushed, the skins are briefly allowed to remain in contact with the white juice so that some color from the skins is extracted. As would be expected, factors like ripeness of the grapes at harvest and the length of time that the skins are in contact with the juice can alter the final product.

In addition, because skins are firmer at night, the time of day for picking is important. Also winemaking methods vary from producer to producer, leading to a spectrum of acidity and intensity. All this being said, two well-priced brands, Beringer and Sutter Home show great consistency from year to year with a pale salmon color, a bouquet and taste of ripe peaches, melons and pineapple and a crisp finish.

The following are the top six picks from a series of tastings of more than three dozen red Zinfandels currently available locally. (Typical retail prices for 750 ml bottles are provided in parentheses.)

2008 Joel Gott California Zinfandel ($14) With grapes culled from vineyards throughout California, this blend of Zinfandel (96 percent), Petite Syrah

82

By Geoff Kalish, MD

(3 percent) and Alicante Bouchet (1 percent) is a great bargain, tasting like far more expensive brands. It has a deep purple hue and a bouquet and taste of black raspberries and ripe cherries, with hints of pepper and maple syrup in the finish. Try it with pizza, pasta and blue-veined cheeses.

2008 Martinelli “Jackass Vineyard” Zinfandel ($100) Not for the faint-of-wallet, this top-of-the-line, powerful yet elegant red from a prized Napa Valley vineyard is well worth the tariff charged. It has a very fragrant bouquet of ripe cherries and strawberries, a complex taste of jammy fruit and herbs and an almost sweet, memorable finish. Also, based on my experience with older vintages, expect this wine to improve markedly with about five to six years of bottle aging, its jammy fruit flavor becoming a bit muted and a taste of herbs and crushed violets coming to the forefront. It’s perfect to match with hearty classic American fare like braised short ribs, grilled duck breast and turkey and the trimmings.

2009 Mauritson Dry Creek Zinfandel ($27) Made from a blend of Zinfandel (93 percent) and Petite Syrah (7 percent) grapes harvested from eight prized Sonoma vineyards, this wine shows a deep magenta color, a bouquet of ripe raspberries and strawberries, a full, complex taste of fruit and oak and a long, slightly tannic finish that’s mellowed by proteinaceous fare. Ready to drink now, this wine will become a bit smoother over the next two to three years.

2008 Pezzi King Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ($18) Those fond of very fruity, fragrant, food-friendly reds will love this deep magenta well-priced wine from grapes grown in a Sonoma region known for excellent Zinfandels. Don’t expect this vintage to improve much with age.

But it should drink well over the next five to six years.

2008 Rosenblum “Rockpile Road” Zinfandel ($35) This elegant red with a bouquet and taste of blackberries, cherries, vanilla and toasty oak is produced from low-yielding vines grown on steep terraces in the north-

Zinfandel now accounts for more than 10 percent of U.S. wine consumption – with more than a few well-made brands perfect for summertime sipping alone or as harmonious mates to a wide range of popular American fare, like hamburgers, pizza, grilled salmon and steaks and barbecued chicken and ribs. east corner of California’s Dry Creek Valley, above Lake Sonoma. A blend of Zinfandel (88 percent) and Petite Sirah (12 percent), it’s perfect with pasta, barbecued ribs and heady cheeses.

2009 Turley Wine Cellars “Old Vines” Zinfandel ($50) While legendary producer Turley makes far more expensive single-vineyard Zinfandels, most require a few years of cellaring to reach their full potential. On the other hand this bottle provides drinking pleasure upon release. It has a deep purple color, bouquet and taste of ripe berries and plums, with undertones of chocolate and cherries and a long, smooth finish. n

weekend

Kykuit

Philipsburg Manor

take a day trip back in time

By Alissa Frey

We may not have a Gettysburg or a Colonial Williamsburg, but Westchester and Fairfield counties are rich in historical sites.

George Washington Slept Here

Elijah Miller House, North White Plains The Rhode Island-style farmhouse of Ann and Elijah Miller became Washington’s headquarters during the Battle of White Plains in 1776. Artifacts include the chair from which Washington plotted strategy. (914) 864-7000, westchestergov.com.

Jacob Purdy House George Washington used this house as his headquarters for part of the year 1778, and some believe it may have been used during the Battle of White Plains as well.

The White Plains Historical Society now operates the site. (914) 328-1776, whiteplainshistory.org.

Square House Museum, Rye Though the property dates from 1685 and has had a succession of owners, its finest hour may have been as a post-Revolutionary inn run by Tamar Haviland. Washington was among the guests who enjoyed the Widow Haviland’s excellent porridge. Today, the Square House is a museum with regular exhibits and events, run by the Rye Historical Society, which also owns the Timothy Knapp House, the oldest historic site in the city. (914) 967-7588, ryehistory.org.

Wayside Cottage, Scarsdale The cottage dates from about 1715, making it one of the earliest houses still standing in Westchester County. It was both a drover’s inn and residence for the patriotic Varian family, who lived there for many generations from 1716 to 1851. Its claim to literary fame is as an inspiration for James Fenimore Cooper’s

novel “The Spy.” Tours are available through the Junior League of Central Westchester. (914) 723-6130, jlcentralwestchester.org.

Historic Hudson Valley

Kykuit, Pocantico Hills The landmark Rockefeller home boasts commanding views of the Hudson River – the name is Dutch for “lookout” – and spectacular Italianate and modern sculpture gardens, filled with works placed there by Nelson A. Rockefeller himself, Kykuit’s last master. Visitors will also enjoy the 40-room stone mansion, which contains more of the late New York governor’s art collection, and the Coach Barn, which houses antique and vintage automobiles.

Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow Part of the vast estate owned by the Philipses – Dutch merchants who remained loyal to the British during the American Revolution – Philipsburg Manor was actually run by their enslaved Africans. Today the working mill and farm have been reinterpreted to reflect their contributions and features regular events that allow visitors to experience ye olde chores.

Sunnyside, Tarrytown Washington Irving’s charming Dutch-flavored “snuggery,” as he called it, captures the spirit of a man whose writings reinvented America, New York and himself.

Union Church of Pocantico Hills Neighboring Kykuit, the Union Church features an abstract rose window by Henri Matisse as well as jewel-colored stained glass by Marc Chagall depicting the prophets and Gospel themes. These were commissioned by members of the Rockefeller family in remembrance of departed family members.

Van Cortlandt Manor The post-Revolutionary site offers insight into occupations and crafts of the period, including blacksmithing, brick-laying, open-hearth cooking, spinning and weaving.

For more on sites administered by Historic Hudson Valley in Tarrytown, call (914) 631-8200 or visit hudsonvalley.org.

More Westchester sites

Lyndhurst The Gothic Revival structure, built by celebrated architect Alexander Jackson Davis, was the former home of many notable residents, including onetime New York City Mayor William Paulding Jr. and railroad magnate Jay Gould. The 67acre property is dominated by sculpture gardens and Hudson River views. (914) 631-4481, lyndhurst.wordpress.com.

John Jay Homestead, Katonah John Jay retired to his Westchester County home, a 24room farmhouse, after serving as principal negotiator of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War, secretary for foreign affairs of the United States, first chief justice of the Supreme Court and second governor of New York state. (914) 232-5651, johnjayhomestead.org.

Jay Heritage Center Built on the footprint of John Jay’s childhood home, the Greek Revival mansion plays host to programs in American history, social justice and environmental conservation. (914) 698-9275, jaycenter.org.

Thomas Paine Cottage, New Rochelle The rooms in Paine’s home, actually his second cottage after the first burned in 1793, contain some original artifacts and reproductions that give insight into the man whose “Common Sense” pamphlet helped ignite a revolution. (914)-633-1776, thomaspainecottage.org.

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Putnam Cottage

Historical Hoyt Barnum House

Historic Fairfield

Bush-Holley House, Cos Cob Though it was built in 1730, it is better-known as the boarding house that nurtured the Cos Cob Art Colony and the growth of American Impressionism at the end of the 19th century. Guests included John Twachtman, Theodore Robinson and Childe Hassam, whose views of the house, Cos Cob and its environs grace museums today. (203) 869-6899, hstg.org.

Putnam Cottage Putnam Cottage, also known as Knapp’s Tavern for the family that lived there in the 1600s, is most often associated with Gen. Israel Putnam, who stayed there before the British attacked Greenwich. The museum even holds Caffe Azzurri 274164 41411 WestEss hh

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the bullet-bearing hat he wore as he rode away to warn Stamford residents that the Redcoats were coming. (203) 869-9697, putnamcottage.org.

Putnam Memorial State Park, Redding Named after Gen. Israel Putnam, Connecticut’s oldest state park was the site of the winter encampment of his Continental troops from December 1778 to May 1779. It has come to be known as “Connecticut’s Valley Forge.” (203) 938-2285, putnampark.com.

Bates-Scofield Museum, Darien The 18th-century house and 1827 barn have been 9:07 PM

preserved by the Darien Historical Society for exhibits like the current display on the town’s Civil War soldiers.

The property also has colonial herb and children’s gardens. (203) 655-9233, historical.darien.org.

Fairfield Museum and History Center, Fairfield In 2007, the Fairfield Historical Society established this museum to ensure that history would be part of contemporary life. The 13,000-square-foot space contains a literature room, an educational center and space for exhibits like the current retrospective on photojournalist Bill Eppridge, who created some of the most searing images of the 1960s. (203) 259-1598, fairfieldhistoricalsociety.org. n

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Lunch and network Women’s Enterprise Development Center luncheon and “microenterprise” fair, recognizing women’s entrepreneurship with keynote speaker Liz Hamburg, founder and president of Upstart Ventures, and journalist Traci E. Alexander as emcee, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tappan Hill, 81 Highland Ave., Tarrytown. $125. (914) 948-6098, wedcwestchester.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

lin, bagpipes, flutes, guitar, banjo, and glass harmonica, 8 p.m., Spanish Courtyard in the Caramoor Rosen House, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah. $40, $30; children under 16 half price. (914) 232-1252, caramoor.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 2

Green Fish, by Bernie Mindich.

movement, featuring works in various media, ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. (914) 4284220, artswestchester.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18 THROUGH SATURDAY, SEPT. 3

The Bard on the Hudson Opening night for the Hudson Valley Shakepeare Festival in “The Comedy of Errors,” Shakespeare’s take on double trouble. The troupe’s first-ever “Hamlet” opens Saturday, June 25. It’s all under a big tent at Boscobel House and Gardens, Route 9D, Garrison. (845) 265-7858, hvshakespeare.org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

To bid, or not to bid The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival previews this year’s silver-anniversary season and a live auction. Mix and mingle with the company, 4:30 p.m., Boscobel House and Gardens, Route 9D, Garrison. Tickets start at $200. (845) 265-7858, hvshakespeare.org.

Ya gotta have heart Yerwood Center’s celebration with silent auction and dinner to honor Fairfield County residents for their extraordinary community service, 6 p.m. to midnight, Italian Center Stamford, 1620 Newfield Ave., $100; $80 children under 12. (203) 327-2790, ext. 20, yerwoodcenter.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

MONDAY, JUNE 13

Golf & Tennis Rx Phelps Memorial Hospital Center’s golf and tennis outing includes a tournament, buffet lunch, cocktail reception, buffet dinner and prizes, 11 a.m. registration, 1 p.m. shotgun golf start, 5:30 p.m. dinner, Sleepy Hollow Country Club, 777 Albany Post Road, Scarborough. $800 per golfer, $400 per tennis player. (914) 232-6583, rburton@pmhc.us.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17 THROUGH SATURDAY, JULY 30

“A Spin on Green” Artists address the relationship between man and nature while considering the role art plays in the ecological 86

SUNDAY, JULY 3

Pops on stage, pops in the sky Fireworks display and music by violinist Charles Yang, performing Henri Vieuxtemp’s “Yankee Doodle,” and other works to celebrate America’s birthday, 8 p.m., Caramoor, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah. $70, $60, $50, $40, $30; children under 16 half price. (914) 232-1252, caramoor.org.

MONDAY, JULY 4

Patriotic Celebration A Fourth of July celebration with music, speeches, refreshments, a reading of the “Declaration of Independence” and the tolling of the historic St. Paul’s Church bell, 10:30 a.m., St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon. (914) 667-4116, nps.gov/sapa.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

The Pony Tails A trio of singers recreates the ebullient “girl-group” sound of the 1960s to kick off the annual Emil Paolucci Summer Sounds concert series, 7:30 p.m., Hudson Park, 83 Hudson Park Road, New Rochelle. (914) 654-2119, newrochellearts.org.

Golf fundraiser A golf outing to benefit The Miracle League of Westchester, 10:30 a.m., Hampshire Country Club, 1025 Cove Road, Mamaroneck. $250 per golfer, $900 per foursome.

(914) 960-6391, mlwny.org.

From gridiron to 9-iron with Eli Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s golf outing with New York Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning, plus breakfast, lunch, a banquet dinner and silent auction, 8:30 a.m., Whippoorwill Club, 150 Whippoorwill Road, Armonk; 4:30 to 6 p.m., cocktails, silent auction, followed by 6 to 8 p.m. dinner at Mount Kisco Country Club, 10 Taylor Road, Mount Kisco. $700 per golfer, $2,500 to $50,000 per foursome. (914) 245-4024, guidingeyes.org.

American Roots Music Festival A full spectrum of American sounds with string band, folk, bluegrass, country, blues, gospel and jazz-inspired performances, 12:30 p.m., Caramoor, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah. $40, $30, $20. (914) 232-5035, caramoor.org.

Hands Dancing Across the Page Cocktails, live music and performance artist Marcy B. Freedman creating abstract drawings inspired by the rhythms of live music, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St. $10 members, $20 nonmembers.

(914) 232-9555, katonahmuseum.org.

Soprano Georgia Jarman, who will star as Josephine in “H.M.S. Pinafore.” Photograph by Gabe Palacio.

Sailing the ocean blue at Caramoor A nautical-themed gala celebrates the opening night of the festival’s 66th annual summer season, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner, followed by a staged performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” and an after-dark party with the cast, 6 p.m., 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah. $2,500, $1,250, $600; ($250 includes concert and after-dark party only). The festival runs through Aug. 10. (914) 232-5035, caramoor.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 1

Thomas Jefferson’s tunes A musical performance recreating the sounds believed to be typical of those heard throughout Thomas Jefferson’s home as well the slaves’ area, featuring musicians on vio-

TUESDAY, JULY 12 (RAIN DATE TUESDAY, JULY 19)

Big Bamboo Artist Stephen Talasnik and Storm King Director David Collens lead a tour of Talasnik’s vast construction “Stream: A Folded Drawing,” an installation that consists of 3,000 bamboo poles tied together to form a monumental-yet-intricate structure 12 feet by 90 feet.

Meet at Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., at 10 a.m. $25 members, $30 nonmembers. (845) 5343115, stormking.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13

Lady sings the blues Blues vocalist Cynthia Holiday is backed up by three jazz musicians, 7:30 p.m., Hudson Park, 83 Hudson Park Road, New Rochelle. (914) 654-2119, newrochellearts.org.

worthy Antique Shops ABBY M. TAYLOR FINE ART L.L.C. 43 Greenwich Ave. Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 622-0906 amtfineart.com ACCESORY STORE 69 Jefferson St. Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 327-7128 theaccesorystoreonline.com THE ANTIQUE AND ARTISAN CENTER 69 Jefferson St. Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 327-6022 antiqueandartisancenter.com ARTEMIS GALLERY 22 Wallace Road North Salem, NY 10560 (914) 669-5971 artemisantiques.com BLITHEWOLD HOME 495 Lexington Ave. Mount Kisco, NY 10549 (914) 666-7533 blithewoldhome.com BRIGGS HOUSE ANTIQUES 566 E. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (914) 381-0650 briggshouse.com BUNGALOW 4 Sconset Square Westport, CT 06880 (203) 227-4406 CAROL MASTER ANTIQUES 10 Main St. Tarrytown, NY 10591 (914) 332 8441 carolmaster.com CHATSWORTH AUCTION ROOMS & FURNITURE STUDIOS INC. 151 Mamaroneck Ave. Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (914) 698-1001 chatsworthauction.com

CIRCA ANTIQUES 11 Riverside Ave. Westport, CT 06880 (203) 222-8642 circaantiques.1stdibs.com

GLEN LEROUX ANTIQUES 56 Riverside Ave. Westport, CT 06880 (203) 227-8030

M.S. ANTIQUES 10 Joseph Wallace Drive Croton-on Hudson, NY 10591 (914) 885-6163 msantiques.com

DESIGNER’S CORNER 2085 Boston Post Road Larchmont, NY 10538 (914) 834-9170 designerscorneronline.com

HAMPTONS ANTIQUE GALLERIES 441 Canal St. Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 325-4019 hamptonsantiquegalleries. com

NANA’S ATTIC 414 Central Park Ave. Scarsdale, NY 10583 (914) 472-3806 nanasattic.com

THE DRAWING ROOM 5 Suburban Ave. Cos Cob, CT 06807 (203) 661-3406 thedrawingroom.cc DRUCKER ANTIQUES 487 E. Main St., Suite 197 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 druckerantiques.com DUALITIES ANTIQUES & ART INC. 2056 Boston Post Road Larchmont, NY 10538 (914) 834-2773 dualitiesantiquesandart.com

HIDEN GALLERY ANTIQUES 47 John St. Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 363-0003 hidengalleries.net JOHN KEITH RUSSELL ANTIQUES INC. 110 Spring St. South Salem, NY 10590 (914) 763-8144 jkrantiques.com

THE HOROLOGIST OF LONDON EARLE D. VANDEKAR OF 450 Main St. KNIGHTSBRIDGE INC. Ridgefield, CT 06877 P.O. Box 55 (203) 438-4332 Maryknoll, NY 10545 horologistoflondon.com (212) 308-2022 vandekar.com L’ANTIQUAIRE 18 Post Road West THE FEDERALIST Westport, CT 06880 95 E. Putnam Ave. (203) 454-2750 Greenwich, CT 06830 lantiquaireweb.com (203) 625-4727 thefederalistonline.com LE BARN 457 Webbs Hill Road FLEUR Stamford, CT 06903 10 Dakin Ave. (203) 253-7286 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 lebarnantiques.com (914) 241-3400 fleur-newyork.com LEONCE ANTIQUES & CONSIGNMENTS FRAMONT 1435 Post Road East, P.O. Box 4051 Westport, CT 06880 Greenwich, CT 06831 (203) 254-8448 (203) 661-9675 leonceantiques.com GEORGE SUBKOFF ANTIQUES 260 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 (203) 227-3515 subkoffantiques.com

Mellin’s Antiques P.O. Box 1115 Redding, CT 06875 (203) 938-9538 mellinsantiques.com

NEXT STEP ANTIQUES 199 Ethan Allen Highway Ridgefield, CT 06877 (203) 431-8083 nextstepantiques.com PARC MONCEAU 1375 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 (203) 319-0001 parcmonceauwestport.com POST ROAD GALLERY 2128 Boston Post Road Larchmont, NY 10538 (914) 834-7568 postroadgallery.com RAPHAEL FURNITURE RESTORATION 655 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 348-3079

RUSS ANTIQUES & AUCTIONS L.L.C. P.O. Box 1 Waterford, CT 06385 (203) 464-4745 russantiquesandauctions.com SALLEA ANTIQUES 66 Elm St. New Canaan, CT 06840 (203) 972-1050 salleaantiques.com THE SILK PURSE 118 Main St. New Canaan, CT 06840 (203) 972-0898 thesilkpurse.com STRATFORD ANTIQUE CENTER 400 Honeyspot Road Stratford, CT 06615 (203) 378-7754 stratfordantique.com UNITED HOUSE WRECKING 535 Hope St. Stamford, CT 06906 (203) 348-5371 unitedhousewrecking.com

VALLIN GALLERIES L.L.C. 516 Danbury Road RED CARPET ANTIQUES Wilton, CT 06897 201 King St. (203) 762-7441 Chappaqua, NY 10514 vallingalleries.com (914) 238-4918 rcachap.com WARREN ANTIQUES INC. THE RED PETTICOAT 1030 Ridgefield Road ANTIQUE SHOP Wilton CT 06897 113 West Lane (203) 762-7353 Ridgefield, CT 06877 warrenantiques.com (203) 431-9451 antiquing.com THE YELLOW MONKEY 792 Route 35 ROSE COURT Cross River, NY 10518 ASIAN ANTIQUES (914) 763-5848 70 Cowdin Lane yellowmonkey.com Chappaqua, NY 10514 (914) 241-1041 rosecourtasianantiques.com ROSE D’OR ANTIQUES 1076 Post Road Darien, CT 06820 (203)655-4668 rosedorantiques.com

Rooted in America 87

watch Celebrating art

The Katonah Museum of Art (KMA) hosted a splendid spring gala April 30, with close to 400 community members and art patrons stepping out in support of the museum’s endeavors. The sold-out event raised more than $320,000 and honored Ginny Gold, longtime KMA board leader; Kim Larson, a sustainability advocate; and Sesame Workshop CEO Gary Knell.

Photographs by Margaret Fox and Tim Grajek

Event co-chairpersons Tricia Freeman of Bedford, Anna Lee of Katonah and Stephanie Small of Waccabuc with Elmo

Theresa Scott and Steel Swift

Claire and Dick Yaffa

Neil Watson, Kim Larson and Gary Knell

Affordable Luxury

Hotel Zero Degrees in Stamford was the setting for the recent “Affordable Luxury: For Men” event. Participants included Sak’s 5 Avenue “suit professor” Sal Giardina, former Knick and cigar impresario John Starks, International Beverage USA’s Dave Conroy, Sterling Farms’ head golf pro Robert Larosa, Columbus Park restaurateur Michael Marcetti, Fabricare founder and owner Michael Astorino and men’s fashion expert Frank Schipani.

Betteridge Jewelers, Mercedes Benz and Stamford magazine also took part.

Photographs by Jed Wilson

Salvatore Giardina

Joseph Schipani and Tom Nastasi, owner TPM and Black Forest racing teams

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Paulette Pitt and Mia Schipani, RMS Vice President business development and host

Sal Tofano, Damian Morris and Carolyn Morris

Sydney Cohan, Frank Schipani and Teresa Walsh

John Pesick and Victoria Myrick

Steve Makinen, Ashley Douglass, Simrin Jain and Sean Dowling

Dave Conroy, International Beverage Company

ABOUT THE FIRM Bleakley Platt has been a leader in the White Plains, Westchester County and Hudson Valley legal communities for over 70 years. With more than 40 professionals, the Firm has a full range of practice groups dedicated to civil litigation and appellate work, trusts and estates, commercial finance and real estate transactions, corporate and health law, and labor and employment matters, among others. We have the diverse skills necessary to address the wide range of issues faced by our clients in virtually all aspects of civil and commercial law from sophisticated and complex litigation to individual estate planning.

Bleakley Platt offers a unique mixture of attorneys previously affiliated with large national law firms working together with attorneys who have longstanding deep roots in the legal and business community. It is this unique blend, with its resulting diversity of professional experience, which allows our Firm to provide the highest caliber of representation at significantly less cost than nationally-based firms. In the end, our clients always receive the highest quality legal representation delivered in a costeffective manner.

OUR HISTORY Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP was founded in 1937 by William F. Bleakley of Yonkers and Livingston Platt of Rye. “Judge” Bleakley served as a New York State Supreme Court Justice prior to running for Governor of New York in 1936. Livingston Platt, a successful attorney in private practice, also had deep roots in local, state and national politics. The tradition of government service has continued through the years as other alumni of Bleakley Platt have sat as Justices on the New York State Appellate Division and Supreme Court, one of whom also served as Surrogate for Westchester County. The tradition culminated in the late 1980’s with the simultaneous appointments of two former partners as Chief Judges for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, respectively. Today, the Firm has grown to more than 40 professionals, serving our clients and the community through professionalism, public service and charitable works.

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watch

Tom Amigdalos and Steve Amigdalos, honorees.

Denise Tagaris and Fotios Tagaris

Island Style

Archbishop Timothy Dolan joins in the festivities.

Pamela Yaco and Andreas and Denise Kubhier

Cabrini of Westchester kicked off its annual Sharing in Mission Dinner, “An Evening in Paradise,” at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown May 4. Guests donned leis and chatted over wine and hors d’oeuvres as a steel drum band set the tropical mood. The highlight of the evening was an invocation led by Archbishop of New York Timothy M. Dolan, who greeted guests with warm smiles and handshakes.

— Kelly Liyakasa

‘Influence of the Land’

Co-founders of transFORM, Andreas Messis and Stuart Reisch, hosted an opening reception May 12 at their New Rochelle gallery for “Influence of the Land,” with works by artists Tova Snyder, Sheldon Snyder, and Eric Camiel. More than 80 guests attended, including Lillian Vernon, NRCA President Judith Weber, and sculptor Lubomir Tomaszewski. Weber said, “The beauty of exhibiting in the transFORM environment is the ability to see the works as they would look in your home.”

Photographs by Skyler Srivastava

Harold and Edith Holzer, Phoebe and Tom Campbell.

Met gala

Sculptor Lubomir Tomaszewski, Eric Camiel, Andreas Messis

Harold Holzer, senior vice president for external affairs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and a Rye resident, and Tom Campbell, director of The Met and an Ossining resident, were all smiles as they posed with their wives at the museum’s May 2 Costume Institute gala honoring the late British designer Alexander McQueen and his successor, Sarah Burton, who designed Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge’s instantly classic wedding dress. The gala is one of the premiere events of the year, attracting luminaries from movies, fashion and New York society. Photograph by Don Pollard.

Go Yanks!

Tova Snyder and Sheldon Snyder

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Stuart Reisch, Lillian Vernon and David Hochberg

Family Services of Westchester hosted many Yankee greats and other sports stars recently at The Clubhouse Grill in New Rochelle. Proceeds from the charity dinner, which was sponsored

by Brandon Steiner, chairman of Steiner Sports Marketing, will go toward the $275,000 renovation of the Evelyn Sachs Steiner Home for Girls.

Yankees ace closer Mariano Rivera celebrates with Family Services of Westchester CEO Susan B. Wayne.

Shore Dreamin’

The Children’s Dream Foundation in Rye Brook hosted its “Supper at the Shore” at Shenorock Shore Club Friday, May 13. This year, Stephen Paletta, founder of GiveBack.org, was honored. The event was co-chaired by Laura and Gerry Holbrook of Mamaroneck.

Photos by Philip Jensen - Carter.

Barbara Moss with Gerry Holbrook, Michael Stevens, Dr. Daniel Rauch and daughter, Meredith Michael Stevens and wife, Carolyn

Michael Ferguson and John Quiniones

Tim and Eileen Riordan with Amanda and Darrell Alfieri

Dr. Timothy Haydock and Dr. Pete Richel

Eileen Hanlon and Meg Rodriguez

Stephen Paletta, honoree

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watch Out of Africa

Whitney Johnson – the 26-year-old founder of Ubuntu Africa and former Bedford resident – joined actress Vanessa Williams and scores of supporters at the Harvey School Art Center in Katonah May 14 to raise funds for her organization, which helps HIV-positive children in South Africa. Chairpersons Beth Golde of Ginnel Real Estate; Martha Handler, one half of our Class & Sass team; and Doni Belau, of the Girls’ Guide to Paris website, arranged the event, which allowed guests to munch, dine, mingle and bid on marvelous auction items – all for Whitney’s cause.

Photographs by Marie Orser

Vanessa Williams

Beth Golde, Martha Handler and Whitney Johnson

Karen and Daniel Lerner

Macy Johnson

Betsy Johnson

Brad and Bonnie Klein

Susan Ridge, Betsy Cohn, Sarah Gillman

Lori Hall Armstrong and Michael Armstrong

Randee Bank and Dr. David Bank

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Dean Travolino

Heidi Schiff and Susan Libowitz

Grand Prix

Among the highlights of the spring equestrian season in Westchester County were two weeks of events at Old Salem Farm in North Salem. The competition was capped by the $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix, held May 22. Georgina Bloomberg, daughter of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, took the grand prize aboard appropriately named Metropolitan. In an interview posted on oldsalemfarm.net, Ms. Bloomberg acknowledged the pressure of performing in her own backyard with Mayor Mike and other family members in attendance. But this was one day when the home field really was an advantage.

Photographs by David Bravo

Jessica Herzog, Dana Rizzo and SydneyShulman

Stephanie Scarlata, Ann Widder, Jane Widder and Jan Golash of Crossroads Farm

Lydia Ulrich

Scott Hakim, Shirley Manocherian and Ellen Hakim

Katie Dinan

Brittany Raflowitz

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watch Golden gala

The College of New Rochelle threw one beautiful bash this spring at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.

Honored at the Trustee Gala was college President Stephen Sweeny, in celebration of his 35-year tenure at the school, 14 of which were spent as president.

President-Elect Judith Huntington, at center, with trustees Hugh F. Johnston and Elizabeth LeVaca

Stephen Sweeny and Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni

Farewell

Hundreds of guests bid farewell to Brother James A. Liguori, Iona College’s seventh president, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City April 29. Among the many notables wishing Liguori well was Master of Ceremonies Dick Cavett.

Photographs by Joe Vericker

Dick Cavett and his wife, Carrie Nye

Brother James A. Liguori and Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino

Fab fundraising

Fabulous founding families fundraise for diabetes foundation. Say that three times fast. The Westchester chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation raised more than $500,000 at its 25th anniversary gala at tony Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor recently. The chapter’s three fab founding families – the Kollers, Murphys and Reitzes – were honored that evening.

Edward Koller III, Ross Koller, Edward Koller Jr., Bobbi Reitzes, Robert Reitzes, JoAnn Murphy and Joseph Murphy

Jeff Rossen, NBC News correspondent and event emcee

Fashion for the Kids

John A. Coleman School hosted one fabulous fashion show at Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains May 5 to benefit the children it serves. Our own Jené Luciani served as emcee that evening. Guests savored dinner, dessert, a silent auction and stylish shopping.

Maria Tardio and Heather Adessa

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Kristis Hettesheimer and Wagger Jené Luciani

Kristen Mulcahy displays a raffle item

class&sass

Martha an d her

chicken to te.

By Martha Handler and Jennifer Pappas

M How could I forget? I was the first

iends r and fr Jennife

M I must have a hearty immune system because though I’ve lived in the ’burbs for years, I’ve yet to succumb to either the horse bug or the gentleman farmer germ. (One year I did cultivate a bountiful vegetable garden. But by the next year, my garden had been descended on and devoured by every varmint within a 50-mile radius. I suspect that some rascally woodchuck included my garden on its annual “Map of the Star Westchester Gardens.”) With all the organic produce available in the grocery stands and the plethora of farmers markets in the area, why would anyone spend their precious free time rooting around in the dirt? It doesn’t even save you money. Before I planted my first garden, I attended a workshop where the teacher began the class by telling us that if we were getting into gardening to save money on our produce bill, we could forget about it. “Each vegetable you grow in your garden will cost you roughly two to four times as much as you’ll spend at the grocery store on organic vegetables,” he promised.

J That teacher needs a better opening line. But honestly, I don’t get the whole gardening craze either.

The cost of the vegetable doesn’t tell half the story. Added to that are the cost of the manicure, chiropractor, acupuncture and masseuse appointments you’ll need after each and every gardening session. I was a big “Green Acres” fan as a child, but I always rooted for Eva Gabor. I gave up city life for my husband and children (for the time being). But don’t even think of asking me to scrounge around on all fours in the dirt. Remember our friend Michel and her horrible chicken fiasco?

person on the scene. I’d gone over to have a cup of coffee with her after dropping my kids at school. When she didn’t answer her door I went to check for her in the barn. On my way there I noticed that the hen house door was ajar, so I peeked my head in. It was total carnage: No bodies, just a floor-to-ceiling swath of blood and feathers. Apparently the predatory fox leaves no prisoners.

J Poor Michel. She was devastated. She knew each and every one of those chickens by name not to mention their ovulation schedules. And though I wouldn’t want to own any myself, I have to admit that those farm fresh eggs not only taste better, they arrive in the most gorgeous shades of pastel. Chickens are quite fascinating: Makes no sense that such a small being could produce such a large, hard egg. Hurts just to think about it, doesn’t it?

M I try very hard not to think about it. I remember a few years ago having a lively discussion during a dinner party about chickens. None of us was quite sure if hens laid eggs without a rooster present. Thanks to a gentleman farmer who happened to be seated at the table, we learned that like ourselves, hens ovulate (lay eggs) with or without males (roosters) present. Furthermore, the gentleman informed us that hens have the ability to change sex!

J Wow, that’s convenient! And speaking of gentlemen ... where have they all gone? They seem to be dying off in droves just like the honeybee. Now don’t get me wrong: I’m all for equal rights. But not at the expense of common decency and good old-fashioned displays of romance. So here’s a pointer to all you men out there: Despite reports to the contrary, we appreciate having seats relinquished and we’ll never tire of hearing you tell us that

we’re beautiful. We also love receiving flowers unexpectedly, having doors held open for us and generally being treated like ladies.

Q. How often do I need to touch up my hair color? I presently go every six to eight weeks, which clearly isn’t often enough.

A. To achieve and maintain the perfect hair color, the magic number for most people is 17. Touch up every 17 days and you’ll keep your roots at bay. It’s a commitment and a nuisance but well worth the investment.

Q. I’m in my 40s and I’m still breaking out. How can I have wrinkles and pimples at the same time?

A. It’s unfair but unfortunately quite common. Skin issues are often a reflection of something amiss at a deeper level. Start by having your hormones checked. As we approach menopause our hormones are in a constant state of flux. We start to lose progesterone, leaving estrogen unchecked (periods = pimples). If this is the case, your doctor can help you regain your equilibrium.

Wag Up • Mariani Gardens in Armonk. Meet a friend for lunch in the garden, then stroll the showroom and greenhouse for unique home and garden offerings. It’s Westchester’s very own “Secret Garden.”

• People who are living in the moment and truly listen when you talk (with no electronics present).

• The adorable rubber Chicken Purse (see photo) available at Amazon.com for only $22. All the fun of owning a chicken with none of the mess.

Wag Down • Men who leave toilet seats up.

• People who have Blackberries permanently clutched in their paws or who simultaneously type and converse.

• People who cut in line, including those who do so with their cars. Cheaters!

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wit wonders:What brings out the Yankee Doodle in you?

“Hearing the amazing stories of the students enrolled in our library’s ESL classes, which are conducted

by Westchester Community College, and learning why these individuals from every part of the world have chosen to live in our great community of New Rochelle and county of Westchester.

Plus: I must confess that the Yankee Doodle in me also wells-up at the first bars of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at any public gathering…particularly hometown parades. I’m the one who is mumbling between sniffles, ‘must be allergies.’”

– Barbara Davis, New Rochelle city historian, and community relations coordinator, New Rochelle Public Library, New Rochelle resident “Warm apple pie, fireworks on the Fourth of July and summer gatherings with family and friends remind me of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy everyday and remind me of just how great our country is.”

– Bob Duff, Connecticut state senator, Norwalk resident “The way our troops are embraced when they return from overseas. This is something I never experienced when I returned from Vietnam in the late ’60s.”

– Jim Farrell, Director, Ossining Public Library, Cortlandt resident

“Marching in parades.

It is fun and inspiring marching with everyone down the local streets with Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, American Legions, firefighters, veterans and others. I also love watching the kids and community members waving on the side. It brings out everyone’s sense of being unified, reminds us of our hometown traditions, and it’s a wonderful way to say ‘thank you’ to our country for all the freedom and opportunity we are offered here.”

– Sandy Galef New York state assemblywoman, Ossining resident “My Yankee Doodle comes out when I visit the historic sites in Westchester that are related to the founding of our country – the Purdy House in White Plains, the Jay House in Katonah, the Jay Heritage Center in Rye and the Thomas Paine Cottage in New Rochelle among them.”

– Katie Hite, Executive director, Westchester County Historical Society, Yonkers resident “Spending the Fourth of July at Playland with my family. It’s the amusement park’s biggest attendance day of the year, with a great fireworks display and an opportunity to see all kinds of people from Westchester and the tristate region enjoying the rides and games, reveling on the beach and sharing the holiday together. In the midst of the fun and relaxation, there is a real understanding that our freedom is worth cherishing – and protecting.”

– Ken Jenkins, Chairman of the board, Westchester County Board of Legislators, Yonkers resident

“Aside from the fact that I’ve actually been called a Yankee growing up in Spain? Mmm… I’d have to say barbecues. To me, there is nothing more patriotic than being with your friends and family in a backyard eating good food and enjoying each other. Of course, on the fashion side of the things, it’s fun trying to incorporate the good ol’ red, white and blue into your barbecue attire.”

– Maria Lago, President and founder, Three/Events & PR, White Plains resident “Hearing a marching band play Sousa’s ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’ on Independence Day. It’s a slice of Americana – right out of ‘The Music Man’ – all brass tubas and trombones, waving flags and the same thrill I felt hearing it as a little kid.”

– George Latimer, New York state assemblyman, Rye resident

perfect.”

– Terrence O’Brien, Founding artistic director, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Garrison and New York City resident

“Not only does a huge American flag flying in a good breeze make me hum (or bellow depending on my environment) ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy,’ it brings a tear to my eye and makes my heart swell with pride at being an American.”

– Carolin C. Serino, Acting executive director, Boscobel House and Gardens, Beacon resident

Rooted in America 96

“I get Yankee Doodled whenever I hear an American actor use a distinctly American dialect to speak Shakespeare and it comes out sounding absolutely

“Saying or hearing ‘The Pledge of Allegiance,’ ‘God Bless America,’ or ‘My Country ’Tis of Thee (America),’ Memorial Day parades, 4th of July parades and the celebratory firework presentations for those holidays bring out the Yankee Doodle in me, but only as a close second to seeing men and women, of any age, in uniform. Last year I had the privilege of going to the ArmyNavy game for the first time... if you don’t feel over the top patriotic there, you won’t feel it anywhere.”

– Sherri A. Steeneck, First selectman, town of Fairfield, Fairfield resident “Hot apple pie and vanilla bean ice cream.”

– Sloan Wainwright, Singer and songwriter, Katonah resident “As one who spends his life with low-income kids whom the world expects to fail – seeing them learn and grow and mature and succeed far beyond their own wildest imagination would make anyone proud of this country and its entire people.”

– Joel Warren, Executive director, NFTE Fairchester, New York City resident “You need to ask what brings out the Yankee Doodle in a Connecticut-born Yankee? Two words: Clam shack!

Just put me near a shoreline and I begin to vibrate for raw and cooked, clams, oysters and anything else that once lived in the sea, hopefully up until just before it goes in my mouth.”

– Neil Watson, Executive director, Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah resident Margaret Fox

“The summertime brings out the ‘Yankee Doodle’ in me, because it means outdoor concerts at Caramoor. We’re offering lots of American music all summer. But the first weekend in July will be the most patriotic. It doesn’t get any better than the Orchestra of St. Luke’s performing Sousa, Gershwin and Bernstein, followed by fireworks.”

– Michael Barrett, CEO and general director, Caramoor Center for Music and Arts, Katonah, New York City resident

– Coordinated by Alissa Frey Contact her at afrey@westfairinc.com

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