Oct. 23, 2013: Last year it was Hurricane Sandy. The year before it was a snowstorm. This year, however, we had absolutely clear, blue skies and perfect temperatures for the Bronxville Children's Halloween Festival! And this was probably the best one ever. As the saying goes, it takes a village.

A huge thank-you to the volunteers (and the relatives they brought!) who helped make the event such a success: Noel D'Allacco of Operation PROM; Lou Maggiotto of Nobile, Magarian & DiSalvo; Barbara Amar (and her sister) of SilverSpoon; Michele MacMillan (and her sister and husband!) of Paws and Play Pet Resort; Dan MacDonald of MDIC Investment Company; Roger & Lily Martin of Lyte Body Fitness; Charlotta (and her daughter) of Over the Moon; and the inimitable Bob Krause of Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop! Rosemary Campion of Blackbird Creative Services created the fabulous artwork seen in the flyers and posters around town, and County Chair Party Rentals provided the tables and chairs. MyHometownBronxville.com and the Bronxville-Eastchester Patch did a great job providing editorial coverage and listings in their goings-on features. The chamber also wishes to thank the Village of Bronxville for supporting not only this but all of the chamber's community events. We are so fortunate to have such supportive leaders.

One Square Mile:  I had the pleasure of appearing with Mayor Mary Marvin on her cable TV show One Square Mile, which should be airing on Bronxville Public Access any day. We visited three of Bronxville's newer businesses in town, all of which opened in the past seven months: Ultimate Auto Body, Lyte Body Fitness, and Ernie’s Wine Bar + EATS.

Try to catch this program to meet the owners/operators of each and learn more about why these businesses are of interest. Ultimate Auto Body provides concierge service for your vehicle so your car can be picked up and delivered back to you, fully restored . . . Lily Martin of Lyte Body Fitness customizes a workout for each client not only to provide fitness training but also to leave clients feeling rejuvenated rather than exhausted . . . Philip Hedger of Ernie’s Wine Bar + EATS discusses the uniqueness of the wine selections he offers, his culinary background--and what kind of wine he brings as a gift. It's all worth seeing! The videography is done by Peter C. North Photography & Video, a chamber member, and the program is produced by volunteer Nancy Vittorini of Bronxville. 

Halloween Happenings

Blow & Beyond will be doing face painting and hairspray painting for children the day of the village Halloween parade on Friday, October 25. Goodies will be doled out to the children as well. Cedar St.

Ballet Arts/Centre Stage in Pelham has a variety of Halloween costumes and accessories at 504 5th Avenue--now at 40% off! See the chamber's Facebook page for some of the selections.

Womrath Bookshop has lots of great Halloween merchandise for kids, including picture books, puzzle books, tattoos, treat bags, and more! 76 Pondfield Rd.

Park Place Bagels has Rice Krispies treats that look like pumpkins (they also come as footballs).

Provisions for Pets has the absolutely most adorable Halloween costumes for your pooch--now at 50% off! A clown and a prisoner are just a couple. Some of these options are shown on our Facebook page, but you really have to rifle through the selection at the store on Kraft Ave to find the perfect get-up for your own furry friend. A variety of sizes are offered.

On the subject of irresistible, Fierson's has the most adorable Halloween teddy bears from the Bearington Collection. Kraft Ave.

Stop into Green Wood Mart for a selection of pumpkins and gourds to adorn your home or workplace. Cedar St.

The Bronxville A&P has a whole Halloween section near the entrance, featuring candy and other Halloween items (see the chamber's photo album for sample selections). Out front, there are scarecrows and pumpkins painted with silly faces. There are also Halloween cupcakes and cookies available, cakes with a spider-web motif; and several magazines that feature Halloween ideas. Also grab the pretzels shaped like pumpkins! Cedar St.

Value Drugs has bags and bags of candy, lawn décor, window clings, costumes, face paint, temporary hair color, orange lights, and much more. Pondfield Rd.

Kensington Paper has unique décor and gift items for Halloween, including candles, cocktail napkins, and more! 82 Kraft Ave.

Enjoy Halloween Week at the Bronxville Public Library with your kids. On Tuesday, October 29--Halloween Pajama Storytime, 7:00 pm; Wednesday, October 30 – Halloween Face Painting, 3:30 pm; and Thursday, October 31 – All-day trick-or-treat.

The Reformed Church Nursery School will host its annual Harvest Moon Festival on Saturday, October 26, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, at 6 Kraft Ave. Join the RCNS community for a wonderful fall family festival featuring indoor and outdoor activities. This annual fundraiser has become an important community tradition, catering to children ages two to six. Rain or shine. Advance tickets: $25/child; $30/child at the door (adults and children under 12 months are free).

Fabio’s Hair Studio is hosting their annual highly anticipated Halloween Party for the 13th year in a row on Thursday, October 31, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The studio will become a "spooky fantasy world" and a "mystical web of attractions." The staff will be doing face-painting, make-up, and styling and will be applying temporary hair color to create an authentic look for each kid's costume. Games and raffle drawing too! For more info: 914-337-1482. 137 Parkway Rd.

There will be a "Halloween Organ Music Spooktacular" on Thursday, October 31, at 5:00 pm in the sanctuary of The Reformed Church. Dr. Szabo invites ghouls of all ages for a heart-pounding concert of spooky organ classics. Wear your costume! Treats follow in the Edwards Room. Free. Info: 914-337-6776. 180 Pondfield Rd.

J.C. Fogarty’s annual Halloween Party will be on Friday, November 1, starting at 10:00 pm and featuring the band Rumor Hazz It. There will be a costume contest, with prizes of $200, $100, and $50 for the three best costumes. 60 Kraft Ave.

Don’t miss the window display at Bronxville-Ley Real Estate: They have a giant spider web that has "caught" the *web* addresses (get it??) of various Bronxville organizations of interest. Clever! 17 ½ Park Pl.

Kid Stuff

The Bronxville Public Library is offering a college essay workshop on Saturday, October 26, at 1:00 pm. Students can receive help with their college application, learn to evaluate their essay, and receive tips for better writing. Open to high school students and parents. To register: call 914-337-7680, ext. 34, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Save a bundle with early enrollment for the 2014 summer camp sessions at Rush Day Camp. Space is limited and early enrollment is the best way to guarantee your child’s space. Sign up by Friday, November 1.

Rodin in Bronxville—Upcoming Special Events

A true must-see is this weekend's live bronze pouring--a free event at OSilas Gallery that demonstrates Rodin's methods. The event will take place on Saturday, October 26, at 1:00 pm, and will be led by Glen Campbell, founder and owner of Campbell Plaster & Iron, and Gary Sussman, director of the Art Students League Vytlacil Campus. This is an outdoor event. Rain date: Saturday, November 16. Call 914-337-9300, ext. 2262.

A few seats are available for the day-trip Discovering Rodin in Philadelphia on Wednesday, October 24, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Co-sponsored by the OSilas Gallery and the Bronxville Adult School, this day-trip to Philadelphia includes curated tours of The Rodin Museum and Auguste Rodin: The Human Experience at the Arthur Ross Gallery, University of Pennsylvania. Cost: $140. Call 914-793-4435.

Don't forget all the special offers that our 43 participating businesses have extended in conjunction with Rodin in Bronxville! Here are just a few:

Fierson's: Complimentary petit fours and champagne every Thursday night from 6:15 pm to 9:00 pm. Specially ordered merchandise will include Madeline and Babar selections, offered at 20% off. Those who correctly answer three trivia questions about the Rodin exhibition will receive 10% off their entire purchase. 122 Kraft Ave. 

Bronxville Stationers: 10% discount on art supplies for those who present their raffle entry card with the OSilas Gallery validation. 112 Pondfield Rd.

Fabio's Hair Studio: Blowouts for only $35 between Tuesdays and Fridays. Raffle entries will be validated for purchases of hair products or tools, minimum of $5. Must mention Rodin in Bronxville. 137 Parkway Rd.

Announcements

Fear not if you were saddened by the closing of Japan Inn: This beloved village institution has been replaced by Kaito Sushi, with the former chef of Japan Inn at the helm! The husband-and-wife owners are community-minded to boot and are eager to please their customers.

Having lost one of their own to ovarian cancer earlier this year, Spruce Home and Garden is fundraising in support of this deadly disease through October 26. Five exclusive items will be offered with 100% of the profit going to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund: Special edition snakeskin print scarf, $24.00; double-wrap leather bracelet, $18.00; limited edition Spruce candle, $14.00; Amanda Jaron teal twist cuff, $25.00; Amanda Jaron flower lapel pin, $20.00. Additionally, on Saturday, October 26, Spruce will give 10% of their sales from their seven retail stores and websites to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Donations can also be made directly to OCRF in the Bronxville store. 

October is breast cancer awareness month. All month Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary will donate 10% of proceeds towards Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink® and the fight against breast cancer when you book a facial. Call 914-337-9356. 

Try Burrata Wood Fired Pizza’s $10 lunch prix fixe deal, Monday to Thursday from noon to 3:00 pm. You get your choice of soup or mixed greens and either a margherita, marinara, or soppressata pizza. 425 White Plains Rd., Eastchester.

As a small, closely knit office, the practice of Bobbie Anne Cox prides itself on providing unparalleled quality personal attention to each and every one of their clients. All of your questions will be answered and all of your concerns addressed no matter how trivial or simple they may seem. Info: 914-779-7762.

Gramatan Travel is offering an upgrade from the Elite Patio to the Elite Balcony accommodation at the time of booking when you stay at the Casa De Campo resort in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Offer valid until Friday, December 20. Call 914-337-1333. 69 Pondfield Rd.  

Chantilly Patisserie has applied for a Chase Mission Main Street Grant. If they receive enough votes (250) before Friday, November 15, they will have a chance to win a grant of $250,000 to fulfill their dream of opening a second location in NYC.

Value Drugs is giving away $200 in Value Drugs Gift Cards. Enter before Halloween (Thursday, October 31). 80 Pondfield Rd.

Every day, hundreds of computers get compromised and networks breached. Call the PC Doctor to prevent that from happening. They can also can repair your computer and help with disaster recovery. Info: 646-784-5651.

Events

Come visit the Bronxville Farmers' Market, rain or shine, at Stone Place and Paxton Avenue from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm every Saturday through November 23.

The SLC Writing Institute presents an author and agent community event featuring award-winning author Joan Steinau Lester and renowned literary agent Cynthia Manson on Wednesday, October 23, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, in the SLC Graduate Studies-Slonim House Living Room. An interactive Q & A session with the audience will follow the presentation. Free. Info: Katrina Brown at 914-395-2205.

Join your friends and several of Westchester's top chefs for an evening of gourmet food and fine wines while supporting a good cause as the annual Better Than Cooking Dinner returns to the Bronxville Field Club Wednesday, October 23 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. This event is a benefit fundraiser for Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care. Event co-chairs for this year's benefit are André Koester, Laurie Schetlick, and Michelle McBride. Participating eateries include Haiku Asian Bistro, Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese, Underhills Crossing, and Scarborough Fair Catering/SF Express, to name a few. For tickets/info: Nadia Trimmer at 914-787-5001.

Here's the lineup for the piano bar at Underhills Crossing this week: Wednesday, October 23, 7:00-10:00 pm, Alexis Cole; Thursday, October 24, 7:00-11:00 pm, Alon Tayar; Friday, October 25, 8:00 pm to midnight, Mike LaMassa; Saturday, October 26, 8:00 pm to midnight, Jarod Kashkin; Sunday, October 27, 5:00-9:00 pm, Katya Grineva. 74.5 Pondfield Rd.

David Otis Fuller of Bosworth, Gray & Fuller will be teaching a class called How To Be an Executor at the Bronxville Adult School on Thursday, October 24, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Fee is $30. 

On Saturday, October 26, the Bronxville Farmers' Market will have a command return visit by our furry alpaca friends from Staghorn Valley Alpacas from the Saratoga area. Unfortunately, if it is raining, we will have to wait until next season (but as of press time, the weather is looking good!).

Bronxville Green Committee will be having their semi-annual Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26. Being collected will be: E-waste; paper documents for county shredder (two-carton limit), and blankets, towels, and sheets (no pillows or rags) for a local animal shelter. Bronxville Elementary School Midland Ave. lot; 10-1. Also bring your old notebook computers for collection by BHS students who will refurbish your donated computer and give them to students in the Bronx who can't afford to purchase their own. 

On Saturday, October 26, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Ernie’s Wine School will focus on six Global Syrah and Grenache wines. $60/person or $100/couple. Reservations: 914-652-7859 or 914-413-0781.

Voice Actor Alan Sklar will present a dramatic reading of Hemingway’s "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" at the Bronxville Public Library on Tuesday, October 29, at 7:00 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

Park 143 Bistro presents a Tuscan Wine Dinner Experience on Tuesday, October 29. Food and wine lovers will delight in this four-course Italian wine dinner featuring the celebrated wines from Agricola San Felice, widely recognized for its uncompromising quality and overall commitment to pursuing total excellence. $100 per guest includes tax and gratuity. Reservations are required: 914-337-5100. 143 Parkway Rd.

There will be a free group meditation on Wednesday, October 30, from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary. In order to cultivate good health and a positive sense of well-being, self-awareness is required. Meditation is a way to quiet the mind to become more self-aware. As our self-awareness increases, we make choices that support positive health and well-being. RSVP required: 14 Studio Arcade.

Be loyal—buy local!

Susan Miele