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Chamber Chatter for April 2017

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By Susan Miele, Former Executive Director, Bronxville Chamber of Commerce

Apr. 12, 2017: Vote for Bronxville! The Chamber submitted a photo of our village taken on Pondfield Road into the "America's Main Street" contest as a nominee, and we were accepted into the contest.

You can vote once a day for the next 19 days, until April 23, after which we can be selected for the next round with your help. Vote now, vote often! Just go to http://mainstreetcontest.com/profile.php?id=203.

Goodbye from Your Friendly Neighborhood Chamber Director

This edition of Chamber Chatter marks the last from me. Though the newsletter will continue, I am stepping down from my post as Chamber director after five years.

I've learned a lot in this time--most important, what a treasure the Bronxville business district is--and I encourage you to celebrate and nurture it. Bronxville businesses offer that personal touch that you can't get online, in malls, or at box stores, yet the competition that they face from these competitors is fierce. They get to know their customers, they stay open late for you, they have wrapped gifts waiting for your arrival, they offer curbside pickup, they help you choose that special item, and they donate goods and services to the causes that are near and dear to your heart. They aren't corporate giants, but local people who support other local businesses. All this benefits the local economy--higher property values, lower property taxes, strong municipal services. Many of you already grasp the importance of buying locally. The message needs to be carried forward to build momentum.

I would like to thank Mayor Mary Marvin, Village Administrator Jim Palmer, Police Chief Christopher Satriale, and both Wayne Ballard and Victor Lema of Bronxville DPW for their boundless support of the Chamber, which has made working for the village a million times easier and a pleasure.

Welcome to the Newest Chamber Members

Located here in Bronxville, AVM casa was founded to provide quality, handmade soy candles, soaps, and skin care to those looking for a more natural approach to their personal care while being mindful of the environment and their budgets. Andrea, the purveyor, became enamored of candle making while producing small runs for family and friends, then introduced skin care and soaps to the collection. Bringing over 20 years of operational experience in the luxury retail fashion industry, Andrea has molded AVM casa utilizing the same care and attention the large design houses show. AVM casa uses high-quality fragrances and essential oils in its products. Candles are made with 100% soy wax that melts smoothly for hours of scented heaven, with wicks that are self-trimming and 100% cotton, free of lead and paper cores. Soaps and skin care products are made in small batches with very few ingredients, including olive, avocado, and coconut oils, cocoa butter, clays, and salts. AVM casa is also on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @avmcasa.

Charles Gray is a freelance website designer and database developer. Charles has over 30 years of software development and offers a variety of services geared to improving the productivity of your business. Specializing in website design, Charles has produced websites for some local businesses such as the Bronxville Farmers' Market, Village Lutheran Church, and our very own Bronxville Chamber. Charles also offers live online training for the use of Microsoft Office products such as Excel and Access. Free estimates and counseling are available. Call 914-800-4118.

Fine artist Moshgan Rezania, owner of MoshgansART, also recently joined the Chamber. Moshgan is an Expressionist and Abstract Expressionist painter. She has been painting for over four decades and has attracted passionate collectors worldwide who love her bold colors. She paints both in her studio on Bronxville Road and en plein air (on site). Locations include Sherwood Island in Westport, CT, Antigua in the British West Indies, Banff National Park, Acadia National Park, Tuscany, Tehran, North Fork Long Island, and Liberty State Park (Manhattan skyline). Moshgan creates work using acrylic and oil, pastel, charcoal, and gouache. Her canvases range from 8x10 to 50x60. She is available for commissions and looks forward to hosting people at her gallery/studio in Bronxville. For more information, contact Moshgan at 917-822-4969.

Gina Sisti is a Realtor with Houlihan Lawrence Bronxville. She currently services Bronxville, Eastchester, Fleetwood, and Scarsdale. She is a seasoned agent with 22 years in the real estate business and has closed over 135 transactions involving coops, condos, estate sales, multi-family homes, and single-family homes. Gina joined Houlihan Lawrence in January of 2016, having previously worked in Scarsdale and Manhattan. 4 Valley Road; cell: 914-629-0049; office: 914-337-0400.

Comings and Goings

Verizon Wireless has new digs! Find them down the street at 89 Pondfield Road--they're now open at their new location.

The Chamber is sad to report that Stillmeadow Gourmet and Savanna at Home have closed their shops on Pondfield Road.

On the brighter side, coming soon: A new leather-goods store will soon open on Pondfield Road in the space next door to Trapp Opticians. Thanks to Admiral Real Estate Services for recruiting this new business for Bronxville!

Spring Has Sprung in Bronxville!

Bronxville Adult School spring classes include Stamping and Paper Crafting for Spring Celebrations, several spring cooking classes, tennis, golf with Kevin Chin, boating safety, and more.

J. Pocker Custom Framing and Prints since 1926 asks are you ready for spring? In honor of the increased light of days and upcoming Earth Day, they have a fully stocked selection of fine art prints depicting trees in all their glory. Let the art transport to another place, a hike in the woods gazing along a forest stream. Let them help you place that focal piece bringing nature indoors. Colorful varieties, including variations in green, the new pantone color of the year. Shop hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Beautiful spring fashions will be the focus of the Tucker trunk show scheduled at Toney Toni and the Gang for April 7-8!

The time has come for spring landscaping! Call Riccardi Landscaping Design at 917-805-6129 to get started.

Did you know that acupuncture helps with allergies? At Bronxville Acupuncture, Sharon McIlwaine, licensed acupuncturist, uses acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat the misery of sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Allergies are a sign of imbalance in the body. By adjusting your body's response to pollens and pathogens, symptoms will fall away. Don't let allergies get the best of you! Call 914-222-9299 or email Sharon@bronxvilleacupuncture for more info or to schedule an appointment.

Now that the weather is finally getting nice, it's time to take those classic cars out of the garage! Are you eligible for Collector Car Insurance? Contact D.C. Ranieri Insurance Agency to find out if you qualify: 914-376-2560.

In spring, some of us suffer even more from migraines, sinus pressure, or congestion. Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary offers a 30-minute cranial-focused massage session designed specifically for sinus headache and migraine relief. To book, call 914-337-9356.

It's time for fur storage with Bronxville Furriers! They are certified in storage, cleaning and glazing, repairs, remodeling, and conversions. Trade-ins are welcome. 914-337-FURS (3877), 98 Kraft Ave.

Easter and Passover

Candy Rox offers customized gift baskets for Easter and has an extensive selection of toys and treats to brighten faces. 66 Pondfield Rd.

Chantilly Patisserie will take orders until April 11. Pickup dates available: Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16.

Ladle of Love is offering Passover catering options! Matzo ball soup, Israeli salad, chopped liver, potato kugel, braised brisket, tabbouleh, flourless cake, macaroons, and lots more are all on the menu.

The Bronxville Public Library is stepping up activities to keep kids busy over spring break. Among these are cute Easter craft projects for younger kids—make a sock bunny or a skateboarding Peep!

Underhills Crossing will serve a Palm Sunday brunch, Easter Sunday brunch, and Easter dinner. Katya Grineva will perform on piano from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Easter. Reserve your holiday table.

Extensive Passover guidance is available from Chabad of Bronxville. Consult their website for a wealth of resources.

Womrath Bookshop is carrying greeting cards and children's books for both Passover and Easter. One highlight of their merchandise is a jigsaw puzzle with an image of colorful Easter eggs!

Topps Bakery has cookies, chocolate, adorable bunny paper cups, and baskets galore!

Bronxville Stationers is carrying stuffed bunnies, Easter stickers, and Easter mugs.

In addition to a plethora of Easter candy and basket fillers, Value Drugs has Peeps socks, Peeps Oreos, paper goods, and emoji-style plastic eggs for your egg hunt!

Going Green for Earth Day—Saturday, April 22

The Junior League of Bronxville is partnering with the Bronx River Conservancy in organizing a Bronx River cleanup event on Earth Day! Help maintain the natural beauty of Bronxville Lake and the surrounding area.

Joseph F. Manzi, DDS, utilizes the latest in ecological practices and high-technology equipment procedures. Their digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays, and they require no processing chemicals. Using fabric bibs instead of 2-ply paper/1-ply plastic liners bibs diverts 10,200 pieces of paper and 5,100 pieces of plastic from landfills annually. 311 White Plains Rd, Eastchester; 914-652-7333; CLOAKING .

All the products Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary uses at the spa are green, organic, paraben-free, and never tested on animals. Their facials are 100% organic, green, and paraben- and preservative-free. Even the products they use to clean the spa are green and non-toxic. 14 Studio Arcade; 914-337-9357.

Bronxville Hearing Center accepts your used hearing aid batteries and will recycle them for you. Earth Day every day!

Did You Know?

Soccer and Rugby Imports doesn't just do soccer gear—they also offer custom apparel of any kind! 914-337-5999.

Celery Charles & Pals is available for purchase at Womrath Bookshop!

Mini's Prime Meats & Specialties now offers curbside pickup! Call ahead so your order is ready when you arrive: 914-779-1948.

Honors and Accolades

Bronxville Auto Collision has been officially certified by Assured Performance, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization for maintaining the right tools, equipment, training, and facility necessary to repair the participating automaker brand vehicles according to the manufacturer's specifications. Adding to their credentials, Bronxville Auto Collision is officially recognized by Assured Performance, FCA, GM, Ford, Nissan, Infiniti, and Hyundai. To become Certified and officially recognized by the various automakers, Bronxville Auto Collision passed the rigorous certification process essential to help ensure a proper and safe repair of the new generation of advanced vehicles. Consumers can contact Bronxville Auto Collision directly: 914-346-8732.

The Westchester Bank announced the appointment of Stephanie Weston to the position of vice president, retail market manager. She brings a wealth of banking experience with over thirty years in the financial services industry. In her capacity as retail market manager, Stephanie is responsible for leading and directing branch operations while ensuring quality customer service at the highest standards.

Congratulations to Virginia Doetsch of Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's International on being named Manager of the Year. Read all about it on MyHometownBronxville.com.

Events

Barbara Nichuals, owner of Bayside Travel, will be a co-facilitator of a unique three-session workshop for bereaved adults who want to explore feelings of loss and grief as well as celebrate the memories of loved ones through writing. This workshop is not a writing course but rather an opportunity to put into your own words some of the grief you may be experiencing. Open to all adults who wish to write about their feelings of loss and love as well as support others who are on a similar journey. The workshop will meet on Thursdays, April 27 and May 4 and 11, 7:00-8:30 pm, at the Bereavement Center of Westchester, 670 White Plains Road, Suite 213, Scarsdale. $75 (includes keepsake journal). Advance payment required to secure a spot. For more information or to register: CLOAKING or call 914-787-6158, ext. 1317. Minimum six participants, maximum eight.

Signing off—

Susan Miele (former) Chamber Director

I can be reached at CLOAKING .

Susan Miele to Step Down as Director of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce

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Editor's note: We are sorry to learn that Susan Miele will be stepping down as director of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce. All of us at MyhometownBronxville will miss her. She has been a pleasure to work with over the last five years.

Apr. 5, 2017:. Below is Ms. Miele's resignation letter to members of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce:

Dear Chamber Members:

April 1 marked my 5-year anniversary as Chamber director, and April 7 will be my final day.

When I applied for this position 5 years ago, I was a proponent of buying locally looking for a low-key, part-time job. It didn't take long after my start date for me to recognize that this is actually a much more substantive job than I had imagined.

Along the way, I've learned a ton, including what an important role all of you play in the community and how hard you work at your business. I commend you for your efforts.

Best of all, I've gotten to know all of you--hundreds of people. That's the best part of this job, and the feedback from Chamber members, residents, and others has been gratifying and sustaining.

I'm remaining local and will continue to champion local buying. Stay in touch! I can be reached at CLOAKING .

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and best of luck to all of you!

Best,

Susan Miele
Bronxville Chamber of Commerce

Pictured here: Susan Miele.

Photo by N. Bower

Bronxville Chamber of Commerce Announces New Co-Directors and Events for 2017

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By Bronxville Chamber of Commerce

Mar. 22, 2017: The Bronxville Chamber of Commerce announced last week a co-director leadership team and an active lineup of events for 2017.

Commenting on the announcement was Francine Smith, president of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Francine noted, "We have created a co-director leadership team to help us do more for our businesses. That's the goal--more support for our members. The job today is too big for one person. Susan Miele and Nicole Tuck both know Bronxville well and together will expand the communications, marketing, and activity level in support of a vibrant community."

As co-directors, Susan Miele and Nicole Tuck will lead an active agenda.

Susan Miele has been with the Chamber since 2012. She lives locally, in Eastchester, and has two daughters in the schools there and volunteers in the community. Formerly, she had over 20 years' experience in marketing, communications, and event planning. With the Chamber, she has created and distributed the monthly community newsletter, has produced the annual Bronxville phone directory, and has coordinated many community events to draw visitors and customers to Bronxville businesses.

Nicole Tuck has been with the Chamber since 2015. She is a Bronxville resident with three daughters in the school and is active with the Bronxville School PTA. Formerly, she was a buyer for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Urban Angler LTD. She has a business owner's perspective, as co-owner of Pointer Farm LLC, an organic produce farm located in the Catskills that sells to local markets and grocery stores.

Together, Susan and Nicole will lead the Chamber's marketing and communications to current and prospective members and, working with the board, will shape the annual agenda of Chamber activities.

The lineup of events for 2017 is active and includes:

· May 7 through November 19: Farmers' Market (Stone Place at Paxton Avenue)

· May 31: Bronxville Outdoor Yoga Event (Leonard Morange Square)

· June 2 and 3: Spring Sidewalk Sale (village-wide)

· June 3: Summer Concert (Park Place)

· July 20: Summer Concert (Park Place)

· August 17: Summer Concert with Antique Car Show (Leonard Morange Square)

· September 7: Summer Concert (Leonard Morange Square)

· September 15 and 16: Fall Sidewalk Sale (village-wide)

· September 16: Saturday Morning Run Event

· October 22: Children's Fall Festival (Leonard Morange Square)

· December 1: Bronxville Holiday Tree Lighting (Leonard Morange Square)

Also commenting on today's announcement was Mary Marvin, mayor of Bronxville, who said, "The Bronxville Chamber of Commerce is a real asset to the community. We thank both Susan and Nicole for their dedication and efforts to support and maintain a thriving business community."

The Bronxville Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization serving to promote the vitality of our business district by promoting our members' businesses. The Chamber also serves as a liaison between its members, the community, the media, and government officials and as an advocate for common issues. The Chamber is located at 51 Pondfield Road, Suite 1, in Bronxville. Telephone: 914-337-6040. Email: CLOAKING . Website: www.bronxvillechamber.com.

Pictured here: Nicole Tuck (L) and Susan Miele.

Photo by N. Bower

The Chamber Chatter for March 2017; Bronxville Phone Guide Now Available

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By Susan Miele, Executive Director, Bronxville Chamber of Commerce

Mar. 8, 2017: The 2017 Guide: The 2017 Bronxville Guide, the annual phone directory produced by the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce, is now in its 87^th year of publication and still widely used! Be on the lookout for your copy.

Though the Guide is provided free of charge, we appreciate the requested donation of $8 to offset its production costs. Checks can be made payable to the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce and mailed to our new address at 51 Pondfield Road, Suite 1. Thank you in advance for helping us do what we do for Bronxville!

A great big thank-you goes to Rosemary Campion of Blackbird Creative Services for perennially providing design services for The Guide. It's a monumental task! Distribution lists were provided by Complete Mailing Lists, who worked extensively with the Chamber to explore and advise on distribution options.

New Members Welcome

The Chamber is pleased to welcome our newest member, Nventess, a boutique event-planning company based in Bronxville. Nventess provides corporate and social event-planning services in Manhattan, Westchester and The Hamptons. Nadine El Tanamly, Event Curator and Founder of Nventess, has been a Bronxville resident for 10 years. To contact Nadine call 914-420-6055 or go to the website: www.nventess.com..

Have you been to Ladle of Love yet? What are you waiting for?! “I fell in love with Bronxville about five years ago,” Lampert tells Westchester Magazine. “I looked for years [for a space] but couldn’t find anything. I was very picky.” Well, Leslie picked well! See the rest of what Westchester Magazine had to say about this new Bronxville sensation. ! The menu is posted daily. 18 Palmer Aveneu.

St. Patrick’s Day Events

J.C. Fogarty’s is Bronxville’s premier Irish pub and therefore an obvious choice to spend St. Paddy’s Day! 60 Kraft Ave.

In addition to signature sandwiches like the Shamrock, the Leprechaun, the Celtic, the Reuben, and the River Dee, Lange’s Deli of Bronxville will have corned beef, braised cabbage, red-skinned potatoes, Shepherd’s pie, and baby carrots available by the pound, as well as Irish soda bread.

Stillmeadow Gourmet will have corned beef with potatoes and vegetables as well as Irish soda bread.

The Chapel School's annual gala and fundraiser, the Gathering of Friends, will be a special evening of Love, Luck and Shenanigans a Plenty! The event will take place at 7:00 pm on Friday, March 17, at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. This is a festive night out, all in the name of a good cause–to raise much needed funds to support the programs and services of the Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School. The upcoming gala will feature traditional Irish Step Dancers, food and drink from the Emerald Isle, and the popular McLean Avenue Band. There will plenty of chances to try your hand at luck, too, including a 50/50 raffle and both a live and silent auction.

Gramatan Village will host a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon at Rory Dolan's, 890 McClean Avenue, Yonkers, on Wednesday, March 15, 12:00 - 2:00 pm. The charge is $30. Transportation provided by volunteer drivers. If you are able to offer a ride to a fellow member, please let them know!

Underhills Crossing will host an evening of traditional Irish music on Friday, March 17, featuring traditional corned beef and cabbage and music performed by fiddler Mary Reilly, who hails from County Longford. Show times: 8:00 pm, 9:00pm and 10:00 pm. 74.5 Pondfield Rd.

Go green at the Bronxville Diner with their new Mint Chocolate Chip Super Irish Shake! Kraft Ave.

Summer Camp Preview

Bronxville Montessori offers a seven-week summer program, both half-day and full-day options..

Gym Cats Gymnastics’ summer camp runs June 26-August 18. Every Thursday, campers go on local outings to indoor play spaces, local museums, bowling alleys, tennis centers, and more, with all the counselors and camp director chaperoning. Sign up for individual weeks or the whole summer! Register by March 31 to enjoy a 10% early-bird discount.

The Chapel School offers summer camp as follows: the 9-week Care Bear Camp (ages 3-6), with flexible scheduling throughout the summer; Explorer Camp (ages 7-12), featuring Drama Camp, Chapel Sports and Games Camp, ConstructionKids, Lego Robotics Discovery, Funball, Stopmotion Sports Sampler, Chapel Adventure Camp, Summer Glee, Service and Leadership, Ballerina Ball, Soccer Camp, Animals in Art, Have Fun Fitness Camp, Tennis, Golf, Yoga, Pilates, Core plus More, Cartooning, Noreen’s Savory Treats, Sandy’s Sweets, and The Chargers Basketball Camp.

Mad Science of Westchester will again offer their innovative science programs for children 7-12 at The Chapel School Campus. For more information and a brochure, contact: Lynn Lena (Care Bear Camp) 914-337-3202 ext. 1030.

Bronxville Ballet is offering summer camp, featuring 5 weeks of great ballets and composers, with a mini-recital every Friday, as well as other activities and snack; offered Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Bronxville Women’s Club. Weekly rates are available.

Changes at the Top

Concordia Conservatory is pleased to announce Melinda Magnani is the new Associate Director. Melinda is a former faculty member, student, board member and Concordia College admissions administrator. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Drake University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

The Bronxville Women’s Club announces that Kathy DeRusso is the new president of the organization, replacing Joyce Balint, who is thanked for her long-term commitment. The club also announces that its historic building has a new name: The Anna Lawrence Bisland 1928 House, at 135 Midland Ave. Be sure to address correspondence accordingly.

Doing Good in the Community

Fabio’s Hair Studio is donating its services for the fourteenth year in a row, helping the students of Bronxville High School in the production of their annual musical. This year, the Studio will be part of 9:00am to 5:00pm endeavor to create a 1979 southern look for the musical. Fabio’s will be packing up all their professional tools and relocating backstage at the Bronxville High School’s new auditorium March 9-11 for the annual musical.

Be loyal—buy Bronxville!

Susan Miele

Citrine Jewelry Store on Park Place to Close February 18, 2017

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By Staff

Feb. 8, 2017: After more than eleven years of business, Citrine, the jewelry store on Park Place in the Bronxville business district, is closing its doors on Saturday, February 18. A 50%-off sale is now under way.

Bronxville resident and owner Sarah Reynolds said, "It's time to move on," although she will continue to sell her beautiful collection of jewels at "pop-up" locations, private trunk shows, holiday boutiques, and online.

Sarah became a partner in the jewelry store in October of 2005 with Willis O'Brien, another Bronxville resident. Their objective was to sell unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry. To do this, they have worked with fifteen to twenty jewelry designers who made the pieces themselves.

"Earrings and necklaces have been the biggest sellers," Sarah stated, "although rings have been an important item, too." Citrine has been fortunate to have "consistent sales," said Sarah, and during Christmastime and Mothers' Day, they have been "robust." "The shop has always been in the black; only during the downturn in 2008 did we lower our prices to keep up business. It was a most challenging period."

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Before joining Willis to run the store, Sarah was a stay-at-home mom with three girls. She was involved in the Junior League and the Bronxville Elementary School, among other organizations.

Then one day Willis and she went to Bergdorf's to see what jewelry they had. The store had many specialty pieces. "Once we realized a store with specialty pieces was a viable idea, I decided to join her."

After 7 ½ years, Willis left the store and Sarah decided to keep it going. Since then, she has done all of the buying, the accounting, the finances, the social media, and the marketing. In the process, she says, she has made many wonderful friends and has been involved in many special occasions. "People will run up to me in the street to show me a piece of jewelry bought by a loved one from Citrine," she recalls.

As for her reason to close, Sarah said that she is now coming to a different stage in her life. Her youngest daughter is going to college next fall, and soon she will be an empty nester. Another important reason is that her lease is up March 1. "It can't go on forever," she exclaimed.

But she wants everyone to know that she will be around. She will be selling pieces in other Bronxville stores and will be available for private appointments. She can be reached at 917-337-2062 or by email at CLOAKING .

Pictured here: Sarah Reynolds, owner of Citrine.

Photo by A. Warner

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