Spotlight on Bayside Travel, Trapp Opticians and Whim
By Jane Staunton and Kerry Walsh of BXV for BXV Stronger Together
Oct. 21, 2020: MHTB is featuring local businesses every week, so you can get to know the entrepreneurs behind our great local stores. This week, we are featuring Bayside Travel, Trapp Opticians, and Whim. Enjoy!
Bayside Travel
Barbara Nichuals
Oct. 21, 2020: How does an Econ and Psych Major go from pension underwriting at an insurance company to starting a travel agency? For Bayside Travel owner Barbara Nichuals, it was the “nerve of youth.”
As a disenchanted young adult, a friend suggested that Barbara become a travel agent because she was so good at planning her own trips. After a quick course at The Learning Annex followed by a certificate course at Marymount, she was soon booking trips for co-workers and people in her community.
In 1987 Barbara’s late husband suggested she do this full time and buy an agency. Scouring the classifieds, they saw an ad for Bayside Travel, a turnkey operation founded in 1960 in Queens. Barbara then literally “quit on Friday and opened the door on Monday” for her new venture.
Barbara, who enjoys dance – Belly, Persian, World Dance, and Tap – was on her way to a Larchmont dance studio in 2000 when she spotted a For Rent sign on a property. A quick U-turn, a call to the landlord, and voilà — she moved her business to Larchmont.
But Barbara “always loved Bronxville, the community and shopped here,” so when the opportunity to purchase the long-established Gramatan Travel presented itself in 2003, she jumped. Other local acquisitions followed, and five years ago, it was a no-brainer to consolidate the team at her beloved Pondfield Road location. And what a team it is! Bayside just received the Best of Westchester 2020 – the sixth time she’s been honored with this award!
When not working, belly dancing, or writing poetry, Barbara co-facilitates workshops at the Bereavement Center on healing grief through writing. It is her way of helping others and giving back to the community.
While COVID-19 has temporarily put a damper on travel, Barbara believes going forward that people will realize the value of using a travel advisor as an advocate to help them navigate all the various health and safety protocols. When restrictions are lifted, this beach lover is looking forward to a family vacation to celebrate her two sons’ college graduations.
Trapp Opticians
Co-owner Marty Schulman is looking forward to celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Trapp Opticians this November. How appropriate that this special anniversary should occur in 2020!
Brothers Dick and Erwin Trapp originally started the business in 1945 in the backroom office of local physician Dr. Connolly but soon after moved to its current location at 42 Pondfield Rd.
With his partner Barry Grossbaum, whom Marty worked with at the Manhattan firm Lugene, they acquired the business in 1982 and quickly expanded to Scarsdale, Rye, and Greenwich. Very much a family business, Marty’s son Charles (Chip) is preparing to step into the all-important role of successor in the Bronxville shop.
With a family of five children, you would think it would be easy to find a successor, but Marty’s other children had no interest in the business as they went on to become lawyers and data analysts. But a young Charles knew in kindergarten that he wanted to follow in Dad’s footsteps to become an optician.
Marty, who grew up in the Bronx, learned the importance of giving back from his Dad Milton, who was the Director of Education & Research for the NY State Credit Union League. Marty believes “the strength of a village comes from everyone giving back to the best of their ability in an effort to raise the tide for all concerned.”
A man true to his words, Marty has been active in the Bronxville Rotary since 1982, where he served as President in 1988-1989 and was a member of their COVID-19 Emergency Task Committee. He is also the District Rotary Governor Nominee for 2022-2023, a past President of the Maxwell Institute as well as the FCS Family & Community Service of Eastchester, Tuckahoe & Bronxville, and a member of the Bronxville Derby Association.
This active community participant proudly notes that many of Trapp’s favorite clients are folks who believe in the importance of giving their time to community service.
When not working or helping to raise the tide, Marty enjoys his five grandchildren and spending time with his wife at their Rhode Island seashore home in Narragansett. And when he can, he sneaks in a little golf – mostly for charitable outings.
Whim
Vivian Hoffman
Co-owners Vivian Hoffman and her son Greg founded Whim after she retired from a successful 43-year career in retail. Whim is a fashionable women’s boutique where Vivian believes dressing women well is more about their lifestyle than their age.
And she certainly knows what works well on women, having worked at the department store Bonwit Teller and spending 25 years as Director of Merchandise at Century 21 Department Stores.
Intent on filling her retirement with travel and tennis, Vivian happened upon a For Lease sign in downtown Mt. Kisco in 2017. She decided then and there to open a store, so the name Whim is most fitting.
A second location soon followed in Bronxville in November 2018, a third in Stamford earlier this year. She also recently opened a pop-up store in Ridgefield that will become permanent if all goes well. Not ready to venture outside yet? Then you can visit www.Whimlove.com, their online store that is managed by Greg, who also oversees the business finances.
What’s important to Vivian and her staff is that customers “buy something they love.” Equally important is that the staff be “totally honest with the customer,” even if something isn’t becoming on them. A testament to her loyal Bronxville following is the many customers who traveled to the Stamford store to shop when Connecticut reopened before New York.
Bronxville was “just what we thought it would be - we love being part of a community,” notes a grateful Vivian. In fact, Vivian loves to give back and help support local charities and school activities and looks forward to participating again when these activities resume.
Vivian’s free time is all about family. She spends it with her husband, who had a long career in finance, her 90-year mom and father-in-law, and her children, Sophia, who helps out in the stores, and Greg. And yes, despite all this and running four stores, Vivian still has some time to enjoy tennis, exercising, reading, and cooking.
Other Spotlight Features
If you'd like to read about other businesses in town, click on these links for other Spotlight Features.
Spotlight on Found Herbal, Mossy Fern, and Provisions for Pets
Spotlight on Booskerdoo, Bronxville Jewelers 90 and Station Plaza Wine
Spotlight on Bronxville Fitness Club, Fabio's Hair Studio & Wild Vine & Liquors
Spotlight on Adrian East, Bronxville Furriers and Beer Noggin
Spotlight on Chantilly Patisserie and Bakeshop, Enrico Gargano Hair & Hickey's Del
Spotlight on Ladle of Love, Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop & Gillard's
Spotlight on Slave to the Grind, Maison Rouge & Continental 109 Salon
Spotlight on Brother's Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Mini's Prime Meats & Park Place Bagels
Photo at top: A.Warner; Other photos provided by the local businesses.
Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.
Shops Directory
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Toney Toni & The Gang
Born and raised in Westchester County, Kim Linn opened her boutique in Bronxville in 1995. Toney Toni & the Gang offers a curated selection of women's clothing, shoes & accessories. Ulla Johnson, Birds of Paradis, A Piece Apart, Clare V, Repeat Cashmere, Pons Quintana, White & Warren, Lilla P, Melissa Nepton are just a few of the designers found in the store.
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary builds on an ancient tradition of mind, body, and spirit focus that is essential to total health, life balance, and true peace. Our clients experience an increase in well-being by participating in individualized holistic services including massage, facials, energy healing services, meditation, yoga therapy, and workshops
Schedule your appointment online
Purchase a gift certificate online
14 Studio Arcade
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-9356
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Posh Beauty Boutique
POSH Beauty Boutique is a luxury spa offering the ultimate in body therapies and skincare. The founder of POSH Beauty Boutique is Bronxville resident Diana Rainsford who is a master Reflexologist and Esthetician.
POSH offers customized facials, massage, waxing, spray tans, professional makeup applications and much more including customized, all-inclusive packages for your bachelorette party, special birthday, or for fun with your friends. Little Miss packages are also available for your little princess’s special occasions.
POSH uses Eminence Organic Skin Care for all their facials. Body treatments are performed in their luxuriously appointed Hydrotherapy room with Vichy shower.
118 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-361-1277
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rain Natural Skin Care
Rain Natural Skincare is the home for a wide range of handmade luxurious body and skincare products that are made from natural ingredients, harnessing the power of nature to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.
Value Drugs of Bronxville
Value Drugs of Bronxville has been a member of the Bronxville Community for over twenty years. They are a family center where you can find a large variety of items. They have over fifty departments including toys, clothing, home goods and everything else you need from your neighborhood drug store. They have a full-service pharmacy with free delivery. You can also find a large variety of seasonal goods for every time of year.
80 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3801
(914) 337-2520
Bronxville Vision Care
Bronxville Vision Care offers eye examinations and same-day service on most eyeglasses and contact lens services. The center is open every day and accepts most vision plans, including VSP, Eye Med, Spectera, and Pomco. John Dello Russo is the optician and Dr. Josephine Russo is the optometrist. Dr. Russo, a graduate of SUNY Optometry, has been in practice since 1996. Mr. Dello Russo, who has an MBA in finance and is an adjunct instructor at CUNY, has been an optician since 1976 and is designated a Master of Ophthalmic Optics by the American Board of Opticianry.
10 Park Place
Bronxville, NY
914-337-4440
Trapp Opticians
Founded in 1945, Trapp Opticians has been proud to serve Bronxville and Lower Westchester with the highest level of care and expertise in eye care. Our Optometrist offers comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings. Trapp offers the best quality in eyewear and sun wear including a large selection of children’s eyewear and sportswear.
M-F 8:30-5:00PM
Sat 9:30-3:00PM
42 Pondfield Rd.
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0707
Tryforos & Pernice Florist
The Tryforos family has roots in the floral industry since the late 1800's and is privileged to be serving Bronxville since 1963. Their distinctive arrangements and bouquets consist of top of the market flowers from Holland, New Zealand, South America, the Pacific Basin and the US. For the floral enthusiast, all of their arrangements are customized from classic to trendy themes with inventive designs. Lush, dense packed vase arrangements in clear, low square, round glass, terra cotta and leaf lined vases are always available. They have beautiful orchids; potted and cut, as well as green and flowering plants which vary by season. They are pleased to present your unique inspirations for gift giving. Their customer base: "Busy People". They deliver and send flowers worldwide.
M-F: 9am-6pm
Sat.: 9am-5pm
73 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.2525
www.tryforosflorist.com
Framebridge
All of us have things sitting in boxes, drawers, and on our phones that we’d rather have up on our walls. At Framebridge, we’re making custom framing so easy and delightful that you’re inspired to celebrate everything you love–big, little and in-between. Whether digital photo or physical item, single frame or gallery wall, Framebridge has you covered. With our transparent pricing, there are no surprises. The price you see is the price you’ll pay–and shipping is always free. With over two dozen frame styles and mat options, you're sure to find the perfect combo to bring your piece to life. You can even personalize it with a brass plate, mat caption, or story pocket! Whether it’s macaroni art or a Picasso sketch, we treat every piece like a masterpiece.
Bronxville Furriers
Established in 1926, Bronxville Furrier has a long history as a trusted full service fur retailer. Luxurious furs, reversible garments, shearlings, Loro Piana cashmeres and accessories can be found here.
We offer a range of services that include Certified cold storage, cleaning and glazing, alterations and repairs. Our remodel program gives our customers the opportunity to Redesign and Modernize garments that no longer work with their lifestyles or fit properly.
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Silk Road
We are a unique boutique specializing in Home Decor, Gifts, Annabelle's and Seely Mini Jewelry, Bedding, and Clothing. We carry noteworthy items from Simon Pearce, Julie Vos, Dash and Albert, Fermob, Calaisio and many others. Gift wrapping is available.
Continental 109
Continental 109 has a 60-year history of providing exceptional hair styling, color and essential services for beauty and well being. The salon is led by owner and stylists, Nick and Mark DeVincenzo.
Built on the tradition of superior customer service, their full service salon stays fresh and exciting through ongoing training and immersion in the best that the world of beauty and fashion has to offer.
Everything about us is leading-edge with a complete focus on our guests. This commitment, and our talented staff, are the reasons why you will come to enjoy the Continental 109 experience.
Centrally located in the elegant village of Bronxville, the salon is easy to reach by car or train. Discover us, and reveal a more beautiful, more vibrant you!
109 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.793.4198
914.793.4198
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bacione Pasta Shop
Bacione Pasta Shop offers fresh pasta and sauces using high quality ingredients to create delicious pasta dishes loaded with flavor. Come in and enjoy the cuisine of Italy right here in Bronxville.
You can order from eleven kinds of fresh pasta by the pound and then choose from eight homemade sauces to complete your meal. Add-ons include: chicken, sausage, meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta and broccoli.
Bacione also sells loaves of Italian and focaccia bread and freshly prepared containers of homemade lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, sausage ragu and meat dishes to take home. Dessert offerings are: tiramisu, flan and panna cotta. Drink choices are Italian sodas.
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love, 18 Palmer Avenue - just across the street from New York Presbyterian Westchester Hospital - stands for consciously - sourced food, community support and a caring work family.
Whether you're picking up from the shop, getting delivery by ordering at ladleoflove.com or crafting a catering with founder/owner, Leslie Lampert, Ladle of Love promises healthful, delicious food from award winning soups and stews to sandwiches, salads, sweets and supper selections. (We have daily curbside pickup at The Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Kisco.)
The UPS Store
The UPS Store is a great place to send a package, print documents, open a mailbox or purchase business supplies. You are assured great service and a personal touch.
81 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3817
914- 779-0140
http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/1363/
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Shops Recent Articles
Quick Links
Newsletter
MyhometownBroxnville reserves the right to monitor and remove all comments. For more information on Posting Rules, please review our Rules and Terms of Use, both of which govern the use and access of this site. Thank you.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, myhometownBronxville, LLC, does not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information herein. We urge all users to independently confirm any information provided herein and consult with an appropriate professional concerning any material issue of fact or law. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of myhometownBronxville, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use . No portion of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher.
Copyright © 2009 myhometownbronxville.com, All rights reserved.