Staff writer: Conor Whelan

Recently I had the pleasure of using a ‘FREE 1-Day Trial’ pass I received from a vendor at the Mahopac street fair over the past Summer. Yes, I know, it’s February already! The pass has been on my desk for weeks. Well, like most of us, we get  ‘New Years Resolution’ fever as New Years eve day and New Years Day is in front of us. We make ourselves keep a promise that the next year will be a better diet and exercise year! For the most part a lot of you are keeping with it. My hat is off to you – you know who you are. A few people drop off … to those people… “Come on … get back in .. we don’t judge .. we’re all in the same boat!”

NYSC Fitness club is conveniently located in Somers Commons Center off of Baldwin Place ( Chillis, Stop & Shop, Goodwill etc). Plenty of parking and their club is as spacious as they come. You’ll find plenty of cardio equipment, free weights, machines and an ‘Xpress line’ for those of you with time constraints. Precore elliptical machines and climbers, Treadmills, bicycles. Several stretching areas, a large multi-purpose aerobic and kick boxing studio. They also have a staff of private trainers (for an additional fee) for those of us that need that little extra guidance and motivation.Well worth it.

I’ve since become a full member. The Swimming pool was the clincher. Lots of activities for the kids. A large basket ball gym that also doubles as a great place for organized kids parties. The showers, saunas and dressing room areas were clean and I loved the free towel services.

Club Hours
Monday-Friday 5:00am-10:00pm
Saturday-Sunday 7:00am-7:00pm

Baby-sitting Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:30am-12:30pm
Monday-Thursday: 4:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday: 8:00am-12:30pm
Sunday: 8:30am-12:30pm

For Carmel & Brewster residents:

Carmel
Putnam Plaza
1844 Route 6 and Stoneleigh Ave
Carmel, NY  10512
Phone: 845.225.0511

The club is currently doing some great promotions. If you use the form below, you will receive a FREE 1-Day Trial pass. Come on, give it a go!

cforms contact form by delicious:days

WHEN:
Saturday, June 11th (campout ends 11:00am June13th)
Doors open at 4:00pm
BBQ at 5:30pm

WHERE:
The Claudio Marzollo Community Center of Philipstown
(aka Philipstown Recreation Center)
107 Glenclyffe Drive, Garrison, NY

GOOD FOOD:
Burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, potato salad, cole slaw, fresh organic green salad (with lettuce from Second Wind CSA), hummus and pita, watermelon, lemonade, iced tea, water

Campout breakfast will include juice, coffee, tea, bagels & spreads, cereals, fruit and yogurt

GOOD MUSIC:
Headline Bands and a mish mash of Philipstown’s finest campout musicians leading the sing-along at the Sleep Over Under the Stars!

GOOD FUN:
Lots of fun outdoor activities including soccer, hula hooping with Judy, a wildlife presentation, and giant bubbles, as well as a raffle with great prizes including:

•a family pack of tickets to a West Point Football game,
•kid’s summer programs at Bear Mt. Trailside Museum & Zoo
•a one of a kind Greenbox Studio from Habitat for Artists
Festival admission (inc. BBQ dinner) is:

•$10 in advance / $15 at the door per individual
•$25 in advance / $30 at the door per family
•$50 per family for Sleep Over Under the Stars admission (includes the Festival, BBQ dinner & breakfast)

Stay for a Sleep Over Under the Stars!
Immediately following the festival, families are invited to campout, enjoy a good old-fashioned sing-along that evening, breakfast in the morning and a few fun surprises along the way including a night time Owl Prowl hike with birders from the Putnam-Highlands Audubon Society. All camping families must pre-register. Please download the campout information flyer for more details.

These events are sponsored by Turner Construction Company and generously supported by U.S. Military Academy Football Program, Bear Mountain Trailside Museum & Zoo, Habitat for Artists, and the Putnam-Highlands Audubon Society.

These events are graciously hosted by the Philipstown Recreation Department and Open Space Institute.

For more information, please contact HHLT at: 845-424-3358 or http://www.info@hhlt.org.

The premier fundraising event for the Women’s Resource Center the Hudson Valley Food & Wine Experience promises to be a Tasting Extravaganza…  Restaurants, Wineries and Artisan Food Producers join together to showcase their masteries. Our venue will offer music, food, wine, a silent auction and raffle prizes. Help us promote awareness to help bring domestic violence to an end.  Tickets are only $75 per person and include all food and wine.  Please drink responsibility and don’t drink and drive.

The Women’s Resource Center of Northern Westchester/Putnam provides information resources, skills workshops and professional counseling to facilitate women in making informed choices and in working towards their potential.

Programs and services are continually developed to meet community needs and to reflect the needs of women and their families in a changing social environment.

For more information please contact the Women’s Resource Center at 845-628-9284 or send an email to info@pnwwrc.org or jschweigler@pnwwrc.org

Check out some photos from previous Hudson Valley Food and Wine Experience.

Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 10 am – 3 pm.  This event happens Rain or Shine.

Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel, New York.

FREE to the first 100 Youth ages 8 – 14.  All participants will receive a: FREE Rod, Reel, Tackle Kit, 2011 Fishing Directory & a Hat. Participants from previous 4-H Fishing Clinics are not eligible to participate.

Co-sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County and the Oasis Sportsmen’s Club with support from the Jack Stewart Jr. Memorial Fund.

Limit is 100 participants – so sign up today

For more information and to download the registration form, click here

Research has shown that drumming creates positive changes in immune system functioning, relieves stress, energizes, and is just plain fun! Facilitated by Maya Benattar, a board-certified music therapist, this workshop will provide an opportunity to connect with your own personal rhythms as well as create a group rhythm. A variety of drums and percussive instruments from around the world will be used, and games, songs, and chants will introduce the “drum shy” to these in a playful manner. Absolutely no music experience is needed!

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. The program is free but a $10 fee is required at registration and will be refunded upon attendance. For information or to register, call Support Connection at 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290.

SUPPORT CONNECTION, INC. is a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services and programs to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Founded in 1996, Support Connection is based in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., but through their toll-free hotline and website they serve people throughout the country. Services include: One-on-one peer counseling and support groups offering women the opportunity to connect with other cancer survivors; Ongoing wellness classes; Holistic health workshops; Public educational programs; Information and referral services; A toll-free cancer information and support hotline (800-532-4290.) With Support Connection, those living with breast and ovarian cancer don’t have to face it alone. To learn more, visit http://www.supportconnection.org/ or call (914) 962-6402.

We need you to help keep all of our students safe. Bullying is a problem that affects everyone, and access to the internet and cell phones has given “bullying” a whole new meaning.  In response to feedback from our previous Hope Forum participants, we are planning to address how students of all ages, parents, school & community members can have a positive impact on the issue of bullying in our schools and community.

Agenda:

• Welcome and Introductions,

                       Adam Levy, Ken Schmitt, and Tom Manko

• A Personal Experience,

                        Olivia Cowan, Student

• Bullying by the Numbers,

                                        Joe DeMarzo and Val Nierman

• Panel of Experts, Q & A

Kristin Cafiero, National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies

Gary Chadwick, Fulmar Rd. Principal

Frank Chibbaro, DARE Officer

Joseph DeMarzo, Putnam County Youth Bureau & Mental Health

Ann Ellsworth, Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center

Ira Gurkin, MMS Principal

Kristel Halton, Putnam Family and Community Services

Timothy Keith, MHS School Resource Officer

Adam Levy, Putnam County District Attorney

Aileen Napolitano, Probation officer

Adam Pease, MHS Principal

James Reitz, Putnam County Court Judge

Thomas Manko, moderator

• Roundtable Discussion Groups, Meg Benedetto and Allyson Fallman

If you have any questions, please contact MCSD Health Coordinator, Val Nierman, at 845-628-3256  or   niermanv@mahopac.k12.ny.us

After living in Carmel for three years and getting tired of traveling down to the city to find Salsa venues, Harry and his wife decided to start teaching and launched the Salsa Picante Dance Studios at 571 North Main Street, 2nd Floor in Brewster in hopes of forming a community of like minded people who had the same passion for Salsa as they did.

After teaching for about six months, they saw it was catching on and  decided to start doing Salsa events.  Harry felt that that they would be able to enjoy the dancing themselves and encourge the community of Salsa aficionados they were building to be able to enjoy the dance without having to travel so far.   In addition to being a Salsa instructor, Harry is also a promoter and DJ so he spins the tunes at all of his events.

During the last two and a half  years that Harry and his wife have been teaching Salsa, they hosted Salsa dances with live bands, a Salsa Cruise to Bermuda, a weekend Salsa event in the Catskills, which by popular demand is coming back this August 19-21, 2011, and they recently began combining a Comedy Series followed by dancing that has worked out very well and growing in popluarity.   

The Trindad’s have some great things in store this coming year like a Pre-Valentines day Salsa dance in Sciortino’s Restaurant in Brewster on Saturday February 12^th, featuring the  world famous and Grammy nominated band, The New Swing Sextet as well as another Catskill Salsa Weekend in August.

The Trinidad’s have built a great community of students and have made many good friends in the process.  “We are very proud of what we have accomplished and have been shown much gratitude and appreciation many times over for what we have brought to the community.  Salsa dancing is an activity that almost anyone can do and something that can bring much joy to someone’s life.”  Salsa dancing has the benefits of exercise for cardio health and keeping your mind sharp as you focus on learning the various turn patterns and techniques.

For more information about Salsa dancing and signing up for one of their dancing classes, visit their website at http://www.meetup.com/salsapicantedance.  Classes are only $10 each with no committment.  Give it a try.  Don’t have a dance partner?  Don’t worry, solo dancers are welcome and you will meet new people and make new friends.

The market analyst claims that nutritional genomics, known as nutrigenomics, plays into consumers’ sense of individuality and self-expression. Nutrigenomics is the study of how nutrition influences gene expression, and purports to examine how different nutrients are absorbed, metabolized or eliminated according to a person’s individual genetic make up.

Datamonitor conducted an international survey in July and August 2010 in order to assess consumer interest in using genetic information to guide nutritional choices. It found that among Americans, 55 percent found the idea either very or somewhat appealing, up 11 percent from its previous survey on the subject, conducted in August 2008.

Datamonitor analyst Mark Whalley said: “Consumers have always wanted food and beverages which cater to their individual needs. However, it is only in the past few years that manufacturers have really woken up to this fact and begun to create grocery products that consumers really feel identify with their personal attitudes and requirements. They are constantly asking themselves ‘what does this product say about me and how does it specifically benefit me?’”

He added that Datamonitor research has shown that 74 percent of US consumers attach importance to the concept of individuality and being able to express themselves.

Developing applications with natural, authentic dairy flavor requires an innovative partner with expertise you can rely on. Learn how Cargill’s dairy solutions can help drive your product’s success. The market research organization claims that it is “inevitable” that nutrigenomics will come to the fore to address consumers’ desire for individualized nutrition, and said that one area of particular interest would be foods and drinks designed to deal with certain health conditions.

The study of nutrigenomics is still in its infancy, but it is hoped that it could have a major impact on the development of tailor-made food and beverage products in the future, whether they are designed to strengthen a weakened immune system, for example, or to taste better to consumers through determination of genetic flavor preferences.

Whalley said that smaller, niche companies are likely to lead the way, with larger brands waiting to see what products are launched and how they are received by consumers. “As interest amongst consumers increases, we expect to see a surge in the number of food and drink companies launching products with DNA/genetic influences over the next few years,” he said.

Internationally, Datamonitor found that Brazilians (71 percent) and South Africans (70 percent) were most likely to find the concept of using nutrigenomics to create personalized nutrition appealing, while the Dutch (26 percent) and Germans (34 percent) were least likely to like the idea.

By: Caroline Scott-Thomas, 14-Jan-2011

Reprint from: http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com

At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

Although every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.

Celebrate – The Survivors Lap
Relay starts with a Survivors Lap an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays like those of each individual on the track.

Remember – The Luminaria Ceremony
After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

Fight Back – The Fight Back Ceremony
Last, there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer.

No matter where you are, there’s a place for you at Relay and you can make a difference today by signing up online to start your own team or by simply making a donation.

Thanks to Relay participants, we are creating a world with more birthdays a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life.

For more information about Relay For Life, visit their website today.

Source:  http://main.acsevents.org

Source: American Cancer Society

This program is free to women with breast and ovarian cancer but pre-registration is required. For information or to register, call Support Connection at 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290.

Great comfort is found by many in the time-honored practices of knitting and crocheting. As a result of renewed interest in these favorite crafts, knitting circles have formed around the country, giving women a place to gather around a common interest. 

Join this monthly knitting circle for women with breast and ovarian cancer. Newbies and experienced knitters and crocheters welcome: women with no knitting or crocheting background will learn from an experienced teacher, and women who already knit or crochet are welcome to join them with their latest project. Warmth is found in the soft textures and colors of yarn, and in the company of other women who know how you feel because they, too have experienced cancer. 

Support Connection, Inc. is a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services and programs to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Founded in 1996, Support Connection is based in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., but through their toll-free hotline and website they serve people throughout the country. Services include: One-on-one peer counseling and support groups offering women the opportunity to connect with other cancer survivors; Ongoing wellness classes; Holistic health workshops; Public educational programs; Information and referral services; A toll-free cancer information and support hotline (800-532-4290.) With Support Connection, those living with breast and ovarian cancer don’t have to face it alone. To learn more, visit www.supportconnection.org or call (914) 962-6402.