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; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 914-787-6158, ext. 1317. Minimum six participants, maximum eight.

Signing off—

Susan Miele (former) Chamber Director

I can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..