Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Perfectly Suited For the Many Moods of Love
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Valentine's Day is Saturday! If you haven't figured out yet what you'll do for your valentine, here are our suggestions – all locally available. Consider these and if you have more ideas to share, do so in the comments section below.
For Romance ...
Dance lessons
Learning to dance sparks romances, kindles connection and electrifies your relationship. When a couple moves together across a dance floor – practicing the subtle art of lead and follow – their senses are heightened through physical and emotional connection. "One of the best gifts a couple can give to each other is the gift of dance. It's not only fun and joyous; it's a magical opportunity to reconnect through touch on the dance floor," said Stanley McCalla, co-owner of Fred Astaire Dance Studio Mamaroneck. "Just imagine doing a tango, cheek to cheek, chest to chest, with the lady's feet caressing the floor and brushing against her partner's legs. Salsa is another popular dance that we teach. Its rhythmic beat is like a heartbeat – hot, sultry and exciting. The waltz, too, is a romantic dance and a classic choice for couples asking us to choreograph their first wedding dance. With the waltz, you feel the rise and fall of the music and the graceful sway of two bodies linked together in motion. Dance is the embodiment of love and passion." Packages of weekly dance lessons make a fantastic ongoing gift because they set aside time for togetherness, and they can be a prelude to a great date. Lessons also build confidence, fortify communication and invigorate a couple's social life. For Valentine's Day, Fred Astaire Dance Studio Mamaroneck is promoting an introductory special of two 30-minute lessons for $60, which can be used for either a couple or a single person.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Mamaroneck, 451 E Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, 914.381.2562
For Classic Elegance ...
Flowers
You can never go wrong with flowers. They are as classic as love itself. "Red roses are the eternal symbol of romantic love," said German Chino, owner of The Scarsdale Village Flower Shop. "Most people choose the traditional bouquet of a dozen roses; however, even just one gorgeous red rose, beautifully presented and tied with a nice ribbon and bow, can have dramatic impact." Since flowers are so versatile, they suit couples at any stage of a relationship – especially when a nicely written card expresses sincere sentiment. In addition to red, Chino is offering roses in unusual colors, including a gorgeous bi-color blend whose petals bleed from bright raspberry to saturated pink. Other fresh and unique options include mixtures of orchids and roses or bouquets of gingers, orchids, birds of paradise and textural greenery. "It's always best to order flowers and arrange deliveries in advance, but we will be open on Valentine's Day, with beautiful flowers in stock for our last-minute customers. We understand how busy everyone is, but most of all, we understand how important it is to get the perfect gift," Chino said.
The Scarsdale Village Flower Shop, 7 Harwood Court, Scarsdale, 914.723.0852
For Indulgence ...
Chocolate
Chocolate is the taste of Valentine's Day. Foil-wrapped truffles and heart-shaped boxes of candy are tempting choices. However, to distinguish your gift from the plentitude of drugstore iterations, select luxury confections that flirt with the senses. The penultimate gift of chocolate should be gorgeous in its presentation and packaging. Its flavors should be rich and nuanced – complex rather than sweet. Chocolate is a pleasure food. Each morsel is intended to be savored slowly, as it melts in the mouth. Additions of nuts, sea salt, caramel, dried fruit, liqueur and warm exotic spices can add surprising variety and stimulate the palate. Since ancient times, when Mayans exchanged cacao beans for sexual pleasure, chocolate has acquired a reputation as an aphrodisiac. It contains serotonin which is thought to increase arousal; and chocolate's silky texture on the tongue is a sensual experience itself. Bill Vogel, co-owner of Imagine Candy, said some of this year's most popular confections include rich Belgian truffles and solids in a heart-shaped box, salted caramels, mendiants (thin dark chocolate squares with pistachios and cranberries), boxed Chapel Hill dark chocolate and pecan toffee (all natural and gluten-free), Valentine's Day heart pops, buttery Scottish shortbread and an edible chocolate box filled with foil wrapped chocolate hearts. "People associate Valentine's Day with love and beautiful chocolates," Vogel said. "We have lots of artisan, organic, nut-free and gluten-free dark and milk chocolates – and they're all delicious. We give our customers lots of variety and choice so they always find exactly what they're looking for. When you buy good chocolate, you want to enjoy it by eating it and sharing it. That's what it's all about."
Imagine Candy, 22 Harwood Court, 914.723.7887
For Commitment ...
Jewelry
When affection isn't a fleeting affair ... when love has only deepened with time ... when you can't imagine your life with anyone else ... when words are not enough, express your feelings with jewelry. The timeless permanence of gold, silver and gemstones makes each jewelry piece into a lasting statement of adoration and commitment. The ritual intimacy of wearing jewelry close to the body is like a lover's totem; it reinforces the intimate bond of the relationship. For a wife of 25 years, Jonathan Landsberg, of Landsberg Jewelers, suggests an 18k yellow gold Primavera bangle with diamonds by Roberto Coin (Roberto Coin is available at Landsberg Jewelers' Ritz Carlton/White Plains location). For newlyweds, diamond studs make a spectacular and exuberant gift. For a husband or boyfriend, Landsberg recommends a Phillip Stein watch. For a girlfriend, a Hipchik necklace is an excellent choice – and totally on trend now. "When purchasing a Valentine's Day gift, you want that special someone to really enjoy receiving the gift and wearing the gift. That's why selecting a meaningful piece of jewelry is very important. This year, we're loving everything by Roberto Coin. His pieces are classic, sumptuous and understated all at once. They can also be worn in an extremely personalized way. Fashioned out of white gold, yellow gold and rose gold, Roberto Coin's pieces are meant to be mixed, matched and layered within the collection.
Landsberg Jewelers at The Ritz-Carlton Westchester, 3 Renaissance Square, White Plains, 914.761.1122
For Sentimentality ....
Custom Photography Blocks
Start a tradition with personal, heartfelt gifts that celebrate your life together. Mutually chosen artwork or decorative objects are wonderful gifts for a couple to give themselves. The process of mutually shopping for the joint gift is like a fun date. Inside the home, the object will always be a tangible embodiment of the couple's love. Karen Tolchin, co-owner of Current Home, recommends Custom Photography Blocks. "More prominent than a regular picture frame, these archival quality, modern lacquer blocks are the perfect way to showcase or highlight a special photograph in your home," she said. "We are excited about the Photography Blocks because they can inspire traditions based on images of special events experienced together during the year, such as a memorable vacation, a bat mitzvah or a birthday!" The Photography Blocks are carefully edited; they take approximately five weeks to make, and they come in two sizes suitable for placement on a credenza or a tabletop. They start at $300. "We love these custom photography blocks, they make a unique Valentine's Day gift because they are personal gifts that celebrate family, love and the life you have built together," Tolchin said.
Current Home, 8 Palmer Avenue, Scarsdale, 914.723.2462
For Pampering ...
Spa experiences
Spoil your beloved with the luxurious gift of a massage, facial, body scrub, manicure, pedicure or other spa treatment. These services are a wonderful physical indulgence and an ideal psychological escape from the stress of everyday life. For Valentine's Day, Devra Bader Skin Care and Beauty Spa is highlighting treatments that incorporate chocolate – such as a 60-minute chocolate cake body scrub, in which chocolate oils are blended with salts for an incredible massage and exfoliation. For a shared relaxation experience, Tranquility Spa is offers a couple's massage, in which soothing Swedish massage techniques will work to pamper the body, relieve stress and improve sleep.
Devra Bader Skin Care and Beauty Spa, 38 Garth Road, Scarsdale, 914.725.1158
Tranquility Spa, 917 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, 914.713.0066
For appetite ...
Cooking classes
Candlelight, wine and a romantic playlist add essential spice to dinner a deux. Why not intensify the pleasure by inviting your significant other into the kitchen? Taking a cooking class together is a wonderful way to bond, as you discover something new and collaborate on the delicious. Even long married couples that make time to share the kitchen benefit from working together toward a common objective, sharing tasks and learning to 
appreciate each other's skills. Cooking offers great practice in the collaborative skills of being a couple, and it's a wonderful time to slow down for conversation and connection. Whether you're tempted by sweet or spicy, the Scarsdale Adult School offers a variety of themed classes taught by fun and dynamic teachers – and the best part is, each class is a wonderful prelude to dessert. ... And don't forget; the complement to any meal is a celebratory libation. Zachys Wine and Liquor recommends Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, which they say is "perfect to share with the one you love." In honor of Valentine's Day, Zachys is hosting a complimentary, in-store tasting of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne from 12-4 pm, Feb. 14. Wine expert and special guest Charlotte Raux will be available to answer questions and advise on last-minute gifts.
Scarsdale Adult School.org
Zachys Wine and Liquor, 16 East Parkway, Scarsdale, 914.874.8000
For Creativity
Handmade gifts, gifts of time
To really personalize Valentine's Day for your beloved, make it personal. This is the time to polish your poetic voice and your crafting talents. This is a moment to give generously of your skills and your time. Your sweet creativity will be rewarded by the impact of a handmade card, a handwritten verse, a chain of cut paper hearts, a love note taped to the mirror, breakfast in bed, rose petals in the bath, or homemade brownies cut into the shape of hearts. The significance of a creative gift is expressed through its heartfelt expression of affection and its personal, one-of-a-kind aspects. However, similar impact can also be achieved through special store-bought goods. Declare your love through a book of romantic poetry (try Pablo Neruda), a playlist of bedroom songs or a favorite photo of the two of you in a silver frame. Build anticipation for a future date night by buying tickets to a show, a sporting event, a concert – or, best of all, a romantic weekend getaway where you can spend lots of time together in bed.
Edgemont Mom Dies in Fiery Crash with Metro North Train
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The Scarsdale community was already deeply shaken by the crash of a rush hour Metro North train just a few miles north of here in Valhalla when we learned that the accident had taken one of our own. The NY Post reported Wednesday 2-4 that the woman who was driving the car that was caught on the track between the gates was Edgemont mother Ellen Brody. She was on her way home from her job at ICD Contemporary Jewelry in Chappaqua, driving the black Mercedes SUV that was hit by the train and exploded into flames. The explosion not only killed Brody inside the car but took the lives of five others who were burned in the first car of the train. Brody, age 49, was the mother of three daughters, the youngest a junior at Edgemont High School. The other two graduated from EHS in 2010 and 2014.
According to an account from a witness, published in the NY Post here's what happened:
"The gate came down on her ML350 and she got out to look. She then got back in the car and drove forward — even though the motorist behind her was yelling for her to stop, and was struck. She looked a little confused, got back in the car and pulled forward on the tracks."
The Jewish Daily Forward said that Brody's family was active in Chabad of the Rivertowns. Brody worked at the jewelry store for 15 years and her employer, Varda Singer called her "a real tzaddik," (a virtuous person.) Her husband Alan immigrated here from South Africa.
The Post is also reporting the identities of two of the other crash victims. Walter Liedtke, the curator for European paintings at the Metropolitan Musem of Art died as well as Eric Vandercar who worked for Meisrow Financial in Manhattan.
In Scarsdale, it's hard to believe that commuters like us on their way home from work on one of the most trusted railroads in the country died in this senseless tragedy. Many of us ride the trains daily – and consider it the safest and most convenient way to travel to the city. In the past two weeks, train service has been steady through the winter storms and most have all but forgotten the deadly accident that occurred at Spuyten Duyvil in December, 2013 killing four and injuring 70 when the train derailed.
The National Transportation Safety Board is on the scene to investigate the accident, which is being called the deadliest in Metro North's history. Governor Cuomo said, "this was as gruesome as I have seen," and County Executive Rob Astorino called it "horrific and unimaginable."
We asked MTA spokesperson Marjorie Anders for a comment and she said we "won't be saying much as the various investigations unfold."
Local Teens and Tweens Perform in 13 The Musical
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Featured in the show, across 4 separate casts, are 16 Scarsdale residents. In Cast A: Chloe Faegenburg (Emily/Geek 1), Alexandra Goldman (Lexi/Geek 6), Julia White (Patrice), Craig Carroll (Simon), Julia Kawai (Student 11), Annie Radin (Student 2), Carolyn Breakstone (Student 7), and Sophia Roth (Whitney/Geek 1). In Cast B: Isabelle Adler (Lexi/Geek 6), and Anna Giddens ((Student 3). In Cast C: Julia Lipsztein (Hannah/Geek 5), and Charlotte Braun (Student 11). In Cast D: Emma Kops (Kendra), Molly Bochner (Student 5), Laura Paternoster (Student 6), and Liana Givner (Student 8). Movie Star Alert! Sendhil Ramamurthy in "Brahmin Bulls" at Pelham Picture House
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Local resident Sendhil Ramamurthy of Heroes fame will air his film Brahmin Bulls and lead a Q & A after the show on Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 pm. Starring Sendhil Ramamurthy and Roshan Seth, Brahmin Bulls follows the complicated, interesting lives of a father (Seth) and grown son (Ramamurthy) as they attempt to rebuild their damaged relationship and mend their own personal lives.
Eva Nagorski, a writer and producer who suggested the film showing to Pelham Picture House said, "I think it's important to support independent movies given how hard it is to make them and, in particular, distribute them. But that's far from the only reason I'm supporting Brahmin Bulls. It's a great film, Sendhil puts on a terrific performance, and it's a creative accomplishment overall for a first-time director." She added, "Pelham Picture House is a venue that not only supports independent films, but draws audiences from all over the area who appreciate them."
Sendhil was gracious enough to meet me one morning in Scarsdale to be interviewed for Scarsdale10583.com. Only after he had left did several people at the café come up to me and ask how I got to hang out with "The 'Heroes' guy."
What made you want to play the character of Sid in Brahim Bulls?
The role of Sid was written for me. The director, Mahesh Pailoor, and I worked together on the first role I ever booked out of drama school, a short film. He was still a film student. I auditioned for him, got the role, and we shot this ten-minute, visually stunning black and white short film. We got along well. Fifteen years later, all of the people who were a part of this short film got together for Brahmin Bulls. I was shooting Heroes at the time in Los Angeles and Mahesh called to tell me that he was at the American Film Institute now and wanted to do a film. He wrote the script, we raised funds for two years, and then we shot it for 21 days in Los Angeles. I'm an avid tennis player and I love that we used tennis in the movie because it served as the perfect metaphor. Playing Sid was a welcomed challenge. My character is in his thirties but acts like a teenager- he's completely rudderless. I'm the opposite of that in real life; I'm goal-oriented and I know exactly what I want. I enjoyed the quiet parts of the movie where all the acting had to be done through the eyes or with sighs and small movements. It's different from television where you have 42 minutes to tell the story because the remaining 18 are filled with commercials; there's no time for silence in television. In television you have deadlines because episodes are already ordered and paid for and there's timing involved as far as when shows need to air; but in Brahmin Bulls, having time to really work on a scene was really appealing to me and appeals to audiences.
How was it different for you to star in a movie as well as produce it?
I enjoyed being involved in producing this film, although after production is when I became more involved- getting screenings arranged and doing festival submissions. While shooting the film, I focused on my character and my acting. I'd love to continue producing from the ground up, like deciding how the money is spent, who's hired, etc. You don't really get that in television, even if you're the star of the show. You say your lines and you try not to bump into furniture. The chance to do something different really attracted me to this film and film in general. There was a learning curve. We made mistakes but we learned from them and next time we'll just make fewer mistakes. Or at least not the same mistakes.
How does Brahmin Bulls build an audience?
Marketing funds are limited, so we've done theatrical releases in several major cities in the U.S. and then it will go to video on demand. Word of mouth has been the best promotional tool. The New York Times gave Brahmin Bulls a favorable review and screenings like this one at Pelham Picture House really help get the word out as well. The film is a true grassroots effort, a total labor of love. None of us will likely make any money off of it. The movie is about people connecting (or not connecting); it's about relationships. This theme seems to have really appealed to audiences around the nation.
What's the most challenging part of being an actor?
The rejection. You can be rejected on a daily basis if not more. The uncertainty is the hardest thing to deal with. It doesn't always matter how good of an actor you are, there are always other factors out of your control. I just have the mindset that I enter every audition or taping knowing that I'm prepared and giving it my best shot and I try to let go of the rest. I do tend to micromanage the audition or scene I shot after it's done when I can't do anything about it and I think I will always do that. This is common even among the most esteemed actors.
Some people think that if you have a big role on a TV series for a while you can just walk into your next job. It doesn't often work that way. You have to reinvent yourself after every gig. You may get offers to do the same genre again, but if I wanted to do the same thing every day I would have chosen a different career.
To what or whom do you attribute your success?
I don't think I'm the greatest actor and I won't ever say that, but I can say that I'm one of the hardest working actors and that has helped with my success. I've been very lucky. I shoot for nine or ten months of the year and I haven't shot anything in New York in almost five years. It can be hard since New York is where my home and family are. Having an anchor- my wife and my kids- helps with my success a lot. The longest I can ever be away from my family is two weeks. I need a sense of normalcy, and that's what my family is for me.
What are your plans now?
I'm in the middle of shooting a film called Momentary Lapse of Reason. I'm reading a bunch of manuscripts because pilot season is starting. I'd love to do more comedy. I did a stint on The Office and I filmed a romantic comedy, but I always seem to be the straight guy while everyone else around me is scripted to be funny. I'd love to be a series regular on a comedy show.
See Sendhil's only local showing of Brahmin Bulls this Thursday, January 22nd at 7:30 PM at Pelham Picture House. You'll even be lucky enough to hear a Huffington Post-moderated Q&A afterwards. Purchase tickets ahead of time here andclick here to watch a preview. Brahmin Bulls runs for 96 minutes, is rated PG, and also stars Academy Award winner Mary Steenburgen, Justin Bartha, and Academy Award nominated actor Michael Lerner.
Peter Strauss to Receive the Scarsdale Bowl
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This announcement was sent to Scarsdale10583 from the Scarsdale Bowl Committee: Peter Strauss, an extraordinary citizen with over 40 years of dedicated volunteerism to Scarsdale, will be the 2015 recipient of the Scarsdale Bowl, the community's highest award. The Scarsdale Bowl was initiated in 1943 to recognize an individual's outstanding contributions to the civic life of this community," said Jon Mark, the Chairman of the Scarsdale Bowl Committee. Strauss, a former Scarsdale Mayor, has served on over 25 different civic organizations and committees in Scarsdale and beyond. "Peter's civic service in a wide variety of capacities is a role model for volunteerism in the Village. His selfless contribution of time and energy to community affairs epitomizes the principles symbolized by the Bowl. We are delighted to recognize him as this year's honoree", said Mark.
Strauss will be honored at the Scarsdale Bowl dinner on Wednesday evening, April 22 at The Fountainhead in New Rochelle. Mark encourages all members of the community to attend and notes that the event is uplifting evening to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism in our Village. Scarsdale residents may receive a written invitation by emailing scarbowl@gmail.com.
The Bowl Committee, a diverse group of 15 community volunteers, selects the recipient after reviewing many worthy candidates who are nominated by the community.
Last Sunday evening, the Committee voted to honor Strauss. Delegates from the Bowl Committee including Chairman Jon Mark, Scarsdale Foundation President Evelyn Stock, Foundation Liaison Jane Veron, Foundation Secretary/Treasurer Robert Jeremiah and Committee Members Nan Berke, Kay Eisenman and Michelle Lichtenberg went to Peter's Greenacres home to break the good news. No one was home when the group arrived, so Lichtenberg called a mutual friend to innocently inquire as to Peter's whereabouts. As the phone conversation ended, the group began to disperse but then Peter's car drove down Brite Avenue and turned into his driveway. "It was dark and we couldn't imagine who you were", Laura Strauss, Peter's wife, told the group. Upon hearing the news Strauss said, "I am almost speechless, and I am never almost speechless. This is quite an honor".
Strauss has a long distinguished record of service to Scarsdale and the outside community. Currently Strauss is Treasurer of Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, serves on the Board of Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling, and is a volunteer at White Plains Hospital.
Peter was Mayor from 2005 to 2007 and a Village Trustee from 2001 to 2005. Among his many achievements as mayor, Strauss is proud of his role in the development of Christie Place, installing larger and more legible Scarsdale street signs and working towards a new headquarters for the Ambulance Corp. He loved being Police Commissioner while Deputy Mayor, getting to know the policemen personally and occasionally riding with them while on duty. Upon Peter's retirement as mayor the late Irving Sloan described Strauss as "the gold standard of local government" and former mayor Ed Morgan praised Peter's "openness of process and strong emphasis on civil dialogue".
Strauss is a long-time champion of land use issues. He worked on many seminal development issues in Scarsdale including Christie Place, the Community Center and SVAC. He was co-chair of the Advisory Committee on Downtown Development. He also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Scarsdale Forum's Zoning and Planning Committee.
A consensus builder and someone deeply connected to the betterment of all, Strauss has served as Chairman of the Village's Advisory Council on Human Relations. He was involved with establishing the home for the developmentally disabled on Foxhall Road.
A firm believer in Scarsdale's non-partisan system, Strauss has served as a member of the Procedure Committee. He also served as Chairman of the School Board Nominating Committee and as co-chairman of the Citizens' for Scarsdale Non-Partisan Government.
Peter has also focused considerable volunteer effort beyond Scarsdale's borders. He served as Vice Chair, National Director and NY Regional Chair of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, was a Director of the Greater NY Council of the Boy Scouts of America, was Westchester Chapter President of the American Jewish Committee, and was a member of the Ellis Island Museum Rededication Committee. He received the Hiram Hunn Award from the Harvard Admissions Office in 2007 for outstanding longtime service in recruiting and interviewing students from New York City. He has also served as his Class Secretary to Harvard Business School for over fifty years.
Peter immigrated to the United States from Germany at age 3 and grew up in Hartford CT, and Lancaster PA. He received his BA and MBA from Harvard. After four years in the ROTC program he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Artillery. He is the retired President of Geska Management Co., Inc.
Peter's greatest joy is his family. He and his wife Laura have been married 52 years and have two daughters. His older daughter Carolyn lives in Hollywood , California and is Executive Producer of the television show Game of Thrones. Diana lives in Brunswick, Maine and is a location consultant for companies seeking Maine locations and backgrounds for their advertising. The Strauss' have three grandchildren, ages 11, 6 and 4.
Please join the Bowl Committee on April 22nd at The Fountainhead to honor Scarsdale's spirit of volunteerism and Peter Strauss.
