Nov. 20, 2013:  Bronxville’s annual Light Up the Town tree-lighting event will take place Friday, December 6, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The festivities will begin at the corner of Park Place and Kraft Ave at 6:00 pm, including a performance of holiday carols by SHA!cappella, our local teen sensations whose talents led them to Madison Square Garden! Santa will of course be flying in from the North Pole, and stores will stay open late for a family holiday stroll and shopping night!

Why Buy Local: Virtue #3

With six weeks left before Christmas, it's time to remind the community of the many virtues of buying locally. Each week, we'll highlight a different incentive. Please keep all of these in mind as you make your buying decisions.

Virtue #3: Distinct Merchandise:  Visit the business district of almost any neighboring community and notice how much alike they are. From one town to the next, you'll spot the same stores again and again. You can escape the retail sameness by supporting independently owned merchants. They make different buying decisions than the giant chains.

Thanksgiving

Come on down to the Bronxville Farmers' Market for your holiday buying this Saturday, November 23, between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm. Stone Place at Paxton Avenue.

Cooking? Womrath Bookshop has an assortment of inspiring cookbook selections to spark your Thanksgiving feast! Consider titles such as Choosing Sides; The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays; Alice Waters's The Art of Simple Food II; Apples: From Harvest to Table; and The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book--to name just a few. 76 Pondfield Rd.

Also at Womrath Bookshop are Thanksgiving greeting cards and an extensive array of children’s books, including What Was the First Thanksgiving?; Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride; The Night Before Thanksgiving; T Is for Turkey; and If You Were at the First Thanksgiving. They even have Thanksgiving Mad Libs! Also, the perfect post-feast activity: a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle of a peaceful autumnal scene with a covered bridge.

Thanksgiving paper goods and décor items are available at Value Drugs, as are chocolate lollipops in the shape of pilgrims and turkeys. 76 Pondfield Rd.

The amount you spend on your total shopping order at the A&P determines how much you pay per pound for your Butterball turkey! Must present your loyalty card. See store for details. Cedar St.

Underhills Crossing will be open for lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving, featuring a special holiday prix-fixe menu. Choices range from the traditional to the not-so-traditional to please every member of your family!

Plan ahead for your floral needs! Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop, Tryforos & Pernice Florists, and Green Wood Mart all carry beautiful flowers in rich fall hues. Order your arrangement or centerpiece early to have it ready and waiting for you on arrival!

Need the perfect wine to go with your Thanksgiving feast? Wild Vine & Liquor, Station Plaza Wine & Spirits, and Topps Wine & Liquor can help recommend perfect pairings.

J&G Deli is accepting Thanksgiving catering orders and will be open on Thanksgiving from 8:00 am to noon for pickup. The menu includes an assortment of appetizers such as stuffed mushrooms, stuffed or fried artichokes, and antipasto platters; roasted turkey and spiral ham are available for entrees; and side dishes include Sicilian stuffing (pasta with crumbled sausage, chopped meat, fresh mushrooms, and scallions), other stuffings, cauliflower or zucchini casserole, garlic-roasted potatoes, and mashed potatoes, and more. Inquire about other options. 914-664-3475; 502 New Rochelle Rd.

Enjoy 10% off your entire order from Chantilly Patisserie! They will be taking orders only until Sunday, November 24. Apple, pumpkin, and pecan are available. Pickup is available even as late as Thanksgiving morning! To order: 914-771-9400. Also be sure to stop by their shop to try their famous pumpkin bread--and to savor the amazing aroma! 135 Parkway Rd. 

Scarborough Fair Catering's Thanksgiving Day menu has tantalizing selections, including fall squash and pear puree…mushroom and Asiago bisque…roasted root vegetable medley with rosemary…sweet potato au gratin…open-faced apple tart…pumpkin cheesecake…and much more! Numerous entrée alternatives are available for those who favor something other than traditional turkey. Turkeys must be ordered by November 21. 82 Kraft Ave.

Crafts for Older Children will meet at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, November 19, at the Bronxville Public Library. Children will get to make a turkey out of various craft supplies. Ages 5 and up.

Story Time & Craft will be offered on Thursdays at 4:00 pm in the children’s room of the Bronxville Public Library. November 21--"Thanksgiving." Ages 3 and up.

Jump-Start on the Holidays

Several special shopping events will take place this coming week in Bronxville--see Rodin in Bronxville and Events below for listings.

You'll have no trouble finding an advent calendar in Bronxville--but you might have trouble choosing which one to get, with so many options! Visit Kensington Paper, Womrath Bookshop, and even the A&P (think chocolate!).

Have Blue Moon Mexican Café cater your holiday party. They cater private parties at Blue Moon, office parties, luncheons/dinners, happy hour parties, and more. Call to book: 201-848-4088.

Citrine announces the arrival of new and gorgeous stacking ring sets from Anna Beck. 22 Park Pl.

Enter to win up to $200 in gift cards to Value Drugs in their Holiday Season Give-Away! 

Need to get your family portrait taken for your holiday cards? Fierson's has a large assortment of children's holiday attire to dress your little ones in high style. 122 Kraft Ave. Peter C. North Photography and Video is available for your portraiture: 914-237-1606.

J. Pocker Bespoke Framing and Prints since 1926 invites you to start a collection of art with your own works or choose from their colorful assortment of contemporary and traditional works on paper. Just in time for the holidays. Start with one room at a time. A colorful still life with sunflowers in earth tones from their Bunny Williams collection is a perfect start in an entryway or upstairs sitting room.  Bring them pictures of your space and they'll happily fit it with the right piece. Pondfield Rd.

Celebrate Hanukkah at the Bronxville Public Library on Saturday, November 23, from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. Enjoy an afternoon of fun for all ages with latkes, menorah crafts, a parade, and a movie.

Make a holiday ornament for the children's Christmas tree in the Bronxville Public Library on Monday, November 25, at 3:30 pm. Bring a picture to add to the ornament and have fun finding your picture on their tree all month long! Ages 5 and up. Supplies are limited. First come, first served.

New-Member Welcome

Maros Pet Care is a local family-owned pet-sitting company with over 15 years' experience in Westchester. They have a true love for animals, and your pet's happiness is their top priority. Services include dog walking, cat sitting, and in-home pet care. Keep this service in mind if you're traveling for Thanksgiving weekend! For more info, contact Maria Anderson at 914-924-0522.

Rodin in Bronxville—Upcoming Events and Specials

Congratulations to the winners of the Rodin in Bronxville raffle! Winners were chosen at random in a drawing held this week at OSilas Gallery. All raffle prizes were generously donated by Chamber members. The winners are:

• 4 $50 gift certificates for use at any of the 43 businesses participating in Rodin in Bronxville (value: $200). Donated by The Bronxville Chamber of Commerce – WINNER: Mimi Gaines
• Two tickets to the OSilas Gallery benefit, to be held the evening of Saturday, March 1, 2014, at the gallery (value: $200). Donated by OSilas Gallery – WINNER: Gertrude Olla
• Two $100 gift certificates to Ernie’s Wine Bar + EATS (value: $200). Donated by Ernie’s Wine Bar + EATS – WINNER: Daisy Pettei
• Sterling silver fleur-de-lis necklace (value: $240). Donated by Bronxville Jewelers – WINNER: Joyce Kennedy
• A 60-minute interior design consultation of your home by Hunt Woods Manor Design (value: $250). Donated by Hunt Woods Manor Design – WINNER: Jane Bierwirth
• 3 free personal-training sessions at Lyte Body Fitness (value: $375). Donated by Lyte Body Fitness – WINNER: Anne Poorman
• Selection of professional hair-care products and tools and a gift certificate for a free haircut and style (value: $200) at Fabio's Hair Studio. Donated by Fabio's Hair Studio – WINNER: Tina Staudt
• 2½-hour interior design consultation with Patricia O'Shaughnessy Design (winner's choice--e.g., paint colors, window treatments, lighting, etc.) (value: $400). Donated by Bronxville-Ley Real Estate – WINNER: Marlene McKinnis
• 1-hour facial & 1-hour massage at Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary (value: $200) donated by Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary – WINNER: Lillian Kormis
• "A Gift of Learning" – Free assessment + 2 hours of tutoring (value: $325) redeemable at Sylvan Learning Center's Bronxville or White Plains locations – Donated by Sylvan Learning Center – WINNER: William Wang
• 6 Weeks of karate, krav maga, or kickboxing classes, plus a free uniform (value: $99) – Donated by Ki Martial Arts – Westchester Krav Maga – WINNER: Chris Davis
• Two gift certificates valued at $25 each for Wilson Waxes (value: $50). Donated by Wilson Waxes – WINNER: Tina Staudt

Winners are asked to stop by the gallery to collect their prizes. Hours are T,W,F 12-5, Th 12-7, and Sat.-Sun. 2-5. 914-337-9300, ext. 2173.

Don't forget all the special offers that our 43 participating businesses have extended in conjunction with Rodin in Bronxville! Here are just a few:

Station Plaza Wine & Spirits: Free tastings of French wine every Saturday during the 11-week exhibition (3:00 pm-9:00 pm). On Saturday, November 23, the tasting will include beaujolais/champagne, to celebrate the release of the new beaujolais that will be unveiled in the US two days prior. Purchases of the tasting items will be offered at 15% off. 102 Kraft Ave.

The Silk Road/Boo Gemes: Special shopping event with refreshments on Wednesday, November 20, 5:00-7:00 pm. 101 Pondfield Rd.

Studio One: French wine and cheese tastings, along with a raffle, on Thursday, November 21. 102 Pondfield Rd.

Come discover Bronze in the Digital Age: Rodin Reanimated through Music, Dance and Image at 7:00 pm on Friday, November 22, in the Yeager Room at the Bronxville Public Library. Renowned composer Jordan McLean has created an "immersive reflection on the hundred years since Rodin succeeded in endowing sculpture with the human spirit" with compelling original music, modern dance, and projected images. Not to be missed, this artistic event will incorporate some of Rodin's own signature groundbreaking artistic practices.

Director’s Cut

Insurance policies can be confusing to me, especially because running the Chamber is multi-faceted in this respect. Natasha Cornelius at Rollins Insurance has generously spent considerable time explaining everything to me in great detail (even when I ask the same questions months later…). Her customer service is exemplary--and reassuring. 914-337-1833.

Announcements

Every Monday and Tuesday at Fabio's Hair Studio until Tuesday, December 10, you can choose from the following deals: a blowout for $35; express styles (your choice of classic curls, celebrity waves, or sleek straight) for $25; or braids (cascade, French, or single) for $20. 137 Parkway Rd.

BURRATA Wood Fired Pizza is happy to introduce an amazing craft beer from Italy designed by a Brooklyn brewery. 425 White Plains Rd. Eastchester.

Pumpkin sangria is now on the menu at Polpettina – Homestyle Pizza Kitchen! 102 Fisher Ave. Eastchester.  

Weezie D. is holding their fourth annual holiday food drive. From now until Saturday, December 21, they will be collecting food to help feed the hungry in our community for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Items needed include tuna fish, soups, vegetables (canned or dried), ravioli, fruits (canned or dried), juices, beef stew, rice, beans, pastas and sauces, dry or evaporated milk, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, tea, coffee, and cereal. 15 Park Pl.

Drop by Ultimate Autobody for a $10 car wash and a great cup of coffee. Andrew will be there to take care of you and your car. 50 Palmer Ave.

Social Media Update

The best way to preview Blow & Beyond (short of being a client) is to view the pictures they post on Facebook. To call this salon simply a "blow-dry bar" doesn’t do them justice. The hairstyles they offer go way beyond blowouts--they're extraordinary hair artistry.

Events

Weezie D. will host their fifth annual holiday charity fashion show on Wednesday, November 20, starting at 7:30 pm. The red-carpet event will feature a live DJ, entertainment, raffles, giveaways, food, sparkling drinks, shopping, and a 20%-off store discount. Admission into the event is to bring an unwrapped toy for their Toys for Tots drive or canned food for their food drive with Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless. 15% of proceeds are being donated to Westchester charity My Sisters' Place. The first 50 guests will receive complimentary gift bags! 15 Park Pl. 

Here's the lineup for the piano bar at Underhills Crossing this week: Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 to 10:00 pm, Alexis Cole; Thursday, November 21, 7:00 to 11:00 pm, Alon Tayor; Friday, November 22, 8:00 pm to midnight, Mike LaMassa; Saturday, November 23, 8:00 pm to midnight, Jarod Kashkin; Sunday, November 24, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Katya Grineva. 74.5 Pondfield Rd.

Citrine will host Jewelry by Cari on Friday, November 22, and Saturday, November 23--Charms galore--14-kt gold and sterling silver disks, dog tags, dog bones, and more. Hand engraved by the husband-and-wife duo from Oregon--who will be making the trip out from the West Coast. 22 Park Pl.

The next L'Ernie's Wine School class, Sparkling Wines around the World, is Saturday, November 23, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Ernie's Wine Bar. Taste through six or seven varied sparkling wines and champagnes as the basis for learning about how sparkling wines are produced, the different styles, wine making more generally, as well as a mini module on how to taste wine. $60 per person or $100 per pair/couple; nibbles included.

Be Loyal—Buy Bronxville!

Susan Miele