Winter Survival Checklist: 2013-14

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Report

We like to think of What To Do as The Old Farmer’s Almanac for suburban yuppies. Each season we check in with the OFA to pass on key information that you need to know about everyday stuff like the weather, keeping house and taking care of your livestock. We think that if we asked their editors to curate a What To Do: Winter Survival Checklist for Armonk, Bedford & Chappaqua, that it would go something like this:

Meteorology: The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts this winter will be colder and drier than normal but with snowfall heavier than normal in our region. The coldest and snowiest periods will be in early and mid-December and early to mid-February. They predict a snowstorm February 1-6. (See our guide to back-up power here.)

Astronomy: Full moon days for the winter: January 15, February 14, March 16. (Remember if you talk politics or religion to your spouse on these days you may be lawyering up in the morning.)

Geminid Meteor Shower … December 13-14 (best watch time is from moonset till dawn.)

Best Fishing Days: According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac the best fishing days are between when the moon is new and full. If you’re planning on winter fishing or heading south with your rod and line, your best fishing days are: January 1–15, January 30–February 14, March 1–16

Moving Religious Observances

Ash Wednesday … March 5

Holidays, Observances, Excuses to throw a party

Christmas … December 25

Slam Dunk Tournament at the County Center … December 26-29

New Year’s Day … January 1

Martin Luther King’s Birthday … January 20

Groundhog Day … February 2

Valentine’s Day … February 14

Washington’s Birthday … February 17

Mardi Gras … March 4

Astrology: Celeste Longacre’s Best Days

According to the OFA’s resident astrologer/radio personality and author Celeste Longacre, here are the best days each month to:

Start a project: Jan 2, 3; Feb 1, 2; Mar 31

Finish a project: Jan 29, 30; Feb 27, 28; Mar 28, 29

Cut hay: Jan 7, 8; Feb 3, 4; Mar 3, 4, 30, 31

Can, pickle or make sauerkraut: Jan 24, 25; Feb 20, 21; Mar 19,20

Start a diet: Jan 19, 24; Feb 16,21; Mar 20, 28

Start a diet to gain weight: (ha) Jan 5, 9, 14; Feb 1, 6; Mar 5, 15

Quit Smoking: Jan 19, 24; Feb 16,21; Mar 20, 28

Go to the dentist: Jan 19, 20; Feb 15, 16; Mar 15, 16

Wean animals or children: Jan 19, 20; Feb 16, 21; Mar 20, 28

Best days for the Fed to “scale back” its QE3 bond purchases: … never

Other Days of Note

Every Underdog has its Day

Mark your calendars: December 19 is Underdog Day, which celebrates the unsung heroes: the “Number Two” people who are so important
 to the “Number One” people. Think Sherlock Holmes’ Dr. Watson and Robinson Crusoe’s Man Friday. So for all you “Number Twos” and for everybody all who likes rooting for them, Happy Underdog Day.

Oh, those halcyon Days

The seven days before and seven days after the Winter Solstice—from December 14 to 28—are traditionally a time of calm and tranquility. This originated in Greek legend: the halcyon was a bird like a kingfisher that was supposed to calm the seas so it could nest. Now the term is used mostly to recall the calm days of youth, much like “salad days.” Somehow it seems that in our hectic lives, those 14 days in December are anything but.

New Year’s Resolutions: The Short List

Hate making New Year’s resolutions? Let us make them for you. Here’s an “introspection-free” list that’s easy to sign on to:

Lose weight

Get healthy

Quit that nasty habit (you know the one)

Make some new friends

Call your mother more often

Be more patient with the kids

Laugh at your husband’s jokes

Ask your wife about her day

Balance your checkbook

Decrease your carbon footprint

Health Coach Amy Diamond

Before you check the snow report at Okemo think about how to steer clear of winter colds and flu. Armonk resident and health coach Amy Diamond gaveWTD some ideas on how to boost your immune system against winter’s viral buzz kill. Her Survival Checklist also tells you what to do at the first sign of a cold. Be well, but if Old Man Winter beats you down and you need someone to take those Billy Joel tickets at the Garden off your hands, remember WTD is in a New York state of mind. Read more.

Get Fit—Outdoors

Winter is no excuse to be a couch potato. Take your exercise routine outdoors; just keep a few things 
in mind:

Set fitness goals. They will help keep you motivated, as the days get colder.

Wear layers.

Start with a body-hugging, synthetic wickable base layer, then a fleece pullover, down sweater or synthetic jacket topped with a waterproof breathable outer shell.

Get a pair of pants with thigh vents and a jacket with core vents to help you stay dry.

Wear a hat, gloves and facemask as necessary. (You lose 90% of your body heat through your head.)

Wear sunglasses with UV protection; apply sunscreen and lip balm.

If you plan to run or walk on snow or ice, wear running shoes with a weatherproof material, such as Gore-Tex, and good treads.

If it’s late afternoon or evening, wear reflective gear.

Take time for a good warm-up and stretch.

Start your workout heading into the wind, you’ll get less chilled if you end it with your back to the wind.

Drink water before, during and after your workout, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Drink four to six ounces of water for every 20 minutes of exercise.

Enjoy the scenery.

Note to Self for Winter

You need not turn your inner locavore off after Thanksgiving. The year-round Chappaqua Farmers Market goes indoors for the winter on Saturday, December 7. They will help you keep your farm to table regimen going, throughout the cold months, every Saturday from 8:30am to 1pm. (St. Mary’s Church, 191 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.chappaqufarmersmarket.com.) Fresh produce and food products from New York State farmers are also available December through May at the indoor Farmers’ Market at the Westchester County Center. The market is open on the following Sundays: Dec 29, Jan 26, Feb 23 and Mar 30. The market offers a variety of goods, including dairy products, meats, poultry, baked goods and wine. (198 Central Park Ave., White Plains, 914.995.4050; www.countycenter.biz)

Tips for a Winter Garden

Now that the summer flowers and fall colors are gone what color is your landscape? When you look out your window are you getting an eyeful of gray. Keep your mind’s eye on your winter landscape when do your spring planting next year. You can maintain a colorful and interesting garden year-round if you follow a few Old Farmer’s Almanac style tips next planting season. . Focus 
on color, shape and texture. Here are some suggestions:

Plant trees with interesting bark, such as paper bark maples, red twig dogwoods, sycamores and birch.

Make sure you have plenty of evergreens: boxwood, rhododendrons, spruces, and andromedas.

Select pines and cedars with interesting shapes that can serve as architectural elements.

Choose trees and bushes that have winter berries. Hollies and crabapples, for example, add color and attract birds such as cardinals and blue jays.

Plant year-round ground cover, like juniper, creeping Veronica “Georgia Blue” and English ivy.

Include ornamental grasses to provide structure and texture to the landscape.

How To Build a Snowman

Before you start, check out the snow to make sure it’s packing snow. It can’t be too wet and it needs to clump together.

Take a handful of snow and make a snowball.

Do not start a snowball fight; it will distract you from the task at hand.

Add snow and pack until the ball is too large to hold.

Place the ball on the snow and roll it. As snow accumulates on it, pack it down.

Roll and pack—over and over—until the ball is big enough for the snowman’s body.

Repeat the above steps for the second part of the body (somewhat smaller) and the head (smaller still).

Place the balls on top of each other.

Pack extra snow between the three sections to hold them together.

Make the face: For the eyes, use buttons. For the nose, a carrot. For the mouth,
a twig.

Put on buttons, using … buttons. 
I Add sticks for arms, with mittens. 
I And keep him warm with a wool hat and scarf.

If he smokes a pipe, Martha Stewart recommends using a pinecone still attached to the end of its branch (or, better yet, discourage him from smoking).

Admire your work, and go make yourself a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows.

If the snow isn’t good for packing, you can build a virtual snowman at www.technologyrocksseriously.com or www.cyke.com. 

Who Knew?

I SKI NY Free for Kids Passport Program

Third and fourth graders who have never skied before can ski or ride for free when accompanied by an adult at a majority of New York ski resorts this winter. You can choose a Learn to Ski or Snowboard Package or just ski. First you must apply for a passport and pay a $22 fee (Okay, it’s not totally free.) And there are black out dates during school recess weeks. But, once you have your passport just present it at the ticket window when you are buying an adult lift ticket and you’ll get a booklet with three coupons – good for 3 free ski & ride lift tickets. Last year, there were 31 participating resorts including Thunder Ridge, Belleayre, Hunter and Windham. To get your passport go to http://www.skiandrideny.com. 

High Tech Music Lessons

Tired of driving the kids around to music lessons? Andante Music of Millwood brings the lessons to you. They offer in-home music lessons at competitive rates for piano, guitar, strings, brass, winds, percussion, voice, music theory, and even ukulele. If you prefer they can even Skype your lessons so you don’t even have to be home when your kids are learning to become the next Yo Yo Ma or Eric Clapton. They offer 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons. (Andante Music, Millwood, NY, 914.255.5096, admin@andantemusicny.com; www.andantemusicny.com)

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

If your cable and computer wires are an eyesore (and whose aren’t?), check out BlueLounge’s CableBox. Available in black or white, the box will fit almost every size power strip with extra space for the cords, adapters, etc. Betcha can’t buy just one (we couldn’t). The website also offers streamlined storage options for iPods, cell phones, chargers and all your high- tech gear. Go to http://www.bluelounge.com.

For Help, Call 2-1-1

United Way’s 2-1-1 is a 24/7 health and human resource hotline. The organization provides information on finding services such as childcare, eldercare, legal help and mental health resources, and it also fields calls during emergencies.

What To Do: School Recess Camps

Here are some options to keep the kids engaged during the (H)oliday, (W)inter, (S)pring and (MLK) Martin Luther King Day school recesses.

Katonah Art Center

Armonk Indoor: (W) Junior Holiday sports camps TBA. (205 Business Park Dr., Armonk, 914.273.8522; www.armonkindoor.com)

Audubon Greenwich: (W) Nature Exploration Days,Explore outdoors, arts & crafts, and games.. Grades K-6, full days. Tues-Wed, 2/11-12 & 18-19. (613 Riversville Rd., Greenwich; www.greenwich.audubon.org)

Bedford Recreation, (H) (MLK) (W) Skate at The Harvey School with Bedford Rec. Fri., 12/27 & Mon, 1/20, 2/17: 12:45-2:45. (Check Winter Brochure or www.bedfordny.info)

Brewster Sports, (MLK) (W) Five Star Basketball Camps, half-day, full-day, Ages 9-16. (19 Sutton Pl., Brewster, 845.406.0130, almorales@brewstersportscenter.com; www.brewstersportscenter.com)

Club Fit, Schools Out Sports Camps, (H) (W) (S) swimming, tennis and recreational games. Half-day, ages 3-4, Full-day, ages 5-12, (584 N. Sate Rd., Briarcliff, 914.762.3444; www.clubfit.com)

House of Sports

House of Sports, (H) (MLK) (W) (S) Basketball, lacrosse, baseball, multi-sport, Half-day for ages 3-4, Full-day for grades K-8. Buy by the day. Call to register. (1 Elm St., Ardsley, 914.479.5419; www.houseofsportsny.com)

Jodis Gym (H) Gymnastics, music and art for kids ages 3-7. Buy by the day. 5% of Holiday Camp revenue will be donated to the Make A Wish Foundation. (Jodi’s Gym, 25 Hubbells Dr., Mt. Kisco, 914.244.8811; www.jodisgym.com)

Katonah Art Center, (H) (W) Candy land sculptures, clay, fine arts, dance and more. Half-day and full-day. Buy by the day. Grades 1-5 and teens. (131 Bedford Rd., Katonah, 914.232.4843; www.katonahartcenter.com)

John Jay Homestead: (H) Winter interactive history programs. Cook in a 18^th century kitchen, make a pomander ball – an 18^th century home remedy, explore the art collection and make silhouettes. Two-hour sessions from 10am to 12pm for kids ages 5-10. Thurs-Fri, 12/26-7 & Mon, 12/30. 400 Jay St., Katonah; www. johnjayhomestead.org)

New Castle Recreation (W) Mad Science, full-day, grades 1-5, Tues-Wed, 2/18-19, Pizza & Bingo, Get Crafty, partial day, ages 5-12, Thurs, 2/20. Check Winter Brochure or www.mynewcastle.org)

ProSwing, (H) Holiday Break Clinic, Half-day for ages 6-12, (27 Radio Circle Dr., Mt. Kisco, 914.242.1626; www.proswingbaseball.com)

Rosenthal JCC, (H) (W) Full day school break camps. (600 Bear Ridge Rd. Pleasantville, 914.962.8430; www.rosenthaljcc.org)

Teaches Hoops, (W) (S) Basketball for boys and girls, grades K-2 (half-days) and grades 3-8 (full-days.) (Bell Middle School, Chappaqua, 914.238.0278, customerservice@teacheshoops.com; www.teacheshoops.com)

Teatown Lake Reservation

Teatown Lake Reservation, (H) (W) (S) Holi-Daze Mini Camp, Hiking, crafts and adventure. Half-day, ages 4-5, Full-day Ages 6-12. Plus, President’s Week Mini-Camp and Spring Fling Mini-Camp.  (1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining, 914.762.2912 ext. 110; www.teatown.org)

The Gym (H) (MLK) Basketball Camps. Half-day and full day camps for boys and girls. Drills, games, jerseys and prizes. Contact Matt Spallina at 914.219.1616 or at MSpallina@GetToTHEGYM.COM. (99 Business Park Dr., Armonk; www.gettothegym.com.)

WeeZee World, (MLK) Mission Impossible is the theme for this MLK day mini-camp. Children 4-12 play all day, supervised by “Sensory Fitness Coaches”, in this 18,000 square foot kids gym that features sensory science equipment and activities. Activities include, sports, music, art projects, edible creations, and water fun in the Rainforest Room. Reservations required. Mon, 1/20. (Chappaqua Crossing, 480 N. Bedford Rd., Chappaqua, 914.752.2100; www.weezeeworld.com)

Westchester MMA Fit (MLK) (W) (S) Martial Arts mini-camps for kids offer fun activities along with mixed martial arts training in this state of the art 8000 square foot facility to improve motor skills, develop coordination, build confidence, and enhance listening skills. All ages and skill levels. Mon, 1/20, 2/17-21 and 4/`14-18. (333 N. Bedford Rd., Ste. 228, Mt. Kisco, 914.224.8888; www.westchestermmafit.com)

White Plains Performing Arts Center (H) Les Misérables Workshop Grades 4-12. Dec, 30-31: 10am-4pm. (11 City Place, White Plains.) Register here:

World Cup Gymnastics Special Days, (H) Full day, ages 3 & up. Blizzard Blast, Thurs, 12/26, Who Let the Dogs Out? Fri, 12/27, New Year’s Nuttiness, Mon, 12/30.  (170 Hunts Ln., Chappaqua, 914.238.4967; wwww.worldcupgymnastics.com)

Winter Survival Checklist: Cold & Flu Season

More Winter Survival Tips 

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