In this issue:
An Evening of Jazz
Fiddler on the Roof Auditions
Hebrew Congregation of Somers
Nanny Notes

Last year, 5,000 Westchester residents were diagnosed with and 1,900 died from cancer. As these patients had parents, siblings, husbands, wives, children and friends, many more people were affected. These patients and their caregivers were suddenly confronted with a complex array of difficulties-- having to choose among a variety of treatment options; loss of income, coupled with new expenses; transportation hardships; abrupt changes in childcare arrangements-- along with the considerable emotional stress brought on by their diagnosis.

For 94 years, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has been there for these patients and their families. Currently, the ACS is developing a new, comprehensive approach to supporting patients through a patient navigation system right here in Westchester County-- connecting people with the support and services that they need, when they need them. The Patient Navigation program will involve training and placing 'patient navigators' in Northern Westchester Hospital, White Plains Hospital Center and Westchester Medical Center. Navigators will connect newly diagnosed patients to the support and information that they need in a caring and personal manner. Too often doctors and medical personel are able to help their clients medically, yet lack the resources, skills, and time for other matters. The Patient Navigators will be there to assist patients when other systems are not.

On Thursday, September 27th the American Cancer Society will host "An Evening of Jazz" at Le Château, South Salem, N.Y. The evening will benefit the American Cancer Society's mission and its new Patient Navigation program at Northern Westchester Hospital.

"An Evening of Jazz" will feature live music by the celebrated Philippe Saisse Trio, and will honor Northern Westchester residents Peter Samaha and David Worby for their incredible dedication to the fight against cancer.

Live music, an enchanting setting, delicious food and cocktails, as well as a live and silent auction will provide the backdrop for a wonderful evening in support of ACS's programs, and your contributions to "An Evening of Jazz" will bring comfort to many Westchester families.

For more information or to donate to The American Cancer Society and its Patient Navigation Program, please contact Lauren Herman at (914) 397-8842.

Bedford Community Theatre Announces Auditions for Fiddler on the Roof.

Auditions for Bedford Community Theatre's fall production, Fiddler on the Roof, will be held Wednesday, September 5th and Thursday, September 6th at the Bedford Hills Community House. All roles are open.

Adults and teens are invited to audition on Wednesday, September 5th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. On Thursday, September 6th, beginning at 4:30 auditions are open to children aged 8 and older, as well as adults and teens. Come prepared to sing (accompanist provided) and dressed to move. (Participants may request an audition time slot via e-mail to catetesta@hotmail.com).

Fiddler on the Roof, BCT's sixth annual musical production, will be directed by Laurie Lewis with Musical Direction by Kirk Ehrenreich. Karla Diamond is Choreographer. Diane Bradsell and Carin Zakes are producing the show.

Performances of Fiddler on the Roof will be November 9,10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. Tickets will go on sale in October.

Bedford Community Theatre operates in cooperation with the Town of Bedford Recreation and Parks Department. For more information about auditions, including a character breakdown, and this production, visit BCT's website at www.bedfordcommunitytheatre.org.

Two Mommy & Me groups will be held this fall at Hebrew Congregation of Somers.

Co-sponsored by the synagogue and the Rosenthal JCC and led by Charlotte Gamar, an experienced early childhood teacher, Mommy & Me is a wonderful introduction to a group experience for moms and tots. Have fun with your toddler doing messy art projects, singing and dancing, telling stories, playing make-believe and much more.

Classes will meet Tuesdays, September 11th through December 11th (14 sessions). The group for children 12 to 17 months will meet from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM; the group for children 18 to 24 months will meet from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM.

For more information on Mommy & Me, contact Carol Diemer at the Rosenthal JCC in Yorktown, 914-736-3076. For more information on Hebrew Congregation of Somers, call 914-248-9532 or e-mail info@hebrewcongregationofsomers.org.

Hebrew Congregation of Somers, northern Westchester/Putnam's Reconstructionist synagogue, is located at Cypress Lane and Mervyn Drive in the Shenorock section of Somers.

No, not the Nanny Diaries...these nanny notes were provided by a wonderful nanny support group in Westchester, The Nanny Alliance, which has offered up the attached article as an aide to parents looking for nannies. Included are details on what to look for, what sort of questions to ask, expectations, and resources for nannies and families.

The Nanny Alliance is a support/social group for nannies in and around New York and New Jersey. They provide nannies with job support as well as social opportunities. If your nanny is looking for contacts, playdates, or support in their role in your family, pass the information along!

The attached article was written by Erin Briscoe and Andrea Flagg, who are both professional career nannies and moderators of Nanny Alliance of New York and New Jersey, a nanny support group.

Please visit their website at www.nannyalliancenyandnj.com or contact them via e-mail at info@nannyalliancenyandnj.com