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The Home Issue

March / April 2025

Read our latest issue below, or keep scrolling for behind the scenes pictures, videos and information.

Welcome to Our House

Welcome to our home (issue). This one is definitely full (of articles and information), thanks to our ever growing family (of writers, artists, marketing/sales people) who have helped us grow (our media company) and surpass even our own (business) expectations.

While some may think we built our home (issue) quickly, it took decades of (professional) work to get here. We spent years learning (in school and on the job) how to build it from the ground up in a way we (and our community) would truly enjoy.

Here’s the thing about building a home–we could have done it by ourselves (like Dyan Rosenberg did, pg. 70), but it’s undoubtedly better when we work together (similar to Michael and Stamatía Pappas, pg. 12). We rolled up our sleeves and picked up that (metaphorical) hammer and nail to do the hard work (as Simi Polozani does, pg. 36), so we could build a home that reflects our creative vision (shout out to Russel & Mary Wright, pg. 76). But we’re not afraid to seek expert advice along the way (pg. 18, 28 and 44-66).

We’ve welcomed a lot of friends (, writers and artists) over the past few years, and the more people we meet, the more stories we have to tell (much like Trip Gabriel has done throughout his career, pg. 82). Our home is full of life, and the more we live here and grow our community (of business partners), the more grateful we are to have such incredible neighbors (throughout northern Westchester).

We happily welcome (readers of) all ages to come inside.

Yours truly,

Gia & Justin

P.S. And if you ask us how we do it all (the magazine, the video production, moderating panels, giving talks, local events, etc.), the answer is simple: sleep deprivation. Kids, don’t try this at home.

Connect to Trip Gabriel

Hear our discussion with Trip Gabriel in our recent podcast. Play it now on Spotify.

Golden Numbers, Dragon Fruit Pizza, and a “Boss Baby” Sister

Writing by Elisa Jacobs Artwork by Aeneas Eaton Meet Piper Skinner, a kindergartner at Rippowam Cisqua. She loves Hello Kitty, collects Calico Critters and Squishmallows (she has over 100), and adores her new baby sister Vivian. Can you tell me about your jewelry? Oh, I love jewelry! Do you wear the same rings every day, or do you switch it ...

Science or Spin? How to Know If a Health Claim Is False

Writing by Alina Mata Artwork by Aeneas Eaton Remember learning that eating carrots would improve your eyesight? Or that, according to the Kardashians, SugarBearHair gummies could give you stronger and shinier hair? What about when Prevagen claimed it could improve your memory? These claims, along with hundreds of others (Cheerios, Skechers, vitaminwater, etc.), were false. But don’t feel embarrassed if ...

7 Quick Things You Can Do to Improve Your Health

Writing By Emma Lazar Artwork by Tricia Caracappa Modern life moves fast. Between work, school, family and the constant pull of screens, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time to take care of your health. But wellness doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym or a complete lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes, the most effective changes are the smallest ones—especially ...

7 Water Facts That Will Quench Your Thirst

Writing By Isabella Aranda Artwork by Tricia Caracappa Brain fog, constant fatigue, nagging headaches? Dehydration might be the culprit, even if these symptoms only pop up now and then. Luckily, staying hydrated is easier than you think. Here’s how you can stay healthy and hydrated throughout the year. 1. Bad memory? It may be dehydration. Your brain needs water to ...

Ending the Stigma

Writing Gia Miller and Stacey Pfeffer Artwork by Eliyahu Greenwald If we’re being honest, no one is perfect. Some people have a mouth full of crooked teeth, while others cannot see two feet in front of them. There are people whose eyes itch and noses drip when flowers begin to bloom and others who cannot comfortably enjoy pizza or ice ...

5 Things You Should Know About for May/June 2025

By Isabella Aranda Garcia Design by Aeneas Eaton https://connecttomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1.pnghttps://connecttomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PICTURE-OF-10-copy-scaled-e1747413027108.jpg One Roof. Endless Remodeling Possibilities. Remodeling shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. That’s why Southeast Kitchen & Bath is unveiling a brand-new “one-stop shop” 4,000 square-foot showroom designed to make your next project easier. They’ve got it all: cabinetry, granite and quartz countertops, plumbing fixtures, Andersen doors and windows, decking, tile ...

Peace

Writing By Rocco Cambareri Artwork by Tomoko Rahenkamp All the world is sleeping now Silence gently falls… Like snowflakes that dance and Settle in my quiet mind. The restful world breathes slowly, deeply The silence is so beautiful The softness cradles me Gray and black. The colors fade. The purple light wanes. And I sleep. Author’s note: I wrote Peace ...

The Bite, The Doubt, The Debilitating Pain

Writing By Gia Miller Artwork by Justin Negard When Bedford resident Katelyn DiFede was 17 years old, her mother, Janine McEneaney, rushed her to the emergency room six times over the course of seven weeks. Initially, DiFede was treated for an allergic reaction, and once that healed, other urgent and concerning symptoms, such as ovarian cysts, appeared. They became “regulars,” ...

A Tranquil Retreat Now Ready for Its Next Chapter

When you walk into 21 Black Spring Road, you’ll feel it—that special, inexplicable feeling of refuge, joy and tranquility. There’s a literal and figurative warmth pouring in from the large living room windows; it envelops the entire space. It’s a retreat. It’s a place where you can clear your head and feel grounded. It’s good for the body and the ...

9 Ways to Improve Brain Health

Writing by Alexandra Zodda Artwork by Tricia Caracappa Brains are pretty amazing. “Your brain serves valuable functions,” says Dr. Emeran Mayer, a neuroscientist, gastroenterologist and founder of The Mayer Model, which explores the role of the brain-gut axis in overall health and well-being. “It’s this supercomputer that you carry around with you throughout life. And if you don’t take care ...

Will Shortz Says A Puzzle-Themed Headline is Overdone, So We’re Calling This Piece: He Also Loves Table Tennis

Writing By Gia Miller Photography & Design by Justin Negard When Will Shortz was in eighth grade, he wrote a paper titled “Puzzles as a Profession.” He received a B+. “That was the proper grade,” says Shortz. “The assignment was to write an essay on what I wanted to do with my life, and I wrote that I wanted to ...

The Very Large Elephant in the Vaccine Room (Measles)

By Gia Miller View our vaccine timeline as a PDFWe suggest selecting 'fullscreen mode' in the menu below. For close to three decades, researchers have sought to prove or disprove a single theory: the MMR vaccine causes regressive autism, a condition where a child who appears to be developing typically loses language and social skills. This occurs during their second ...