Some of the most meaningful businesses begin with a personal experience—and a desire to create the solution you wish had existed when you needed it most. That is the story behind KONVOY, founded by Elizabeth with a mission centered on safety, independence, connection, and, perhaps most importantly, peace of mind for families.
KONVOY was created to address a situation so many of us can relate to: wanting to know that the people we love are safe and supported, even when we can’t physically be there ourselves. By providing a trusted extra layer of support when family members need it, KONVOY offers a thoughtful approach to helping people maintain their independence while giving their loved ones greater reassurance.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth about the personal inspiration behind KONVOY, why she felt there was such an important need for this type of service, and her vision for changing the way families think about staying connected and looking out for the people they love.
Here’s our conversation with Elizabeth and the story behind KONVOY…
What was the moment that made you realize KONVOY needed to exist? What personal experience inspired you to create it?
It was my grandmother, Patty. We speak everyday and there was a day I could not get in touch with her. I was 3,00 miles away, running through the same short list everyone runs through: call again, call a neighbor, or call 911 and hope I’m wrong. None of those were right. I needed someone I trusted to go knock on her door and tell me what they actually saw – and that service didn’t exist. I needed a better way. Now other families have one.
Many adult children worry about aging parents who live alone. What gap did you see in the current options that KONVOY fills?
Families have two extremes and nothing in between. On one end there’s a wearable button or a camera – technology that only works if your parent remembers to wear it, charges it, or presses it. On the other end there’s 911, which is the right call in an emergency but far too heavy for “she hasn’t answered since yesterday morning.” In between sits what I call the worry window: the hours where something might be wrong, and you have no way to know. KONVOY exists to close that window with a trained person, in person, before a situation escalates.
Can you explain how a KONVOY Check works and what families can expect from the process?
You request a check at www.konvoycheck.com. One of our Specialists, an off-duty first responder from the local community, goes to the home in person and follows a standard procedure we call Observe, Support, Report. They observe the person and the environment, offer support if something’s needed, and then you receive a documented report of what they found – including bodycam documentation, so it isn’t a secondhand account. If they encounter a genuine emergency, there’s a clear escalation policy. We operate across Westchester County, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 365 days a year.
*In an emergency, always call 911*
One of the most unique aspects of KONVOY is that your Specialists are off-duty first responders. Why was that so important to you when building the company?
Because you’re asking a stranger to walk up to your mother’s door – the person matters more than anything else about this service. First responders already have the training this work quietly requires: how to read a scene, how to stay calm when something’s wrong, how to talk to someone who’s frightened or confused, and how to document what they saw accurately. They’ve spent careers doing the hardest version of this job. Our head specialist, Mike Mueller, brings more than 25 years in law enforcement and leads a fully vetted team. I wasn’t willing to build this with anyone less qualified.
For someone who has never heard of KONVOY, what would you want them to know in just one minute?
KONVOY is the better way to check on someone you love. When you need to know they’re safe but you can’t go yourself, you send a KONVOY Check, and an off-duty first responder goes in person and tells you exactly what’s happening. You get clarity instead of a voicemail and a knot in your stomach. It’s not surveillance, it’s not a medical service, and it’s not 911; it’s a trained professional confirming that the person you love is okay.
Many people struggle with the balance between respecting a loved one’s independence and ensuring they’re safe. How does KONVOY help families achieve both?
Most safety solutions ask an older adult to give something up – wear this, install that, let us watch. KONVOY asks nothing of them. There’s no device to manage, no camera in the living room, nothing in the home at all. Someone comes to the door, has a real conversation, confirms everything is fine, and leaves. Independence stays intact, and the family gets their answer – usually the person being checked on enjoys the visit.
Who is the ideal person or family for KONVOY? Is it only for seniors, or are there other situations where the service is invaluable?
Our core customer is the worried adult child (age 40-60), often the sandwich generation, raising kids while keeping an eye on a parent. But the need is much broader than aging. We hear from busy moms, teachers, people traveling for work, families spread across state lines, and anyone whose loved one lives alone. It also covers the ordinary situations no one plans for: a storm and a power outage, someone recovering at home after a procedure, a neighbor nobody has seen in a few days. If you care about someone and can’t get there yourself, that’s the moment we’re built for.
As our population ages, how do you see services like KONVOY changing the future of caregiving and family support?
Caregiving has been treated as all-or-nothing for a long time – either you move someone into care or you leave them on their own and hope. Most families want neither. I think the future is layered, on-demand support that lets people stay in their homes far longer, with human check-ins as the backbone rather than more devices. Technology can tell you a sensor didn’t trip. Only a person can tell you why.
What advice would you give to someone who knows they should have a safety plan for an aging parent but hasn’t taken the first step yet?
Don’t try to build the whole plan – that’s exactly why it never gets started. Do two small things this week: write down who you’d call if your mother didn’t answer for a day, and what you’d actually do next. Most people discover in about thirty seconds that they have no answer, and that’s the useful part. A plan you can put on an index card beats a perfect plan you never make. Second, create a free KONVOY Account. You can count on us to be there when you can’t!
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for KONVOY over the next five years? Are there any exciting new services or initiatives on the horizon?
Right now we’re focused on Westchester and on getting it right here before we get it big anywhere. Longer term, I want KONVOY to be the standard way families check on the people they love, in every market where someone is worried about someone across town.
We also run Responders 1st, a monthly recognition program for Westchester first responders, and giving back to that community will stay part of who we are no matter how large we get.
Halloween candy is always fun, but Bissinger’s has a few treats you may want to keep for the grown-ups. Its Halloween collection brings together chocolate pumpkins, autumn flavors and gifts that look just as good on a party table as they do wrapped for a friend.
The showpiece is the Black Coffin Gift Box. Inside the keepsake coffin are 13 assorted chocolates, including a dark blood orange caramel skull, a milk pumpkin pie truffle and a dark sea salt caramel. It’s a clever hostess gift for a Halloween dinner, especially for someone who loves decorating for the season.
For a smaller gift, I love the idea of the Milk Pumpkin Spice Caramel Pumpkins. The nine-piece box features milk chocolate pumpkins filled with pumpkin spice caramel. They would be lovely tucked into a gift basket or set out with coffee after dinner.
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween gathering or simply want something special to enjoy at home, explore Bissinger’s Halloween selection here. It’s a delicious way to get into the spirit of the season.
Every Friday, I love introducing you to someone whose passion, creativity, and personality inspire others—and this week, I’m thrilled to introduce my friend Debbie Gross, the face behind Deb’s Dine & Dash.
If you’re always searching for your next dream home or your next unforgettable meal, Debbie has you covered.
As a South Florida Realtor and foodie guide, Debbie has created a unique platform that blends two of life’s greatest pleasures—beautiful homes and incredible dining experiences. Through Deb’s Dine & Dash, she takes her followers on a culinary tour of South Florida’s best bites, highlighting everything from neighborhood favorites and hidden gems to the hottest new restaurants everyone is talking about.
What I love most about Debbie is that her recommendations come from genuine experience. She isn’t just posting beautiful photos—she’s sharing places she’s truly excited about and helping both locals and visitors discover restaurants worth adding to their list. Her enthusiasm for supporting local businesses shines through every post.
As someone who works with luxury brands and businesses every day, I know how valuable authentic storytellers are. Debbie has built a community by combining her expertise in South Florida real estate with her love of food, giving her followers a fresh perspective on the neighborhoods she serves. After all, finding the perfect home also means discovering the perfect places to dine, celebrate, and make memories.
Whether you’re relocating to South Florida, planning your next vacation, or simply looking for an amazing restaurant recommendation, Debbie’s page is one you’ll want to follow.
So this Fashionable Friend Friday, I’m excited to spotlight Debbie Gross—helping you discover your next home and your next meal, one delicious stop at a time.
Be sure to follow @debs_dine_dash for:
🏡 South Florida real estate insights
🍽️ The best local restaurants and culinary hotspots
🚗 “Dashes” to hidden gems and must-visit dining destinations
Jazz lovers, get ready—JazzFest White Plains returns next week, September 23–27, 2026, for five exciting days of live music throughout downtown White Plains.
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, JazzFest White Plains will feature 19 performances showcasing legendary musicians, contemporary innovators and emerging artists. This year’s impressive lineup includes five GRAMMY Award winners and nominees, along with many free performances at popular venues throughout the city.
Presented by ArtsWestchester, the City of White Plains and the White Plains BID, the festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience world-class jazz right here in Westchester.
The Festival Begins Wednesday
JazzFest opens on Wednesday, September 23, with several free performances.
Internationally touring pianist, composer and bandleader Micah Thomas will perform from noon to 1:15 p.m. at Downtown Music at Grace. The Matthias Schmidt Quartet will also perform at noon at the White Plains Farmers Market.
That evening, the Sound Shore Jazz Orchestra will bring the unmistakable energy of big-band music to the Turnure Park Stage from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Rye-based orchestra performs music spanning the eras of Count Basie and Duke Ellington through today’s contemporary big-band composers.
Take a Jazz Stroll Through White Plains
On Thursday, September 24, the Jazz Stroll brings live music into some of downtown White Plains’ favorite restaurants and cultural destinations.
Butter and Company will perform at Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by vocalist Kat Gang at Shiraz Kitchen and Wine Bar at 7 p.m. Both performances are free.
ArtsWestchester will also present “Improvise: A Night of Jazz, Poetry & Art” from 7 to 9 p.m. This immersive evening invites guests to experience improvised jazz and poetry while creating their own art or written work. Guests are encouraged to bring sketchbooks, art supplies, journals or original poetry and respond creatively as the performance unfolds.
Friday Night at ArtsWestchester
The music continues on Friday, September 25, beginning with a free lunchtime performance by the Vanisha Gould Duo at the White Plains Public Library. Registration is required.
Later that evening, GRAMMY Award-nominated saxophonist Ben Wendel brings his group to ArtsWestchester for two performances at 7 and 9 p.m. Known for his innovative contemporary sound, Wendel has collaborated with artists including Bill Frisell, Terence Blanchard and Snoop Dogg.
General-admission tickets are available, along with premium tables for four that include preferred seating, a bottle of prosecco and an artisanal charcuterie and cheese board.
A Full Saturday of Jazz
Saturday’s schedule begins at the Music Conservatory of Westchester with a free performance by the MCW Jazz Faculty Ensemble, followed by an open jam session for musicians of all ages and experience levels.
At 3 p.m., ArtsWestchester will welcome celebrated pianist-composer Sylvie Courvoisier and guitarist-composer Mary Halvorson. These two influential contemporary jazz artists earned widespread acclaim for their collaborative album, Bone Bells.
The Brian Carter Quartet will perform a free show at Freebird Kitchen & Bar from 5 to 6:15 p.m.
Saturday evening’s major event features four-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist and composer John Patitucci, joined by visionary pianist Danilo Pérez and acclaimed drummer Adam Cruz. Performances will take place at ArtsWestchester at 7 and 9 p.m.
A Free Outdoor Jazz Celebration on Sunday
JazzFest concludes on Sunday, September 27, with Sunday Jazz Alfresco, an afternoon of free outdoor performances on Mamaroneck Avenue between East Post Road and Maple Avenue.
The lineup includes:
Luke Hart Collective at 12:15 p.m.
Bertha Hope, with special guest Joe Boykin, at 1:30 p.m.
Papo Vázquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours at 3 p.m.
Sarah Hanahan Quartet at 4:30 p.m.
Nat Adderley Jr. Quartet at 6 p.m.
It is the perfect way to spend a fall Sunday—enjoying live music, visiting downtown restaurants and experiencing the vibrant cultural community of White Plains.
With free performances, intimate ticketed concerts and some of the most celebrated names in contemporary jazz, this year’s festival truly offers something for everyone.
JazzFest White Plains takes place September 23–27, 2026, at ArtsWestchester and various locations throughout downtown White Plains.
Fall is almost here, and if you have been dreaming of a beautifully styled seasonal entrance, this is your last chance to reserve your installation with Platinum Porches!
The response to this year’s fall porch designs has been incredible. In fact, the entire first week of installations is already sold out, and the remaining dates are filling quickly.
A Beautiful Fall Welcome—Without the Work
Platinum Porches transforms ordinary entryways into picture-perfect fall displays using thoughtfully selected seasonal elements, including pumpkins, gourds, mums, hay bales, lanterns and other festive details.
Each design is customized to complement the home, whether you prefer a classic harvest look, something elegant and understated, or a full, abundant display that makes a statement from the street.
It is the easiest way to give your home instant fall curb appeal without spending hours shopping, transporting pumpkins and arranging everything yourself. Platinum Porches handles the design and installation, creating a welcoming entrance you can enjoy throughout the season.
Perfect for Homeowners—and Fall Listings
A professionally decorated porch makes a beautiful first impression for guests, neighbors and potential buyers. For real estate professionals preparing a property for the fall market, a seasonal installation can add warmth, charm and eye-catching curb appeal to listing photography and showings.
Don’t Miss the Final Ordering Deadline
This is officially the last call for fall installations. Orders close this Friday, and with the first week already completely booked, the remaining appointments will not last long.
If a gorgeous fall porch has been on your wish list, now is the time to reserve your date.
Mahjong has officially become more than a game—it is a full-fledged social occasion. From beautifully arranged tables and colorful tiles to cocktails, conversation and a little friendly competition, hosting a mahjong night is now one of the most stylish ways to entertain.
And, of course, every memorable game night deserves an equally fabulous table.
Piece of Cake Party has created the most charming collection of mahjong-themed party accessories for the hostess who takes both her game and her table seriously. The playful collection includes everything you need to transform an ordinary afternoon or evening of mahjong into a chic and festive gathering.
Set the Scene for Mahjong Night
The details always make the party, and Piece of Cake Party’s Mahjong Collection makes it incredibly easy to create a coordinated table.
The Mahjong Mini Snack Plates are designed with whimsical, mahjong-inspired artwork and have the elegant look of fine china—with the convenience of premium disposable paper. Available in pink, green and blue designs, they are perfect for small bites, desserts or layering into a colorful place setting.
Add the coordinating Mahjong Paper Treat Cups for nuts, candies, popcorn or individual desserts. Their blush background and bold “MAHJ” lettering bring just the right amount of personality to the table.
For an added touch of ambiance, place a Rattan Rechargeable Light on the table or nearby bar. Its warm glow instantly creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere—especially when one more game turns into several more games!
Napkins That Say Exactly What Everyone Is Thinking
Piece of Cake Party’s cocktail napkins might be my favorite part of the collection. They are colorful, clever and guaranteed to make your guests smile.
The pink-and-teal “Let’s Mahj” Cocktail Napkins announce the evening’s agenda before anyone even sits down: tiles out, drinks poured and let the games begin!
The “Get Your Mahj On” Cocktail Napkins, featuring bright pink lettering against a sky-blue background, are another fun addition to the bar or game table.
You can also carry the theme into the powder room with the coordinating “Let’s Mahj” Paper Guest Towels. It is such a simple detail, but it makes the entire party feel thoughtful and beautifully pulled together.
Drinks Are Served
No mahjong night is complete without something wonderful to sip, and Piece of Cake Party has made the beverage station part of the décor.
The adorable Mahjong Wine Bucket comes in a soft blush pink and keeps your favorite bottle perfectly chilled throughout the game. There is also a crisp white MAHJ Wine Bucket, decorated with colorful pink, green and blue lettering. Whether you fill it with rosé, white wine, sparkling water or champagne, it is sure to become a centerpiece—and probably appear in quite a few photos.
Guests can enjoy their drinks in the collection’s frosted cups, featuring sayings that every mahjong player will immediately understand.
Choose from:
“Don’t Touch My Rack” Frosted Cups in pink or blue
“Just One More Game” Frosted Cups
The cups are reusable, generously sized and perfect for the game that was supposed to end two hours ago!
The Perfect Gift for a Mahjong-Loving Hostess
The Mahjong Collection also makes gift-giving so easy. Instead of arriving with the traditional bottle of wine, create a personalized hostess gift by pairing a set of cocktail napkins with coordinating frosted cups—or present the wine inside one of the colorful Mahjong Wine Buckets.
It would also be such a fun gift for a birthday, housewarming, mahjong teacher, new player or the friend who is always organizing the next game.
Entertaining Made Easy
Piece of Cake Party is an elevated party-supply destination founded by Lisa Gooder, who ran Brides and helped create The Knot, and Xanthe Alban-Davies of Love Balloons. Their collection proves that party supplies can be practical, playful and incredibly stylish at the same time.
Whether you are hosting a weekly game, planning a mahjong-themed birthday celebration or simply looking for a fabulous gift, these accessories will make the occasion feel extra special.
After all, winning may be wonderful—but hosting the best-looking mahjong table is a victory all its own.
