It's summer and the days are warmer, but unfortunately, the economy is still on ice. You can try to ignore the problem, ruthlessly rip up your 401K statement or dramatically take to your bed, none of which is going to make matters better. Why not take the proactive approach? We've culled some cre- ative suggestions from friends and associates on how you can find some local solace. Yes, comfort is close at hand.

Jazz It Up. Remember the '60s? Everything was about peace, love and freedom. You can revisit your younger carefree days by attending the Westchester Jazz Orchestra's final performance of the season, You Say You Want a Revolution. This renowned 16-piece big band per- forms songs by the Beatles, the Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder and Frank Zappa at 8 p.m. on June 6th at Seven Bridges School, right here in Chappaqua. Tunes like, "Here Comes the Sun" and "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" are bound to ease your cares. Reserved tickets are $35 for adults and only $5 for students. For tickets, call 861-9100. www.jazzorch.org

Give Trouble the Boot. Adam Pliskow, owner of New Castle Physical Therapy & Personal Training in Millwood says exercise is a great stress reliever and a positive way to deal with anxiety. "People are cutting back, but I've noticed that health and fitness is still a top pri- ority," says Pliskow. Besides provid- ing physical therapy and private training, Pliskow works with the New Castle Recreation Department which offers an outdoor boot camp two days a week at Gedney Park. It's a great way to get your body in shape to help you face the chal- lenges of the times.

Enjoy Just Enough. When trim- ming costs, luxury items such as body treatments are usually the first to go. But don't be so rash. Susan Beirne, owner of Emmary Day Spa on South Greeley Avenue, says massage can be therapeutic. "Massage relaxes the muscles that cause stiff neck and shoulders, which can lead to tension headaches," she explains. Bierne offers a "Just Enough" package, which includes a 45-minute mas- sage and a 45-minute facial for just $145. And, on the first Tuesday of every month, the package goes for $100. Sounds like just enough to soothe your frazzled nerves.

Go Public. Director of the Chappaqua Public Library, Pamela Thornton, says business is up. "The library is busier than ever; many people are getting back to the basics of reading," she says. They are also taking advantage of the free adult and children's programs and renting DVDs. Thornton has noticed that more residents are taking advantage of the one-on-one free computer tutorials to increase their skills as they job hunt. Others are plugging in their laptops and spend- ing a good part of the day at what now serves as their new office. If you are looking for a real bargain, check out the Friends of Chappaqua Library book sale, open to the public on June 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; June 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (when all unsold items are marked down 50 percent); and June 7 from 1-3 p.m., when all remaining items are offered for free! Every dollar spent at the sale goes directly to the library.

Get Your Hands Dirty. According to Lucy Cutri of Millwood Garden Center, more and more homeowners are taking gardening into their own hands. "It's not only economical, it's a great way to pick up your spirit," she says. Cutri says even assem- bling a small pot of flowers offers peace and tranquility. Sounds like a great relief for frayed nerves. And if flowers aren't your thing, you can always grow organic vegetables, proving there's more than one way to put food on the table.

Barter Better. You've probably heard of bartering, but have you ever actually done it? Kevin Brown, CEO of Hudson Barter Exchange in Elmsford, says he's signing up peo- ple so fast it's amazing. In business for under a year, Brown says his clients are using the bartering serv- ice to turn anything from unsched- uled appointment times or empty restaurant tables into an asset. "It's a great way to lay off cash expens- es," says Brown. Clients are using the service to help them afford everything from web design services to purchasing promotional items to a night out at a fine restaurant. And, there's more to come. Brown looks to offer travel, spa and car service opportunities as well. Becoming a member, which costs about the same as joining a Chamber of Commerce, affords you the opportunity to barter within the exchange as well as the opportunity to market your business to other members. It sounds like the defini- tion of a win-win situation. Learn more about it at www.hudsonbarterexchange.com

Find Connection. Scott Mason, a partner in Via Vanti!, the popular new Italian restaurant located at the Mt. Kisco train station, stumbled into writing Haiku some eight years ago. "It's all about connections," explains Mason, who says the practice of writing Haiku connects us with nature and asks us to create a sense of attentiveness to the world around us. Mason, who has won numerous awards for his writing, says the very act of creating and discovery is in itself pleasurable and soothing. While many who write Haiku slavishly adhere to the 5-7-5 syllable rule, Mason says it's not necessary. "Think of Haiku as one breath poetry, you should be able to utter the poem in a single breath," he says. For more information check out The Haiku Anthology by Cor van den Heuvel or The Haiku Handbook by William J. Higginson. Consider this poem by Mason which won the James W. Hackett Award, 2005, U.K., and then write your own.

deep mourning
deeper still in the forest
dogwood in bloom.

Seek Balance. Reiki Master John Warner of Chappaqua says Reiki is to market your business to other members. It sounds like the defini- tion of a win-win situation. Learn more about it at www.hudsonbarterexchange.com

Find Connection. Scott Mason, a partner in Via Vanti!, the popular new Italian restaurant located at the Mt. Kisco train station, stumbled ideal for these stressful times. According to Warner, Reiki is of great comfort to people because it soothes the physical body through the focus- ing of healing energy and facilitates deep relaxation. As the body lets go of tension, the mind can release the cares of the day. Many clients fall asleep on the table and wake up refreshed. "You have to experience Reiki to understand it; it's not about the intellect, but about re-establish- ing the balance of the body, mind, and emotions," says Warner. Find out more by contacting johnwarn- errm@optonline.net

Reinvent Yourself. Like many oth- ers, Kristen McGinty lost her job in the marketing/product development field last November, but instead of panicking, she saw it as an opportu- nity to fulfill a longtime dream. McGinty, a Chappaqua resident who is pregnant with her first child, approached Cindy Lupica, the owner of Marmalade, with an idea. My dream was to open a boutique with- in the store that would offer prod- ucts for babies, toddlers and moms- to-be." Lupica liked the idea, and so, Clementine was born. The boutique features some wonderful lines such as the California-based Serena & Lily. And speaking of comfort, McGinty carries MyBlankie, a sooth- ing security blanket for little ones. Perhaps adults could use one too these days.

Secure Home Base. Bal Agrawal, president of LifeWorx, Inc. in Chappaqua, says in these troubled times people are looking for peace of mind, good health, cost savings and spending time with family. To do so, they've turned to his firm to help them reorganize their priori- ties. Many people are going from a full-time nanny or housekeeper to part-time help. By going from five full days, to just afterschool help, clients can halve their expense. Selecting to have the house cleaned once, rather than twice a week, is also less costly.

Organizing and de-cluttering is another way to find comfort. Agrawal says that if you have too much stuff, sell, donate and dis- card. It will make space in your home and give you an open feel- ing. You can also get some cash or tax savings from donating and selling. "Some of our clients have asked for cooks or chefs so they can make their home a resort and spend quality time with the family rather than traveling or going out as often," says Agrawal. "There's no need to travel, when you have a nice home in Westchester." Staying home can save money, hassle and time. Find out more at www.lifeworx.net

Chill Out. Anthony Fiore of Unique Indoor Comfort says that almost half of the energy your home uses goes to heating and cooling. Obviously, having a more efficient and properly installed system can have huge impacts on your bills and your comfort level. The firm installs a high velocity air conditioning system that can be also used as your heating source, which will help eliminate large oil and gas bills. Changing to the high velocity system helps the environ- ment as well. This system, installed with a programmable thermostat, allows you the opportunity to cut energy consumption without sacri- ficing comfort levels. "These thermostats do not contain mercury, unlike older manual ther- mostats, which make them more environmentally friendly, all while having the potential to save you almost $200 a year in energy costs," says Fiore. That's a comfort. Find out more at www.newyorkunique.com