September 28, 2009

RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town" - September 28, 2009

"TALK OF THE TOWN"
By Bonni Brodnick

When I walked into Topiary – The Flower Shop, I felt like I had walked into a cozy, English potting house. In this unique setting, you’ll find hens and chicks in earthy pots, specialty begonias, double-topiaries, along with miniature and regular-size orchids. Sandy Wellons, owner and designer, creates sumptuous arrangements that go from sleekly elegant to English garden. An intricate pen and ink artist as well, she also has a keen eye for unusual vases, antique wire baskets and weathered wood flower boxes, which are great for plants and arrangements. (When you visit the shop, take note of the 15-pocket weathered-grey box with varied succulents. Okay, and this was another one of my favorites … a mini-orchid in a Nantucket basket. Absolutely beautiful.) The shop has a delivery zone within a 40-mile radius (which basically covers everywhere from Scarsdale to Peekskill).

“We do flower arrangements for wedding, parties, and every-day floral needs, like get well or thank you,” said Sandy, who grew up on the Barrett Farm on Stone Hill Road, raised her children Pound Ridge, and has been in the area forever. “Topiary can also take care of holiday needs — from gorgeous Thanksgiving arrangements with flowers, feathers and fresh fruits in urns, to festively decorated wreaths.” Even if you’re not seeking to arrange your life at the moment, the shop’s soothing classical music, beautiful flowers and a chat with Sandy will make your day. Topiary – The Flower Shop is at 70 Westchester Avenue, and can be reached at 764-1154 or wellbu@msn.com

It was standing room only at The Long Ridge Tavern when The Heal the World Gospel Brunch made a special tribute to the music and philanthropy of Michael Jackson.
At the mic for this special fundraising event were The Munsch Jackson Ensemble, featuring Peter Munsch on bass; his wife Alison on background vocals; daughter Alia on vocals; and son Niles on the drum set and djembe drums. Sean Jackson, Ph.D., music director of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Stamford, played keyboard. The ensemble is a musical meeting of talent. Peter is a Berklee College of Music grad; Alia, a rising Broadway star currently attending Barnard College; Niles, a percussionist with the Fox Lane Middle School band; and Sean Jackson, along with being a Juilliard graduate plays one of the largest pipe organs in New England at St. John’s. Their program at the Tavern included traditional Gospel, along with “Heal the World,” “Music and Me,” “Gone too Soon,” and “Keep the Faith,” by Michael Jackson.
"We were all so pleased by the amazing community response and support,” said Alison. “Not only did guests leave the brunch uplifted and well-fed, but their contributions to our effort make a real difference for many. The local soup kitchen will benefit from proceeds since use of the facility has truly sky-rocketed in these tough times.” The Munsch Jackson Ensemble will perform again this Friday evening, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at Saint John's Episcopal Church in Stamford. For more information, go to http://www.stjohns-stamford.org/.

With Election Day nigh, there’s lots of party-ing going on in town. Chronologically:
The Pound Ridge Democrats will host a benefit evening with Chef Franz Fruhmann, formerly of Bouley and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, creating a five-course fall tasting menu and wine pairing. The event is Monday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at North Star. Price per person is $150 with proceeds going to the Committee for a Better Pound Ridge and to support the candidacies of Pound Ridge Democrats. For more information, email info@poundridgedems.com or call Roslyn Stone-Pollock at 764-5557. Will be a fun and delicious evening.
The Pound Ridge Women's Republican Club will host their annual luncheon at Le Chateau on Friday, Oct. 16 at 11:45 a.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear guest speaker,
Rob Astorino, Republican candidate for Westchester County Executive. Price per person is $35. Please contact Millie Braun at 764-5725 to RSVP or with any questions. Along with lunch, you’ll get a high-from-the-hillside view of the Hudson Valley’s colorful autumn landscape.

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