RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town" Laura

By BONNI BRODNICK

Let’s talk turkey. Alice Hand had an interesting experience recently when she uprooted ferns that were choking out iris near the stone wall in front of her house.

“After the first handful was pulled, a whirr of wings occurred,” Alice wrote. “I looked down and saw many large eggs and a turkey hen walking to and fro in front of me, scolding me for disturbing her. I scurried away and went into the garage to look out of a window to be sure the turkey hen went back to her eggs. She did. I will add that we have had a big flock of turkeys on our property all spring and had observed several toms, and their many wives.”

Lately, Alice had seen a lone turkey hen roaming about and wondered if she had been banished from her flock.

“Now we know why she's been around. While sitting on our front porch, we observed her walking away from the nest to the back of the property, no doubt to stretch her legs, get a drink of water from our vernal pond, and see if she could find something to eat.”

After some research, Alice learned that the incubation period for turkey hens is 28 days, and that eggs usually hatch this time of year. The hen immediately takes her chicks into the woods to try to keep them safe.

“We have hawks and owls, but hopefully the chicks will survive to come visit us again next spring.”

The Pound Ridge Lions Club will honor Dan Bathrick, outgoing Lions Club president, at the annual picnic on Tuesday, June 23 at 7 p.m. in the Town Park.

“We look forward to honoring Dan for the invaluable and tireless work he has performed over the past few years,” said Andrew Brodnick, who will take the mane as incoming Lions Club president.

Lions International is the largest service organization in the world, with more then 1.3 million men and women in 200 countries and geographic areas. Our Pound Ridge Lions raises funds from various community activities, such the Country Fair in September and pumpkin sale in October. Proceeds are distributed both back to the community and globally for many humanitarian programs

Fee for the picnic is $15 per person, and children are free. Come out to honor Dan and enjoy the beauty of a June evening in our Town Park.

Pound Ridge Girl Scout Leader Laura Henry was presented with the Girl Scout Heart of the Hudson Council "Outstanding Volunteer Award” for all she does to coordinate such scouting events as the Father/Daughter Dance, end-of-year BBQ, and the bake sale booth at the Lions Club Country Fair.

Laura is a role model for the 30 third and fourth grade girls in her two Girl Scout troops, and was nominated to win the award by the mothers of the girls in her troops. Congratulations, Laura, for your leadership and devotion.

On your mark, get ready, G-O! The 10th Annual Pound Ridge Road Races take place Saturday, July 4. The 5K race that loops around our beautiful countryside will start at Pound Ridge Elementary School at 9 a.m. The Kids’ Races start at the Town Park at 10 a.m.

If we watch you from a helicopter viewpoint, we’ve got you starting at PRES, heading down Route 137, going right on Route 124, to Landt Lane, left on Indian Hill, go LEFT (not right!) on Fox Run, hang an other right onto East Woods (take a sip of water), bear right on Fancher, (you with me? You’re getting close . . . hang in there), another right onto Westchester Avenue and keep going, you’re almost at . . . the Town Park. You made it!

For more info, dash to the phone and call the Pound Ridge Recreation Office at 764-0947.

Students, as you finish the school year, take a look around at your teachers. If you are as lucky as I am, one of them might just be a lifetime mentor. I am still in contact with my 10th grade English teacher, Dr. Richard George, lovingly known as “Doc.”
Last week, Doc, who is now 90 years old, mailed me a poem he penned for “This England Magazine.” In a cover note he wrote: “I am pleased my muse is still with me, along with my creative effort to complete new works.”

I am forever grateful for my high school teacher’s inspiration that has endured more than four decades. When you say goodbye to your teachers this semester, you might be in for a surprise. Their inspiration and encouragement might be with you for a lifetime.

RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town" - June 14, 2009

TALK OF THE TOWN
By Bonni Brodnick

Mary Moat, a Grande Dame of Pound Ridge since moving here in June 1949, has been presented with an Honorary Membership by the Pound Ridge Garden Club. Mary, who is 98, has been a member of the club since 1964, and served as its president from 1973-74. Along with being a founding member of the Pound Ridge Historical Society, she has also served as board member of the Landmarks and Historic District Commission, and the Ninth District Federated Garden Clubs of New York.

In my book “Pound Ridge Past: Remembrances of Our Townsfolk,” Mary said, “I suppose I’ve been on every committee there is to be on in this town. If you come here and love Pound Ridge, you should be willing to give something of yourself to make it a better place.”

Put on your thinking cap and be honest … have you ever wandered in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation and wondered, “Now where is that giant grilled cheese sandwich again?”
The search is over. Join Pound Ridge cartoonist Jim Jinkins for a tour of his unique “Cartoons in the Park” outdoor art exhibit in the Reservation at both 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14. Mr. Jinkins will lead visitors along a trail in the tall pines known as the “Forest of Possibilities” in search of silly and strange characters he has created that are hiding in his fantasy photos of the park.

The exhibit uses his artwork to tell a story about the many people who have walked through the Reservation over the past 10,000 years, such as Paleo-Indians chasing giant beavers; soldiers of merit in the Revolutionary War; and the world-renowned outdoorsman, the Leatherman. Kids and visitors of all ages will have a hoot as they search the exhibit for such cartoon figures as bug-eyed bugs, reclusive reptiles, tiny rabbits with carrot-shaped luggage, and, whoa … did I just see a giant grilled cheese sandwich?!? The exhibit will also be open for self-guided viewing 7 days a week, rain or shine, through Saturday, July 11.

It was a real page-turner as Pound Ridge Elementary School held their “Community Read,” a project coordinated by co-chairs Andrea Soleiman and Cindy Lavion. An array of folks, including Angelique Johnson (Middle School/ South House Director), Dave Goldberg (Recreation Department Director), Dave Ryan (Police Chief), Ranger Rick (Ward Pound Ridge Reservation), Mike Simco (Middle School/East House Director), Steve Cioffi (owner of Pinnocchio Pizza), Billy Fortin (owner of Scotts Corner Market), Gerry Coleman (Pound Ridge Community Church Play School teacher), Frank Sisti (Fire Department), Van Muller (Recreation Department), Beth Starapoli (Middle School Director of Phys Ed), Marilyn Tinter (Library Director), Chris Dewey (Dolphins swim coach), Jere Hochman (School Superintendent), Andrew Cuartes (karate teacher), Carmela Citro (former teacher), and I were invited to read selected picture books to the classes.

“Not only were the children left to recall a good story, but they also had an opportunity to learn more about different roles of folks in our community,” said Mrs. Soleiman.

The Pound Ridge Theatre Company will close another successful season with the play reading of “The Holy Wars” and “Leaving Her,” by prize-winning playwright Rosemary Foley. The reading is directed by Maryann Arcoleo Koltun. Stop by Conant Hall on Sunday afternoon, June 14 at 2 p.m. Admission is free (donations are gratefully accepted). Stay after the reading for wine and cheese, and to chat with the author, director, and actors. For more info, call 764-1902 or email prtc01@yahoo.com

Don’t worry. All of the friendly services that Neighbor to Neighbor currently provide to our esteemed seniors will still be available, and chairperson Felice Joaquim and her team of volunteers will still be here just as they have been for over 15 years, but a new era is about to begin. Louise Paolicelli and the Recreation Department will transition from Neighbor to Neighbor the administrative details of planning trips, arranging van/bus service to the market, coordinating the “Are you OK” calls, hosting holiday luncheons and other services.

Neighbor to Neighbor is always looking for new volunteers. Commitment can be major or minor, and as with any vital organization, a large pool of volunteers allows everyone to do a little instead of a few doing a lot. Contact Louise Paolicelli at 447-0021 or lpaolicelli@townofpoundridge.com. Go ahead. Be a good Neighbor to Neighbor neighbor.

THE RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

Congratulations to Theresa Fisher, who has been honored “Teacher of the Year” from the Ridgefield Public School system, where she has ably been at the front of the class for 30 years.

“I’m very grateful,” said the 12th grade teacher of AP Economics, and Government and Politics. “In fact, I’ve received more kudos this year than I have in my entire life. I’m even winning the lottery for ‘American Idol.’”

Theresa has also been asked to give the upcoming high school graduation speech, which will focus on three wishes: be satisfied with your success, appreciate the values and traditions of your family, and make a difference in the world.

On a beautiful spring evening in Scotts Corners, two boys were sitting on the bench outside of Pinocchio Pizza. They took a break from eating to give us their rave reviews.

“This is my favorite pizza overall,” said John Lindell, a second grader at Pound Ridge Elementary School. “I love the sauce. I love everything about Pinocchio’s.”

Liam DuVally, a fellow second grader, was in accord. “Cheesy,” he said. “It’s the best pizza I’ve ever had. And the sauce is so real. It tastes so-o-o fresh.”

To get your own slice of the action, Pinocchio Pizza, is open lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Call in your order at their easy-to-memorize number, 764-4500.

If food shopping is a thermometer to the economic climate, things are starting to look up. According to Billy Fortin, owner of Scotts Corners Market (and Blind Charlie’s), “January through April was on the slow side. In May, folks began coming back from Florida and there was more of a sense of optimism. Business is fantastic now. In fact, it’s been a Guinness week,” Billy said over Memorial Day weekend.

Did you always want to be a Dolphin? The Pound Ridge Swim & Dive Team is always looking for new faces to make a splash. Try-outs are Sunday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This swim season we welcome Chris Dewey as Head Swim Coach, and welcome back Katie Simco and Emily Willhoft as Co-Diving Coaches.

Chris, a former PRST Dolphin, born and bred in Pound Ridge, recently said, “I feel a tremendous amount of pride in being offered the opportunity to work with my fellow Pound Ridgers this summer. Teaching swimmers proper technique and consistency in training makes great swimmers. More importantly, having fun while doing so, creates a great team. I’m looking forward to an amazing summer.”

Here’s your chance to get in the fast lane. Check out www.prst.20m.com for more information on upcoming practice schedules and meets.

Westchester Avenue was the Route of Heroes as spectators waved flags and cheered members of the Pound Ridge Library Foundation, Historical Society, Lions Ambulance Corps, Boy and Girl Scout troops, Dolphins Swim Team, Garden Club, Lions, Baseball Association, Supervisor Gary Warshauer and our Town Board, our fire and police departments.

At the gathering at the town cemetery, we honored those who gave their lives in harms way, and those who currently serve our country in the name of peace. Special thanks to Monsignor George Thompson (from St. Patrick’s Church), Rabbi Nancy Weiner (from Pound Ridge Jewish Community Chavurah) and Reverend David Johnson (Pound Ridge Community Church) for their invocations and blessings; Barbara Earle for her beautiful voice in the leading of “The National Anthem” and “America, the Beautiful”; the spirited Bear Cats Band; Ari Fleischer for recognizing Pound Ridge as home-sweet-home; Pound Ridge Elementary School fifth grade essay contest winners, Maya Koneval and Dillon Firestein, and the dynamite Mount Kisco Scottish Pipes & Drums for making Memorial Day so meaningful.

Incidentally, when you’re next in the hamlet, stroll over to Conant Hall to see the war memorials that honor Pound Ridge soldiers who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and Viet Nam. These young men and women continue to bring us pride.

Post-the remembrance ceremony at the cemetery, everyone headed to the Town Park for ice cream and BBQ, serenaded by the Bear Cats Band. As we left, my mother — all bedecked in straw hat strewn with American flags — commented, “This is pure Americana. Pound Ridge personifies the greatness of our country.”

And now (Beau Gabriel, member of the Mount Kisco Scottish Pipes & Drums, please give us a drum roll) . . . let the summer begin!