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.

THE RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

We’re talking Corvettes, Thunderbirds, street rods, Vipers, and Mopars. We’re talking sport compacts and customs-lead sleds. We’re talking the 7th Annual Police Officer Tom Pisco Memorial Pound Ridge Car Show, sponsored by the Pound Ridge Police Benevolent Association, on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Pound Ridge Town Park. There will be 30 classes, plus “Best in Show” and “People’s Choice.” Good ol’ hometown fare with a southern twist will include a pulled-pork BBQ. Live acoustic and electric bluegrass, folk, country, pop and rock classics by the wowzer country rockers, Barnstorm, whose origin was rehearsing in a horse barn/recording studio in South Salem. All proceeds from the Car Show will benefit North East Westchester Special Recreation (www.northeastspecialrec.org), a community-based therapeutic recreation agency serving children and adults with developmental disabilities in northeast Westchester. “We chose Westchester Special Recreation to be our recipient of proceeds because there are more than 21 Pound Ridge families who are a part of this organization,” said Billy Fortin, owner of Scotts Corner Market and Blind Charlie’s Café. “At the car show last year we had over 150 cars and gave out over 50 trophies. We expect even more cars and awards this year. It will definitely be good food and good fun.” For more information, call 764-5736, 764-4206 or email info@poundridgecarshow.com.

Because of two days of rain and a muddy field in the Town Park, the Lions Club/Recreation Commission Country Fair was cancelled last weekend. Pound Ridge PBA has come to the rescue by graciously inviting the Lions to present their silent auction items at the Car Show. Lion Vivian Falco leads the pride with incredible items she and her team have rounded up from generous local merchants. Come place your bid on a peacock feather wreath from Topiary the Flower Shop; apple-picking supplies from AC&S Excavating; North Star Restaurant gift certificates; an original glass work by Marty Kremer; a one-month gift certificate to Curves Pound Ridge; a Weber “Smokey Joe” charcoal grill from Chubby’s Hardware; 200 daffodil bulbs (includes planting labor) from the Pound Ridge Garden Club; or get hooked on a fishing package from Bedford Sportsman. Oh man, the list just keeps going and going. On your mark, get set for Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Town Park.

Singer/songwriter Hillary Johnson started playing piano and singing at age 6, writing music by age 8, and recording by 11. Soon thereafter, at only 13, she had a regular spot at a grungy jazz club in NYC. Hillary is now 20 and filling the world with soulful, heartfelt, original music that captivates audiences with her unique sound and charismatic presence. This summer she’s been playing regularly at the renowned Stephen Talk House in the Hamptons (where folks like John Mayer, Nora Jones, Jimmy Buffet, Alexa Ray Joel, and other greats appear). She’s also been on a creative frenzy, writing for both piano and her grandfather’s acoustic 1948 Martin guitar. Don’t miss Hillary’s upcoming gig at the Bitter End (the oldest rock club in NYC) on September 23 at 8:30 p.m. For more on the buzz, go to www.myspace.com/hillaryjohnson

With Louise Paolicelli at the helm, Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) has some terrific upcoming programs. Check out “Out of Town” shopping trips to nearby towns on one Thursday a month. And “Watch It” on Wednesday presents feature films and classic movies at Hiram Halle Library. The shows begin at 10:30 a.m., free of charge and no reservations required. Bring your lunch to enjoy afterwards. With 24-hours advance notice, the N2N van will even give you a ride to the Library. Please call Louise Paolicelli at 764-8201 or email PRSeniors@townofpoundridge.com. The upcoming flick scheduled for Sept. 23 is “Slum Dog Millionaire.” Best films and friends can make for a lovely afternoon.

THE RECORD-REVIEW: "Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

Is your skin feeling all fertootzed from sun and chlorine? Pound Ridger Mia Camacho-Fitzgerald is the balm. As founder of Clean Ridge Soap Company, she has discovered the elixir to make your skin feel replenished and renewed. Using only the best and purest products available, Mia makes bar and liquid soaps, lotions that contain such lushy natural ingredients as avocado butter, jojoba and olive oils. These veritable beauty potions also include essential oils of geranium, lavender, lemon grass, lime, peppermint and rosemary; as well as ground vanilla beans, almonds, oats, annatto seeds, sandalwood powder, ultramarine oxides and parsley for colorant

“I started the business because I moved to Pound Ridge and my skin became dry and itchy from the well water,” Mia told us from her stand at the Farmer’s Market in front of Joan Silbersher’s Antiques & Tools of Business & Kitchen on Westchester Avenue. Mia took a class to learn how to make her own soap, and within a few months, made over 500 bars to give away to friends and co-workers. They loved the soap and offered to pay for additional bars. Turn to the next page, and Mia’s Clean Ridge Soap Company products are now shipped nation-wide. There are over 120 products, including soothing lip balms and yummilicious diffusers and candles. From soap bars to gift boxes and spa baskets, you and your epidermis are sure to rejoice. For a complete product primer, go to the Clean Ridge Soap Company, www.cleanridge.com.

Be sure to note this special event on your calendar: longtime former Pound Ridger Margaret Monkman, who now lives in New Canaan, will present her new book,“Bombs and Lambs,” on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. at the Hiram Halle Library. The book is a memoir of her childhood in England during World War II. Margaret wrote parts of the book over the years, and was inspired to complete it during her participation in the Library’s Memoir Writing Group. (Josina Van De Maas’s memoir, “Pappa’s Papers: Memories of a Dutch Childhood,” also came to fruition in this wonderful class hosted by our Library.) After Mrs. Monkman’s book talk, there will be a signing and refreshments.

We also just learned that there will be a book signing for the launch of Dick Major and Vince Manna’s book, “Images of America: Pound Ridge,” on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. More on that in upcoming “Talk of the Town” columns, but you might want to note that in on the calendar while your pen is poised for autumn bookings.

The seat of wellbeing awaits you. Marlene Gallagher has designed a series of yoga classes for those not comfortable in a traditional beginner’s class, but interested in exploring the benefits of yoga despite limitations due to age, inactivity, inflexibility, medical conditions, or injury. Marlene will teach breath exercises and a variety of postures and stretches to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. Additional benefits of the practice include stress reduction and gentle re-invigoration. Chairs will be used throughout most of the class.

The fall schedule is Tuesday and Friday, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at Pound Ridge Community Church; and Thursday 3-4:15 p.m. at O2 Living in Yellow Monkey Village, Cross River. “I am also available for home visits and am happy to work with any level of physical ability, even the bed-ridden,” Marlene said. “My gentle yoga classes make a nice gift for a friend in recovery.” Go to the source for more information. Telephone 232-3062 or e-mail marlene29@optonline.net.

Don’t think the Town Park is going dormant just because day camp is over and the pool is closed. Busy weekends ahead! The Country Fair comes to town tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Pound Ridge Lions Club and Pound Ridge Recreation Commission, this annual autumn fair is a great community effort supported by townsfolk, volunteers, other Pound Ridge organizations and supportive local merchants. (Shop local! You’ll save time and gas, and the service is better!) All proceeds from the Country Fair will go to support the humanitarian efforts of the Lions here in Pound Ridge and around the world. . . . And on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the 7th Annual Pound Ridge Car Show. So stick around. Lots of fun happenings ‘round the ‘Ridge the next two Saturdays.

RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

by BONNI BRODNICK

Gather all ye townsfolk for the Pound Ridge Lions Club/Pound Ridge Recreation Commission Country Fair on Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. in the Town Park. This annual event is always a nice way to start the fall season. There will be games galore, inflatable thingamajigs for the kids to jump around on, a climbing wall, and hear those Lions rrrrrrroar as they BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers for the crowd. Did we mention music? A 50/50 raffle? Cool silent auction items — all generously donated by local merchants — include dinners at North Star and Bedford Post, a sculpture by the talented Zol Medvecky, a whole semester of dance classes at Torrie Marie’s School of Dance, a few weekend extravaganzas (how does Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont and the Caribbean grab you?), get-fit sessions, gift certificates at Pound Ridge Framing & Fine Art, and so much more.

Community organizations participating in the country fair include the Pound Ridge Garden Club, Pound Ridge Library Foundation, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Pound Ridge Democrats and Republicans, Liz Larkin and her amazin’ scones, Pound Ridge Lions Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and Neighbor to Neighbor. All proceeds are used for Lions Club charitable purposes in town and beyond. Come one! Come all! (We always find the Country Fair a great reason to lure friends up from the city, too.)

Do you feel left out that your children are starting school to learn new things and you’re not? The Adult Learning Center (TALC) of the Pound Ridge Library is about to unroll it’s fall 2009 session on Sept. 25. They meet on alternate Fridays through Dec. 4th. The subject of the new series is “Dystopian Fiction” and will look at imaginary worlds that warn us of an unpleasant future. Fictional works like “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro will be read and discussed.

This long-standing educational program was previously led by Betty Straus. The Library is honored to have author/editor Elizabeth Hall, who has been a part of the TALC program for many years, take the lead as the new instructor. Registration is required as class size is limited. To matriculate, contact the library at 764-5085 or visit www.poundridgelibrary.org.

Now that the lull of August is over, Pound Ridge is buzzing with activities and events in all corners and for all age groups. Neighbor to Neighbor extends an invitation to our esteemed seniors for a lobster lunch at Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk on Thursday Sept. 10. Bus leaves from the Town House at 11 a.m. and you’ll be back in town by 2:30 p.m. No charge other than lunch. Call 764-8021 to register.

Don’t put your schedule book away just yet . . . Pound Ridge Senior Citizens have also planned a trip to “Top of the Rock” (The Observation Deck at Rockefeller Plaza) on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch will be at Cucina & Co., a restaurant at this landmark location. Cost is $49, which includes the tour, lunch, and guaranteed good company on the trip to and fro. Register and pay by Sept. 3. Stop by the recreation office at the Town House for a registration form or e-mail PRSeniors@townofpoundridge.com. Still have questions? Call Louise Paolicelli at 764-8201.

Remember the book, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”? There should be a new edition for empty-nesters, “What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting.” I’m not expecting to care about what I cook for dinner every night; if my shirt doesn’t match my skirt (a definite no-no when there’s a fashionable teen girl in the house). I can also stop expecting that someone will pick up the mail at the end of the road (because that special someone under age 20 always forgets anyway); and or that the dishwasher will be emptied. With no kids in the house, it’s all sheets to the wind. At least until October when they return home for fall break from college. Then I’ll get back to expecting.