November 29, 2009

RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

When Tom Andersen (Westchester Land Trust director of communications and special projects) and Gina Federico (graphic designer) learned that several mid-20th century Modern houses by well-known architects in New Canaan (a mecca of Modernism) and Westport were being threatened by demolition, they launched a blog to bring attention to their plight of these and other structures that represent an important era in architecture. Their hope is that more people will appreciate these homes and that the rush to tear them down and replace them with large, soul-less houses will be stemmed. Their interest also comes from the fact that they live in a modern house in Pound Ridge built in 1939 and singled out by the Museum of Modern Art in its “1940 Guide to Modern Architecture In the Northeast.”

We think of ‘modern’ as a sensibility rather than as a style,” said Gina, whose main interest is in finding contemporary examples of that sensibility. Her husband Tom’s main interest is historical.
“In Pound Ridge there are at least 24 Modern houses. All one has to do is drive down Eastwoods Road to see half-a-dozen of them,” she continued. “The best Modern houses are not too big, have well-proportioned rooms, good connections between the rooms, are energy-efficient, beautiful, unusual if not unique, and are connected to the land in a way that cookie-cutter development houses are not. We believe Moderns set a good example of how to build and live in a beautiful place WITH the land instead of just on it.” The Andersen/Federico blog on modern houses, architects and design gets more than 200 readers a day, and over the course of a month, spans readers from 50 countries. To learn more about the Modern heritage in our area, check out www.modernhousenotes.blogspot.com

On Friday, December 4, Jody Sandhaus, a jazz singer/recording artist commended for her amazing phrasing and a voice described as “subtle, sensitive and projecting a clear, emotional tone,” returns to Jazz at SoundWaters in Stamford to perform her favorites from the Great American Songbook. She will be accompanied by the formidable pianist Pete Malinverni and will introduce songs from her newest CD, Afterglow. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 8 p.m. Tix are $25. Come hear the magic. To reserve, call 203-406-3336 or email soundbusiness@soundwaters.org.

Pound Ridge Elementary School is completely flipping out. Mark your calendars for the 5th Grade Annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. This year’s theme is “Cloudy with a Chance of Pancakes.” A fun press release submitted to the “Talk of the Town” news desk reads, “The latest forecast confirms there will be a heavy ‘downpours’ of pancakes with possible ‘flash floods’ of syrup. This is an isolated storm only hitting PRES. By lunchtime, the clouds will clear and the storm will disappear. Don’t’ miss it! We won’t see another storm like this until next year!” For more information on the Pancake Breakfast, call the School at 764-8133.

Other dates to note: The Pound Ridge Women's Republican Club will collect Toys for Tots at Scotts Corner Market on Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. They will also collect donations to the USO to support the troops overseas.
And . . . “Save the Date" for Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. at the Pound Ridge Community Church Holiday Fair and Cookie Walk. The holiday bazaar features unique, handcrafted and handmade gifts. More on this event in next week’s column.

And finally, as we settle in to celebrate the Christmas/Hanukkah/New Year holidays with family and friends, let us not forget our valiant men and women serving our country during this time of war. The flags in the triangles and at the Town House remain at half-mast for a Pound Ridge son, Capt. Eric A. Jones, a Marine who grew up here and was killed in a midair helicopter collision on Oct. 26 in Afghanistan. We honor Eric for his patriotism, courage and heroism. He was due home this month and had plans to attend his 10-year reunion at Fox Lane High School. Many have mentioned that they would like to drop a line to Eric’s parents, Cyndy and Ken Jones. They can be reached at cjones28@comcast.net. Donations in his Eric’s honor can be made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (www.semperfifund.org), which was created to provide financial assistance and quality of life solutions to support our wounded Marines and Sailors. This season, as we deck our homes with wreaths and lights, include an American flag to honor our soldiers.

November 22, 2009

THE RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

Hail to the Chief! Pound Ridge Chief of Police Dave Ryan will be honored by the Pound Ridge Lions Club at the annual Lions Holiday Luncheon at Le Château on Sunday, Dec. 5, beginning at 12:30 p.m. The afternoon is always one of good friendship and neighborliness, and Le Chateau gleams with holiday décor.

Dave brings experience and wisdom to his position. Before being hired by former Town Supervisor Joy Simpkins, he worked at the Putnam County Sheriff's Department for 14 1/2 years, with the Putnam Valley Police for two years, and the Town of Cornwall Police Department for one year. When former Pound Ridge Chief of Police Drew Marchiano left in 1999, Dave was appointed his replacement. “This is my 11th year serving Pound Ridge,” Dave said. “If I had to pick what I like most about Pound Ridge, it is the willingness of people to help their neighbors and how everybody works together to make this a true ‘community.’ I remember when 50 people lined up outside the Police Department after 9/11, all willing to help out in some way. The other things very near and dear to me are the kids and the seniors in town. The kids are our future and I truly enjoy working with them and the Bedford School District to promote our community policing philosophies amongst the kids. As far as the Pound Ridge seniors, they are our history, our foundation, and the rock on which our town has evolved. They are wonderful people and I enjoy the opportunity to assist them in whatever capacity we can.” Dave’s recognition is well deserved. For more information, please contact Lion(ess) Anne Lyman at 764-5487 or alyman@houlihanLawrence.com. Checks in the amount of $80 per person, made payable to Pound Ridge Lions Club, can be sent to Anne at 164 East Woods Road, Pound Ridge, NY 10576.

Another set of high honors was bestowed by the Pound Ridge Garden Club to Honorary Member Mary Legrand, who received the esteemed Margery Fay Sachs Award for Outstanding Service. Mary was recognized for her over 30 years of continuous contributions to the community and the Club. Among those who are former recipients of the Award include the talented Jan Buckbee, Mary Moat, Pat Medvecky, Grace Rainsford, and Lou Weinstock, Sr. and Lou Weinstock, Jr. from Poundridge Nurseries. Photos of all recipients, along with the silver bowl engraved with their names, can be viewed at the Town House.

It is often the little things that bring joy to the day/month/year. We warmly welcome the newest arrival on Salem Road. Michael Anthony Bonacci was born to Donna (Alexander) and Michael Bonacci on Nov. 1 at 4:04 p.m. Michael, Jr. weighed in at 6.5 oz and 19-inches long and brings pre-Thanksgiving glee to proud grandparents, including Barbara Messina, who is thrilled over the moon.

Young Pound Ridge Hope Jackson, a 10-year old fourth grader at Rippowam Cisqua, has been running a series of lemonade and bake sales to benefit medical research on Lou Gehrig's Disease (or ALS). Inspired by her grandmother, Claire Tow, who lived in Pound Ridge for 20 years and is currently a resident of New Canaan, and her courageous ten year (and counting) battle with ALS, Hope decided she could make a difference. So far she has raised $450, which she donated to the ALS Association at their annual Lou Gehrig Sports Awards Benefit in New York City on Nov. 12. The ALS Association's mission is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global, cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. For more information on the organization that received the donation, go to www.als-ny.org.

Hope would like to thank everyone who supported her sales, particularly those who were so generous at the Sunday Farmer's Market (which are every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Antiques & Tools of Business & Kitchen in Scotts Corners.) If you’d like to make a contribution, look for Hope’s stand again this Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Farmer’s Market.

If you are preparing to give a Thanksgiving toast, remember a few things: avoid mumbling and rushing the words; keep it short and sweet; speak from the heart (without a cheat sheet); and make eye-contact with each guest. Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to connect with each person at the table to give thanks for their love and friendship.

As Seneca, the Roman orator and writer said, "Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart." May the blessings of the season be with you, kind readers, on Thanksgiving Day.

November 15, 2009

THE RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

It all started with a love of dogs. And shoes. For Tonina Abplanalp of Lower Trinity Pass, Amore dei Cani, represents the marriage of her two passions. With a snappy line of loafers, totes and clutch wallets, the owner/designer/entrepreneur educates consumers about the characters of breeds and the type of family that is best-suited for that breed. Are you a Labrador Retriever, West Highland Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier kind of person? Once you decide, you can have your shoes, tote or wallet customized with a beautiful silver- or gold-finish medallion that captures your dog-of-choice standing at full attention. The shoes also feature rubber soles with the trademark Amore dei Cani paw print, so you can leave your mark wherever you walk.

Tonina started the venture with her twin sister/business partner, Karen Rossitch. A percentage of all profits will be donated to the American Kennel Club Humane Fund, an organization that promotes responsible pet ownership through education.

“There are approximately 74.8 million owned dogs in the U.S., and 39 percent of households own at least one dog. They are part of the family unit. We love them, have pictures of them, and tell stories about them. They’re like our fur-babies,” said the self-proclaimed “nut” about the main dogs in her life, Mo-Mo, Boofy and Minnow. “Amore dei Cani is a way for people to learn more about responsible pet ownership and which breed of dog is best for them and their lifestyles.” Gift-giving season is nigh. Check out those dogs at www.amoredeicani.com.

Many thanks to the music lover in Katonah who touched base about the October 30 “Talk of the Town” column that mentioned WQXR’s new perch at 105.9 FM on the radio dial. We would be remiss not to also mention WMNR Fine Arts Radio that is broadcast out of Monroe, Conn. This non-commercial classical and fine arts music station invites listeners to join. “I enjoy WMNR at 88.9 FM. Start there and you will have another world of lovely sound,” wrote our reader.

Lionheart Gallery at 27 Westchester Avenue will have an opening reception on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 2 to 7 p.m. for an exhibition of American landscape paintings by artists Ellen Jorgenson, Kendall Klingbeil and Wendy Moore. The landscape, waterway and seascape paintings are of Hudson River, Nantucket and Vermont scenes. “Lionheart Gallery will present their holiday tradition of affordable fine art, featuring paintings of American’s natural treasures: views that lift the spirit. The work will range from mini-masterpieces to grand landscapes,” said Kendall. The upcoming show is dedicated to Bonnie and Richard Bieder and their 25 years of dedication to these artists and the arts. For more info, call the gallery at 764-8689. If you aren’t able to make it to the opening reception, the gallery will also be open on Sunday, Nov.22 from noon to 4 p.m.

There is a popular saying, "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. But if you give him a fishing rod, you feed him for a lifetime.” The Sunday school children of Pound Ridge Community Church are setting out to raise $5,000 for Heifer International, an amazing organization that works to end world hunger by giving cows, goats and other food and income producing livestock to impoverished families around the world, including the United States. Recipients are trained in animal care and environmentally sound agricultural practices so they can lift themselves out of poverty. Those, who for generations knew only poverty, will be able to build new homes and start business. Children who once headed out to the field to do backbreaking work will be heading into schoolrooms to learn to read. And people who never thought they’d be in a position to help someone else will be able to experience the joy of charitable giving by sharing food and offspring animals with others in their community.

The children of PRCC will be collecting donations at Scott’s Corner Market on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (You may also contribute by sending checks to Pound Ridge Community Church, 3 Pound Ridge Road. Make them payable to PRCC, with Heifer International in the memo. For more info, please call 764-9000.) Thanks to the generosity and good will of our townsfolk, the children will help change the lives of others in positive and meaningful ways.

November 9, 2009

RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

Thanks to Richard Major and Vince Manna, there’s another book to add to your “History of Pound Ridge” library shelf. “Images of America: Pound Ridge” will make its debut at a book talk and signing on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. at Hiram Halle Library. Come hear the authors talk about how they transformed hundreds and hundreds of archival photos into a beautiful book that truly brings the history of our town to life. The narrative spans 300 years, from Revolutionary-era anecdotes to 20th century events. Chapters are broken down by “region” and range from Long Ridge to High Ridge Roads; Poundridge Village (a.k.a. the Hamlet); Boutonville; Barnegat, East Woods, Fancher and Trinity Pass; Trinity Lake, and Scotts Corners. Learning about where you live makes you love it even more. This new book by Major and Manna inspires a sense of place and history.

“Images of America: Pound Ridge” is a terrific gift for the holidays. Copies are $22 and are available at Pound Ridge Museum, Chubby’s Hardware, Amazon.com, Borders, and Barnes & Noble (www.bn.com). The Historical Society can also ship a signed copy for $27 per book if you call them at 764-4333.

If you’re a football fan, you’re all tuned in to Saturday afternoon college football, NFL Monday night football, high school Friday night “Under the Lights” … pass the popcorn, folks. We look at those big guys on the field, but Hannah Mele, a 6th grader at Fox Lane Middle School, gives us a whole different perspective.

“I was recruited to join the Bedford Pound Ridge Flag Football League by two Pound Ridge fathers who were my basketball coaches last year and I said YES!!! But if you think the boys go easy on me because I'm a girl, you are wrong. At first they didn't guard me because they underestimated me. Then I started to play better and now they treat me the same as everyone else on the field. They think that I'm the secret weapon.”

Hannah scored a recent game winning 70-yard touchdown and “… made a lot of ‘tackles,’ which is really just grabbing the flag. When I made my touchdown, I didn't think that I had the ball but then realized that I had it. I ran and ran to the end zone in the pouring rain, and spiked the ball. Everybody on my team ran down the field and gave me high fives.” Hannah plays both sides. “On offense, I like to block the boys and run for long passes and on defense I like to blitz the quarterback.” This young athlete has helped her team get into first place for their age group. So don’t mess, don’t mess, don’t mess with the B-E-S-T best.

Ann Johansmeyer will host the Pound Ridge Neighbors & Newcomers Club annual Fall Lunch next Friday, November 13 at 12:00 noon. The luncheon is free for all paid members and $15 for non-members. On the menu for next Friday is a homemade lunch of soup and salad, desserts and beverages. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the food pantry at the Katonah Community Center. For more information, call Ann at 914-205-3277.

PRNNC activities take place both during the day and evenings, weekdays and weekends. It’s a terrific group dedicated to building a stronger community by promoting social and civic welfare. Their broad membership base is made up of singles, couples, families, empty-nesters, and both new and longtime Pound Ridgers. Membership was up 50 percent last year. Join the club! For more information, call the doyennes of fun, Dawn Decker (president) at 764-5190 or Nikki McMann (vice president) at 763-5073.

November 4, 2009

THE RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

If you know Tom Rizzo, you know a good hugger. He doesn’t shake hands, he hugs. What you might not know though, is that Tom, who is 84 years old and has lived in Pound Ridge since 1971 with his lovely wife Athena, is also known as the “Pound Ridge Poet.” As a prestigious retired attorney, his formative years were with Mayor LaGuardia and Congressman Vito Marc Antonio, both of whom encouraged Tom to get into politics (but that’s another story). An organization he once represented to fight against “sweetheart contracts” between racketeer labor unions and employers found Tom testifying on television before the U.S. Senate Rackets Committee, where Bobby Kennedy was attorney and his brother, Senator John F. Kennedy, was a committee member.

On top of all of Tom’s professional accomplishments, he is also a lyrical poet. “Writing poetry gives me a chance to express my feelings about life, the world, and relationships,” he said. “A burst of thoughts come to my mind, and I’ve got to write them down. It’s really an honor to hear people tell me that they like my poetry or when they ask me to give a poetry reading.” His poems range from contemplative, to humorous, religious, inspirational, and seasonal. To share in Tom’s thoughts and ruminations, check out his website, www.poundridgepoet.com.

It wouldn’t be autumn in Pound Ridge without the seasonal production brought to us by the Pound Ridge Theatre Company. Reserve your tickets now for dramatist Brian Friel’s Tony-winning tale “Dancing at Lughnasa,” directed by Sherry Asch. The story is about five sisters in a small rural Irish village in August 1936. We pick up with them during the pagan festival of Lughnasa, when their spare existence is interrupted by brief, colorful bursts of music from the radio.

Performances, which take place at Conant Hall in the hamlet, are Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 8 p.m.; and two matinees on Sunday, Nov. 8and 15 at 2 p.m. The space is cabaret-style seating, so bring food/drink to enjoy one-hour before the show begins. There will also be a silent auction with winners announced at the last performance. Bid on goods and services to help PRTC continue its tradition of quality community theater. To donate items to this talented troupe that attracts a captive and dedicated audience of local theatergoers, please call Maryann at 914-769-0189. To reserve your tickets, go to “Dancing at Lughnasa,” go to www.prtc01.org.

More than a few Pound Ridgers seeking classical music to start the day recently flicked the radio dial to their usual 96.3 WQXR and wondered … what the?? Bye-bye Bach, hello Beyoncé! And Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Diddy and Fifty Cent. What was formerly NYC’s only station dedicated to classical music is now airing L.A.’s #1 Latino hip hoppin’ party station. Good morning! The new slot for WQXR is 105.9. If you hit 93.6 out of habit to listen to The Philharmonic or Metropolitan Opera, don’t wince if you discover pop singer and songwriter Lady Gaga just as uplifting.

After trick or treating tomorrow night, be sure to separate the Babe Ruths from the Three Musketeers and the Snickers. Don’t let the Necco Wafers touch the Star Bursts. In an effort to be watchful for H1N1, discard all loose candy corn. Miniature boxes of raisins go in their own “special” pile, and send all extra Butterfingers to me. Then, at midnight, be sure to change your clock, change your battery. This Sunday, Nov. 1, we turn back the clock one hour (Rule of thumb: “Fall behind, spring ahead.”) Remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO2 detectors, too. This simple task could make the difference in surviving a home fire. Batteries galore are available at Chubby’s Hardware.

Blog Archive