Bonni Brodnick Blog

By BONNI BRODNICK I s it really possible to get Chris Bohjalian, Ethan Canin, Benjamin Cheever, Dominick Dunne, Richard Ford, Mikal Gilmore, Pete Hamill, David Kaczynski, Phillip Lopate, David Maraniss, Daniel Menaker, Nathaniel and Simon Rich, Steven V. Roberts, David Sedaris, Jim Shepard, Darin Strauss, John Edgar Wideman, Geoffrey Wolff, and Tobias Wolff together in one place? Author Andrew Blauner , of Pound Ridge and Manhattan, has achieved the near impossible. His new book, “Brothers: 26 Stories of Love and Rivalry,” reminds us that brothers who bugged us when were young, just might be our greatest ally when we’re older. (My older brother always gave me nuggies, made weird mouth noises, and wore smelly soccer shirts. Now he’s one of my best friends in the world.) “Brothers” — which includes a foreword by author Frank McCourt , who passed away last Sunday — examines and explores the experiences of love, loyalty and loss, the altruism and anger, and the competition and compassio...

By BONNI BRODNICK H appy news from Patti and Phil Pessoni in Westbrook, Conn. On June 8, they became first-time grandparents to Ethan Madigan Lemieux , born to Anne and her husband, Jason . “Ethan is the best of the best,” according to Patti, who is in super-heaven now that she is a grandmamma. The Pessonis are also in the throws of fine-tuning the September 6 wedding of daughter Clare and her soon-2-B husband, Pete . We also send best wishes to paternal grandparents Anne and George Sofronos , longtime former Pound Ridgers, on the birth of their granddaughter, Chloe Mina Sofronas , born on June 30. James Sofronas and his wife, Nargis , are doing great and if you look to the skies, you’ll see the happy family residing on Cloud Nine (right next to the Pessonis). I ’ve discovered a new website: “When editors were gods” (don’t get heady, RJ). In a recent entry, it mentions former Pound Ridger Sylvia Porter (19313-1991), a successful financial columnist and writer. At the height of her ...

By BONNI BRODNICK O h, My Goodness! It’s true! A new deli and café will soon be opening next to the fire house in Scotts Corners. The fare will include sandwiches, salads, hot food, dinners-to- go, paninis, wraps, gelato, lattés, smoothies, and health shakes. “We’re going to offer traditional deli, along with heart-healthy, figure-friendly foods,” said Perry the proprietor/entrepreneur . Oh, My Goodness! will also have a full line of gluten-free foods. Oh, my! Stay tuned for additional upcoming scoop on the opening. F eeling computer savvy… or NOT?? Hiram Halle Library is offering two adult computer instruction seminars. Come learn how to navigate the information super highway on July 17 and 31, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Register for one session only by calling 764-5085. And while we’re thinking books, did you happen to whiz through all of your beach reading while on vacation? Hiram Halle Library will hold its Summer Book Sale on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’ll find ev...

By BONNI BRODNICK G ather all ye family and friends for the Fourth of July festivities that celebrate and commemorate the courage and faith of our founding fathers in the pursuit of liberty. Stake your place on the Town Park lawn any time after the road race, which usually ends by 1 p.m. Fireworks blast-off at dark (8:30-ish). If it rains (which of course it won’t because after two straight weeks of rain, there can’t possibly be a single drop left in the clouds), the show will go on July 5. For more info, call the Rec Department at 764-0947. Many thanks to Marianne Vitelli , the Supervisor’s administrative assistant; along with Police Chief Dave Ryan ; building inspector/fire marshal Jim Perry , the maintenance department, and our police department for all they do to make the evening dazzle and crackle so seamlessly and safely. R osemarie Saracione , a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, adheres to the sage words of St. Augustine, the philosopher and theologian: “In a...