Bonni Brodnick Blog

By BONNI BRODNICK W hen 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...

By BONNI BRODNICK H ail 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 Pol...

By BONNI BRODNICK I t 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 ...

By BONNI BRODNICK T hanks 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 Muse...

By BONNI BRODNICK I f 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...