Bonni Brodnick Blog

By BONNI BRODNICK F or internationally recognized photographer/documentarian Lisl Steiner , major projects are in the making in Vienna. She just returned from the opening of “Press Art,” an exhibit at Museum der Moderne that includes her famous photograph taken in 1963, “Times Square.” “The number 22 is very symbolic in this photo,” Lisl said. “It was taken on November 22 at 2 p.m. and shows 22 people looking into my camera in disbelief that President Kennedy was assassinated.” Her photographs of Richard Nixon, Fidel Castro, Gen. Augusto Pinochet of Chile and other leading figures have been published in a slew of publications, including Time, Life, National Geographic and Newsweek. “Photographing dictators was always my strength,'' she once said. ''I told them what to do — stand up, turn left — and they listened.” In a New York Times profile, Jay Deutsch of the Leica Gallery in Manhattan said, “Lisl comes from a time when there were very few women who were successful in...

By BONNI BRODNICK D o you have a meadow in your backyard? When do you mow it? DO you mow it? What sort of local critters live there and are they important? How does the meadow relate to the land around it? In the co-existence between different habitats and animals, can they be supported through our activities or lack of them? (See previous questions 2 and 3.) These are just a few of the crazillion questions Pound Ridge Land Conservancy answers in “Backyard,” an informational new page on their website (www.prlc.net). You’ll find a plethora of material about local flora and fauna that includes naturescaping; water quality and watershed management; and invasive & native plant species. Sub-tabs link you to more terrific information, with updates and new materials added as they are identified. In the “Healthy Yard” tab, for example, you’ll learn that it’s not really a “yard,” but rather a sanctuary for wildlife for you and your family, and a natural haven beneficial to birds, other cre...

By BONNI BRODNICK I n one attic I know there is a box of size 4 ice skates that have been around since pre-global warming, two hockey sticks, some Darth Vader-like lacrosse gloves, a well-worn baseball mitt or two, and a tennis racket from the days of Chrissy Evert. What to do with the unwanted/possibly outgrown equipment? Stacy Patrick is a team player for Kids for Sports, a non-profit organization that provides sports equipment to inner city children. “It’s a great way to recycle any equipment that might be collecting dust in your garage, basement or attic,” she said. The beneficiary of the items is The Fresh Air Fund Camp in Fishkill, where Stacy will be making runs throughout the summer. She can either pick things up at your house, or you can drop it off at hers. Son James, a rising senior at Fox Lane High School, is available to help with hard-lifting and carrying. For more info, contact Stacy at 914-715-9139 or utecolt@aol.com S ilents are golden. Pound Ridge Library has launch...

By BONNI BRODNICK S o what are you doing tomorrow, July 10? Beat the heat and set your alarm for 8 a.m. to come watch the Pound Ridge Dolphins divers and swimmers as they battle it out against North Salem’s Lakeside swimmers at our town pool. Mea Sgaglio and other swim team moms and dads will be selling coffee and goodies. And if that isn't enough to float your boat, the Pound Ridge Swim and Dive team is holding their first ever Dolphin Dance at Conant Hall on Saturday night at 7 p.m. DJ Secret Joe Pittman will spin up some rhythms for the Dolphins as they bust out of the water and onto the dance floor. Tickets are still on sale (as space allows) at the door to kids 18-and-under or pool staff. Get inspired with Bobby Freeman’s “C’mon and Swim” clip from 1964 (www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxgFwyIylHY). You can do the back stroke or the doggy paddle, shake it up baby, twist and shout. C’mon to Conant Hall and work it on out. I n other news on the Pound Ridge sports front . . . the Bed...

"Talk of the Town" By BONNI BRODNICK T he 4th of July is nigh. Hope you are poised with all the cook-out goodies, the lawn is trimmed, flowers are deadheaded, and your American flag proudly hung for this glorious summer celebration that has long been in the planning at the Town House. In January, dates are decided and funds approved by the Town Board. Fireworks are confirmed with the company, at the same time Marianne Vitelli , executive assistant to Town Supervisor Gary Warshauer , presents the contracts for review. In February, there’s tons of paperwork (contracts signed for fireworks, buses, etc.). In April, letters go to the Pound Ridge Recreation Department for permission to use the park, to various real estate owners to use their parking facilities, and to the Pound Ridge Fire, Police and Maintenance Departments (all of whom do a tremendous job, with lots of hands-on preparation both for the 4th and on the 4th). In May, more letters are sent to businesses for don...