A Positive Exhale

June’s my favorite month as publisher of only six editions a year of IC, the last of which closes in mid May. We don’t “start up” again until mid to late June. So between now and then I use the time to look back at these editions and contemplate what we’ve done well but also how we might improve things moving forward.

It’s basically one welcome exhale–a solid downtime for introspection and collecting myself a little and catching up on delivering on promises made to people and also those I make to myself. Mostly simple ones. Clearing my desk. Replenishing office supplies. Taking an exercise class. Enjoying a leisurely, stress free coffee date. Kicking back, basically. I’m soon picking up plants for my plot at the Chappaqua Community Garden. I’ve never gardened before so I’m very excited about it, especially because I have this sacred space to maybe even do it right. Strawberries, cukes, basil and more: I summon you!

And so, I love June. In fact, of late, I’ve been loving it all… my family and friends and biz acquaintences, of course… I’m even enjoying, I admit, an unexpected development, and psyched for a quick getaway to beautiful Lake George! Well, enough said about that!

Maybe it was deciding last month to call June a “Think Positive” issue. If I was going to ask all my advertisers to offer up what’s positive, it seemed only fair that I get on board too, right? Must say, positive begets positive; works like a charm! I’m a believer!

I’m feeling really great too about the cover story by Andrew Vitelli. Bert Sugar, a local legend who passed away this past March, appeared to personify positivity and good cheer from all accounts, and I’m only sorry I never had the chance to meet the guy with the signature fedora personally. His daughter Jennifer Frawley, who lives in Pleasantville and works in Chappaqua, graciously entrusted me with two precious family albums overflowing with pictures of Bert and his life adventures. I transported them to my designer, Dina Spalvieri, who created the cover collage from some favorite selections, so a special thank you to Dina for that.

Another “big deal” for me with this issue was the opportunity to spotlight Guiding Eyes, a Yorktown Heights organization which enriches the lives of visually impaired individuals and also children with autism by providing them with highly trained dogs. Ronni Diamondstein, owner of Maggie Mae Pup Reporter did a wonderful job highlighting the upcoming fundraiser at Mount Kisco Country Club (hosted, in part, by none other than football great Eli Manning) and explaining the Guiding Eyes mission in detail. Ronni also interviewed various local residents who have benefitted from Guiding Eyes.

A couple teen stories in these pages exude positivity… one about two Greeley teens who’ve launched a clever site to help local teens find jobs plus a short but sweet tale of one young lady’s positive intervention on a Metro North train ride. I think you will all also enjoy, just in time for Father’s Day, Jo Rosenfeld’s “Fifty Shades of Lipstick,” a title (given all the hoopla of the more racier title) she uses to highlight the secrets of her positively happy marriage. Also, find out how Andrew Samalin helps his clients chart a positive financial course while also giving back to the community–with annual Memorial Day festivities at the Crown House along the route of the parade. Finally, I’m also proud to include many beautifully rendered positive thoughts from various sponsors. Here’s wishing you all joyful celebrations this June and a safe and healthful summer.