By Ronni Diamondstein and Illustrated by Naava Katz
Rachel Rosin
“During these difficult times, I find it important to focus on myself. I hope that doesn’t sound selfish, but I think taking care of my physical and emotional wellbeing is a necessity these days. I try to set aside time to do just that, whether it is working out, taking a walk, or just having a cup of tea.”
Rachel Rosin retired from her advertising career in 2001. She now works as a recruiter in the jewelry industry and is a volunteer for her synagogue.
John Diaconis
“When at Miller House, imagining the embattled colonial soldiers recovering under the shade of the sycamore tree, I feel it’s my duty to honor their sacrifices by choosing peace of mind and happiness in the present moment.”
John Diaconis is President of Friends of Miller House/Washington’s Headquarters, a charitable organization that assists Westchester County with respect to educational programs at the landmark Miller House located in North White Plains.
Cailee Hwang
“Peace isn’t the absence of conflict but rather the presence of grace.
In solitude, I quiet my heart, reach to the core, to reflect and remember.
With gratitude and humility, I free myself from pride.
To understand the past, embrace the present, and hope for the future.”
Cailee Hwang is a literacy specialist and a proud member of the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps. She also serves as vice president of the Chappaqua Central School District Board of Education. She moved here in 2013 with her husband Kyu and 3 beloved boys.
Francesca Hagadus
“There are things that I can control and things that I can’t. Rather than force a solution, I try to allow myself enough time to determine what I can control and then on to what action I can take.”
Francesca Hagadus lives in Pleasantville. She taught French and Spanish in Chappaqua Schools for 32 years. She serves on the Westchester County Commission for People with Disabilities in the Mental Health and Autism areas. An active Democrat, she has held elected office. She has two grown sons.
Ronni Diamondstein is a journalist, photographer, retired school librarian and the author of Jackie and the Books She Loved. She lives in Chappaqua with her dog Maggie Mae. ronnidiamondstein.com
Naava Katz is an illustrator who lives with her family in Chappaqua. naavakatz.com
The Take 3 Wine Bar & Café has opened on the top floor of the Jacob Burns Film Center! The culmination of the recent theater renovation project, Take 3 offers JBFC patrons the opportunity to elevate their moviegoing experience by “coming early or staying late” to discuss films with other moviegoers over food and drinks. Take 3 Wine Bar & Café is open to the public and ticketholders during the hours of operation Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m.
Adjacent to Take 3, the Jane Peck Gallery features an exclusive new exhibit, Bill Gold: 70 Years of Iconic Movies, which offers an unprecedented glimpse into the private collection of Bill Gold–arguably the most prolific movie poster designer of his time–curated by his widow and collaborator Susan Gold. It will present one-of-a-kind original illustrations, alternate poster designs, and interesting behind-the-scenes stories spanning seven decades of iconic movie classics, from Casablanca to Mystic River. We encourage visitors to explore the exhibit, immerse themselves in cinematic history, and learn about Bill Gold’s visionary approach to creating some of the world’s most unforgettable movie posters. The Jane Peck Gallery is open seven days a week during Theater operating hours.
A pair of shoes slung over a utility line in Paris. Ice skaters in New York’s Central Park. A glacier surrounded by mountains in Alaska. A lone black crow atop an Armonk supermarket. A single, beautiful orchid in the kitchen.
“In spring, I love walking through town to see the magnificent array of flowering trees. April is National Poetry Month and I draw inspiration from a book of Richard Wright’s haiku poems illustrated by photographer Nina Crews, called Seeing Into Tomorrow. While walking around, I take photos of the clear blue skies and newly vibrant trees to pair with poems from the book.”
“As temperatures moderate and days grow longer, I love seeing nature’s awakening as the trees grow their leaves, flowers bloom and birds return and begin to chirp. Going for walks with my wife, Madeline, and my dog, Carmella, are a family favorite to soak in the natural beauty that surrounds us in Chappaqua. And, there is no better way to mark the end of spring than marching with CVAC at Chappaqua’s Memorial Day Parade.”
“The thing I enjoy most about spring in Chappaqua is participating in Community Clean Up Day. It gives me a sense of pride to help beautify the community.”
