Tomorrow morning, I will be among 12 journalists accompanying Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her staff in travel to Africa. I’m humbled by this opportunity to report back on her missions throughout the continent. She will be tackling complicated, often politically charged situations in some of the most economically and health challenged areas of the world. From July 31-Aug. 10, my publisher’s hat comes off and it’s back to my reporting roots. [Read more…] about Breaking News: Grace Will Accompany Secretary Clinton in Africa
Just Between Us
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.
Chappaqua Dreamin’
Every mom harbors hopes and dreams so am delighted to bring you an issue in which hopes are realized and dreams come true. That has been very true for Kate Stone Lombardi…a few years ago, Kate mentioned to me that she was writing a book about mothers and sons, and would I be interested in filling out her online survey? I was delighted to share thoughts about raising a son, and looked forward to her book. Well, it’s out now, with Kate basking in glowing reviews, including my own! The talented Melani Lust captured our cover girl during a fun, springtime shoot.
For Andrea Klausner, participating in a volunteer medical mission to Haiti was a dream come true and with that experience came profound life lessons. Sarah Ellen Berman profiles Susan Carpenter, whose dream of becoming town supervisor has been realized, and also Lyndall Boal, a beloved social worker in the school district, who retires soon with many hopes fulfilled.
Seven busy, mom biz owners found time to send along their hopes and dreams which appear in Words and Wisdom from our Sponsors. We’re also proud to spotlight two Chappaqua mom “Rock” stars and sponsors, Marjorie Troob and Tanya Tochner. Check out book excerpts too from four mom authors– Elinor Griffith, Jane Genende, Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Nancy Shenker– whose writings convey hopes and dreams in multiple arenas.
Parents of children with special needs have the same hopes and dreams as any parents…for their children to grow up healthy and happy. The Devereux Learning Center in Millwood, as Jean Sheff reports, is an exceptionally valued resource toward that end. At Jodi’s Gym, as Michael Kohn reports, a gymnastics class has been formed for kids on the autism spectrum too. And there’s more…a Gotta Have Arts review of Cheryl Ehrlich’s “The Cupcake Conspiracy,” for example.
Newest IC contributor Audrey Mann Cronin shows off her keen sense of humor in an Inside Thoughts essay about, of all things, coffee yogurt! Audrey also offers a first “keeping up with the Clintons” column: Leader’s Digest.
Finally, Amy Kerwin snapped away at “Cabaret,” a Music in Chappaqua show I participated in with three other Chappaqua moms and friends: Janet Angier, Stacey Boerner Cohen and Katy White. Performing inside the Tap Room at Crabtree’s Kittle House was most positively dream like. Wishing all of you a dreamy Mother’s Day.
Top Ten Reasons to Love Inside Chappaqua!
10. News and Features
9. Gotta Have Arts
8. Single & Smart
7. Maggie Mae Pup Reporter
6. Rick’s Last Licks
5. Words and Wisdom from our Sponsors
4. We’re on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN.
3. News and calendar updates
2. Six issues a year free and mailed to your home!
1. Hey, this column too!, and the occasional Guest Editor; this time: Adam Stone!
Thanks for a great job on our Top Ten Anything issue, Adam!
Annual Flood Sisters Raises Funds for Matching Donors
The Sisters (Jennifer, Cynthia, and Heather) were faced with their dad needing a kidney transplant. But there was no matching donor. As a last resort, they posted an ad on Craig’s list and reached out.
Outcome: a donor was found and came forward from California. Seeing how they could help people, they created the Flood Sisters Foundation. they now hold an annual benefit, which takes place in Manhattan to raise awareness and funds. To date, six transplants have taken place nationally on account of their efforts and the first international transplant will take place in London in the near future. Because of a little caring. For more info go to www.floodsisters.org or call 646-287-2900.