“Joyful living” – two simple words that sum up this month’s theme of the magazine just in time for Mother’s Day. It should be easy enough to achieve. After all, we live in one of the most beautiful parts of Westchester County. But honestly, I’ve been having a hard time lately embracing “joyful living” with this never ending winter. I’ve tried to trick myself by thinking that spring is on the horizon. I’ve painted my toes a lovely shade of pastel pink. I’ve done a thorough spring cleaning in my house but still Mother Nature refuses to cooperate.
Nevertheless, I wanted to highlight six facts I learned while putting together this issue that made me smile and will likely make you appreciate living in North Castle.
1. Once upon a time there was a little girl named Bonnie Gleicher living in the Windmill community. Gleicher loved theater and had leading roles in her school plays. As a young girl, she was “young Jane” in Jane Eyre on Broadway and played an orphan in the Broadway national tour of Annie. Fast forward seventeen years, and Gleicher composed the music and lyrics for Addy and Uno–a family musical about disabilities and friendship featuring a colorful cast of puppets that is currently playing off-Broadway. There’s definitely more to come from this talented composer.
2. Danny McManus is a fifth-grader at Wampus Elementary School living with leukemia. Nine of his friends voluntarily shaved their heads to raise money for leukemia research. There’s no doubt that Danny has a strong support network here and friends who are willing to go the extra mile. From his teacher Mrs. Marchesini who has put together videos for him from his classmates to fellow churchgoers at St. Patrick’s, the McManuses have a community who truly cares about Danny’s recovery.
3. Students in the Dr. Robert Pavlica Authentic Science Program at Byram Hills High School are lucky to have educator Stephanie Greenwald at the helm as the program director. She’s passionate about her job and calls it “the absolute best job I ever had.” Read our up close and personal article on her and you’ll see why the students in the program garner numerous awards and accolades from the most prestigious science programs.
4. Speaking of accolades, The Armonk Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for their Citizen of the Year event this month at the Whippoorwill Club on May 15th. Big congratst to Judy Gilmartin-Willsey and the Armonk Independent Fire Department for all that they do day in and day out to make this town a better and safer place to live, work and play in.
5. As far as I’m concerned every day should be Mother’s Day. With three kids ages 10 and under, there is a lot of worrying when it comes to parenting. Just read Armonk mom Marlene Kern Fischer’s essay and you’ll see what I’m talking about. That’s why the moms in your life should be celebrated and for me, having a meal with loved ones where I don’t have to be a short order cook or clean up afterwards sounds heavenly. Check out some delicious local options to make mom happy.
6. A few summers ago, a friend of mine took me kayaking on Candlewood Lake. Having grown up in the city, I had never been kayaking before and I loved everything about it. The tranquility of being on the water, the rhythmic strokes needed to propel the kayak forward. It was one of those rare afternoons when I felt truly present and appreciative of the beautiful scenery. Luckily there are many options for kayakers of all levels right here in Westchester. Read our round-up of local spots and take to the waters!
Enjoy,
