If I had to name my most heart wrenching moments in 18 years of publishing locally, it has been unquestionably reporting or covering the loss of a young life. But they have ironically felt the most meaningful, if only in some tiny, immeasurable way, when sharing the memories of a precious son or daughter provided even the smallest degree of comfort to a grieving parent–and to a community of family, friends, and neighbors in mourning too.
You’ll learn about the remarkable life of a young lady, Linda Zhang, her unyielding passion to save our planet and the impact she had on all those who knew her.
I met Linda’s warm and wonderful parents at an event at the Chappaqua Library earlier this summer when a first Linda Zhang writing award was presented. Writing was another passion of Linda’s. Pamela Brown’s article about Linda and the foundation formed in her honor: www.lindazhangfoundation.org
As we went to press, news came of another devastating loss to the community, that of Danielle Taylor Leventhal, an immensely talented artist described by her family and friends as “a beautiful ray of sunshine and a strong-willed woman.” Danielle’s mom, Jennifer, had sent me her family’s poignant words in a story I then posted about this brilliant, joy-filled young lady. https://www.theinsidepress.com/in-remembrance-of-danielle-taylor-leventhal/
A packed service at Temple Beth El led by Rabbi Jaffe–the remembrances by her family and friends – conveyed the enormity of the love for Danielle and her legacy.
If this letter column feels ‘heavy’ for back- to-school editions, as spotlighted by various stories, I hope you might see it as life affirming instead, because learning more about these two wonderful souls really has been.
Please enjoy all the articles assembled with gratitude and with a hopeful but watchful eye over ‘everything Covid’. Speaking of gratitude, please don’t miss our stories about the Byram Hills Education Foundation ‘funding our student’s futures’, the New Castle United for Youth ‘EXPERIENCE’, as told by two interns, and one of Byram Hill’s student Anika Bobra who has created a remarkable podcast devoted to promoting gratitude widely.
Personal and family enrichment via fabulous local options are always something to be grateful for. So, do help celebrate ‘comeback’ events – Community Day in New Castle, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening. and the Armonk Outdoor Art Show!
Do visit the Chappaqua Library’s new Teen and Children’s Rooms! Do feel inspired by Chappaqua’s Edward Lewis, the new director of Caramoor, and partake in any of its ever exciting programming. And also by Hammond’s executive director Elizabeth Hammer who kindly provided me with a fascinating private tour of this small gem of a Museum and its lush Japanese sculpture gardens.
Finally, I’m well into a second decade supporting the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center. Please consider attending/supporting its upcoming annual fundraiser honoring Andrew Greenspan. https://hhrecny.org/inspire_events/
Here’s also my ‘welcome back’ to you, and my wish to you for love and happiness and to all that’s life affirming.
Danielle Taylor Leventhal, beautiful ray of sunshine and strong-willed woman, passed away on August 4, 2021 at the age of 27, after four years of outliving terminal cancer. She is survived by her parents, Eric and Jennifer (Hecht) Leventhal of Rye (formerly Chappaqua); brother Alex Leventhal; Cavapoo Hudson; maternal grandparents Kelvin and Carolyn (Robinson) Hecht of Avon, CT; paternal grandparents Dr. Gerald and Judi (Blumenreich) Leventhal of Scarsdale, NY; Aunt Carrie Hecht Trookman (Nate) of Colorado Springs, CO; Uncle Charles Hecht (Robyn) of Needham, MA; Aunt Robyn Leventhal of Portland, OR; cousins across the country and dear friends and Alpha Phi sisters around the world.