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Mount Pleasant Public Library

Margaret Cunzio: Committed to Making a Difference in Westchester

August 16, 2024 by Deborah Raider Notis

Margaret Cunzio
Photo by DONNA MUELLER

Mount Pleasant County Legislator Margaret Cunzio is on call for the Thornwood Fire Department. She’s been a volunteer there for over four years, awarded the “Chief’s Award” in 2023. But as she carefully listens to see if she is needed for emergency calls that come in, she graciously and openly discusses why she spent her life in Westchester County, dedicating herself to education and public service.

Cunzio, a 25-year resident of Mount Pleasant, grew up in North Castle, attending Byram Hills schools. “Byram Hills was much smaller back then. It was a small town feel before social media and the internet – we all knew each other and had our passions and hobbies,” says Cunzio, who worked in the Byram Hills School District as both a teacher and administrator.

Cunzio also graduated from Iona College and has degrees from Fordham University, Pace University, and Mercy College. “I’m a true Westchester-ite. I think it’s important for people to see that they can have a future in Westchester. We have so many opportunities here,” says Cunzio, who is an extremely approachable and familiar face at local farmers’ markets, attends all Mount Pleasant Eagle Scouts and Girl Scout Gold award ceremonies, and volunteers weekly at the Mount Pleasant Senior Center. She’s always available to her neighbors and constituents.

In addition to her work on the Board of Legislators and as an interior firefighter for the Thornwood Fire Department, Cunzio is a former elementary school teacher and administrator, a fitness instructor who teaches everything from Barre and yoga to Pilates and running, and a current professor in Iona University’s Education department. “I’m from a learning family,” Cunzio noted affectionately. Growing up, Cunzio was encouraged to ask questions and search for answers. Her mother, a reading specialist and the technology point person in the Yonkers school district, and her father, who owned a local towing business in North Castle, fostered Cunzio’s love of reading and history.

Countywide Activities

Deeply invested in making sure that Westchester County thrives, Cunzio is particularly passionate about issues ranging from mental health and local safety to animal rescue and food allergies. She sits on the executive board of the Pleasantville Rotary Club, worked as the adoption counselor for the SPCA in Westchester and volunteers for multiple animal shelters and rescue organizations, and sits on Pleasantville’s Mental Health Board. She is also a committed supporter of the arts and sits on the boards of ARC Stages and ARTS Westchester.

Cunzio always saw herself as someone who simply “enjoyed helping others” until former County Legislator Sue Swanson approached her and suggested that she run for County Legislator. Swanson, a mentor to Cunzio until she passed away, saw Cunzio as another “no-nonsense problem-solver,” which Cunzio took to heart when she was elected. “I’m a public servant…It’s my job to address the concerns of my constituents, work with my colleagues to solve problems, and help people.”

While Swanson suggested that she run for the position, Cunzio decided to run to implement and improve multiple public safety initiatives, starting with redesigning the Commerce Street intersection in Mount Pleasant. “One of my neighbors was tragically killed walking home from a train station. I saw the police cars at his home and heard his wife break down when she was given the news that he was killed when a vehicle struck him.” Thanks to Cunzio’s initiative, Commerce Street was completely revamped and has crosswalks, lighting, sidewalks, and a new, safer traffic pattern.

Cunzio’s record speaks to her community involvement and commitment. The daughter of a local business owner, she’s a firm believer in supporting local businesses. “If I need a cup of tea, I’m going to Black Cow in Pleasantville. If I want to eat out, I’ll head to Beehive in Armonk.”

Besides the Commerce Street improvements and her notable record of supporting seven balanced budgets, all of which either maintained or reduced taxes, Cunzio supported and initiated legislation to address issues concerning animal advocacy, veterans, lithium-ion safety, and food allergy safety.

Promoting Allergy Awareness & Animal Advocacy

As someone who has managed celiac disease for over seven years, Cunzio is acutely aware of the dangers associated with food allergies. “When I was teaching in schools, principals would always give me the students with food allergies. I knew how to use an Epi Pen, and I was hyper-aware of the potential for cross-contamination of foods.” Co-sponsoring the Food Allergy Restaurant Safety Bill, Cunzio helped to guarantee that Westchester restaurants have staff members trained in food allergy safety.

Cunzio is a mom to two dogs and three cats, but she is also a committed legislator who passed Westchester’s strongest ever animal welfare laws. Besides fostering puppies and cats, she has transported over 270 animals from the Outer Banks to Westchester and found them homes. She sponsored the county’s Dog Anti-Tethering Law and teamed with the Westchester District Attorney’s office to strengthen the Animal Abuse Registry and giving animal control officers greater investigative powers.

“This role is a big responsibility. I’ve been given a gift to help people in this position. I’m trying to do my best to leave a positive impact on the world,” says Cunzio, who supported economic boosts like capping the collection of county sales tax on gasoline purchases in past summers and suspending the county sales tax on home energy expenses in past winters. Cunzio is greatly respected for working with members on both sides of the aisle and County Executive George Latimer to positively impact Westchester County.

A Visit to Yad Vashem

Cunzio’s positive impact can be felt globally as well as locally. Cunzio believes a global education is key to building an open-minded, well-informed society. “We need to focus on education. It’s important to know the facts so that people can better understand what is going on in the world.” After the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel, she traveled to Israel with Latimer to bear witness to the atrocities. As a recipient of the Cornell Fellowship, she is headed to Yad Vashem in Israel to study Holocaust history. “We’re supposed to be one of the more open-minded areas of the country, but we’re not educating our students globally and antisemitism around here seems to be outweighing other areas of the country. Understanding world history is essential to combatting prejudice.”

Cunzio continuously works to support those around her. “My goal is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. That’s what I do through my work at the fire department, through teaching, volunteering, and public service.” Cunzio is dedicated to Westchester, and she’s making a difference.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Byram Hills Alumni, Chair of Westchester Board of Legislators, Margaret Cunzio, Mount Pleasant Public Library, Pleasantville Rotary Club, Thornwood Fire Department

In Praise of Our Local Libraries & How they Continue to Serve Grateful, Returning Patrons

February 25, 2023 by Christine Pasqueralle

PHOTO BY MIA BROWN

Libraries can often be seen as the heart of a community. A place to gain knowledge, gather and socialize with others right where we live. Over the years, library patrons needs have certainly changed and the community library has changed with them to help provide the best services possible.

Here in the Mount Pleasant area, we are fortunate enough to have two amazing public libraries–the Mount Pleasant Public Library in Pleasantville and its Branch location in Valhalla, and the Briarcliff Manor Public Library. Whether you’re a library regular, new to the area or haven’t been to a library in a long while, I encourage you to get to know these local gems and pay them a visit soon. You won’t be disappointed.

The history of both libraries is rich and varied. Mount Pleasant began serving its community in 1895 as the Pleasantville Library Association. In 1919 it was reincorporated as the Pleasantville Public Library and at one point, contracted with the Town of Mount Pleasant to create a branch library in town. In 1965, the Town and Village agreed to establish the Mount Pleasant Public Library to serve both the Mount Pleasant and Pleasantville communities. Interestingly enough, the charter Mount Pleasant received from the State of New York was signed by none other than Melvil Dewey, the inventor of the Dewey Decimal System.

The Briarcliff Manor Public Library’s first incarnation began in 1914 by the Briarcliff Manor Community Club. In 1924, the Village of Briarcliff Manor began providing financial services for the library. Over the years, the library moved through many locations and in 1958, the Briarcliff Free Library became one of the founding members of the newly created Westchester Library System. The next year, it moved to the former station of the Putnam Division of the New York Central Rail Road. And finally in 2009, the library found its current home–a new, two-story addition to its former home in the former train station.

I had the opportunity to speak with the directors of both the Mount Pleasant and Briarcliff Manor libraries to learn about new projects, programs to come and how both libraries keep up with the evolving needs of its patrons.

Donna Pesce, Director of the Briarcliff Manor Public Library
PHOTO BY MIA BROWN

In Mount Pleasant: Adapting to Change

John Fearon has been the Director of the Mount Pleasant Public Library for 20 years. In that time, he has seen a lot of evolution. When the current main branch of the library was built in the 1960’s, it was a state-of-the-art library. Its open-plan concept makes it feel bigger than it is. But at the same time, library usage was different 60 years ago. Noise wasn’t an issue since people used the library as a quiet space. Now, patrons are also using it as a gathering place so noise can be a challenge. Fearon says there’s been a general shift in how people use libraries. “When I was growing up, the library was quiet like a church. Now more and more see it as a place to get together and connect with each other. Before the pandemic, there was an informal feeling–people would come in to chat and browse. The noise is part and parcel of that.”

This is part of what will be addressed in the library’s Master Plan that is being created in conjunction with the Town and Village. The goal is to have more meeting rooms and spaces. “People’s needs have changed and more organizations need places to meet. If we had more rooms, we could accommodate more local organizations as well as people working from home who need private rooms to arrange meetings,” says Fearon. “We always want to have a bigger picture, a vision of where we want to go. We hope to work with the town and village in making that happen.” Plans also include the creation of a safe outdoor space for kids.

John Fearon, Director of the Mount Pleasant Public Library
PHOTO BY MIA BROWN

Books ‘Holding their Own’

Since the pandemic, people are still feeling their way back to normality. Fearon said that he definitely sees life coming back to the library. People are browsing more and not feeling they have to “get in and get out” as much. There is a greater demand for and enjoyment of children’s storytime now, as there is a popular draw!

“Miss Debbie is an institution in Pleasantville,” says Fearon. She has storytimes scheduled throughout the week at both the main and branch library locations.

People are coming back to the library. “It’s slow and steady but it’s happening more and more,” he said.

The library is also seeing a surge in different types of lending as well as program use. “I’ve seen video cassettes go, audio books go, CDs and DVDs come and go. ‘The book’ is hanging in there. But we saw a huge surge in e-Books, our lending more than doubled during the pandemic. eBooks have become about 1/3 of our lending but books are still holding their own.”

The library’s museum pass program has also found a new life, “Suddenly people discovered them and usage blew up. The pass program is funded by The Friends of the Mount Pleasant Public Library and our most popular passes are for MoMA, the Intrepid and the Guggenheim.”

This spring will see many of the library’s recurring adult programs taking place such as the PLY Knitting Circle, jewelry-making classes, craft socials, game nights and more. On March 30, Open Mic at the Library will host talented patrons sharing poetry, songs, artwork and more. Patrons can get ready for their spring gardens with the library’s program Proper Pruning on April 20. There are also many upcoming children’s events including STEM classes, chess workshops, a theater and improve program and jewelry-making classes.

As for its evolution, Fearon sees that as a constant. “We have a really good staff at the moment, some younger librarians and that’s exciting. Adapting the facility to support new demand is a challenge but we will do our best.”

In Briarcliff Manor: A Cherished Routine

PHOTOS BY MIA BROWN

Donna Pesce has served as Director of the Briarcliff Manor Public Library since 2018. In her time at the library, she has also seen many changes for how patrons use services. “I read recently that libraries are not buildings, they are communities and that rings true here,” says Pesce.

A weekly visit to the library is part of the routine for so many of Briarcliff’s patrons, whether it is to take out print books or DVD’s, attend family activities or join book groups (geared towards a variety of ages).  “While our website and eBook collection are well-used, stopping in to browse, chat with the staff or connect with other patrons at a regular program are essential.

We know most patrons by name and know their reading and other service preferences. Staff often have a patron’s book ‘holds’ in hand before the patron gets through the door.” The library certainly presents itself as a warm and welcoming environment to all who step through.

Library usage runs the gamut. Briarcliff sees an average of 70 visitors per day with 1/3 using its enclosed children’s room where kids are free to select items from a variety of collections as well as seasonal displays. Some patrons prefer to head up to the second floor for its peaceful feel. It attracts those looking for a quiet space to work, read or just look out of the expansive windows onto a relaxing view of Law Memorial Park. Pesce points out that while children’s programs and adult book groups have always been a staple at Briarcliff, the library is adding more community-based programming such as poetry cafes, small performances, and local author visits.

“Having close relationships with our patrons means we get feedback and suggestions that we try our best to incorporate into services”, says Pesce. Library staff stays up-to-date with patron needs by participating in training sessions, attending user meeting and of course, by reading a lot. “Needless to say, we have many ideas.”

The Long-Term Strategy

The library has a state-required strategic plan which it is currently working on called‘The Branching Out Project.’ Residents and patrons will be invited to share their ideas through surveys, activities and committees and the final plan should be completed by May 2023.

The library has a full event schedule for spring including its Cookbook Club (March 21) in which attendees bring a dish to share and a copy of the recipe. Run by Library volunteers Andrea Vladimir and Cindy Healey, the club is always a popular meetup. On March 25 there will be a performance, Trial for Treason, enacting the fateful meeting between Major John Andre and Benedict Arnold. April brings another performance of the Poetry Cafe, featuring readings by area poets, followed by an open mic. Children’s programs will include a graphic novel and a “Who Was” book group. Adult book groups such as the Brown Bag Tuesday lunchtime group continue to flourish.

As for its future, Pesce sees a lot of positive changes for the library as she notes that both patron needs and the library environment have changed over the last few years. “I would like for policies, legislation and funding to support sustaining library services for the future. I see our services becoming even more streamlined and tailored to the specific needs of the local community, while still leveraging the resources of the Westchester Library System.

“We can offer in-house programs in-person and partner on regional programs via Zoom, offer copies of popular books in multiple formats and take advantage of inter-library loans and also look for increased partnerships with local organizations and donors for our programs and special collections.”

Perhaps the most important aspect of the library is one that hopefully never changes. “What I hope will stay the same is the wonderful relationships that we have with both our long-time and new patrons.”

Visit your local libraries. There is something for everyone and everyone is always welcome.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Briarcliff Manor Public Library, Donna Pesce, John Fearon, Libraries, library, Mount Pleasant Public Library

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