Please note that it’s not every day that a local publisher goes the “Oprah” route on the cover of a hometown publication. I’m quite certain I’m not going to win any journalism awards for assigning and running a tribute to me and the magazine in my magazine either. Perhaps even you are thinking, “Is she kidding?” The answer is no, I am not, but I did grapple with the idea, and debate it a bit with myself and others. The consensus was that I should go for it!
So, thank you Jean Sheff for gathering all the glowing feedback and the too kind write up (I love you!), to the ever reliable Debra Hand for the edit (it was just too weird to do it myself), to Melani Lust for the terrific photos, to Lisa Ballou and Susan Goodman for adeptly “styling” me, and to all the helpful sponsors whose credits are on the Table of Contents page…us publishers, always plugging…. And yes, goodness gracious, a big, heartfelt THANK YOU to staff, contributors, sponsors and readers who so sweetly commented, and to all who supported this edition; this may be as close as I ever get to feeling like a celeb, and for that, I’m most grateful.
So dear IC reader, I hope you will all indulge me this one time. Indeed, I’m now going to offer you my “top ten” reasons for honoring IC, and well, myself.
10. I really wanted to experience what it feels like. I understand neighbors who say nary a word to you will accost you at the playground in Gedney or interrupt your run on the North County Trail just to tell you they enjoyed seeing you on the cover of Inside Chappaqua.
9. I was here first. Humor me while I remind you that I started IC at least several years before a slew of internet news sites and the local weekly came to town. New Castle Now, the Chappaqua-Mount Kisco Patch, The Daily Voice and, of course, Adam Stone’s Examiner Media–they’re all doing a fine job, really, but hey, I offered proof positive that Chappaqua is an oh so deserving place for hyper local coverage.
8. I don’t expect to appear on the cover of any other magazine–local, regional or otherwise. This is my big chance!
7. I have been feeling empowered by Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton–and the trip I took last summer. Enough said.
6. I don’t think I’m half bad looking. I have also been getting into decent shape since right after the New Year so felt confident enough to do it. Thank you, Prescriptions for Fitness.
5. I’m single. What a great, kick start conversation item for any lucky date.
4. It’s a social media world (or social mediocre one, if you are not careful, according to Eve Marx’s essay on page 38) and I wanted to make a splash in print–while I still can.
3. I did it for my 89-year-old dad. He will be getting multiple copies to share in the park in Forest Hills where he plays chess pretty much every day when the weather warms up. Too bad my mom’s not around to see it too.
2. My beautiful and amazing daughter Anna was once on the cover and I’ve been deathly jealous ever since. Remember the June 2010 edition? Great shot (by Bill Bramswig) of both her and Dylan O’Keefe (both Greely grads) in caps and gowns. It happens that Anna and Dylan contributed articles to this issue too (Dylan’s first!), which I’m thrilled about.
1. A signed copy will make for a fine party favor–when I celebrate soon with so many people dear to me at Crabtree’s Kittle House.
Yay me, yay everybody who has supported me, and happy spring time too!
