RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

This Valentine’s Day, get the children to show a little love. Pound Ridge Library will host “Love Thy Neighbor,” an event for all ages. Materials will be supplied for making cards and crafts, and Valentine’s Day books from the library collection will be displayed. Be sure to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to those in need. The love-in is next Saturday, February 13 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Who doesn’t [heart] homemade Valentine’s Day cards? There is no charge for the program, but please register beforehand by calling the Library at 764-5085. For more info on Library happenings, check out www.poundridgelibrary.org.

Trinity, a balm for the body, mind and soul that offers psychotherapy, yoga, and dance right in Scotts Corners, recently held a “Winter Celebration of the Arts.” The event, hosted by psychotherapist and owner Rosemarie Saracione, LCSWR, was presented in honor of the community and the performing arts. Half of the proceeds raised at the event were donated to the Pound Ridge Lions Volunteer Ambulance Corps. (Incidentally, our amazing ambulance corps is an all-volunteer organization of about 20 members, and is totally funded by contributions. New members and financial support are always needed and welcome.) At the Trinity celebration, Stephanie Harding spoke about yoga and meditation; dance instructors Christopher Alvarez gave a presentation on how to salsa and rhumba, and Waldemar Tylinski on how to do the Argentine Tango. (And who hasn’t been thinking about learning to Tango? Classes are Tuesday evenings, 5:15 to 6 p.m.) “It is my hope that Trinity’s Winter Celebration of the Arts is the beginning of many social and philanthropic events that celebrate the arts and integral relations to the three concepts embraced by Trinity ——body, mind, and spirit,” said Rosemarie. Trinity is located at 34 Westchester Avenue. For more information, call 764-1700.

A few helpful hints: Lucy Robin sent in some inspiring information that we can all do, “One Light Bulb at a Time.” In our economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else, even their job. Items like toothpaste, laundry products, light bulbs, even a Hershey’s chocolate bar, may be manufactured outside of the country. The challenge is to start reading labels when you shop for every day things and see what you can find that is made in the U.S.A. Start buying American products, one light bulb at a time. Carrie Sears, a master gardener with Pound Ridge Garden Club, offers some helpful information about de-icing your sidewalks. “It’s better for plants, concrete, and wells to use a sodium-free de-icing product. Look for something that contains calcium magnesium or calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) mixed with sand. CMA is made from dolomitic limestone and acetic acid (vinegar). It is less likely to damage plants, concrete, or ground water than rock salt. In addition, the dolomitic limestone will sweeten the soil (raise the pH) and adds calcium, one of the micronutrients used by plants.”

How cool was it that Jessica Best of Pound Ridge and Luke Celenza of Bedford, both students at Fox Lane High School, were selected to participate in The Grammy Foundation’s Jazz Ensembles program? Jess, an alto, was selected for the jazz choir, and Luke, a pianist, was selected for the jazz combo. Along with two other young musicians from Westchester, they traveled to Los Angles for a week-long musical experience, performed at Grammy Week events, got an opportunity to record a CD together, and perform at a Grammy Awards after-party. Ensemble selectees are also eligible for more than $2 million in college scholarships. Between the gigs and festivities, we caught up with Ellen Best, proud mom and Record-Review writer. “We're out here in LA and Jess is singing with jazz greats all over town! What an opportunity for her and Luke!”