RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town" - April 4, 2010

April 4, 2010

"TALK OF THE TOWN"
By Bonni Brodnick


Writes Pound Ridge-raised singer/songwriter Amy Hunt England in her CD “Crossing Rivers/Crossing Highways: “Show me where I’ve been before, take my hand, take me home moonlight, show me a path back to that door.” At a benefit concert for Pound Ridge Library, Amy is fine tuning some new songs for her upcoming CD, “Nantucket to Nashville.” “I was influenced by a lot of music in our house,” said Amy, who comes from a large family of six children. Her lyrics are, not surprisingly, steeped in family tradition. “Dad loved country music, and mom was always playing the piano and singing.” Her father, Walter Hunt, was an editor at Reader’s Digest and played banjo on the side and her mother, Diane Hunt, is a local artist. On coming home to give a benefit performance for our town library, Amy said, “Returning to Pound Ridge makes me feel like I’m amidst friends and welcome surroundings. I feel lucky to have grown up here. At my Mom’s house, we have an apple orchard where I used to go to sit and think and dream, while my siblings and cousins ran around playing. The Pound Ridge Reservation was an amazing place to explore as a child (and now, too). Having so much wild, spacious nature to roam had a big influence on my life and my songwriting.” “Maverick Magazine" has called Amy England “A writer and singer destined to make a major impression on the Americana scene." Come hear the magic as she performs on guitar and sings songs along with her brother, Andrew Hunt, and sister, Samantha Hunt. The concert is Sunday, April 18 at 5 p.m. at Pound Ridge Library. $10 suggested donation. More information on Amy England is available at www.amyengland.net. 

The conference room at Elaine and Nick Vazzana’s Pound Ridge Office Suites was overflowing when more than 50 friends, neighbors, elected officials and business owners came to Scotts Corners to share their vision and ideas for improving our business district and learn about Pound Ridge Partnership, a new organization launched by Ali Boak (a refreshing catalyst for change) and Charles Guilianti, proprietor of Salon Perri. Both are committed to making Scotts Corners a more vibrant “downtown” area that provides basic services while creating a better reflection of our beautiful and historic town (e.g. isn’t there a Code of Aesthetics on Westchester Avenue for banning neon-painted rocks around painted old rubber tires used for “planters”?) "The Pound Ridge Partnership meeting brought to light the passion, love and strong feelings of community that we as Pound Ridgers hold for our town and our business district,” said Ali Boak. “It was an important first step in shifting the dialogue from a 'can't do' mentality to one of positivity, action, and inspiration. The meeting showed how people are eager to offer their energy, advice and expertise to being a part of the transformation process. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together as a community.” Town Supervisor Gary Warshauer said, “When you get people together like this, it’s great. This kind of open communication builds enthusiasm and helps make our town stronger.”

The Pound Ridge Historical Society Museum will unveil a new exhibit curated by Ebie Wood, “The Benders – An Extraordinary Pound Ridge Family, 1928 - 2010” on Saturday, April 10 at 2 p.m. Robert (Bob) and Helen (Hebe), and their daughter, Beverly, left an indelible mark on our community. Bob Bender, a news correspondent with the United Press, was famous for his travels with President Woodrow Wilson and for his coverage of the Hindenberg Disaster. He was also a founding member of the Pound Ridge Fire Department. Hebe, after her husband’s death, began the development of Bender Way and the reconstruction/renovation of antique homes. Beverly is a well-respected artist and sculptress. A number of her lovely pieces will be on display at the exhibit. Fortunately, the Benders kept record of their lives and Pound Ridge activities, allowing us a fascinating glimpse of earlier times in town. In 2004, during an interview for my book, “Pound Ridge Past: Remembrances of Our Townsfolk,” Beverly said, “Our town has always been a lovely spot … There was a gentleness here. It was relaxed, no pressures. What I love about Pound Ridge is the location, the people and the atmosphere. Perfect.” “The Benders” exhibit will open with warm reception and fanfare on Saturday, April 10 at 2 p.m.

Joan Silbersher will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Antiques & Tools of Business & Kitchen in Scotts Corners on Sunday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a barbeque fundraiser for Pound Ridge Library and a free raffle from noon – 2 p.m. The celebration will also mark the seasonal opening of the shop’s Second-Sunday Antiques Market and Every-Sunday Farmers Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mrs. Larkin’s Scones and John Boy the Farmer, amidst many others, will be back in their places at Antiques & Tools, located at 65 Westchester Avenue, which is open every day from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in Joan’s shop, you don’t need it. For more information, give a ring to 764-0015 or 764-5122.

Happy Passover and joyous Easter to all of our readers.