RECORD-REVIEW "Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

The daffodils have captured the poet and his pen
And live in golden words engraved with loving art
And still they open bravely dancing once again,
To springtime and renewal, the rebirth of the heart.

I muse in wonder at this plot of splendid grace
New daffodils are opening to meet the morning bright,
Their radiance inspiring shines across the place,
Some hidden birdsong praises with notes of pure delight.

By Richard A. George, Poet Laureate

Internationally renowned photographer Lisl Steiner has an enviable portfolio. Through the years she has photographed Henri Cartier-Bresson; Pat and Richard Nixon, Pablo Casals, Carmen Amaya; Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Tito Capobianco and Leonard Bernstein, Betty Parsons, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Miles Davis, Dizzie Gillespie, B.B. King, Norman Mailer, and even Fidel Castro’s boots. “These days I am into small things,” Lisl said. “Now that everything is written about ‘the best,’ ‘the most perfect and extraordinary,’ I am attracted to minimalism and recently photographed a daisy, the most humble and romantic of flowers. Tearing off each petal and asking, ‘Does he love me or does he not?’ is an old custom in many parts of the world.” Lisl’s very big daisy is now on exhibit at Plum Plums in Scotts Corners. Go see what all the buzz is about as you do your chores in Scotts Corners this weekend.

Annual Derby Day is at the Gate. The Pound Ridge Republican Town Committee will hold its Annual Derby Day Party on Saturday May 1, beginning 4 p.m. at the residence of Lisa and John Sauro. Folks of all political persuasions are welcome to attend the buffet dinner, open bar, fun and conversation, in addition to watching/cheering the Kentucky Derby. Also included is the opportunity to meet neighbors and friends, along with local, state and national office holders and candidates. The cost is $35 per person. For additional information and to make reservations, call Frank Sisti at 764-5622.

“I Love You Because” … well a bunch of reasons. It also happens to be the name of the wonderful, romantic musical comedy brought to us by the Pound Ridge Theater Company and Acting Company of Greenwich. It is practically guaranteed that you’ll be humming the songs at intermission and beyond. Performances at Conant Hall are April 23, 24, 25*, 29, and 30; May 1, 7, 8 and 9. Greenwich performances at The First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich are on May 14, 15, 16*, 21, and 22. (*Captioned for the Hearing Impaired on April 25 and May 16.) To reserve tickets to “I Love You Because,” call 764-1902 or email prtc01@yahoo.com.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9 and there’s a new book called “Dinner for Busy Moms” that offers lots of tips and sanity savers for how to get dinner on the table (without the guilt of being rushed, or feeling like you don’t have enough time to prepare and cook). The book is written by Westchester author/writer/fellow harried mom Jeanne Muchnick, former editor of Baby Magazine and senior editor of InTown whose parenting stories have also appeared in a slew of national consumer magazines including Woman’s Day and Parenting. Jeanne’s book offers a basic message to encourage families to eat together — and yes Chinese and pizza count (as does breakfast for dinner). Her doable can-do mantra: It’s not about what you’re serving that matters, but that you’re all sitting together to enjoy a meal. “Study after study shows that time spent gathered at the kitchen table is a significant way to strengthen family bonds,” Jean wrote. “Dinner for Busy Moms’ isn’t a cookbook, but rather a strategy guide filled with expert advice. Proceeds from profits of the book benefit Family-to-Family, an organization (www.family-to-family.org) founded by Westchester mom Pam Koner which creates a bridge between suburban communities with enough to share and some of our country's most impoverished areas. The other “Mom Power” connection is the fact that the company that published the book is owned by Julie Trelstad, a mom of twins in White Plains, and is printed on paper that’s sustainable and earth-friendly. PleasemayIbeexcused? Yes, you may. But don’t forget to push in your chair and order “Dinner for Busy Moms” at www.jeannemuchnick.com.