Bedford/Pound Ridge RECORD-REVIEW: "Talk of the Town"

"Talk of the Town"

By BONNI BRODNICK

The 4th of July is nigh. Hope you are poised with all the cook-out goodies, the lawn is trimmed, flowers are deadheaded, and your American flag proudly hung for this glorious summer celebration that has long been in the planning at the Town House. In January, dates are decided and funds approved by the Town Board. Fireworks are confirmed with the company, at the same time Marianne Vitelli, executive assistant to Town Supervisor Gary Warshauer, presents the contracts for review. In February, there’s tons of paperwork (contracts signed for fireworks, buses, etc.). In April, letters go to the Pound Ridge Recreation Department for permission to use the park, to various real estate owners to use their parking facilities, and to the Pound Ridge Fire, Police and Maintenance Departments (all of whom do a tremendous job, with lots of hands-on preparation both for the 4th and on the 4th). In May, more letters are sent to businesses for donations, a contributors list is completed, and details confirmed. In June, the Town Board is requested to use the funds that were approved in January. In July, fireworks boom! After which, checks are disbursed, thank you letters and receipts are sent to all contributors, businesses and residents … and then it immediately starts all over again for 4th of July 2011.
But don’t worry your pretty heads with all of the details. This Saturday, July 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, July 4), plan to join your friends and neighbors in the Town Park. Bring a picnic, or support the Pound Ridge Boy Scouts who will be providing food and drinks as a fundraiser. According to our source (Marianne V.), this year’s pyrotechnics will be unforgettable. Look forward to 18 different displays, one of which will be 300 assorted multi-break special effect shells. In another display, there will be a few hundred (with never less than 40) fireworks set off. In the body of this great glare will be 18 types of displays and for the Big Boom Grand Finale, there are 13 displays, including stand-out assorted lighting flashes and what is known as the “Fancy Gold Spider.” Your contribution makes the traditional celebration possible. If you haven’t yet made it, please send your check, payable to the Town of Pound Ridge, to the Town House, 179 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge 10576.

You might want to stick around the Town Park, because on Tuesday, July 6 at 5 p.m., the town pool will host the first swim and dive meet of the 2010 season. Team ALE will travel from Armonk to take on the renowned Pound Ridge Dolphins. “Come on out and enjoy the fresh air and happy faces as our divers and swimmers flex their muscle for the first of three ‘A’ home meets,” writes swimming mom Evelyn Carmichael. Other meets take place early in the mornings on Saturday, July 10 against Lakeside and on Saturday, July 17 against Briarcliff. Admission is free for bleacher seats at poolside. Come out and support our local aquatic athletes.
Name that Inn! Philip Maniatty and David Schlack, the owners of North Star Restaurant, which has been successfully established in Scott’s Corners for over five years, are pleased to announce that this fall they will be opening a new restaurant at the old Emily Shaw's Inn in the hamlet. Before doing so, they’re asking all townsfolk for their help in giving the new restaurant a name. For inspiration, note that the new place will dedicate the upstairs to special events and parties (weddings, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, debutante balls, baptisms and confirmations, baby showers, engagement, and bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, any event you can think of). The downstairs of the Inn will be a wonderful new restaurant brimming with fresh food, excellent wine, good cheer, and a comfortable atmosphere. The menu and wine list will slightly differ from North Star, thereby complementing one another nicely. At the same time, the decor at the Inn will retain much of its charming original stone and wood elements. “Some changes will be made, but our goal is to preserve as much as possible of the rich history of this special building,” said Phil. So put on your thinking caps. Submit your name suggestions to northstarrestaurant@hotmail.com or fill out a ballot at North Star Restaurant in person. Names must be received by midnight on Friday, July 16, 2010. The top 10 will be chosen by a panel of judges and will appear in the Record-Review on July 23 for a final vote by town residents. The winning name will be announced soon thereafter. Think Inn-ish thoughts and be a part of Pound Ridge history.