I remember a lot of that day eleven years ago, but more about the days after. Vividly, violently confronted with the previously unimaginable, people in the NY metro area clung to each other in their horror and grief. From this vulnerability came tenderness and kindness.
In the days-weeks-months that followed, I remember reading reports on how many took definitive actions. Actions that affirmed who you were, what you believed in, and what you wanted from your precious, remaining days here on this earth.
Some enlisted, others made life decisions they had been dallying with, deciding to marry-or divorce; to have children, or to change jobs. Six weeks after the attacks we bought a house.
Last year the media here was brutal, beating the sensationalistic drum for the tenth anniversary remembrance for a month before. Inescapable, I was conflicted and angry-what, I’m not sad or grief-stricken enough? and guilty-with such close proximity to NYC, how was I spared any direct loss? and how can whatever I feel be of any importance, compared to what the friends and families of those that were killed have to live with every day?
Loss, grief and ways of coping are all very personal. While I respect and honor others’ feelings, and their time table, just being passively sad does not work for me. I feel it’s a waste of the wonderful gift we have, when we wake up every morning with oxygen in our lungs.
My good friend Heather does a 9-11 memorial stair climb, where she prays while reading the names of those who were killed, while climbing 110 flights on the Stairmaster. I like that a lot. And I love that more and more this time of year calls attention to service.
As much as we wish otherwise, we cannot change the past, we can only shape the future. Using the memory of that terrible time can collectively spur us on to make better days, and help us to live our best life on September 12th…January 10th…April 30th…etc. Taking action. Giving back.
Each and every one of us can ‘do’ something, even if it’s quiet prayer, or sharing a kind word or gesture with a stranger. Those in the Hudson Valley looking for a more substantial connection could find it in The Volunteer Center. They match your time, talents and interests to a specific local need. They are also a year-round entity, so no worries if your availability does not coincide with a memorable day. Kindness matters…pass it on.
Medical Equipment Drive At Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, White Plains NY 10605
October is Physical Therapy Month, and to mark the occasion, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains is holding a medical equipment drive.
Now, through October 31st your unneeded crutches, walkers, manual wheelchairs, canes and braces can be dropped off at any one of their five area collection points.
Things many of us have accumulated in our garage and attics can now be put back to use, and genuinely make a difference in someone elses’ life.
Once all good, working equipment is collected and checked, it will be redistributed free among their patients in need, and to AmeriCares, to aid and assist people in need both domestically and internationally.
Note equipment must be serviceable and in usable condition; anything requiring batteries or electricity will not be accepted. For questions, or more information, please contact Sandra Alexandrou, PT at salexand@burke.org
Home Is Where There’s Furniture… And Lamps... And A Rug: Furniture Drive Coming To Armonk This Saturday 10/15 9am-3pm
OK< we all know it’s where the heart is, too; it’s just darn hard for the heart to be happy if there is no place to sit, put your clothes away, do homework, or have a family meal.
If you have unwanted furniture that’s clogging up your home, let me tell you how you can make a meaningful difference in the life of a neighbor this weekend.
As part of the Town of North Castle’s (a.k.a. Armonk) Zero Waste Day, Furniture Sharehouse will be behind Town Hall from 9am to 3pm, accepting your donations of clean, basic, average-size usable furniture, as well as working kitchen appliances, lamps, mirrors, and rugs.
Furniture Sharehouse is Westchester County’s non-profit furniture bank. All-volunteer, it’s the Robin Hood of average, basic, clean unwanted furniture (and some furnishings). Nothing is sold, and it’s not open to the public. Furniture is collected, then re-distributed free of charge ty appointment, to clients of almost 40 social service agencies in Westchester. This video, filmed in 2008 as part of a pitch to PBS captures the entire experience; the updated numbers of families furnished is hovering around 1500.
While the basics like kitchen/dining tables and chairs, dressers, as well as upholstered sofas and mattress/boxspring sets are always the most in demand, there are limitations on size, and the types of things that can be accepted, so before you load up the SUV< please check out these guidelines:
Donors will not only be reclaiming some real estate in their home, they will be keeping things out of the waste stream, and helping all our tax dollars go further, both from reduced debris removal costs, as well as supporting services that support the less fortunate. Lastly, as a 501c organization, receipts for tax purposes are given,.
If you can’t make the drive, have too much to bring, or will have a donation to make at another time-pick ups are available. just follow the above link to the website for more information.
Stop by the drive and say hello if you’re in the area, but remember Furniture Sharehouse is open year-round, so even if you’re drawing blanks on how to help with this drive-telling your friends, and remembering it exists is a wonderful contributionin itself.
And REALTORS: if you would like more information on how Furniture Sharehouse can be a helpful resource for your office/your clients who are moving-please be in touch with me directly.
WHY stands for World Hunger Year, an event that turned into an organization.
Back in 1975 its co-founders, the late Harry Chapin, and DJ Bill Ayers had no idea either how successful their efforts would be, or unfortunately, how much they would be needed.
Formed in early 1975, WHY set out to find an answer to why there was so much poverty and hunger in a world that could feed itself.
Harry, the gregarious singer and humanitarian activist partnered with Bill, and NYC’s famed WNEW 102.7 FM radio station to broadcast the first Hungerthon, a 24-hour call-in fundraiser on Thanksgiving weekend.
This all comes to mind because stunningly, it was 30 years ago today that Harry Chapin’s very bright light went out. On his way to perform at a free benefit concert, in a car accident in Long Island NY.
This sudden and double loss of both talent and promise made wondering ‘what if’? particularly poignant, but it also propelled WHY-now called WhyHunger- onto great things.
Appropriately, this week, WhyHunger was one of 1,500 charities-out of over 1.2 million-to receive a four-star designation from Charity Navigator, the premiere charity rating organization in the country.
Harry wrote and sang songs about ordinary people, in ordinary circumstances; but he told their stories with extraordinary humor, grace, and insight.
Life lived, love-lost and found, and dreams dared to be pursued were some of his favorite topics.
Inspiration for many of his songs came from real life-his own, and others. I Want To Learn A Love Song is the story of how he met his wife, Sandy; I like to think perhaps Dreams Go By was his vision for their future.
Circle is probably one of his more well-known ballads, but my heart absolutely soars when I hear the haunting and bittersweet tale of Mr. Tanner. It’s 7o’s video, but relax and make your ears happy.>
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Now that you know about Why Hunger, please keep them in mind, and watch for them in my annual holiday gift-giving with heart series, Giving the Gift.
Four years ago I came to know of Furniture Sharehouse through an article in the local paper…where unwanted, unneeded furniture in good condition was collected, then re-distributed free, to local residents in need.
Victims of fire or floods, displaced seniors and veterans, families moving into more permanent housing were some of their clients.
Working retail at the time, it was a great referral for clients who were buying things, and were looking for a place to donate what they no longer wanted/needed, but they knew would be of value to someone else.
Shortly thereafter, I launched the refreshed home, so with a more flexible schedule, I was able to get involved. Since then, Furniture Sharehouse has become near and dear to my heart.
Here is a video that was created 2-1/2 years ago by award-winning Mamaroneck journalist Polly Kriesman as part of a pitch for a PBS series. (PBS ultimately passed, their loss but our gain, thank you Polly!) And ohyes, current tally shows Furniture Sharehouse has now helped furnish 1400 Westchester families, with furniture worth over $1.6M…
As you might imagine, the basics are always in demand: sofas, kitchen tables and chairs, dressers and BEDS. From week to week, it’s never known what will be donated, until we get that call or email, so we scramble…while we can usually meet most clients’ needs, sometimes we just don’t have what they need.
Today, our collective hearts were full with joy.
Thanks to a grant from the United Way, shipping and storage services from Connie Levene and John Levene of CONRI Services, and the good folks at Tempur-pedic, over 100 sets of bedding were donated to Furniture Sharehouse.
News12 covered the event, and at the end of the day, the Mannings’ kids will be sleeping in real mattresses.
Evoking Maslow’s Hirearchy of Needs, I have seem the good that can happen, once the basics of someone’s home are met.
Chappaqua NY Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast Saturday May 14
Most of us have a passing familiarity with Rotary International…we see the signs, telling us where they meet, we hear stories of events they hold, or projects they do, we may even recognize their motto-Service Above Self….but it all seems rather distant…until you actually meet and talk with some of them.
Through my association with Furniture Sharehouse, I have gotten to know several of the local groups, today I would like to give a shout out to the very fine folks of the Chappaqu Rotary, and ask for your support for their upcoming event.
As an institution, Rotary International was the world’s first service cluborganization. Currently there are 1.2 millon members world-wide, in 33,ooo groups.
They work at all levels-locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally-to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, and promote peace.
Eradicating polio is their #1 project, their united vision for the future.
To that end, all the different groups run various fund-raising projects to support these ventures, and this Saturday, you can help.
Believe it or not, all you have to do is show up and eat.
REALLY.
This Saturday, May 14, from 8am to 1pm, in the Parish Hall of St. Mary the Virgin on Greeley Avenue, the Chappaqua Rotary will be hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast. Tickets will be sold at the door, $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids and seniors.
Funds raised will be used to support projects both near and far; among those in the former category are Westchester’s Interfaith Food Pantry, Food Bank for Westchester, the Northern Westchester Shelter, and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.
To support YET ANOTHER very basic, very local need, they will also be sponsoring a Blood Drive from 8:00 til 1:3o. Interested donors should contact John Erlich 914.602.3410.
Here from last years’ event are at left Joe Sabalia, and current Club President Penny Paderewski, and at right, John Ehrlich.
Friendly faces, right??
Go!! And bring friends!! Please support these people who are so committed to supporting the rest of us.
Tomorrow, the WP High School will be the scene for a furniture drive, to benefit Furniture Sharehouse.
To be held from 9am to 1pm, in the North Street parking lot, opposite the “Y”, the furniture drive will be run by the High School’s Interact Club, and sponsored by the White Plains Rotary.
(Pictured at left are students from Pace University, from a previous drive).
Interact is the world-wide high school arm of Rotary International; Nick Wolff, a Realtor with Rand Realty in White Plains is the Rotary mentor/liaison.
As regular readers will know, Furniture Sharehouse is very near to my heart. It is Westchester County’s furniture bank.
Non-profit, not open to the public, and not selling anything; Furniture Sharehouse collects clean, basic furniture in good condition, and some home furnishings (like rugs, lamps, mirrors, and small kitchen appliances), then re-distributes them free to clients of almost 40 different Westchester agencies.
Two-and-a-half years ago, independent producer Polly Kriesman of Larchmont filmed ’A Day in the Life’ type segment at Furniture Sharehouse as part of of new series pitch to PBS. Very graciously she has allowed it to be shared, click here to see.
While the story is unchanged, the actual numbers have: As of March 31st, about to start the fifth year of operation, nearly 1300 Westchester families have been furnished with almost 17,000 donated items, worth roughly $1.3 milliondollars.
18 months ago, 3 or 4 client appointments a day were the norm; now it’s 6, sometimes 8 appointments. Open year-round, and making pick-ups throughout the county, furniture drives help to keep the aisles full to meet the increasing need.
You have read this far because you know, understand and appreciate what having a home for your family means-a table to eat a meal on, a dresser to put your clothes away in, a bed to sleep in.
Every spring, in the Archdiocese of New York, seminarians from nearby St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers visit local parishes, to speak of their vocation, and ask for your support. They outline 3 simple points, and I will take a page out of their book:
First- consider donating furniture/ furnishings you no longer need or want. Your donation would not only go to Westchester neighbors in need, it’s green and you would get a receipt for your taxes as well.
Click here for details, inc. donation suitability guidelines. Drop-offs are always encouraged, but if you aren’t able to make the drive, or just have no way to transport, pick-ups are available.
Second-maybe you have some extra time, talents, or services you would like to share? Volunteers keep the heart of Furniture Sharehouse beating strong, please email info@furnituresharehouse.org to have that conversation.
Third-remember Furniture Sharehouse is a year-round organization, and tell your friends…your neighbors and co-workers…your book club and lacrosse parents…your social action committees and professional organizations.
By sharing this post, or forwarding these links, you will be giving the greatest gift of all, 365 days a year. Thank you!!
A few hours ago, a fast-moving fire took the life of an elderly woman in Yorktown Heights. It was noted several time throughout the newscast that firefighters did all they could to rescue the lone resident of the home.
While the cause is still being investigated, firefighters told News 12 that the amount of debris in the house made searching for, and the attempted rescue of the victim very difficult.
In January 2008, under eerily similar circumstances, an elderly couple in Yonkers also lost their lives when their home caught fire and firefighters could not navigate the home to search for them, due to piles and piles of debris-many 5 feet tall or more.
While we are probably all guilty of letting clutter accumulate from time to time, this much stuff is not clutter, it’s a deadly hazard.
In the event that any emergency worker is needed in your home, precious moments are lost when clear access to, and through rooms is not available.
Children’s toys, too much furniture, piles of paper or magazines, even ‘neatly’ stacked boxes-anywhere in the home-can contribute to a tragedy.
Senior citizens, often with diminished mobility and limited social contacts seem to be the most as-risk.
They may not have the strength or funds to remove things, they may be embarrassed to ask for help, or they may just not recognize the danger. To that end:
-Clean out: sell, donate, recycle what you don’t want/need, and get off-site storage for what you must keep, but don’t need or use regularly.
-Make sure you have the correct number of smoke, fire and CO2 detectors in place. It is simple, cheap and smart; it is also the law. Test the batteries monthly, vaccumn dust out regularly, and change batteries at least once a year.
-Reach out to your neighbors, especially the senior citizens. Check in, know who-and where the rest of their family is, and how to reach them.
The town of East Rochester NY will always have my deepest gratitude: their keeping a collective eye on Grandma Stella let her stay in the town she always lived in, and gave us-7 hours away-real peace of mind.
If they need help with chores, offer- or research it within your community. Most high schools have community service as a requirement for graduation now, and here in Westchester, the Volunteer Center can point you in the right direction.
-While you don’t want to interfere, or violate any one’s privacy, if you do notice any dangerous conditions, let family, and/or officials know. And spread the word! As the poet Robert Louis Stevenson once simply noted, “Take care of each other”
Have talked about ActiveRain before…it’s an online community of real estate professionals, now aver 200K strong. Have been an AR member a little over a year, active with it about 9 months. I’ve learned a lot, adding both smarts and polish to my repertoire.
Technology options and applications is a skill that does not come easily to me; I personally know and have worked with ARers numbers 1-3 in our area, and a big shout-out to each has generously helped me:
White Plains’ Ruthmarie Hicks has helped me understand Google juice is not a new sports drink (although if someone was looking to develop one and market it to realtors…); just yesterday Debbie Gartner of Floor Coverings International recognized a need and offered to show me how to wrap text around graphics on my posts, and Phil Faranda even volunteered to go to the Verizon store with me and rough them up a bit on my behalf..what pals!!
Now I know Phil is really excited about mixing it with those Verizon folks, but truth is I know them all, and friends help friends. What about people who don’t really know each other?
Last night I tested the whole professional help and support thing out. Felt kind of sheepish, but thought WTH and went with it. W-O-W!
Did a post titled I Need To Upgrade My Phones, Any Recommendations?and only sent it to 2 AR groups I joined moments before, Tech Corner and Gadgets, Tools and Extras. (Checking in with groups you had no strength or expertise in-and asking for help-IMAGINE!)
Literally within moments I got my first reply; over a dozen within the half-hour. Plus two others who had the same questions I did, and was just as interested in the feedback. At 1am on a Sunday morning, EST.
I learned 2 things from this: yes-about phones/service, but more importantly, it was a real gut-level learning moment-how to ask. Have found the fellowship among AR members to be both supportive and challenging, thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Looking to make a move this week, watch for the post script!
Saturday’s talk at the Ossining Library went really well: thank you to James Trapasso who schedules the programs, Edgar, who helped with the set up, and to all of you who made it there, and for your thoughtful questions.
Sunday’s 40 degree temps inspired a few email inquiries, so those getting a head start on Staging their home or their Spring Cleaning, here are some resources I like to recommend…
REALTORS: Please take SPECIAL NOTE-as your clients get closer to moving into-or out of a property, their usable, unwanted goods can make a world of difference to a local family in need. Please pass this around within your office.
Furniture Sharehouse takes your gently used, average-sized unwanted furniture, some furnishings, and working small appliances, and re-distributes them free to clients of 3 dozen Westchester agencies. Click here for link to site, and check donation and pick-up guidelines. Also here is video clip that was filmed as part of pitch to PBS.
Northern Westchester Shelter, also known as Hope’s Door has been providing safety and support to survivors of domestic abuse since 1980. Their space is small, and their needs change from week to week, but new to gently -used clothing (all different sizes) and baby items are usually high on their priority list.
Please email them or give them a call 914.747.0828 to check and see (they also keep an email list for when there are multiple, or especially great specific needs, if you’d like to subscribe)
Pets Alive Westchester(click here) in Elmsford, and SPCA in Briarcliff(click here) are both no-kill animal shelters that welcome towels and bed linens to make their animals’ lives easier, softer, and warmer. Check sites for guidelines of other needs.
No matter where you live, there are thrift shops that use your donations to raise funds for good causes; and any501c3 charity will give you a donor receipt for your taxes.
Even though tossing may be the quickest/easiest thing to do, your donation could make a real impact by considering taking this extra step. Check the phone book, google around, or call me if you are stuck/in need of a good recommendation-and thank you!!
Recycling and re-purposing are words we generally start hearing around spring…you know, when we start feeling alive again, and want to change the world.
Recycling statistics for Westchester are very impressive, and IMHO a lot of credit goes to both past-and present-county administration for making, then keeping recycling front and center to county residents.
But sorry, I still think we can all do more. Could there be a better New Year’s resolution than to make greener living a bigger part of your and your family’s life?
If some of your ‘stuff’ has outlived it’s useful life cycle, please do look into arrangements for breaking it down/re-purposing it responsibly.
If you are in possession of goods that seem to still have some usage in them, but just not needed in your life or household, re-purposing them could be the answer. Here are some links to check out and get more info, and donation guidelines.
United Way of Westchester and Putnam has the 211 program that serves as a clearing house, connecting people with stuff to county agencies that need them.
Freecycle is probably best described as a free, online swap meet. You need to register, but free of cost and spam. Simply people who have-or want- stuff post it, people who can help respond.
Furniture Sharehouse accepts your basic furniture and some furnishings to be re-distributed; free to clients of about 3 dozen local agencies.
Pets Alive (previoulsy Elmsford Animal Shelter and SPCA of Briarcliff are both no-kill shelters, and will gratefully accept your sheets, towels and blankets to lend warmth and comfort to the animals they rescue.
Even if you are already lean and green, please consider bookmarking and sharing/forwarding this info to others in your circle…every little bit adds up.
Ghandi once said “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
There is nothing wrong with malls, we all need a new scarf/tie/pair of gloves/etc. every so often…but if you are looking for something with greater meaning, how about supporting a change you, or a loved one would like to see in the world?
Wherever you or your loved one is, there are non-profit (501c3) organizations that would welcome donations of both time and money, at any time of year. Kids or teens pledging volunteer time as a gift to a parent/grandparent could pay great dividends to all concerned.
There is no shortage of good causes. The typically most at-risk seniors and women with young children are now joined by all the other segments of the population, all in need of the most basic support-food and shelter. Here are some local organizations, and links to their websites to get you started/inspired.
Meals on Wheels is both a local and a national program, started originally to serve the elderly and otherwise home bound. They operate year round, bringing prepared meals, as well as companionship to those they serve.
Food Bank of Westchester The statistics are sobering; almost 200K Westchester residents are hungry, or at risk of being hungry; and 83% of them are either seniors, or under the age of 18.
Formerly known as FoodPATCH, Food Bank for Westchester collects, warehouse and distribute 6 million pounds of food a year, supplying 95% of all the food for approx 200 front-line food providers county-wide: soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, day care centers and other hunger-relief centers in Westchester.
The Bridge Fund Founded here in Westchester in 1991, and since has been the model for organizations in NYC, CT and MA; The Bridge Fund aids working poor families/individuals who are in imminent danger of losing their housing. Last year they handled almost 2800 requests for help, and ultimately prevented 312 evictions and foreclosures.
All of what they do, and the individualized way they do it doesn’t fit this 5-8 sentence format, so I would urge you to click the link above, and find out more about them.
Furniture Sharehouse Near and dear to my heart, Furniture Sharehouse collects and re-distributes clean and serviceable furniture free, to clients of about 3 dozen local agencies.
Started in April 2007, they crossed their 1000th Westchester family served in September.
Pets Alive is the new name of the Elmsford Animal Shelter. Still the only no-kill shelter in the area, they merged with Pets Alive rehabilitation sanctuary in Middletown NY earlier this year.
They support animals, and the people that want to adopt them. Again, their programs and needs are varied, please click link above to find out more.
Gifts are an expression of affection, and meant to bring enjoyment. Gifts that also help support and grow that source of enjoyment are among the most delightful to receive.
The gift of a membership to an organization is also a heck of a good value. Besides keeping the fan posted on upcoming events, there are perks like discounted, or even free event admission, upgrades, members-only events, product giveaways, and reduced pricing at affiliated shops or sponsors. For families with young children-you just cannot go wrong.
Here are some local favorites that do a great job of elevating us all.
Teatown Lake Reservation is an 800+ acres of nature preserve and education center, centrally located in Ossining, minutes off the Taconic Parkway, Route 134 exit. They offer a non-stop calendar of events; hands-on and family friendly-to specialty hikes and workshops, many free of charge.
Advocates of nature-friendly living, and steward to the land, Teatown is a treasure-you have to go to their website to believe all they offer.
A big favorite is their their annual EagleFest: an annual celebration of American Bald Eagles, as they return to the Hudson Valley; it’s for Sat 2/5.
Individual memberships are $35.00 (Students/Seniors) to $50.00, and $75.00 for Family.
WFUV 90.7FM is a listener-supported public radio, licensed to Fordham University for-wow-almost 60 years. They feature contemporary/alternative music of every stripe, lots of original programing, NPR news and and have some of the most engaging hosts on the New York airways-names we have grown up with-Dennis Elsas, Darren DeVivo, Pete Fornatale, and Vin Scelsa’s Idiots’Delight-running now 35 years.
My husband Doug never met a style of music he didn’t like, thisstation is a favorite. Membership was a great anniversary gift for him a few years back, this program has especially generous member perks and programs.
Basic membership is $60.00 and has several different levels, with thank-you gifts that escalate in value as the membership level rises.
Have written about museums before; very little can shake a funk, or inspire me like a stolen few hours learning about a time, idea, style or artist.
Hudson River Museum is one of my favorites for several reasons: it’s in a contemporary structure, joined to a great old house, right on the Hudson River. Maybe 15 minutes away, lots of free parking, they have a quality regular programs, a genuinely interesting schedule of shows and events, great gift shop and OHYES, there’s theplanetarium. Seeing the seasonal night skies is such a change of pace fun adventure.
Unlimited free admission, then there is FWMA…Fairfield-Westchester Museum Alliance. Short story is that membership to one gets you free admission to the other seven. For a whole year. REALLY. $25.00-35.00 for Seniors, $50.00 for dual adults, $60.00 for a family.
One of the founding beliefs behind the refreshed home is that local, greater good and supporting the community will enrich us all, exponentially.
Art could have been one of the earliest examples of paying it forward. Art makes you happy, and by extension, makes the rest of the world a better place.
With these statements I am very pleased to launch the beginning of a series that will be running thru the month of December: Giving the Gift.
Each post will introduce you to some of the smart and creative people we have right in our own backyard: their talents, and where to find them, so any gift-giving you may do this season will not only be unique and meaningful for the recipient,but will pretty much guarantee your becoming a better worldcitizen, too.
Today I visited the Mamaroneck Artist’s Guild. Roughly 250 members strong, and showcasing original art in a dozen different mediums, the gallery is located on the corner of Boston Post Road (US 1) and Larchmont Avenue. Even on a grey and rainy day, it was a light-filled space, chock full of things I know you will love.
There were a number of artists as well as staff on hand, all very busy, checking in work, and setting up displays in anticipation for the opening day of their Holiday Sale on Wednesday 12/1…talk about timing, I got to see it all, first!!
Suzanne Montresor, the Gallery Manager was very gracious in letting me wander about, and pull some things out to create the vignette you see here. Ready?
Framed photo in back is a beautiful shot of fall foliage reflecting in one of the streams in the Rockefeller Preserve, roughly 18×24, $125.00 (Evelyne Aponte). Working clockwise: a textured vase in mossy tones, approx 12″ high, $95.00 (Gia Sachidanand), resting on top of a silkscreened silk scarf 12×54, $55.00 (Joan Stern).
Unintentionally the next pieces are from the same artist. Carol Flick has been collecting unique and exotic beads for 30 years. Her keychains are $10.00, the heart pendant, made of picture jasper and vintage beads, strung on a silk cord-$19.00. Rounding out this group is a journal-unlined paper inside, handmade silkscreened paper outside, $22.00 (Mitchell Visoky).
This original unframed oil Provence, 18×14, and $300.00 had great character, but was also peaceful (Lorie Gurion). Lastly-for this post anyway-were these from Kathy Pure Wright. What to say except, ummm, de-lightful?(Sorry, couln’t resist).
Re-purposed lightbulbs (note the CFL on far left) that are painted, glittered, decoupaged and otherwise decorated-as ornaments, $12.00-20.00.
These are just a small sampling of the treasures that lie within. Your purchases not only support local artists, you are supporting the pursuit of art, as MAG gets behind a number of community events throughout the year. SO-what are you waiting for-GO!!
My thanks to the artists, and to Suzanne and Annette DeLucia Lieblein, the Assistant Gallery Manager-for taking the time to answer all my questions. MAG is open year-round, and runs a new show every 3 weeks.
In addition to this blog, I also post on Active Rain, the online community for Real Estate Professionals, 196K strong. Because what I do is so localized, my posts usually start here, and then get edited to fit their wider audience, but this time it’s the other way around.
I would characterize the AR membership as comprised of forward-thinking, busy and successful professionals that share, challenge and support each other, in their lives and communities, as well as their profession.
I’m reading and thinking-this is a worthwhile and easy enough entity, but Georgia? Oregon? Out of curiousity, I clicked to find the nearest collection point. Guess what? The Master’s VineyardChristian Fellowship in PLEASANTVILLE!! Yes, like 8 miles from where I live, right on 117 by Pace.
Went there Monday and met Evans Sabwami. He is an Assistant Pastor at the Fellowship, and has been co-ordinating these drives here since 1999. Walking in, it was hard not to notice the 53′ long trailer in the parking lot. I know how much furniture fits in one of those trailers, so thinking that was an optimistic goal with shoeboxes, I knocked on the door.
Imagine my surprise when I found out last year this collection point collected 22,000 shoeboxes, and that this was the first of TWO trailers they were anticipating filling.
Wait, there’s more.
Do you know what these kids want/need/so appreciate? Crayons. Paper. Pencils. Books. Small toiletries. YUP< school supplies, small toys and arts and crafts things are big…the sort of stuff we would just put in our shopping cart at the supermarket, and not give a second thought to, the stuff we would pick up at the Dollar Store.
Collection week is thru this Monday, November 22nd, 4 more days. Last year 8 million kids were so lovingly gifted, could you add to that number this year?
Click on here for details inc. hours, directions, and how to pack a box.
Have been a furniture and furnishings gal from way back: At age 9, I persuaded my parents to paint the stairway and upstairs hall ceiling yellow and orange (hey, it was the late 60′s) I also moved my bedroom furniture around A LOT.
Went to a school known for fashion, but took every Interior Decorating elective I could. At 21, on a dare, I interviewed for, then accepted a position as a Decorator at Ethan Allen. I discovered dealing with furniture, furnishings, people and their homes was both fun, and surprisingly profound.
About 3-1/2 years ago I read an article in the local paper about an organization called Furniture Sharehouse. It was a furniture bank that collected unwanted furniture in good condition, and redistributed it free, to clients of various Westchester agencies.
The plan had been to profile their Grand Opening, but that April 2007 weekend, a nor’easter slammed the East coast, dumping almost 8 inches of rain in Westchester, flooding much of the Sound Shore area. So instead, the story told of how 65 families who had lost everything were furnished out of a tent in Harbor Island Park by this Furniture Sharehouse organization.
Kept that article for 2 reasons: first as a referral for clients who wanted a good home for their unwanted or unneeded furniture; second, because I thought…’one day, I might want to be a part of that’. Guess what? http://www.vimeo.com/9747580
In 1943 Abraham Maslow proposed what he called his Hierarchy of Needs. Simply stated, an individual could grow, evolve, and deal with larger, more challenging issues only once their more basic needs were met. Don’t want to get all preachy here, but if you’ve read this far, maybe even watched the video, you get it.
Home is where we all start from. Help someone get their space together, you make an immediate and concrete difference in their life, it’s that simple.
Furniture Sharehouse is a year round operation, and is fast closing in on their 1000th Westchester family served. Later this month (10/22) is their inaugural fundraiser, to be held at the Larchmont Yacht Club; Saturday 10/23 is the next furniture drive, held in Armonk as part of their town-wide Zero Waste Day.
The web site has all the details, www.furnituresharehouse.org and your donations of furniture (including pick ups), time, talents, supplies or funds can all be processed thru the site. Remember-weall can do something, ‘just’ spreading the word among your friends, neighbors, family, colleagues and clients is huge.
We’ve all got stuff we need to get rid of-old stuff, stuff that is broken or otherwise unserviceable, stuff we don’t want or need anymore. Growing up, this stuff just got put out at the curb and was whisked away-out of sight, out of mind.
Ahh, the bliss of childhood. Now as grownups we not only have to deal our over-abundance of stuff, but how to responsibly deal with it. Enter Junkluggers.
Chances are you’ve seen the bright lime green trucks, or maybe you’ve heard the catchy name. Yes, these guys come and take what you don’t want. But-channeling Paul Harvey now-here’s the rest of the story.
They have developed a network of local charitable organizations, and will sort thru your stuff, taking what is serviceable to the appropriate agency, on your behalf, and get you a receipt from these organizations for your taxes.
SO-you not only reclaim some real estate in your home, but anything usable goes to people who could use it, you get a tax-deduction, stuff stays out of landfills…and all you have to do is pick up the phone.
I first met Asher Fink almost 2 years ago, when he was visiting my BNI group. Regular readers know that after the refreshed home, Furniture Sharehouse, Westchester’s non-profit furniture bank- is my #2 passion.
Heard what he did and persuaded him to follow me to the warehouse right after the meeting, and they have since become one of our strongest community partners and most ardent supporters. Here’s a recent segment from CBS news where they so graciously shared the spotlight.
Home Is Where There’s Furniture. And Lamps. And A Rug.
OK< we all know it’s where the heart is, too; it’s just darn hard for the heart to be happy if there is no place to sit, put your clothes away, do homework, or have a family meal.
Furniture Sharehouse is a project that resonates on so many levels. They collect your average, basic and clean furniture/some furnishings-to re-distribute them F-R-E-E, by appointment, to clients of 32 Westchester agencies.
Yes they do take clean mattresses and upholstery, small working appliances like lamps, microwaves and toaster ovens, and accessories like wall art, mirrors and rugs. And while drop-offs are always preferred, pickups are available.
So: you reclaim your attic/garage/etc AND get a tax deduction, less goes into landfills, and someone will love your unneeded furniture as much as you once did-not a bad deal!!
And on Saturday April 24thFurniture Sharehouse will be in Armonk, behind North Castle Town Hall, as part of Zero Waste Day. Come by, say hello, maybe even contribute! Complete details and donation guidelines www.furnituresharehouse.org .
