Annual Zwilling J.A. Henckels Warehouse Sale 12/2-12/4 In Hawthorne
Got any serious chefs on your shopping list? Then don’t miss the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Anual Warehouse Sale this coming weekend December 2nd-4th, at the Hawthorne location on Saw Mill River Road.
Since 1731 the German-based firm has been committed to the highest standards in quality, precision implements. shoppers can expect to find great deals on quality in the form of Henckel knives of every possible size and use-including those specifically for sushi!- along with blocks and cutting boards; stainless AND cast iron cookware, flatware, kitchen gadgets, personal grooming gadgets, and scissors(regular, kitchen, flower!), as well as all sorts of boxed gift sets.
Even if you’re not quite ready for your own cable cooking show, a good knife makes everything easier. We got several the weekend before-one a serrated-carving type thing that let me cut the leftover turkey carcass into managable sizes for soup, and a pair of great paring knives, each less than $5.00, I believe. There were also melon-ballers, and grapefruit knives-great stocking stuffers!-for I think $7.50
Click above link for directions and hours, and Happy Shopping!
HINT: you probably know exactly where it is, one building north of the Multi-Plex in Hawthorne on Route 9A. They have people to direct traffic, but best to approach from the north so you can slide right in, and not interfere with theater or sale traffic.
Also it’s a crowded space-both with merchandise and shoppers. Keep the big bag and puffy coat in the car, and although there are a few picnic tables outside, probably best not to bring the kids.
Have you seen that commercial for a mobil phone service, where a guy standing in Grand Central whips off his trench coat, and breaks into a spirited dance, only to realize he is dancing solo…THEN his old, outdated phone receives the text that the events’ time has been changed.
This premise was inspired by the real-life NewYork based comedy collective know as Improv Everywhere. Just over 10 years ago, Charlie Todd, a comediam from The Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater started putting together the unusual, attention grabbing pranks…er, “MISSIONS” that would involve numerous players-most of whom don’t know each other-all to be played out on a big city stage.
Calling in sometimes hundreds of volunteers, they turned a GEL conference into a musical, sent 80 blue polo shirt and khaki-wearing players into a Best Buy, even threw a surprise wedding reception for a random couple who just got married at City Hall. Subways are their favorite petri-dishes, though: have hosted Star Wars battles, High Fives , and my personal favorite, their annual No Pants Subway Ride.
Anyone can participate: subscribe to get the videos directly, and info on upcoming missions. Free, no obligation, and no spam, either.
Just came across this , and just had to smile…so delightful, how could you not be happy?
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.
Let’s Get Your House SOLD! Staging For The Average Homeowner
The classic cereal commercial -where two older brothers did not want to try this new breakfast cereal-and instead, gave it to their younger brother, wanting him to go first-reminds me of the reaction I get when it’s time to talk about preparing a house for the market.
Sellers and agents each have their ideas of what it is, and how it works, but it’s still perceived as this dicey territory, and many seem to want to see some buyer interest first….well, if that was working out for you, chances are you wouldn’t be reading this post.
Buyers have a lot to choose from out there. Staging-or preparing your property for the market is a business decision, and a commitment made by people who really want to sell.
Yes, the goal is to make the house look as good as possible, but at the refreshed home,a good solution takes a number of things into consideration: the agents’ pricing and marketing strategy, the local market, and the sellers needs, goals and expectations.
If you have a property you want to -or need to sell-come to the John C. Hart Library on Thursday October 6th, at 7PM. We’ll discuss this mysterious entity known as Staging, learn how to see a property through the eyes of a buyer, and send you home with things you can do to put your property’s best foot forward. Hope to see you there!
Got kids? Grandkids? Know kids? How about just young and heart? Make plans to be at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside next Sunday, September 25th for Celebrate Children’s Book Day.
From noon to 6 pm the grounds of historic, romantic Sunnyside estate will host over 60 children’s book authors and illustrators, many of whom reside in our own backyard.
There will be readings, demonstrations, signings, magic, and even music-provided by Irvington’s own Carole Demas and Paula Janis-co-creators and stars of the beloved TV series, The Magic Garden.
A day spent celebrating children’s books would not be complete without some very special guest appearances, so also look to meet up with Clifford the Big Red Dog, Bunnicula, Franklin the Turtle, and Biscuit!
As the cool aunt and uncle, Doug and I are familiar with some, but be sure to check out two of my new favorites, the husband and wife team of Susanna Reich and Gary Golio. Each is multi-talented and award-winning in their own right, they also just happen to be married.
Susanna’s unique set of life experiences and her love of dance, music and history all come together her books. For example, in Painting the Wild Frontier: The Art and Adventures of George Catlin, the story is told of the 19th century painter whose art both chronicled and championed the rights of Native Americans during a difficult time in our nation’s history. Then, Penelope Baily Takes the Stage the reader journeys right along with a 9 year old who dreams of being an actress, in a time and place when it was not the proper thing to do.
Gary’s books take a more modern, but still decidedly unique approach. Fascinated by art in almost any form-the artist and the finished product, as well as the process, his love of 60′s music comes through loud and clear: His inaugural When Bob Met Woody, was followed by JIMI: Sounds Like A Rainbow and tell the stories of our musical heroes in their younger years, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. (Watch for Spirit Seeker: The Musical Journey of John Coltrane next spring).
Books, by their very presence bring heart and soul into your life, and your space. They bring you places you could not have imagined on your own, how cool is it for someone you love to have that awareness so early on?
Admission is $12.00 adults, $10.00 seniors, $6.00 children 5-17, and free to children under 5, and includes a tour of the the historic home as well. The day is divided into segments, and last admission is at 5pm.
Click here for schedule, list of authors and illustrators, or to buy tickets. Hope to see you there!
Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra: Summer Series at Lasdon Park, Somers NY
One of the best memories I have of being a child are outdoor entertainment, on beautiful summer nights.
Although I hated the John Wayne-Walt Disney double headers my parents insisted we see, LOVED going to the Starlight and Elmsford Drive-Ins (sadly, now Croton Stop and Shop, and Sam’s Club) …watching movies, in the car, in our pajamas was quite a novelty!!
Then there were the Ossining Firemen’s Parades. They ended in Nelson Park, and again, music under the stars, on a blanket…it was bliss.For the next 4 Saturday evenings (July 9-16-23-30) bliss returns. The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra begins another magical season at Lasdon Park, titled Midsummer Night Music.
You lie on your back, bare feet in the grass, as the sunset streaks across the sky, watching another day end, as delightful music is created.
You bring whatever you want-chairs or blankies, food or beverages of your choice. Some people come very, very prepared; there is also food for sale there.
Gates open at 5pm, music is 6-8, with one intermission.
Parking is free on the great front lawn. It’s a haul up the hill, but shuttle buses run continously.
Parents with young children-this might be a good night to book a sitter: there are no special facilities to entertain children; in fact, quiet in the audience is rule. Adult tickets are $17.00, seniors are $12.00, kids 6-12 $5.00, 5 and under are free.
Have written about them in the past…essentially, they make it very easy, and very reasonable to see wonderful, thoughtful movies you might have had to otherwise trek into Manhattan to see…
Assuming you also had the time and skill to first wade thru all the offerings and pick the winners on your own.
So much of what is at the Megs-Mega Plex is like bad fast food…perhaps briefly satisfying but ultimately unsubstantial, and probably not any good for you, either.
BUT-every time we see something there, I always leave feeling wiser, and more evolved as a person.
Tonight Doug and I went to see Buck. It was the real-life story of Buck Brannerman, who-per Robert Redford- is the Horse Whisperer. Of course it’s about horses, but so much more. Trailer is currently on Burns’ home page, click here to check it out.
If you are not familiar with Jacob Burns Theater, here 3 reasons you owe it to yourself to check out:
Shows. Terrific individual movies, but their series are stellar.
We’ve seen several in the past. Last month: Italian Classics; starting Tuesday Sounds of Summer -music documentaries featuring the Van Cliburn Piano competition and Kinshasa-the Congos’s only symphony-to the more familiar Dylan, Beatles, Kinks and Harry Nilsson.
Immediately after, to help squeeze that very last bit of fun out of your summer- Great Party Movies. The Marx Brothers (Animal Crackers) and John Belushi (Animal House) share the screen with the likes of Audrey Hepburn (Breakfast At TIffany’s), Carole Lombard and William Powell (My Man Godfrey).
Location Pleasantville is, well, very pleasant. Easy to get to, easy to park (usually free in local lots at night and on weekends), steps away from Metro North Station, as well as a number of great eating spots (try the Ying Yang prawns at Magic Wok).
Originally the Rome Theater, it was re-worked into several more intimate theaters, each seating about 100-125. Comfy seats, fully accessible, great AC, and you won’t need a home equity line of credit to buy popcorn.
Community Exposure to the arts makes us better and smarter, and builds better community. (Yes, I know that is such a subjective statement, but this is my blog, and I can say these things!!).
Jacob Burns is a good neighbor, and has done much to elevate the community. Great movies and programs for kids of all ages, and an on-going calendar of truly special events.
And their membership is quite a deal…largely deductible, but $5.00 off movie tickets, and other perks, depending on level.
So-make plans for your own Date Night: see something wonderful on big screen, and you’ll see what I mean.
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!!
Without hesitation, let me say Westchester County does an amazing job of establishing and running recycling events throughout the county; many thanks to County Executives, past and present for establishing and continuing this support.
BUT-it is not enough that we get all whipped into a frenzy in mid-April. Think thoughtful choices year-round, and plan ahead for the stuff you no longer need.
Here is the direct link for the entire 2011 Recycling Event Schedule, and here are some suggestions you can do to make a difference:
Open link and save as, or cut/paste and make link part of your email signature
Mark your calendars NOW of all the events
Send it to your clients or co-workers; submit to any company newsletter, or e-bulletin board
Share with the lacrosse moms, book club, PTA, scouts, etc.
Top/right on menu has link to Treasure Hunt, a free service to post and give-away-or get-unwanted, but usable items.
Link will keep you apprised of the upcoming events, like the launch of the facility that can process #3-7 plastics, and the opening of the permanent household recovery center, sometime later this year.
For out of the area friends/family/colleagues-suggest they go to their municipality’s website and get/forward that info to their friends…remember…we’re all in this together!!
Why should I spend money to decorate a house I’m just going to sell?
If someone doesn’t like my collection of ____, well, that’s just too bad!!
Can’t buyers just use their imagination?
Sound familiar? I hear these things every day. Home Staging is not a new concept-it’s an idea that has been around since the 70′s, but for various reasons, it’s been slower to gain traction here in the northeast.
TV shows that feature empty trophy houses filled with high-end furniture, or re-dos with unrealistic budgets and timelines has not helped, either.
Selling your house is a high-stakes proposition. And today, because more people need to live in their house until they sell it, it’s become even more important to find creative, effective reality-based solutions homeowners can live with.
If you- OR YOUR SELLER- have made the decision to sell your house (and get on with your life!)-please join me at 11am on Saturday March 12th, in the Community Room in the Mt. Kisco Public Library, 100 Main Street.
ALL ARE WELCOME!! Bring an open mind, along with your questions, a pad to write on, even some photos of your spaces, if you’d like. Let me help demystify the process, and help you see your property through the eyes of a buyer, so you can get your house SOLD!
Grab your calendars, and your address book: your best justification for catching up with friends, having a new dining experience, while pumping up the local economy is coming!
The 5th Annual Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is returning, running March 14th thru the 27th…
OK, I know< technically, that’s 2 weeks, but all the more opportunities for yum-a-licious adventures, at great savings.
Simply, participating restaurants offer complete lunches for $20.00, dinners for $28.00. REALLY.
Many offer prix fix menus, along with the regular fare, and some may exclude certain days… to have your choice of destinations, go to the site now for listing of restaurants. Listed by county, in alphabetical order, so scroll all the way down forWestchester-easy to see menus, hours, locations, etc. Check it out, and make your reservations today!
Need a boost? Or maybe the makings of a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner? This weekend there are 4 indoor Farmer’s Markets where you can make your inner foodie very happy:
Community Markets co-ordinates a network of local growers, bakers, and other purveyors year-round. This Saturday, February 12th from 9am to 1 pm there will be 3 markets:
-Briarcliff Congregational Church, North State Road, just off Pleasantville Road
-Mt. Kisco Boys and Girls Club, Main Street, near Northern Westchester Hospital
-Mamaroneck, St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 168 Boston Post Road
Great website, click link above for more info, including scheduled vendors and entertainment, recipes, and FAQs about natural and organic foods.
This month, my favorite radio station, 107.1 The Peak will be part of the fun. Follow link above for more info-but here’s a tip: use the commuter lot diagonally across the street, just feed the meter.
29 days til Daylight Savings kicks in, and only 36 days til Spring arrives-YAY!!!!
Why should I spend money to decorate a house I’m just going to sell?
If someone doesn’t like my collection of ____, well, that’s just too bad!!
Can’t buyers just use their imagination?
Sound familiar? I hear these things every day. Home Staging is not a new concept-it’s an idea that has been around since the 70′s, but for various reasons, it’s been slower to gain traction here in the northeast.
TV shows that feature empty trophy houses filled with high-end furniture, or re-dos with unrealistic budgets and timelines has not helped, either.
Selling your house is a high-stakes proposition. And today, because more people need to live in their house until they sell it, it’s become even more important to find creative, effective reality-based solutions homeowners can live with.
If you have made the decision to sell your house (and get on with your life!)-please join me at 10am this Saturday, in the upstairsconference room in the Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Avenue.
Bring an open mind, along with your questions, a pad to write on, even some photos of your spaces, if you’d like. Let me demystify the process, and help you see your property through the eyes of a buyer, so you can get your house SOLD!
Not quite 3 weeks into it, I continue to feel very good about this New Year.
Last weekend, on behalf of a client, I went to one of those ‘Starving Artists’ trunk shows…you know the ones, they set up in a local hotel.
They advertise like crazy a few days before, and they sell wall art for not a lot of money, like $5o.oo for a 2′ x 3′ painting.
Had never been to one before, but this client swore by them, and being we had a deadline to meet, so what the heck.
Walking towards the room, a steady stream of people holding wrapped canvases passed me…good sign, I thought. But when I got there, I was stunned.
There must have been 500 people in this huge room, most holding several canvases quite possessively already, and all were intent on the mission on hand.
Husbands were off to the side, dutifully guarding numerous canvases, while wives were making a second trip around the room; babies were being carried while canvases were in the strollers.
I couldn’t get near the table with 12″ x 12″ canvases for $8.00, it was like a hot craps game was going on behind the throng. Are you seeing how many canvases these people are holding??
And they weren’t just holding them, they were buying them, along with pre-made frames, also value priced.
So why, might you ask, does a feeding frenzy on inexpensive art make me feel so darn good?
I always believe that art can make you happy, but this was more. These were people who were excited about their homes and their space again. They were looking to be happy, and to have things they like around them.
These people are engaged and moving forward; their mood was palpable- upbeat and invigorating, this is a good thing for us all.
The subject matter was 99% landscapes, and a few funky geometrics, I never did find anything suitable for my client. But I did find this little guy…is it my imagination, or is he winking??
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.
Jacob Burns Theater, Pleasantville’s gem of an art house has done it again.
Now, thru Nov. 24th you can see some of Bogey’s finest classic characters on the big screen: included are Sam Spade The Maltese Falcon; as the workaholic tycoon who falls for the chauffeur’s daughter (Audrey Hepburn) in Sabrina, and tough as nails detective Philip Marlowe in The Big Sleep.
Even if you know the story or have seen the movie before-if you have not experienced the pleasure of seeing a classic B&W movie on the big screen-GO! The storyline envelops you, the characters speak to you, heck, even the popcorn tastes better! I promise, you will be delighted.
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.
before-one a serrated-carving type thing that let me cut the leftover turkey carcass into managable sizes for soup, and a pair of great paring knives, each less than $5.00, I believe. There were also melon-ballers, and grapefruit knives-great stocking stuffers!-for I think $7.50
