This and That by JL

Some kids are special. That’s because they have special challenges. Recently artist Diane Cherr wrote me about some special kids she worked with to create a mural at the headquarters of The ARC Westchester. “The mural is a surprise being dedicated to Ric Swierat, the Executive Director who is retiring in June after many years […]

Until last night, I didn’t know Louis Comfort Tiffany was as Hudson School painter. But thanks to Howard Zar, who is the Tzar of Lyndhurst I was charmed by a series of Tiffany’s landscapes, presented in a stunning exhibition of his work, and his relationship to the Gould family, whose Gothic Revival style home in […]

                    As a modern mom, I wanted my daughters to be independent. Powerful. Strong. Confident. Rich in knowledge and understanding. Yesterday, those words were echoed (and then some) as sixty-one young ladies gathered to celebrate the completion of a year-long mentoring program with the organization Her […]

Have you ever hid a comic book under your mattress? Of course, why would anyone do that? Better than reading a book—or so I thought at the time. When your mother is a teacher, comic books are “a corrupting influence that encourages children to look at pictures, ignoring the words that are basic to reading, […]

There was good news for the arts in Westchester in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recent announcement of Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) grants. The Music Conservatory of Westchester was on the list for a $500,000 grant for a piano technology lab, recording studio, percussion studio, and new studios for jazz, ensembles and music therapy. The new technology-based […]

What can we do about the end of summer? Mourn the loss? Or…get with the new fall program? Your choice. I’m sprinting into fall with a line-up that’s off the charts. There’s Romare Beardon at the Neuberger. He’s the guy who was anointed as the “foremost collagist” in America. Leonard Bernstein will be in New […]

As a kid, I was a musical disappointment. My mother, a proud teacher, tried every pedagogical tactic–first, of course, piano lessons; later the clarinet, then the saxophone and finally a bass clarinet, hardly a lady-like choice. Then there were the Saturday young people’s concerts at Carnegie Hall under the baton of Leonard Bernstein.  At the […]

I’m taking a trip down Memory Lane and remembering the late George Delaney who served as Con Edison Vice President for Westchester operations for many years. George was super involved in community life, served on many boards and supported many causes, one of them being the arts.  I first met George at a “Sunset Serenade” […]