‘A magical place’ in the woods

Teatown Lake Reservation, 1,000 acres of trails, wildlife and all around good vibes, is one of my favorite places to hike in Westchester County. Here’s an update about this nonprofit’s ambitious renovation.

‘Born to Run,’ Born in the Burbs 50 years ago

In 2015, I wrote about the recording of Bruce Springsteen’s rock-and-roll anthem “Born to Run” on the album’s 40th anniversary, which led to the unveiling of a historic plaque placed at the site a year later. I revisited and updated the story on the album’s 50th anniversary. Click on the link below for the full story.Continue reading “‘Born to Run,’ Born in the Burbs 50 years ago”

Facing ALS, in love and in tune

Wayne Warnecke and Vaneese Thomas have been on quite a journey together: first as musical partners, then as husband and wife, and now as Wayne battles ALS. The Westchester County couple has deep roots in the music industry — Wayne as an acclaimed engineer and producer spanning many genres; Vaneese as an R&B and bluesContinue reading “Facing ALS, in love and in tune”

Don’t tell me this town ain’t got no heart!

Grateful Dead co-founder Phil Lesh was beloved for more than his bass playing. He brought good vibes with him everywhere he went, and after receiving a life-saving liver transplant, he ended his shows by encouraging fans to become organ donors. Here’s my first article for The Rye Record: https://ryerecord.com/street-outside-capitol-theatre-to-be-named-for-grateful-dead-founding-member-phil-lesh/

Monica Getz, Sax Legend’s Ex-Wife and Justice Advocate, Dies at 90

Monica Getz of Irvington, ex-wife of jazz saxophonist Stan Getz and an advocate for changes in the divorce and family court systems, died Jan. 5 at age 90. The cause was bile duct cancer, according to her obituary. She lived at Shadowbrook, the 27-room estate overlooking the Hudson River that she opened to meetings related causes such as theContinue reading “Monica Getz, Sax Legend’s Ex-Wife and Justice Advocate, Dies at 90”

A hundred years of solitude along the Hudson River

Mother Marianne bought this foreclosed farm adjacent to the Hudson River in 1924, creating a peaceful setting to connect with nature, spirituality, and one’s inner self. Here’s my article on the Marydell Faith and Life Center’s past, present and future.

Peace at last for revered war photographer

[This article originally appeared in The Recorder] By Robert Brum A short walk uphill behind the Amawalk Friends Meeting House in Yorktown Heights leads to the final resting place of one of the world’s greatest combat photographers. Robert Capa, known for his iconic images of the Spanish Civil War and World War II, including theContinue reading “Peace at last for revered war photographer”

Rockland mansion sold for record-breaking $26 million

Niederhurst in the Palisades enclave of Snedens Landing has been sold for $26.1 million. Photo by Josh McHugh A historic Victorian Gothic mansion in the exclusive Palisades neighborhood of Snedens Landing has been sold for $26.1 million, the highest price ever for a single-family home in Rockland County, according to Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. The 13-acre Niederhurst estate onContinue reading “Rockland mansion sold for record-breaking $26 million”

Imagine: Skinny-dipping at The Land with John Lennon

An exhibit about the Gate Hill Cooperative evokes memories for one former Rocklander. Imagine you’re a teenage girl in the mid-1970s, a bit of an outsider among your 11th-grade classmates. Your friend’s an apprentice to an avant-garde artist at the Gate Hill Cooperative, “the groovy artist colony secluded-away on a nearby mountain” in Rockland CountyContinue reading “Imagine: Skinny-dipping at The Land with John Lennon”