Democracy Matters- Get out and VOTE!

Whatever your political affiliation, tomorrow is your chance to get out and vote. Thanks to the 14th & 15th  (as well as the 19th, 23rd, 24th & 26th) Amendments, your voice/vote makes a difference. I know that in the current financial climate and the wake of Hurricane Sandy, it is difficult to remain inspired about the direction the country is going, but we must have faith. "Faith is the substance of things we seldom see"

In recent years, the election has taken on voyeurism of a spectator sport. The incumbent and challenger step into the ring and pummel each other with half-truths until someone throws in the towel. Long gone are the days of FDR & JFK when substance trumped soundbites. In this 24 hour news cycle, a gaffe or quip makes headlines for weeks and many are voting on fervor not facts.

I will be heading down to the New Rochelle Library tomorrow morning and casting my vote with tremendous patriotism. My choice will be one that will hopefully benefit the country. This great land is a place where our  inalienable rights are being jeopardized and were Darwinism is in full effect. In this case, only the mentally strong will make the right choice for our survival.

Find your polling place here:VOTE

Hurricane Sandy - Scorned woman rears her ugly head

My wind ravaged awning

Hurricane Sandy tore through New Rochelle like a woman scorned. Frightened, we hunkered down  and waited for the grim weather-reaper.  Then, our windows rattled, the lights dimmed and we held our flash lights like bayonets against a playground bully.   The howling winds continued for hours and began to mimic the sound of a helpless  child.  Then there was an eerie silence- and the unimaginable lie before our eyes. 

Aggressive waters at Davenport Park

While many homes in New Rochelle were water logged and without power, I also saw homes indented by what was once a welcoming shady oak tree; now appearing menacing and  axe like. I toured my beloved Davenport Park prior to the devastation and captured the storm in its first trimester. When she delivered, we sat stoically and hoped that she was gone, but her wrath is not forgotten.

To all of you recovering from the impact of Hurricane Sandy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and I hope that we can recover and be stronger than ever. There is nothing natural about this disaster.

Calm before the storm

A Familar Face- With Stars & Stripes

Iona College Arts Center- Brother Kenneth Chapman Gallery

 Faces of America: Servicemen Portraits by the New Rochelle Art Association
In 1943 the New Rochelle Art Association  became involved in a project organized by the United Service Organization to sketch portraits of servicemen at USO centers.

 The sketches were done both at Fort Slocum on David’s Island and at the Masonic Services Center here in New Rochelle. This exhibition will feature dozens of reproductions of these historical portraits as well as a modern version of this project including portraits created by current members of present day servicemen.

The New Rochelle Art Association is celebrating its centennial year and will be holding several historical exhibits at different venues across the city.
FREE: Tuesday, November 1 - Thursday, December 6 Special Veteran's Day Reception: Sunday, November 11 // 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Costume Parade of Jack O'lanterns

Merchant's Urchins Parade  On Saturday, October 27th come Downtown for a Costume Parade followed by Pumpkin Painting!  The annual Merchant’s Urchins Parade begins at 9:45 am at New Street in  New Roc City  and ends at Library Green Park. Treats and pumpkin-painting on the Green follows. BID Family Days are made possible by a partnership with the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) in conjunction with the Library, City School District and Parks & Recreation!

No Faux Pas Here- Etiquette the easy way

Author Inga Watkins & Just Funki Owner Rhonda 

Have you checked your manners lately? Well, if you haven't, maybe its time you picked up Faux Pas to Fabulous!  The book is the brainchild of the Emily Post of New Rochelle, Inga Joseph Watkins. This New Rochelle model, mother & merchandizing degree holder is the CEO and founder of Modelquette.  She has worked with Calvin Klein, Whitney Houston and Brandi just to name a few! Her trademarked company is a brand worth investing in- and many guests at her book signing @ Just Funki agreed.

She has perfected the art of balancing multiple roles effortlessly or shall I say etiquettely.  I picked up a copy of her go-to guide for manners and enjoyed the witty tips and antidotes. The book has a target audience from 8-80 and beyond. Being Faux Pas is never in style, so learn the art of class by getting her book while supplies last.

Me with Author & CEO Inga Watkins 

Our 100th Post! History in the Making!

When I started New Rochelle Now in April 2012, It was totally out of necessity.  I was relatively new to the Queen City, and struggled to find out what was happening on a day-to-day basis. I view NRN as my version of Time Out New Rochelle. To commemorate my 100th post, take a walk with me down memory lane and visit some of my favorite haunts and havens. You may even spot something you missed the first time. 

NoMa Social

Places to kick back
After a long day at the office, why not hit a local lounge?  New Rochelle has many to choose from - The Gnarly Vine is an intimate wine bar with a welcoming atmosphere and affable staff. If you want something slightly more upbeat try NoMa Social  the decor is futuristic and the food is fantastic. For those who want to dance the night away or watch others do so,  head to Don Coqui. Now if you need a space to crank out that thesis, head to R.Patisserie where silence is golden and the lattes are hot.

Don Coqui

Speak  Italian
New Rochelle is the prefect town to feed my Love for Italian food and Pizza. Posto 22  is sure to serve as your own personal kitchen. I make a trip once a week. At  Spadaro, the food is served family style and they don't have a menu so come hungry and ready for a taste of Italy! The guys at  Blackboard Pizza buy all their ingredients fresh daily and they know the the ABC's of  perfect pizza.

Castle Gallery

Become a voyeur
New Rochelle has a host of Gallery's and artist spaces and each one is different from the next. The Castle Gallery is a vast estate with rotating exhibits that will marvel you. If you want to simply pop in and see something by a local young artist head over to the Backstreet Gallery . For an all encompassing experience go over to this live/work gallery & Artist space at the  Media Loft. 

 Alvin Clayton of Alvin & Friend's

Food that feeds the Soul
 Having the esteemed honor of one of the Best of Westchester has not gone to Alvin Clayton's head. He continues to churn out plates of love, peace and soul at his New Rochelle restaurant Alvin & Friends. How sweet it is. Sweet Potatoes has perfected the art of cooking for many and making it taste as if it was prepared just for you. Go in and get a taste of that down home soul food you have been missing up north.

La Ceniga

Latin flavor 
New Rochelle has a tremendous amount of Latin fare to choose from. For date night I would suggest
 La Ceniga! Once inside, you may feel as if you just entered the Meatpacking District with it's hip crowd and sumptuous food. My second pick is the Peruvian gallery style restaurant  Cholos Kitchen, plan to go there only if you are hungry, because you won't be able to resist trying several items off of the menu. 

Shop till you drop
Before you head to The Westchester for your next shopping spree, try heading  downtown to  Consign it on Main! They have everything you need for your home and then some. The Sweet preserves boutique located in the rear of the store is a treasure chest of luxury goods. Stop by and tell Amy that I sent you. For your seasonal home refreshers, go to the  The Curtain Shop.That place is not just curtains. The jewels at Just Funki are all handmade originals and each piece is like a work of art. Rhonda is a master jewelry maker her handmade chandelier is magnificent.

The Curtain Shop

Wide open spaces
Wildcliff  is an oasis in New Rochelle. This open air space has showcased many local talents as well as billboard hit-makers. I would go just for the view. When the weather permits, two words BEACH BAR! The Hudson Park Beach Bar's newly revamped tiki bar will make you want to go to Aruba-Jamaica..KeyLargo- Montego.. but, New Rochelle is a much shorter flight.

Wildcliff

New Jazz Workshop - PACking them in

Friday October 19th @ 8pm

If you are feeling in a Jazzy kind of mood this weekend. Come out to the PAC House Theater on Friday night when The New Jazz Workshop hits the stage. Bassist Dezron Douglas, known for his musical versatility is one of the co-founders. He is one of the most in demand bassists in jazz today and established himself as a composer and bandleader. Co-Leader Sax Man Lummie Spann Jr. received a full scholarship to the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford.  Together they are  accompanied by Theo Hill on the ivory keys with Curtis Torian drumming his way through the evening and Josh Evans tooting along with his trusty trumpet rounding out the the crew. 

New Jazz Workshop

Tickets for the show can be purchased here TICKETS ! The PAC house theater is a marvel to see and a acoustic dream. Eric Woodlin of Incoming tide keeps thing Jazzy with his PAC House events and this one is sure to be a toe-tapper. 

PAC Theater- 311 Huguenot St, New Rochelle, NY

Eric Woodlin - Incoming Tide Entertainment