The Save Our Armory Committee has nominated the New Rochelle Armory for consideration of the prestigious Heritage Award Program administered by City Hall. A detailed application has been submitted for review in an effort spotlight the historic significance of this unique New Rochelle treasure.

We wholeheartedly concur with Mayor Bramson's statement of " By raising public awareness about our past, we help ensure that hiostoric charmremains a vital part of our future". In Fact, we couldn't have said it better.

The application does request the owner to be the one submitting. We hold that, by extension, the residents of New Rochelle are the owners. The taxpaying citizenry, who foot the bills for the city, who essentially buy all the product the city uses. If one were to look at the ownership of city hall, or the fire houses or police station, I doubt the mayor's or councilmember's would be on the paperwork. Good or bad, without the residents, there would be no New Rochelle.

To view the application click

It's that time of year again. Frenzied shopping, decking the halls, getting ready for family and friends and all that goes along with it. Don't forget to take time for yourself and those close to you as we share the holiday spirit.  Here's wishing you all the magic of a childs' Christmas morning and the quiet peace of an overnight snowfall.

Back in 2009, I offered a wish for the troops to come home and share the best gift of all, Christmas Morning around the tree with family. It looks like many were granted that wish this year, but remember, the war isn't over yet, in spite of what they say. Tens of thousands will be serving our Nation far from home this Christmas, so let's try to keep them in mind as we count our blessings. Shake their hand when they come home and say a prayer for them until they do.

Here's a little Christmas music - enjoy!

Merry Christmas New Rochelle

Dona Nobis Pacem

Nearly 3 years since I wrote Even a Bleak Cloud Has a Silver Lining and 2 years since the follow up piece Even a Bleak Cloud has a Silver Lining:One Year Later and I'm still waiting for something to give. I remain stalwart in my belief that the answers to our success reside right here in this fine city. But something has to change, room has to be made to allow opportunities to rise to the surface. The constraints that bind our growth are part and parcel of the natural evolutionary life cycle of the political machine. When any group becomes entrenched for too long, the payback to the constituent begins to give way to a partisan view that favors the special interest of the party in charge.

Residents of the normally quiet East End section of New Rochelle were amused as they watched a young male deer foraging in their neighbor's garden. A first for any of the locals, it was a pleasant surprise especially for the kids. One neighbor called the police who asked "is he breaking any laws?" and that put it into perspective as we all learn to share the environment.

A crisp, crystal clear night provided the backdrop as Mother Nature brought the moon just a little closer to New Rochelle (and the rest of the world) last night as if to confirm "winter is over". Amen to that! With Sunday being the first day of spring, it was a fitting fanfare to usher in the new season.

(I was lucky enough to get this shot as the moon rose up over Echo Bay)

If you took photos last night and would like to share them please send them.

Saturday nights "super moon" resulted as the moon reached its perigee and came closer to the earth than it has in the last 20 years or so. Closest it's been, in fact, since January 20, 1992. Anybody remember where you were on that date? In case you missed this years celestial "happening" all is not lost. The moon will be even closer on November 14, 2016 for all you stargazers. Until then, get out and enjoy spring and all it has to offer!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="453" caption="Veterans Career Fair Sponsored by www.Milicruit.com"][/caption]