Morsels

A Stately Affair

The Rye Neck PTSA held its annual dinner, dance and auction Friday, Nov. 3 at Shenorock Shore Club. “A Stately Affair” was a majestic celebration of all 50 states, with auction items offering trips to various parts of the country and cases of wine from the best American vineyards. The live auction was presided over by “head of state” auctioneer Assemblyman George Latimer. One of the highlights was the “George W. Bush” item — the private jet to a Yankees/Red Sox game at Boston’s Fenway Park generated a lot of excitement.

The extraordinarily successful fund-raiser was chaired by Julie O’Shea, who hoped “it was not only a celebration of the 50 states, but a celebration of the Rye Neck community’s support and spirit, of the PTSA’s dedication to enrich our schools’ programs and a celebration of our children.”
– Janice Llanes Fabry

A Colorful Tradition

The Rye Arts Center hosted a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration Oct. 29 with hands-on workshops by noted folk artist Aurelia Fernandez, live music and other Mexican delights. Families were invited to decorate altars, taste sugar skulls and learn a special dance.

Walk On for a Change

A small group of women from Rye and Harrison took part in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in New York City Oct. 7 and 8. Sandy Samberg, Laura DeVita, Maiju Savage, Ann Iannarelli and Lisa, Anja and Kirsten Porto, pictured from left to right, walked over 40 miles. They wanted to thank everyone who helped motivate them and generously contributed funds. The event raised $9.7 million. The funds help provide free annual mammograms for women without health insurance and support education and research.

Sandy Samberg, 34, did the walk in honor of a close friend who passed away from cancer this year and in honor of a friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She also did it as a physical challenge. “After having open heart surgery just over a year ago, I never thought I would have been able to walk 40 miles and enjoy every step reaching that goal.”

Laura DeVita, 39, did the walk in honor of her sister-in-law Lynn who recently battled breast cancer and won. “It was a wonderful bonding experience to share stories of human endurance and kindness with friends and complete strangers.

After reading a letter from Sandy Samberg regarding her goal for the Avon Walk, Maiju Savage said she was inspired to make a change. “For the past 15 years, I have dedicated my professional life to the fitness industry and I thought it was time to challenge myself physically and emotionally. The Walk provided me with the perfect opportunity.” Her goal is to get a much larger group of people from the area to participate in the event next year. “Together we can make a change!”

Ann Iannarelli, 34, had wanted to do the walk for years but hadn't been able to find anyone to do it with. “And being a single parent with a full-time job I didn't think I had the time to train for such a big event.” Her great grandmother and two sisters had breast cancer, her grandmother is a survivor and her mother has had non-cancerous tumors removed, so the disease is something she feels a close connection to. “When my girlfriend, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor, asked me to do the walk this year I jumped at the chance. I was inspired by the words of encouragement, the personal stories shared and the generosity of so many.”

Lisa Porto, 21, who will be graduating from Iona College in May, said that meeting women just a few years older than herself who suffer from breast cancer really moved and inspired her. “It also helped me keep walking when I felt the end was not in sight.”

This is the second time Anja Porto, mother of Lisa and Kirsten, has participated in the Avon Walk. “I found it to be a very rewarding experience and shared my enthusiasm with my daughters. So this year, the three of us decided to sign up.” The biggest challenge was raising the $5,400 needed to participate, she said. “I am so proud of my daughters. They show such strength, courage and caring.”

Kirsten Porto, 23, an art teacher at PS/MS 194 in the Bronx, has wanted to do the walk since her mother did the Avon 60-mile walk. “As a young woman, I have seen and heard of too many breast cancer victims and survivors. I walked in memory of all the strong women who have fought and won their battle against breast cancer and with the dream that one day in the near future we will discover a cure. The walk was an amazing journey that will stay with me forever.”

The group is already starting a walking team for next October. If you are interested in joining, contact Maiju Savage at 473-9029 or Anja Porto at 967-2164.

Happy to Be 100!

We wish Mary Casino, a lifelong Rye resident, a happy and healthy 100th birthday Nov. 15. She got a jump on the occasion last month, enjoying a five-generation celebration with family and friends.