May 21, 2012

Nyack Sketch Log: The Underground Railroad

Nyack's Historic Underground Railroad. ©2012 Bill Batson

by Bill Batson Joseph Mitlof created this shrine to the Underground Railroad in Nyack in 2004.   As founder of the Historic Underground Railroad Society, Mitlof has been the driving force behind three historic markers situated along the path of the Nyack Brook that commemorate what some have … [Read more...]

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Nyack Sketch Log: Hacienda

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by Bill Batson Karim Deen almost bought the farm in March.  And Nyack came close to losing a pillar of our local economy.  For nearly four decades Deen has launched businesses, designed fashions, and supported the retail sector in the village.  It is a fitting tribute that the tight-knit … [Read more...]

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Nyack Sketch Log: Wright Bros. Real Estate

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by Bill Batson When Ray Wright was selling real estate, he would tell people trying to find his office to look for the prettiest house in Nyack.   When those prospective buyers arrived at Wright Bros. Real Estate on the corner of Depew Avenue and South Broadway, they were relieved that their … [Read more...]

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Nyack Sketch Log: Christophersen Versus Walgreens

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by Bill Batson Kathy Christophersen used to have Moger’s Auto Works and the Hilltop Restaurant as neighbors. But those beloved businesses have been sold and torn down.  Her new neighbor on Route 59 and 9W will be Walgreens. For the last six months, Christophersen’s house has been in a … [Read more...]

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Nyack Sketch Log: Nyack Village Theatre

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by Bill Batson The Nyack Village Theatre sign is unassuming and you might just walk on by, but that would be a mistake.  One exposure to the live content that is produced from this 49 seat black box theater space will stop you in your tracks.   Nestled one story above the site that was once … [Read more...]

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Nyack Sketch Log: Flash Sketch Mob

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by Bill Batson Veni, Vedi, Sketchi means I came, I saw, I sketched. The original boast from Julius Caesar was more ominous.  For our purposes, the Latin verb for “I conquered”, “vici” has been replaced with a playful invitation to create. On June 16 a legion of artists will divide … [Read more...]

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Nyack Sketch Log: The Rotary Clock

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by Bill Batson This landmark clock was a gift from the Rotary Club of Nyack.  Despite an  inscription at the base and a logo on the clock face, this fact is news to most of the pedestrians, protesters and village residents who use Veterans’ Park. Rotary is a global organization that is … [Read more...]

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Nyack Sketch Log: Nyack’s Little Schoolhouse

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by Bill Batson Angie Sampath gives new meaning to the term "working from home."  As head teacher of Nyack's Little Schoolhouse daycare program, she works in the building where she grew up and attended pre-school. Her mother, Christa, started the day care center in their home 25 years ago. … [Read more...]

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Nyack Sketch Log: Maura’s Kitchen

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by Bill Batson When she receives compliments for her cooking, Maura Azanedo has been known to say “I am not a chef: I am a cook.” Home cooking, with all the feelings of fullness and satisfaction that the term conveys, is what “Maura’s Kitchen” promises and delivers. Maura arrived in … [Read more...]

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Nyack Sketch Log: The Nyack Library Part II

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by Bill Batson The Nyack Library is an example of one of the most epic philanthropic gestures of the early 20th Century.  Andrew Carnegie supported the construction of 1,689 public libraries in 1,419 communities across America. The steel magnate, who was at the time the richest man in the world, … [Read more...]

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