Hope to See You Next Wednesday

As I prepare with great enthusiasm to hand the baton of leadership to Mayor-elect Yadira Ramos-Herbert, I am honored that the New Rochelle Democratic Party has chosen to recognize my public service at a dinner next Wednesday, November 15th.  It’s sort of an informal farewell for me, and a wonderful opportunity to gather with long-time friends and supporters.  Please join us.  Catie and I hope to see you there!  Here are details and tickets.

Two Invitations for Friends

As my final term as mayor winds down, bringing to a close nearly three decades in public office, I am humbled that several organizations have chosen to honor my service.  Catie and I would be so grateful for the presence of friends on these special occasions.  Please consider reserving a place at one or both of the following events:

On Wednesday, November 15, the New Rochelle Democratic Party will host its annual Victory Dinner.  Proceeds for this event will support the Democratic ticket in this year’s important local elections.  Details and ticket reservations are here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/nrdcvictory

On Thursday, November 9, the Westchester County Association will host its Fall Leadership Event, honoring not just me personally, but the City of New Rochelle as a whole for our extraordinary progress in achieving sustainable growth.  Details and ticket reservations are here: https://wcaleadership.onlinegalas.org/

Catie and I hope to see you there!

Empty Nesters

Owen Bramson at Syracuse University

An emotional and action-packed weekend for our little family.  Catie and I dropped off Jeremy at Tufts on Sunday and then Owen at Syracuse yesterday, where he is beginning his freshman year.  Now, we are waking up to an eerily quiet house and a new chapter of our lives.  Lots of tears, but even more pride and gratitude.

Graduation Day for the NRHS Class of 2023 (including Owen!)

Owen, third from right, with good friends and fellow grads

Catie and I were so very proud to see our younger son Owen in cap and gown this morning, and we extend congratulations to the entire New Rochelle High School Class of 2023.

Between me (Class of ’87), Jeremy (Class of ’22), and now Owen, our little family has spent a collective total of 39 years in the New Rochelle public schools.  It is hard to believe that our personal connection to the school system has now come to an end (at least until potential future generations), and yet we feel so very grateful for our experience, offering heartfelt thanks to the teachers and administrators who, across a span of generations, have made such a positive difference in our lives.

Owen is off to Syracuse University this fall — along with several close NRHS friends — and we are excited for his next set of adventures.  The empty nest is just around the corner, with all its anticipated happiness and sadness.

My Memorial Day Remarks

I was greatly honored that New Rochelle’s Veterans Advisory Committee invited me to give the keynote address at our community’s Memorial Day observance this morning, and I took the opportunity to offer remarks that are among the more personal and heartfelt I have delivered in my time as mayor.  Sacrifice is ennobled by the justice of its cause, and it is for all us to uphold that cause.  Please read.