FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE: Spring into Summer – Joy and Loss

I make mental notes throughout each season of what is happening in my garden – what is
emerging from the soil, leafing out, blooming or ripening. There is a natural cadence, a watchful awe and anticipation as well as an organic sense of time connected to nature. There is always something going on as you pay attention to the life cycle of plants during a season, from the first flush of hellebores and daffodils to summer blooms or the first rounds of leafy greens, ramps, the emergence of peas. There is something to be said about getting your hands dirty to clear your mind and having your clock in tune with nature.

But there is also timing that goes beyond a growing season and a clock – cycles far reaching that touch us deeply.

Sadly even the brightest of days can not stop the inevitable passing of human life. Most recently we lost a dear friend, a Warwick daughter, Kathy Gerstner. Kathy was bright, funny, strong, a wonderful mom, grandma, sister and devoted wife. She and her husband Jimmy were a team that shared life with all its ups and downs, its difficulties and celebrations. I loved conversations with Kathy, her insight, her world view and understanding of our lives in this community. Those words were always spot on, delivered with a sense of humor and sometimes a bit of world weariness. Through all she was positive, always gave from the heart, always had more to share. Kathy was loved by many and will be missed. Her memory will remain with us as she embodied the true spirit of this Valley.

On behalf of the Village Board of Trustees I wish the Gerstner family our condolences and send to them our thoughts, sympathy and love.