What keeps you here?
Again, hands down, the people! We have so many dear friends here, and the people of this community are really incredible in their generosity and big-heartedness. Also, the tranquility and physical beauty of the area continue to amaze us on a daily basis.
What would you change?
The absurd direction that New York State Education, and the country at large, has taken in recent years. The proverbial emperor is completely naked in this situation, and we all need to let him know.
Where would we find you on Sunday mornings?
On the couch with our daughters: Callie, who is 11 years old, and Daphne, who is 7 years old, watching them sing and dance with abandon throughout the house, and loving them to pieces and being blown away by the amazing girls they are!
What is your favorite virtue?
Amanda: Humility
Frank: Kindness
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt? Why?
Amanda: Detective, because I am fascinated by the process of discovery that a detective engages in, and I would love to be the “fly on the wall.”
Frank: Poet, because of the big bucks involved.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here? Why?
Alex Mazur, the “Buddha of New Paltz.” He’s a great musician, a very funny guy, a deep reader and thinker and he has a genuinely gentle soul and giving nature. There are many others of course, friends and acquaintances, all of whom are now mad at us for not mentioning them. Please direct any negative feelings you may now have towards Alex.
What qualities do you admire most in others?
Amanda: Integrity, perseverance and a great sense of humor. Life is way too hard without a lot of laughter.
Frank: An even temper, mainly because I find it elusive in myself.
What is your idea of happiness?
Amanda: Being able to accept reality on reality’s terms!
Frank: The life I have, when I slow down enough to pay attention to it and appreciate how blessed it is!
What is your idea of misery?
Amanda: The loss of hope and faith.
Frank: Being stuck in my often small, anxious, limited thinking, forgetting how big and miraculous life really is.
What talent do you wish you had been given?
Amanda: To be a fearless, naturally talented downhill skier.
Frank: The ability to play a musical instrument and be a rock ‘n’ roll god!
What is your main fault?
Amanda: Stubbornness.
Frank: Impatience.
For which fault do you have the most tolerance?
Amanda: Ignorance.
Frank: Moodiness.
What is your favorite motto?
Amanda: Don’t stop believing.
Frank: You can’t save your butt and your face at the same time.
If you could create your own superhero, what would his/her name be, and why?
The Education Avenger, able to strike down any and all insane ideas about education before they are handed down to educators from non-educators — because it’s just that important!
