What do you like about the community?
I’ve traveled all over the world and I have to say — New Paltzians are some of the most open and friendly people I’ve ever come across.
I’m also constantly amazed by the generosity of the community, particularly its business owners. They donate to our Rotary service projects time and again. The give so much to our community in so many ways, it really is impressive.
I’m also amazed by the level of involvement displayed by our citizenry. People are very informed about what is going on with the town and village, with the school board, with everything. They speak out and take action and make New Paltz a better place to live.
A large percentage of the population also volunteers with the local government, community events and organizations like the Rail Trail or Family of New Paltz. Many others serve with community-oriented groups like the Chamber, the Elks, or our many faith-based organizations. It’s a remarkably engaged community.
What is your favorite hangout?
I love to take long hikes in the Mohonk Preserve, and I also really like Bacchus. But the truth is that my favorite place to hang out is our house and yard — we’ve got a lot of cool games and activities and I like to just chill out with Maya and the kids.
What would we have never guessed about you?
One time, a friend of mine and I rode the New York City subway system to every stop without taking a break. It took 38 hours. Another time I ate 150 peel-and-eat shrimp in one sitting. I’m pretty proud of that.
Where would we find you on Sunday morning?
Before 9, sleeping — my wife is great about getting up with the kids. After that, drinking coffee and planning the day. We don’t tend to hit the ground running, if you know what I mean.
What talent do you wish you’d been given?
A photographic memory.
What is your favorite virtue?
Personally, I’d have to say curiosity and self-integrity. I’m always asking questions and I try never to lie to myself. As far as Rotary goes, we try to practice “service above self” — basically, giving back to the community that has given us all so much.
What is your idea of happiness?
A balanced life of work, family, service and recreation. Periods of intensity interspersed with periods of reflection.
What occupation would you like to try beside your own?
Screenwriter or novelist. Actually, I have been trying to do that for years. Hasn’t gone too well.
What is your idea of misery?
For me personally, misery would be the inability to provide for my family. But there are lots of people in our area and around the world that have it much worse than I can imagine for myself. That is what Rotary is about — helping to mitigate human misery wherever we can.
What is your greatest fault?
I’m a bit of a dreamer, which can get in the way of accomplishing things. That’s been one of the positive effects of having a family and taking a leadership role in Rotary — when others depend on you, it keeps you focused. Left to my own devices, I tend to procrastinate and putz around.
Which fault in others do you have the most tolerance for?
I’m actually pretty accepting of other people’s faults, mostly because I believe that our flaws are generally an integral part of our overall character. Basically, I think it’s a package deal — you can’t pick and choose from people’s personality traits. You have to take the bad with the good.
What is your favorite motto?
“A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.” Most people view this Mark Twain quote as an admonishment of people lacking common sense. For me, it’s more of a fond description of my college years.
