On Sunday, September 13th, Sleepy Hollow will be full of activities starting with the 18th annual Hudson River Swim for Life. Over 400 swimmers and 100 kayakers are expected to take part in this year’s event whose mission is to raise awareness of the Hudson River, promote swimming as a lifelong form of fitness, and to raise funds for the ongoing efforts of charities in the community.
Since its inception, the Swim has raised approximately $1.8 million for local non-profit organizations. The 2009 Hudson River Swim for Life is also an official part of the Quadricentennial celebration of Henry Hudson’s crossing of the Hudson River.
Swimmers will have the option of completing a three-mile non-competitive river crossing from Nyack Marina to Kingsland Point Park, or a one-mile non-competitive swim along the shores of Sleepy Hollow. All proceeds from the Swim will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter (LLS). Those interested in a competitive swim with race categories have the option of participating in the three-mile, US Masters Sanctioned (USMS# 069-13) Hudson River Race for Claire, which supports the Friends of Claire/Mary Ann Collier Foundation (MACF) in the fight against ALS disease.
The Swim will pay tribute to Tarrytown resident and lymphoma survivor, Yolanda Blanco, who will celebrate her birthday this year as the Honored Hero of the Hudson River Swim for Life. Yolanda was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in November 2007 at the age of 44. Doctors soon discovered that the cancer had spread to her bone marrow and placed her on an intensive chemotherapy protocol through 2008. She now receives treatments of the cancer drug, Rituxan, every six months and will continue to do so for the next two years.
Each year, the Hudson River Swim for Life attracts swimmers of all ages from throughout Westchester, Rockland, and beyond. New to the Swim this year is Tiara Simmons of Mt. Vernon, who became a below-the-knee amputee when she was an infant due to a rare blood disease. An avid swimmer growing up, Tiara will be participating in the Swim as a member of LLS’s "Team in Training" program, where athletes receive expert coaching in return for raising pledges for the organization.
To get involved with the Hudson River Swim for Life as a swimmer, kayaker, sponsor or volunteer, contact Diandra Kodl at (914) 949-0084, ext. 8993, or visit www.hudsonriverswim.org.
From Kingsland Point Park, travel to downtown Beekman Avenue for the 3rd Annual Sleepy Hollow Street Fair and Sleepy Hollow 2nd Sunday Festival.
The 3rd Annual Sleepy Hollow Street Fair, open from 10 am to 5 pm, brings over 100 vendors together with our local merchants, community organizations, and restaurants to offer a large array of merchandise and food to satisfy all appetites. The Sleepy Hollow Fire Department will offer their Famous Firehouse Ribs (hint — get your order in early, they ran out last year) and the Sleepy Hollow Recreation Department will provide many fun-filled activities for kids.
Organized by the Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Sleepy Hollow, this year’s sponsors include Mahopac National Bank, JP Doyle’s Restaurant, J. Burns Bookkeeping and Antonio Cabinetry. So, come to Beekman Avenue for the 3rd Annual Sleepy Hollow Street Fair to shop, dine, dance, and have fun. For more information contact: Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown Chamber of Commerce, 914-631-1705, www.sleepyhollowtarrytownchamber.com.
While on Beekman Avenue, make it a point to stop by the Morse Schoolyard for the Sleepy Hollow 2nd Sunday Festival which will be celebrating South America. Join with friends and neighbors to enjoy vibrant cultures through food, art, music, and dance. Vendors will offer Caribbean foods, crafts, and wares and children’s activities will be offered as well.
On September 13th, Sleepy Hollow will be a destination. From the majestic Hudson River to bustling Beekman Avenue, morning to night, there will be something for everyone. Mark your calendars and partake in what will be a truly remarkable day in our community.
