44°
PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. Even though he doesnt have to go to Pleasantville Middle School the entire week, 11-year-old Ian Townsend said Monday that Presidents Day meant more to him than having the day off.
I like that we celebrate it because we should give respect to our Presidents, the sixth-grader said. But its also nice to not have to go to school and to get outside and have fun.
Ian and his family took to biking the North County Trailway Monday to get an active start to a week-long break from school. The Townsends were one of dozens of families across Westchester that walked, jogged or biked the paved pathway that runs more than 22 miles through Westchester County. The path replaces the former Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad, which once ran through more than 20 stations in Westchester County.
Dan Townsend said he brought sons Ian and 9-year-old Nicholas out on the trail because the unusually warm weather and the rare day off provided a perfect opportunity to go outside.
Unlike these guys, Ive unfortunately not got the entire week off so Im trying to take advantage today with the kids, Dan Townsend said. We dont get to come out here too often but when we do its a beautiful ride.
Nicholas, a third-grader at Bedford Road School, said he would never pass up an opportunity go outside on a day off from school.
Its a beautiful day and my dad likes bike riding and I wanted to go with him, Nicholas said, adding that he didnt need videogames or TV on his days off. Id rather be out here in the sun and on my bike.
Briarcliff Manor resident Sean McCue decided to take a run on the trail Monday.
Its really nice to have a winter without a winter, McCue said with a laugh. Im really happy to be out here on a day like today because its something I dont get to do often.
Yonkers resident Madeline Lisnak and Ossining resident Laurie Thanos said they wanted to give 8-month-old Alexandra Thanos her first trip on the trail.
Im a teacher and we have the week off, so I thought it was a perfect time to go for a stroll with her grandma and grandpa, Laurie Thanos said of Lisnak, Alexandras grandparents. I wanted to make sure we stayed active on our day off.
For more information on the North County Trailway, which runs from Eastview to Baldwin Place, residents are asked to visit Trail Listings link at the Westchester Parks webpage. They can also find information on the South County Trailway, which runs from Eastview to the New York City line.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Cortlandt and receive free news updates.
