PHOTOS BY SANDY ARENA

Following is an account of early experiences I had with my daughter who my husband and I were named guardians of – along with her twin brother – in 2016. She was 14 years old at the time of this story, in the 8th grade. Now at age 17, she is a senior in high school in our town living as a full time member of our home and family, and thriving as a productive and cherished member of our school district and community. Continue reading

PHOTOS BY SANDY ARENA

It was Christmas 2007. I had met up with our twins at a Christmas party my 501C3, faith-based dance studio had hosted for mothers in need and their children. They had walked into the party with their younger cousin Shakur and their older sister Jhyni, and I noticed them right away through the crowds, noise and the festivities. My heart beat a little faster and I couldn’t take my eyes off them.Continue reading

I am sure we can all agree a parent’s worst nightmare is losing a child. Christopher Folk Esq, an Assistant District Attorney of Seneca County and Town Justice and his wife Tiffany (Seneca County’s Republican Election Commissioner) experienced this nightmare first-hand when their 18-year-old son Tristian committed suicide. Tristian was very involved in his community.Continue reading

This October, our entire community felt the ripple effect of domestic violence as an active shooter led police on a car chase across the city, targeting his family. Schools were put on lockout, parents panicked, neighbors heard shots fired close to their homes, and we all felt the danger of domestic violence. Continue reading