Note: The photos are of the contents placed inside the armored horse. This tribute is among those items.

hy did Naomi and I donate this carousel horse? Very simple. Family and Community. Elmira is a great place to raise our family, and we want to give back as much as we can. We want our sons to have great memories of their hometown; restoring the Eldridge Park Carousel is a good starting place. Through this project, we have met many fabulous people from all generations and walks of life. The carousel has become a bridge to parts of the community with which we had no prior contact. We have met wonderful people who have contributed much to Elmira’s past, and now to its future.

We have named the armored horse Black Sainglend, after one of the Gaelic hero Cúchulainn’s two warhorses. (The other was named Gray Macha.) Our older son’s name, Collin, is a modern day equivalent of Cúchulainn. (Our younger son is named Connor.) What is the Irish connection? Seven of Naomi’s great-grandparents were Irish, while 3 of Andy’s great-grandparents were Irish. Why the armored horse? What kid didn’t dream of being a knight or princess? This horse best symbolizes the dreamer in each of us, allowing us to be young again, if only for a few spins around the carousel.

While Black Sainglend is donated for our kids and to the community, we also choose to remember our loved ones who made family so important to us. In particular, we would like to honor our grandparents, Elwood & Evelyn Avery, Jack and Mary Dinan, Thomas and Suzie Keel, and John and Beatrice Kingsley. Thank you for adding that spark of happiness to our lives! Our family tree is included with this testimonial.

If you read this someday in the future, please take the time to reach out to your community and its heritage. Without a past, there is no future. Strive to keep your family strong, and your community vibrant, and you will be successful in all that you do.

Best Wishes.
Andy & Naomi
2004