The Business Journals - Week of January 31, 2022

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Sema4 acquires GeneDx in pivot back to core mission BY JUSTIN MCGOWN jmcgown@westfairinc.coma

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Anthony Viceroy, left, and Jeff Alter.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR WESTMED AND SUMMIT? BY PETER KATZ Pkatz@westfairinc.com

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hen the acquisition of Purchase-based health care provider Westmed by Summit Health based in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, became effective just before Christmas, the two multispecialty medical practices formally started joining their businesses in a process that is expected to take several months to complete. In addition to dealing with the complexities that accompany any business merger, company leadership had to make sure that serving patient needs remains the prime objective. “Over the years Westmed has enjoyed a wonderful reputation

delivering the best health care with the best outcomes for the patients,” Jeff Alter, CEO of physician-owned Summit Health told the Business Journal. “We saw Westmed as a very like-minded group that if together we would really strengthen the ability to deliver connected care to even more of the New York-New Jersey population. From the Summit Health side, having the ability to add Westmed to the family was incredibly important. We saw a culture that was very much like ours. We saw a commitment to the patient that was very much like ours, and we saw a physician-led organization that was exactly like ours.” Anthony Viceroy, CEO of Westmed who has been appointed president and COO of Summit

Health, told the Business Journal that during the process of discussing the merger possibilities it became obvious that there was a shared vision. “Because we had shared values and shared beliefs in how we saw health care and where health care was headed, it became very obvious to us that Summit Health was going to be the right strategic fit long term,” Viceroy said.

“The more time that we spent with the management team and the layer below and really understanding how the organizations would come together it became very simple for us to say this is going to be the right fit.” Viceroy went a step beyond just announcing the deal to Westmed's patients: he drafted a detailed letter that was » WESTMED AND SUMMIT

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tamford-based Sema4 gained new prominence throughout 2021 by providing rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Covid19. While the testing was a necessary service for an extraordinary health crisis, Sema4 considered its mission to be an AI-driven genomic and clinical data intelligence platform company, with an eye toward improving medicine atlarge. In pursuit of this mission, on Jan. 18 Sema4 and Miami-based OPKO Health Inc., a multinational biopharmaceutical and diagnostics company, signed a definitive agreement for Sema4 to acquire OPKO’s wholly owned subsidiary, GeneDx Inc., a leader in genomic testing and analysis, for an undisclosed sum. According to Sema4 CFO Isaac Ro, planning for this acquisition began six months ago. “Covid testing is a business that we have been in since the early days of the pandemic, but we disclosed and decided to exit that business in the early part of this year,” Ro said. “The reasons why are several, but in general it is not strategic to SEma4’s core mission.” Ro said that Sema4 was initially asked by multiple parties to help in the testing effort and did so because of the obvious need the public had. But now that other companies are in a position to meet the public’s need for » SEMA4

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Access Health CT launches Broker Academy to address insurance coverage disparities BY JUSTIN MCGOWN jmcgown@westfairinc.coma

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onnecticut enjoys high rates of economic achievement and some of the best health outcomes in the country when compared on a state-by-state basis. However, within Connecticut the gap between the wealthy and the poor continues to widen. According to a recent report from Access Health CT, “Reducing the uninsured population is not possible without targeting the subpopulations with the largest groups of uninsured. Only 5.9% of Connecticut’s population is uninsured, but this relatively small number hides significant disparities among race/ethnic groups and across space.” The report noted that Hispanics in Connecticut were nearly four times more likely to be uninsured than non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks are three times more likely than Whites. Blacks and Hispanics have also lost health insurance coverage at a greater rate during the pandemic. Also, while most Connecticut neighborhoods cluster in a range with 2% to 6% uninsured residents, Access Health warned

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that “many neighborhoods across the state have 20% or more uninsured residents, several exceed 30%. Invariably, the latter neighborhoods are disproportionately composed of Hispanics or Blacks, as are the cities and towns where the neighborhoods are located.” During a recent press conference, Access Health CT’s CEO James Michel announced the launch of the Broker Academy, an effort to improve health outcomes for underinsured Connecticut residents by training new insurance brokers with strong community ties to help their neighbors navigate the complexities of finding coverage. “By activating members of these underserved communities to become licensed brokers, Access Health CT can build trust by meeting members of the community where they are, and at the same time create economic benefits in those areas,” Michel said. “A core part of our mission is to reduce the uninsured rate and address health disparities in Connecticut. The Broker Academy will help us succeed in fulfilling those goals.” “Expanding access to insurance is vitally important to the citizens of our state,” Insurance FCBJ

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Commissioner Andrew Mais agreed. “People need to be able to minimize their risks, and this is especially important in underserved communities and for residents who are living paycheck to paycheck and simply may not have the resources to cover an unexpected event out of pocket.” Mais explained that grants from the American Rescue Plan will be used to subsidize the Academy, though the exact cost is yet to be determined. The inaugural class of the program will launch June 1, and the initial focus will be on providing the training and a laptop for free to members of the most underinsured communities in the state. The first class will consist of 100 students drawn from Bridgeport, Harford and New Haven, the state’s least insured communities. Applicants need to have at least a high school diploma or GED, as well as a history of community service to demonstrate ties to the area where they are encouraged to work. In addition to the computer and training, Michel added that those joining the academy will be partnered with an experienced broker to act as a mentor.

He introduced Cesar Cortez, an Access CT broker who has been working with the organization since 2013 and planned to mentor some of the future Broker Academy students. “I myself came from a mentoring program,” Cortez said. “When I first came to the state of Connecticut in 2007, I was lucky enough to find a Spanish-speaking gentleman who understood where I was coming from, being from an underserved community and not having a rich family or friends. He was able to mentor me, train me, certify me and hire me, putting me in the position of being within three to four years to build my own successful business.” Cortez talked about how his business, focused on providing insurance to his own community, not only provided his neighbors with health care but let him become a job creator who in turn wants to help others take on a profession with potentially unlimited earnings. Gov. Ned Lamont appeared briefly at the end of the press conference and said to Cortez, “Cesar, you need to talk to the 5% of people in Connecticut that still don’t have insurance.”

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Boxing promoter Joseph DeGuardia accused of sexual harassment BY BILL HELZEL Bheltzel@westfairinc.com

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n amateur fighter who once said boxing is her life has pitted herself against powerful prizefighting promoter Joseph M. DeGuardia. Georgene Zagarino accused DeGuardia and Star Boxing Inc. of gender discrimination, subjecting her to a hostile workplace and quid pro quo sexual harassment, in a complaint filed Jan. 18 in Westchester Supreme Court. DeGuardia did not respond to an email asking for his side of the story. DeGuardia, of Hartsdale, is the son of the late Joseph DeGuardia Sr., a prizefighter in the 1940s and 1950s and founder of the renowned Morris Park Boxing Club in the Bronx. DeGuardia Jr. won a Golden Gloves title in 1988 while attending law school, worked as an assistant prosecutor in the Bronx and founded Star Boxing in 1992. He moved the gym from the Bronx to Elmsford and then to Harrison. He has managed well-known prizefighters, such as former light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver, and he promotes boxing matches. Zagarino is a member of the Fighting Zagarino Family, as an interviewer depicted her father, uncle, brothers, cousins and herself. "I love it," she said in the 2016 interview at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. "Boxing is home. The ring is home. I'm mesmerized by it all. Each day I find something I love about boxing." DeGuardia had hired her in 2015 as a part-time logistics intern, according to the complaint, working 10 to 14 hours a week plus weekends when boxing matches were staged, for which, she says, she was never paid. DeGuardia often made inappropriate comments, Zagarino claims. In 2018, for instance, he allegedly offered to take her for a ride on his motorcycle that would be their "dirty little secret." Her complaint rests largely on outsideof-the-ring sparring at a 2019 boxing event at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York, where in essence, she claims, DeGuardia tried to strike below the belt. DeGuardia asked Zagarino to pick up credentials in his suite. But there were no credentials, according to the complaint, and he asked her to substitute that night as a ring girl — the provocatively dressed woman who steps into the ring between rounds to display a sign with the number for the following round. She says she tried on the outfits in a bathroom, changed back to her clothing, and told DeGuardia that she would not do the job. He became angry, according to the complaint, and pushed her against a wall. Using

a kind of tying up technique, she placed her hands on his chest to create distance between them and said he was a married man and his conduct was unacceptable. "DeGuardia stated that he planned on getting divorced," the complaint states, "to which Ms. Zagarino replied that she was engaged and had no interest in DeGuardia. "DeGuardia, however, would not take no for an answer and insisted that Ms. Zagarino

cheat on her fiancé with him before getting married because she would eventually engage in infidelity during their marriage." Then, she claims, he placed his hands on her back and buttocks "and stated that he can keep a secret and wanted them to be 'dirty.'" She broke the clinch, according to the complaint, and demanded that he pay her for working the weekend. DeGuardia allegedly replied that he

would pay her $700 if she woke up with him in the morning. She left the suite, the complaint states, finished working that evening and then left the hotel. Zagarino is asking the court to declare that DeGuardia and Star Boxing violated state human rights laws and to award her unspecified damages. She is represented by Manhattan attorney Nina A. Ovrutsky.

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Builder plans subdivision build-out with a twist BY PETER KATZ Pkatz@westfairinc.com

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Manhattan-based homebuilder has devised a business model that’s a departure from a classic method of operation in the homebuilding industry. Instead of buying a large tract of land, subdividing it, installing infrastructure, and then building model houses and other units on speculation, Welcome Homes lets the homeowner buy the lot in a subdivision from a third party then offers a customized product built around existing house plans accompanied by a variety of possible custom design elements. Further, the company encourages buyers to use the internet. Welcome Homes was established by five co-founders: Alec Hartman; Ben Uretsky; Mitch Wainer; Marc Hartman and Jesse Mauro. The company has jumped into the Westchester market by planning the build-out of a 13-lot subdivision on 3.2 acres in Northern Westchester. Welcome Homes doesn’t own the land. Rather, the subdivision was created from the former Fieldstone Manor-Mohegan Mansion property on Strawberry Road in Mohegan Lake by owner Bill Catucci. The Fieldstone property comprises approximately 23 acres and a cluster development was approved for a portion of the property. The company launched in October 2020 with $5.35 million in seed financing led by Global Founders Capital. It billed itself as the first fully-online home building, customization and purchasing experience, cutting by 50% to six months the time it takes to build and move into a dream home. "People are desperately seeking new homes, but there hasn't been a solution in the market that puts this within reach, so they're settling for existing inventory on the market," Alec Hartman said at the time. Hartman explained that he was frustrated with the process of buying a house when he and his wife wanted to move with their infant from Manhattan to Long Island. He said while a real estate broker was telling him that every buyer needs to make compromises, he was wondering why he couldn’t just go online and click a few buttons and have a house built that would give him what he really wanted.

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Welcome Homes Oaisis model rendering.

Welcome Homes kitchen rendering. A marketing partnership has been created among Welcome Homes, Catucci and real estate broker Cathy Duff-Poritzky of the Compass real estate brokerage offices in Yorktown Heights and Chappaqua. Buyers would work with Duff-Poritzky to purchase lots from Catucci on which they can have Welcome Homes build their new houses. The Welcome Homes website has a section describing the available lots at the subdivision in Mohegan Lake along with numerous other available lots in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. In addition, Welcome Homes offers to build on any suitable lot a wouldbe homeowner happens to own. The website also has pages that deal with subjects such as financing and home designs. FCBJ

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Benjie Burford, vice president of sales for Welcome Homes, told the Business Journal, “New construction is really out of the reach of most first-time buyers and a lot of repeat buyers because not only is it a higher cost in some cases but it’s also a larger cost in time; you’re spending a lot more time if you’re doing the construction. By not carrying land inventory we’re able to focus on the value composition of our homes and really focus on the buyer.” Burford said that he knew DuffPoritzky from having at one time worked at Compass. “Cathy has actually represented some of our buyers that are actually buying our home model and are building in the Westchester County area,” Burford said.

“I’ve been doing this for 34 years and have represented many other builders in Westchester,” Duff-Poritzky said. “We only started marketing this a week or two before Christmas. It’s very difficult to find new construction anywhere, let alone Westchester, under $1 million and we are offering that so I think we’re very competitive. We’re starting at around the $900,000 range. It comes with such a complete package that you don’t really have to get caught up in too many upgrades.” On its website, Welcome Homes shows the Oasis 4 design home at $550,000 excluding land costs. The 2,970-square-foot home has four bedrooms and three baths. Burford pointed out that many people are used to tract homes in

new construction where what he termed “builder-grade” materials are used. “Often in a spec home builders can’t carry the inventory or spend all the money they need to spend to make it out of highgrade materials,” Burford said. “We have hardwood floors, solid-core doors throughout the home, custom-made cabinetry. In one model we start with Bosch appliances. In another model we start with GE Profile so we’re always at the higher end that you normally wouldn’t get in this type of house or this type of price.” Burford said that Welcome Homes has built standalone houses in Hudson Valley communities including Cold Springs, Woodstock and Pleasantville and that wouldbe buyers have been looking for lots in Beacon, Greenwich, Rye and New Rochelle. “We can go and do single homes but we’ve always wanted to do a subdivision approach like this and this was the perfect one because we know people are looking in the area,” Burford said. “This was a natural evolution for us.” Duff-Poritzky said that new construction is a comparatively small portion of her sales business because it’s a comparatively small portion of the overall housing stock. “I’m excited about the entire subdivision here and I think while this is a fairly new concept it’s catching on pretty quickly,” DuffPoritzky said. “I have somebody right now who has reached out to us through the Fieldstone Manor project and they’re looking at a property in Armonk because that property is a little better suited for their needs for commuting purposes but they still want Welcome Homes to build over there.” Duff-Poritzky said her understanding is that for Westchester it will take about six years before housing supply catches up with housing demand. “When we put on a home, we’re still seeing multiple offers,” Duff-Ppritzky said. “January used to be a very quiet month in our business; it’s been consistently busy. A home comes on the market, there’s huge demand.” Burford characterizes the market as being on fire. “A lot of our demand is in Westchester,” Burford said. “I’m impressed as a startup company to see the demand that we’ve gotten.”


BRIEFS COMPILED BY PHIL HALL

Bridgeport hotel being converted into housing

Bridgeport is losing its only hotel with the sale of the Holiday Inn to a developer who will be turning the property into multifamily housing. The hotel at 1070 Main St. in the heart of the city’s business district is being acquired by Shelton-based developer John Guedes, who plans to keep 18 suites for long-stay hotel accommodations while transforming the rest of the 184-room property into a mix of oneand two-bedroom furnished apartments. Guedes told the Connecticut Post he was seeking to attract millennials as his new tenants and new operators for the hotel’s restaurant and conference and banquet halls. Holiday Inn Bridgeport began life in the early 1980s as a Hilton-branded establishment but ran into tdifficulties and was sold in 1988 for $10 million to Trefz Corp., which switched the brand to International Hotel Group’s (IHG) Holiday Inn banner. In recent years, Bridgeport has been the site of ambitious lodging projects, including the proposed MGM Resorts Bridgeport and the renovation of the long-defunct, 109-room Savoy Hotel as part of the Majestic-Poli mixed-use project in the city’s north end — but both projects failed to materialize. A boutique hotel has been proposed for at Steelepointe Harbor near the site of the failed MGM project. Bridgeport is home to another lodging establishment, the Sunnyside Inn motel at 174 Lake St., which has become notorious for its one-star online reviews.

March opening for new Italian eatery in Greenwich Greenwich’s restaurant realm will have a new arrival in March with the opening of Constantino’s, an Italianfocused eatery at 699 West Putnam Ave. Constantino’s bills itself as a pizzeria and ice cream shop that is also “serving authentic Italian foods that bring you back to grandma’s kitchen.” Among its pizza specialties will be the “Emmy’s Classic Salad Pizza” and “Lasagna Pizza,”

and its main courses include a mix of soups and salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes and entrees that include four vegan creations. Ice cream will be served by the scoop, pint or quart. Constantino’s will occupy the space that formerly housed Stateline Deli, which closed in 2020. The new restaurant is owned by Robyn Bordes, a public relations executive who previously owned Villagio’s in Hartsdale.

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Westmed and Summit— emailed to the patient base. “It was reassuring our patients that the quality of care would remain consistent because health care really is local but that by being part of Summit Health we felt we now have an opportunity to look and see how we can improve on access, how we can bring new services into the system, how we can improve our patient experience, which is already high but there's always room for improvement,” Viceroy said. In the letter, Viceroy acknowledged that problems had surfaced during Westmed's shift from the GE Healthcare software system it had been using to the Athenahealth Electronic Record and Patient Portal system. He also promised improved service at the call center that is owned and operated by a third-party vendor. “Scale is important for administrative efficiencies. I think size for size matter isn't really that interesting,” Alter said. “We like to think that what we're building is a different model of health care, a connected model that allows us to bring together what is a very fragmented health care system in the United States where people fall through the cracks, or they have gaps in care that aren't closed.” Alter said that coincident with the acquisition of Westmed was Summit's acquisition of New Jersey Urology, which has more than 150 urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and clinicians. Westmed has about 500 physicians and advanced care providers, with 1,500 clinical employees at 13 locations in Westchester and Fairfield. Westmed also operates

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urgent care centers that provide walk-in care seven days a week for conditions that are not life-threatening. In 2019, Summit merged with CityMD, an urgent care provider in the New York metro area that has locations in Westchester. The addition of Westmed grows Summit Health to now include more than 2,500 providers, 12,000 employees, and more than 340 locations in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Central Oregon. The Westmed brand is expected to continue in use for now, with the addition of the slogan “A Summit Health Company.” Both Viceroy and Alter said that there likely will be discussions at some point regarding future use of the Westmed name. “The essence of our model is that we have all of these access points and patients can go to any one of those access points and they know who you are,” Alter said. “Westmed will continue to operate some of those urgent care centers the way they always have. Wherever the patients happen to work, live or play (they can) access us either through CityMD or a Summit Health location or their traditional Westmed locations. One system bringing their care all together is what makes us different and what we're striving to continue to deliver for each one of our patients.” Alter said that Westmed becomes the foundation for Summit to grow more and more into Westchester and up the Hudson Valley and into Southern Connecticut. “That will really be the responsibility of Anthony's team at Westmed, to continue that Summit growth in that market,” Alter

said. Viceroy said they're focusing on opportunities in Fairfield and the Connecticut region. “I think Rockland County could be another interesting area,” Viceroy said. “There are still parts of Westchester and we can leverage. Certainly bringing a more connected care model to more populations is what we're focused on.” Viceroy said that from a financial standpoint Westmed has been in a very strong position with a solid balance sheet. He said that Westmed's doctors were in favor joining with Summit. “100% of our physicians voted to approve the deal,” Viceroy said, characterizing the reaction as enthusiastic. He said that they felt that it was the right move for Westmed's longer-term success. Viceroy said that in his role as president and COO of Summit he plans to continue being based at Westmed's current headquarters at 800 Westchester Ave. in Rye Brook but will be spending considerable time in the field at various Summit facilities. “Whether it's Summit, or CityMD or Westmed we all have very good quality programs in place,” Viceroy said. “By bringing us all together we're only going to get that much stronger in time as we go and certainly as we're able to open up access and bring on more patients we should be able to achieve better scores.” Alter said that the Covid experience has demonstrated a need for greater access to health care whether through more walk-in access, traditional access or telemedicine.

He said that for some people in New York City during Covid CityMD provided the only access to health care. “We have to further commit to access for everyone in the local market, in the way they need it,” Alter said. “That drives us continuing to build-out this model." Alter expressed a hope that progress can be made to eliminate disparities in health care quality and availability tied to socio-economic status or where people live. Viceroy said that as health care is getting more complex he sees his role and that of others as trying to simplify it a bit and connect the dots for patients. He sees increased use of telemedicine in the future. “The way we've looked at it at Westmed is that certainly we want to continue on the wellness track and make sure that all of our patients are well but there are opportunities in those patients who are running risk. Early interaction can help save costs and help create better outcomes for them,” Viceroy said. He said that cost synergies that might be achieved through the combined operations could be reinvested back into the business. “Health care is evolving. The new normal is to expect the unexpected in health care,” Viceroy said. “To be able to align with an organization that has smart people and good thinking to help figure out what the future should look like and how we want to lead that process was important to us. Being able to join with Summit Health and its team allows us now to expand on that thinking and make better decisions for the future.”

Sema4— Covid tests they could focus on providing long-term benefits that come from the research enabled by their acquisition of GeneDx. “There has been an incredible revolution in genetic testing,” Ro said of the technological implications of the merger. “Most people are familiar with PCR testing, but there is a higher resolution approach called DNA sequencing, which has started to become more compelling as a routine and everyday tool for use in health care. “But DNA sequencing-based tests today are still only scratching the surface of what that technology is capable of,” he added. “We believe you are going to see a rapid shift towards full sequencing of the genome over the next five to10 years.” Ro stated that Sema4 will combine the knowledge and mapping of human genetics done by GeneDx with their own artificial intelligence-driven sequencing techniques to make it easier and faster to develop a complete picture of a person’s genetic code and tailor health solutions to them, according to Ro. “We intend to be at the forefront of bringing in that new era,” he continued. “Scientifically, if you can sequence the entire genome or even a substantial portion

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of it there’s a lot more you can learn than just a simple PCR test which is actually very minimal in what it looks for.” Sema4 grew out of the work of researchers who met while working at Mt. Sinai Hospital, while GeneDx was spun off of the work of pioneering researchers at the National Institutes of Health. Ro said that these shared roots in public health-oriented institutions will likely ease frictions during the merger and allow for a smooth transition towards pursuing both medical discovery and returns for investors. The merger also comes with an infusion of capital in the form of a $200 million private placement from prominent investors in the life sciences space, most notably Pfizer. One of the most promising uses for the technology Sema4 and GeneDx hope to advance through their merger is in developing drugs at faster rates through the better selection of subjects for trials and a fuller understanding of what genetic factors influence their efficacy. Ro said that while this is just the latest step in Sema4’s growth plan, there are no plans to move employees out of the Stamford area that is home to their primary lab and the majority of their 1,000-plus workforce.


408 Elwood Ave. in Hawthorne

New mixed-use development coming to Hawthorne BY BRIDGET MCCUSKER bmccusker@westfairinc.com

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he Mount Pleasant Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has selected a developer to build a new mixed-use property on a vacant lot across from the Hawthorne Metro-North station. The 0.4-acre lot is located at 408 Elwood Ave., which has been vacant since the restaurant that formerly occupied the space, Bel Paese, closed more than a decade ago. It was later acquired by the IDA from the town. The developer is Trinity Associates, which has completed several other multifamily and mixed-use developments around the county, including The Washington in nearby Pleasantville. “The IDA board chose Trinity Associates because its plan respects the Hawthorne business corridor’s scale and low density,” said Mount Pleasant IDA chairman Carl Fulgenzi. “This proposal will not overwhelm the area with new residents or traffic, while delivering a reinvestment spark that we hope will trigger more building upgrades in the area.” Trinity is proposing a three-story build-

ing with 12 residential units ranging from one to two bedrooms and 17 on-site parking spaces. Expected monthly rents could range from $2,550 for a one-bedroom to $3,600 for a two-bedroom apartment. The ground floor will have 850 square feet of retail space. “Our units will be designed with the empty-nester in mind,” said Trinity Associates President John Saraceno. “We believe our market at this property will be similar to our project in Pleasantville, which would include a mix of young business professionals; current and former town residents who recently sold their homes but wish to maintain a residence in the community; divorcees; and part-time residents who have primary residences out of state." Fulgenzi also said that revitalizing the business corridor, which runs along Elwood Avenue and Commerce Street from Hawthorne to Thornwood, is a priority for the town. Another redevelopment project at 500 Commerce Street, the former location of Victor's Bar & Grill, is currently being constructed. The IDA is also currently developing a new municipal parking lot on land adjacent to the 408 Elwood Ave. property. FCBJ

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Catalyst Power Holdings seeks to expand clean energy choices for midsize Connecticut businesses

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abriel Phillips hails from Westport, but he spent most of the past 20 years outside of Connecticut building a resume full of commodities trading and energy services experience. Now he is coming back to the state as CEO of Catalyst Power Holdings, an independent provider of commercial electricity and gas and distributed energy solutions. In this role, Phillips has an eye toward providing what he considers much-needed choice in the energy provider market for midsize businesses. Phillips is looking to serve “anybody larger than the pizzeria or laundromat”, but smaller than an investment grade company with millions of end users. For the many businesses that fall in between those points, Phillips said there is little choice of electricity and gas providers. That situation makes it harder to decarbonize because no matter how interested an owner is in fighting climate change, they aren’t in a position to pressure their electric company into changing its policies. “Typically, in a privately held enterprise the owners have more supply options, including renewables, at their homes than they do for their business,” Phillips said. “We view that as a crime, and we want to help solve that with a focus on decarbonization. Our customers get more options from us than their regular retail electric supplier.” Catalyst Power offers three options for their customers, ranging from turnkey solutions to establishing their own microgrid. “The lowest involvement from the customer would be our community solar subscription,” Phillips explained. “We subscribe them to an asset that’s elsewhere but in their utility jurisdiction.” Phillips observed this option is already immensely popular with his company’s existing customers in New York, where the business is subscribed in funding a local solar farm which confers green energy credits representing the farm’s contribution to the grid. According to Catalyst Power’s website, those credits will reliably cover around 10% of a business’s electric bill. Philips also said that businesses will have the opportunity to not only save money, but also to make it. The second option they offer business owners is hosting one of the community solar farms they provide subscriptions on their roof. Catalyst Power will option the roof of viable buildings and lease them out to install solar panels. The lease rate is determined in part by how many

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Catalyst Power solar farm. Contributed photos panels can be installed and local power prices, but Phillips pitches it as a way to take advantage of federal grant money without wading into the complications of leasing solar panels directly. “Unfortunately,” Phillips said of traditional solar power arrangements, “this industry has a significant barrier to entry purely due to complexity.” The leasing option also lets businesses turn the federal solar power incentive under the Build Back Better bill into a direct payment from Catalyst Power instead of a tax credit, streamlining the process of making full use of the credit. Catalyst Power’s most involved option is the installation of a full microgrid. Phillips stressed that his company designs grids not to put customers on “islands” of power, but to make them all around more resilient. The microgrids retain a utility connection, which will also make it easier to integrate with NonWires Solutions which Connecticut is looking to invest in. In addition to solar panels, the microgrids feature a battery array to provide storage or a back up fossil fuel generator. Phillips said most customers prefer not to “put their supply of eggs all in one basket,” WCBJ

Gabriel Phillips. so instead of generating 100% of a customer’s electricity it will ensure that the bulk of its power is coming from whatever is currently the most economical option.

Catalyst Power already has 4,000 customers in New York, and Phillips is hoping to bring a bright and clean future to his home state.


Saving for an epic ski trip.

Investing in greener companies with Merrill.

Redeeming rewards for tix to next game.

Finding out his streaming service charge just went up.

Considering a fourth hot dog.

Digital tools so impressive, you just can’t stop banking. Ever wonder what everyone’s doing on their phones? They’re banking with Bank of America and investing with Merrill. We’ve been investing in digital capabilities and technology for over a decade to provide more personalized experiences and convenience for our clients. Using our unified mobile app, clients can view and manage their Bank of America banking and Merrill investing all in one place, no matter where they are. This includes personalized insights and guidance from Erica,® planning and tracking financial goals through Life Plan,® and exploring investment ideas and resources with Merrill. While more and more clients are using our digital banking capabilities, we also know that many still want to visit our financial centers for in-person conversations about their unique financial needs. Our team here in Southern Connecticut is ready to help.

Bill Tommins President, Bank of America Southern Connecticut

What would you like the power to do?®

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/southernconnecticut Investing in green technology involves risk. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

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Ruoff discusses office leasing trends amid local market comebacks BY BRIDGET MCCUSKER bmccusker@westfairinc.com

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lthough many office workers are still working primarily from home and for many, plans to return are still up in the air, the Westchester and Fairfield office markets are seeing huge comebacks in leasing activity, according to recent reports from CBRE. As the Business Journals reported last week, office leasing in Westchester and Fairfield was up by 73% and 23%, respectively, from 2020 to 2021. Westchester’s 964,000 square feet of leasing for 2021 surpassed its five-year annual average by 9%. Although Fairfield’s office leasing tallied up to 1.7 million square feet for 2021, it fell short of its five-year annual average, by 13%. According to Craig Ruoff, an executive managing director for Colliers and a commercial real estate expert with over three decades of experience focused around the Westchester market, demand for the local area has picked up and persisted throughout 2021, after the markets began to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic’s initial outbreak that colored most of 2020. Ruoff was involved in completing 13 leases in 2021 worth roughly

Craig Ruoff

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$13 million and totaling more than 60,000 square feet. He also represented the commercial real estate industry on Westchester County’s Reopening Task Force. “I saw that there was a lot of demand in Westchester still, even though you hear so much talk that there isn’t a demand anymore, there isn’t interest, there isn’t activity, but there certainly is,” Ruoff said. Ruoff reported that many officebased companies, in his experience, were able to grow during the pandemic, and saw the value in investing in their office space subsequently. Almost all of the companies he’s worked with in the timeframe of the past year were seeking out expansions instead of downsizing, and prices are reaching new highs, particularly in downtown White Plains, the county’s central business district, and areas like Yonkers and New Rochelle, which have been budding more recently in terms of office space. “Downtown, we're seeing numbers on the high end, in the low 40s,” he said. “And we've never seen that, you know, in my career, until just recently. It's interesting that we're still doing well in Westchester.” Ruoff pointed out that the recent trend in Westchester for some former office spaces to be converted to residential and retail has helped retain the market size and lease rates. “There's been a consistent reduction in the size of the market as buildings have been repurposed, he said. “We

watched Corporate Park Drive change from commercial office space and go to retail, with Wegmans, and residential, and that has an impact on the market. So markets like the I-287 corridor have really been able to maintain their numbers.” Overall, Ruoff has noticed that despite reports of many companies leaving the New York metro area, the majority of his deals were renewals, indicating that a lot still see Westchester as a desirable place to conduct business. He named the county’s low pricing compared to New York City and Fairfield, its transportation options and its business-friendly government as key features that make it attractive for businesses. A factor strengthening the county’s appeal more and more now is the increase in residential development and even luxury housing in previously primarily commercial areas. As for a phenomenon unique to our current times, Ruoff said that he is beginning to see a trend he has never seen before in his experience in the industry — the ability for companies to invest in retrofitting their existing leased offices. This is afforded either through time spent already working remotely in the first place, or because workers who are accustomed to keeping the firm functioning from home can return to doing so while renovations are completed. Ruoff referenced Prager Metis as one example of a company renovating their space like this. “They could restructure for their same space, because they already experienced a period of time of working remotely and they've gotten comfortable with the ability to do that,” he said. “So rather than having to relocate when they needed to completely redo their space, they were able to do it in place, essentially by having everyone go back to remote or currently the spaces being retrofitted right now. And then when it's done, they'll move back in.” Many commercial landlords are investing in building upgrades and amenities as well, according to Ruoff, having made good use of time being shut down or without tenants. RPW, for example, redid its main reception, lobby, conference rooms and cafeteria at 800 Westchester Ave., and Ruoff cites this as a reason many of his clients are moving there or staying. “It's always been important, but it's even more important now,” he said. “These days people want their employees to come to work. They want people to come back to the office. How do you do that? What can you offer? Well, if you're in a property or you're moving to a property, you can take a property that has more to offer for your employees than you were before.”


HUDSON VALLEY Push underway to shift HV road and bridge repairs into high gear BY PETER KATZ Pkatz@westfairinc.com

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high percentage of roads and bridges in the Hudson Valley are in either poor or mediocre condition according to a new report by TRIP, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit that does research on highway and transit issues. Drivers in the Poughkeepsie-NewburghMiddletown area are shelling out an average of $1,839 each in higher vehicle operating costs due to wear and tear and damage from poor surface conditions, costs of accidents and costs of delays due to congestion, TRIP found. A January 2022 report by TRIP found that nearly half of the important roads in New York state that are maintained locally or by the state itself are in poor or mediocre condition. The TRIP report found that 18% of major local and state-maintained roads in the Poughkeepsie-NewburghMiddletown urban area are in poor condition and another 38% are in mediocre condition. Those Hudson Valley numbers differ somewhat from statewide data showing 26% of the state’s major roads are in poor condition and 19% are in mediocre condition. In the Poughkeepsie-NewburghMiddletown urban area, 15% of bridges are rated poor or structurally deficient, while statewide 10% of the road bridges fall into those categories. A poor or structurally deficient rating means there has been significant deterioration to the bridge deck, supports or other major components. John Ravitz, executive vice president and COO of The Business Council of Westchester, during a news conference arranged by TRIP, said, “As we look to encourage businesses to come to Westchester County and the Hudson Valley, as we look to retain businesses and help them grow in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley, we need to be able to show them that … bridges and tunnels and overpasses in the county are being improved, are safe and that we don’t have a reliability issue that really puts peoples’ lives at risk.” Ravitz said that when he was a member of the state Assembly, it was known that road and bridge repairs needed to be made but there were questions of whether the funding was available to do what was needed. “We know that the funding now is there,” Ravitz said referring to federal infrastructure money. “We need to use that funding strategically to make the improvements in our transportation infrastructure so that we can send that clear message to

Road repaving. NYS Department of Transporation photo. the business community in Westchester and around the country so that if you do come here to open up shop you are going to have safe roads, safe bridges, safe underpasses for your employees and also for your customers.” John Cooney Jr., executive director of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester and the Hudson Valley, said, “For the year ended in 2020 in the Hudson Valley, 58.5% of the roads were rated poor and fair condition, the highest percentage in the state. In addition, 45.9% of the region’s bridges were rated poor and fair condition, also the highest in the state.” Cooney said that investment in roads and bridges represents an investment in the state’s general economy. “Over $1 trillion in goods are shipped to sites within New York,” Cooney noted. “Further, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association reports that there are 319,000 full-time jobs involved with the design, construction and maintenance of New York’s transportation infrastructure.”

TRIP reported that transportation construction in New York annually contributes an estimated $1.8 billion in state and local income, corporate and unemployment insurance taxes and federal payroll taxes. It pointed out that approximately 3.5 million full-time jobs in New York in key industries such as tourism, retail sales, agriculture and manufacturing are dependent on the quality, safety and reliability of the state’s transportation infrastructure network. TRIP cited statistics showing that workers in those industries earn $145 billion in wages and contribute an estimated $26.4 billion in state and local income, corporate and unemployment insurance taxes and federal payroll taxes. Cooney expressed optimism that Gov. Kathy Hochul and other state officials will push to make sure that infrastructure funds provided by the federal government actually will be spent on doing the repairs and improvements that are needed in the Hudson Valley and across the entire state. “These latest findings by TRIP shed more light on the continued need to FCBJ

address the countless roads and bridges, causing businesses and employees time and money,” said Melvin Norris, senior director of government affairs for The Business Council of New York State, Inc. “These careful studies can be used as a roadmap to finally address and solve these problems altogether. We are hopeful that the federal infrastructure package will help in solving this ongoing problem.” TRIP reported that the annual spending on roads, highways and bridges by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) increased by 37% from 2018 to 2021 from approximately $4.3 billion to $6 billion. “The level of NYSDOT highway investment is likely to increase further as a result of the five-year federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in November 2021, which will increase annual federal funding for New York roads, highways and bridges by 52% from an average of approximately $1.8 billion in federal money annually to $2.7 billion,” TRIP reported. WCBJ

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SUITE TALK Thomas I.H. Dubin, board chairman of Norwalk Hospital BY PHIL HALL

pavilion. We'd like to modernize our rooms and provide greater resources for staff. We'd like to upgrade our maternity offerings — not the health quality outcomes, because they're already superb, but the patient experience being with us.

Phall@westfairinc.com

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arlier this month, Norwalk Hospital named Thomas I. H. Dubin as its new chairman of the board of directors. Dubin, a Wilton resident who was formerly senior vice president and chief legal officer at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, has served on the board for three years, most recently as vice chairman. In this edition of Suite Talk, Business Journal Senior Enterprise Editor Phil Hall spoke with Dubin about his new duties leading the hospital’s board of directors.

When did you first get involved with the hospital's board? And why did you get involved? I joined the board a little over three years ago. I was looking for additional ways to get involved in the community. A friend of mine, Ervin Shames, had been a prior board chair. We meet from time to time and over breakfast one day, he said, “You know, maybe you should get involved with the hospital.” It was a natural flow from what I was doing at that point — I left my primary job several years ago and got a master's in public health at Yale, because I was curious about those sorts of issues. I recognized it would probably be a natural extension to get involved in hospital, which it has been. How has the hospital held up over the past two years with the Covid crisis? I don't think we're unique at all in regard to the challenges that we've faced. But we've faced those challenges — there have been staffing concerns, especially if the staff themselves have

What kind of a timeline are you looking at to have the all of these goals reached? Within five years, we should be opening up the new patient pavilion. It's a bit of a Herculean jigsaw puzzle, where we have to raze a couple of the oldest buildings in our facility — but what do you do in that midterm when you don't have that space any longer? And then we have to construct something without being disruptive to the existing facilities. So, it's quite complex. In addition to building a new patient pavilion, we'll be refurbishing all of the existing facilities as well for patients.

Thomas I.H. Dubin. Contributed photo. Covid. It's been difficult to make sure that we have sufficient people, and that's true for all hospitals in our area and across the country. At its peak, we had many, many of our medical surgery rooms converted over to Covid care. Fortunately, as Covid receded over the summer, we were able to get back to business. We're being challenged again — since around Thanksgiving, our Covid numbers have been up. But we're managing. There have been reports from around the country of hospital staffing shortages involving doctors and nurses. Is this

an issue that Norwalk Hospital is facing? It's true for all hospitals. We are looking to partner with local colleges to try to create career ladders for their students so they know that when they start their programs, they will have an opportunity of employment with Norwalk. At the risk of sounding negative, are there areas at the hospital that are in need of significant improvement? Well, we're looking to make the patient experience match our overall health quality, which is why we're embarking on a large expansion — the largest in our history, with a new four-f loor patient

In addition to your elevation to board chairman, the hospital added several new directors. What kind of people are you looking for to join the board of directors? That's an excellent question. I think it's essential that we have a board that is representative of the communities that we serve. And we're doing better on that over time, and we should continue to focus on that. Geographically, demographically, just be as representative as possible. We hope that the conversations at the board level will be well informed and constructive, so we're looking for people with different professional backgrounds, whether it's marketing, health, organizational, educational, legal — we’re trying to think about that broad breadth of professional and community experience that is really important to ensure that the board can be as productive as possible.

Stamford man pleads guilty to $4M PPP loan fraud BY PHIL HALL Phall@westfairinc.com

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tamford resident Moustapha Diakhate has waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to offenses related to his fraudulent receipt of more than $4 million in Covid-19 relief funds guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

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According to the charges brought against him, Diakhate maintained an ownership or management interest in several small business entities including Ansonia Developers LLC, Winsbay Inc., Buyers A ssociat ion Group LLC, Washington Management LLC, Diakhate Capital, Inc. and Poulson & Gold Inc. Beginning in May 2020, Diakhate provided Citibank and M&T Bank with false and fraudulent information during the PPP loan application WCBJ

process in order to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for each of his six entities totaling more than $4 million. However, Diakhate used a portion of the funds to cover personal expenses, including the settlement of a loan for the purchase of a 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo and the subsequent purchase both a Mercedes and BMW. He also purchased a $50,000 certificate of deposit with PPP funds and disbursed funds to

various and individuals unrelated to his business entities. Diakhate was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 7, 2021. He pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of making an illegal monetary transaction, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Diakhate is released on a $450,000 bond pending an April 21 sentencing.


CONTRIBUTING WRITER BY NORMAN G. GRILL

| By Norman G. Grill

What you need to know about credit reports

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reditors keep their evaluation standards secret, making it difficult to know just how to improve your credit rating. Nonetheless, it is still important to understand the factors that determine creditworthiness. And periodically reviewing your credit report can also help you protect you from identity theft that could destroy your credit rating. Many factors are used in determining credit decisions. including: • Payment history/late payments • Bankruptcy • Charge-offs (Forgiven debt) • Closed accounts and inactive accounts • Recent loans • Cosigning an account • Credit limits • Credit reports • Debt/income ratios • Mortgages Obtaining your credit reports: Credit reports are records of consumers' bill-paying habits but do not include FICO credit scores. Also referred to as credit records, credit files, and credit histories, they are collected, stored and sold by three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires that each of the three credit bureaus provides you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, every 12 months. If you have been denied credit or believe you've been denied employment or insur-

ance because of your credit report, you can request that the credit bureau involved in the decision provide you with a free copy of your credit report — but you must request it within 60 days of receiving the notification. You can check your credit report three times a year for free by requesting a credit report from a different agency every four months. The FCRA was passed in 1970 to give consumers easier access to and more information about their credit files. This law gives you the right to find out the information in your credit file, dispute information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete, and find out who has seen your credit report in the past six months. Understanding your credit report: Credit reports contain symbols and codes that are abstract to the average consumer. Every credit bureau report also includes a key that explains each code. Some of these keys decipher the information, but others cause more confusion. Read your report carefully, making a note of anything you do not understand. The credit bureau is required by law to provide trained personnel to explain it to you. If accounts are identified by code number, or if there is a creditor listed on the report that you do not recognize, ask the credit bureau to supply you with the name and location of the creditor, so you can ascertain if you do indeed hold an account with that creditor. If the report includes accounts that you do not believe are yours, it is extremely

Photo by Mohamed Hassan / Pixabay. important to find out why they are listed on your report. It is possible they are the accounts of a relative or someone with a name similar to yours. Less likely, but more importantly, someone may have used your credit information to apply for credit in your name. This type of fraud can cause a great deal of damage to your credit report, so investigate the unknown account as thoroughly as possible. In light of numerous credit card and other breaches, it is recommended that you conduct an annual review of your credit report. You must understand every piece of information on your credit report so that you can identify possible errors or omissions. Disputing errors: The FCRA protects consumers in the case of inaccurate or incomplete information in credit files. The FCRA requires credit bureaus to investigate and correct any errors in your file. If you find any incorrect or incomplete information in your file, write to the credit

bureau and ask them to investigate the information. Under the FCRA, they have about 30 days to contact the creditor and find out whether the information is correct. If not, it will be deleted. Be aware that credit bureaus are not obligated to include all of your credit accounts in your report. If, for example, the credit union that holds your credit card account is not a paying subscriber of the credit bureau, the bureau is not obligated to add that reference to your file. Some may do so, however, for a small fee. This column is for general information only and should not be considered specific advice. If you have credit questions, consult your financial advisor. Norm Grill is managing partner of Grill & Partners LLC, certified public accountants and consultants to closely held companies and high-net-worth individuals, with offices in Fairfield and Darien.

State and federal agents bust fake IDs racket BY BILL HELZEL Bheltzel@westfairinc.com

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special ID printer, phony holograms from China and lots of workers who need credentials, and voilà, you've got a lucrative fake IDs business. Those are the elements that state and federal investigators alleged against Michael Kruise Williams, 30, of Mamaroneck, and Pedro "Pesos" Vasquez, 28, of the Bronx, in a criminal complaint unsealed in U.S. District Court, White Plains that describes a scheme to make and sell phony OSHA safety cards, drivers licenses, Social Security cards and birth certificates. Williams was arrested Jan. 20 and accused of conspiracy to commit fraud, production of false identification documents, bank fraud and identity theft. Vasquez was arrested Jan. 24 and accused of conspiracy to commit fraud. The alleged conspiracy began to unravel in March 2019 at the Javits Center

expansion project in Manhattan. A private risk monitoring firm discovered that a construction worker had presented a fake Occupational Safety and Health Administration certification for taking a required safety course. It looked real, according to the criminal complaint, but the serial number did not match OSHA's database. The firm notified the state Office of Inspector General, and investigators established that the worker had bought the card from Vasquez and paid him via Cash App. An Inspector General undercover investigator set up a buy, met Vasquez in the Bronx and paid $150 for a phony OSHA card, according to the complaint. In the following months, the investigator bought more OSHA cards, Social Security cards and drivers licenses for several states. Vasquez advertised fake IDs for sale on Facebook, according to the complaint. His Cash App account showed numerous transactions for ID cards as

well as $61,000 in payments to a Square financial services account registered to "Graphic Expert." Investigators linked Vasquez to Williams. In July 2020, U.S. Customs officers at JFK Airport seized a parcel that contained laminates with holograms that resembled drivers licenses for Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida. The package was addressed to Wolfpac Technologies at a private mailbox in a tax consulting business in the Woodlawn Heights section of the Bronx. U.S. Homeland Security agents linked Wolfpac to Williams. Last February, FCBJ

agents for Homeland Security, the state Inspector General, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey searched Williams' residence in Mamaroneck and his office in Norwalk, Connecticut. They found an ID printer, the complaint states, 3,000 blank ID cards, 11 packages of laminate sleeves, three fake Social Security cards, more than 100 fake ID cards, dozens of fake OSHA cards and a passport in the name of another individual. They also found credit cards in the name of a retired teacher from Whitestone, Queens, whose identity had been stolen, according to the complaint. Williams had intercepted checks sent to a utility company located a few hundred feet from his residence, the complaint states, endorsed the checks in the retired teacher's name, and deposited them into his own bank account. Both men were released from custody, Williams on a $100,000 bond and Vasquez on a $75,000 bond. Their attorneys, Michael Braverman and Ben Gold, declined to discuss the charges. WCBJ

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Business Inc.

January 2022

Stellar Roster of Business Leaders Joining Hall of Fame

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he Business Council of Westchester will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of its prestigious Business Hall of Fame with a distinguished roster of business leaders. The winners will be honored at the 2022 Business Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on Tuesday, April 26 at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.

“We are absolutely thrilled and honored to have such an illustrious and diverse roster of honorees for this year’s 20th Anniversary of the Business Hall of Fame. The number of nominations we received this year was unprecedented. The quality of this year’s winners is truly extraordinary. They represent the very best of Westchester’s business and not-for-profit community,” said BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon. The winners in their respective categories:

Corporate Citizenship: Cross County Center Cross County Center, located in Yonkers, NY features more than 80 specialty stores and eateries including Westchester County’s first Shake Shack and the only Zara location, as well as Macy’s, H&M, Hyatt Place hotel and Westchester Community College. With children’s play areas, free parking and seasonal events, the center draws 14 million annual visitors from the tri-state region. Cross County Center is co-owned by Benenson Capital Partners and Marx Realty, who also manages the center along with an impressive mix of retail and hospitality driven office developments in New York City, Washington D. C. and Atlanta. In what is a significant boost for the Yonkers economy, Cross County Center, celebrated another milestone in its rich 67-year history with the groundbreaking of a new 130,000-square-foot Target. Target, one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic retailers, signed a 40-year retail lease at the iconic Westchester location and will occupy space at the former Sears location. Target is anticipated to open in late 2022.

Entrepreneurial Success: WBP Development WBP Development, LLC is a leading residential real estate development firm located in Westchester County, New York. WBP was founded by Robert H. Wilder, Jr. and William G. Balter. Over the last 30 years, WBP, its general contracting arm, Griffon Construction, LLC, and its property management division, WB Residential have helped to shape the residential landscape of the Hudson Valley. WBP and its affiliated companies is a team of 150 professionals who strive to make great housing opportunities available to others. From those looking for affordable living alternatives, to those looking for luxurious apartments, to those looking for an active adult community, future residents benefit from WBP’s commitment to create well-planned communities with high performance homes. Beginning with its predecessor companies, Wilder Property Companies, Inc. and Balter Properties Inc., and continuing through today, the company has focused much of its work on the creation of affordable and mixed income housing in Westchester.

Family-Owned Business Success: Wallauer Paint & Design Centers Wallauer Paint and Decorating Centers have been serving Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam Counties since 1921. The fourth-generation family-owned business, headquartered in White Plains, offers the finest selection of paints from Benjamin Moore, specialty products and accessories from Ace Hardware, window treatments from Hunter Douglas, designer fabrics and wall coverings, area rugs, and home design services, and has 15 stores. across the region. One hundred years ago, Cofounder Clarence Wallauer gave up his job as a paint salesman and opened the very first Wallauer store. After many years of growing and running a successful business, Clarence suffered a stroke. He returned to work after several weeks and decided to ask his son-in-law, Bob Duncan Sr. to join him in operating the store. In the 1950s, grandson Bob Duncan Jr. came on board and officially took over in 1982. Now retired, he has passed the day-to-day responsibilities of running the business to his two daughters, Donna and Debbie Duncan, the fourth generation of family owners.

Small Business Success: Kings Capital Construction Kings Capital Construction has gained a reputation for quality general construction, construction management, and site development of multi-family residential, commercial, and mixed-use facilities through its specialization is high-end and economically based projects. Kings is distinct from other construction managers/ general contractors in its ability to build a high-end product in a productive and fast-paced manner, making sure to never compromise quality. With the support of our in0house specialists, Kings provides expert consultation and guidance in all phases of the project from pre-construction evaluations, bidding, scheduling, cost control and quality control through construction and procurement to occupancy. The company believes in a genuine team approach to genera the most powerful solutions for difficult problems. At the core of this approach is trust and open communications between clients, architects, engineers, and contractors.

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Women in Business Success: Dr. Belinda Miles, President, Westchester Community College Belinda S. Miles serves as president of the largest college in Westchester in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan regions. Westchester Community College educates and trains more than 26,000 students in credit and non-credit programs annually and is the State University of New York’s (SUNY) first Hispanic Serving Institution. Since her arrival in 2015, President Miles has galvanized multiple teams to realign college structures, policies, and procedures to reflect an agile organization committed to more directed and supportive pathways for students. Reforms have contributed to a 42% increase in IPEDS graduation rate; up to 20% more college readiness; and an 11% increase in retention for First-Year Experience cohorts. Among the top strategies has been new cohort management systems, improved placement in college level math and English courses, college-readiness bridge programs, and improved student orientation and onboarding strategies. She has led cross-functional teams that have attracted external support from government, foundation, and private sources.

Minority Business Success: Elena Rivera-Cheek, Founder, Copy & Art Copy & Art is a full-service, boutique ad agency based in White Plains for over 10 years. The agency has deep experience in developing innovative marketing solutions for clients that get measurable results, including social media strategies, print and digital communications, podcasts, television and radio advertising, video marketing, website design and content development. Copy & Art has shown significant growth over its ten-year history, with increasing revenues each year. Even in a pandemic year, the agency continued this trend and ended almost 10% more than the previous year. The agency started in Elena Rivera-Cheek’s basement ten years ago, moved to an office in the heart of White Plains, and is now moving into a larger, more modern office space in a premier office building in White Plains. The company has grown from 3 full-time employees hustling with the help of an extended network of freelancers, to a full team in an actual office serving an array of clients.

Chairman’s Recognition Award: Tompkins Mahopac Bank For over 90 years, Tompkins Mahopac Bank, part of Tompkins Financial Corporation, has specialized in delivering personalized service, local decision-making and a broad range of services for consumers and businesses, including wealth management services provided through the offices of Tompkins Financial Advisors. Tompkins Mahopac Bank offers a breadth of services, including branch and remote mobile banking, cash management, commercial lending and residential lending. With an emphasis on hyperlocal decision making to make what’s possible a reality, the bank takes in local deposits and reinvests them right back into the communities it serves as loans to businesses, professionals and consumers. This is the primary way Tompkins Mahopac Bank supports the economic vitality of the region. Founded in 1927, Tompkins Mahopac Bank has 14 locations throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, with approximately 140 employees and assets totaling nearly $1.5 billion. As a community bank, part of Tompkins Mahopac Bank’s purpose is to help communities thrive and grow.

The Business Council of Westchester is the county’s only business membership organization focusing on economic development and advocacy. It is the county’s largest and most prestigious business membership organization representing more than 1,000 members, including multinational corporations, hospitals, universities, biotech pioneers, not-for-profits, entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes. As the most influential economic development and advocacy organization in Westchester, The Business Council of Westchester’s members enjoy unparalleled access to today’s top thought leaders, diverse business development opportunities and lawmakers at all levels of government. The BCW Data Exchange provides the latest demographic research to help guide smart business decisions. The LEAP program, a one-of-a-kind initiative, gives members direct access to lobbying efforts at the county, state and national levels on issues that directly affect their businesses. Build, Connect and Win with The Business Council of Westchester. Visit thebcw.org to connect today.


Year of Significant Success and Growth for BCW

C

CEO Marsha Gordon introduced Gov. Hochul at a news conference announcing $20 million in funding for Ossining and Haverstraw from the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development.

ontinuing its leadership role as Westchester County’s most influential business membership organization focused on economic development and advocacy, The Business Council of Westchester achieved significant success on many fronts in 2021.

The BCW began the year with several major initiatives and programs including its Driving Diversity and Inclusion Series, an important half-day conference for businesses and organizations of all types featuring speakers and experts covering best practices, resources and guidance on issues related to diversity and inclusion. Another important series launched in the first quarter was the State of Westchester’s Economy: Post-Pandemic and Future Focused. The four-part series focused on four key sectors of the county’s economy: Infrastructure, Healthcare, Education and Hospitality & Retail.

In December, the BCW hosted a meeting at the BCW’s offices for its Board of Directors to meet with New York State Attorney General Letitia James for a presentation and Q&A. BCW membership continues to grow with 170 new members joining in 2021. The value of BCW membership is demonstrated by members sharing success and business growth. A Circles of Influence event in the fall welcomed a record 26 new members in one evening. 2021 saw a return to in-person events with a total of ten events with total attendance of nearly 1,300. Total attendance for BCW programs in 2021, including in-person and virtual events (Zoom, Facebook Live and You Tube) totaled 19,588.

BCW’s Annual Lobby Day, which was held virtually in April, provided members with the opportunity to hear from lawmakers in Albany on topics of issue of interest to the business community. The program coincided with the release of the BCW’s 2021 Legislative Agenda.

Annual Dinner Honors Regeneron Leaders

Alliance for Full Gaming at Empire City Casino One of the BCW’s top advocacy achievements in 2021 was the announcement in March of the creation of “A Sure Bet for New York’s Future,” a new local alliance in support of a full gaming license for Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and touted its benefits for Yonkers, the Bronx, and the greater Westchester region. The announcement was followed up in November with a press conference held at Empire City Casino featuring local and state political leaders.

The top BCW event of the year was the Annual Dinner on October 13 which attracted more than 400 attendees. The event honored Regeneron founders Leonard Schleifer and George Yancopoulos who received the BCW’s 2021 Global Leadership Laureate for their innovation, their development of the REGEN-COV therapy for post-exposure prevention of Covid-19, and for the company’s multibillion-dollar investments in Westchester County.

Building on its leading role in assisting the County and the State in its economic recovery efforts, the BCW’s Westchester Economic Recovery Task Force issued a comprehensive report in June with a list of recommendations and needs to help assist the state and county with their reemergence plans.

As 2021 came to a close, the BCW hosted a major energy conference in December that assembled local energy experts to discuss how New York will achieve aggressive carbon-neutral goals. Bringing Power to Westchester was a four-hour virtual event hosted by BCW Executive Vice President and COO John Ravitz, who kicked off the event by outlining the BCW’s years of energy advocacy, particularly around the debate about the Indian Point Energy Center, which permanently closed in April 2021.

Task Force for Westchester Economic Recovery

New Focus on Innovation in 2022

Following up on its first report, the BCW held a virtual Town Hall Forum in August to hear from BCW members on their ideas for spending federal funds from the American Rescue Fund. The Forum, which was co-sponsored by the County, resulted in a second Task Force Report with more ideas on how the state and county should spend $188 million in federal funding.

Looking ahead to 2022, the BCW is planning a major new initiative to position Westchester County as a place where innovation thrives. Westchester Innovation Network (WIN): Shaping the County of the Future will focus on convening thought leaders, planning futurists, innovators, government officials and local organizations to strengthen the long-term innovation ecosystem in Westchester County. “Creating a stronger innovation ecosystem is critical for the future of Westchester County. We are focused on showcasing Westchester County as an attractive location to build, grow, and explore innovation,” said Gordon.

In other areas advocacy and government affairs, the BCW held its virtual Political Leadership Series featuring important political leaders such as U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The BCW continued to build on its strong relationship with Governor Kathy Hochul who over the years has participated in several BCW forums as Lt. Governor. In November, BCW President and

“The year 2022 is shaping up to be another transformative year for the BCW as it focuses on the critical issues facing our region’s economy and business community during these very challenging times,” said Gordon.

2021 at a Glance

10

IN-PERSON EVENTS WITH ATTENDANCE OF 1,300

55

170

VIRTUAL EVENTS

NEW MEMBERS

Events and programs with key government leaders including:

Governor Kathy Hochul

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

Congressman Jamaal Bowman

Congressman Mondaire Jones

NYS Attorney General Letitia James

NYS Comptroller Thomas Di Napoli

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Good Things MATCHING KINDNESS OF FAMILY FOUNDATION Last November the Wadsworth Family Foundation offered a matching grant challenge for Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County’s (CFC) 2021 end-of-year campaign that ran through Jan. 15. During this time, all donations made to Habitat CFC’s end-of-year campaign were matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. By Jan. 15, more than $136,000 had been raised from supportive donors allowing Habitat CFC to receive the full $100,000 from the Wadsworth Family Foundation. The match was made in memory of William Wadsworth Sr., a strong supporter of Habitat for Humanity who passed away in 2020. With the funds that were raised and matching donations, Habitat CFC will be able to break ground on a home in memory of Wadsworth at 100 Clifford St. in

Bridgeport, this spring. “…The building of 100 Clifford St. means a lot to the Wadsworth Family Foundation as it will be in memory of our father,” said Kathy Wadsworth Kmietek, trustee, the Wadsworth Family Foundation. Carolyn Vermont, Habitat CFC CEO said, “We are truly grateful to the Wadsworth Family Foundation for its support over the past few years. This will be the fifth Habitat CFC home the Wadsworth family has sponsored….” Habitat CFC has a 36-year history as a developer with a commitment to “green” construction. A family service agency, nonprofit financial institution, community advocate and provider of over 8,000 volunteer opportunities, it transforms abandoned properties into homes for tax-paying, contributing community members.

DIRECTOR OF FAMILY SERVICES AT HABITAT CFC Valencia Goodridge has joined Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County (CFC) in Bridgeport as the director of family services. “I am delighted to have Valencia onboard at Habitat CFC. I have seen her work and dedication in the greater Bridgeport community, and I am confident that she will be a great addition to our organization,” said Carolyn Vermont, CEO of Habitat CFC. “As a Bridgeport native who lived in public housing on the south end during the 70s, I believe in Habitat for Humanity’s vision as it embodies a spirit of hope for families,” said Goodridge. Goodridge earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Bridgeport and completed her graduate studies at Southern Connecticut State University with a Master’s in Business Administration degree. She most recently worked on the leadership and

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Valencia Goodridge

management team at the Community Action Agency of New Haven and is a part-time adjunct professor. Goodridge is an active member of several nonprofit boards, including the Alumni Board at Southern Connecticut State University, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Westville Village Renaissance Alliance.

and a fourth location in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Past Chair Marcel Martino of Adapt of the Hudson Valley, will remain on the executive committee as vice chair along with Linda Muller of Cornerstone Family Healthcare, remaining on the as past chair. New 2022 board members include Ryan Coakley of Merrill Lynch, Nathan Jackson of Central Hudson, Jeremy Landolfa of New York Life Insurance and Nicole Tompkins of Rhinebeck Bank The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based, nonprofit organization, which works to advocate for and support businesses small and large in Orange County, New York and beyond. FCBJ

From left: Christopher Carter, president CALA and Senior Living Institute; Ron Bucci, senior executive director, The Greens at Greenwich, The Greens at Cannondale and Wilton Meadows; Stephen G. Jones, M.D., associate professor of medicine, Yale School of Medicine; Maria Scaros, executive director, The Greens at Greenwic; Barbara Mullins RN, supervisor of assisted living services, The Greens at Greenwich; and George Prouty, CALA Board member.

The Greens at Greenwich is the first Greenwich recipient of The Purple Flag Accreditation given by the Connecticut Association Living Association (CALA) and the Alzheimer’s Association for successfully fulfilling requirements of Purple Flag for Dementia Care accreditation. Maria Scaros, executive director, said “We have been passionate about providing excellence in memory care through creative and unique programs, ongoing

ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS Eric Maldonado of Montgomery has been elected chairman of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce in Maybrook for which he served as vice chair for two years as well as past chairman for the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals committee. He has been honored as an Orange County Rising Star in 2012, a graduate of Leadership Orange Legendary Class of 2014 where he received the Leadership Commitment Award, and he is a member of the Board of Directors for Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties. Professionally he is a co-owner of multiple Verizon Wireless Zone stores, a National Premium Retailer with locations in Newburgh, New Windsor, Montgomery,

PURPLE FLAG ACCREDITATION FOR GREENWICH FACILITY

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staff education and training and strong relationships with both the residents and their families. Our creative arts therapy program continues to be at the core of our best practices…” As the fifth recipient since the program was launched in 2019 and the first recipient of 2022, The Greens at Greenwich joins a growing number of provider organizations that embrace best practices and aspire to excellence in the field of

memory care. The Purple Flag for Dementia Care™ Accreditation standards was developed in consultation with health care experts and providers to further enhance staff education and to demonstrate a commitment to best practices for residents. While nursing homes have accreditation standards, The Purple Flag represents the first accreditation program for memory care assisted living communities.

GRANT FOR THE PALACE Connecticut Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded The Palace Theatre in Stamford a $5,000 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant, which will support The Palace’s efforts to add greater diversity to its audience programming, outreach initiatives and arts education offerings. “The CT Cultural Fund Operating Support grant is crucial as we grow our programming to incorporate more inclusive entertainment and arts education classes that reflect our community,” said Michael Moran, president and CEO of The Palace. “These funds will also support our efforts to work toward greater diversity among staff and board members and promote our organization with cultural alliance associations…” The Palace Theatre, a 1,630-seat historic venue, is the longest-running arts presenter in the history of greater Fairfield County – a beacon for music, comedy, dance and theatre since the curtain rose in 1927. The Palace is one of more than 600

Interior of the Palace Theatre.

organizations in Connecticut to be awarded CT Cultural Fund support from CT Humanities, which totals $16 million. The grants are part of $30.7 million allocated

to arts, humanities and cultural nonprofits through CT Humanities over the next two years by the CT General Assembly and approved by Governor Ned Lamont.


CAF 2022 Board

ARCHITECTURAL FIRM HELPS STAFF STUDENT DEBT

Stephanie Degen-Monroe

Robert E. Swain

Nancy B. Clayton

University of Connecticut

Stephanie Degen-Monroe

The Catholic University of America

Columbia University

Hoffmann Architects of Hamden, Connecticut, and New York, an architecture and engineering firm specializing in the rehabilitation of building exteriors, launched a Student Loan Repayment Benefit program to assist employees in paying down student debt. An initiative of Hoffmann Architects’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the plan offers eligible employees an employer-match reimbursement for qualified student loan payments made during the year, up to an annual maximum benefit. For 2021, 10 Hoffmann Architects’ employees took advantage of the new program. The firm contributed a total of $24,972 toward student loans. To support Hoffmann Architects employees in paying down student debt and to align with the firm’s commitment

to attract and retain professionals of color, Hoffmann Architects has pledged to support employees with student loans by providing this new repayment benefit. The Consolidated Appropriations Act “CAA), which was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, allows employers to contribute up to $5,250 per employee per year in loan repayment assistance on a tax-free basis. As the legislation remains in effect until the end of 2025, with the potential to be renewed thereafter, Hoffmann Architects plans to continue the Student Loan Repayment Benefit at least through Dec. 31, 2025. Founded in 1977, Hoffmann Architects specializes in the rehabilitation of buildings. The firm’s work focuses on the exteriors of existing structures, diagnosing and resolving deterioration.

The Connecticut Architecture Foundation (CAF) in New Haven has announced the appointment of new officers and members of its volunteer Board of Directors for 2022. The foundation, established in 1978 by the Connecticut Society of Architects, now the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Connecticut, is an independent 501c3 organization. Its purpose is to raise and distribute funds to increase public awareness of, and expectations for, architecture and the built environment. Over the last 40-plus years more than $600,000 in scholarships have been awarded to recipients. Second term officers are: Stephanie Degen-Monroe, AIA, planner architect, Yale School of Medicine and West Campus, New Haven, is president. Robert E. Swain Jr., AIA LEED AP, Amenta Emma Architects, Hartford, is vice president. He serves as principal-in-charge for the firm’s Academic Studio and principal for the firm’s major civic work. Nancy B. Clayton, AIA LEED GA, Pickard Chilton, New Haven, is secretary. She is currently associate-in-charge of the Barack H. Obama Magnet University School, a New Haven Public School opening this month. Taking the helm as treasurer is Robert Golde, FASLA, principal, Towers|Golde LLC, New Haven. He has focused his practice at the landscape architectural firm of Towers|Golde on developing a highly collaborative approach to site planning and context sensitive site development for projects of all types. Golde currently holds professional licenses in 14 states. John P. Franzen, FAIA, J.P. Franzen Associates Architects PC, Fairfield, as assistant treasurer brings more than 30 years of professional expertise. A graduate of Cornell Uni-

John P. Franzen

Randal Anway

Cassandra Archer

Paolo Campos

versity with a bachelor’s and master’s degree, he practices in residential, commercial and institutional architecture as well as historic preservation. Joining the 2022 Board of Directors are Randal Anway AIA, Cassandra Archer, AIA, and Paolo Campos, AIA. Anway, a principal in New, Tapestry LLC in Old Lyme, is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and the International Council on Systems Engineering, He holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana- Champaign, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut. Archer is senior architect at Centerbrook Architects and Planners. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston in 2012. She began her career specializing in education and commercial interior fit-outs and worked at New Haven’s Kenneth Boroson Architects before joining Centerbrook . Campos is principal at Patriquin Architects, New Haven. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Architecture degree from Yale University. He serves AIA-CT as president

elect of the Board of Directors. He is one of the five founding architects of NOMA CT, where he currently serves as president. Returning board members are: Angela Cahill, AIA, QA+M Architects, Farmington; Tanya Cutolo, AIA, LEED AP, S/L/A/M collaborative and construction services, Glastonbury; Michael J. Crosbie, FAIA, University of Hartford, West Hartford; Elizabeth (Tina) Greco, AIA, Perkins Eastman, Stamford; Thomas M. Haskell, AIA, University of Connecticut, Storrs; Peter J. Newman, Associate AIA, Newman Architects, Woodbridge; Ilona Prosol, PE, LEED BD+C, BVH Integrated Services PC, Bloomfield; Arthur L. Sanders, AIA, New Haven; and Kermit D. Thompson, FAIA, DAS, state of Connecticut. Jay M. Brotman, AIA, Svigals + Partners, New Haven, remains on the board as past president. The Connecticut Architecture Foundation is committed to enhancing and promoting the quality of the state’s built environment while encouraging public understanding and community involvement in the design and building processes of physical surroundings. It also supports the profession of architecture and allied arts and services.

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Good Things SIMPLE, SEASONAL, HEALTHY SWEETGREEN

ACCOUNTING FIRM’S 2022 PROMOTIONS Jackie Bai, Scott Davis and Corey Neubauer have been promoted to partners at Prager Metis, a leading accounting and advisory firm with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and the Metaverse. Bai, specializes in financial auditing, primarily for public companies with international clients. Fluent in English and Mandarin she’s able to communicate with Chinese-speaking clients.

Neubauer has more than 20 years of experience in the accounting industry, with an expertise in issues relating to bankruptcy and insolvency, representing Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 trustees, creditors and debtors. Davis will serve as partner-incharge of Prager Metis’ not-for-profit services, specializing in working with nonprofit and government organizations.

ATTORNEY PROMOTED TO PARTNER Kelly F. O’Donnell of Pullman & Comley LLC in Bridgeport has been elected partner. Her practice includes mergers and acquisitions, corporate formation, contract review and negotiation, customer and vendor agreements and negotiations, protection of intellectual property, corporate succession planning and tax planning advice. As part of her work in the health-care sector, O’Donnell advises hospitals and other providers on risk management issues. O’Donnell joined Pullman & Comley as a summer associate in 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UConn in 2011 and her Juris Doc-

torate, with honors, from the University of Michigan Law School in 2014. She is co-chair of Pullman & Comley’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and is the business law section treasurer for the Connecticut Bar Association and a founding member of Thrive, the Bridgeport Regional Business Council’s Young Professionals Initiative. Pullman & Comley is one of Connecticut’s largest firms and, for more than 100 years, has provided a wide range of legal services to clients in the New England region, as well as throughout the United States and internationally.

2022 LEGACY AWARDEE

A fast-casual salad restaurant, sweetgreen, which opened its first location in Greenwich, Connecticut, has now opened a New York location in Vernon Hills at 696 White Plains in Eastchester. The 2,928-square-foot location will accommodate 27 diners inside the restaurant and an additional 30 diners on the

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outdoor patio – once temperatures warm up. For an added design element sweetgreen has partnered with New York artist Laura Burke for a mixed-media fourpiece series to decorate the space. The Vernon Hills location will offer sweetgreen specialties like the Kale Caesar and Guacamole Greens, in addition to FCBJ

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new seasonal menu offerings, which will be available through March 30. For each meal sold on opening day, sweetgreen donated a meal to its local impact partner, Westchester Community Opportunity Program to nourish foodinsecure families within Eastchester and Mount Vernon.

The 2022 Volunteer New York! Legacy Award will go to former board member Celia R. Brown, who played a major behind-the-scenes role during the successful 2014 rebranding of the organization. The award will be presented to her April 8 at the 42nd annual Volunteer Spirit Awards breakfast benefit. “Celia is someone who believes in the impact that volunteer power can have,” said Jeanette Gisbert, Volunteer New York! executive director. An active member of Impact 100 Westchester, Brown is currently serving on the Nonprofit Advisory Committee. Professionally, she is an independent public company director and management consultant with extensive global HR and corporate law background and experience at times of business and leadership transition, integration and expansion. She currently serves as a member of the board of directors of a number of organizations and has worked for many years in the areas of CEO transitions, including 30 years of service as a trusted advisor to senior leaders. Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law. The Legacy Award is given to a

Celia R. Brown

prominent leader in Westchester who has a personal and professional commitment to volunteerism and Volunteer New York! For event information, visit volunteernewyork.org/awards. Information for these features has been submitted by the subjects or their delegates.


ADVERTORIAL RESOURCE GUIDE

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 31, 2022


POWERFUL WOMEN: Westchester County Area code: 914 (unless otherwise noted)

ABIGAIL KIRSCH

Tappan Hill Mansion, 81 Highland Ave. Tarrytown 10591 631-3030 • abigailkirsch.com President: Abigail Kirsch Year company established: 1989 Business description: Caterers

ALLAN M. BLOCK AGENCY INC.

24 S. Broadway, Tarrytown 10591 631-4353 • ambins.com jmurray@allanblockinsurance.com President: JoAnne Murray, president Year company established: 1959 Business description: personal and business insurance agency

ANGELFACE DAY SPA

322 Underhill Ave. Yorktown Heights 10598 245-1084 • angelfacespa.com info@angelfacespa.com President: Angela De Angellis, president and Founder Year company established: 1995 Business description: beauty salon and spa

ANN & ANDY CHILD CARE

2170 Saw Mill River Road Elmsford 10523 592-3027 • annandandychildcare.com info@annandandychildcare.com President: Deborah Asadoorian, Cheryl Anstett and Anna Fucci, co-owners Year company established: 1973 Business description: childcare for 18 months to pre-K

ARCH STREET COMMUNICATIONS INC.

160 Wildey St., Tarrytown 10591 821-5100 • asc-pr.com nmadonick@asc-pr.com President: Nora Madonick Year company established: 1992 Business description: strategic communications and outreach firm serving federal and state agencies

POWERFUL WOMEN

BAYSIDE TRAVEL GROUP OF COMPANIES

CAROL KURTH ARCHITECTURE PC & INTERIORS LTD.

69 Pondfield Road, Bronxville 10708 833-8880 • luxurytravelservice.com info@baysidetravel.com President: Barbara Nichuals, owner Year company established: 1987 Business description: travel company specializing in customized luxury experiences

The Arcade Building 644 Old Post Road Bedford 10506 234-2595 • carolkurtharchitects.com carol.kurth@carolkurtharchitects.com President: Carol Kurth, owner and founder Year company established: 1995 Business description: architecture and interior design firm

BEDFORD STONE & MASONRY SUPPLY CORP.

COPY & ART

1 N. Broadway White Plains 10601 607-7888 • copyandartny.com elena@copyandartny.com President: Elena Rivera-Cheek, MBA Year company established: 2011 Business description: Full-service digital marketing agency

DECORATIVE HARDWARE STUDIO INC.

99 Lafayette Ave., White Plains 10603 437-5454 • certifiedsitesafety.com info@certifiedsafety.com President: Penny Gianatasio, CEO Year company established: 2008 Business description: safety and risk management/construction services

P.O. Box 627, Chappaqua 10514 238-5251 • dhshardware.com dhshardware@gmail.com President: Marie Prezner, owner Year company established: 1975 Business description: custom manufacturer of brass hardware serving the hospitality and interior design industries

107 N. Greely Ave., Suite 184 Chappaqua 10514 917-650-7743 • bookedparties.com claire@bookedparties.com President: Claire Gilvar, founder Year company established: 2015 Business description: a listing and booking platform for children’s birthday parties, including gits, favors, décor and desserts

CO-COMMUNICATIONS INC.

DIANA GOULD LTD.

BRONXVILLE WELLNESS SANCTUARY

COFFEY MODICA O’MEARA LLP

DIGISTAR MEDIA

CONCEPT: CARE INC.

EASE INTO ITALY & BEYOND LLC

CERTIFIED SITE SAFETY OF NY LLC

284 Adams St., Bedford Hills 10507 666-6404 • bedfordstone.com info@bedfordstone.com President: David Burbank, president Year company established: 1925 Business description: masonry supplier

BOOKED PARTIES

4 W. Red Oak Lane, Suite 109 White Plains 10604 666-0066 • cocommunications.com stacey@cocommunications.com President: Stacey Cohen, president and CEO Year company established: 1997 Business description: public relations and marketing 200 E. Post Road, Suite 210 White Plains 10601 205-5005 • cmollp.com jomeara@cmollp.com President: Juliann O’Meara, managing partner Year company established: 2021 Business description: law firm

14 Studio Arcade, Bronxville 10708 337-9356 • bronxvillewellness.com info@bronxvillewellness.com President: Stephanie Filardi, co-owner Year company established: 2011 Business description: beauty salon and holistic spa services

BUZZ CREATORS INC.

44 S. Broadway, Suite 100 White Plains, 10601 826-5512 • digistarmedia.com RColner@DigiStarMedia.com President: Robin Colner Year company established: 2009 Business description: social media and content marketing

50 Main St., Suite 976 White Plains 10606 682-7990 • conceptcareny.com cgreenberg@conceptcareny.com President: Carol Greenberg, owner Year company established: 1995 Business description: home health care agency

400 Columbus Ave., Second floor Valhalla 10596 358-5080 • buzz-creators.com crae@buzz-creators.com President: Christina Rae, president Year company established: 2009 Business description: public relations, marketing and brand building

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12 Frontage St., Elmsford 10523 347-7134 • dianagouldltd.com events@dianagouldltd.com President: Diana Gould, owner Year company established: 1981 Business description: floral décor, set design and prop building, furniture and props, graphic design and printing, LED lighting

207 S. Buckhout St., Irvington 10533 231-5634 • easeintoitaly.com easeintoitaly@gmail.com President: Kathleen Guglielmo, owner Year company established: 2005 Business description: travel planning for vacations and study abroad opportunities in Italy

AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


Ambitious

Lisa Buchman, EVP

Bold Jennifer Galluzzo, Digital Director

Pamela Tucker, Marketing Director

Creative

Meet the new women leaders of

Julia Emrick, VP, Business Development harrison-edwardspr.com

POWERFUL WOMEN

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POWER WOMAN: RITA MABLI

Trailblazer in eldercare and senior living POWERFUL WOMEN typically share a few traits: grit, drive, and perseverance, to name a few. Rita Mabli has these and so much more. Compassion tops the list. Strong leadership and kindness are not mutually exclusive in Rita’s eyes. A fierce advocate for the region’s most vulnerable elderly residents, Rita works tirelessly to ensure they receive the quality care they deserve. After 40 years at United Hebrew, her commitment to its nonprofit mission is unwavering. She’s built a team of world-class caregivers who provide award-winning care for their residents in skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and independent/affordable housing. Honored as an Iona College Woman of Excellence, McKnight’s Woman of Distinction, Westchester Magazine Healthcare Hero, and an American College of Healthcare Administrators Distinguished Leader, among others, Rita is poised to meet the needs of seniors in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Rita Mabli, President & CEO United Hebrew of New Rochelle

www.uhgc.org 914-632-2804 POWERFUL WOMEN

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AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


6 TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING COMPLEX MARKETING MESSAGES

H

andling the PR for a trendy new restaurant, unique product, or cool kid’s event is pretty easy. Why? Because they are fun, they appeal to what so many people are looking for, and they usually have a simple call to action and an uncomplicated message. But what happens when the product, service, or program is more serious and complex? “Designing the marketing campaign for ‘Ring in the New Year at Noon’ was fun. Bright colorful graphics promoting a noon-time balloon drop with music and free activities for kids—it’s a marketing/PR dream,” states Sherry Bruck, President of Harquin Creative Group. “But try creating a campaign to influence people’s hearts and minds on topics like equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Or convincing residents to conserve water by replacing their toilet or updating their sprinkler system to receive a rebate. It’s our job to develop campaigns that convey these messages in the most appealing way we can to get people to pay attention and take action on things they may not be particularly motivated to do.” These types of challenging stories require a different level of creativity and strategy to succeed. Sherry Bruck and Risa Hoag know this first-hand, having worked collaboratively for over 30 years on clients that include the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, Meals on Wheels in Rockland’s Adult Day Care Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, New Roc’s New Year at Noon Celebration, and the SUEZ Conservation Bailey the Beaver campaign. Together they have created innovative and successful marketing strategies on both sides of the spectrum—consumer-facing fun campaigns and complex public/government initiatives. “Having both kinds of clients gives us a deeper level of expertise” says Hoag, President of GMG Public Relations. “We try to infuse some fun into whatever we’re doing as we know that’s what attracts interest and engages people, even in the more serious situations. Most recently we developed a campaign targeting young adults affected by gun violence. We understand when it’s suitable to add a lighter touch on the messaging and graphics because we are so steeped in the public sector, and we know what’s appropriate.” “We both believe in causes, and in finding unique ways to bring difficult messages to the right audiences. It’s often challenging and frustrating, but we are known for our tenacity,” says Bruck. According to the dynamic duo, there are a few best practice tips to help craft complex campaigns:

POWERFUL WOMEN

SUEZ Conservation campaign featuring Bailey the Beaver in a tv spot and as a mascot at a New York Boulders game. Center, Bill Madden, Director, New York Communications/Government Affairs, SUEZ, with Bailey. Upper right, Sherry Bruck left, Risa Hoag, right.

1. Clearly identify the audience most interested in the message; demographics; location, etc.; sometimes there are multiple audiences, separate them to address each independently. 2. Determine how the audience(s) gets their news and information; traditional TV and newspaper outlets, digital online media, social media, radio, podcasts, etc. 3. Regardless of the complexity of the message, boil it down to one key message to catch attention quickly; think headline or email subject line. 4. Succinctly state the problem the organization is trying to solve; if there are multiple, build a case for how they tie together. 5. Make sure to include a call to action that is defined and clear; what should the audience do with the information you are sharing?

6. Use creative graphics and intriguing design to help tell the story as most people are visual and a well-done graphic is worth a thousand words. The final tip is to be patient but persistent. Complex stories and messages can be difficult for people to grasp and many times the only way to get the message to the target audience is to hammer away at it, whether that means multiple pitches to the media or on-going outreach with the target audience itself. “The biggest mistake people make with marketing is giving up too soon. You cannot commit to marketing anything for two months or even six months. Marketing must be consistent and ongoing regardless of whether you are a for profit business selling a product or a nonprofit organization looking for visibility and

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funding. We are all bombarded with messaging from many sources every single day and if you want yours to stick, you have to continue to push it out,” says Bruck. “It’s similar to joining a networking group, going to a few meetings and then saying you didn’t get any business,” concludes Hoag. “People need to gain familiarity with you and your message and build trust over time. If you give up too soon, you’ll simply reinforce the idea that you weren’t in it for the long haul and therefore not serious, or worse, untrustworthy. We encourage our clients not to fall into that trap!” You can reach Risa at risa@gmgpr.com and Sherry at sbruck@harquin.com or visit gmgpr.com for Risa and harquin.com for Sherry.

AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


POWERFUL WOMEN: Westchester County ECO-PRIMA TEA

11 Clearbrook Road, Suite 120 Elmsford 10523 930-8892 • ecoprimatea.com anupa@ecoprimatea.com President: Anupa Mueller, owner Year company established: 1995 Business description: tea distributor

EILEEN FISHER INC.

1 Bridge St., Irvington 10533 591-5700 • eileenfisher.com onlinesupport@eileenfisher.com President: Eileen Fisher Year company established: 1986 Business description: women’s apparel

THE FLOWER BAR

FULLERTON BECK LLP

11 Addison St., Larchmont 10538 834-4900 • the-flower-bar.com orders@the-flower-bar.com President: Nancy White, owner Year company established: 2011 Business description: florist offering individual or subscription orders for personal use, businesses and events

1 W. Red Oak Lane White Plains 10604 305-8634• fullertonbeck.com kbeck@fullertonbeck.com President: Eileen Fullerton, managing partner; Katrine Beck, founding partner/owner Year company established: 2018 Business description: law firm

FORMÉ URGENT CARE AND WELLNESS CENTER

GMG PUBLIC RELATIONS, INC.

7-11 S. Broadway, White Plains 10601 530-0411 • formeurgentcare.com President: Gina Cappelli, president Year company established: 2000 Business description: boutique urgent care and wellness center

53 Hudson Ave., Nyack 10960 996-8100 • gmgpr.com President: Risa B. Hoag Year company established: 1991 Business description: Public Relations/Marketing/Advertising

HARQUIN CREATIVE GROUP

80 Surrey Drive New Rochelle 10804 738-9620 • harquin.com President: Sherry Bruck Year company established: 1992 Business description: Branding/ Marketing

HOWIE MARKETING & CONSULTING INC.

40 Wilner Road, Somers 10589 248-1112 • howiemarketing.com howiemarketing1@gmail.com President: Lydia Howie, CEO Year company established: 2001 Business description: grant writing, marketing services and development and guest-speaking services for nonprofits

SCALISE & HAMILTON PC Deborah A. Scalise of Scalise & Hamilton PC, Scarsdale, New York, represents judges, lawyers and law firms in ethics and professional responsibility matters before the Character and Fitness and Grievance Committees and the Commission on Judicial Conduct. The firm also provides proactive advice via advisory letters, website and escrow account review and assists law students with bar admission. She received her Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College (CUNY). Active in several bars statewide and local bar associations, Scalise has held leadership positions and coordinates or lectures CLE programs. She plans community outreach events for local students, including Career Day, Law Day and Take Your Children to Work Day. She also volunteers as a legal advisor and coach for Rye Neck High School and the Westchester/New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Mock Trial Competition. Scalise received the NYSBA’s 2019 Ruth G. Shapiro Memorial Award for her noteworthy contributions to women’s concerns through pro bono services, writing, service to bar associations or community organizations. In October 2018, the Legal Services of the

POWERFUL WOMEN

Deborah A. Scalise Sarah Jo Hamilton Lisa M. Bluestein Of Councel

SCALISE & HAMILTON PC

Hudson Valley recognized her during National Pro Bono Week for legal counsel and mentorship in the area of ethics and professionalism. She was honored by the New York City Bar Association Lawyers Assistance Program for her continued support and contributions in 2015; received the Westchester Bar Association’s Family Friendly Award in 2014, the Westchester Bar Association State of New York Marilyn Menge Award in 2012 and the Westchester County Above the Bar Pace Setter Award in 2019. Repeatedly recognized by her peers as “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell since 2002, Scalise is a Super Lawyer, since 2009 and a Best Lawyer in America, since 2012.

111 Brook Street, Suite 202 Scarsdale, NY 10583 (914) 725-2801

Ethics & Professionalism Grievances

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AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


ELIZABETH BRACKEN-THOMPSON Partner

VALERIE HOVASAPIAN Vice President

JOSEFA PAGANUZZI Senior Account Executive

VICTORIA HOCHMAN Manager of PR & Strategic Planning

DEBBIE PIZZINO Media Director

AMY LASAGNA Creative Director

ALANA ZAYAS Communications Specialist

OLIVIA PORTER Events Specialist

POWERFUL WOMEN

SALUTING POWERFUL WOMEN Powerful and professional. Thompson & Bender has the team and talent to deliver the best in communications: strategic PR, integrated advertising, digital marketing, social media, website development, media buying and planning, and special events. For more than 30 years, T&B has been delivering powerful results that help clients succeed. T&B has created award-winning campaigns for the “who’s who” of regional Fortune 500 corporations, healthcare, higher education, economic development, real estate, retail, hospitality, media, government and not-for-profit organizations. Named as one of the City & State “Power 100” as well as “Best in Westchester” in 2021 for a third consecutive year for Best PR & Advertising Agency, Best in Graphic Design & Web Development, and Best Social Media Agency.

1192 Pleasantville Road Briarcliff Manor, NY (914) 762-1900 thompson-bender.com

MOLLY Mascot

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AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


POWERFUL WOMEN: Westchester County HUDSON FUSION LLC

MARCH BOUTIQUE

ON Q COMMUNICATIONS LLC

HYMAN & GILBERT

MARY ANN LIEBERT INC., PUBLISHERS

PENNY PINCHER BOUTIQUE

30 State St., Ossining 10562 762-0900 • hudsonfusion.com cindy@hudsonfusion.com President: Cindy Penchina, president and CEO Year company established: 1996 Business description: marketing and web design services 1843 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 10538 833-5297 • hymangilbert.com rkg@cloud9.net President: Rita K. Gilbert Year company established: 1983 Business description: law firm

I AM MORE SCARSDALE

6 Spencer Place, Scarsdale 10583 723-6673 • iammorescarsdale.com customerservice@iammorescarsdale.com President: Abbey Solomon & Marcy Berman-Golstein, cofounders Year company established: 2017 Business description: women’s apparel and accessories boutique that also hosts women-focused events

LOUGHLIN PERSONNEL LTD.

7-11 S. Broadway, White Plains 10601 287-0333 loughlinpersonnel.com laura@loughlinpersonnel.com President: Laura Loughlin, CEO Year company established: 1998 Business description: recruiting agency providing permanent, temporary and temp-to-perm employment solutions

MADISON APPROACH STAFFING INC.

7 Skyline Drive, Thrid floor Hawthorne 10532 428-4800 • madisonapproach.com info@madisonapproach.com President: Allison Madison Year company established: 1988 Business description: Workforce solutions firm providing staffing, recruiting, training and consulting

POWERFUL WOMEN

1207 Pleasantville Road Briarcliff Manor 10510 923-2100 • marchboutique.com info@marchboutique.com President: Lynn Puro, owner Year company established: 2006 Business description: boutique

34 Middale Road, White Plains 10605 917-693-2868 • OnQComm.com erose@onqcomm.com President: Esther Rose, founder Year company established: 2019 Business description: strategic marketing firm 184 Harris Road (Route 117 Bypass) Bedford Hills 10507 241-2134 pennypincherboutique.com info@pennypincherboutique.com President: Melinda Arkin, owner Year company established: 1985 Business description: women’s luxury consignment

140 Huguenot St. New Rochelle 10801 740-2100 • liebertpub.com info@liebertpub.com President: Mary Ann Liebert Year company established: 1980 Business description: publishing firm serving the scientific, technical, medical and information fields

PHOENIX LEARNING SOLUTIONS LLC

M BOUTIQUE GROUP

1 Ramapo Road., Ossining 10562 762-2041 phoenixlearningsolutions.com kmeany@phoenixlearningsolutions. com President: Kathy Meany, president and founder Year company established: 2009 Business description: training and development, including facilitation and instructional design

104 Rambling Brook Road Chappaqua 10512 266-0624 meryl@mboutiquegroup.com President: Meryl Lefkowitz, founder and president Year company established: 2012 Business description: consulting agency specializing in events, public relations, marketing and branding solutions

PRETTY FACE MEDI SPA

MINDY EISENBERG STARK, CPA

2081 Albany Post Road Montrose 10548 788-9790 • prettyfacemedispa.com linda@prettyfacemedispa.com President: Linda Nicolo, owner Year company established: 2004 Business description: full-service medical spa

670 Post Road, Scarsdale 10583 725-8880 • mescpa.com mindy.stark@mescpa.com President: Mindy Eisenberg Stark Year company established: 1982 Business description: certified public accountant

THE NEW CRYSTAL RESTORATION ENTERPRISES INC.

REY INSURANCE AGENCY

219 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow 10591 631-7628 • reyinsurance.com service@reyinsurance.com President: Laura Rey Iannarelli, owner Year company established: 1978 Business description: independent insurance broker

109 S. Regent St. Port Chester 10573 937-0500 newcrystalrestoration.com lisa@crystalrestoration.com President: Lisa Cordasco, president Year company established: 1960 Business description: a disaster response and property restoration company serving Westchester County

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RUBY MEDIA GROUP

115 N. Broadway, White Plains 10603 268-8645 • rubymediagroup.com krisruby.com kruby@rubymediagroup.com President: Kris Ruby Year company established: 2009 Business description: public relations and social media agency

RUBY’S OYSTER BAR & BISTRO

45 Purchase St., Rye 10580 921-4166 • rubysoysterbar.com info@rubysoysterbar.com President: Lisa McKiernan, owner Year company established: 2001 Business description: restaurant

SCALISE & HAMILTON PC

111 Brook St., Suite 202 Scarsdale, NY 10583 725-2801 • scaliseandhamiltonpc.com President: Deborah A. Scalise Year company established: 2019 Business description: law firm

SILVERMAN REALTY GROUP INC.

237 Mamaroneck Ave. White Plains 10605 683-8000 • silvermanrealty.com info@silvermanrealty.com President: Bonnie Silverman Year company established: 1985 Business description: commercial real estate development and management firm

SNYDER & SNYDER LLP

94 White Plains Road Tarrytown 10591 333-0700 • snyderlaw.net lsnyder@snyderlaw.net President: Kristina Snyder, CEO Year company established: 1990 Business description: law firm

SOLARIS SPORTS CLUB

201 Veterans Road Yorktown Heights 10598 962-4094 • solarisclubs.com President: Elizabeth Gagliardi, president Year company established: 2002 Business description: health and fitness club

AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


HIGH EXPOSURE CASES AND UNIQUE CULTURE LURE LEADING ATTORNEYS TO CMO LLP

W

hat if you could practice law alongside the most accomplished trial attorneys and litigators? What if that firm had a progressive culture that holds excellent lawyering, mentorship and philanthropy among its highest values? That firm now exists on East Post Road in White Plains and has offices in New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut. Founded by Michael Coffey, Robert Modica and Juliann O’Meara, a firm that bears their names, Coffey Modica O’Meara LLP (CMO), is an insurance defense litigation firm that represents the largest insurance companies in the U.S. and London and self-insured entities. The firm, which opened in September with its three founders and now boasts 17 attorneys with more slated to join, hires skilled attorneys with experience at the highest levels including former corporation counsel for the city of New York and federal prosecutors. The most recent additions – Tim Capowski, John (Jack) Watson and Sofya Uvaydov – comprise a national litigation team known for successfully representing clients on some of the highest exposure cases in the country and for developing a sophisticated trial monitoring practice that gives them an intimate understanding of industry trends and judicial decisions, which they use to provide added-value support to their clients. Among the firm’s many defining characteristics is the more than 250 jury trials its attorneys have handled, giving them an advanced perspective on how to approach all cases, whether they settle, file for summary judgment, mediate or go to a jury trial. They approach cases with aggressive, creative strategies and resolute advocacy and let their clients goals and objectives guide them to the optimal resolution. They are litigators who are not afraid to take cases to trial. Aside from their experience trying cases, which is unusual as many cases settle today, what makes CMO so unique is its culture. The firm prides itself on being a place where junior attorneys are not relegated to mundane tasks but are valued for their experience and are given the guidance to prepare them for partnership. “We wanted to shift the paradigm of how law firms practice,” shared Juliann, the firm’s managing partner and co-founder/owner. “We offer attorneys and staff a progressive culture, with an office hoteling model

POWERFUL WOMEN

JULIANN O’MEARA

From left: Robert Modica, Juliann O’Meara and Michael Coffey.

Tino

tion & Construction Defect; Cyber, Technology, & Media; Directors and Officers; Employment Law; Environment/Toxic Tort; Government Affairs & Compliance; Life, Health, Disability & ERISA; Medical Malpractice; Professional Liability and Trucking &Transportation. Among the industries CMO services are aviation, cannabis, construction, energy, environmental, finance, hospitality, insurance, reinsurance, manufacturing, nonprofit, professional services, real estate, technology and transportation.

similar to what consulting firms have used for years, access to the highest technology, e-bikes to ride to court and other local-area destinations, video games in the conference room, generous benefits and other perks to promote a culture we feel is important to foster.” The firm is also dog friendly. CMO represents all major insurers throughout the country as well as Lloyd’s of London syndicates and leading self-insured companies with the following primary practice areas: Casualty; Community & Homeowners’ Association Law; Construc-

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Juliann O’Meara, a founding partner of Coffey Modica O’Meara, is a former registered nurse, who leverages her experience in medicine and as a trial lawyer to effectively defend medical professionals and institutions and allied health professionals in high-exposure malpractice, general liability and professional liability lawsuits. Juliann also is experienced in defending nursing home clients in lawsuits seeking punitive damages under New York Public Health Law Section 2801-d, which protects nursing home residents injured as a result of deprivation of certain patient rights. In addition, she successfully defends cases involving emergency and non-emergency medical transportation. Working as a nurse in cardiac-care units, high-level trauma centers and community hospitals, Juliann has a firsthand understanding of the challenges physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals face when caring for patients and the potential for legal liability due to an unintended poor outcome. With dual nursing and legal backgrounds, she is able to efficiently review and analyze medical records, communicate with experts, and advise clients on the best course of litigation— whether to go to trial or resolve disputes through financial settlement.

AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


POWERFUL WOMEN: Westchester County STETSON REAL ESTATE, LLC

565 Alda Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914-381-7173 • stetsonrealestate.com mary@stetsonrealestate.com Founder/Broker/Owner: Mary Stetson Year company established: 2000 Business description: real estate brokerage

T SQUARE PROPERTIES INC.

56 Lafayette Ave., Suite 380 White Plains 10603 328-7511 • tsquareproperties.com phyllis@tsquareproperties.com President: Trevor Tunnell, president Year company established: 1983 Business description: commercial real estate firm

TAYNE LAW GROUP PC

445 Hamilton Ave., Suite 1102 White Plains 10601 866-890-7337-• attorney-newyork.com info@taynelaw.com President: Leslie H. Tayne, founder and head attorney Year company established: 2001 Business description: law firm

THE TEA EXPERIENCE LLC

104 Pearsall Drive, Suite 1D Mount Vernon 10552 772-0126 • theteaexperienceny.com leslie@theteaexperienceny.com President: Leslie Allicks, owner Year company established: 2007 Business description: tea party catering

THOMPSON & BENDER

1192 Pleasantville Road Briarcliff Manor 10510 762-1900 • thompson-bender.com liz@thompson-bender.com President: Elizabeth BrackenThompson, partner Year company established: 1986 Business description: advertising and marketing, public relations, creative and digital services, special events planning and promotion, website development and social media.

UNITED HEBREW OF NEW ROCHELLE 391 Pelham Road New Rochelle 10805 632-2804 • uhgc.org President & CEO: Rita Mabli Year organization established: 1919 Business description: A campus of comprehensive senior care including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, affordable housing, and home care.

VALERIE WILSON TRAVEL INC.

2700 Westchester Ave., Suite 120 Purchase 10577 701-3200 • valeriewilsontravel. squarespace.com harleyr@vwti.com President: Valerie Ann Wilson & Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg co-founders Year company established: 1981 Business description: travel management company for personal and business travel; services industries, including fashion, finance, publishing and pharmaceuticals

ALLAN BLOCK INSURANCE

JoAnne Murray

A

llan Block, founder of Allan Block Insurance, mentored JoAnne Murray before his passing in 1981. Allan Block instilled the importance of not only having great customer service, but of serving and supporting the community. Since becoming the President of Allan Block Insurance in 1991, JoAnne has led her team through growth and change with support from Laura Murray-Faggella, Vice President of Commercial Lines, and Neil Bush, Vice President of Personal Lines. JoAnne and Laura serve on multiple non-

POWERFUL WOMEN

profit boards, and are instrumental in the organization of annual community events. They also led a campaign through the Tarrytown Rotary Club to provide meals to those who struggled with food insecurity due to the pandemic. Allan Block Insurance is constantly updating technology and policy offerings to stay ahead of the curve in a changing market. Because of this, the agency was able to seamlessly transition to remote work during the pandemic while maintaining the level of service that customers expect. Allan Block Insurance has been providing “Professional Service with the Personal Touch” for over 60 years, prioritizing customer service and industry knowledge in order to guide clients to insurance options that meet their needs. Account managers and executives alike are continually furthering their knowledge of this evolving industry, educating themselves on new insurance products and potential exposures that could affect their clients. That knowledge is passed onto customers through the agency’s website, blog, and monthly newsletter. To learn more, please visit www.allanblockinsurance.com.

Insurance options for all of your Personal and Business needs

ALLAN BLOCK INSURANCE sales@ambins.com | 914-631-4353 www.allanblockinsurance.com S10

AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


Don't get stuck in reverse. Partner with us to drive your marketing forward in 2022 and beyond.

www.cocommunications.com POWERFUL WOMEN

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CO • COMMUNICATIONS Marketing | Public Relations | Design

AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


POWERFUL WOMEN: Westchester County WESTFAIR COMMUNICATIONS INC.

4 Smith Ave., Suite 2 Mount Kisco 10549 694-3600 • westfaironline.com • wagmag.com dee@westfairinc.com President: Dee DelBello Year company established: 1990 Business description: publishing firm: Westchester and Fairfield County Business Journals, WAG magazine and associated websites

WHISPERING PINES FLORIST OF CHAPPAQUA

83 S. Greeley Ave. Chappaqua 10514 238-5661 whisperingpinesofchappaqua.com blkisuzi55@aol.com President: Beth Hundgen, owner Year company established: 1956 Business description: florist

WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL

WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT CENTER INC.

20 Davis Ave., White Plains 10601 681-0600 • wphospital.org President: Susan Fox, president and CEO Chief Nursing Officer and Executive Vice President: Leigh Anne McMahon Year company established: 1893 Business description: health care organization

WOMENINBUSINESS.ORG

901 N. Broadway, Suite 23 White Plains 10603 948-6098 • wedcbiz.org ajaniak@wedcbiz.org President: Nikki A. Hahn, chief executive officer Year company established: 1997 Business description: entrepreneurial training programs and services

WIN AT BUSINESS COACHING LLC

P.O. Box 277, Purchase 10977 288-9888 • womeninbusiness.org toby@womeninbusiness.org President: Toby Nadler, founder Year company established: NA Business description: national distinction for influential and successful women entrepreneurs, executives and professionals in all business sectors

ZEN YOUR CLOSET

27 Windle Park, Tarrytown 10591 226-0807 winatbusinesscoaching.com kathy@winatbusinesscoaching.com President: Kathy D’Agostino, founder and owner Year company established: 1997 Business description: executive coaching, company culture consultant and sexual harassment issues

931 Garfield Ave., Peekskill 10566 282-4875 michele@zenyourcloset.com President: Michele Cunningham Year company established: 2016 Business description: personalized closet-organizing services, wardrobe styling, personal shopping

What Glass Ceiling? For more than 75 years, The Building and Realty Institute (BRI) has been advocating for the best interests of the building and real estate industries in the Mid-Hudson region while supporting champions of innovation and change. We salute our resilient women leaders for leading the way for the future generation of women in the building and real estate industries.

We’re Building Westchester, Together. Join Us! www.buildersinstitute.org (914) 273-0730 Powerful_Women_20220121_10x5.625_20210921_PRINT.indd 1

POWERFUL WOMEN

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Lisa DeRosa became the first woman president in BRI's 75-year history in December, 2020.

1/21/22 5:05 PM

AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


MEET WESTCHESTER’S NEXT-GENERATION

DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY For more than 10 years, woman-owned Copy & Art has delivered award-winning creative solutions for clients.

WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

VIDEO PRODUCTION & MARKETING

TV & RADIO SPOTS

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY & CREATIVE

PODCAST PRODUCTION & MARKETING

COPY & CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

LIVE SOCIAL EVENT PLANNING & PRODUCTION

BRAND STRATEGY & COMPETITIVE ASSESSMENTS

DIGITAL MARKETING CREATIVE FOR ALL MEDIUMS

BUSINESS COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER

(914) 607 7888 | hello@copyandartny.com | www.WestchesterAdvertising.com

POWERFUL WOMEN

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AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


DRIVING CHANGE FORWARD, TOGETHER By Nora Madonick CEO/Founder, Arch Street Communications

N

eed electrifies our desire to get started. Relationships inform our ability to keep going. And we in Westchester know so well: Powerful women who capture both drive us all forward. Creating a business means forging opportunity for yourself and others. As women, we face a gender wage gap of 84 cents to the dollar; for racial minorities, that gap spans even further. Our hiring decisions speak volumes about our priorities and profoundly impact the trail we collectively blaze for our community. From renting a closet in another company’s office on Arch Street in Pawling nearly 30 years ago, diversity hiring has been central to my company’s success. Intentional support of certified Women’s Busi-

sponds when people feel seen. Audience members feel seen when they are considered from the start. In this moment of public health crisis and a stop-and-start recovery, powerful women must communicate our strength and determination clearly, while living our priorities. The Westchester melting pot consists of more than 51% women, nearly 48% people of color and more than one-third of all households speak more than one language, according to the latest Census. As a public engagement and outreach firm that blends cutting-edge tactics with the traditional, elevating our boots-on-the-ground approach, connecting with all of Westchester remains central to our mission. At ASC, we leveraged the challenge of

ness Enterprises (WBEs) like Arch Street Communications (ASC) helped me grow my company’s ranks and provide strategic communications for the better part of three decades and in turn, we walk the walk. Our ASC Small Business Diversity Team represents a collaborative partnership of minority business enterprises, disadvantaged business enterprises, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses and WBE firms to deliver the power of small business while meeting client requirements. More than fulfilling obligations, hiring powerful women-, minority-, disadvantaged- and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses is good for business. Diverse contractors better serve our diverse community. Why? An audience re-

the pandemic to lead in the digital space, launching ascRemote, which includes a goodwill Virtual Engagement Playbook and Toolkit developed expressly to support the public sector, nonprofits and small businesses with digital communication to promote recovery. ASC now conducts workshops and webinars to train outreach teams and communications professionals in applying digital strategies to virtual and hybrid outreach. Conducting business in Westchester these past three decades, ASC remains electrified by our clients’ needs. Strong, diverse relationships fuel our growth. Now, the powerful women and diversity at ASC stand ready to join you in driving us all forward, together.

For 30 years, ASC has built communication programs on issues that matter to Americans —equity, energy, mobility, safety, jobs and the environment. With our heads together to do the work, we never doubt we’ll find a solution.

Powerful women. Driving it forward.

Everything we do, regardless of the task, makes people’s lives better. We make it happen. The women of ASC, from top left:

Nora Madonick, Founder & CEO Pat Courtney-Strong, Director, Energy Strategy Karina Vangani, Director, Civic Planning Caroline Ibarra, Senior Account Executive Michelle Farnum, Creative Director Khanh Tran, Art Director Noy Messinger, Account Executive Ann King-Concialdi, Senior Account Executive Jasmine Wibisono, Policy Associate, Energy

asc-pr.com asc-remote.com

POWERFUL WOMEN

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AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


Your Award-Winning Hospital Unparalleled Safety. Outstanding Patient Experience. Exceptional Care. Learn more about our awards and accolades at wphospital.org/awards

POWERFUL WOMEN

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AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


Area code: 203 (unless otherwise noted)

POWERFUL WOMEN: Fairfield County

ALLOY ENGINEERING COMPANY INC. 304 Seaview Ave., Bridgeport 06607 366-5253 • thermowells.com engineer@thermowells.com President: Kris Lorch Year company established: 1958 Business description: industrial thermowell manufacturer

ALL MEDIA LLC

25 Country Ridge Drive Monroe 06468 368-8566 • allmediaboutique.com President: Allison LaGuardia Year company established: 2014 Business description: media buying, strategy, & planning for small to midsize companies

AQUILA’S NEST WINERY

56 Pole Bridge Road Sandy Hook 06482 518-4352 • aquilasnestvineyards.com Info@aquilasnestvineyards.com President: Neviana Zhgaba, owner Year company established: 2020 Business description: experiencefocused winery

ARIES PRODUCTIONS LLC

12 Ox Yoke Lane, Norwalk 06851 216-6024 greaternorwalkchamber.com aries@optonline.net President: Margaret Costa Year company established: 1990 Business description: video and film production company

ASPIRE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

38C Grove St., Ridgefield 06877 208-3165 • aspiredigitalsolutions.com Hello@aspiredigitalsolutions.com Co-founder and CMO: Christine Mullen Year company established: 2017 Business description: digital marketing agency specializing in solutions for small businesses

AURORA PRODUCTS INC. *

205 Edison Road, Orange 06477 375-9956 • auroraproduct.com Eural@auroraproduct.com President: Stephanie V. Blackwell, founder and President Year company established: 1998 Business description: organic food products

POWERFUL WOMEN

BALANCING ACT FINANCIALS LLC

CAROUSEL PRESCHOOL DAY NURSERY

1074 Hope St., Suite 209 Stamford 06907 548-0223 balancingactfinancials.com anne@balancingactfinancials.com President: Anne Mochulsky and Aimee Roden, co-founders Year company established: 2010 Business description: bookkeeping and accounting firm

CONNECT COMPUTER CORP.

25 France St., Norwalk 06851 847-1276 • carouselpreschool.com carouselkids1234@aol.com President: Joyce Abate, executive director and owner Year company established: 1977 Business description: day care serving more than 120, ages six weeks through five years

BCM MEDIA

CENTER FOR PEDIATRIC THERAPY

30 Old Kings Highway South Darien 06820 326-1477 • bcmmedia.biz bmckenna@bmcmedia.biz President: Brenda McKenna, founder and managing director Year company established: 2012 Business description: media planning and buying agency

455 Post Road, Suite 202 Darien 06820 • 424-2584 55 Walls Drive, Suite 204 Fairfield 06824 • 255-3669 101 N. Plains Industrial Road Wallingford 06492 • 949-9337 centerforpediatrictherapy.com cpt.director@yahoo.com President: Dr. Tara Glennon, director Year company established: 1992 Business description: pediatric therapy offering play-based and child-directed therapies

BENAY ENTERPRISES INC.

30 Main St., Suite 303 Danbury 06810 744-6010 • benay.com info@benayei.com Presidnet: Dawn Reshen-Doty, CEO Year company established: 1986 Business description: administrative and bookkeeping services

CENTRO RISTORANTE & BAR

1435 Post Road Fairfield 06825 • 255-1210 centroristorante.com President: Susan Dederick Year company established: 1987 Business description: restaurant featuring Italian cuisine

BERNARD’S | SARAH’S WINE BAR

20 West Lane, Ridgefield 06877 438-8282 • bernardsridgefield.com sarah@bernardsridgefield.com President: Sarah Bouissou, owner Year company established: 2000 Business description: restaurant and wine bar

CO-COMMUNICATIONS INC.

BURNS COMMUNICATIONS LLC

71 Raymond Road, Suite 860 West Hartford 06107 860-676-4400 cocommunications.com stacey@cocommunications.com President: Stacey Cohen, president and CEO Year company established: 1997 Business description: public relations and marketing

13 Melville Ave., Fairfield 06825 257-3163 • burnscommunications.net deborah@burnscommunications.net President: Deborah Burns, founder and managing principal Year company established: 2007 Business description: brand, business and communications, strategy services, including proprietary offerings

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55 Lewis St., Showroom 1 Greenwich 06830 900-1600 • codogirl.com info@codogirl.com President: Yulia and Andrey Omelich, founders Year company established: 2010 Business description: boutique

CUCINA CASALINGA

171 Drum Road, Wilton 06897 762-0768 • cucinacasalinga.com info@cucinacasalinga.com President: Sally Maraventano Year company established: 1982 Business description: home-based Italian cooking school 15 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich 06830 661-3663 • danikapr.com ryan@danikapr.com President: Anne Ryan Year company established: 2001 Business description: public relations and marketing agency

30 Glen Terrace, Stamford 06906 323-6124 • clechok@optonline.net President: Cheryl Lechok Year company established: 2001 Business description: strategic marketing, PR and market communications specializing in healthcare, life sciences and technology

140 Ledge Road, Darien 06820 656-1804 • bmwdarien.com President: Paula Callari, president Year company established: 1967 Business description: car dealership

CODOGIRL

DANIKA COMMUNICATIONS

CHERYL LECHOK COMMUNICATIONS LLC

BMW OF DARIEN

338 Commerce Drive, Fairfield 06825 333-4444 • connectcomputer.com LSouza@ConnectComputer.com President: Lynn Souza Year company established: 1985 Business description: internet technology solutions for companies of all sizes

DIDONA ASSOCIATES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

70 North St., Suite 301 Danbury 06810 778-1840 • didonaassociates.com didona@didonaassociates.com President: Jane Didona, founder and principal Year company established: 1989 Business description: landscape architect

DPZ ON WEST SALON AND DAY SPA 81 West St., Danbury 06810 794-1113 • thedpz.com President: Dawn Blom, owner Year company established: 1997 Business description: day spa

AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


CUDDY & FEDER: FOSTERING AN ENVIRONMENT OF RESPECT AND EQUALITY

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hroughout its 50-year history, Cuddy & Feder LLP has made tremendous strides in preparing and promoting women to partnership and leadership positions. We are focused on the retention and promotion of our women lawyers and are committed to providing them with the tools for success. At Cuddy & Feder, diversity is both a moral imperative and a competitive advantage. Drawing on diverse perspectives, we can uncover innovative legal solutions for your most challenging business and individual problems and opportunities. The firm embraces and strives for diversity not only in terms of our people, but also in the unique ideas and perspectives each person brings to the firm. The strength and success of our law firm requires the inclusion of people with different insights and experiences, which results in more creative

and innovative solutions to your legal and business challenges. Even as we do our best to promote diversity of thought at Cuddy & Feder, it all comes together for a single goal: providing our clients with the highest level of service and innovative legal thinking. Cuddy & Feder is dedicated to fostering an environment that embraces differences, promotes equality, and engenders mutual respect, thereby creating a culture of inclusion where everyone has the opportunity to excel. We are committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse attorneys and staff, thereby resulting in a diversity of perspectives that benefits the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we practice. We proudly recognize our powerful women lawyers, leaders and staff who have helped to make the firm what it is today.

AS WE DO OUR BEST TO PROMOTE DIVERSITY, IT ALL COMES TOGETHER FOR A SINGLE GOAL: PROVIDING OUR CLIENTS WITH THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE AND INNOVATIVE LEGAL THINKING.

C E L E B R AT I N G P OW E R F U L WO M E N I N B U S I N E S S

Proudly providing legal services since 1971.

LU CIA CHIOCCH I O PA RTNER

A MANDA F E N ELON ASSOCIATE

LESLIE LEVIN SPECIAL COU N SE L

Ingenuity, thoughtfulness and insight have been the hallmarks of our law firm for 50 years. Our attorneys help local, regional, national and multi-national clients alike identify and implement nuanced solutions to complex legal challenges in the following key practice areas: Corporate Law; Energy & Environmental Law; Finance; Land Use, Zoning & Development; Cannabis Law; Litigation; Non-Profit Organizations; Real Estate Law; Telecommunications; and Trusts, Estates & Elder Law.

ALLISON FAUSNER ASS OCIATE

K RISTEN MOTEL AS S OCIATE

THOMAI NATSOULIS PARTNE R

JOANNE ROMANO SPECIAL COUNSEL

SHARON COOPER PARTNER

JENNIFER VAN TUY L PARTNER

We proudly celebrate our powerful and diverse group of women attorneys, paralegals, and professional staff who bring unique talents and perspectives that strengthen our firm and inspire others to succeed.

Westchester | New York City | Hudson Valley | Connecticut | cuddyfeder.com | 914 761 1300

POWERFUL WOMEN

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AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


POWERFUL WOMEN: Fairfield County E.R. BECKER COMPANY INC.

16 Betts Place, Norwalk 06855 852-8077 • erbeckercompany.com ellie@erbecker.com President: Ellie Becker Year company established: 2007 Business description: inbound marketing

ESCAPE SALON & BOUTIQUE

232 Greenwood Ave., Bethel 06801 798-9882 • escapect.com customercare@escape.com President: Maria Rodrigues & Robin Miller, co-owners Year company established: 1987 Business description: beauty salon and boutique

FAIRFIELD MARKETING GROUP

GILDA BONANNO LLC

830 Sport Hill Road, Easton 06612 261-0884• fairfieldmarketing.com info@fairfieldmarketing.com President: Pam Johnson Year company established: 1986 Business description: direct-mail solutions provider for small and large businesses

25 Old Kings Highway North Darien 06820 979-5117 • gildabonanno.com info@gildabonanno.com President: Gilda Bonanno, founder and owner Year company established: 2006 Business description: keynote speeches, presentation skills coaching, training in communication and leadership skills

FREUDIGMAN & BILLINGS LLC

1720 Post Road East Westport 06880 226-8166 • freudigman.com info@freudigman.com President: Kimberly A. Freudigman & Trey Billings, co-founders Year company established: 2004 Business description: tutoring service, including standardized test preparation, college advising, writing educational and private school consulting and educational and subject tutoring

GRAZIANO ASSOCIATES LLC

857 Post Road, Suite 150 Fairfield, 06824 254-0195 • graziano@assoc.com service@grazianoassoc.com President: Denise Graziano, CEO Year company established: 1992 Business description: talent, management and communication strategies that help build, retain and motivate high performing teams

GREENWICH MEDICAL SPA

40 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob 06807 779-6309 greenwichmedicalspa.com President: Marria Pooya Year company established: 2005 Business description: specialized skin and body care using medically based treatments

HAYVN COWORKING

320 Boston Post Road, Suite 180 Darien, CT 06820 833-429-8659, HAYVN.com felicia@hayvn.com Chief Collaborator: Felicia Rubinstein, founder Year company established: 2018 Business description: Flexible office space.

BONANNO SERVES AS C-SUITE ADVISOR GILDATRUSTED BONANNO

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any executives are still strugglingpresentation to navigateskills the transition ur communication and can from in-person presentations termine how you and your company are viewed and meetings to virtual and hybrid communicathe marketplace and the media (social and tradition. According to Stamford-based executive onal) by investors, customers and competitors. Acpresentation skills expert Gilda Bonanno, rding to executive presentation skills expert Gilda your ability to build trust, win business and onanno, it’s not enough to know your company’s boost your brand is directly affected by how umbers or you products, you also in need to know are perceived your virtualhow calls on create a strategic message it “Like any skill, virtual presentation skills Zoom, Teams and and othercommunicate platforms. ectively to others. can be learned, practiced and improved,” Bonanno serves as a trusted advisor to Bonanno serves as a trusted advisor to executives Bonanno encourages her clients, “but you executives and entrepreneurs to accelerate d entrepreneurs to accelerateof thetheir development of can’t just ‘wing it.’ Spending time to prepare the development communication eir communication and presentation skills. Since and practice will help you achieve the results and presentation skills. Since 2006, she has you want with your presentation, so you can worked with leading organizations on four 006, she has worked with leading organizations stand out in a positive way and influence continents, from Chicago to Shanghai and ur continents, from Chicago to Shanghai and Rio your audience.” Rio to Rome, including Chase, Travelers, Rome, including Travelers, Praxair, Assa Abloy, already with Henkel, Praxair, and Yale University. hase and Yale University. speech forBonanno an event was that was now comfortable virtual.” virtual communication, having done webi“Your executive presence on camera As the pandemic hit, Bonanno saw an immediate Bonanno was already comfortable with virtual nars since 2008 and recorded instructional makes a difference,” Bonanno says, “especrease in clients wanting her help to transition presenting, having been doing webinars since 2008 videos for her YouTube channel, which have cially for high-stakes presentations like a eir teams from merely surviving in a virtual world and recording instructional videos for her YouTube been viewed over 1.5 million times. She also key client meeting, an investor pitch, a press thriving. In addition to the regular pressures of channel, which have been viewed over 2 million has earned the Certified Virtual Presenter conference, or a company town hall.” gh-stakes presentations, they now had the addi- times. She also earned the Certified Virtual Presentdesignation, which recognizes her excelBonanno collaborates with clients to preonal concerns of communicating virtually. er designation. lence as a virtual presenter. pare them for these pivotal presentations, “The first working calls I received,” Bonanno “were To download her Virtual Presentations To download her Virtual Presentations on everything fromsays, communication om an executive whose had to now pitch Cheat Sheet Leaders, visit her Cheat for Sheet for Leaders, visitwebsite her website strategy andteam content creation to new adapting usiness virtually and the for CEO of a publicly traded www.gildabonanno.com/virtualpresentationwww.gildabonanno.com/virtualpresentations their delivery a virtual audience and turnmpany who record an award acceptance cheatsheet inghad theirtohome office into a virtual studio. scheatsheet

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Expert Speaking, Consulting & Workshops Focused on Powerful Presentation, Communication & Leadership Skills

Confidence. Influence. Success.

www.gildabonanno.com | 203.979.5117 | gilda@gildabonanno.com AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


POWERFUL WOMEN: Fairfield County HEALTH CARE NAVIGATION LLC

30 Old Kings Highway South Darien 06820 655-2614 • healthcarenavigation.com President: Maura Carley, founder and president Year company established: 1999 Business description: health insurance consulting and advocacy

HOULIHAN LAWRENCE

161 Elm St., New Canaan 06840 Mia Schipani Real Estate Salesperson 646-734-7004 mschipani@houlihanlawrence.com miaschipani.houlihanlawrence.com Libby Mattson Real Estate Salesperson 203-820-5524 lmattson@houlihanlawrence.com libbymattson.houlihanlawrence.com Year company was established: 1888 Business description: real estate

IMPACT STAFFING SOLUTIONS

THE KATIE FONG BOUTIQUE

1698 Post Road East Westport 06680 866-2444 X101 impactstaffingsolutions.com maryann@impactstaffingsolutions. com President: Maryann Donovan Year company established: 1989 Business description: recruiting firm for temporary, temp-to-hire and fulltime positions in the fields of sales, marketing, human resources and administrative

60 Lewis St., Greenwich 06830 717-1660 • katiefong.com sales@katiefong.com President: Katie Fong Year company established: 2013 Business description: fashion boutique offering custom designed and made-to-measure apparel

LANPHIER DAY SPA & SALON

20 West Ave., Darien 06820 656-4444 • lanphier.us info@lanphierdayspa.com President: Eileen Lanphier, owner Year company established: 2012 Business description: day spa and salon

JUDITH HEFT & ASSOCIATES LLC

1111 Summer St., Stamford 06905 978-1858 • judithheft.com judy@judithheft.com President: Judith Heft, owner Year company established: 2008 Business description: financial concierge

MARTA’S VINEYARD CANINE RESORT 519 Federal Road, Brookfield 06804 775-4404 • martasvineyard.com martasvineyard@aol.com President: Pamela Antosiewicz Year company established: 1996 Business description: animal daycare for cats and dogs, servicing pets for boarding, doggie daycare and grooming

MARTIN, DECRUZE & COMPANY LLP

2777 Summer St., Suite 401 Stamford 06905 327-7151 • mdcocpa.com kdecruze@mdcocpa.com President: Kathleen M. DeCruze & Diane E. Martin, co-founders Year company established: 1979 Business description: accounting firm

SCHIPANI & MATTSON JOIN FORCES TO TRANSFORM THE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

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elationships and people matter to Mia and Libby, who haven’t missed a beat with each other since they left the KING School. Both have lived in lower Fairfield County since the early 70s. “The opportunity to work with a lifelong friend who shares the same drive, work ethic, professionalism and purpose, is exciting,” said Schipani. Throughout their professional careers, both fully vested themselves into serving people, nurturing their relationships, giving back, doing the right thing, and today they have come full circle. Schipani and Mattson’s professional lives have run parallel for years in the Fairfield County community, both actively engaged in alumni, nonprofits, sports and professional relations. After college, their successful careers – Libby in real estate, independent school admission and education, and Mia in public relations, hospitality and real estate development led them both to leveraging their knowledge, talents and relationships to building their own real estate advisory businesses. Libby left the education sector 11 years ago to build her real estate business and today she has inspired Mia to follow suit. Mia joined Houlihan Lawrence New Canaan, where today, Libby is ranked as the

POWERFUL WOMEN

No.1 sales agent with $63 million in production this past year. “We are stronger together,” said Schipani. “Having a trusted partner allows us the oppportunity to combine our talents and provide a wider range of valuable resources to our clients.” “I am excited to collaborate with Mia,” said Mattson. “She brings great energy, integrity, her widespread network and valuable experience to our profession.” Both concur, they joined, Houlihan Lawrence due to its renown leadership, global resources and dedication to caring and servicing clients. The combination of Libby’s knowledge, success and smart, honest approach when negotiating for her clients with Mia’s talent in sales and marketing and expertise in communications are a win/win for clients. As a professional duo supported with a team of real estate experts in sales, mortgages and relocation at Houlihan Lawrence, Mia and Libby are equipped and empowered to transform the real estate experience.

Advisory | Selling | Buying | Investing | Relocation | Commercial

Mia Schipani SCHIPANI | RE (646) 734-7004 mschipani@houlihanlawrence.com miaschipani.houlihanlawrence.com

Libby Mattson LIBBY MATTSON REAL ESTATE (203) 820-5524 lmattson@houlihanlawrence.com libbymattson.houlihanlawrence.com

Servicing Fairfield County: Stamford | New Canaan | Darien | Greenwich Rowayton | Ridgefield | Wilton | Westport

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AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


POWERFUL WOMEN: Fairfield County THE MCINTYRE GROUP

2 Enterprise Drive, Suite 306 Shelton 06484 750-1111 • themcintyregroup.com mdamato@themcintyregroup.com President: Michelle D’Amato, president Year company established: 1986 Business description: staffing agency

NEST OF SOUTHPORT

71 Old Post Road, Southport 06890 255-1734 • nestofsouthport.com esanta@nestofsouthport.com President: Elizabeth Santa Year company established: 2002 Business description: interior design, upholstery, windows

NIELSEN’S FLORIST GARDEN SHOP 1405 Post Road, Darien 06820 655-2541 • nielsensflorist.com nielsen@nielsensflorist.com President: Sandy Nielsen, general manager Year company established: 1944 Business description: florist

PCI CREATIVE GROUP

652 Glenbrook Road Stamford 06906 327-0410 • pcigroup.net annec@pcigroup.net President: Anne Chiapetta, principal Year company established: 1985 Business description: cross media marketing company utilizing multiple communication channels to help clients meet their goals

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE

80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield 06877 438-5795 • ridgefieldplayhouse.org President: Allison Stockel, executive director Year company established: 1938 Business description: a nonprofit theatre

SAUGATUCK COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LLC

VALERIE WILSON TRAVEL INC.

9 Burr Road, Westport 06680 222-4190 saugatuckcommercial.com pwickey@saugatuckcommercial.com President: Penny P. Wickey, principal Year company established: 2004 Business description: full-service, commercial real estate brokerage firm representing tenants, landlords, developers, owners, investors, as well as buyers and sellers

STAMFORD HEALTH

Bennet Medical Center One Hospital Plaza P.O. Box #9317, Stamford 06904 276-1000 • stamfordhealth.com President: Kathleen Silard, CEO & president Year company established: 1896 Business description: independent, non-profit health system

11 Forest St., Suite 301 New Canaan, 06840 914-701-3200 valeriewilsontravel.com harleyr@vwti.com President: Valerie Ann Wilson, CEO and founder Year company established: 1981 Business description: travel management service for business and personal travel, ranging from industries, including fashion, finance, publishing and pharmaceuticals

WOMEN’S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

184 Bedford St., Suite 201 Stamford 06901 353-1750 • ctwbdc.org info@ctwbdc.org President: Fran Pastore, CEO and founder Year company established: 1997 Business description: entrepreneurial and financial training

Love is Always in the Air at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards! Forbidden Fireplace Romance Pergola Fire Pit Circles Igloo Spheres Decadent Belgian Chocolate and Macaroon Pairings Please visit our website for more information. www.aquilasnestvineyards.com Open Thursday – Sunday 56 Pole Bridge Road, Newtown, CT 06482 203-518-4352

POWERFUL WOMEN

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AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


DRIVEN BY DESIGN. PROVEN BY PARTNERSHIP.

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ince being hand-selected to lead MKDA’s Stamford studio in 2006, Northeast Regional Managing Principal Julia Riso Lindh, RA has become a dominant force in design and commercial real estate. Under her leadership, the design studio, located in Shippan Landing, has become a leading provider of services to the commercial building, workplace, healthcare, retail and residential sectors across Fairfield and Westchester counties, and nationally. Her reputation has been built upon robust advisory services and crafting functional and visually impactful interior spaces that are perfectly adapted for the client. She is often called upon by commercial building owners to advise on building repositionings and the best approach for branding, marketing and leasing space. “Good design is always a team effort.

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environment. Her expertise and insights were prominently featured in multiple reports, webinars, and media, including the leading real estate publication Commercial Observer.. Furthermore, Julia has helped many companies navigate their post-COVID office return, providing unparalleled advisory on social distancing space allocation and phased returns. She has also assisted several New York companies relocating or opening satellite offices in the northern suburbs in response to the pandemic. Julia’s professional contributions to businesses and her community have earned her many recognitions. These include Woman Making an Impact by Westchester County Business Journal; Women of Influence by GlobeSt.com Street; and a Leading Lady in Commercial Real Estate by Real Estate Weekly.

Purposeful collaboration in our open studio environment produces the best solutions for clients,” said Julia. “Always listen and offer professional advice, but at the end of the day, our partnership is our greatest strength.” Julia has designed a wide range of interiors for renowned brands such as Guggenheim Partners, Cosentini Associates, Eldridge Industries and Eagle Point Credit Management, and has performed major capital improvements on behalf of landlords George Comfort & Sons and Rubenstein Partners. Her work also includes interior design and architecture on restaurants, healthcare facilities, multifamily properties, and single family residences. In addition, Julia has been an integral part of MKDA’s emergence as a thought leader on the COVID-19 crisis and its short- and long-term impact on the built

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Julia Lindh “In offering exceptional design and first-rate service, Julia has formed lasting business relationships and made significant contributions to Stamford’s real estate and business communities,” noted MKDA CEO Michael Kleinberg. “I have no doubt that she will continue to make an impact for years to come.”

AN ADVERTORIAL SHOWCASE | JANUARY 31, 2022


FULFILL YOUR SAFARI DREAM 10 Days Safari Tour to Kenya

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Good Things

YOUR MORNING COMMUTE, COFFEE, & NEWS.

WESTCHESTER’S NEW EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMISSIONER Former County Legislator and current acting County Emergency Services Commissioner Richard Wishnie has been appointed by County Executive George Latimer as the department’s permanent commissioner. Latimer said, “Richard is a true Westchester public servant. He has dedicated his life to serving the people of this county and in this past year has shown how far his service is willing to go. As the county worked to combat and mitigate Covid-19, Richard worked closely with the team at DES to ensure all municipalities had supplies, answers and support from our administration.” Wishnie was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators for six terms beginning in 1993. He retired in December of 2005. Prior to becoming a county legislator, he served the town of Ossining as councilman from 1976-1979 and as supervisor from 1979-1983. Wishnie presently volunteers as a director with several health care and business organizations. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Westchester Medical Center, chairman of the Bon Secours Charity Health System Board of Directors, vice chair and treasurer of the Health Alliance Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Directors of the Westches-

Your daily routine, right at your fingertips.

Richard Wishnie

ter County Association, vice chair of the Mid- Hudson Ambulance District and chair of the Westchester County Police Board. Wishnie’s appointment must be confirmed by the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

LAW FIRM PARTNER EARNS ABOTA MEMBERSHIP James (Jim) Noonan, a partner at Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP in Bridgeport was recently accepted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), which dedicates itself to the preservation and promotion of the Seventh Amendment that guarantees the right to civil jury trials. Members in this invitation-only group must have tried a minimum of 10 civil jury trials to conclusion. More than 7,600 lawyers and judges are involved in ABOTA chapters in all 50 states. An active trial attorney with a practice concentrating in the defense of individuals and companies in a variety of matters, Noonan handles all aspects of the litigation process, including claim investigation, pretrial procedure, alternative dispute resolution, trial and appeals. He has successfully tried cases in both the state and federal court in Connecticut and is a member of the bar of the state and federal courts in Connecticut, New York and the United States Supreme Court. Noonan was an officer in the United States Army Reserve for 16 years, including 10 years as a judge advocate. He is a past president of the Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association and is active in local bar associations and the DRI (Defense Research Institute) serving on its Construction Law Steering Committee. A graduate of Quinnipiac School of Law (1997) with

James Noonan

an undergraduate degree from Stonehill College (1994) he has been named to the Connecticut Super Lawyers® list every year between 2018 and 2022 for Civil Litigation Defense and in the Rising Stars list from 2008-2012. He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Ryan Ryan Deluca is a litigation law firm with offices in Stamford, Bridgeport, West Hartford and New York. The firm’s practice places special emphasis on litigation for the risk industry and has represented the interests of insurance carriers and self-insureds for over fifty years.

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Facts & Figures

westchester county

U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT White Plains & Poughkeepsie Local business cases, Jan. 19-25 Carnation Home Fashions Inc., Newburgh, Richard Bloomer, president, 22-35018-CGM: Chapter 11, assets $323,378, liabilities $957,467. Attorney: Michelle L. Trier. U.S. Trustee vs. 29-31 Clinton St. LLC, Monsey, et al, 22-7007-RDD: Fraudulent transfer, adversarial proceeding in Shaje Wasserman Chapter 7 (20-22146). Attorney: William Macreery.

U.S. DISTRICT COURT, White Plains Local business cases, Jan. 19-25

Stephen Strocchia-Rivera, Rhinebeck vs. Ramapo for Children Inc., Rhinebeck, 22-cv-526-NSR: Job discrimination. Attorney: Raymond Nardo.

L’Immortale LLC, Scarsdale. Seller: Robert D. Cromwell and Sarit L. Rozycki, Scarsdale. Property: 54 Sheldrake Road, Scarsdale. Amount: $3.5 million. Filed Jan. 21.

21 Portland LLC, Brooklyn. Seller: 21 Portland Place LLC, Yonkers. Property: 21 Portland Place, Yonkers. Amount: $790,000. Filed Jan. 18.

Ferguson, Terence and Aaron King, Mount Vernon. Seller: RPG Properties Inc., Brewster. Property: 85 William St., Yonkers. Amount: $380,000. Filed Jan. 21.

PAT61E LLC, New Rochelle. Seller: Mary J. Ruffin and Willie Ruffin, Mount Vernon. Property: 61 E. Second St., Mount Vernon. Amount: $340,000. Filed Jan. 21.

RW 175 Realty LLC, New City vs. Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Co., Philadelphia, 22-cv-573-NSR: Breach of contract, insurance, removal from Rockland Supreme Court. Attorney: Matthew S. Aboulafia.

Marengo Farms LLC, Bedford Hills. Seller: Kent Farrington LLC, Wellington, Florida. Property: 263 Banksville Road, North Castle. Amount: $2.1 million. Filed Jan. 21.

56 Linden Avenue LLC, Monsey. Seller: Hedgerow Properties LLC, Weston, Connecticut. Property: 56 Linden Ave., Ossining. Amount: $350,000. Filed Jan. 19.

Gulotta, Elizabeth, New York City. Seller: High Ridge Developers LLC, Hartsdale. Property: 60 Woodside Ave., Harrison. Amount: $960,000. Filed Jan. 21.

Peekskill White Plains LLC, Brooklyn. Seller: Fabjola Mezini-Gogo, Peekskill. Property: 425 Highland Ave., Peekskill. Amount: $820,000. Filed Jan. 20.

Pins, Ashley Brooke and Samuel Edward Matalon, New York City. Seller: Westchester Land Development Group LLC, Montrose. Property: 27 Orchard Drive, North Castle. Amount: $1.8 million. Filed Jan. 19.

164 Broadway Hawthorne LLC, Hawthorne. Seller: Repetti Service Station Inc., Hawthorne. Property: 146 Broadway, Mount Pleasant. Amount: $450,000. Filed Jan. 21.

Hamptons Oaks Inc., Short Hills, New Jersey. Seller: Constantino DiPaterio and Lisa Ann DiPaterio, Cortlandt Manor. Property: 860 Oakwood Drive, Peekskill. Amount: $50,000. Filed Jan. 19.

Pierroz, Sabrina, Harrison. Seller: Baldino Realty LLC, Scarsdale. Property: 17 Broadway, Harrison. Amount: $260,000. Filed Jan. 20.

London Luxury LLC, New Rochelle vs. Walmart Inc., Bentonville, Arizona, 22-cv-599CS: Contract dispute, removal from Westchester Supreme Court. Attorney: Stephen R. Neuwirth. Kimberly Estrada, Bronx vs. Sedgwick Hotel Corp., New Rochelle, et al, 22-cv-645: Fair Labor Standards Act. Attorney: Mohammed A. Gangat.

DEEDS Above $1 million

Den Outdoors Inc., Rhinecliff vs. Den Construction LLC, Phoenix, Arizona, 22-cv-484PMH: Trademark infringement. Attorney: Nicholas R. Ranallo.

58 Bruce Avenue Realty LLC, Yonkers. Seller: 58 Bruce Avenue Corp., Yonkers. Property: 58 Bruce Ave., Yonkers. Amount: $2.1 million. Filed Jan. 19.

Nikeia Williams, Dutchess County vs. Cabrini of Westchester, Dobbs Ferry, et al, 22-cv-491-PMH: Job discrimination. Attorneys: Hannah Kucine, Dorina Cela.

67 Grant Avenue Associates LLC, Harrison. Seller: 67 Grant Avenue Inc., Harrison. Property: 67 Grant Ave., Harrison. Amount: $6.5 million. Filed Jan. 21.

NYenvironcom, New Paltz, et al, vs. Dragon Springs Buddhist Inc., Cuddeybackville, 22-cv-513-VB: Clean Water Act, Attorney: Christopher E. Murray. Latoya Snowden, Monticello vs. Sullivan County Adult Care Center, Liberty, et al, 22-cv-514VB: Job discrimination. Attorney: Michael C. Anderson.

Items appearing in the Fairfield County Business Journal’s On The Record section are compiled from various sources, including public records made available to the media by federal, state and municipal agencies and the court system. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, no liability is assumed for errors or omissions. In the case of legal action, the records cited are open to public scrutiny and should be inspected before any action is taken. Questions and comments regarding this section should be directed to: Larry Miles c/o Westfair Communications Inc. 701 Westchester Ave, Suite 100 J White Plains, N.Y. 10604-3407 Phone: 694-3600 • Fax: 694-3699

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JANUARY 31, 2022

ON THE RECORD

Alice Realty LLC, Pelham. Seller: Ferris Hill LLC, New York City. Property: 59 Ferris Place, Ossining. Amount: $2.3 million. Filed Jan. 18. Carey, David Franklin and Lauri Friedman Carey, White Plains. Seller: Opra III LLC, Harrison. Property: 120 Old Post Road, Rye. Amount: $3.1 million. Filed Jan. 21. Diaz-Albertini, Antonio and Mary Diaz-Albertini, Harrison. Seller: 5 Kids LLC, Harrison. Property: 3 Central Trail, Harrison. Amount: $3.2 million. Filed Jan. 18. Homola, Edward and Kelly Homola, Bronx. Seller: LAM Investment Co., New Rochelle. Property: 116 Overlook Road, New Rochelle. Amount: $1.1 million. Filed Jan. 18. HVP IV Chappaqua LLC, Chicago, Illinois. Seller: SGP USPF V Chappaqua Retail Owner LP, Madison, New Jersey. Property: 480 Bedford Road, New Castle. Amount: $79.5 million. Filed Jan. 21.

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Panetta, Cosimo, Mamaroneck. Seller: 80-82 Second Street Inc., Harrison. Property: 80-82 Second St., Harrison. Amount: $1.6 million. Filed Jan. 21. Patel, Arpita Suresh and Yatrik Shah, Secaucus, New Jersey. Seller: 8 Bush LLC, Elmhurst. Property: 112-114 Crotona Ave, Harrison. Amount: $1.6 million. Filed Jan. 19. Price, Davis S. and Sara R. Price, Katonah. Seller: 189 Beaver Dam Road LLC, Darien, Connecticut. Property:189 Beaver Dam Road, Bedford. Amount: $2.5 million. Filed Jan. 21. Thrall, Thalia A. and John M. Zizzo, New York City. Seller: Opra III LLC, Harrison. Property: 120 Old Post Road, Rye. Amount: $1.9 million. Filed Jan. 21. Tomaino, Michael T., Rye. Seller: Opra III LLC, Harrison. Property: 120 Old Post Road, Unit D105, Rye. Amount: $1.6 million. Filed Jan. 19. Westchester AM Properties LLC, Monsey. Seller: 143 School Street Realty Corp., Pleasantville. Property: 143 School St., Yonkers. Amount: $1.2 million. Filed Jan. 21. The County of Westchester, White Plains. Seller: Westhab Inc., Yonkers. Property: 76 Locust Hill Ave., Yonkers. Amount: $1.4 million. Filed Jan. 19.

Below $1 million 16 Hardy LLC, Dobbs Ferry. Seller: Kevin Charles Thompson, Hartsdale. Property: 24 Whitter St., Greenburgh. Amount: $415,000. Filed Jan. 20. 20 North Bleeker Street LLC, Bronx. Seller: 3646 Pub Inc., Yonkers. Property: 20 Bleeker St., Mount Vernon. Amount: $500,000. Filed Jan. 18.

451 North Terrace Avenue LLC, Yonkers. Seller: Mary F. Lacoff, Somerset, New Jersey. Property: 58 Nelson Ave., Harrison. Amount: $650,000. Filed Jan. 19. A&A Development and Holding LLC, Putnam Valley. Seller: Joyce H. Dopkeen, Ossining. Property: 11 Liberty St., Ossining. Amount: $435,000. Filed Jan. 20. Alfaro, Romel A. and Rudy Quintanilla, Peekskill. Seller: Monhan Estates Inc., Peekskill. Property: 632 Ridge St., Peekskill. Amount: $490,000. Filed Jan. 19. Anchor Estates LLC, Eastchester. Seller: Margaret Fitzgerald, Yonkers. Property: 164 Bretton Road, Yonkers. Amount: $445,000. Filed Jan. 19. Baby Realty LLC, Rye. Seller: Charles R. Lane, Rye. Property: 11 Boxwood Lane, Harrison. Amount: $950,000. Filed Jan. 20. Barajas, Francisco Javier, New Rochelle. Seller: JJ Home Developers LLC, White Plains. Property: 19 Winnetou Road, Greenburgh. Amount: $565,000. Filed Jan. 19. Bedford Development Group LLC, Yonkers. Seller: Terino Holding LLC, Yonkers. Property: 201 Babbit Road, Bedford. Amount: $500,000. Filed Jan. 21. BHNVN1 LLC, Bronx. Seller: Quintino Ciuffeteli, Calverton. Property: 81 Vineyard Ave., Yonkers. Amount: $35,000. Filed Jan. 19. Cornerstone Capital Lending LLC, Port Chester. Seller: Town of Rye, Port Chester. Property: 12 Touraine Ave., Rye. Amount: $393,750. Filed Jan. 20. Dejesus, Henlee, New York City. Seller: 1 Ridge Hill LLC, Plainview. Property: 701 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers. Amount: $410,000. Filed Jan. 20.

Herrick, Alexander C. and Melissa J. Herrick, New York City. Seller: 1015 West Boston Post Road LLC, Rye. Property: 27 Tulip Tree Lane, Rye. Amount: $725,000. Filed Jan. 18. King EZ 21 LLC, Yonkers. Seller: Congregation Kneses Tifereth Israel, Port Chester. Property: 575 King St., Rye. Amount: $118,750. Filed Jan. 21. Lawrence, Shaylyn and Brian Leonard, White Plains. Seller: Toll Land VI Limited Partnership, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. Property: 13 Langeloth Drive, Cortlandt. Amount: $918,320. Filed Jan. 18. Leonas Construction LLC, Peekskill. Seller: Stella M. Bolden, Peekskill. Property: 115 Armstrong Ave., Peekskill. Amount: $270,000. Filed Jan. 21. Long, Angelica, Brooklyn. Seller: Toll New York V L.P., Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. Property: 53 Dennis Lane, Mount Pleasant. Amount: $230,000. Filed Jan. 19. MEM Flip Corp., Bronxville. Seller: Joseph Marra, Yonkers. Property: 34 Kenneth Road, Greenburgh. Amount: $505,000. Filed Jan. 21. Miller, Stephen Alaine and Falon Miller, Briarwood. Seller: D3 Homes Inc., Yonkers. Property: 32 Locust Ave., Cortlandt. Amount: $520,000. Filed Jan. 21. Navas, Mario A. and Tony Navas, Niantie, Connecticut. Seller: 9 Jefferson Street LLC, Bedford. Property: 230 Gainsborg Ave., Harrison. Amount: $845,000. Filed Jan. 21. Partidge, Vincent R., Westport, Connecticut. Seller: Shanan Properties LLC, New Rochelle. Property: 1270 North Ave., New Rochelle. Amount: $710,000. Filed Jan. 21.

Productive Realty LLC, Bronx. Seller: William A. Unis, Eastchester. Property: 69 Pondfield Road, Eastchester. Amount: $535,000. Filed Jan. 19. SGB Realty Group LLC, Monroe. Seller: Peter Sestito, Yorktown Heights. Property: 818 Oakside Road, Yorktown. Amount: $375,000. Filed Jan. 19. Thomas, Caren, Bronx. Seller: Edson Avenue Development Group LLC, Mount Vernon. Property: 134 S. Eighth Ave., Mount Vernon. Amount: $545,000. Filed Jan. 18. Touchi International Corp., Minatoku, Tokya. Seller: Hideyuki Inoue, Kanagawa, Tokyo. Property: 10 Brookside Lane, Harrison. Amount: $795,000. Filed Jan. 21. Westchester Holding Company LLC, Yonkers. Seller: Walter S. Dolphin, Bedford. Property: 126 Oliver Road, Bedford. Amount: $400,000. Filed Jan. 20.

JUDGMENTS Z to Z Group Pro Inc., Hawthorne. $5,233.57 in favor of American Express National Bank, Sandy, Utah. Filed Jan. 21. Abdulwahed, Mohsen M., Yonkers. $4,565 in favor of Bank of America National Association, Charlotte, North Carolina. Filed Jan. 21. Abraham, Elva, Mount Vernon. $122,045.89 in favor of MS Acquisitions I LLC, Mount Vernon. Filed Jan. 21. Addicts Rehabilitation Center, New York City. $13,690.87 in favor of A&P Coat Apron and Linen Supply LLC, Mount Vernon. Filed Jan. 21. Alejos, Jennifer, Bronxville. $8,718.48 in favor of Bank of America National Association, Newark, Delaware. Filed Jan. 18.


Facts & Figures Alonzo, Angelica M., Yonkers. $2,285.70 in favor of Barclays Bank Delaware, Wilmington, Delaware. Filed Jan. 18.

Calenda, Rosemarie, Yonkers. $8,152.65 in favor of Bank of America National Association, Charlotte, North Carolina. Filed Jan. 18.

Amor, Ana M., Yonkers. $1,985.15 in favor of Barclays Bank Delaware, Wilmington, Delaware. Filed Jan. 18.

Calzolaio, Michael, Pelham. $10,182.44 in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association, Wilmington, Delaware. Filed Jan. 20.

Amper Marketing LLC, Dobbs Ferry. $8,525.95 in favor of Trinet HR III Inc., Dublin, California. Filed Jan. 21. Anderson, Val, New Rochelle. $3,066.50 in favor of LVNV Funding LLC, Las Vegas, Nevada. Filed Jan. 21. APO Food Wholesale, Staten Island. $89,274.29 in favor of Euler Hermes North America Insurance Co., Owning Mill, Maryland. Filed Jan. 21. Arena, Anthony, Mount Vernon. $3,003.95 in favor of Midland Credit Management Inc., San Diego, California. Filed Jan. 20. Ayers, Allen, Mount Vernon. $7,073.01 in favor of Bank of America National Association, Charlotte, North Carolina. Filed Jan. 18. Barbour, Erik Z., Mount Vernon. $13,484.29 in favor of Well Fargo Bank National Association, Iowa. Filed Jan. 19. Barnes James and Verletta Barnes, Brooklyn. $16,732.89 in favor of Ivory 1150 Concourse Corp., Brooklyn. Filed Jan. 21. Bavosa, Timothy, New Rochelle. $2,077.16 in favor of Cavalry SPV I LLC, Valhalla. Filed Jan. 19. Baxter, Gail, Yonkers. $4,213.60 in favor of Synchrony Bank, Drapper, Utah. Filed Jan. 20. Bella, Patricia, Tarrytown. $10,854.57 in favor of Whisper Hill on the Hudson Condo Board of Managers, Tarrytown. Filed Jan. 20. Bibb, Claudia, White Plains. $12,606.63 in favor of Capital One Bank U.S.A. National Association. Filed Jan. 19. Brice, Karen A., Mount Kisco. $6,519.37 in favor of Toyota Motor Credit Corp., Plano, Texas. Filed Jan. 19. Butt, Sajad, Yonkers. $11,448.95 in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association, Wilmington, Delaware. Filed Jan. 21.

Carroll, Kevin, Yorktown Heights. $12,023.34 in favor of American Express National Bank, Sandy, Utah. Filed Jan. 21.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD Failure to carry insurance or for work-related injuries and illnesses, Jan. 20 to Jan. 26, 2022. Aamer Deli & Grocery Inc., Yonkers. Amount: $2,500. Cathy Schlecter Design Inc., White Plains. Amount: $26,500. Dillon Foley, White Plains. Amount: $19,000. French Finish Wall Upholstery LLC, Yonkers. Amount: $1,375. Homestyle at Westchester County Center Inc., White Plains. Amount: $3,000. Sarah James, Yonkers. Amount: $33,500. Sirenita Lounge Inc., Ossining. Amount: $9,000.

LIS PENDENS The following filings indicate a legal action has been initiated, the outcome of which may affect the title to the property listed. Abbruzzio, Barbara Grippo, as owner. Filed by Farverse LLC. Action: Foreclosure of a mortgage in the principal amount of $745,500 affecting property located at 150 Park Hill Ave., Yonkers. Filed Jan. 19. Felder, Marvin and Mark Felder, as owners. Filed by The Bank of New York Mellon. Action: Foreclosure of a mortgage in the principal amount of $71,300 affecting property located at 147 Bay St., Peekskill. Filed Jan. 18.

Goldman, Sandra and Harvey Goldman, as owner. Filed by Fareverse LLC. Action: Foreclosure of a mortgage in the principal amount of $525,000 affecting property located at 79 Arthur Court, Port Chester. Filed Jan. 21. Healy, Donald J., as owner. Filed by Bank of America National Association. Action: Foreclosure of a mortgage in the principal amount of $597,000 affecting property located at 319 N. Salem Road, North Salem. Filed Jan. 19. Smith, Raymond Daniel and Alicia Smith, as owners. Filed by Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC. Action: Foreclosure of a mortgage in the principal amount of $780,000 affecting property located at 69 Lynton Place, White Plains. Filed Jan. 20.

MECHANIC’S LIENS 333 Bronx River Tenants Corp., as owner. $126,870 in favor of AM Restoration and Painting Inc., Valley Stream. Property: in Yonkers. Filed Jan. 19. 629 Fifth Avenue Realty LLC, as owner. $15,804.60 in favor of Visual Acoustics LLC, Ridgewood. Property: in Pelham. Filed Jan. 20.

NEW BUSINESSES

J Landscape Service, 25 Remsen Circle, Yonkers 10710, c/o Joseph A. Gerorer. Filed Jan. 18. Joan Emanuel Salon, 255 Dr. Martin L. King Blvd., White Plains 10601, c/o Toy-Joan Gilliam. Filed Jan. 21. Lil Explorers Preschool, 39 Trenton Ave., White Plains 10606, c/o Hope Pierce. Filed Jan. 19. Mabra Consulting, 565 Broadway, Apt. 3J, Hastings-on-Hudson 10706, c/o Marcelo Antunes Braga. Filed Jan. 20. Mariachi Bohemio De NYC, 611 N. Broadway, Yonkers 10701, c/o Leopoloo Juarez Molina. Filed Jan. 19. Northeastern Underrated, 40 Crosby Place, New Rochelle 10801, c/o Shawn Smalls. Filed Jan. 21. Phantom Auto Works, 145 N. Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 10523, c/o Kevin Stockton. Filed Jan. 19. PHC Pretty Healthy Confident, 255 Dr. Martin L. King Blvd., White Plains 10601, c/o Toy-Juan Gilliam. Filed Jan. 21.

This newspaper is not responsible for typographical errors contained in the original filings.

Precious Moments Preschool & Playhouse, 16 Burhans Ave., Yonkers 10701, c/o Lea Martelly. Filed Jan. 18.

SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS

U.S.A. Construction, 1122 Yonkers Ave., Apt. 3F, Yonkers 10704, c/o Diego Douglas Naves. Filed Jan. 18.

American Style Limousine, 611 Palmer Road, Apt. 2X, Yonkers 10701, c/o Berhold Shparthi. Filed Jan. 19. Bluest Sky Wine, 1077 Warburton Ave., Yonkers 10701, c/o Michael Yurch. Filed Jan. 19. Cruz & Sons Construction, 12 Riverview Place, Apt. 3S, Yonkers 10701, c/o Juan M. Cruz. Fled Jan. 18. Gamez Landscaping, 570 Fifth Ave., Apt. J1, New Rochelle 10801, c/o Jose Antonio Games. Filed Jan. 21. Hotaling Associates, 600 Warburton Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson 10706, c/o Ann Caroline Hotaling. Filed Jan. 19.

PATENTS Concealed object detection. Patent no. 11,231,498 issued to Alberto Valdes Garcia, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk. Focused energy photovoltaic cell. Patent no. 11,233,161 issued to Talia Gershon, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk. Method and system to purchase from posts in social media sues. Patent no. 11,232,421 issued to Pia Maenpaa, et al. Assigned to Mastercard, Purchase. Nonvolatile analog resistive memory cells implementing ferroelectric select transistors. Patent no. 11,232,824 issued to Nanbo Gong, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Parallel technique for computing problem functions in solving optimal power flow. Patent no. 11,231,734 issued to Gary Ditlow, et al. Assigned to Utopis Insights, Valhalla. Producing spike-timing dependent plasticity in a neuromorphic network utilizing phase change synaptic devices. Patent no. 11,232,345 issued to Daniel Friedman, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk. System and method to measure optimal productivity of a person engaged in a task. Patent no. 11,232,385 issued to Michael Bender, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk. Systems and methods for use in facilitating network transactions. Patent no. 11,232,435 issued to Aimee Musil, et al. Assigned to Mastercard, Purchase. Vending machine. Patent no. D941,922 issued to Martin Broen, et al. Assigned to PepsiCo, Purchase.

HUDSON VALLEY BUILDING LOANS Above $1 million JMS Rehab Realty LLC, as owner. Lender: Walden Savings Bank. Property: 315 N. Plank Road, Newburgh. Amount: $2 million. Filed Jan. 18.

O’Reilly, Kevin James, as owner. Lender: Walden Savings Bank. Property: in Chester. Amount: $748,000. Filed Jan. 18.

DEEDS Above $1 million 30 Summit LLC, Spring Valley. Seller: Manhattan Branch of the New Apostolic Church of North America, Manhasset. Property: 30 Summit Ave., Spring Valley. Amount: $1.2 million. Filed Jan. 21. 45 Lake LLC, Monsey. Seller: Valley Cottage Lake Properties Inc., Valley Cottage. Property: 45-51 Lake Road, Clarkstown. Amount: $1.4 million. Filed Jan. 18. Mountainside Pomona LLC, New City. Seller: Mountainside Apartments LLC, Teaneck, New Jersey. Property: 1-60 Forest Drive, Haverstraw. Amount: $42.5 million. Filed Jan. 18. Shift Realty LLC, Spring Valley. Seller: E&S Realty of Rockland LLC, New City. Property: 146 N. Main St., Spring Valley. Amount: $2.6 million. Filed Jan. 19. Suffern Equity Real Estate LLC, Paramus, New Jersey. Seller: town of Ramapo, Suffern. Property: 15 Tilton Road, Suffern and 40 Memorial Drive, Suffern. Amount: $5 million. Filed Jan. 20. Weinstock, Zisha, Monsey. Seller: Mazal 18 Builders Inc., Spring Valley. Property: 38 Grandview Ave., Ramapo. Amount: $1.2 million. Filed Jan. 19.

Below $1 million

Werzberger, Joel, as owner. Lender: TD Bank National Association. Property: 32 Echo Ridge Road, Airmont. Amount: $1.3 million. Filed Jan. 19.

8 Memorial Drive LLC, Airmont. Seller: Yosef Grunwald, Brooklyn. Property: 8 Memorial Park Drive, Spring Valley. Amount: $375,000. Filed Jan. 19.

Below $1 million

11 Garden LLC, Poughkeepsie. Seller: Salisbury Bank and Trust Company, Lakeville, Connecticut. Property: in Poughkeepsie. Amount: $700,000. Filed Jan. 21.

Decort, Edward A. and Kathleen D. Burger, as owners. Lender: Ulster Savings bank. Property: in Red Hook. Amount: $616,000. Filed Jan. 20. EH Capital LLC, as owner. Lender: Wagner Contracting LLC. Property: Mountain Road, Greenville. Amount: $350,000. Filed Jan. 19. Langer, Robert E. and Katerina Langer, as owners. Lender: Farm Credit East. Property: in Stanford. Amount: $350,000. Filed Jan. 18.

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10 Bird LLC, Monsey. Seller: James Collishaw, New City. Property: 10 Bird Place, Ramapo. Amount: $589,000. Filed Jan. 19. 13 Hook Road LLC, Rhinebeck. Seller: HVCE LLC, Rhinebeck. Property: in Rhinebeck. Amount: $660,000. Filed Jan. 19.

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Facts & Figures 14 North Liberty Drive LLC, Stony Point. Seller: Joseph C. Rutkowski and Manzel Rutkowski, Tappan. Property: 14 N. Liberty Drive, Stony Point. Amount: $625,000. Filed Jan. 18. 14-20 Addison Boyce LLC, Monsey. Seller: New City New Square Property LLC, New City. Property: 150 W. Clarkstown Road, Clarkstown. Amount: $730,000. Filed Jan. 20. 19 Polnoya LCC, Spring Valley. Seller: 19 Polnoya Road LLC, Spring Valley. Property: 19 Polonya Road, Unit 111, Ramapo. Amount: $475,000. Filed Jan. 19. 19 Washington Avenue LLC, Millbrook. Seller: Thomas H. Williamson, Millbrook. Property: in Washington. Amount: $360,000. Filed Jan. 21. 22 Prospect LLC, Monsey. Seller: Fagey Steinberg, Monsey. Property: 22 Prospect St., Spring Valley. Amount: $750,000. Filed Jan. 20. 27 Calvert LLC, Brooklyn. Seller: Parkview Realty WR LLC, Monsey. Property: 27 Calvert Drive, Ramapo. Amount: $375,000. Filed Jan. 19. 27 North Rockland Avenue LLC, Pomona. Seller: John Zervakis, Pomona. Property: 27 N. Rockland Ave., Clarkstown. Amount: $250,000. Filed Jan. 20. 2658 East Main Inc., Wappingers Falls. Seller: Wheel and Heel Properties LLC, Salisbury Mills. Property: in Wappingers Falls. Amount: $600,000. Filed Jan. 20. 442 Realty Group LLC, Katonah. Seller: Scott Henry Tucker, Stormville. Property: in East Fishkill. Amount: $730,000. Filed Jan. 20. Arm Realty Services LLC, Stony Point. Seller: Georgios N. Geranis, Rotonda West, Florida. Property: 160 N. Liberty Drive, Unit 3, Stony Point. Amount: $150,000. Filed Jan. 20.

Borrero, Jorge L. and Jenny Borrero, Yonkers. Seller: DMF and CJF Holdings LLC, Fishkill. Property: in East Fishkill. Amount: $455,000. Filed Jan. 19. Brimstone North Corp., Patterson. Seller: JVR Homes LLC, Wingdale. Property: in Pawling. Amount: $90,000. Filed Jan. 18. Cervone-Perucci Realty LLC, Beacon. Seller: Tamira Cervone-Browne, Beacon. Property: in Beacon. Amount: $400,000. Filed Jan. 21. Fefi and EL Holdings LLC, Englewood, New Jersey. Seller: Fedele C. Vero and Mary E. Vero, Blauvelt. Property: 19 Sargent James Parker Road, Orangetown. Amount: $850,000. Filed Jan. 18. Fermin, Guido A. and Ada L. Fermin, Richmond Hill. Seller: Late Rain 25 LLC, New York City. Property: 25 Coolidge St., Haverstraw. Amount: $300,000. Filed Jan. 21. Frankale LLC, Spring Valley. Seller: George Schwartz and Beverly Schwartz, Spring Valley. Property: 94 Francis Place, Spring Valley. Amount: $850,000. Filed Jan. 20. Hass, Jacob, Monsey. Seller: 7 Rita LLC, Monsey. Property: 7 Rita Ave, Unit 4, Ramapo. Amount: $200,000. Filed Jan. 21. Haverstraw Ventures II LLC, Monsey. Seller: PVM Properties LLC, New City. Property: 146 Broadway, Haverstraw. Amount: $370,000. Filed Jan. 20. Laufer, Esther S., Monsey. Seller: Viola Gardens LLC, Monsey. Property: 46 Garden Terrace, Unit 1817, Ramapo. Amount: $950,000. Filed Jan. 29. Liba High LLC, Suffern. Seller: Highview Hills LLC, Suffern. Property: 11 Silverwood Circle, Ramapo. Amount: $633,300. Filed Jan. 19. Litterii, Augustus and Amanda Rich, Poughkeepsie. Seller: ABD Stratford LLC, Poughkeepsie. Property: in Poughkeepsie. Amount: $428,000. Filed Jan. 20.

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JANUARY 31, 2022

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Markowitz, Raizy and Menachem Markowitz, Monsey. Seller: Remsen Estates LLC, Spring Valley. Property: 2 Garden Circle, Ramapo. Amount: $579,000. Filed Jan. 21.

Umansky 2015 Family Trust, Spring Valley. Seller: Stony Point Acquisitions LLC, Stony Point. Property: 10 and 5 Jobson Way and Antioch Court, Stony Point. Amount: $520,000. Filed Jan. 19.

Overlook Housing LLC, Monsey. Seller: Dieumatane L. Joseph. West Haverstraw. Property: 57 Overlook Road, West Haverstraw. Amount: $329,000. Filed Jan. 20.

Yedei Chesed Inc., Chestnut Ridge. Seller: Stephen Liebman and Mary Liebman, Chestnut Ridge. Property: 9 Orchard Court, Ramapo. Amount: $685,000. Filed Jan. 19.

Pfeiffer, Yitzchok, Brooklyn. Seller: Viola Partners LLC, Spring Valley. Property: 38 Fern Drive, Ramapo. Amount: $800,000. Filed Jan. 18. Pomona Heights Luxury Developers LLC, Jersey City, New Jersey. Seller: Sloyd Development LLC, Pomona. Property: 82 Overlook Road, Haverstraw. Amount: $220,000. Filed Jan. 18. Rubin, Yisroel A., Brooklyn. Seller: Summit Gardening RE LLC, Monsey. Property: 9 Park Gardens Court, Ramapo. Amount: $999,000. Filed Jan. 21. S River Associates LLC, Brooklyn. Seller: John C. Layne and Virginia E. Layne, Airmont. Property: 216 Saddle River Road, Airmont. Amount: $480,000. Filed Jan. 20. Sanders, David, Grand View. Seller: DeMario Builders Inc., New City. Property: 65 Concord Drive, Orangetown. Amount: $626,925. Filed Jan. 20. Sicherman, Joseph and Chaya Sicherman, Suffern. Seller: 60 Srock LLC, New York City. Property: 60 Spook Rock Road, Ramapo. Amount: $705,000. Filed Jan. 18. Suffern Equity Real Estate LLC, Paramus. Seller: 150 Lafayette Avenue LLC, Ramsey, New Jersey. Property: 150 Lafayette Ave., Suffern. Amount: $750,000. Filed Jan. 18. SV New York Property Holding LLC, Spring Valley. Seller: Chava Breur, New Square. Property: 174 Clinton Lane, New Square. Amount: $220,000. Filed Jan. 18.

JUDGMENTS Berger, Abraham, Spring Valley. $17,170.94 in favor of American Express National Bank, Sandy, Utah. Filed Jan. 19. Bonilla, Christina, Nyack. $1,560.20 in favor of LVNV Funding LLC, Las Vegas, Nevada. Filed Jan. 20. Einhorn, Menachem, Spring Valley. $14,824.34 in favor of Discover Bank, New Albany, Ohio. Filed Jan. 19. Fried, Jacob, Suffern. $4,577.19 in favor of Capital One Bank National Association, Glen Allen, Virginia. Filed Jan. 20. Johnstone, James, Fishkill. $6,521.80 in favor of Accelerated Inventory Management LLC, Austin, Texas. Filed Jan. 18. Liebb, Yehudah, Spring Valley. $14,649.28 in favor of Bank of America National Association, Charlotte, North Carolina. Filed Jan. 18. Mehrota, Nichole, Stony Point. $5,816.28 in favor of American Express National bank, Sandy Utah. Filed Jan. 18. Peart, Shantana, Monsey. $39,770.17 in favor of Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., Allentown, Pennsylvania. Filed Jan. 20. Roberts, Joseph M., Haverstraw. $1,607.55 in favor of TD Bank U.S.A. National Association, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Filed Jan. 17.

Rodriguez, Olga, Pomona. $3,341.52 in favor of Synchrony Bank, Draper, Utah. Filed Jan. 18.

Donovan Dairy Corp., 23 Oak Summit Road, Verbank 12585, c/o Brian M. Donovan. Filed Jan. 21.

Rosen, Leah, Spring Valley. $5,698 in favor of Bank of America National Association, Charlotte, North Carolina. Filed Jan. 19.

Flex Auto Lab, 155 Bracken Road, Montgomery 12549, c/o Henry T. Brinson. Filed Jan. 18.

Scharf, Stephanie, Bardonia. $2,350.97 in favor of Discover Bank, New Albany, Ohio. Filed Jan. 19. Thompson, Claire, New City. $1,418.69 in favor of TD Bank U.S.A. National Association, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Filed Jan. 17.

MECHANIC’S LIENS Massaro, Jennifer, as owner. $2,500 in favor of Negris Outside Remodeling, Stormville. Property: 87 Lake Walston Drive, Wappingers Falls. Filed Jan. 19. Sherry, Alexis and Dennis Sherry, as owners. $15,750 in favor of Hess Architect P.C. Property: 44 Friend St., Congers. Filed Jan. 18.

NEW BUSINESSES This paper is not responsible for typographical errors contained in the original filings.

PARTNERSHIPS SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS BK Lash & Brow Studio, 247 Route 59, Suite 7, Suffern 10901, c/o Bun Kyeng Jung. Filed Jan. 21.

F&M Cleaning & General Services, 57 Townsend Ave., Newburgh 12550, c/o Fabiola Anguiano. Filed Jan. 18. GGCS Hickory Tree & Landscaping Design, 31 Woodbourne Drive, Unit 9, Woodbourne 12788, c/o Gerald G. Conklin. Filed Jan. 19. Grove Place, 665 Silverlake Scotchtown Road, Middletown 10941, c/o Lynette D. Hanley. Filed Jan. 21. JBS Cleaning Service, 20 Prospect Place, Tomkins Cove 10986, c/o Jose A. Batista Cruz. Filed Jan. 20. JC Car Service, 235 Westside Ave., Haverstraw 10927, c/o Julio C. Martinez. Filed Jan. 20. Miguel’s Premier Construction, 25 E. Castle Ave., Spring Valley 10977, c/o Miguel Angel Morocho. Filed Jan. 19. Nahomy and the Crew Cleaning Xpress, 18 The Drive, Westtown 10998, c/o Nohemy Barrera Gonzalez. Filed Jan. 18. Nik’s Elements Entwined, 280 Main St., Highland Falls 10928, c/o Nicole Mineo. Filed Jan. 21. Red Top Construction, 402 Tower Ave., Maybrook 12543, c/o Magnum C. Joseph. Filed Jan. 21.

Cakes By Lilie, 11 McLaughlin Ave., West Haverstraw 10993, c/o Phedorah Felix Feed’ell. Filed Jan. 18.

Ricardo the Pool Guy, 18 The Drive, Westtown 10998, c/o Ricardo J. Tovar Campos. Filed Jan. 18.

Cardona Taxi Service, 32 Great Oaks Drive, New City 10956, c/o Daniel Dejesus Cardona Romero. Filed Jan. 19.

Sterling Lake Farm & Consulting, 30 W. Sterling Lake Road, Tuxedo Park 10987, c/o Gregory J. Askildsen. Filed Jan. 21.


Facts & Figures

fairfield county

BUILDING PERMITS Commercial Consolidated Edison Solutions, Valhalla, New York, contractor for Christ Church Parish. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 220 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $39,975. Filed Nov. 15. Ed Marble & Tile Installation LLC, Stamford, contractor for Jennifer Glenn. Renovate a shower at 1525 E. Putnam Ave., Unit 308, Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed Nov. 30. Gesualdi Construction, Stamford, contractor for Collins 53 Forest LLC. Rework the communal areas and bathrooms on the first and second floors at 53 Forest Ave., Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $275,000. Filed Nov. 1.

Greenleaf General Contractors LLC, Stamford, contractor for Harbor House at Greenwich Point LLC. Repair flood damage at 165 Shore Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed Dec. 10.

AF Contracting LLC, Stamford, contractor for James M. and Julia McGovern. Add new master bedroom and rear sunroom at 79 Loughlin Ave., Cos Cob. Estimated cost: $220,000. Filed Dec. 9.

Blechner, Peter A. Jr., Greenwich, contractor for Garrett T. and Kathleen H. Bembenek. Construct a garage at 55 Shore Road, Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $80,000. Filed Dec. 16.

James E. Fitzgerald Inc., New York, New York, contractor for 100 West Putnam Owner LLC. Perform replacement alterations at 100 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $394,703. Filed Nov. 1.

Allan B. Deering, Greenwich, contractor for John and Kelli Lannamann. Construct new single-family home with finished basement, attached two-car garage and covered deck at 1 Perkely Lane, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $1,100,000. Filed Nov. 29.

Breezemont 60 LLC, Greenwich, contractor for Breezemont 25 LLC. Construct a single-family dwelling with finished basement, attached carport, covered porch and rear patio at 23 Park Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $750,000. Filed Dec. 9.

Argus Development LLC, Old Greenwich, contractor for Grossett LLC 40, Build a new single-family dwelling with finished basement, attached three-car garage, screen porch, rear-covered terrace and balconies at 40 Grossett Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $4,000,000. Filed Dec. 3.

Casamassima, Matthew J. and Mandy A. Casamassima, Greenwich, contractor for Matthew J. Casamassima. Alter single-family residence at 184 Stanwich Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed Nov. 5.

Pecora Brothers Inc., Greenwich, contractor for Family Center Inc. Install new entry canopy and entry doors at 20 Bridge St., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $18,000. Filed Dec. 1. Phelan Construction LLC, North Andover, Massachusetts, contractor for Greenwich Ave LLC. Perform replacement alterations at 376-380 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $250,000. Filed Nov. 12.

Greenleaf General Contractors LLC, Greenwich, contractor for Christopher and Rachel Franco. Repair flood damage at 165 Shore Road, Unit A, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed Dec. 10.

Total Bath Systems LLC, Plainville, contractor for Elizabeth Wolf. Perform replacement alterations at 175 Putnam Park, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $12,000. Filed Nov. 9.

Greenleaf General Contractors LLC, Stamford, contractor for Holdings Greenwich I LLC Union. Repair flood damage at 165 Shore Road, Unit B, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed Dec. 10.

Turner Construction Co., Shelton, contractor for Arden Golf Club Inc. Repair fire damage at 120 Tomac Ave., Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $12,000,000. Filed Dec. 29.

Greenleaf General Contractors LLC, Stamford, contractor for Holdings Greenwich I LLC Union. Repair flood damage at 165 Shore Road, Unit C, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed Dec. 10.

White Contractors, Old Greenwich, contractor for Arden Golf Club Inc. Demolish clubhouse at 120 Tomac Ave., Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $150,000. Filed Dec. 27.

Greenleaf General Contractors LLC, Stamford, contractor for Nicholas G. Keyes. Repair flood damage at 165 Shore Road. Unit D, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed Dec. 10.

Residential

Items appearing in the Fairfield County Business Journal’s On The Record section are compiled from various sources, including public records made available to the media by federal, state and municipal agencies and the court system. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, no liability is assumed for errors or omissions. In the case of legal action, the records cited are open to public scrutiny and should be inspected before any action is taken.

ON THE RECORD

40 SU LLC, Greenwich, contractor for 40 SU LLC. Renovate kitchen, bathrooms, add stairs to attic and replace roof, siding and windows at 40 Bruce Park Drive, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $40,000. Filed Nov. 1. A&A Home Services LLC, Norwalk, contractor for John M. and Julie G. Burke. Remodel bathroom at 522 W. Lyon Farm Drive, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $18,000. Filed Nov. 10.

Armor-Tite Construction Corp., Greenwich, contractor for Angela M. Stevens. Construct new roofing at 42 Oval Ave., Riverside. Estimated cost: $24,720. Filed Nov. 23. AW Contracting LLC, Stamford, contractor for Katherine and David R. Jamieson. Renovate residence, including kitchen, garage and mudroom; add new second floor with primary bath addition at 18 Tower Road, Riverside. Estimated cost: $1,500,000. Filed Nov. 12. Bay Restoration LLC, Milford, contractor for Greenwich Housing Authority. Update kitchen and bathroom and paint and seal floors at 19 Cross Lane, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $32,000. Filed Dec. 29. Bedford230 LLC, Greenwich, contractor for Bedford230 LLC. Rebuild existing garage with new (same size) structure in same location at 230 Bedford Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $98,000. Filed Nov. 29. Begg, Mirza S. and Ali Amena, Old Greenwich, contractor for Mirza S. Begg. Remodel kitchen at 6 Midbrook Lane, Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $60,000. Filed Nov. 16.

Chimblo Development, Greenwich, contractor for John J. Filippelli. Repair flood damage at 17 Echo Lane, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed Dec. 20. Dastoli Excavating Inc., Stamford, contractor for Diana S. and Albert E. Betteridge. Demolish building at 215 Old Mill Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed Nov. 29. Dilorenzo Builders LLC, Ansonia, contractor for Samuel J. Murray Jr. and Marjan N. Murray. Renovate kitchen, living room, basement and master bedroom suite at 318 Stanwich Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $550,000. Filed Nov. 4. Dooney Construction LLC, New Canaan, contractor for Michael and Nathalie Yavonditte. Perform replacement alterations at 23 Wyckham Hill Lane, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed Nov. 8. Edgewater Development LLC, Greenwich, contractor for Jon L. Newman. Construct a new single-family dwelling at 30 Stanwich Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $1,700,000. Filed Nov. 29. Edgewater Development LLC, Old Greenwich, contractor for Adam and Sarah E. Dolder. Construct rink house with locker room and storage area at 407 Round Hill Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $690,000. Filed Dec. 1.

Elite Electrical Contracting, Windsor, contractor for Christopher A. Salvo and Cynthia P. Salvo. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 110 Indian Field Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $53,000. Filed Nov. 4. Errico, Michele, Greenwich, contractor for Michele Errico. Install a deck with stairs at 406 Field Point Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $4,000. Filed Nov. 10. FJC Designs & Construction LLC, Cos Cob, contractor for Matthew J. Martin and Christina Drossakis. Renovate first floor with full bath and construct second-floor study at 14 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $112,000. Filed Dec. 9. Frandson, Nina, Greenwich, contractor for Nina Frandson. Construct a single-family dwelling with finished basement, attached three-car garage, screen porch, rear covered terrace and balconies at 224 Stanwich Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $1,000,000. Filed Nov. 5. Kronewitter, Colin and Lori Kronewitter, Cos Cob, contractor for Colin and Lori Kronewitter, Construct a retaining wall at 189 Valley Road, Cos Cob. Estimated cost: $75,000. Filed Nov. 16.

COURT CASES Bridgeport Superior Court Gymnastics & Cheerleading Academy of Connecticut LLC, Fairfield. Filed by Lenette Petrov p.p.a. Liudmil Petrov, Fairfield. Plaintiff’s attorney: Tortora Law Firm LLC, Fairfield. Action: The plaintiff trained gymnastics at the defendant’s venue. The defendant asked the coach to help her during her routine at the uneven bars. However, the coach walked away and when the plaintiff was attempting her routine believing her coach was there, she fell and landed in such a manner as to cause a severe injury to her arm. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBTCV-21-6111511-S. Filed Nov. 24.

Jones, Matthew Lamont, et al, West Haven. Filed by Apostolos Tsimbidaros, Fairfield. Plaintiff’s attorney: Daly Weihing & Bodell, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBTCV-21-6111098-S. Filed Nov. 8. Martin, Lamar, et al, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Filed by Dante Torrell Holley, Stamford. Plaintiff’s attorney: The Blomberg Law Firm LLC, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries and now seeks monetary damages pf more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBTCV-21-6111406-S. Filed Nov. 22. Sonawala, Anuj B., Orange. Filed by Novlet O. Russell, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Ventura Law, Danbury. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBT-CV-216111338-S. Filed Nov. 18. The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, Quincy, Massachusetts. Filed by Jack Devellis, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Miller Rosnick D’Amico August & Butler P, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff was in line at the cashier at the defendant’s property, when the robot named “Marty,” which is owned, controlled and/or maintained by the defendant, positioned itself immediately behind the plaintiff, causing the plaintiff to trip on and over the robot aand fall violently to the floor. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBT-CV-21-6111005-S. Filed Nov.

Questions and comments regarding this section should be directed to: Larry Miles c/o Westfair Communications Inc. 701 Westchester Ave, Suite 100 J White Plains, N.Y. 10604-3407 Phone: 694-3600 • Fax: 694-3699

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Facts & Figures Danbury Superior Court Bethel Health & Rehabilitation Center LLC, et al, Bethel. Filed by Susan Daigle, Bridgewater. Plaintiff’s attorney: William John Ward, Litchfield. Action: The plaintiff was lawfully on the premises maintained and controlled by the defendants when she was caused to fall and suffer injuries due to the defective conditions on the pavement. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBDCV-21-6041312-S. Filed Nov. 17. Pain And Spine Specialists of Connecticut LLC, et al, Danbury. Filed by Michael Walker, co-executor for the estate of Nancy Main, Willington. Plaintiff’s attorney: Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder PC, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff was appointed co-executor for the estate of Nancy Mein who suffered medical malpractice by the defendant. The plaintiff’s injuries and losses were caused by the negligence of the defendants and evaluation of her health condition. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBDCV-21-6041378-S. Filed Nov. 22. Pesantez, Ivel Estefania, et al, Danbury. Filed by Crystal Council, Danbury. Plaintiff’s attorney: Candace Veronica Fay, Danbury Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendants and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $25,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBD-CV-21-6041248-S. Filed Nov. 10.

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Roraback Jr., John W., Danbury. Filed by Discover Bank, New Albany, Ohio. Plaintiff’s attorney: Zwicker and Associates PC, Enfield. Action: The plaintiff is a banking association, which used a credit account to the defendant who agreed to make payments for goods and services. The defendant failed to make payments and the plaintiff now seeks monetary damages less than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBD-CV-21-6041577-S. Filed Dec. 15. Walsh, Steven D., et al, New Fairfield. Filed by Jonathan C. Koster, Ridgefield. Plaintiff’s attorney: James Albert Welcome, Waterbury. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendants and sustained severe damages and injuries and now seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBD-CV-21-6041398-S. Filed Nov. 23.

Stamford Superior Court Galella, Steve, et al, Mountainview, California. Filed by Elizabeth Brooks, Wallkill, New York. Plaintiff’s attorney: Bruce Steven Luckman, Moorestown, New Jersey. Action: The plaintiff suffered injuries from a dental appliance designed and manufactured by the defendant without scientific or clinical basis to prove it was safe or effective. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV-21-6054466-S. Filed Nov. 23.

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Garcia-Rivera, Ezequiel, et al, Riverside. Filed by Elvia Rosa, Stamford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Alex J. Martinez Law Offices LLC, Stamford. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendants and sustained severe damages and injuries for which the plaintiff seeks monetary damages less than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV-216054359-S. Filed Nov. 15. Greenwich Hospital, et al, Hartford. Filed by Nicole O’Connell, Somers, New York. Plaintiff’s attorney: Silver Golub & Teitell, Stamford. Action: The plaintiff suffered medical malpractice by the defendants who failed to exercise the necessary degree of care and as result, the plaintiff suffered multiple medical complications and injuries after delivering her baby. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FSTCV-21-6054607-S. Filed Dec. 7. Reinhardt, Isabella, et al, Ridgefield. Filed by Holly Uva, Stamford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Millman & Millman, Westport. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendants and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV-21-6054737-S. Filed Dec. 20. Slattery, Elizabeth, Norwalk. Filed by Mariana Castaneda Echeverry, Westport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Berkowitz and Hanna LLC, Shelton. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV-21-6054115-S. Filed Oct. 28.

DEEDS Commercial 1 Mill LLC, Greenwich. Seller: Virginia W. Lee, Greenwich. Property: 206 Milbank Ave., Greenwich. Amount: $1,900,000. Filed Dec. 3. 100 Field Point Circle LLC, Miami, Florida. Seller: AEMB Holdings LLC, Greenwich. Property: 100 Field Point Circle, Greenwich. Amount: $10. Filed Dec. 3.

Jarmac Corp., Riverside. Seller: Juan Eduardo Ibanez-Walker, Riverside. Property: 5 Dawn Harbor Lane, Riverside. Amount: $10. Filed Dec. 2. Josephson, William K., Greenwich. Seller: Sikorski Re Holdings LLC, London, England. Property: 66 Butternut Hollow Road, Greenwich. Amount: $N/A. Filed Nov. 30. LC Gren Owner LLC, New York, New York. Seller: 599 Landlord LLC, Greenwich. Property: 599 W. Putnam Ave. Greenwich. Amount: $10. Filed Nov. 29.

136 Field Point Circle Nominee Real Estate Trust, Greenwich. Seller: 136 Field Point Circle Holding Company LLC, Dover, Delaware. Property: 136 Field Point Circle, Greenwich. Amount: $14,500,000. Filed Dec. 3.

Ochoa Ellis, Nora and Roy A. Ellis, Greenwich. Seller: 186 Milbank LLC, Greenwich. Property: 186 Milbank Ave., Unit A, Greenwich. Amount: $N/A. Filed Dec. 1.

22 Partridge LLC, Monroe. Seller: Janine Campa, Fairfield. Property: 22 Partridge Lane, Fairfield. Amount: $520,000. Filed Dec. 20.

The Greenwich Land Trust Inc., Greenwich. Seller: Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut, Bridgeport. Property: 836 Lake Ave., Greenwich. Amount: $N/A. Filed Dec. 1.

66 Liberty Street LLC, Stamford. Seller: Mariano Lombardi and Clara Lombardi, Norwalk. Property: 66 Liberty St., Stamford. Amount: $700,000. Filed Dec. 8. Backx, Mattijs and Silvia Backx, Greenwich. Seller: NE Holdings LLC, Stamford. Property: 282 Round Hill Road, Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed Dec. 3. Forest Green Holdings LLC, Greenwich. Seller: Koji Kawamoto and Yoko Kawamoto, Greenwich. Property: 12A Rockland Place, Greenwich. Amount: $1,150,000. Filed Nov. 29. Fraioli, Donato J., Stamford. Seller: David Montanari Holdings No.6 LLC, Stamford. Property: 143 Columbus Place, Unit 3, Stamford. Amount: $165,000. Filed Dec. 8. Greens Circle Realty LTD, Stamford. Seller: 14 Byram Shore Road LLC, Fort Lee, New Jersey. Property: 14 Byram Shore Road, Greenwich. Amount: $10. Filed Dec. 1.

Wilemski, Elizabeth A. and Michael D. Wilemski, Fairfield. Seller: 96 Hulls Highway LLC, Fairfield. Property: 104 Roberton Crossing, Fairfield. Amount: $495,000. Filed Dec. 22.

Residential Amitay, Daniel and Sarah Steinmetz, Fairfield. Seller: Gaurav Makhija, Fairfield. Property: 3233 North St., Fairfield. Amount: $1,300,000. Filed Dec. 23. Bauer, Barbara J. and Lawrence Bauer, Fairfield. Seller: Alan Munson, Fairfield. Property: 57 Hibiscus St., No.1, Fairfield. Amount: $195,000. Filed Dec. 23. Bauza, April and Ramon Bauza, Greenwich. Seller: Min-Hye Moon, Greenwich. Property: 10 Parsonage Lane, Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed Dec. 3.

Beckerman, Tracy L. and Scott Beckerman, Greenwich. Seller: John V. McKee Jr. and Susan H. McKee, Greenwich. Property: 48 Winthrop Drive, Greenwich. Amount: $10. Filed Dec. 3. Behrend, Neal and Natalya Behrend, Stamford. Seller: Stephen Behrend, Stamford. Property: 172 Mill Brook Road, Stamford. Amount: $1,400,000. Filed Dec. 7. Borst, Michael J. and Heather Mauro, Fairfield. Seller: John H. Morgan and Judith R. Morgan, Fairfield. Property: 147 Algonquin Road, Fairfield. Amount: $900,000. Filed Dec. 20. Brandt, John and Andrea Brandt, Greenwich. Seller: Sanford A. Brumley and Teryce A. James, Greenwich. Property: 2 Laurel Lane, Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed Dec. 1. Brush, Peter W. and Patricia Brush, Larchmont, New York. Seller: Luke G. Gardner and Francine C. Gardner, Stamford. Property: 177 Old Mill Lane, Stamford. Amount: $1,741,000. Filed Dec. 7. Cacchione, Robert, Fairfield. Seller: William J. Kuhn Jr., Fairfield. Property: 208 Southport Woods Drive, Fairfield. Amount: $499,000. Filed Dec. 20. Chiaranda, Emanuela Elsa, Norwalk. Seller: Laura B. Warfield, Bridgeport. Property: Lot 41, Map 1, Grove Park, Fairfield. Amount: $445,000. Filed Dec. 20. Chokan, Iuliia, Stamford. Seller: Christopher M. Falcone and Kristen B. Falcone, Monroe. Property: 110 Grace St. and 115 Deerfield St., Fairfield. Amount: $475,000. Filed Dec. 20. Chow, Cho Kwan and Shao Liang Jian, Little Neck, New York. Seller: Hong Gon Ha and Soon Yi Ha, Bayside, New York. Property: 48 High St., Unit 6, Greenwich. Amount: $780,000. Filed Dec. 1.


Facts & Figures Conklin, Robert W. and Michael Neumann, Fairfield. Seller: Cecilia M. Neumann, Fairfield. Property: 47 Brookbend Road, Fairfield. Amount: $N/A Filed Dec. 22.

Ngassa, Paul, Hawthorne, New York. Seller: Jean A. Daniels, Stamford. Property: 825 Hope St., Unit 4, Stamford. Amount: $348,000. Filed Dec. 6.

Conklin, Robert W. and Michael Neumann, Fairfield. Seller: Cecilia M. Neumann, Fairfield. Property: 210 Winton Road, Fairfield. Amount: $0. Filed Dec. 22.

Nopachinda, June, Briarwood, New York. Seller: Rostam Amighi and Julian Romero, Stamford. Property: 127 Greyrock Place, Unit 702, Stamford. Amount: $410,000. Filed Dec. 6.

Heneage, Audrey, Fort Myers, Florida. Seller: Vesselina Doulis and Cesar Doulis, Fairfield. Property: 245 Unquowa Road, Unit 30 Fairfield. Amount: $373,500. Filed Dec. 21. Hutfless, David and Kimberly Gustin, Stamford. Seller: Tommi T. Salli, Stamford. Property: 178 Hunting Ridge Road, Stamford. Amount: $1,549,000. Filed Dec. 6. Lindner, Scott and Heather Lindner, Astoria, New York. Seller: Albert Steckis, Stamford. Property: 190 Butternut Lane, Stamford. Amount: $1,125,000. Filed Dec. 6. Lowenthal, Terri Ann, Stamford. Seller: Arijit Dasgupta, Stamford. Property: 51 Iron Gate Road, Stamford. Amount: $812,000. Filed Dec. 7. Maillet, Andrew and Francyne Peatt, Fairfield. Seller: Samantha Heilweil, Fairfield. Property: 193 Eastlea Lane, Fairfield. Amount: $745,000. Filed Dec. 22. McCue, Michael F. and Leandro J. McCue, Riverside. Seller: Robert J. Fogg, New Canaan. Property: 16 Cary Road, Riverside. Amount: $500,000. Filed Dec. 1. Meyer, Ariel and Sean Meyer, Cos Cob. Seller: Peter K. Joyce and Kathleen M. Joyce, Greenwich. Property: 28 Sachem Road, Greenwich. Amount: $2,100,000. Filed Nov. 30.

Schuck, Zachary Michael and Alexandra Schuck, Fairfield. Seller: Stephen J. Fetko and Kimberly Fetko, Fairfield. Property: 1553 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield. Amount: $971,000. Filed Dec. 21. Smith, Chad Michael and Joanne Christena Smith, Fairfield. Seller: Stephanie M. Rothberg, Fairfield. Property: 11 Stoneleigh Square, Fairfield. Amount: $780,000. Filed Dec. 21.

Parsell-Bowen, Troy Michael and Stephanie Marie Calderon, Trumbull. Seller: Christian C. Dzilinski and Sarah F. Dzilinski, Fairfield. Property: 707 Jennings Road, Fairfield. Amount: $395,000. Filed Dec. 23.

Stoddard, Sean and Rachel Fraioli, Cos Cob. Seller: Patricia Harlow and Alan P. Sussman, Cos Cob. Property: 33 Benenson Drive, Cos Cob. Amount: $1,600,000. Filed Nov. 30.

Pike, Benjamin D., Aspen, Colorado. Seller: Emily Perri, Pleasantville, New York. Property: 276 Bruce Park Ave., Greenwich. Amount: $770,000. Filed Dec. 3.

Ucles, Jose, Greenwich. Seller: Pilar Recto Zosa, Greenwich. Property: Lots 38, 39 and 40. Map 1162, Greenwich. Amount: $640,000. Filed Nov. 29.

Pike, Brian and Mallory Pike, Riverside. Seller: Paul R. Bernstein and Andrea S. Bernstein, Stamford. Property: 36 Long Meadow Road, Riverside. Amount: $1,899,000. Filed Dec. 1.

Watson, Heather and Robert N. Watson, Greenwich. Seller: Lilian Ruiz, Greenwich. Property: 33 Mead Ave., Greenwich. Amount: $1,525,000. Filed Dec. 1.

Pizarro, Sheila, New York, New York. Seller: Tao Yang, Stamford. Property: 37 Columbus Place, Unit 4, Stamford. Amount: $405,000. Filed Dec. 6. Rangel, Ramon and Columba Rangel, New Rochelle, New York. Seller: Ignatius F. Makarevich, Greenwich. Property: 67 Valley Road, Greenwich. Amount: $700,000. Filed Dec. 1. Rao, Sanjeev and Rowena Rao, Fairfield. Seller: Jeanne Reinhard, Stamford. Property: 1964 N. Benson Road, Fairfield. Amount: $370,000. Filed Dec. 22. Ritman, James and Abigail Ritman, Greenwich. Seller: Suzanne N. Thorndike, Palm Beach, Florida. Property: 12 Pheasant Lane, Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed Nov. 30.

LIENS Federal Tax Liens Filed 45 Winthrop Drive LLC, 13 Arcadia Road, Old Greenwich. $195, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 23. Amodeo, Matthew, and Josephine Amodeo, 30 Willowmere Ave., Riverside. $48, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 23. Carr, Frank J. and Elinor H. Carr, 2 Flintlock Road, Greenwich. $4,543, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 7. EGB Systems & Solutions Inc., 1010 Summer St., Suite 102, Stamford. $14,878, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 16.

GDR Associates Inc., 356 Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford. $1,905, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 29.

TBA Advisors Inc, 70 Seaview Ave., Suite 100, Stamford. $74,795, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 29.

Hale, Michael J., 31 Janes Lane, Stamford. $43,539, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 16.

Widder, Scott, 121 Towne St., Apt. 525, Stamford. $1,024,960, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 27.

Hampton, Keith E., 36 Applebee Road, Stamford. $14,307, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 27.

Winthrop Drive, 13 Arcadia Road, Old Greenwich. $5.260, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 23.

Intrieri, Ann A. and Albert T. Intrieri, 18 Coachlamp Lane, Greenwich. $167, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 27. Lissauer, Jared and Deborah Lizak, 15 Londonderry Drive, Greenwich. $6,429, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 7. McKernan, Martin, 176 Pinewood Road, Stamford. $144,346, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 27. Morgan, John A., 140 Wallacks Drive, Stamford. $557,881, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 27. Natwest Markets PLC, 600 Washington Blvd., Stamford. $7,948, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 16. Pimpinella, Stephanie and Lisa Pimpinella, 192 Hamilton Ave., Greenwich. $2,044, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 13. Recinos, Douglas, 121 Maple Ave., Stamford. $8,144, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 27. Rodriguez, Maria Inez, 9 St. Roch Ave., Greenwich. $3,224, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 23. Sabine Doverton LLC, 29 Dublin Hill Road, Greenwich. $3,625, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 14. Sabine Doverton LLC, 29 Dublin Hill Road, Greenwich. $4,591, civil proceeding tax. Filed Dec. 14.

MORTGAGES Bell, Ingrid Gunther and Lateef Bell, Stamford, by Lisa Kent. Lender: Digital Federal Credit Union, 220 Donald Lynch Blvd., Marlborough, Massachusetts. Property: 54 Maltbie Ave., Stamford. Amount: $800,000. Filed Dec. 3. Brenner, Richard J. and Nancy L. Brenner, Fairfield, by Bruce D. Jackson. Lender: Interfirst Mortgage Company, 9525 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Suite 400, Rosemont, Illinois. Property: 164 Somerset Ave., Fairfield. Amount: $601,450. Filed Dec. 3. Cao, Chunri, Flushing, New York, by N/A. Lender: Fei Kang Shi, 94 Matilda Place, Fairfield. Property: 290 Round Hill Road, Fairfield. Amount: $200,000. Filed Dec. 8. D’Amico, Jennifer, Stamford, by Steven J. Baron. Lender: First County Bank, 117 Prospect St., Stamford. Property: 15 Alma Rock Road, Stamford. Amount: $630,000. Filed Nov. 30. DeMartino, William and Grace DeMartino, Stamford, by Charles M. Batt. Lender: Nations Direct Mortgage LLC, 5 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite 200, Santa Ana, California. Property: 1966 Bedford St., Stamford. Amount: $493,500. Filed Nov. 29. DeRosa, Dominick A. and Nancy DeRosa, Stamford, by Robert E. Colapietro. Lender: Bank of America NA, 100 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, North Carolina. Property: 57 Edgewood Ave., Stamford. Amount: $102,400. Filed Dec. 2.

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Fino, Michael and Jessica Morcone, Fairfield, by N/A. Lender: Loandepot.com LLC, 26642 Towne Centre Drive, Foothill Ranch, California. Property: 640 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. Amount: $536,000. Filed Dec. 8. Gallagher Jr., William Joseph and Jacqueline Gallagher, Fairfield, by Scott Rogalski. Lender: Provident Funding Associates LP, 700 Airport Blvd., Suite 430, Burlingame, California. Property: 72 Lamplighter Lane, Fairfield. Amount: $288,000. Filed Dec. 7. Gryga, David M., Fairfield, by Melissa A. Tharp. Lender: Quicken Loans LLC, 1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan. Property: 20 Georgia St., Fairfield. Amount: $308,596. Filed Dec. 2. Kulick, Jay S. and Gigi M. Shapiro, Stamford, by Brittany Young. Lender: Luxury Mortgage Corp., 4 Landmark Square, Suite 300, Stamford. Property: 17 Arnold Drive, Stamford. Amount: $470,000. Filed Nov. 30. Lawler, Patricia C. and Michael D. Lawler, Stamford, by Thomas J. Vetter. Lender: Savings Bank of Danbury, 220 Main St., Danbury. Property: 185 Ocean Drive East, Stamford. Amount: $400,000. Filed Nov. 30. Lopez, Elias E. and Dolores Rosalia Carrillo Molina, Stamford, by Myrna McNeil. Lender: Amerisave Mortgage Corp., 8 Piedmont Center, Suite 600, Atlanta, Georgia. Property: 125 West Ave., Stamford. Amount: $354,694. Filed Dec. 1. Mancini, Lisa, Fairfield, by N/A. Lender: Total Mortgage Services LLC, 185 Plains Road, Milford. Property: 680 Duck Farm Road, Fairfield. Amount: $546,000. Filed Dec. 7. Mehta, Nikhil and Prachi Talathi, Stamford, by Jonathan T. Hoffman. Lender: Better Mortgage Corp. ISAOA, 175 Greenwich St., 59th floor, New York, New York. Property: 320 Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford. Amount: $400,000. Filed Dec. 2.

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Facts & Figures Mengel, John K. and Mary E. Mengel, Fairfield, by Robert E. Colapietro. Lender: Bank of America NA, 100 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, North Carolina. Property: 174 Half Mile Road, Southport Amount: $150,000. Filed Dec. 3.

Perlin, Martin and Nancy Babcock Perlin, Fairfield, by Nicole Corea. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, 1111 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 5550 Congress St., Fairfield. Amount: $187,000. Filed Dec. 8.

Thidemann, Liam B. and Anne F. Thidemann, Fairfield, by Kathryn L. Braun. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, 1111 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 718 Church Hill Road, Fairfield. Amount: $219,500. Filed Dec. 3.

Millen, Kevin and Joan Millen, Fairfield, by Joseph J. Mager Jr. Lender: Primelending, 18111 Preston Road, Suite 900, Dallas, Texas. Property: 2465 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield. Amount: $335,000. Filed Dec. 2.

Piksinska, Marta J., Stamford, by Melissa A. Tharp. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, 1111 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 98 Dunn Ave., Stamford. Amount: $220,340. Filed Dec. 3.

Wauchope, Katya and Clyde Wauchope, Fairfield, by David P. Lasnick. Lender: CrossCountry Mortgage LLC, 6850 Miller Road, Brecksville, Ohio. Property: 298 Fairview Ave., Fairfield. Amount: $522,500. Filed Dec. 6.

Miller, Jonathan and Stacy Miller, Stamford, by Cynthia M. Salem-Riccio. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, 1111 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 66 Trailing Rock Road, Stamford. Amount: $484,000. Filed Dec. 1. Nelson-Mora, Joleigh, Stamford, by Jeremy E. Kaye. Lender: Rocket Mortgage LLC, 1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan. Property: 27 Coachlamp Lane, Stamford. Amount: $300,000. Filed Dec. 3. O’Brien, Elizabeth and Stephen O’Brien, Stamford, by Scott Rogalski. Lender: Rocket Mortgage LLC, 1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan. Property: 7 Woodledge Road, Stamford. Amount: $258,500. Filed Dec. 1. Patel, Sanjay and Bhavisha Patel, Stamford, by Bruce D. Jackson. Lender: UNMB Home Loans Inc., 3601 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 300, Levittown, New York. Property: 212 Wardwell St., Unit C, Stamford. Amount: $235,150. Filed Nov. 29.

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JANUARY 31, 2022

Piliero, Nicholas P. and Jessica L. Nota, Fairfield, by Descera Daigle. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, 1111 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 859 Church Hill Road, Fairfield. Amount: $361,250. Filed Dec. 7. Rhone, Christopher and Sherron S. Rhone, Stamford, by Gregory T. Lattarzi. Lender: William Ravels Mortgage LLC, 7 Trap Falls Road, Shelton. Property: 71 Strawberry Hill Ave., Unit 919, Stamford. Amount: $168,750. Filed Dec. 2. Sandvik, Gregory B. and Marjorie A. Sandvik, Fairfield, by Marlene E. McAuda. Lender: Citizens Bank NA, 1 Citizens Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island. Property: 1001 Hillside Road, Fairfield. Amount: $1,067,500. Filed Dec. 6. Swift, Kelley P., Fairfield, by Stephen Fournier. Lender: United Nations Federal Credit Union, 2401 44th Road, Long Island City, New York. Property: 188 Rock Major Road, Fairfield. Amount: $240,000. Filed Dec. 2.

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Webb, Malcolm and Carolyn Webb, Stamford, by Nancy D. Gallagher. Lender: FM Home Loans LLC, 2329 Nostrand Ave., Third floor, Brooklyn, New York. Property: 22 Perna Lane, Stamford. Amount: $416,000. Filed Nov. 29. Zuccaro, Sandee J., Fairfield, by Antonio Faretta. Lender: American Financial Network Inc., 10 Pointe Drive Suite 330, Brea, California. Property: 443 Springer Road, Fairfield. Amount: $393,000. Filed Dec. 6.

NEW BUSINESSES 888 Magic Nail Salon LLC, 10 Main St., Norwalk 06851, c/o Jin Chengnan. Filed Dec. 20. Allora Coffee and Bites, 515 West Ave., Norwalk 06850, c/o Gabriel Acosta. Filed Dec. 20. App Tech, 50 Washington St., Suite 303E, Norwalk 06854, c/o APP Technologies LLC. Filed Dec. 20.

Aunties Babies Connecticut, 73 Roosevelt Ave., First floor, Stamford 06902, c/o Ashley Davis. Filed Dec. 10. Capraro Associates LLC, 65 High Ridge Road, Suite 337, Stamford 06905, c/o Richard T. Capraro. Filed Dec. 14. Christina Price Real Estate, 138 Woodside Green, Unit 2B, Stamford 06905, c/o Christina E. Price. Filed Dec. 13. Ciroc Canning Co., 175 Greenwich St., New York, New York 10007, c/o Diageo Americas Supply Inc. Filed Dec. 13. Clout Public Relations, 101 Washington Blvd., Unit 1509, Stamford 06902, c/o Melissa Edwards. Filed Dec. 14. Conair LLC, 1 Cummings Point Road, Stamford 06902, c/o Richard G. Sobel. Filed Dec. 14. Creative Stone, 444 Bedford St., Apt. 4E, Stamford 06901, c/o Sheila Breland. Filed Dec. 14. Gold Coast Strength and Conditioning, 76 Progress Drive, Stamford 06902, c/o Gold Coast South LLC. Filed Dec. 13. Habit Queer, 1127 High Ridge Road, No. 319, Stamford 06905, c/o Organic Fitness LLC. Filed Dec. 13. Joe’s Food Truck LLC, 85 Richmond Hill Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o Francisco Maderos. Filed Dec. 16.

Judy’s Bar & Kitchen, 927 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06905, c/o David Roll. Filed Dec. 15.

Stamford Sushi LLC, 300 Main St., Stamford 06901, c/o Parviz Shakiban. Filed Dec. 10.

Liches & Lye, 120 Culloden Road, Stamford 06902, c/o Camlin Tomes Sellers. Filed Dec. 16.

Tabouli Grill, 59 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06905, c/o David Roll. Filed Dec. 15.

Meartis Consulting, 26 Old Rock Lane, Norwalk 06850, c/o Karen Del Vecchio. Filed Dec. 20.

The Diversity Talent Awards, 750 E. Main St., Stamford 06902, c/o The Business Will Organize. Filed Dec. 15.

Mourer-Foster, 6 Landmark Square, Fourth floor, Stamford 06901, c/o PCF Insurance Services of the West LLC. Filed Dec. 15. Partner’s, 1 1/2 Cove Ave., Norwalk 06855, c/o Deborah Spinola. Filed Dec. 20. Quantum World, 24 Cliff St., Norwalk 06850, c/o Hugo Rivera Marin. Filed Dec. 21 RD Finest Beauty, 99 Holcomb Ave., Stamford 06906, c/o Remy Sergeline. Filed Dec. 10. Sinfully Lit, 73 Roosevelt Ave., Second floor, Stamford 06902, c/o Ashley Davis. Filed Dec. 10. Smarter Technology Solutions LLC, 18 Aquila Road, Stamford 06902, c/o Andreas Ruiz-Diaz. Filed Dec. 14. Sodexo Operations LLC, 777 Long Ridge Road, Stamford 06905, c/o Gregory Steele. Filed Dec. 10. Sono Market, 23 West Ave., Norwalk 06854, c/o Felipe Guzman. Filed Dec. 20.

Senior Finance Manager, Gartner, Inc., Stamford, CT. Collaborate w senior leaders to ensure reporting & analytics are performed in an accurate & timely manner. Req Master’s deg or foreign equiv in Comp Sci, Engg, Fin, Bus Adm, or rel + 5 yrs of rel work exp. Telecommuting permitted w manager approval after 1 yr of srvc. To apply, please email resume to: Josh Dubinsky, Josh.Dubinsky@ gartner.com and reference job code: 62884.

Senior Software Engineer, Gartner, Inc., Stamford, CT. Perfrm softwre engg alngside designrs & enggs to build a complling prduct & implmnt new features with the goal of enhncing exp for wbsite users. Req. Master’s deg or foreign equiv in Comp Sci, Electrical Engg, Sys Engg, or rel field & 2 yrs of rel wrk exp. Telecommuting permitted. To apply, please email resume to: josh.dubinsky@ gartner.com and reference job code: 62616.


LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Formation of PROCUREMENT TEAMS FOR NEW YORK, LIMITED. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/07/2021. Office in Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 2048 Quaker Ridge Road, Croton on Hudson, NY 10520. Purpose: any medical service. #63047 Notice of Formation of Wright Creations LLC Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/3/22. Offc. Loc: Westchester Cty. SSNY desig. as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 157 Beechwood Mount Vernon NY 10553. Purpose: any lawful purpose. #63051 542 Madison Avenue Partners Albany LLC Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/5/2021. Office: Westchester. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 40 Saldo Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804. #63052

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). NAME: ETHICAL CONSULTING, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/16/2021. Office location: Westchester County. Lisneida Arjona has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 54 Sagamore Road, Apt 3F, Bronxville, NY 10708, principal business location of the LLC. Purpose: any lawful business activity. #63053 Notice of Formation of C. Morgan Industries, LLC. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/12/21. Offc. Loc: Westchester Cty. SSNY desig. as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 58 Clinton Ave, Rye NY 10580. Purpose: any lawful purpose. #63054

Notice of Formation of MAIN STREET SNOW SERVICES LLC Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/22/21. Offc. Loc: Westchester Cty. SSNY desig. as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 26 Broadway Hawthorne NY 10532. Purpose: any lawful purpose. #63055 Five Seventy Two, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 11/23/2021. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 590 Commerce St., Rear Entrance, Thornwood, NY 10594. General Purpose #63057

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). NAME: WESTCHESTER MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/12/2022. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, c/o CellMark, Inc., 80 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT 06854. The limited liability company designates the following as its registered agent upon whom process against it may be served within the State of New York is: C T Corporation System, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005. Purpose: any lawful business activity. #63058

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JANUARY 31, 2022

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2022 Fairfield County

NOMINATE TODAY

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2022 Visit westfaironline.com/40under40-2022/

EVENT DATE:

June 16, 2022 WestfairOnline

NOMINATE A CANDIDATE (PERHAPS YOURSELF) WHO IS:

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For more information or sponsorship inquiries, contact Barbara Hanlon at bhanlon@westfairinc.com or 914-358-0766. For event information, contact Faime Muriqi at fmuriqi@westfairinc.com. CHAMBER PARTNERS: Darien Chamber of Commerce | The Business Council of Fairfield County | Wilton Chamber of Commerce | Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce | Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce | Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce | Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce | Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce | Greenwich Chamber of Commerce | Bridgeport Regional Business Council | Stamford Chamber of Commerce

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ARTSNEWS

Celebrating

Black History Month

Painting by Alvin Clayton on view at Rye Arts Center in Alvin and Friends, on view through 1/26 (image courtesy of Rye Arts Center)

FEBRUARY 2022


A2

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

From the County Executive Dear Readers, Hello, and warmest wishes for the New Year. Thank you for taking a few moments to read this February edition of ArtsNews. As the colder temperatures settle in, I want to encourage all of you to take advantage of the many events ArtsWestchester and other Westchester arts groups have to offer from the comfort of your own home. And – if you are looking to get out for some family fun or an activity to explore, there are plenty of in-person arts happenings throughout the County. ArtsWestchester continues to provide a robust schedule of programming, including: • the revitalization of our downtowns with art (see page A6) • the expansion of The Picture House (see page A10) • Black History Month and Lunar New Year celebrations (see pages A14 and A24) In 2022, let us re-set, reflect and refresh for the days ahead. We should all find a few moments of respite, and participate in the wonderful opportunities that are right at our fingertips. As Westchester County continues on its path forward, remember that the arts will always be here for us to enjoy. Sincerely, George Latimer Westchester County Executive The work of ArtsWestchester is made possible with support from Westchester County Government. George Latimer

Benjamin Boykin

Chairman, Westchester Board of Legislators

County Executive

FEBRUARY 2022

Contents A6

REVITALIZING OUR DOWNTOWNS WITH ART

A10

THE PICTURE HOUSE EXPANDS TO BRONXVILLE

A12

THE ARTS ARE SET TO FUEL RECOVERY EFFORTS IN WHITE PLAINS

A14

WESTCHESTER ARTS GROUPS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

A16

A HISTORY IN PRINTMAKING

A18

YONKERS ARTS: “A CONDUIT FOR LOCAL ARTISTS”

A20

CONGRATS TO NEW ARTIST FELLOWS!

A22

106 ARTS GROUPS JOINED THE CHALLENGE

A24

BRINGING IN THE YEAR OF THE TIGER

A25

NEWS BRIEFS

A28 A30 A34

GRANTS NEWS ARTS CALENDAR EXHIBITIONS AND CLASSES

WESTCHESTER BOARD OF LEGISLATORS José Alvarado Nancy E. Barr Catherine Borgia Terry Clements Margaret A. Cunzio Vedat Gashi

Christopher A. Johnson Jewel Johnson Damon R. Maher James Nolan Catherine Parker Erika Lang Pierce

MaryJane Shimsky Colin Smith David Tubiolo Tyrae Woodson-Samuels

31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains | 914.428.4220

Janet T. Langsam

Debbie Scates Lasicki

Mary Alice Franklin

Michael J. Minihan

Sydney Mitchell

Rocío De La Roca

Chief Executive Officer

Thanks to our generous supporters

O ARD F LEG IS BO

ST

HE

D

GANIZE

Board President

John R. Peckham Board Chairman

Creative Manager & Senior Graphic Designer

ArtsNews Editor & Communications Manager Contributor & Communications Associate

Katelynn DiBiccari

Senior Graphic Designer & Cinematographer

ArtsNews, your guide to arts and culture in Westchester County, NY, is published by ARTSWESTCHESTER, a private, not-for-profit organization established in 1965. The largest of its kind in New York State, it serves more than 150 cultural organizations, numerous school districts, hundreds of artists, and audiences numbering more than one million. The goal of ArtsWestchester is to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts in Westchester.

Y, N

WE

O

R

C

UNTY

1683

.Y.

CO

RS TO LA

COU NT Y

Joseph and Sophia Abeles Foundation, Alexander Development Group, Anchin, Block & Anchin, AvPORTS, Bank of America, Benerofe Properties, Berkeley College, Bloomingdales, The Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation, Con Edison, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Entergy, Ethan Allen Interiors, The Examiner, Galleria White Plains, Ginsburg Development LLC, Houlihan-Parnes Realtors, LLC, Inspiria, Jacob Burns Foundation, The Journal News, Key Bank, Kite Realty, The Liman Foundation, M&T Bank, Macy's, Marx Realty/Cross County Shopping Center, MAXX Properties, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Pace University, Peckham Industries, Inc., People's United Bank, Reckson, A Division of SL Green Realty, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Ridge Hill, TD Bank, Venu Magazine, Wells Fargo, Westchester Family, Westchester Magazine, Westchester Medical Center, Westfair Communications, White Plains Hospital, Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker LLP

Director, Marketing & Communications

STER C O U N

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/ArtsWestchester | @ArtsWestchester


A3

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

FEBRUARY 2022

FROM THE CEO

by Janet Langsam, ArtsWestchester CEO

Governor Hochul recently visited Ginsburg Development Company’s property at 1 Martine Avenue in White Plains during a campaign visit. She toured the property’s artwork, including a mural of Raymond Saa. (photo courtesy of Thompson & Bender)

Thoughts of a Cockeyed Optimist The New York State Proposed Executive Budget for Fiscal ‘23 has been announced, and in it is level funding for the Arts. The budget contains the same $100 million that was allocated last year, which included an additional $40 million of recovery funding to New York State Council for the Arts (NYSCA) and an additional $20 million for capital projects added to the agency’s $40 million base funding. The level funding allocation took many arts advocates like myself by surprise. While level funding is nothing to sneeze at, it was a bit of a disappointment considering the optimistic approach in Governor Hochul’s ‘State of the State’ address, in which she acknowledged that the arts in New York State (NYS) are in peril. In her ‘State of the State’ message, Gov. Hochul said: “Expansive

funding is essential to revitalize the Arts and Culture industry and reestablish NYS’s commitment to being the arts and cultural capital of the world.” “We couldn’t agree more,” says ArtsNYS President Elizabeth Reiss, who is also president of the Capital Region Arts Council. ”The Arts community, including ArtsNYS, is gearing up for the legislative engagement on the executive budget with the hope that additional funding will make it into the final document.” I still believe that we can get to a more comprehensive allocation for the arts through the legislative process. That is because Gov. Hochul is no newcomer to the administration. She is keenly aware of the deep toll COVID-19 has taken on the state’s $114 billion creative industry. It is

Don’t miss Janet’s weekly blog posts at: thisandthatbyjl.com


A4

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

FEBRUARY 2022

from the CEO believed that the number of artists and musicians affected in NYS has was in peril, a one-time infusion of $100 million was added to NYSCA’s bottom line. The allocation was a recovery item that would not been estimated to be at 460,000. necessarily continue as part of NYSCA’s base going forward, which is In her presentation, the governor proposed to “Provide critical what arts advocates had hoped for. state funding for Arts and Culture.” We all believe in her sincerity, Gov. Hochul says she will provide additional funds for arts recovery because she also points out that the “COVID-19 pandemic has levied and capital improvements related to COVID-19 impacts on top of the immense challenges on the sector, which is contending with 21 agency’s annual base funding of NYSCA. "NYSCA funding drives local months of revenue loss and significant workforce reduction.” economies, and the development of There is hope, when reading Expansive funding is essential main street businesses across all 62 between the lines of the governor’s counties,” she said. ‘State of the State’. In her speech, to revitalize the Arts and Culture “ArtsNYS is pleased that Gov. Hochul she said: “Beyond economic impact, industry and reestablish NYS’s views all 62 counties as important art a thriving Arts and Culture sector has commitment to being the arts and centers,” says Reiss. overwhelmingly positive health and social benefits for a diverse population, This investment reflects the pivotal cultural capital of the world.” role of New York’s creative sector and including children, the elderly, veterans - New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul and justice-involved individuals.” its capacity to propel the economic growth and health of all New Yorkers. On this, there is widespread In her address, Gov. Hochul quickly put aside “the woman agreement; however, the budget of NYSCA over the past 10 years of thing”: “I am not here to make history,” she said. “I’m here to make the Andrew Cuomo administration did not reflect that view. During the years between 2011 and 2021 the NYSCA budget hovered around a difference.” In the end, arts advocates around the state are indeed $41 million, never even reaching the $54 million high of 1988. By 1990, hoping that she will make that difference. that number had dropped to $46M. Then, in February of 1991, former Governor Mario Cuomo suggested a 56% cut. Last year, with the recognition that NYS’s Arts and Culture sector

(photo courtesy of Thompson & Bender)


20 22 ARTS AWARD Wednesday, April 6, 2022 | Brae Burn Country Club Come and find out who the winners are! TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE AT: artsw.org/artsaward or by calling: 914-428-4220 ext. 326


A6

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

FEBRUARY 2022

feature

Revitalizing Our

Downtowns

with Art by Janie Rosman

William Logan’s ARC is installed on the Peekskill waterfront (photo cou


FEBRUARY 2022

urtesy of Hudson Valley MOCA)

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

Two mid-Hudson villages are $10 million closer to rejuvenating their waterfronts and downtown areas after winning Round 5 of New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) to boost post-COVID-19 economies. A third community is implementing DRIfunded projects. Governor Kathy Hochul assures: “We will continue to give communities across the state, like Ossining and Haverstraw, the extra boost they need to recover from the pandemic and create more viable, livable, walkable downtowns.”

Not only do the arts improve quality of life and attract tourists, they create jobs and boost the economy."

Round 5 winners Haverstraw and Ossining are formulating Strategic Investment Plans to identify signature projects, which must be shovel-ready within two years — creating open spaces, adding public art and wayfinding signage, redeveloping vacant spaces, and encouraging museums to embrace their respective diverse histories. Peekskill, a Round 4 DRI winner is putting plans into place. ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam adds: “Over the past 10 years, these three communities have really invested time and resources in bringing the arts to their neighborhoods. Therefore, there’s a bright future for their downtowns to be teaming with creative energy.” Not only do the arts improve quality of life and attract tourists, they create jobs and boost the economy. Westchester County generated $172.3 million in economic activity, according to a study by Americans for the Arts. According to Ossining Mayor Rika Levin, “The Village of Ossining has an extremely talented and

Haverstraw Brick Museum (photo courtesy of Haverstraw Brick Museum)

A7


A8

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

FEBRUARY 2022

diverse arts community with artists of all ages. DRI funding will The nine-acre chair factory project includes relocating an original catalyze myriad opportunities for the arts to continue to grow and chimney from one of Haverstraw’s brick factories — a nod to its thrive. This will further establish Ossining as a destination showcase 19th-century robust spirit — in addition to extending the Henry for art, history, theater and music, ideally situated on the majestic Hudson Quadricentennial Promenade along the waterfront, public Hudson River.” amenities, and a “It’s the first time potential canoe/ two villages won DRI kayak launch. funding,” Ossining “Haverstraw Village Manager is ethnically and Karen D’Attore says, culturally diverse, enthusiastic that and projects should connectivity with benefit the entire Rockland County community,” Village will benefit their Planner Max Stach Mayor Rika Levin downtown areas. “We emphasizes. “This are excited to explore [chair factory] project ways to optimize is transformational, waterfront activity and and we’re aiming enhance river access for whatever we with our sister village, can do to make it Haverstraw.” successful.” D’Attore says Stach agrees that projects like that cross-river the Sing Sing Prison connections and lastMuseum and other mile connections at historic preservation the ferry landing for and revitalization bike shares or car initiatives that create shares encourage an arts presence will visitors. “Once in transform downtowns Haverstraw it’s a into destinations. short ride to Bear Two key items on Mountain, Hi Tor Haverstraw Mayor and Harriman State Michael F. Kohut’s Parks. Crossing the list are adding offferry to Ossining is peak and weekend then a train ride to ferry service, and Yankee Stadium for a developing the chair baseball game.” factory site. DRI Round 4 Dancers from the Ossining-based Westchester Dance Artists (photo courtesy of Westchester Dance Artists) “This [ferry] would winner Peekskill be a game-changer received grants last for the village,” Kohut says. “It’s very important to the village, and we spring for 12 projects, among them relocating the Boys & Girls Club would like to spend money on this.” He foresees an e-bike station of Northern Westchester, implementing public Wi-Fi and low-cost near the ferry pier “for people who want to come downtown and then internet service, as well as wayfinding signage to mark and brand visit West Point or Harriman [State Park].” its history and culture, and the reconstruction of Fleischman Pier for

The Village of Ossining has an extremely talented and diverse arts community with artists of all ages...”


FEBRUARY 2022

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

A9

Ossining musician KJ Denhert (photo credit: Kyra Kverno Photography, courtesy of the artist)

improvements to Charles Point Park. "Arts are a big part of Peekskill,” City Manager Andy Stewart, PhD emphasizes. He adds that “both arts projects — renovating the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater and public art linking downtown to the riverfront — involved private, not city, applications.” The city awaits funding contracts for most of its DRI projects with the exception of the Downtown Revitalization Fund, a grant program for business capital projects. “[We have] been working with the NYS Homes and Community Renewal, the agency to which this contract has been assigned, to develop the administrative plan for this new grant program and are searching for a consultant to manage the grant program.”

Recent support through the NYS Consolidated Funding Application complements DRI-approved funding for a new pier that would enable large boats to dock there. Pier construction will begin this year. Strategic Investment Plans for Ossining and Haverstraw are due by summer; the state will select projects to be funded this fall.


A10

feature

The Picture House in Pelham, NY (photo credit: Len Elmer)

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

FEBRUARY 2022


FEBRUARY 2022

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

A11

The Picture House Expands to Bronxville

by Mary Alice Franklin, ArtsNews Editor

The Picture House Regional Film Center (TPH) was formed in 2003 ideas – is just essential.” when it saved a 1920s theater in Pelham from being demolished. She adds: “This is an exceptional time for storytelling, and films Now the organization will save another ‘20s-era theater, this time in are brilliant at telling stories. I think everybody recognized during Bronxville. The film center recently announced its plans to expand the pandemic that stories help us get away, explore things, express programming to a Kraft Avenue theater that is owned by, and was things… They’re critical.” previously operated by, Bow Tie Cinemas. Along with its expanded screenings, The Picture House plans to According to President and Executive Director Laura deBuys, the increase its educational offerings with the new location, “first thing,” board has been looking for ways to expand since the organization’s though a launch date hasn’t yet been determined. inception: “The idea was always to have another large capacity Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin said: “The Picture House brings theater…In 2019, we even did exploration for a capital campaign communities together around film and cultural discourse,” and noted for expansion.” that the organization’s presence ”will not only strengthen [Bronxville’s] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those community culturally, it will also help plans were put on pause – until Bow to attract more people to eat, shop I think everybody recognized Tie announced that it would not be and visit [its] downtown.” reopening its Bronxville location. It was The timing of this new during the pandemic that then that the pieces fell into place for development comes at the tail end stories help us get away, The Picture House. of the centennial celebration of explore things, express In March of 2021, Bronxville Mayor the Center’s iconic Pelham theater. Mary Marvin put out a letter to the Recent centennial initiatives include things… They’re critical." community in hopes that someone would a new ambassador program to – President and Executive Director, take over the facility’s operations. further widen the organization’s Laura deBuys DeBuys says that by June, her team was impact. A gala event on March 11 convinced that it was the perfect fit: “It was will honor ArtsWestchester CEO really a way for us to do the expansion that we always wanted and Janet Langsam and New York State Senator Charles Schumer. needed to do, but without a huge capital investment. It’s completely “[Our honorees] have both done so much to help us survive and aligned with our mission as a regional film center and is going to help grow. Janet Langsam has really mentored The Picture House and has us extend our reach and impact.” made huge gains for the arts in Westchester County – and without The overall programming in Bronxville will be similar to Pelham's, Senator Schumer’s Save Our Stages legislation, we would not be here to “We're just bigger and better now, with two locations.” The expansion celebrate our moving into our second century.” will allow TPH three additional screens on which to present films. The Pelham building has deep roots in the community. DeBuys says DeBuys noted that they will be up and running by February 11. Beyond she gets emails from people telling her about their memories: “There are that, they will make improvements depending upon the needs of the just decades of experiences that these buildings hold on to. That’s really community and how much money they raise. what everything we do is about.” This is viable, she says. While the margins on for-profit movie Her hope is that the buildings, now plural, will continue to nurture theaters are slim, deBuys explains that the non-profit community-based, new memories for years to come. “[Despite the pandemic], we know mission-driven model has seen theaters bounce back or open anew, that people will continue to want to get together. And we’ll provide the even since COVID. “It just became so obvious during the pandemic] that content.” this kind of community experience – seeing a film together, talking about


A12

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

FEBRUARY 2022

feature

The Arts are Set to Fuel Recovery Efforts

in White Plains This Summer The arts are poised to take over downtown White Plains this summer. ArtsWestchester was awarded a $500,000 Market New York grant to use the arts as a way to promote economic development and tourism in the City of White Plains. The funds were awarded by I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism through the State's Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

by train are now welcomed to the city by two major art installations by Barbara Takanaga, commissioned by MTA Arts & Design. Langsam says, “The Serious Fun Arts Festival is the capstone project of more than five years of work and planning in public art. We know this investment in public art and placemaking will enliven the city for years to come.” The Serious Fun Arts Festival will brighten the city with arts activities ranging from concerts and live mural painting to a public art walking tour and dancing in the streets. There will be sculpture, performance art, massive public art unveilings by renowned artists, The state grant will help ArtsWestchester to mount the Serious Fun family art-making activities and more throughout the downtown. In addition to Takanaga’s luminescent mosaics at the train station, Arts Festival in July of this year, a four-day celebration of the cultural community where art and music will be present all over White Plains. the 2022 summer arts festival will spotlight new, landmark artworks, including a reflective two-story stainless-steel sculpture by Bulgarian “The Market New York Tourism Grant funding is a momentous artist Georgi Minchev; a colorful nine-story fabric installation by opportunity for us to continue working with White Plains to help internationally renowned artist Amanda Browder; a skyscraper-high brand the City as an arts-centric destination. Artists are key to the landmark mural by a celebrity of the street art scene; three sculpture City’s creative spirit as we plan for a post-pandemic recovery,” says installations by Hudson Valley artists; and more. ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam. The timing of the festival capitalizes on the summer getaway Westchester muralist Daniel Carello says: “This will certainly period, during which consumers seek accessible, exciting help the arts community, which has been greatly affected by the destinations for long weekends. The event will welcome locals as pandemic. The financial support and aid will restore enthusiasm and well as visitors coming to White Plains by bus, train or car. an espirit de corps among artists during this challenging period.” The festival is ArtsWestchester’s latest investment in a public art White Plains Mayor Tom Roach and Langsam were recently on program that, since 2020, has provided artists with more than $700K a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) panel to select a in grants and commissions and delivered two-dozen new works major new work of art for the Metro-North Train Station, which just throughout Westchester County. completed a $94 Million renovation. Visitors coming to White Plains Mural by artist Oscar Lett on South Broadway Avenue in White Plains (photo credit: Katelynn DiBiccari)


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We know this investment in public art and placemaking will enliven the city for years to come.” -ArtsWestchester CEO, Janet Langsam

Sculpture by Georgi Minchev at 50 Main Street in White Plains (photo credit: Thompson & Bender)

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Photo from Bethany Arts Community's Ossining Black History & Culture exhibition (courtesy of Bethany Arts Community)

Westchester Arts Groups Celebrate

Black History Month

Negro History Week was conceived in 1925; more than half a century later, it was expanded into Black History Month. At the time, President Ford encouraged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often-neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." It is with this commitment that several arts organizations in Westchester celebrate Black History Month this February. Each explores varying aspects of history as a reflection of current Black life and experiences. Through March 1, Studio Theater in Exile virtually presents

four previously shown works that address the Black experience. Art historian Jonette O'Kelley Miller shines a light on stereotypical and racist depictions of African Americans in artworks throughout time, which often perpetuate the defense of slavery, show Black people as inferior or display ignorance and bias. Poet Lorraine Currelley’s work, curated for Juneteenth, displays a collection of historical documents, quotes and images, as well as a series of Currelley’s poems. Photographer Ocean Morisset presents part of an ongoing photo documentary about New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. As many images show Black


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Lives Matter protesters donning masks, Morisset points out that society is “fighting two pandemics simultaneously: Coronavirus and Racism.” A spoken word piece written and performed by Tyler Damon Rice asserts that ideal beauty standards are manufactured by retail conglomerates and advertisers. Through his words, Rice “reminds Black women that they are beautiful.” Through February 26, Rye Arts Center presents Alvin and Friends, an exhibition that features artworks by artist Alvin Clayton, whose colorful and bold paintings reflect his life as a Caribbean/ African American man. The show also includes a selection of works of a dozen emerging Black artists from the region, who represent a variety of media. A reception will take place on February 3 and an artist talk will be presented on February 19. On February 15, ArtsWestchester’s Teen Tuesdays program presents a Black History Month workshop led by teaching artist Aisha Nailah. The workshop, designed for teens aged 12-16, shines a light on important Black leaders by guiding participants in a multimedia arts project. Students will learn an image-transfer technique that mimics the artists’ own style of painting, which is inspired by graffiti. The images chosen will be of iconic African American thought leaders, teachers and activists. With an exhibition and programming series that aims to facilitate dialog, Bethany Arts Community (BAC) will present a look at Black history and culture in its town of Ossining. Beginning February 4, the Ossining Black History & Culture exhibition will display a selection of art and artifacts to “uncover and display history as it was experienced by Black Americans,” particularly in Ossining. The BAC will supplement the show with a series of programs, including a guided talk with the curator (Feb. 16); an R&B concert (Feb. 19); “paint and poetry jam,” during which spoken word artists read their work while a painter creates a piece inspired it (Feb. 25); a DJ battle for which the audience decides the winner (Mar. 5); and a talent showcase and fashion show organized by the Ossining Branch of the NAACP to close out the exhibition on March 12. The exhibition’s curator, Ossining Village Historian Joyce Sharrock Cole, says: “My hope is that what is learned here is passed on until we have all learned the history that has been omitted, suppressed and overlooked.”

Stay Tuned! Artist Wesley Wofford’s Harriet Tubman: The Journey to Freedom statue, which was on display in Peekskill last winter, will soon return to Westchester. The nationally touring statue will be on display in White Plains for three months beginning in April.

Harriet Tubman: The Journey to Freedom statue by Wesley Wofford (photo courtesy of Peekskill BID)

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A History in Printmaking by Barbara Shapiro

Squash by Judy Pfaff (image courtesy of Neuberger Museum of Art)

“It’s time to turn off your brain and use your eyes,” says Dr. Tracy Fitzpatrick, the Neuberger Museum of Art Director, who also curated the Museum’s Impressions: The Inventions of Printmaking exhibition. This tour of works-on-paper from the Museum’s permanent collection covers major printmaking methods – relief, intaglio, lithography and silkscreen. It also answers the questions of both visitors who are new to the printmaking process and those who are seasoned in the topic: What is a print? How are they done? How can I tell one kind of print from another? What artists are making prints? Fitzpatrick explains: “The purpose of this exhibition is to explain and show how prints are made in hopes that it will be used as a teaching moment for museum-goers, as well as for the students, teachers and staff of SUNY


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Purchase [where the museum is located].” Printmaking has come a long way since 220 A.D., when wood block prints were first used to replicate images on fabric. This earliest method was relief printing, which used a wood matrix to allow for multiple copies to be made. This expelled the process of having to make copies of text, illustrations or artwork by hand. That said, the first print on paper wasn’t made until the 7th century. Since then, many different techniques and print types have been developed and honed. Walking around the gallery, visitors may be surprised to see how many of the printmakers they are familiar with as painters. Pablo Picasso and Helen Frankenthaler both used the relief method. Picasso used reduction linocut in Femme endorme (1962) and Frankenthaler’s Savage Breeze (1974) is a woodcut. Meanwhile, works by Francisco de Goya and Alex Katz both demonstrate the intaglio technique. In relief prints, the raised portion of the matrix produces the print; however, intaglio is the opposite. With this technique, the hollow portions of the engraved material hold the ink. De Goya’s Disparate feminino (Feminine Folly) (circa 1815-1823) uses etching and aquatint, while Katz’s The Striped Shirt (1980) on display is the second print from an edition of eight. Lithographs mimic drawings. Screenprints are a common stenciling method. Both use a flat matrix that has no incised or raised lines or shapes. Two contrasting lithographs on view in the Impressions exhibition are Robert Rauschenberg’s Water Stop (1968) and Marisol’s Family Portrait (1961). Lee Bontecou’s Untitled, 1967 screenprint is printed on muslin mounted on board; but, perhaps the most famous name in screenprinting is Andy Warhol, who added diamond dust to his Shoes (1980) print. After the Museum reopens to the public on February 2, the Impressions exhibition will remain on view through February 27. Puerto by Anne Ryan (image courtesy of Neuberger Museum of Art)


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Y O N K ER S A RT S:

“A Conduit for Local Artists” by Michelle Falkenstein

The transformation of Yonkers into a haven for artists was validated in 2015 when 1.5 million square feet of the former Alexander Smith Carpet Mills, once one of the largest carpet manufacturers in the country, was designated by the city as the Carpet Mills Arts District. Among those celebrating this event alongside the city’s burgeoning artist community was the non-profit organization Yonkers Arts, which was founded in 2007 to develop a strong, effective and cooperative network of artists, cultural organizations and community members in Yonkers with a goal of promoting and encouraging the arts. The group’s original home was the studio of artist Adam Shultz, who also served as a founding member of its board. In 2018, Yonkers Arts got the keys to its current 4,000-square-foot space in the Arts District and spent a year renovating what Executive Director Ray Wilcox calls “all types of weird” into a performance stage and art gallery. The backdrop to the stage was created by Tats Cru, a group of Bronx-based graffiti artists turned professional muralists. “We wanted that old-school graffiti look,” Wilcox says.

YOHO Studios is a converted warehouse brimming with creators and purveyors of all types...

Yonkers Arts Executive Director Ray Wilcox in front of the Yonkers Arts mural painted by Tats Cru (photo courtesy of Yonkers Arts)

Yonkers Arts has hosted both in-person and virtual events in its new home, including concerts, poetry slams and art exhibitions. Most of the recent in-person events have been small or streamed due to COVID-19, but Wilcox hopes to populate the calendar again once the pandemic has slowed down. Another issue remained—the cost of renting a studio in the Arts District is financially out of reach for many local artists. But now, thanks to an artists-in-residence program, a partnership between


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Yonkers Arts and the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers (MHACY), one local artist has access to a free studio in the YOHO Studios building, the beating heart of the Capital Mills Arts District, for one year. YOHO Studios is a converted warehouse brimming with creators and purveyors of all types—artists, musical instrument makers and restorers, antique dealers, set designers, movie studios, staging companies, furniture refinishers and more. (YOHO stands for “Yonkers Over Houston,” a wink to the artsy Manhattan neighborhoods of SoHo and NoHo.) “We are trying to be a conduit for the local artists,” Wilcox says. “I love working with our neighbors in the community.” Artist Shanequa Benitez is the program’s first beneficiary of the residency program, and Wilcox hopes that three to five YOHO studios will be made available to other local artists in the future. Benitez, who divides her time between Yonkers and Harlem, was born and raised in the Locust Hill section of Yonkers. “I wear that with pride,” she says. She has been using her new studio to continue a series of paintings about redlining—an illegal practice in which certain neighborhoods are denied mortgage loans or insurance services because of the racial makeup of the population. It’s a topic she’s been exploring for several years. It was Benitez’s redlining project that initially caught the attention of Wilson Kimball, President and CEO of MHACY. Benitez explains: “Wilson Kimball had an idea that I could create work for the Housing Authority.” When Benitez told her she didn’t have a place to work, Kimball and Wilcox got together and the artists-in-residence program was born. Wilcox’s hopes for the future include expanding Yonkers Arts’ footprint, both literally and figuratively. “I want to be in a position to have more than one gallery space, and I want to offer more opportunities for local artists,” he says. “We’re also big on the beautification of Yonkers, so anything we can do to foster that is great.” Benitez calls it “amazing” to be the first artist in residence. She hopes to have a show of her redlining project at Yonkers Arts later this year. “There’s a little pressure,” she says, “but I’m ready to work.”

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A young visitor observes artwork at the Yonkers Arts gallery space (photo courtesy of Yonkers Arts)


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e h t o t s t a r g Con ! s w o l l e F t New Artis

Four Westchester-based artists have received an Artist Fellowship from New York State Council of the Arts / New York Foundation for the Arts, an unrestricted cash grant available to artists chosen from fifteen different disciplines over a three-year period. The Fellowship is not a project grant, but is intended to fund an artist’s vision or voice at all levels of their artistic development. Here are Westchester's four fellows:

Lauren Acampora (Fiction)

Lauren Acampora writes fiction novels and short stories that follow characters with an obsession, all-encompassing purpose or vision, or a flawed view of the world, which often drives them to self-sabotaging behavior and turmoil. Her most recent work, supported by this NYSCA/NYFA fellowship award, is a collection of linked stories that explore how the above issues present themselves in human-animal relationships. Acampora reflects on receiving the award: “The fellowship is helping me to bridge the gap creatively and financially. I’m grateful to NYFA for its steadfast support of New York artists and for celebrating the artistic vibrancy of our incredible state." Acampora is the author of The Wonder Garden (winner of the GLCA New Writers Award and a finalist for the New England Book Award), and The Paper Wasp, which was long-listed for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Her new novel, The Hundred Waters, will be published by Grove Atlantic in August.

Sahar al-Sawaf (Video/Film)

Sahar al-Sawaf is an Iraqi filmmaker and visual teaching artist who primarily works in documentary and animation. Al-Sawaf, who was born in Saudi Arabia, grew up in Lebanon and Iraq, and arrived in America days before the start of the Persian Gulf War, shares her experiences as an Iraqi refugee through her diverse works. According to the artist, her work also allows her to depict areas in the world that are often misperceived, like the Middle East, in a more positive light. Al-Sawaf, says: “Rarely do filmmakers get recognized, paid, supported…For ones like myself, an Iraqi immigrant, it is close to none. This award will continue to support my commitment to myself as a filmmaker and help me to push the bounds of my voice as a storyteller.” The filmmaker is currently working on an animated feature film, Tigris, which is set in the desolate, ruined landscape of a future Iraq and explores the trauma of a family lost in wartime.


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Athena LaTocha (Painting)

Artist Athena LaTocha’s site-responsive mixed-media works investigate the human impact on the natural world. LaTocha, who is an Alaskan native and part of the Lakota and Ojibwe Indian tribe nations, is influenced by the indigenous philosophies of these areas. Her large-scale paper works aim to evoke admiration for nature’s invaluable qualities. The abstract works also comment on environmental degradation, historic and cultural narratives, and the traumatic experiences of indigenous people in the Americas. “The NYSCA/NYFA Fellowship award could not have come at a better time,” says LaTocha. With support from the award, the artist was able to hire assistants to complete work for three major exhibitions, on view at the BRIC House in Brooklyn, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey and MoMA PS1 in New York.

Hee Jung Han (Folk & Traditional Arts)

Hee Jung Han of Eastchester is one of very few professional haegeum (traditional Korean two-string fiddle) performers in the United States. As a Korean tradition bearer, performer and educator, Han uses music to build bridges between Korean and non-Korean communities in New York, New Jersey and beyond. In her own words, her performance philosophy is to “stay rooted in Korean cultural heritage, while also bringing the old into contact with the new…to situate the centuries-old haegeum within today’s contemporary social and artistic environment.” With her NYSCA/ NYFA fellowship, Han will record an EP of traditional Korean music, which will be distributed on a variety of digital platforms. Along with the recording release, she hopes to organize a public performance of Korean traditional music in Westchester, which will feature leading traditional Korean musicians in the area.

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106 Arts Grou Despite a number of ups and downs in the cultural industry these past two years, more than 100 Westchester arts organizations together raised nearly $1.1 million in private and matched support. These funds will directly support the arts and culture community at a time when many organizations are still working on pandemic recovery. The groups of all sizes and artistic disciplines participated in the Art$WChallenge matching grant program, a fundraising opportunity supported with funds from County Executive George Latimer and the Board of Legislators. With this support, ArtsWestchester had over $400,000 available to award. From mid-August through midDecember, eligible groups were challenged to use County funding as leverage to raise new monies that will support their operations and ongoing programming. For instance, New Rochelle Opera Co-Founder and Artistic Director Camille Coppola says that her organization will use its grant to present its upcoming production of Tosca in June. According to David Lyons, Bethany Arts Community’s Founder and Board President, the Challenge funds will enable his organization to increase the stipend that they are able to pay the artists who participate in its residencies. ArchForKids Director Kathryn Slocum explains that the Challenge inspired them to implement its first-ever fundraising campaign since its 2013 launch: “As a small organization, these funds will make a huge impact, particularly as ArchForKids emerges from the pandemic.” At final tally, 106 organizations participated in the program – the most ever since the inception of the Art$WChallenge in 2007. The list includes 20 firsttime participants. In all, they raised $652,631 in private donations, of which $429,064 will be matched by Westchester County funding. This totals more than one million dollars in support that will help to uphold the County's arts and culture community for the coming year. The Color of My Soul by Jeffrey Clemente (image courtesy of Sing Sing Prison Museum)


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ups Joined the Challenge! Here are the 106 grantees that participated in the Art$WChallenge: Actors Conservatory Theatre (Yonkers)

Hamm & Clov Stage Company (Yonkers)

Music Conservatory of Westchester (White Plains)

Antonia Arts (Peekskill)

Hammond Museum (North Salem)

Neuberger Museum of Art (Purchase)

Arc Stages (Pleasantville)

Harrigan Educational & Cultural Center (Mount Vernon)

New Choral Society (Scarsdale)

Arch For Kids (Dobbs Ferry)

Tarrytown Music Hall (Tarrytown) The Coleman School of Dance (New Rochelle) The Play Group Theatre (White Plains)

Harrison Public Library

New Rochelle Council on the Arts (New Rochelle)

Foundation (Harrison)

New Rochelle Opera (New Rochelle)

The Rye Arts Center (Rye)

Arts10566 (Peekskill)

Historic Hudson Valley (Tarrytown)

Nowodworski Foundation (Yonkers)

Asbury-Crestwood United Methodist Church (Tuckahoe)

Hoff-Barthelson Music School (Scarsdale)

Orchestra 914 (Pleasantville)

The Symphony of Westchester (New Rochelle)

Ballet des Ameriques School and Company (White Plains)

Hudson Ballet Theatre (White Plains)

Arts and Culture Committee (Greenburgh)

Bedford Playhouse (Bedford) Bethany Arts Community (Ossining) Blue Door Art Center (Yonkers) Caramoor Center for Music & Arts (Katonah) Clay Art Center (Port Chester) CLC Foundation (Mount Kisco) Clocktower Players (Irvington) Copland House (Cortlandt) Cross Cultural Connection (Peekskill) Daisy Jopling Music Foundation (Peekskill)

Pelham Art Center (Pelham)

Hudson Valley MOCA (Peekskill)

Performing Arts Center at Purchase College (Purchase)

Untermyer Gardens Conservancy (Yonkers)

Hudson Valley Writers Center (Sleepy Hollow)

Picture House Regional Film Center (Pelham)

Untermyer Performing Arts Council (Yonkers)

India Center of Westchester (Hawthorne)

PJS Jazz Society (Mount Vernon)

Urban Studio Unbound (Yonkers)

A Palo Seco Flamenco Company (Tarrytown)

Wakanda Celebration (Mount Vernon)

Rehabilitation Through the Arts (Purchase)

Westchester Children's Chorus (Larchmont)

River's Edge Theatre Company (Irvington)

Westchester Children's Museum (Rye)

Rivertown Dance Academy (Tarrytown)

Westchester Chorale (White Plains)

Hudson Stage Company (Armonk)

Irvington Shakespeare Company (Irvington) Jacob Burns Film Center (Pleasantville) Jazz Forum Arts (Tarrytown) Just The Place (Peekskill)

River Arts (Hastings On Hudson)

Westchester Collaborative Theater (Ossining)

KinoSaito (Verplank)

Ruth Keeler Memorial Library (North Salem)

Westchester Philharmonic (White Plains)

Lagond Music School (Elmsford)

Schoolhouse Theater (North Salem)

White Plains Downtown District

Limelight Theatre Company (Somers)

Sidra Bell Dance New York (White Plains)

Management Association (White Plains)

Sing Sing Prison Museum (Ossining)

White Plains Performing Arts

Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists (Sleepy Hollow)

Center (White Plains)

Katonah Classic Stage (Katonah)

Emelin Theatre for Performing Arts (Mamaroneck) Enslaved Africans Rain Garden (White Plains)

Folklore Urbano NYC (Tarrytown) Friends of Mount Vernon Recreation (Mount Vernon)

Peekskill Arts Alliance (Peekskill)

The Westchester Chordsmen (White Plains) Tutti Bravi Productions (New Rochelle)

Hudson Chorale (Pleasantville)

Downtown Music at Grace (White Plains)

Fine Arts Orchestral Society of Yonkers (Yonkers)

Ossining Arts Council (Ossining)

The Revelators (Mount Vernon)

Katonah Museum of Art (Katonah)

LMC Media (Mamaroneck) Lyndhurst, A National Trust Historic Site (Tarrytown) M&M Performing Arts Company (Tarrytown)

Songcatchers (New Rochelle)

Friends of Music Concerts (Millwood)

Mamaroneck Artists Guild (Mamaroneck)

Sound Shore Chorale of New Rochelle (New Rochelle)

GoJo Clan Productions (Hastings on Hudson)

Mamaroneck Historical Society (Mamaroneck)

Steffi Nossen Dance Foundation (White Plains)

Gooseberry-Studio / Night Multimedia Art (Yonkers)

Mount Kisco Arts Council (Mount Kisco)

Taconic Opera (Yorktown Heights)

YoFiFest (Yonkers) Yonkers Arts (Yonkers) Yonkers Riverfront Library (Yonkers) Young at Arts (Scarsdale) Youth Theatre Interactions (Yonkers)


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Bringing in the Year of the TIGER Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a 16-day celebration that symbolizes the end of winter and coming of spring. The date range is determined by the cycles of the moon, beginning on the second new moon after the winter solstice. On February 1, 2022, Chinese New Year marks the transition from the “Year of the Ox” into the “Year of the Tiger,” referring to animals of the Chinese zodiac. In Westchester, several organizations will take part in the festivities:

Ongoing: Grab & Go Holiday Kit

White Plains Public Library The Library’s Youth Services Department will offer a Chinese New Year-themed Grab & Go Holiday Kit for children in preschool through third grade. Each kit will include activity sheets, songs, craft supplies to make tiger masks, and a book list. Kits are available in the Library’s lobby while supplies last.

Feb. 2 & 8: Introduction to Chinese Brush Painting

Pelham Art Center Pelham Art Center will bring in the new year with instructor Jane Chang with a two-session introduction to Chinese brush painting workshop. Beginners will learn to paint “the four gentlemen," a pairing of plants that represent the four seasons. The class will include demonstrations and also discusses color preparation, composition, movement and more.

Feb. 5: Chinese New Year Celebration Event

Westchester Association of Chinese Americans Each year, Westchester Association of Chinese Americans (WACA) presents a celebratory event to welcome in the spring. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will take place online on WACA’s website for the second year. The festive video program will include traditional Chinese dance and music, introduce the organization’s Student Leadership and Community Outreach award winners, and more.


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news briefs

NEWS BRIEFS Local Yonkers Teen Matilde Steck Publishes First Novel “I wrote this book to find my voice and confront my social and environmental anxieties through fictional storytelling…,” says Matilde Steck about her recently published book. The senior at Yonkers Middle High School recently self-published The Call: A Brief History of the Chirosapiencidae Revolution on Amazon. Steck, also a second-year member of ArtsWestchester’s Young Adult Leadership Council, describes the book as a YA science fiction novel. The Call explores environmental activism through Janus, a fictional colony of the first alien species with human level intelligence. Steck adds: “I want readers to be inspired towards change in the real world and maybe come to the realization that they aren’t alone in their fears or experiences.”

news brief_Matilde Steck (photo courtesy of Matilde Steck)

Call All Photographers! The Larry Salley Photography Award ArtsWestchester, in partnership with the African American Men of Westchester, seeks nominations for Hudson Valleybased photographers who have a significant body of work with outstanding artistic merit. Nominees for the fourth annual Larry Salley Photography Award will be reviewed and chosen by a guest judge, with approval from both organizations as well as the family of Larry Salley. The winner and award finalists will have the opportunity to be included in an online exhibition, hosted on ArtsWestchester’s website and on its Google Arts & Culture partner site. Deadline: February 28. Bald by 2021 Larry Salley Award winner Elijah Goodwin (photo courtesy of the artist)


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news briefs Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson Appointed New Chair of National Endowment for the Arts The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recently announced that Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson was appointed its new Chair. A vote by the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment, making Jackson the 13th Chair of the organization. According to her official statement, Jackson says that she will lead the NEA “with dedication to inclusivity, collaboration and with the recognition that art, culture and creativity are core to us reaching our full potential as a nation.” Jackson is a longtime member of the National Council on the Arts and a professor at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. In her statement, Jackson adds: “In addition to serving as an economic engine, arts and creativity are core to what it takes to heal our nation, our communities and ourselves.”

Maria Rosario Jackson (photo by David K. Ridd

Gov. Hochul Includes the Arts in State of the State Address

In August, New York welcomed to the helm a new governor, Kathy Hochul. The Constitution of New York State requires the Governor to deliver an annual message to Legislature. The proposals included in her “State of the State” last month are the first in defining the Governor’s agenda in 2022. In her message, Governor Hochul included t following message about the arts:

“In 2018, New York’s arts and culture economy generated more than $114 billion, providing jobs for over 460,000 workers.93 But the COVID-19 pandemic has levied immense challenges on the sector, which is contending with 21 months of revenue los and significant workforce reduction. Beyond economic impact, a thriving arts and cult sector has overwhelmingly positive health and social benefits for a diverse population including children, the elderly, veterans, and justice-involved individuals. Expansive funding is essential to revitalize the arts and culture industry and reestab New York State’s commitment to being the arts and cultural capital of the world. Gover Hochul will provide additional funds for arts recovery and capital improvements relate to COVID-19 impacts on top of the agency’s annual base funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). NYSCA funding drives local economies, and the development of main street businesses across all 62 counties. This investment reflects pivotal role of New York’s creative sector and its capacity to propel the economic grow and health of all New Yorkers.” Governor Kathy Hochul delivering her 'State of State' address (photo courtesy of the Governor's office)


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Concordia Conservatory’s Executive Director Receives Milestone Award Concordia Conservatory’s executive director, Kathleen Suss, was the recipient of the National Guild of Community Arts Educators’ prestigious Milestone Award. The annual award is presented to “individuals who have provided long-standing, exceptional service to the community arts education field.” Entering her 25th year as the Conservatory’s director, Suss has been at the helm as it created programs and need-based scholarships to ensure arts accessibility for all, including the establishment of a campus in Stamford, CT in 2018. During the COVID19 pandemic, Suss led her team through a digital pivot that included recording, broadcast performance, livestream and remote delivery of educational music and art services in lieu of the group's usual outreach. In the fall of 2021, she launched the Conservatory as an independent community music school when Concordia College New York closed.

MARSHA ON THE MOVE Monthly Web Feature When Business Council of Westchester President Marsha Gordon, is not advocating for businesses in the County, she can be found at the cinema or theater. Read Marsha's reviews on ArtsWestchester's "As a Matter of Art " blog: artsw.org/artsblog.

the step the

(photo: Macall Polay/NETFLIX)

tick, tick…BOOM! (Netflix)

ss ture n,

blish rnor ed

s the wth Kathleen Suss (photo courtesy of Concordia Conservatory)

I have seen Rent many times, but I never really knew about the life story of its creator, Jonathan Larson. For starters, he was a graduate of White Plains High School (Yay!). This film is not about Rent, but instead tells the journey that so many take before they (if they ever) achieve such success. The film focused on an early failure – Larson's first musical, tick, tick, BOOM! – and the difficulty of getting the production made. We see it all: the anguish of rejection, the artistic mind and the lifestyle of the time. With all of this, he still had the determination to move on to the next thing, as difficult as that was. Of special interest was the support Larson received from Stephen Sondheim. While all of this is happening, we also see the beginning of the AIDS crisis, the loss of so many both within the theater industry and outside of it, and the ups and downs of Larson’s own relationship. Actor Andrew Garfield was fantastic as Larson and it was nice to be treated to the talent of Lin-Manuel Miranda, this time as Director.


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grant news

GRANT NEWS

The United States and the Dominican Republic by Pepe Coronado was on view in ArtsWestchester's 2015 Cr

ArtsWestchester Gains Support From National En to Display Works by New and First-Generation Am

Percy Grainger's “Cross-Grainger Experiments– February 1950" machine (photo courtesy of the International Percy Grainger Society)

Percy Grainger Society Receives Conservation Grant The International Percy Grainger Society is one of 25 organizations to receive a Conservation Treatment Grant from Greater Hudson Heritage Network and the New York State Council on the Arts. These grants support treatment procedures by professional conservators. The object to be conserved, “Cross-Grainger Experiments– February 1950,” is an early example of musician Percy Grainger’s “Free Music” machines, and provides insight into his contribution to the development of electronic music. Conservator Kerith Koss Schrager of The Found Object Art Conservation will address aesthetic and stability issues so the object can be safely displayed close to its original appearance. The object will allow for enhanced educational programming and a focus during interpretive tour at his former home, a historic landmark in White Plains.

ArtsWestchester recently announced that it was approved for a $40,000 Gran for the Arts (NEA) to support its Crossing Borders: The Art of Memory and Herit in spring 2023, will feature lower New York State artists who identify as new or engage with, and reflect on, the contemporary immigrant experience. The exhib show, which was also made possible with an NEA grant. The new funds will sup The exhibition is part of ArtsWestchester's five-year equity, diversity, inclusion representation of Westchester’s diverse communities and encourages cross-cu

Hi Gr

(image from Kofi’s Trial, courtesy of Historic Hudson Valley)

H gra an will Phi sen Yor cha fun Col to b ine


FEBRUARY 2022

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • ARTSNEWS

rossing Borders exhibition (image courtesy of the artist)

ndowment for the Arts mericans

nts for Arts Projects award from National Endowment tage exhibition. This show, which will be on view first-generation Americans. These artists’ works bition will revisit the themes of the organization’s 2015 pport the creation and presentation of new works. and accessibility master plan that includes increased ultural dialogue.

istoric Hudson Valley Receives rant for Graphic Novel About Slavery

Historic Hudson Valley (HHV) has been awarded a $399K ant from National Endowment for the Humanities to produce new interactive graphic novel titled Kofi’s Trial. The novel l tell the true story of Kofi, a man who was enslaved by the ilipse family of Sleepy Hollow. Kafi was tried, convicted and ntenced to death during what became known as the “New rk Conspiracy” in 1741, during which dozens of people were arged with plotting to burn Manhattan. The digital novel will nction as a tool to help HHV tell the story of slavery in the lonial north and provide a historical resource for visitors better understand the national conversation about racial equality.

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Sing for Hope piano designed by artist Imani Shanklin Roberts (photo courtesy of Young at Arts)

NYC's Sing For Hope Partners with Local School to Pilot New Music Curriculum A partnership between Young at Arts in Bronxville, the Amani Public Charter School in Mount Vernon and New York City-based Sing for Hope has resulted in the School’s “Sing for Hope–Young at Arts Lab.” After the program was piloted at the end of 2021, Sing for Hope committed funding to provide an in-school music curriculum, as well as a daily after-school performing arts program for the 202122 school year. The School also received one of Sing for Hope’s famous artistdesigned pianos, which will be available for the students to use. This one, titled Vibrantly Colored, was designed and painted by artist Imani Shanklin Roberts.

New Grant Allows Yonkers Library and Hudson River Museum to Strengthen Partnership Yonkers Public Library (YPL), in partnership with the Hudson River Museum (HRM), received an $89,300 grant from the Metropolitan New York Library Council. The grant will support the organizations’ joint The Estuary Project: Learning that Flows Two Ways program, which “synchronizes the library’s programs and resources with the museum’s exhibitions, planetarium and workshops.” Together, YPL and HRM will build a library collection about Yonkers, the tribal history of the Lenape, history of the Hudson River, and the Hudson River School art movement, which can be used by the community. They will also work closely on developing programs and curriculum that complement the museum's permanent collection and upcoming exhibitions.


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upcoming virtual and in-person arts activities

2 2 0 2 y r Februa s g n i r e f f Arts O

Pianist Ryan MacEvoy McCullough, Downtown Music at Grace, 2/9 (photo source: ryanmmccullough.com)

2/2 WEDNESDAY Music: Downtown Music at Grace presents Bethany Pietroniro and vocalist. This program pairs pianist Bethany Pietroniro with a vocalist to be announced. 12-1pm. dtmusic.org Class: The Rye Arts Center presents BYOB Adult Workshop: Paint The Masters: Monet. Participants will learn about Monet’s timeless style and

replicate one of his famous paintings. 6:30-9pm. ryeartscenter.org

2/3 THURSDAY Reception: The Rye Arts Center presents Alvin and Friends Opening. There will be an opening reception for the works of artist Alvin Clayton and other emerging Black artists from the region. 5:30-7:30pm. ryeartscenter.org

2/4 FRIDAY Class: Hoff-Barthelson Music School presents Master Class Series: Ole Akahoshi. Cellist Ole Akahoshi will give kick off this series, which will feature world-class musicians and educators. 7:30-9:30pm. hbms.org

2/5 SATURDAY Dance: Ballet des Amériques presents Auditions in White Plains. Every Saturday,

children of all ages and levels can audition for the school’s ballet program. Through 2/26. Times vary at ArtsWestchester. balletdesameriques.company Music: Emelin Theatre presents Nefesh Mountain. The group has been hailed as one of "today’s formative boundary-pushing Bluegrass and Americana bands." 8-10pm. emelin.org Class: Hudson Valley Writers Center


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for more arts events, visit artsw.org presents Current Controversies in Journalism with Michael Balter via Zoom. Participants will discuss current issues in the journalism industry in a roundtable format. 12:30-4:30pm. writerscenter.org Reception: Westchester Association of Chinese Americans presents a Virtual Chinese New Year Celebration Event. The festive video will include traditional Chinese dance and music, and introduce the organization’s Student Leadership and Community Outreach award winners. Reception: Young Artists On the Rise 2022. There will be an opening reception for a selection of artwork in all media by local high school students. 1pm. mamaroneckartistguild.org

2/6 SUNDAY Class: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents Using found materials to write poems with Leah Umansky via Zoom. Participants will write poems that use the newspaper, literature or magazines as resources in which to help generate material. 12:30-2:30pm. writerscenter.org Class: Pelham Art Center presents Bookmaking Workshop: French Link Stitch. Participants will learn the French link stitch to create a small sketchbook or journal with a wrap around paper cover. 1-3pm. pelhamartcenter.org

2/7 MONDAY Film: Bedford Playhouse presents “Dazed and Confused” with Rob Cavenagh. This is a screening of the comedy starring Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg and Milla Jovovich, among others. 7-9pm. bedfordplayhouse.org

2/8 TUESDAY Class: The Rye Arts Center presents Valentine’s Day Workshop: Laser Cutting with Glowforge. Students aged 9 - 12 will create a Valentine’s-themed pendant or pin that will then be laser cut and engraved on the center’s 3D laser printer. 5-6:30pm. ryeartscenter.org

2/9 WEDNESDAY Music: Downtown Music at Grace presents Mezzo Soprano Hailey McAvoy and Pianist Ryan MacEvoy McCullough. These artists will perform the song cycle

Les nuits d’été by French composer Hector Berlioz. 12-1pm. dtmusic.org

JOURNALISM: BECAUSE REGIONAL NEWS MATTERS.

Spoken Word: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents An Evening with Richie Hofmann, Ananda Lima, and Cindy Veach. During this hybrid reading, authors will share excerpts from their latest poetry collections. 7-8:30pm. writerscenter.org Film: Jacob Burns Film Center presents NT Live: A View from the Bridge. Arthur Miller’s play, which was filmed live onstage from London’s West End, returns exclusively to cinema screens. 2-4:45pm. burnsfilmcenter.org

2/10 THURSDAY Comedy: Bedford Playhouse presents Skirmish of the Sexes Comedy Night. Two male comics, two female comics, one each married and single, talking about relationships and other wonders. 8-10pm. bedfordplayhouse.org

2/11 FRIDAY WESTFAIRONLINE.COM

Music: Emelin Theatre presents The Sixties Show. The show will include 60’s hits, special effects, mod costumes, narration, archival audio and newsreel footage. 8pm. emelin.org

JOIN OUR CREATIVE FAMILY!

2/12 SATURDAY Music: Emelin Theatre presents Be My Valentine. This is an evening of love songs performed by singer and songwriter Lisa Fischer. 8pm. emelin.org Class: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents Writing Your Pop Culture Memoir with Lynn Melnick via Zoom. This 4-hour workshop will introduce students to the braided essay and discuss how to combine personal and pop culture moments into a larger memoir. 12:30-4:30pm. hbms.org Class: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents Writing the Ghazal Workshop with Usha Akella (via Zoom). Participants will learn about the history, tropes, themes and stylistic intricacies of the Ghazal poem while learning how to write one. 12:30-2:30pm. writerscenter.org Spoken Word: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents Open Write (in person & via Zoom). This is an evening of generative writing, story

Studios available for artists and creative businesses in ArtsWestchester’s historic building Spaces from 200-1400 Sq. Ft Private studios with incredible natural light, complete heat and AC, and wifi hookup. 1-2 year leases available

artsw.org/spacerentals

ArtsWestchester 31 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY artsw.org

SCAN BELOW FOR MORE INFO!


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upcoming virtual and in-person arts activities swapping and community building. 7:30-9:30pm. writerscenter.org

CENTER FOR DIGITAL ARTS

OFFERING CREDIT AND WORKFORCE TRAINING COURSES Fulfill your dream, whether on campus or online, at the Westchester Community College Center for the Digital Arts Peekskill Extension and take courses in Digital Design, Digital Filmmaking, Drawing, Digital Imaging, Digital Photography, and more. Get a workforce training certificate in 3D Animation, UX Design, Social Media Specialist, Digital Photography, and Mixed Reality (XR), visit our Maker Space, and create a 3D print. At the Center for Digital Arts you’ll get started on your portfolio, meet other artists, and develop a network within the rich artist district of downtown Peekskill.

REGISTER NOW! 914-606-7300 ▪ sunywcc.edu/peekskill peekskill@sunywcc.edu

Class: The Rye Arts Center presents Valentine’s Day Pop Up Cards Workshops. Children aged 8-12 will learn how to make their own cards pop with simple techniques. 2-4pm. ryeartscenter.org

Manuel Infante’s Danses Andalouses, Moises Simons’ El Manisero for two pianos and more. 7:30-9pm. hbms.org Spoken Word: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents Open Mic (in person & via Zoom). This is an opportunity to share your talents in a comfortable space. 7:30-9pm. writerscenter.org

2/13 SUNDAY

2/19 SATURDAY

Class: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents Love Paradox Supreme with Karen Finley (via Zoom). This workshop will have a series of prompts that will encourage students on their own writing journey. 12:30-2:30pm. writerscenter.org

Music: Emelin Theatre presents The James Hunter Six. The ensemble is known for its signature up-tempo, swinging rhythm & blues. 8pm. emelin.org

Family & Kids: Pelham Art Center presents Family Valentine’s Day Workshop. Students and their families will create a one-of-akind heart-shaped paper plush. 1-2:15pm. pelhamartcenter.org

2/16 WEDNESDAY Music: Bethany Arts Community presents Base Camp Black History Month Concert. The R&B band will give a concert in celebration of Black History Month. 7pm. bethanyarts.org Music: Downtown Music at Grace presents Loren Greer and Bethany Pietroniro. This program explores the poetic potency of art song literature through the song cycle, Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, by Benjamin Britten. 12-1pm. dtmusic.org Film: Jacob Burn Film Center presents Stavisky. This 1974 French film is based on the life of the financier and embezzler Alexandre Stavisky and the circumstances leading to his mysterious death in 1934. Part of Afternoon Senior Cinema series. 2-4pm. burnsfilmcenter.org Reception: Bethany Arts Community presents a guided talk with the curator Joyce Sharrock Cole. The tour and talk will focus on the organization’s Ossining Black History & Culture exhibition. 6pm. bethanyarts.org

2/18 FRIDAY Music: Hoff-Barthelson Music School presents Faculty in Performance. The program will feature

Reception: The Rye Arts Center presents Alvin and Friends. This is an artist talk with artist local emerging Black artists who are exhibiting their works at the Center. 5:30pm. ryeartscenter.org

2/20 SUNDAY Class: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents A Prose Intensive with Melanie S. Hatter via Zoom. Participants will have an opportunity to practice writing their own descriptions. 12:30-4:30pm. writerscenter.org Music: The Sanctuary Series presents “Keyboard Poetry” with pianist Evren Ozel. The concert will include works by Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Scriabin and more. 4-5:30pm at South Salem Presbyterian Church. thesanctuaryseries.org

2/22 TUESDAY Film: Bedford Playhouse presents In the Heat of the Night. The film follows an African American police detective who investigates a murder in a racially hostile southern town. 7pm. bedfordplayhouse.org

2/23 WEDNESDAY Music: Downtown Music at Grace presents “An English Pastoral” with Maximillian Jansen, Helena Baillie and Timothy Lewis. The program will feature the Four Hymns for Tenor and Viola of Ralph Vaughan Williams, as well as the composer’s evocative Lark Ascending. 12-1pm. dtmusic.org Spoken Word: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents An Evening with Douglas Kearney, Omotara James, and Cindy


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for more arts events, visit artsw.org Veach via Zoom. These authors will share excerpts from their latest poetry collections. 7-8:30pm. writerscenter.org

2/25 FRIDAY Reception: Bethany Arts Community presents a “paint and poetry jam.” Two spoken word artists share their work while a painter creates a piece inspired by it. 7pm. bethanyarts.org

2/26 SATURDAY Class: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents A Prose Workshop with Kofi Antwi (via Zoom). The workshop will serve as a space for writers to develop their prose writing. 12:30-4:30pm. writerscenter.org Class: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents Turning Your Life Into Children’s Fiction (via Zoom). In this generative workshop, participants will begin with

a prompt to spark a short memoir piece, which will transform into fiction for young readers. 12:30-4:30pm. writerscenter.org

2/27 SUNDAY Class: Hudson Valley Writers Center presents Craft Class on Allusion with Rachel Hadas via Zoom. This one-day class will explore how allusion is used in poetry. 12:30-2:30pm. writerscenter.org

Nefesh Mountain, Emelin Theatre, 2/5 (photo source: nefeshmountain.com)


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upcoming virtual and in-person arts activities for more arts events, visit artsw.org

Frida: With Wings to Fly by Denise Cortes, Hudson River Museum's The World of Frida, on view through 5/22 (image courtesy of Hudson River Museum)


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for more arts events, visit artsw.org

EXHIBITIONS AND CLASSES

Workshops: Dancing Yonkers. Joseph's Dance Studio will teach the steps needed to be a ballroom dancer. Through 6/11, 1-2pm at Lower Level Gym.

ArtsWestchester | artsw.org

Pelham Art Center | pelhamartcenter.org

Workshops: Teen Tuesdays & Thursdays. Youth aged 12-16 will create art projects in celebration of Black History Month Celebration and Valentine's Day, and participate in an acting workshop. 2/8, 2/15, 2/24 at 4:30-6pm at White Plains City Center.

Bethany Arts Community | bethanyarts.org •

Exhibition: “Ossining Black History & Culture.” The show will pay tribute to the African American community and its contributions. 2/14-3/12. Times vary.

Blue Door Art Center •

Broadway Training Center of Westchester •

| harrisonpl.org

Exhibition: Lightbox Ecology by Elijah Goodwin. The exhibiting photographs explore themes in ecology while emphasizing the beauty and detail inherent in the plant material. 2/6-3/4, 9:30am-5:30pm.

Exhibition: Botanical Anatomy by Monique Ford. This series of paintings and works on paper are about relationships, the tension between them and how people connect. Through 2/4, 9:30am-5:30pm.

| ryeartscenter.org

Workshops: February Break Week-Long Workshops. Children will participate in art classes in drawing, painting and sculpture. 2/21-2/25.

Exhibition: Alvin and Friends. This show will feature the paintings of artist Alvin Clayton and other works by emerging Black artists in Westchester. Through 2/26.

Studio Theater in Exile at Hudson Valley MOCA | studiotheaterinexile.com •

Exhibition: Writing the Walls. The virtual program features poems and monologues inspired by the art in HV MOCA’s How We Live I and II exhibitions, which will be read and recorded by the creators. Available from 2/1-3/31 on the organization's website.

Exhibition: Virtual presentation for Black History Month. The online presentation features previous works created by Jonette O'Kelley Miller, Ocean Morisset, Lorraine Currelley and Tyler Damon Rice. 2/1-3/1.

| broadwaytraining.com

Workshops: 2021-2022 School Year Programs. The Center offers acting, voice, dance and musical theatre performance programs for K-12th grade, plus an Adult Enrichment program. Through 5/22.

Harrison Public Library

Rye Arts Center

| bluedoorartcenter.org

Workshops: Children’s Saturday Art Workshops. This is a series of Zoom workshops taught by a Blue Door Art Center teaching artist. Saturdays from 10-11am.

Workshops: Intro to Chinese Brush Painting Workshop. This workshop will focus on quality of strokes, color preparation, rhythm, movement, energy, composition and more. 2/1-2/8, 1-4pm.

Hudson River Museum | hrm.org •

Exhibition: The World of Frida. The show features works of art that include Frida Kahlo as subject, as well as pieces inspired by her life, Mexican culture, art and more. 2/4-5/22, 12-5pm.

Katonah Museum of Art | katonahmuseum.org •

Exhibition: Young Artists 2022. The exhibition will feature the work of local high school artists who take part in all aspects of its curation, installation and marketing efforts. 2/6-2/27.

Mamaroneck Artists Guild | mamaroneckartistsguild.org •

Exhibition: Artwork on Canvas (or Board) and 3D. The show will feature the recent works by the Guild's members. 2/15-3/5 at 12-5pm.

Exhibition: Young Artists On the Rise 2022. This is a selection of exceptional artwork in all media from local high school students. 2/2-12 at 12-5pm.

Neuberger Museum of Art | neuberger.org •

Exhibition: Impressions: The Inventions of Printmaking. The exhibiting works on paper and fabric navigate a rich history of printmaking and its processes. Through 2/27, 12-5pm.

Exhibition: David Smith: Billiard Players. The exhibition includes a selection of works executed from 1935 through 1945, a crucial period in the artist’s artistic evolution. Through 2/19, 12-5pm.

Nowodworski Foundation | sitenf.org •

Workshops: Around the Globe. This is a Zoom live art workshop series for children, tweens, teens, families and Adults. 2/23, 5:30-6:30pm. sitenf.org

Interested in Writing for ArtsNews? We want to hear from you!

To be considered, tell us about your interest/experience in the arts, and include a writing resume and writing clips. When we have an article to assign, we may get in touch with you! Contact artswnews@artswestchester.org. No phone calls, please.


Visit artsw.org for our Top Arts Picks & Calendar of Fun Arts Events. (photo credit: Sage performs at JazzFest White Plains)


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